Bradenton man accused of exposing himself to 6-year-old, deputies say
A Bradenton man faces a felony charge after Manatee County detectives say he exposed himself to a 6-year-old.
Jose Soler Vargas, 80, is charged with lewd or lascivious exhibition involving a child under 16, court records show. Detectives began investigating after the child told family members that Vargas had shown him his “peepee,” according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
An attorney representing Vargas declined to comment when reached by the Bradenton Herald.
During an interview with Manatee Children Services, the child said he was playing with toy airplanes when Vargas exposed himself and referred to his genitalia as “candy,” investigators wrote in the arrest report.
The child told investigators he did not touch Vargas and instead ran to tell a family member what had happened.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the home that did not capture the alleged act itself but showed Vargas and the child standing close together. Detectives said the video appeared to show Vargas reaching into his pocket to show the child “something” before the recording cut off.
During an interview with detectives, Vargas said he could not remember exposing himself to the child or asking the child to touch him, according to the report.
However, investigators wrote that Vargas said he believed the child was telling the truth because “the child victim does not lie.” Detectives said Vargas also stated he “takes accountability for what occurred” despite saying he could not remember the incident.
Court records show Vargas pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. He was released from custody after posting a $20,000 bond. As a condition of his release, a judge ordered him to have no contact with the child.
The order prohibits Vargas from communicating with the child directly or indirectly and requires him to stay at least 500 feet away from places the child regularly visits, records show.
Under Florida law, lewd or lascivious exhibition involving a child under 16 is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Vargas is scheduled to appear in Manatee County court May 18 before Circuit Judge Teri K. Dees, according to court records.
