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Man accused of raping teen, fathering baby

By TIMES STAFF
Published December 16, 2006

A 49-year-old man was arrested on charges that he raped a girl, resulting in her having his child in September, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office reported. The girl told authorities that Aquileo Mendoza began raping her when she was 12, usually about three times a month, according to a sheriff's report. On her 15th birthday, Mendoza told the girl that her gift would be sex, and he raped her, the report said. Authorities withheld the girl's name because of the nature of the charges. Mendoza told investigators that he has blackouts from drinking and doesn't remember raping the girl, the report said. Mendoza also said he isn't sure if he is the baby's father, the report said. He was charged with involuntary sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and was held without bail at the Land O'Lakes Jail. The report said there might be other victims, and Mendoza's status as an illegal immigrant makes him a flight risk.

Volunteers will make the fair work

The success of the 60th annual Pasco County Fair will depend on the volunteers who plan the event and work in the various exhibit buildings. About 200 volunteers are needed each year to fill these posts, said Renee Converse and Linda Frassrand, volunteer coordinators for the Pasco County Fair Association. Anyone interested in volunteering during the fair, slated for Feb. 19-25, can call the fair office at (352) 567-6678. A volunteer orientation will be held before the event. An appreciation dinner is also held after the fair.

No public transit on major holidays

Pasco County public transit will be closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Regular route service will resume Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. For information, call (727) 834-3322 in west Pasco or (352) 521-4587 in east Pasco.

Note to readers

Barbara Fredricksen is on vacation. Her Arts & Entertainment column will resume next week.

Correction

The phone number for the Tarpon Springs Cultural and Performing Arts Center is (727) 942-5605. A story Friday about performances of The 1940s Radio Hour gave the wrong number.

[Last modified December 16, 2006, 07:38:33]