A mother checking her boyfriend's phone after a medical emergency found something that ended one investigation and started a second, far more disturbing one.
The Discovery
In Ormond Beach, Florida, a woman and her 3-year-old daughter had recently moved into the apartment of her boyfriend, Benjamin Worster, 39. The child soon told her mother that Worster had touched her inappropriately. After Worster was hospitalized following an apparent overdose, the child''s mother found evidence on his phone connecting him to a plan involving another man to abuse her daughter. She reported it to police.
Charges Against Worster
Worster was arrested by Ormond Beach police on charges including lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, and 21 counts of possession of child pornography.
A Second Arrest
The evidence recovered from Worster''s phone led investigators to Lafe Best, 37, of the Ormond Beach area, who was subsequently arrested by Volusia County Sheriff''s detectives on a charge of conspiracy to commit sexual battery on a child. We are not describing the contents of the evidence found. A search of Best''s residence turned up what investigators believed to be additional child sexual abuse material on his phone. Following forensic examination, Best was charged with 11 counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities said Best lived with a household that included a child of about 20 months old, and while there was no indication at the time that the child had been a victim of abuse, investigators said they would continue monitoring the situation. Both men were held without bond as the investigation continued.
FAQ
What led to the discovery of this case?
The child''s mother found evidence on her boyfriend''s phone after he was hospitalized, and reported it to police.
What charges do the two men face?
Benjamin Worster faces molestation, lewd conduct, and child pornography charges; Lafe Best faces a conspiracy charge and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Was the 3-year-old victim harmed?
She disclosed inappropriate touching by Worster to her mother, which led directly to his arrest.