Former Gainesville resident charged with molesting young girl for five years

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Charles Strange Jr., 51, who is currently serving a federal prison sentence, has been charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a minor for incidents that occurred when he lived in Gainesville.

The victim told a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officer that Strange repeatedly sexually abused her for about five years when she was younger, including exposing himself to her. She said he gave her gifts to keep her from talking about the incidents and promised to take her shopping for more gifts in the future.

Two GPD detectives interviewed Strange in March at the Coleman federal prison complex in Coleman, Florida. Post Miranda, Strange reportedly admitted to masturbating in front of the victim more than once, but he claimed to have “minimized” any physical contact between them. He denied ever intentionally touching her in a sexual context but admitted that he had told her not to tell anyone about the sexual activity between them.

Strange has been charged with lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim under 12, lewd or lascivious conduct on a victim under 16, and lewd or lascivious exhibition. Strange is currently serving a 121-month federal prison sentence on drug and firearm charges.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.