Florida Law Enforcement Acts Swiftly to Apprehend a Therapist for Sexually Abusing a Child

Sixty-year-old Robert Batie worked as a Psychotherapist at a counseling center located in Flagler County, Florida.  During his time there, Batie used his position as a trusted counselor to engage in several unlawful acts of sexual abuse, including sexual molestation of a minor.  Fortunately, the courageous victim reported the incident to the Flagler County Sherriff’s Office (FCSO) and the Sherriff immediately initiated their investigation into Batie.  FCSO soon discovered that Batie left Flagler County and relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida.

A biological report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a significant amount of corroborating evidence allowed detectives to get an arrest warrant for Batie.  He was found at his new place of employment, a healthcare facility, in Daytona Beach and taken into custody without bond.

There is no information regarding additional victims; however, law enforcement is encouraging anyone with additional information to step forward.  As a psychotherapist, Batie was supposed to use talk therapy to treat people with emotional issues and mental illnesses.  Instead, he was a predator who took advantage of an underaged girl.  These terrible acts have happened to innocent victims throughout the State of Florida.  It takes real courage for victims to step forward and share their experiences.  We are hopeful that this victim gets the therapeutic care she needs to heal from this experience.

Justice for Kids has offices across Florida that handle North Florida child abuse cases and Daytona Beach child injury cases.