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Jacksonville man known for giving treats to children arrested for lewd act on a child

Known by neighborhood children for giving out candy and cookies, a Jacksonville man called “Mr. Paul” has now been arrested.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said a 10-year-old told her mother that the suspect, 65-year-old Charles Wayne Parks, committed a lewd or lascivious act on her on July 1. The child had talked about “Mr. Paul” before, saying children go to his home because he gives out treats and has holiday decorations, including Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day, in his apartment.

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Parks lives in the Tradewinds Apartments on Timuquana Road. JSO believes there may be other victims, so they’re asking anyone who lives in that area to speak with your children. If you think your child may have been victimized, you’re asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500.

Parks was arrested Wednesday for lewd/lascivious molestation on a victim under 12.

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