ASTATULA, Fla. – Astatula police Sgt. Timothy Palinski was arrested Wednesday after a boy told authorities that Palinski had sexually abused him numerous times over the course of several years, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
The boy, who is between 12 and 16 years old, was shaking and in tears when he told officials at his school that the abuse began when he was 7 and the most recent incident was on April 6, according to an arrest affidavit.
Recommended Videos
Palinski, 43, took the victim into the master bedroom and told him to get pornographic materials and lubricant from a gun safe, which also contained firearms, deputies said.
Authorities said Palinski touched the boy and forced the victim to touch him. The boy repeatedly told Palinski that he needed to stop the abuse and said he contemplated suicide using one of the firearms from the gun safe, according to the affidavit.
Palinski continued the abuse, even though he said he would stop, deputies said.
The victim gave authorities details on identifying marks and characteristics on Palinski's body, the report said. Deputies said Palinski's wife confirmed that the details were accurate.
Deputies found lubricant and pornography under a false shelf in the gun safe when they executed a search warrant, according to the affidavit.
Palinski is charged with capital sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and lewd or lascivious battery on a person younger than 16. He's being held without bond at the Lake County Jail.
The Astatula police chief said Palinski has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.