The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested a Sarasota man on several felony charges after having sexual relationships with two female victims under the age of 15.

 

Detectives launched their investigation on August 5 when one victim, now 15 years old, reported having a sexual relationship with 21-year-old Nicholas French beginning in early 2018. Through investigation, detectives learned French also began a sexual relationship with another underage victim around the same time. French reportedly communicated with the victims through social media and used a ride-share service to transport them to his house. On Friday, detectives executed a search warrant at his residence and took him into custody. During the search, forensic personnel recovered evidence corroborating the allegations. French was previously arrested in 2018 for Lewd or Lascivious Battery of a Victim 12 to 16 Years Old, which was later amended to two counts of Child Abuse in a plea agreement. At the time of his most recent arrest, he was still on felony probation for his prior conviction.

 

French, of 6709 Approach Road in Sarasota, now faces 11 new counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery of a Victim 12 to 16 Years Old, and a single count of Violation of Probation. He remains in custody today without bond.