A central Florida man accused of raping an 8-year-old girl told police the girl’s provocative clothing and actions suggested she wanted to have sex with him.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said the young girl was walking to a friend’s house last July when 68-year-old Sydney Allan Markland allegedly asked if she could help him carry something inside his house.
Authorities say the girl agreed to help because she believed Markland was injured.
Markland allegedly raped the child once inside the home. Investigators say DNA samples from the girl’s clothing led them to Markland, who suggested to detectives that his culture was different and therefore his actions were acceptable.
Markland faces multiple charges, including sexual assault on a victim under 12-years-old.
Investigators are now looking into the possibility of more victims, since Markland says he is familiar with children in his neighborhood.