A Palm Bay man was thrown in jail Tuesday, accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl. What’s worse is investigators have strong reason to believe there is a second victim they have yet to find. Police are making a plea for that young girl or her family to come forward.
Police recorded a conversation between the victim and the suspect, 34-year-old Noel Kelly, at his home on Jupiter Road in northwest Palm Bay and he told the girl to blame the sexual assault on her brother and never said anything like, “What are you talking about?”
When Kelly was arrested Tuesday morning, they found condoms and lubricant in his pockets, corroborating some of the things police said a 12-year-old girl told them.
Investigators said Kelly would pick the girl up from school and babysit her when her mother took on extra shifts at work. On at least six occasions, investigators said Kelly would lock her in his bedroom and force her into sexual acts.
“In the last instance, she tried to get out. He blocked her way out of the room,” Detective Greg Guillette said.
Kelly’s friends were astonished.
“This is all shocking to me, because I’ve known him for a while and I’ve never seen him like that or anything,” Marcia Fisher said.
Neighbors said they felt terrible for the victim.
“She is going to be traumatized for life. She is going to be traumatized for life,” neighbor Jean Marie said.
Police said Kelly bragged to at least one person about the sex, which is how the investigation first started. Detectives said they have heard about a second victim, another young girl who they haven’t found yet. They are hoping she will have the courage to speak up.
“She has no reason to fear any retaliation,” Guillette said.
If they match, investigators believe her story may back up what the first victim told police Kelly did.
Police questioned Kelly for more than an hour Tuesday. He denied doing anything wrong and told investigators it was a “conspiracy,” because he told the little girl’s mother he didn’t want to pick her up from school anymore.
Source: wftv.com
