Titusville Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Man Suspected of Luring Juvenile into Wooded Area to Perform Sex Acts

POLICE: Yamani Serrano lured juvenile victim into wooded area with promise of nicotine products

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Titusville police detectives have arrested a 20-year-old Titusville man suspected of luring a juvenile victim into a wooded area with the promise of nicotine products, where the suspect instructed the victim to perform sexual acts, according to Titusville Police Commander Tyler Wright.

The suspect, Yamani Serrano, is charged with one count of Sexual Battery, victim over 12 years of age by someone over 18 years of age, one count of Witness Tampering, and one count of Theft.

This incident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, at approximately 1 a.m., when Titusville officers responded to a reported sexual battery incident near the 3500 block of South Street Highway.

“Patrol officers met with the reporting party to gather the necessary information,” said Commander Wright. “While searching for the suspect, it was learned that the suspect attempted to evade law enforcement by obtaining a ride-sharing service.”

Titusville Police patrol officers were able to locate the ride-sharing service and take Serrano into custody, positively identifying the suspect as Serrano.

“Detectives responded and assumed the investigation, which revealed Serrano contacted the juvenile victim through social media, offering the juvenile victim nicotine products,” said Commander Wright.  “This offer was to lure the juvenile victim to Serrano.”

Once the juvenile victim met with Serrano in person, the juvenile victim was lured into some nearby woods in the 3500 Block of South Street.

“Once in the woods, Serrano took possession of the juvenile victim’s phone and instructed this victim to perform sexual acts on Serrano to have the phone returned,” said Commander Wright. “Serrano then destroyed the phone after the sex act.”

The juvenile victim then ran away to the roadway and flagged down a passing motorist, who contacted law enforcement.

“Serrano attempted to flee the scene by ordering a ride-sharing service,” said Commander Wright. “The ride-sharing service Serrano contacted was the passing motorist the juvenile victim sought out assistance from.

Serrano is being held at the Brevard County Detention Center on a no bond status.

Based on this investigation and other incidents investigated by the Titusville Police Department, TPD detectives believe there may be other victims of other crimes who have yet to come forward.

Titusville police officials are urging anyone with information regarding Serrano, this crime, or other undocumented criminal acts to come forward.

“This individual poses a serious concern to public safety, and we believe there are additional victims who have not yet come forward,” said Detective Ashley Kube. “We urge anyone with information to contact us—your voice matters, and your courage can help prevent further harm.”

Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Similar Stories