A 57-year-old Lakeland man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly groping a 16-year-old girl at a local Chick-fil-A.
Awny Abdel Malek Basta was booked into the Polk County Jail on Lewd and Lascivious Touch charges.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on December 19th at the Chick-fil-A on South Florida Avenue.
“She was seated at a table in the restaurant doing schoolwork when Basta sat down directly behind her. She told detectives that she felt something touch the upper part of her buttocks several times. When she turned around to see what was touching her, she saw that it was Basta’s hand,” said PCSO.
When confronted, Basta fled the restaurant but was apprehended by deputies nearby.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed concern about Basta’s extensive criminal history, which includes previous sexual battery charges and incidents of groping.
“Awny Basta is a pervert and a sex offender with an extensive criminal history. Because of his history, our detectives believe there may be additional victims out there,” said Judd. “If anyone thinks they may have been a victim of this man, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Special Victims Unit of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. We want to make sure he’s held accountable for everything he has done.”
The Sheriff’s Office released surveillance footage of the incident, which clearly shows Basta’s actions.