Sarasota police accuse Palmetto man of sexually abusing child in 2015

Jan. 26—A Palmetto man was arrested last week on charges of sexually abusing a child in Sarasota in 2015.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, a family member of the victim reported in February 2015 that Clifton R. Bean, now 45, sexually abused a 12-year-old girl. The victim was unable to speak with detectives. About a week later Bean was arrested and served a prison sentence for drug charges. He was released on Dec. 1.

On Jan. 19, 2021, the victim reported that Bean contacted her via text on Jan. 17, saying he had not seen her in some time and asking for a photo. The victim said she was ready to talk about what happened because she doesn't want another child to go through what she did.

The victim said Bean sexually abused her almost daily from about the age of 8 until she was 12.

While law enforcement monitored, the victim called Bean and confronted him about the abuse. He did not deny it and said he was sorry and should not have done it.

Bean was arrested on Jan. 21 on charges of sexual battery. He is being held in the Sarasota County jail on $300,000 bail.

Alan Shaw works on the digital side of the Herald-Tribune, posting stories and helping manage heraldtribune.com and its social media. Support local journalism by subscribing.

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