FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A former Miami Dade College professor has been re-arrested after DNA evidence linked him to the reported sexual assault of a missing 15-year-old girl at a Palm Coast hotel, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Richard Tapia, 46, of Palm Coast, faces three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between 12 and 16 years old.
Deputies responded to the hotel on July 22 after the girl’s mother reported her runaway daughter was there with an adult man. Investigators said Tapia met the girl through an online app, picked her up in Jacksonville and drove her to Palm Coast.
The girl reported to deputies that Mr. Tapia assaulted her on multiple occasions at the hotel, according to the sheriff’s office. FDLE testing confirmed Tapia’s DNA was present, according to FCSO.
Authorities arrested Tapia in Palm Beach County with help from the Florida Highway Patrol. He is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on $350,000 bond.
Investigators said they believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information about Tapia is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.
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