Girl's Babysitter Accused Of Molesting Her, Taking Nude Photos

CARROLLWOOD, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man accused of sexually battering two pre-teen girls, one of which he had been babysitting for two years.

On Nov. 14, detectives were contacted by the mother of one of the girls. Another parent told her that her daughter told a friend she had been touched inappropriately by Thomas Ryder, 57, while at his home at 5613 Fulmar Drive in Carrollwood.

While interviewing the girl, detectives learned that Ryder had touched her inappropriately and taken nude photographs of her on multiple occasions over the course of the two years he'd been babysitting her.

During the investigation, detectives learned that a friend of the girl, who also spent time at Ryder's home, claimed he had touched her inappropriately, taken nude photos and sexually battered her on multiple occasions as well.

On Nov. 19, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at Ryder's home. Ryder admitted to the sexual battery allegations. He was arrested and charged with sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation (two counts), and lewd and lascivious molestation on a victim under the age of 12.

"It is shameful that someone entrusted with the care of children violated their trust and the trust of their parents by committing such obscene and despicable acts," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We are thankful that the juveniles involved had the courage to say something. I encourage any juvenile who is being taken advantage of to find an adult or a friend they can confide in and speak up. If you suspect a child is being abused, you can call the Florida DCF Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 and file a report anonymously."