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Reported by Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – This morning, Kyler Edward Bryant, age 19, was taken into custody on charges of lewd or lascivious battery involving a minor under 16.
The incident came to light on February 28 when a 15-year-old girl informed a Gainesville Police Department officer that she had spent the previous evening with Bryant, who took her to his apartment. There, after initially agreeing not to engage in intercourse, Bryant allegedly violated that agreement. The victim recounted that she instructed him to stop, which he did, although they reportedly engaged in sexual activity again a few hours later.
Given that Bryant’s residence lies outside Gainesville’s municipal boundaries, his interview took place at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. During a post-Miranda session, Bryant recounted that he had connected with the victim on social media months prior to their outing. Following the end of his recent relationship a few weeks earlier, he began conversing with her. He claimed that the victim’s social media profile indicated she belonged to the “Class of 2027,” leading him to believe she was 17 or 18. Despite this, the deputy confirmed that the victim was actually 15 at the time of the encounter. Bryant picked her up from her home and took her to his apartment, initially claiming they only “snuggled.” His narrative evolved, admitting to suggesting she change into pajamas and subsequently removing her clothing. He acknowledged engaging in sexual intercourse, confirming he ceased upon her request, but admitted to having sex once more a few hours later.
According to Florida law, any sexual activity between an adult and an individual under 16 constitutes lewd and lascivious battery. Furthermore, any inappropriate touching by an adult of a minor’s private areas, whether directly or through clothing, falls under lewd and lascivious molestation.
Bryant has been charged with lewd or lascivious battery of a victim under the age of 16. He has no local criminal history, and Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.