MARGATE, Fla. – A Margate man was arrested Tuesday for molesting a child under the age of 12 over the course of several years, authorities said.
Margate police said Michael Thomas Swayze was taken into custody with help from the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force.
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According to police, Swayze engaged in the illegal activities for three or four years when the girl was between the ages of 7 and 11.
Police said the investigation started when the FBI task force discovered that Swayze was downloading child pornography onto his personal computer.
A search warrant was executed at his home and Swayze was arrested on charges of sexual battery on a minor under 12 and lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12.
According to an arrest report, the girl told detectives that Swayze had inappropriately touched her over the course of several years. Police said Swayze confessed to the incidents.
He is being held at the Broward County Main Jail without bond.
Anyone with additional information about Swayze is asked to call Detective Paul Christman at 954-935-5492.