FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A 20-year-old Bunnell man wanted in connection with the alleged sexual battery of a 15-year-old girl was arrested Monday, October 19, 2026, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at PortMiami, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
William Nikolas Moraitis, 20, faces a charge of lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 15.
The arrest follows an investigation into an April 2025 incident in which the girl reported that Moraitis entered her home through a window and sexually assaulted her despite her repeated refusals.
Investigators say DNA evidence, electronic communications and location information helped establish the case against Moraitis.
Teen Reports Sexual Assault to School Resource Deputy
The investigation began the morning of April 8, 2025, when the 15-year-old girl approached a School Resource Deputy and reported that Moraitis had sexually assaulted her several hours earlier.
According to investigators, the girl said Moraitis had asked to come to her home for sex, but she refused.
Despite her response, Moraitis allegedly arrived at her residence unannounced around 1 a.m.
The victim told detectives she knew Moraitis carried a firearm and felt pressured to allow him inside through her bedroom window.
She reported seeing a gun in his waistband, although he never removed it.
The girl told investigators she again refused his sexual advances, but Moraitis allegedly proceeded to sexually assault her.
The victim’s identity is being withheld because she is a minor and the alleged victim of a sexual offense.
Detectives Track Suspect’s Movements on Night of Assault
During the investigation, FCSO detectives obtained information establishing Moraitis’ movements during the early morning hours of April 8.
Investigators determined that Moraitis left his residence in Bunnell at approximately 12:45 a.m.
He reportedly arrived at the girl’s home at 1:07 a.m. and departed approximately 22 minutes later.
Authorities did not specify what technology or investigative methods were used to establish the timeline.
The location information became part of the evidence collected during the investigation.
Messages Show Moraitis Knew Victim Was Underage
Detectives also uncovered electronic communications indicating Moraitis knew the victim’s age before the alleged assault.
According to the sheriff’s office, the girl told Moraitis in August 2024 that she was turning 15.
Moraitis reportedly responded that he was “too old” for her and would turn 18 in 12 days.
Investigators cited the exchange as evidence that Moraitis was aware the girl was under the age of consent at the time of the April 2025 incident.
Moraitis was 18 years old when the alleged sexual battery occurred.
DNA Evidence Supports Investigation
Following the girl’s initial report, FCSO Crime Scene Investigators collected evidence from her home.
The victim also underwent a forensic examination.
In November 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) confirmed that Moraitis’ DNA was present on evidence collected from the victim.
Detectives continued investigating the allegations, reviewing the forensic findings and other evidence.
On October 12, 2026, investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Moraitis with lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim 12 years of age or older but younger than 16.
The charge is based on allegations that Moraitis engaged in unlawful sexual activity with the minor. The DNA finding is part of the evidence cited by investigators, while the criminal allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
U.S. Customs Officers Arrest Suspect at PortMiami
One week after the arrest warrant was issued, Moraitis was located at PortMiami.
On Monday, October 19, officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection took him into custody.
The sheriff’s office indicated that Moraitis was at the seaport in connection with travel plans.
Authorities did not identify his intended destination or specify whether he knew about the outstanding warrant before arriving at the port.
Following his arrest, Moraitis was booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail.
Sheriff Rick Staly Praises Victim for Reporting Assault
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly credited the victim’s decision to report the incident promptly and the work of investigators in developing the case.
“He knew her age but still climbed through her window while armed with a gun and demanding sex,” Staly said.
“This brave young lady went straight to her School Resource Deputy that same morning and reported what Moraitis did to her. This is why our School Resource Deputies are friends with our students, so they can feel comfortable talking to an SRD.”
Staly said the combination of the victim’s report, DNA evidence and Moraitis’ own communications was instrumental in the investigation.
“The victim’s fast reporting, his DNA, and his own words helped prove this case,” Staly said.
“While he may have thought he was leaving the country on a trip, he only made it to the Miami seaport. His next excursion is to the Green Roof Inn.”
The “Green Roof Inn” is a nickname used by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for the county jail.
Moraitis Held on $50,000 Bond Awaiting Extradition
As of the sheriff’s office announcement, Moraitis remained in custody at the Miami-Dade County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
He is awaiting extradition to Flagler County to face the lewd or lascivious battery charge.