Accused child molester held without bond

A warrant obtained by sheriff’s detectives resulting from an investigation that began April 19, 2013, was reported to Historic City News as “served” when a local man was arrested on capital felony charges yesterday afternoon.

47-year-old Charles W Cook, III, reported to live at 3720 Joe Ashton Road in St Johns County, is accused of touching a victim, less than 16 years-of-age, either on the genitals, breasts, or buttocks — or the clothing that covers them; a first-degree felony. He has also been charged with two-counts of the sexual battery of a victim, less than 12 years-of-age, by a person 18-years-old, or older; a capital felony.

According to document used to obtain the warrant, signed by Judge Michael Traynor, the crimes against the child victim, a St Johns County girl who was approximately six-years-old at the time, occurred on various dates; between January 2003 and September 2008.

In addition to the illegal touching, the arrest warrant indicates that, on different occasions during the period, Cook penetrated the girl’s vagina with his fingers, and at other times he used his penis.

During the course of the investigation, the victim told detectives that the first memories she could recall of Cook touching her, sexually, was when she was approximately 3-years-old. The girl described the penetration as “extremely painful”. In one statement, she told investigators, “I didn’t want to, but I was scared.” The victim reported that Cook would lie in her bed, push his crotch into her buttocks, and he would force her to watch pornographic movies.

Although bond was set at $150,000 on the first degree felony, no bond has been allowed on the two capital felonies. The state has not indicated if they intend to seek the death penalty in this case.