Man charged with sexual battery, molestation of 2 children; bond set at $2.9 million

Tess Sheets | Treasure Coast Newspapers

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ST. LUCIE COUNTY — A Fort Pierce man who was taken into custody on charges of sexual battery on a minor in May is now facing 18 additional charges in connection with the case, according to court records.

Deputies arrested Jason Rios, 42, of the 5800 block of Spanish River Road, Fort Pierce on two counts of sexual battery on a minor May 10. Rios was accused of molesting two children under 12.

The State Attorney's Office for the 19th Judicial Circuit filed an additional 18 charges in connection with the case Tuesday. Rebecca White, the prosecuting attorney on the case, said the charges are broken up by date of offense.

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Rios now faces six counts of sexual battery on a child under 12, six counts of lewd and lascivious molestation on a victim under 12, four counts of sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16, and four counts of lewd and lascivious battery.

Deputies reported the offenses occurred for years.

Rios is being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $2.9 million bond.

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