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Man accused of sex assault on babysitter

The teen, who is younger than 16, says she pretended to be asleep during the attack.

By JACOB H. FRIES
Published September 8, 2005

LARGO - A 35-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage babysitter who had fallen asleep on the living-room floor, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

The attack occurred in the Largo home of an acquaintance whom Phil Callahan was visiting, sheriff's officials said.

The girl told investigators she was so scared that she pretended to sleep through the attack.

Callahan, a surveyor who lives in Clearwater, was arrested Tuesday evening on two counts of sexual battery. He remained in the Pinellas County Jail on Wednesday. Bail was set at $100,000.

Saturday, Callahan and the acquaintance arrived at the house about 11 p.m. and found the babysitter napping, sheriff's spokesman Mac McMullen said. They gave the girl, who is younger than 16, a choice: go home or sleep over. She stayed.

At 3 a.m., Callahan went to the living room and sexually assaulted the girl, the arrest report said.

The girl waited until he left the room, then ran from the house, the report said.

She later reported the attack to a family member, who told the girl's parent, McMullen said. A report was filed with detectives Tuesday.

In speaking with investigators, Callahan admitted to some of the girl's allegations, but not to others, McMullen said.

Records show Callahan previously has been sentenced to probation in Florida on charges of aggravated stalking and driving under the influence.

[Last modified September 8, 2005, 01:49:23]