Sex predator threatened to kill teen victim; mother was dating the suspect

0

ocala news, ocala florida, child abuse,
Edwin R. Bermudez [Mugshot]
Ocala, Florida — Edwin R. Bermudez, 37, will remain behind bars following his January 7, arrest.

According to reports, on January 7, Ocala police met with a 15-year-old victim who stated Bermudez, a convicted sex predator, had moved into her home in October 2014 and began a sexual relationship with her mother. The victim believes that her mother knew Bermudez was a sex predator when she began a relationship with him.

The victim told police that on several occasions Bermudez told her he liked to “suck on girls privates” and told the victim he would like to perform oral sex on her.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

The victim stated that on January 2, both of her siblings were outside playing when Bermudez arrived at her house with breakfast. The victim told police that Bermudez began to “sweet talk” her and told her that he could not wait until she turned 18.

The victim stated that Bermudez eventually coerced her into having intercourse and that Bermudez performed oral sex on her.

According to reports, Bermudez told the victim not to tell anyone because he didn’t want to get into trouble.

On January 2, the victim told her mother, who then confronted Bermudez.

After being confronted, Bermudez threatened to commit suicide. He immediately began convincing the mother he didn’t do anything wrong.

According to reports, that is when the mother stated that she didn’t know who to believe. Bermudez then grabbed a knife, pointed it at the victim, and stated, “I can take your life.”

At that point, the victim left and called police.

According to police, the victim was extremely upset about the knife incident and the fact that her own mother did not believe her about the abuse.

Bermudez, who is not supposed to be around anyone under the age of 18, was arrested.

He was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery (x2),Violation of Probation for a previous sexual battery charges on a minor, Battery on a Police Dog, and Resisting Arrest.

Bermudez has previous arrests for Hit and Run, Robbery with a Firearm, Battery, and Resisting Arrest.

He has a total of nine arrests and more than 15 charges in Marion County alone.

He is being held without bond.

The victim’s mother was not charged with a crime due to the lack of evidence proving she knew Bermudez was a sex predator.