Sexual predator accused of molesting 12-year-old in Palm Bay Walmart

PALM BAY, Fla. — A registered sexual predator was arrested on charges of inappropriately touching a 12-year-old girl inside a Palm Bay Walmart on Monday, authorities said.

The incident happened at the Walmart on Malabar Road, police said.

According to investigators, the 12-year-old's mother reported to authorities that Jehoshaphat Mitchell approached the victim twice and molested her.

"He did it once in the clothing section, and then followed her and did it a second time. These are two very deliberate acts," said Yvonne Martinez with the Palm Bay Police Department.

Police said surveillance cameras captured the suspect, 46-year-old Mitchell, walking around the store. Officers said they were able to track down Mitchell using his vehicle and license plate, which were also caught on surveillance.

"It's very scary because I have two kids, 6 and 14, so yeah that's really scary because it's too close to home," said shopper Mary Ryan.

Mitchell is being held at the Brevard County Jail on $30,000 bail.

Mitchell has been charged with similar crimes before and has a criminal history that dates back to 1994. According to police, he was serving an 11-year sentence when he was released from prison in June 2013 after just three years.

WFTV