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New charges filed on accused Charlotte County pool molester

Timothy Rice was arrested in Texas Wednesday
Timothy Rice.jpg
Posted at 1:39 PM, Jun 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-20 13:39:39-04

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- A former Florida man and registered sexual offender was arrested Wednesday in Texas after new allegations of molestation at a Charlotte County pool have arisen.

Timothy Rice is facing new charges of Lewd Lascivious Conduct (3 counts), and Lewd Lascivious Molestation, victim under 12 years old (2 counts).

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, deputies in Jackson County, Texas made the arrest Wednesday.

Back in March, Rice was arrested by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office after allegations he touched two girls at the Ann Dever Regional Park swimming pool. He was released on bond after being charged with Loitering or Prowling by Certain Offenders in Close proximity to Children.

The next month, Rice turned himself in to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office after more accusations that he acted inappropriately with children at a community pool in North Port.

Previously, Rice, a former lifeguard, was convicted of Sexual Battery with Victim Under 12 Years Old at an apartment complex pool in Hillsborough County in 1999 and again in 2000.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office say that the publicity of these recent arrests led to several parents speaking up about other interactions with RIce at the Ann Dever pool. The resulting investigations led to the new charges and Rice's arrest in Texas.

His bond was set at $350,000.