NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Deputies say a Pasco County man arrested over the weekend sexually abused an 8-year old girl for more than a year.
- John Aquila, 33, tried to set his house on fire while locked inside to avoid arrest
- Aquilla charged with sexual battery on a minor, 1st degree arson
- More Pasco County stories
John Aquila, 33, of New Port Richey was arrested on Sunday. When deputies came to his house to make the arrest, he responded by setting it on fire.
According to his arrest report, a witness saw him sexually abusing the girl in his home. The witness got the girl out of the house and reported it.
The victim later told investigators that the abuse had been happening for more than a year. An exam confirmed severe injuries.
Aquila was finally arrested after deputies had to pull him out of a bathroom window. Fire damage to the house was minor.
He is now at the Pasco County Jail and is being held with no bond. He is charged with sexual battery of a minor and 1st degree arson, as well.
John Aquila. (Courtesy: Pasco County Sheriff's Office)