Manatee County man charged with molesting a child

A 28-year-old Manatee County man has been charged with molesting a child under the age of 10, according to the sheriff’s office.

Manatee deputies say they recorded a telephone conversation between the victim’s mother and Patrick Guilbault who said, “If this becomes something, which is OK if it does, because I did this.”

Guilbault initially denied the allegations, stating he didn’t remember because he was drinking heavily that night, according to the arrest report. He went onto say it could have happened, but he didn’t remember for sure and then continued to state that it happened once, deputies say.

According to the arrest report, the crime occurred in July and the victim informed family members in late August. An investigation began in early September. Guilbault was arrested Sept. 4.

He was booked into the Manatee County jail on one charge of forced fondling and remains in custody without bond pending a future a court date.

This story was originally published September 12, 2020 at 10:19 AM.