BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — An online meeting led to the arrest of a Brevard County man charged with kidnapping, sexual battery and attempted murder.
Deputies said the victim was drugged and held against her will for hours before being told to leave.
The victim said the suspect, Joseph Beach, 32, also threatened to drown her.
She told deputies her head was held underwater at least three times because she refused the suspect’s demands.
Investigators said the victim’s ordeal began July 23 when she met the suspect in the Micco area and decided to spend the night.
The victim said the next day, a package arrived containing what she believed was crystal meth.
She said she wouldn’t do the drug, and was undressed and tied up with her shoe laces and cable ties.
She told deputies she was injected with drugs and sexually assaulted.
“The facts of the case described in the arrest warrant affidavit are very disturbing. Certainly the victim suffered severe, I think, physical and emotional trauma as a result of the incident that went on for many, many hours,” said Assistant State Attorney Gary Beatty.
The victim told investigators once she was untied she walked to a bathroom.
She said the suspect then told her to watch a movie and cuddle with him.
Deputies said it was temporary reprieve.
The victim said when she continued to refuse Beach's demands, she was held underwater and told, "Don’t make me drown you."
Channel 9 legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said it could be a difficult case for prosecutors without corroborating evidence.
Beach has a long criminal history, including previous charges for drug possession, burglary and battery.