North Port Police detectives recently arrested 19-year-old Jayden Boothe, 20-year-old Elijah Ballentine, and 19-year-old Ryan Deluca in connection with offenses involving sexual activity with a child.

According to the department, Boothe was also charged with assault with a deadly weapon related to the case.

Police said the investigation began after a tip that multiple juveniles were being victimized. Detectives worked to identify the suspects and take them into custody before the behavior could continue.

During the course of the investigation, Boothe was also charged in an unrelated case with attempted felony murder, aggravated battery, and leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries. Investigators said they also found illegal drugs and seized cash during the execution of a search warrant at Boothe’s residence.

Chief Todd Garrison said cases involving the victimization of children are among the most disturbing his teams investigate, and that the response was immediate and relentless. He said multiple units supported the investigation, including the Intelligence Unit, Real Time Crime Center, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Enforcement Team, SWAT Team, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

All three suspects were arrested and are being held at the Sarasota County Jail. Anyone with information was asked to contact the North Port Police Department at 941-429-7300.

North Port, FL

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