Palatka man arrested after child tells school guidance counselor she was raped

PALATKA, Fla. — The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced the long-awaited arrest of a Palatka man wanted for the sexual assault and rape of a 9-year-old girl.

Deputies say their investigation began in November after the young victim confided to a school guidance counselor that she had been raped by 48-year-old Troy William Armstrong.

In an official report, the child later told Putnam investigators that Armstrong- who is not related to the victim but lived with one of her relatives -would force the girl to touch him as he watched pornography. The suspect also reportedly performed oral sex on the child.

Detectives say an arrest warrant for Armstrong was obtained in December but have been unable to locate him for months.

Following his arrest Putnam County Sheriff H.D. DeLoach said, “I am disgusted by the type of person who preys on children. These acts are the reflection of a depraved individual who has ruined a child’s innocence and trust. We will follow this through to ensure he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and unable to have an opportunity to be around children ever again. The courage this child had to come forward and tell an adult is commendable and we pray that the mental and emotional scars this child has will heal over time.”

Armstrong was arrested and taken to the Putnam County Jail. He is charged with five counts of lewd/lascivious behavior and three counts of sexual assault. He is being held without bond.