MANATEE — A 71-year-old Parrish grandfather was acquitted Thursday in court for a lewd and lascivious charge after he was accused of molesting his granddaughter.
Larry B. Laudig, who was accused of the charge in 2006, was arrested by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for showering with the girl and touching her inappropriately on the outside of her clothing, according to an arrest report.
“This was every grandfather’s worst nightmare,” said Mark Lipinski, a defense attorney who represented Laudig along with Defense Attorney Adam Terbrugge.
Laudig, who was helping to raise his granddaughter, admitted touching the girl when caring for her. His 8-year-old granddaughter had reportedly jumped in the shower with him, Lipinski said.
When asked if he touched his granddaughter, Lipinski said his client told investigators, “ ‘Of course I did. How many times did I change her diaper? How many times did I pick her up and hold her?’ It was one of those situations and the poor guy was arrested for something he didn’t do.”
Laudig has been in jail since June 26 when he was picked up in a golf course in Mexico for failing to appear in court. He still faces the contempt charge.
—Beth Burger
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