A man is under arrest in Marion County after deputies say he raped a woman he met online.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Antonio Walton, 30, and charged him with sexual battery with a firearm.
Investigators say Walton and the victim met online and agreed to meet in person Saturday in the area of Silver Springs Shores.
Deputies say the victim walked with Walton behind a residence at Bahia Road and Walton pulled a gun on the victim, threatened her, and then raped her. Walton then fled the area and the victim called 911.
A K9 unit was able to conduct a track from where the rape happened to a residence on Pine Lane but deputies were unable to make contact with anyone at that time.
Detectives said when they later searched the neighborhood, Walton was located at the residence that the K9 had previously tracked to and matched the suspect description.
The Sheriff’s Office said the victim and a witness positively identified Walton as the suspect through a photo line-up.
Walton was arrested and charged on Monday with sexual battery with a firearm. He is being held in the Marion County Jail on $50,000 bond.
Major Crimes detectives have reason to believe that Walton may have been involved in other suspicious encounters. If you recognize Walton or have met someone similar online, please call Marion County Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP.