Hillsborough County: 20-Year-Old Charged with Multiple Counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery
TAMPA, Fla. – Authorities in Hillsborough County have arrested 20-year-old Angel David Padilla Andino on serious felony charges involving sexual misconduct with a minor. The arrest, which occurred earlier last month, details four separate counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery, a second-degree felony under Florida law.
Details of the Allegations
According to booking records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Padilla Andino was taken into custody on January 7, 2026. The specific charges listed are “Lewd or Lascivious Battery (Engage),” referencing Florida Statute 800.04.
Under Florida law, this charge is applicable when a defendant engages in sexual activity with a victim who is 12 years of age or older but younger than 16. The statute is designed to protect minors from exploitation, regardless of perceived consent, as the law deems minors in this age bracket incapable of consenting to sexual acts with an adult. If convicted, each count carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, highlighting the severity with which the state prosecutes these offenses.
Local and Legal Context
The arrest comes amidst a broader focus on public safety and criminal enforcement in the region. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has previously emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, from predation.
While reports circulating on social media platforms have categorized this incident within the context of immigration-related crimes, officials have not publicly released specific details regarding Padilla Andino’s immigration status or confirmed the existence of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer in this specific case. However, HCSO maintains a policy of cooperation with federal authorities when probable cause exists, and recent months have seen continued enforcement actions against non-citizens involved in serious criminal activity within the county.
Legal Process and Rights
As the case moves to the courts, legal experts emphasize that criminal charges are merely accusations. Like all defendants in the U.S. justice system, Padilla Andino is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“In cases involving such sensitive and serious allegations, it is critical to reserve judgment until all evidence is presented,” noted a Tampa-based defense attorney not involved in the case. “The burden of proof lies entirely with the state, and the defense will have the opportunity to scrutinize the credibility of the allegations and the circumstances of the arrest.”
Padilla Andino remains in custody as the legal proceedings commence. The State Attorney’s Office will be responsible for reviewing the evidence to determine the final prosecution strategy.
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