In the complaint, investigators were informed that a 5-year-old child reported to their parents that a volunteer teacher had touched them inappropriately and struck the child while in a church classroom.
During the course of the investigation, the staff members of Cross Point Church cooperated and provided investigators with necessary information. At the conclusion of the investigation there was probable cause obtained to charge 35-year-old Robert M. Watson III, of Crestview, with lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 12 years of age and child abuse.
On Wednesday, a warrant was approved and issued for Watson, who was enroute to the United Kingdom for work-related travel. Investigators coordinated with his attorney and Watson voluntarily returned to the United States upon being notified of the active warrant.
Watson was taken into custody by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office upon arrival at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Valparaiso this morning. He was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the county jail, where he was later released on a $10,000 signature bond.
As there might be additional victims, or persons who may have additional information in this case, they are asked to contact the Crestview Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (850)-682-3544 with any information.
