Man stalked, exposed himself to 10-year-old girl, Volusia deputies say

79-year-old charged with lewd, lascivious exhibition, aggravated stalking

DELTONA, Fla. – Volusia County deputies arrested a man who they say stalked a 10-year-old girl and exposed himself in front of her bedroom window.

[WEB EXTRA:  Parents warn of stranger-danger]

Rogelio Melot Rodriguez, 79, was charged Tuesday night with two counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition and one count of aggravated stalking of a minor. 

Deputies said the girl's mother contacted deputies after her daughter reported Rodriguez was following her every day for two to three weeks while she walked the family dog.

The girl also told deputies Rodriguez would stand outside of her bedroom window.

According to deputies, the mother said she thought Rodriguez might just be overly friendly, but after watching him on Tuesday, she saw Rodriguez expose and touch himself in the street, staring at her daughter's bedroom window.

The girl's 15-year-old brother also witnessed the incident and ran outside to confront Rodriguez, who was arrested Tuesday night.

Rodriguez was booked into Volusia County Jail. A judge told him on Wednesday that he's not to have any contact with the victim or walk near her home after deputies said Rodriguez stalked and exposed himself to the girl several times, but the man's family said it was a misunderstanding.

"He's a nice guy and that's all. A misunderstanding," said Jose Villegas.

Neighbors said Rodriguez goes for walks often but they've never seen anything suspicious. Rodriguez's family backed up that claim in Wednesday's first appearance.

"He's been part of my life since I was 14 and this is the first time that I have witnessed him in this situation," said Maria Paloma, his sister-in-law.

His family also said that Rodriguez suffers from spinal problems and walks daily. He also has to stop often because of the pain.

Rodriguez faces a $15,000 bond.


About the Authors:

Loren Korn is a native Texan who joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2014. She was born and raised in Houston and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism.

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