A Florida man is now in jail after he lured a 5-year-old girl away from a birthday party and then sexually battered her.
Deputies in Palmetto say they were notified about the incident on Sunday.
According to the report, the victim attended a neighborhood birthday that 44-year-old Christopher Thompson was also invited to.
At some point during the party, Thompson allegedly convinced the child to follow him to his home across the street, where he sexually abused her.
The child told authorities that Thompson made her watch sexual material involving children and an adult male before sexually battering her.
He then took her back to the party and told her not to tell anyone what happened.
The child eventually did tell her parents what happened and they contacted police.
After hearing about Thompson’s arrest, other parents came forward to express their concerns.
Thompson was arrested and charged with capital sexual battery, exposing minors to harmful images, production and possession of child pornography. Additional charges are expected.
Deputies also believe there may be more victims after viewing materials in Thompson’s household.
Officials encourage anyone with information about similar incidents to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.