DNA links Florida corrections officer to teen’s rape, report shows

A St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office employee was arrested Wednesday after DNA evidence linked him to the reported rape of a 13-year-old girl, according to CBS 12.

Wisben Sanon, 38, a corrections officer for the sheriff’s office, is currently on administrative leave without pay since July 3, according to CBS 12. On May 23, he was placed on leave with pay, but “failed to comply with provisions of administrative leave with pay,” so he was placed on leave without pay.

Sanon is charged with two counts of sexual battery on a child, jail records show.

Fearing she would be raped again, and after encouragement from a friend, the girl came forward. She reported the rape on May 22, saying there were two separate incidents, but Sanon continuously said it never happened, according to CBS 12.

“He had already told her it was going to happen again,” Port St. Lucie Police Department Detective Kristin Meyer told CBS 12. “Her fear outweighed her wanting to go home that evening.”

Police were able to get clothes the girl wore during the incidents that had not been washed and were able to match DNA evidence to Sanon, according to CBS 12.

“The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office takes serious all allegations of employee misconduct and as such has worked closely with the Port St. Lucie Police Department in their investigation. In accordance with Florida Statute, Mr. Sanon is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of our internal investigation. His despicable actions should not characterize all members of the law enforcement profession, nor our agency. Personally, I am deeply saddened that Mr. Sanon abused his parental role and authority to allegedly commit such a heinous crime,” Sheriff Ken J. Mascara told CBS 12.

This story was originally published July 12, 2017 at 9:19 PM with the headline "DNA links Florida corrections officer to teen’s rape, report shows."