An 86-year-old man was arrested at his home in Ocala on Tuesday after allegedly molesting a young girl years ago.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies arrested Donald Burton Rowell at his home at 8304 SW 79th Circle for the molestation of the girl years ago, according to an arrest report.
On Nov. 20, 2017, deputies made contact with the victim’s mother, who was aware of the allegations against Rowell, and advised that he had admitted to her and her family that he kissed the victim inappropriately “one time,” the report stated. The victim was interviewed on Feb. 15, and gave an account of several instances in which Rowell molested her starting after her sixth birthday. She advised that she was so young at the time, she did not realize what Rowell was doing was wrong, since he would tell her it was “practice.”
Deputies interviewed three other victims who also gave accounts of instances that Rowell molested them in their sleep.
Rowell was charged only with what occurred in Marion County. He was transported to Marion County Jail where he was initially held without bond.
