A Walnut Hill man was arrested June 29 and faces felony charges of sexual battery on a minor between Feb. 1 and April 25, following an investigation.
Joshua Edward Vihnanek, 24, 7840 Rockaway Creed Road, was arrested when a female minor, between 12 and 16 years of age, gave consistent statements regarding the sexual relationship she had with Vihnanek, according to an Escambia County Sheriff's Office report.
Authorities made contact with a third party witness on April 27 in reference to a sexual offense complaint.
The witness knew the victim and suspect and told authorities she began noticing peculiar behavior in the victim and that she was wearing a necklace with what appeared to be a man's ring around her neck. The witness also said she observed the victim taking pictures of herself with no bra or shirt on with her back to the camera and posting them on social media, which was unusual behavior, the report said.
The witness told authorities she believed the victim was involved in an inappropriate relationship with Vihnanek and asked a third party to speak to her about it. The victim indicated to the third party that Vihnanek had touched her on her bare breasts, buttocks and vagina and later indicated to the witness the same information, the report noted.
In an interview with the victim on May 5 at the Gulf Coast Kids House, she gave a detailed disclosure of different sexual contacts with Vihnanek. She said he sent her a picture of his penis after asking her if she wanted a nude photo of him. She said she sent Vihnanek a picture of herself wearing a bra but she never sent him any nude photos, the report said.
The incidents took place at Vihnanek's house, in his car and at the victim's residence. She said Vihnanek knew how old she was because he had attended her last birthday party. The victim stated she was sexually assaulted by Vihnanek and that he would suck on her breasts, touch her private parts and would put his fingers inside her vagina, according to the report.
On May 11, the contents of the victim's cell phone were forensically downloaded which contained photos and videos depicting the victim and Vihnanek kissing or lying in what appeared to be a bed, the report indicated.
Vihnanek initially stated he and the victim were never alone in her bedroom except to help her feed her Guinea pig. He indicated he did not recall ever being in the victim's bed. When Vihnanek was confronted with a video depicting him lying with his hand on the victim, he stated the video was taken while they were in the victim's bedroom.
When Vihnanek was asked if he ever sent nude photographs to the victim, he stated, “Not to my recollection,” the report said. It was determined the victim and Vihnanek were friends on the social media application in his phone.
Vihnanek was arrested and charged with one count felony lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim 12 to 16 years of age and one count felony cruelty toward a child transmitting information harmful to minors.
Vihnanek was transported to the Escambia County Jail, where his bond was set at $40,000.
