Cape man accused of sexual battery of a child under 12
A Cape Coral man has been charged with sexual battery on a child younger than 12 after the child’s mom found a note in their backpack referencing sexual abuse at an unlicensed home daycare where the child stayed overnight.
Bobby D. Holland 37, of 1907 Northeast 19th Ave. was charged Friday after an investigation by Cape Coral Police Department’s Special Victims Unit detectives.
The investigation began on on Dec. 15, following a call from the child’s mother.
She told officers that her child attends a home daycare facility operated by Casey Browning, 36, at the 1907 Northeast 19th Ave. address. She said she found a note handwritten written by her child and directed to a person named “Bobby.” “Bobby” was later identified as Holland, who police described as “the live-in boyfriend of Ms. Browning.”
“The note referenced sexual activity between Mr. Holland and the child,” the CCPD said in a release issued today.
Cape Coral Police Department’s Special Victims Unit detectives assumed the investigation.
“Detectives learned that the sexual intercourse occurred as this child spent the night at this location several nights a week due to the child’s mother’s overnight work schedule,” the CCPD release states. “The child was encouraged by Mr. Holland to keep the intercourse secret so he would not get in trouble. The child was also encouraged to write ‘love letters’ to Mr. Holland.”
A residential search warrant of the facility and a DNA warrant for Mr. Holland were conducted.
“Mr. Holland denied any sexual contact with the child,” the release states.
The daycare has been ordered to cease operations.
“The investigation revealed this home daycare facility is unlicensed,” the release states. “This facility has been issued a cease and desist; at this time, any parent continuing to utilize the services of this facility could face separate and individual criminal charges. The parents of children known to use this facility have been contacted and informed.”
Currently, there are no additional known victims, the release states, adding the investigation is continuing.
“Anyone with any information on this or a separate incident involving Mr. Holland, is asked to contact Special Victims Unit Detective H. DiGiovanni at 239-574-0677 or by email at hdigiovann@capecoral.gov,” officials said.
Reference case report #22-028599.
Holland remained in the Lee County Jail Monday afternoon. Bond had not been set. A court hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 17.
Sources: CCPD, Lee County Jail