Sarasota Man Charged with Sex Crimes

NEWS RELEASE 18-026 - FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Phillips, Albert

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office charged a 74-year-old Sarasota man with sex crimes against children and detectives are concerned there could be more victims.

On December 8, the 15-year-old victim reported she was inappropriately touched on several occasions by Albert Phillips, DOB 05/05/43, of 1707 Tarpon Avenue, Sarasota. Some of the incidents began as long as eleven years ago when the victim was only four years old. During interviews with detectives and the Child Advocacy Center, the victim explained the molestation occurred when she visited Phillips’ home. According to the victim, Phillips told her to keep his behavior a secret and threatened consequences if she told anyone.  

Phillips was arrested in November 2015 following a similar allegation and charged with a single count of Lewd or Lascivious Behavior on a Victim Under 12. Sheriff’s office detectives also connected him with an investigation conducted by the Sarasota Police Department in 2005 with similar allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to the mid 1980’s.

On Friday, Phillips was arrested and charged with Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim Under 12, Lewd or Lascivious Conduct on a Victim Under 16 and Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition on a Victim Under 16. Because the victims were children who visited Phillips’ home, detectives want parents with children who may know him to be aware of this investigation. Anyone with additional information should contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941.861.4900.

Phillips was released Saturday on $22,500 bond.