A Cape Coral man is accused of sexually assaulting a female while on a personal watercraft in the Gulf of Mexico.
Derick Acosta, 29, of 2404 N.W. 29th Terrace, was arrested and charged Tuesday with one count of second-degree sexual battery on a victim over 12 years of age.
According to a report from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Acosta and the victim met Monday on Fort Myers Beach to take Acosta’s personal watercraft out on the Gulf for the day. They launched from a boat ramp at Lover’s Key State Park.
The victim told authorities that they rode on the personal watercraft in the Gulf until approximately 5 p.m., when she told Acosta that she needed to go home. He reportedly began driving back toward Lover’s Key, but seemed like he was lost.
Acosta found a secluded area on the water and attempted to kiss the victim, according to the report. She denied Acosta’s attempt, at which point he pinned her down and molested her. The victim struggled against Acosta, biting his forearm.
Acosta then removed his and the victim’s bathing suit bottoms and sexually assaulted her, the report states. She began to cry. He apologized and attempted to justify his actions.
The victim told authorities that they dressed and Acosta drove the personal watercraft back to the boat ramp. He reportedly asked her a couple of times if she was going to report him to police, then drove the victim back to her vehicle.
The victim reported the incident to authorities Tuesday, after which sheriff’s deputies conducted an interview with Acosta with a Spanish interpreter present. He does not speak English, the report states.
Acosta was being held Tuesday evening in the Lee County Jail, according to jail booking records.