Sex Abuse Allegations At Home For Troubled Teens
Reported by Heather Sorentrue
CLERMONT — A children’s home for at-risk teens released a statement Friday to News 13 about allegations that a boy sexually abused five others.
The alleged victims came forward back in November and told Executive Director Steve Zepp at Green Isle Children’s Ranch.
In a statement, the children’s ranch said, “The resident accused in the incident was removed from the program at Green Isle Ranch during the summer for reasons not associated with the allegations, and the executive director was replaced in mid-December.”
The statement also said the allegations were immediately referred to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Children and Families.
“They’re serious allegations,” said Lt. John Herrell from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “They’re sex crimes and we take those allegations very seriously and that’s why we’re looking into it and plan on filing charges through the State Attorney’s Office soon.”
Detectives have interviewed the five teens who came forward and the suspect.
They plan to meet with prosecutors about the case next week.
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