GAINESVILLE, FL — A 39-year-old man was arrested in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 27, 2026, after a child woke up to find him inappropriately touching them under their clothing at an Alachua County residence.
Samuel Antonio Mitchell was taken into custody by responding Alachua County sheriff’s deputies at a home on SE 41st Drive. He has been formally charged with Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.
Late-Night Intrusion and Victim Disclosure
The incident occurred while the young victim was asleep in their bedroom. According to investigators, Mitchell entered the room, lay down on the bed next to the sleeping child, and began inappropriately touching them under their clothes and underwear.
The child woke up during the assault. Mitchell abruptly fled the bedroom when he heard an adult witness waking up in a separate part of the house.
Terrified, the juvenile immediately went into the witness’ bedroom and disclosed exactly what Mitchell had done. Recognizing the immediate danger, the caretaker contacted law enforcement.
Rapid Scene Response
Deputies dispatched to the SE 41st Drive home arrived quickly, securing the scene and making contact with the witness, the victim, and Mitchell, who was still at the location. Following initial interviews and an assessment of the scene, deputies placed Mitchell under arrest.
Mitchell was transported to the Alachua County Jail, where he remains held pending his initial court appearance and bond hearing.