A Milton man was arrested Friday for sexual assault on a victim younger than 12 years old. Earl Dewayne Ritchie, 55, is being held with $500,000 bond at the Santa Rosa County Jail. Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office (SRSO) reports Ritchie is accused of sexual assault on a child who was taken to Santa Rosa Medical Center Emergency Room because of bleeding. The victim was examined at the Santa Rosa Kid’s House but was not very vocal because the victim was upset, reports said. Later the victim told authorities about where it hurt. Reports said other witnesses said the child was watching television and got up to go and see Ritchie and came back 20 to 30 minutes later very upset and hurting.
Reports said Ritchie contacted SRSO and asked to speak with a deputy about the case. Deputies report Ritchie said he knows in his heart it is not true. He’s not sick and not a pedophile. Deputies report Ritchie as being calm and cooperative throughout the interview.
Department of Children and Family Services were called and interviewed other children who live in the home.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton man charged with sexual assault