PORT CHARLOTTE, FL — Two local men were arrested Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in unrelated cases involving the sexual exploitation of minors. Both David John Reyes, 45, and Timothy Roy Bush, 71, are being held without bond at the Charlotte County Jail following confessions provided to Major Crimes Unit detectives.
Repeat Offender Arrested Following Domestic Call
The investigation into David John Reyes began when deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Appian Street. During the call, a victim disclosed that Reyes had been engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with her since she was 17 years old.
Reyes, who was already in custody for charges related to the domestic incident, provided a full confession during an interview with detectives. He is charged with Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors, a second-degree felony.
Authorities noted that Reyes is a registered sexual offender in Charlotte County, stemming from a previous conviction for Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a 15-year-old child.
Investigation into Abuse of Child Under 12
In a separate case, 71-year-old Timothy Roy Bush was arrested at his home on Aaron Street on Wednesday. The arrest followed a disclosure made by a young victim to authorities in Hillsborough County in March.
The Major Crimes Unit investigation determined that Bush molested the child on several occasions during January and February 2026 at his Port Charlotte residence. According to investigators, Bush confessed to the inappropriate sexual activity during questioning. He faces three counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a Victim Under 12.
Message from Sheriff Bill Prummell
In a statement addressing the dual arrests, Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for child exploitation in Charlotte County and urged parents to remain vigilant.
“It kills me to see so many children being hurt like this. I have made it very clear that this disgusting crime will not be tolerated in Charlotte County… To the parents in our community, please check in with your little ones. Have the difficult conversations. Believe them if they tell you they don’t feel safe.”