NR 23-06 Brevard School Board Employee Arrested for Sexual Battery of a Minor

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 68-year-old, Robert Kent of Melbourne, for the sexual abuse and molestation of a minor, who was a family acquaintance.   Kent, who is a cafeteria worker at Stone Middle School in Melbourne, was taken into custody this afternoon and charged with Sexual Battery, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation (3 Counts), Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition (2 Counts) and Distributing Harmful Material to a Minor.  He is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on a No Bond status.

The investigation began late last week, after the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Department of Children and Families who requested assistance with the investigation.   The complaint alleged that Kent had sexually abused the minor for a period of approximately one year.   The minor is an acquaintance of the family and was frequently in the company of Kent.  The incidents occurred at several locations in South Brevard County.

Due to his employment with the school system and access to children, the investigation is continuing to determine if Kent may have victimized any other children.

Anyone who may have information about Robert Kent, is asked to please call Agent Christine Barrera of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit at 321-633-8419 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.

For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.