DeLand Man, 19, Charged In Sexual Abuse Of 2 Children

Date Added: March 19, 2018 5:00 pm

Andrew Gant
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

DELAND MAN, 19, CHARGED IN SEXUAL ABUSE OF 2 CHILDREN

A 19-year-old DeLand man was arrested this afternoon on charges he repeatedly sexually battered two young girls. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office Child Exploitation Unit is continuing to investigate and asking any other potential victims to come forward.

Orion S. Sullivan (DOB 9/21/1998) of Grace Street, DeLand, is charged with two counts of sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old.

Physical assessments and interviews with the victims, ages 5 and 6, revealed evidence that Sullivan repeatedly sexually abused both girls. Each victim gave consistent, detailed accounts of the abuse.

A previous report of possible sexual abuse of one of the victims was made in 2014. Investigators interviewed Sullivan, then 16, who denied any wrongdoing. Sullivan's mother ultimately terminated the interview. The case was later suspended due to a lack of evidence. The child was unable to make any disclosure due to her age at the time (approximately 1 year old).

Sullivan was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he was being held without bail Monday evening. 

While no other victims have been identified at this time, anyone with information about any additional potential victims is asked to contact the VCSO Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.