by Greg Fox
He has been released on $10,000 bond, pending trial. An arraignment for Pedro Custodio has been set for the first week in August.
Custodio, who has for years been known around Lake County as "Pastor Pete,” was arrested July 12. A Judge has ordered him to have no contact with two group home residents who contacted the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, alleging abuse.
A 77-year-old woman, who did not want to be identified or interviewed on camera, spoke with WESH 2 News outside the home Friday.
She did not want to discuss Custodio’s arrest. But she and her roommate provided details to the sheriff's office that ultimately led to Custodio’s arrest.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Stephanie Earley told WESH 2 News, “She (the alleged victim) said that while she was having a conversation with Mr. Custodio, he became upset with her for speaking excessively to which then he grabbed her and pushed her down, causing her to fall.”
According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged victim's "left thigh" had a large "bruise." The women then recalled another "recent incident" in which "Custodio pushed the alleged victim, striking her and choking her with his hands."
What allegedly happened at the home is not the first time Custodio has been in trouble with law enforcement in Lake County.
In 2022, he was arrested for throwing a deadly object, a boxcutter, at a man through a car window. He was found guilty and given probation. In 2020, he was charged with battery on a disabled adult, but the state declined to prosecute. And in 2014, Custodio was charged with two counts of sexual battery.
In that case, Eustis police said Custodio allegedly attacked women inside a homeless shelter called "Our Father's House of Refuge Ministries." That case went to trial, but a jury acquitted him.
The sheriff's office wants anyone with information about Custodio's actions to come forward.
And they urge loved ones of seniors in group care to monitor their health and welfare.
“Make sure to visit them often. Make sure to communicate with them and communicate with the staff, and monitor the care they're providing," Earley said.
Full Article & Source:
Man charged with elder abuse at Lake County group home
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