St. Cloud police arrested a 66-year-old resident over the weekend after he was accused of sexually abusing multiple children.
An investigation was initially launched by the St. Cloud Police Department on Wednesday, June 17, when the agency received information regarding allegations that a man, identified as Paul Leon Renuart, had sexually abused underage victims, according to SCPD.
With assistance from the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Osceola County, St. Cloud police obtained a warrant on Sunday, June 21, for the arrest of Renuart.
That same day, Renaurt was apprehended and booked into Osceola County Jail, where he remains in custody without bond. He is being charged with four counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim under 12 years of age, three counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age, and one count of child abuse without great bodily harm.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and represent a profound violation of trust involving vulnerable children,” stated St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke. “The St. Cloud Police Department remains committed to protecting children, thoroughly investigating crimes against them, and holding offenders accountable.”
Chief Goerke also expressed gratitude to the victims for their courage in coming forward.
Authorities noted that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and detectives believe there may be additional victims. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, police stated that no further details regarding the victims will be released.
Anyone with information related to this case, or anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Renuart, is encouraged to contact SCPD Detective Patrick Persaud at 407-891-6700, ext. 6725, and reference the following case number: 26-002701.