Man commits lewd act on a minor at Lincoln Park, cops say

A 27-year-old Palmetto man is charged with committing lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under the age of 17.

Audencio Escalante-Diaz began a Facebook friendship with the victim, which led to various meetings at Lincoln Park in Palmetto for in-person conversations, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

On Tuesday, Escalante-Diaz convinced the victim to walk with him to the U.S. 41 overpass tunnel where he exposed himself and committed a sexual act, according to the arrest report.

Deputies say Escalante-Diaz admitted to what he did but denied knowing the child was underage.

Escalante-Diaz was booked into the Manatee County jail on Wednesday where he remains in custody on a $7,500 bond.