News

Actions

Man arrested for forced sexual battery, kidnapping, burglary of 81-year-old woman

Posted at 6:22 AM, Oct 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-06 18:09:42-04

A 42-year-old man was arrested on Thursday for sexual battery, kidnapping and burglary of an 81-year-old victim.

According to Polk County deputies, last week Julio Ruiz of Haines City entered the home of an 81-year-old woman, grabbed her by the throat, and forced her into her bedroom where he sexually battered her. Deputies said he then asked her if she had pills or money before fleeing. They also say he forced her to bathe.

"He told her, 'don't make me hurt you real bad.' She said, 'I was scared for my life. I thought I was going to die.' She stayed in the bathroom an hour after he left," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Ruiz was identified through DNA left at the scene.

"We got a positive hit. Here's your vicious rapist. Julio Ruiz," said Sheriff Judd. "This guy has a 38-page rap sheet from California, to Pennsylvania to Florida,. 

"That's disturbing to have somebody, you know, who had that bad of a record living behind you," said Mabel Coleman who can look out her window and see Ruiz's home.

Ruiz's extensive and violent criminal history includes: Sexual Battery, Burglary, Cocaine possession, Firearms possession, Carjacking, Fraud, Forgery, Conspiracy, Receiving Stolen Property, Assault, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, and Harassment, according to deputies.

"I hope he gets what he deserves and that he's not able to get out and do this to someone else," Coleman said. 

Ruiz was arrested and charged him with forced sexual battery (F-1), kidnapping (F-1), burglary with battery (F-1), robbery (F-3), and tampering with evidence (F-3).