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Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Boy Near Homeless Camp

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A Pompano Beach man is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year old boy near a homeless camp in Deerfield Beach.

On Saturday, May 9th, around 1:30 a.m. Donald Vannatter, 45, and the boy were "hanging out and drinking alcohol" near the camp at 101 W Sample Road when he told the boy to come with him to get another beer, according to Broward Sheriff's investigators.

Vannatter allegedly led the boy to a secluded wooded area near the northbound I-95 ramp and E Sample Road.  Once there, according to sheriff's investigators, he grabbed the boy by the neck and ordered him to take off his clothes.

The boy would later tell investigators that he didn't want to have sex with Vannatter but he was scared so he did what he was told and took off his pants.  Vannatter then sexually assaulted him, according to the arrest report.

The boy told investigators that he as in so much pain afterward that he went to North Broward Hospital to get checked out. It was hospital that alerted the authorities to what had allegedly happened.

Sheriff's deputies found Vannatter at the homeless camp. During questioning, Vannatter admitted to sexually assaulting the boy but said it was consensual, according to the report. He also reportedly told investigators that the boy performed oral sex on him as well.

Vanatter said the boy was intoxicated at the time and even fell a couple of times on their way to the wooded section.

Vanatter was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a victim 12-years old and older with special circumstances.

The sheriff's office said a records check revealed that Vannatter was convicted of Sexual Battery Assault in Illinois and is listed as a Violent Sexual Predator.

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