A former professor who lives in Palm Coast was re-arrested on Monday for sexual battery on a 15-year-old. The incident reportedly occurred at a hotel in Palm Coast, and the suspect was charged following the results of DNA testing from his initial arrest in July.
46-year-old Richard Tapia, a former professor at Miami Dade College, was first arrested on July 23 for interference with custody of a minor. He allegedly met a 15-year-old girl on an app and picked her up from Jacksonville. The two are said to have driven to Palm Coast, where Tapia raped the victim multiple times.
Deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office located the two on a tip from the girl’s mother. The incident was described as a ‘runaway’, and the mother informed law enforcement that her daughter was at the hotel in question with an adult man. The FCSO says they found the girl exiting the hotel’s back stairwell and Tapia leaving the front lobby.
Around 15 hours after his initial arrest in July, Tapia posted bond and was released from custody. A sexual assault investigation was initiated, with a sexual assault kit being sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for further analysis.
After over two months, the test results reportedly indicate that Tapia’s DNA was present. As such, he was charged with three counts of lewd/lascivious battery on a victim 12 to 16 years old. Tapia was arrested in Palm Beach County with assistance from Florida Highway Patrol. As of Tuesday he’s being held on $350,000 bond.
“This mother’s determination helped us find her daughter which started the investigation on this pervert,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our detectives followed the evidence and built a strong case against this predator who took advantage of a vulnerable child.”
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office says they believe there may be more victims of sexual assault by Tapia. Those with relevant information are asked to contact the FCSO at (386) 313-4911.
