Posted on May 17, 2017

Man Rapes 8-year-old Girl in Marion County, Deputies Say

Adrienne Cutway andErik von Ancken, Click Orlando, May 15, 2017

Sydney Allan Markland

Sydney Allan Markland

An Ocala man is accused of luring an 8-year-old girl into his home and sexually battering her, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Sydney Allan Markland, 68, told deputies that the child was “wearing provocative clothing” during the July 2016 assault, a news release said. The victim told authorities that she knew Markland in passing because they live in the same neighborhood, so when he appeared injured and asked her if she would help him carry some fried chicken into the house, she agreed, deputies said.

Markland, who goes by the nickname “Dread,” sexually battered the victim and told her not to tell anyone, according to a news release.

The girl told a parent, who called law enforcement. DNA samples were collected from the victim’s and after several months, they proved to be a match with Markland.

Detectives wrote in their report the girl told them that Markland “told her not to tell anyone, kissed her on the cheek and read from the Bible” after the assault.

Deputies said Markland told that in his culture his actions are considered acceptable. He also said the child’s clothing and “actions” suggested consent, officials said.

“She was wearing provocative clothing,” Markland said during his confession, according to what detectives wrote in their report. “Her actions suggested that she was consenting to sexual contact.”

After his arrest Friday, Markland admitted to detectives that he sexual battered the girl after eating chicken wings and praying with her, detectives said.

“When she (started) running and crying (with) her pants down, I knew something was up,” said neighbor Steve Sarju.

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Markland is charged with sexual assault on a victim under 12 years old, lewd and lascivious behavior, molest victim less than 12 years old and crimes against a person lure and entice child under 12 years old.

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He’s being held without bond in the Marion County Jail.

Deputies said Markland could have more victims because he’s familiar with children in the neighborhood.

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