The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Tayler DiFrancesco, 19, of Vero Beach, and Arthur Douglas Brown, 20, of Fort Pierce, following an investigation involving two 11-year-old victims.
The case began on October 17, 2025, when a School Resource Deputy at a local elementary school was alerted that a student had shown another child an explicit image on the bus. During the follow-up, the student revealed being a victim of sexual abuse by an adult and identified another child who may have also been victimized.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division, led by Detective Rodrigues, launched a full investigation, conducting interviews that led to both arrests.
DiFrancesco was charged with two counts of Sexual Battery by an Offender 18 or Older on a Victim Under 12 and remains in jail with no bond.
Brown was charged with two counts of Sexual Battery by an Offender 18 or Older on a Victim Under 12, one count of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct, and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.
Additional charges were later filed against DiFrancesco, including Lewd or Lascivious Conduct and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.
Both suspects remain incarcerated with no bond.
Due to the sensitive nature of this case and the ages of the victims, no further details will be released at this time. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Rodrigues at (772) 462-3260.