PALM COAST, Fla. – A former Miami Dade College professor has been re-arrested on additional charges after forensic testing linked his DNA to a sexual assault kit collected during an investigation involving a 15-year-old runaway, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Richard Tapia, 46, of Palm Coast, faces three counts of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between 12 and 16 years old. He is being held on $350,000 bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
The investigation began July 22 when deputies responded to a Palm Coast hotel after the girl’s mother reported that her missing daughter was there with an adult man.
Deputies located the 15-year-old leaving the hotel through a rear stairwell and found Tapia as he was leaving through the front lobby, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said Tapia had met the girl through an online app before picking her up in Jacksonville and driving her to Palm Coast.
The girl told deputies that Tapia sexually assaulted her multiple times at the hotel, according to FCSO. Tapia was initially arrested on a charge of interference with child custody while detectives continued investigating the sexual assault allegations.
Detectives conducted forensic interviews and analyzed evidence recovered from Tapia’s cellphone. A sexual assault kit was also submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for forensic testing.
FCSO said laboratory testing subsequently confirmed Tapia’s DNA was present in the kit.
A capias was issued Sept. 22 charging Tapia with three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
The sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit worked with the Florida Highway Patrol to locate and arrest Tapia in Palm Beach County. He was later returned to Flagler County and booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims and are asking anyone with information involving Tapia to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.