On November 22, 2023 the Polk County Deputies arrested 68 Yr Old Robert Earl Dick’s In Lakeland. According to the arrest affidavit Dick’s is accused of Lewd Molestation of a minor child (suspect over 18 Yr old and victim under the age of 16 Yr old.) The suspect was also charged with allegedly failing to register as sex offender. According to the affidavit, below, it appears Dick’s allegedly tempted a juvenile boy by allowing him to use his cellphone to play a game. This was allegedly witnessed by a minor girl whom reported the incident to her mother.
Warning The Following May Disturb Certain Individuals
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. Certain names of witnesses or victims may be redacted) :
“On November 21, 2023, at approximately 2330 hours, I responded to REDACTED in Lakeland where I made contact with D/S Foresyth #9788 who advised he responded to REDACTED in Lakeland, Florida in reference to a lewd molestation investigation. Through his investigation, D/S Foresyth learned the victim,REDACTED, disclosed to his parents that (SUSPECT)asked him to show him his penis and touch his buttocks over his clothing.
I conducted a recorded interview with the victim’s mother, REDACTED, who advised her daughter,REDACTED, told her that she was asked by REDACTEDto keep a secret. REDACTED told her mother that in the past couple of days, unknown exact time, (SUSPECT)asked REDACTED to show him his private parts in order to play on (SUSPECT’S) cellphone. At this time,REDACTED is grounded from having any electronics due to school behavior. REDACTED did not witness REDACTED exposing himself to (SUSPECT). REDACTED disclosed to his mother, after being confronted, that he was playing on (SUSPECT’S) phone in exchange to show him his penis. REDACTED was unable to disclose if he exposed himself but disclosed(SUSPECT) touched his buttocks area over his clothes.
At approximately 1114 hours on November 22, 2023, REDACTED (the victim) was taken to the Child Advocacy Center for a forensic interview. During the forensic interview, REDACTED disclosed that REDACTED, Robert Dicks, touched him on the buttocks. REDACTED then advised Robert asked him to show him his private parts, in exchange, to let him play on his phone. REDACTED advised he did not show Robert his private parts. REDACTED advised Robert asked him to then touch his private parts with his hand but he did not. REDACTED advised Robert exposed himself and stated he had no clothes on. REDACTED was unable to describe his penis or manner due to looking away. REDACTED was able to demonstrate on the forensic drawings the difference between a penis and the buttocks.
At approximately 1156 hours on November 22, 2023, REDACTED (the witness) was taken to the Child Advocacy Center for a forensic interview. During the forensic interview, REDACTED disclosed that REDACTED, Robert, asked REDACTED to show his private parts on several occasions. REDACTED advised on 11/21/2023, she went to the bathroom at her residence while REDACTED was at, (SUSPECT’S) house. REDACTED disclosed while walking back and approached the gate to Robert’s yard, she heard and saw Robert ask REDACTED to show him his private parts in order to use Robert’s phone. REDACTED advised REDACTED then pulled his pants down and showed Robert. REDACTED advised she then went to her residence where she told her mother that REDACTEDhad a cellphone. Both children then returned to their residence. REDACTED advised Robert told her “don’t tell, don’t tell, that is what boys do”. REDACTED advised she knew this was wrong and went to tell her parents.
It should be noted, at this time in the investigation, it was made aware that Robert Earl Dicks Jr. is a registered sex offender based on child sexual abuse convictions in 1991.
On November 22, 2023, at approximately 1354 hours, I conducted a recorded interview with Robert Earl Dicks, Jr. Robert advised he was aware of why we wanted to speak to him. Robert was read his Miranda Warnings and advised he understood. Robert advised he REDACTED. Robert advised for the past year REDACTED and REDACTED would come over and keep him company. Robert advised the kids would play on his swing and in his garage. Robert advised on November 21, 2023, in the afternoon, REDACTED was playing outside in the yard of her house with her friend and REDACTED was inside of his garage. Robert advised he was aware that REDACTED was grounded from electronics, however, letREDACTED use his phone to use Monopoly GO game. Robert advised REDACTED was sitting on the recliner playing on his cellphone. At this time, Robert needed to urinate but due to his bilateral amputation, he turned facing away from REDACTED, and urinated in an Apple Juice jug. Robert could provide no logical reason why he chose to urinate in the garage in the presence ofREDACTED. Robert then advised REDACTED asked him what he was doing and he stated he needed to urinate. Robert advised REDACTED got up and came over to where he was and that is when REDACTED saw his penis. Robert advised REDACTED stated “oh wow” and pulled his pants down and stated “mine is poking up and yours is poking that way”. Robert advised he then covered his eyes and told REDACTED “don’t do that, you’re going to get me in trouble”. Robert was then asked about touching REDACTED ‘s buttocks and he advised he told REDACTED to bend over and he spanked him in a playful manner. Robert advised he was demonstrating what happens if REDACTED was to be disciplined.
Based on my investigation and the totality of the circumstances, Robert’s combined actions during this incident show a clear lewd intent behind his behavior towards REDACTED. I have sufficient probable cause to charge Robert Earl Dicks Jr. with F.S. 800.04(5)(b), Lewd Molestation when Robert intentionally touchedREDACTED on the buttocks in a lewd manner with no legitimate or lawful reason; F.S. 800.04(6)(b), Lewd Conduct when Robert asked REDACTED to commit a lewd act by exposing his genitals to Robert; and F.S. 800.04(7)(b), Lewd Exhibition when Robert intentionally exposed his genitals in a lewd and lascivious manner. At the time of these incidents, Robert was 68 years of age and REDACTED.”
