New Smyrna Felon Turns Himself In After Being Accused Of Raping Boy

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New Smyrna Beach, FL - A New Smyrna Beach man, with a history of felonies, turned himself in this week after police say he raped a boy who was under 12 years old back in 2016. According to police reports, the abuse occurred in the middle of 2016 when the boy was at Desman Jefferson's home. Jefferson allegedly sexually abused the boy while they were in a bathroom. According to police reports, Jefferson told the boy "if he ever told someone, then something bad was going to happen." The abuse was originally reported in February of this year, and police began an investigation. An official charging affidavit was filed this April. During the investigation, Jefferson, now 32 years old, is also accused of witness tampering. Jefferson was not allowed to have any contact with any juveniles during the course of the investigation, but police say Jefferson made contact with two juveniles during that time. Jefferson has lengthy criminal history, including felonies, in Volusia County dating back to at least 2003. According to New Smyrna Beach police, he turned himself in on June 6. He is currently being held without bond in the Volusia County Branch Jail and is charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years old. Jefferson's mugshot courtesy of Volusia County Jail.