A 36-year-old man from Clearwater, Florida, named Robert Alan Rouse, is facing legal action after allegedly using his pet ferrets to lure young girls into his home. Rouse has been charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12, according to court documents from Pinellas County.
An affidavit obtained by FOX 13 Tampa Bay details that one of the victims claimed Rouse invited her into his home under the pretense of letting her interact with his ferrets. Once inside, she reported that Rouse inappropriately touched her, including grabbing her and throwing her onto a bed.
During police questioning, Rouse confessed to similar inappropriate behavior with another child the day before, while she was petting one of his ferrets in his driveway.
Further complicating his legal situation, Rouse is accused of engaging in online conversations with an undercover federal agent. These messages allegedly included his plans to lure children into his home to discuss sexual activities.
Rouse is currently detained with a bond set at $300,000. The Clearwater Police Department has not yet responded to requests for additional comments on the case.