By Ryan Yousefi

A man has been arrested and charged with allegedly touching the genitals of a 16-year-old boy in an incident that took place at Tall Cypress Park this past July. 

According to the arrest report, the incident occurred on July 14 at the Tall Cypress Natural Area at 3700 Turtle Run Boulevard. According to the victim, he was walking in the park when he encountered a man, later identified as Robert Charles Russell, 66, of Coconut Creek. 

The teen told Coral Springs police officers he had first parked his vehicle and noticed Russell inside his car with the windows down, allegedly smiling at him. As the teen got out of his vehicle and continued to walk in the park while using his phone, Russell approached him once again, still wearing a smile.

The victim informed the police that Russell touched his testicles through his clothing in a “swiping motion” while making unsettling grunting sounds. In response to this unwanted advance, the teen pushed Russell away and left the scene. He later reported the incident to his father and the authorities.

The CSPD initiated an investigation, and the teenager identified Russell from a photo lineup, leading to his arrest. In his initial statement to the authorities, Russell admitted that he had been in the park to meet men for sexual encounters, claiming this was a known practice at this park. 

Russell further explained that he believed the teenager to be in his early 20s when he approached him, indicating that he had tried to engage the teen by saying hello and making suggestive gestures. However, he maintained that the young male declined his advances by pushing his hands away.

Russell denied physical contact with the boy’s genitals and argued that he interpreted the “eye contact” made with the teenager as an invitation to engage further.

According to court records, Russell was taken into custody on Saturday, facing a charge of lewd and lascivious touching of certain minors. 

Russell was transported to the Broward County Main Jail and later released after posting a bond of $10,000.

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