NEW: West Palm-area man accused of sexually assaulting child for years

July 31--WEST PALM BEACH

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A West Palm Beach-area man admitted to twice raping a child and said on a recorded phone call last week that "it was wonderful and he wanted to do it again," Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office records state.

Aurilo Verduo, 36, was arrested Thursday on multiple counts of sexual battery and lewd behavior with a child under 18.

The child, now 16, told sheriff's authorities this month that the sexual abuse happened three times: when the child was 10, 13 and 15.

How to report sexual assault

To report known or suspected child abuse cases, sexual or not, contact law enforcement or the Florida Child Abuse Hotline at 800-962-2873 or online.

For more resources for survivors of sexual assault visit the county's victim services web page.

When the child was 10, Verduo reportedly asked the child to meet him outside so they could "kiss and hug." A few years later, he told the child he wanted to have sex.

He raped the 13-year-old behind a West Palm Beach-area home, the child said. He did it again two years later, according to the child.

The age of consent in Florida is 18 years old, according to Florida Statutes. People between the ages of 16 and 17 can give consent to a partner up to the age of 23. Anyone 24 years old or older commits a felony if he or she engages in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18.

A judge ordered Verduo remain in the Palm Beach County Jail without the possibility of posting bond as the case moves through the court system. He cannot have contact with anyone under the age of 18, records show.

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