GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Miguel Angel Rodriguez-Morgado, 57, was arrested Sunday after deputies said he allegedly touched a lawncare worker’s genitals and propositioned him while the worker was at his home.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was called to Rodriguez-Morgado’s residence at about 4:46 p.m. on September 7. The victim told the deputy he had been performing landscape work for Rodriguez-Morgado when Rodriguez-Morgado began flirting with him and offered him money to remain at the property.
The worker said he told Rodriguez-Morgado he was not interested and began to leave. As he was trying to go, Rodriguez-Morgado allegedly grabbed his arm and placed cash in his pocket. During that interaction, the victim reported, Rodriguez-Morgado put his hand on the victim’s genitals. The victim said he pulled away, left the property, and then called 911.
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After being read his Miranda rights, Rodriguez-Morgado reportedly acknowledged touching the victim’s arm but denied grabbing his genitals.
Rodriguez-Morgado was charged with simple battery. Court records indicate he has no criminal history. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set his bail at $10,000.