Sarasota sex offender charged with attempted sexual battery

SARASOTA -- A Sarasota man is charged with robbing and attacking two women Monday morning in their Sarasota home, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Daniel Esposito, 35, is considered a prolific offender with a history that includes battery on a law enforcement officer. At around 5:45 a.m. Monday, the victim told deputies she pulled into her garage when she was approached by Esposito, an acquaintance of hers. Esposito held a gun to her head and attempted to sexually assault her, according to a release. The victim tried to break free and enter the wrong alarm code to notify law enforcement but Esposito caught on and continued to assault her.

Once inside the home, Esposito also attacked the victim's 69-year-old mother, according to the sheriff's office. When the woman was able to break free and alert neighbors to call 911, Esposito fled and stole both women's cell phones. Deputies said aviation and K-9 Units assisted patrol deputies in the search for Esposito.

Esposito was discovered hiding nearby several hours later, the sheriff's office said.

Esposito was charged with two counts each of false imprisonment, armed robbery and armed burglary of a dwelling. He also faces attempted sexual battery and aggravated battery of a person over 65, the sheriff's office said.

According to the release, Esposito is a registered sex offender who was sentenced to prison in 2006 after being convicted of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

He was being held in Sarasota County Jail without bond, deputies said.

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Sarasota sex offender charged with attempted sexual battery ."