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Kissimmee man accused of sexually abusing 9-year-old relative

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County deputies are trying to figure out whether a man accused of molesting at least one young child has any more victims.

Detectives said they arrested Loomes Wheeler Jr., 69, and charged him capital sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct and sexual performance by a child after a 9-year-old relative said he sexually abused her.

The victim told deputies she remembered the first incident happened at age 5, when Wheeler forced her to perform a sex act.

Detectives said she told them about other encounters that happened at Wheeler’s home in Kissimmee and his business at Horse World Riding Stables, which included sexual battery and Wheeler touching her inappropriately.

“The last incident occurred two months ago,” said Twis Lizasuain of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. “Detectives believe she felt compelled to come forward with this information so these attacks would stop."

Wheeler’s stable offers trail riding for families and even has a special program for Cub Scouts to earn merit badges. Deputies said they’re now trying to find out whether there may be more victims.

Authorities said detectives obtained a search warrant for Wheeler’s home on Granada Boulevard and at his job. They said they took into evidence several items, including electronic devices.

Deputies said Wheeler was brought in for questioning but did not cooperate with the investigation.

“It’s the nature of the crime, and they are working this case very hard, and they will talk to this victim, and an additional victim that they have as well," said Lizasuain.

Channel 9 has also confirmed that Wheeler is on the board at New Dimensions High School, a position he's had for years.

The school declined to comment on the case.

Deputies said right now there is no indication that Wheeler abused other children at the school or his riding stables, but they are actively looking for other victims and interviewing another child who they say is also related to Wheeler.

Wheeler was booked into the Osceola County Jail without bail.