Boca man accused of sexually assaulting child over six years
BOCA RATON — A Boca Raton man is being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail after he allegedly admitted to assaulting a child sexually during a six-year period, according to an arrest report.
Jeffrey John Roth, 54, is facing four counts of sexual assault.
After being hospitalized with extreme anxiety, the child told therapists about being attacked by Roth, the report said. The assaults began at age 10 and the last assault took place in April, the child told Boca Raton police.
Roth told the child they “had a mutual bond among friends and that it had to be kept a secret,” according to the report.
During a controlled call Monday in which the child spoke to Roth with police listening, Roth repeatedly apologized and told the child “he hadn’t had a partner in a long time and it was just hormones and sex chemicals that got the best of him.”
Roth also said, “I’m guilty. I’m wrong,” according to the report.
Roth was arrested at his home on Tuesday. After his arrest, Roth said he was “extremely sorry” and added he had “no idea” how his actions had affected the child, the report said.
The age of sexual consent in Florida is 18. No one under the age of 16 can give consent under any circumstances, according to Florida statutes. Anyone 24 years old or older commits a felony if he or she engages in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18.