According to Taylor County Police Department, Florida A&M University’s Sophomore Class President Caleb Reaves was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious battery of a child.
Reaves, 18, was arrested on June 11 and released on bond the same day. He allegedly had sex with his 14-year-old paternal male cousin.
“I am not going to comment on the facts of this case,” Reaves said in a statement written on thefamuanonline.com July 5.
The abuse has reportedly been happening for over a year. The victim’s confidant is an older cousin and that cousin told his mother. The mother informed authorities and an investigation was conducted leading to Reaves’s arrest.
Reaves also served as 2008 – 2009 freshmen class president and is involved with several campus activities such as FAMU Gospel Choir, the University Honor’s Program and a member of the Board of Trustees for the class of 2012.
“I look forward to engaging in my daily activities and endeavors,” said Reaves.
Florida statute 800.04(4) states Lewd or Lascivious Battery is illegal to have sexual intercourse with an individual younger than 16, even if both parties consent.
The statute also stated ignorance of the victim’s age is irrelevant as a defense to the charge, even if the victim lied about his or her age or the accused believed the victim was old enough to give consent.
“I am positive that a positive outcome will result in this matter,” said Reaves.
A person convicted of lewd or lascivious battery would face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a minimum sentence of seven years. Additionally, that person would be declared a sexual offender and would be forced to comply with sexual offender registration laws throughout Florida and the United States.