Dunnellon man, 41, held without bond, charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse

(Pictured: Phillip James Locker, booking photo; Image credit: MCSO)

On February 20, Florida’s Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced that their Major Crimes Detective Caitlin Hartigan arrested 41-year-old Phillip James Locker for three counts of Sexual Battery by a Person in Custodial Authority, and one count each of Use of a Child in Sexual Performance and Showing Obscene Material to a Minor.

Over the past several months, Detective Hartigan investigated a report of repeated sexual battery that occurred from June to July 2024. The juvenile victim disclosed that Locker raped her nearly every night from the middle of June to the end of July while she and her siblings were staying at his home, located at 5381 SW 160th Court, in Dunnellon. She also stated that Locker showed preferential treatment to her by taking her on special outings, pretending that she was his daughter, and buying things for her.

Locker also took photos of the young victim after she exited the shower and told her he wanted to “remember the pictures” after she returned home. The victim also disclosed that he showed her a disturbing video depicting a sex act between a woman and an animal.

At the end of July 2024, Locker returned the victim and her siblings to their out-of-state home where they normally stay with their mother. During a brief overnight stay, Locker was observed following the juvenile victim around the home and trying to sneak into the victim’s bedroom. He was told to leave by the victim’s mother, and he complied. However, in August 2024, Locker returned to the victim’s home and was found dressed in all black clothing standing outside at the victim’s bedroom window.

He claimed that he was returning some of the juvenile victim’s belongings and was “just passing through”. Local law enforcement was contacted, but Locker fled on foot before their arrival.

On February 19, 2025, MCSO deputies located Locker at his home and escorted him to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. In an interview, Detective Hartigan confronted Locker with the victim’s disclosures and recollection of the times he raped her. Locker provided vague answers to some of the questions and displayed signs of discomfort. He ultimately requested a lawyer, and the interview was concluded.

Locker was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond.

(Source: MCSO)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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