Lake Worth man accused of sexual abuse of child

March 13-- Mar. 13--A 55-year-old Lake Worth man is facing criminal charges following his alleged sexual abuse of a child for more than three years.

Authorities arrested Gary Joseph McDonald on Friday on three counts of sexual battery. He is being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail.

>>CRIME

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office investigators allege that McDonald touched the child inappropriately on several occasions and forced the child to perform sexual acts. The child was under the age of 13 when the abuse began, with the abuse lasting for between three and four years, authorities said.

An arrest report does not specify where the abuse took place, or how McDonald knew the child.

His accuser told investigators the abuse temporarily stopped when McDonald got a girlfriend. Investigators on Friday monitored controlled calls between McDonald and his accuser.

>>CRIME

McDonald at first refused to engage the child in conversation. However, during another call, the child asked McDonald about specific sexual encounters, which McDonald said he enjoyed, authorities said.

The age of consent in Florida is 18 years old, according to Florida Statutes. No one under the age of 15 can give consent.

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