Man accused of sex with ‘stepdaughter’ to stay in jail

A Central Florida accountant and former corrections officer accused of having a sexual relationship with a teen relative from the Philippines will remain in jail, a federal judge decided Friday.

Andy William Bosch, 42, who had faced state charges and now faces federal charges, appeared in court backed by a brother and two of his adult children to persuade a judge to grant him $50,000 bond. U.S. Magistrate Judge Karla Spaulding issued a written decision after the hearing.

Shackles around Bosch’s ankles rattled as he bounced in his seat while an Osceola County detective testified for the prosecution. Pornographic photos and videos showing Bosch and the now 17-year-old girl were found on both their cellphones, Det. Nathan Grizzell said. A cousin of the girl also told officers about a time Bosch and the girl had sex in a living room while the three were watching a movie, Grizzell said. The cousin said Bosch then tried to have sex with her too, under the girl’s instruction.

That testimony was crucial to the judge’s decision.

“The evidence about (Bosch’s) attempt to have sexual relations with the minor witness provides clear and convincing evidence that (Bosch) would pose a danger to minors in the community if released,” Spaulding wrote.

Bosch is accused of having a two-year relationship with the girl. The Florida Department of Children and Families removed the girl from his home in 2016. In October, she was reported as a runaway from custody. She was found in February in a Tampa Bay apartment after Bosch was arrested and admitted knowing where she was, Grizzell said.

The girl denies a sexual relationship with Bosch existed, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Downes said. All state charges against him have been dismissed and he was released from jail on bond after his arrest on state charges. He was arrested July 27 on federal charges.

If convicted, Bosch faces at least 10 years in prison and as much as a life sentence.