FCSO: Man Tricks 15-Year-Old Into Relationship

Palm Coast, FL - An anonymous tip leads to the arrest of a 34-year-old Palm Coast man after investigators learned that he reportedly manipulated a 15-year-old girl into having a relationship with him. A report from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) says the tip came to the agency on January 9, launching the investigation. Detectives eventually met with the supposed victim who confirmed that the report was true. The victim told investigators that Gaston Santos Jr. manipulated her into believing that they were ina relationship and that he subsequently engaged in sexual intercourse. During the investigation, detectives were able to obtain evidence that Santos and the juvenile victim had sex at least two times since January 1. On Thursday (February 4th), detectives were able to track down Santos for an interview. Following the interview, Santos confessed and was arrested after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest that same day. He has since been charged with lewd and lascivious battery. Santos was booked into the Flagler County Jail and remains in custody on a $75,000 bond. “This is a sick and twisted individual who preyed on a young child and tricked her into an adult relationship,” Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Thankfully someone came forward to alert us and our detectives worked quickly to make an arrest. We hope that the victim gets the help she needs to recover.” Investigators added that one incident may have happened out of the county and they are currently working to identify the location to notify the appropriate jurisdiction.