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Teen arrested for sexual battery at Naples school

Posted at 10:16 PM, Nov 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-18 23:51:46-05

The Naples Police Department has arrested 18-year-old Austin Hunter for sexual battery on a person under 12, lewd or lascivious molestation on a victims under 12 by a person 18 or older and lewd and lascivious exhibition.

It happened at Mason Classical Academy in Naples.

Security video obtained showed Hunter directing a 6-year-old girl into a bathroom stall and remaining there for approximately 11 minutes. Two young girls are then seen entering the same bathroom, leaving, and later returning with a female counselor.

The 6-year-old girl is shown exiting the bathroom with the female counselor followed by Hunter walking out last and adjusting his crotch area before walking away, according to a report.

The victim told detectives that Hunter touched her private area outside of her clothing while in the bathroom stall. The victim also said that Hunter kissed her on the cheek and lips and told her not to tell anyone, according to a report.

At some point, Hunter asked the child if she wanted to see his private area, which she replied, "no". The child stated that Hunter took out his "peanut", referring to his genitals.

Police discovered messages leading up to the incident and arrested Austin Hunter on Friday.

In a statement to Fox 4, the school's principal David Hull said:

"The entire situation has absolutely nothing to do with Mason Classical Academy.  The employee in question worked for ASP and had no affiliation whatsoever with the school.  The safety and well being of our students has and always will be our top priority.  To that end, we are proud of the swift and professional response of our local law enforcement throughout this situation.  The MCA community looks forward to justice being served."

Hull added that ASP simply uses the school as a facility to conduct its program, and neither the school nor its employees have anything to do with the program. Parents at MCA do contract with ASP for the after-school program.