Man accused of sexually assaulting 8-year-old girl told cops she was ‘wearing provocative clothing’

Detectives arrested and charged a man Friday in connection with the alleged sexual battery of a child after he said she wore “provocative clothing,” but officials also believe there may be more victims.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Sydney “Dread” A. Markland, 68, Friday and charged him with sexually battering an 8-year-old girl, according to a Facebook post from the department.

Markland was charged with sexual assault on a victim under 12 years old, lewd and lascivious behavior, molesting a victim less than 12 years old and lure and entice a child under 12 years old.

Detectives believe the girl is not Markland’s only victim due to him telling officials he was familiar with children in his Ocala neighborhood, according to the post.

The girl lived in Markland’s neighborhood, but only knew him in passing, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officials were contacted after the girl told a parent about July 2016 incident, according to the post. She told officials Markland, who appeared injured, asked if she could help him carry something inside his home.

While she was inside his home, he allegedly sexually battered her and told her not to tell anyone, according to the sheriff’s office. Markland’s DNA was found on the girl’s clothing.

He told detectives that the girl was wearing “provocative clothing” when she was in his home and her “actions suggested she was consenting to sexual contact,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Markland told detectives that “his culture is different” and said his “actions were acceptable,” according to the sheriff’s office.

He is being held in the Marion County Jail without bond.

Anyone who may be or knows someone who may have been a victim of Markland’s is asked to call Detective Daniel Pinder at 352-368-3508 or to remain anonymous, contact the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP.

This story was originally published May 15, 2017 at 8:22 PM with the headline "Man accused of sexually assaulting 8-year-old girl told cops she was ‘wearing provocative clothing’."