Jacksonville Beach, Fla. — UPDATE 3/25/2021 10 P.M.:
The Jax Beach City Council held an emergency meeting tonight following the arrest of the city attorney.
Action News Jax, Christy Turner has LIVE updates on FOX30 at 10.
ORIGINAL STORY
A high-ranking official with the City of Jacksonville Beach has been arrested.
Chris Ambrosio, 48, who is the appointed Attorney for the City of Jacksonville Beach, was taken into custody Wednesday on two molestation-related charges, according to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) jail records.
JSO says their investigation began after receiving reports from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Atlantic Beach Police Department (ABPD) dating back to February that detailed sexual abuse claims at the hands of Ambrosio against a teenage victim.
Investigators say Ambrosio maintained a close friendship with the teenage victim’s family and had been alone with the victim on several occasions prior to the reported incident.
On February 19, Ambrosio texted the victim asking if they would like to have a sleepover. He said they would go to the gym, eat pizza, and make plans to go to Disney World at a later date, according to an arrest report.
After being dropped off in the Jax Beach Whole Foods parking lot by her family, investigators say Ambrosio took the victim to Publix where he purchased White Claws and Smirnoff.
Around 10:50 p.m. that night, investigators say the victim contacted her mother asking to be picked up after a string of sexual advances by Ambrosio. Many of the details of the incident have been redacted from the arrest report.
Ambrosio was confronted by a family member of the victim at his home who later contacted Atlantic Beach Police.
City officials say they are aware of Ambrosio’s arrest and will be holding a meeting Thursday evening to “discuss the matter.”
Ambrosio is acting attorney to all City Departments, including Beaches Energy, and serves as General Counsel to the City Council and Boards.
He is charged with lewd/lascivious molestation on a victim older than 12 but younger than 16 and contributing to child delinquency. He is reportedly not eligible for bond.
Public questions or concerns can be directed to Mayor Chris Hoffman at choffman@jaxbchfl.net or 904-877-1058
This is a breaking news story. Action News Jax will update you on air and online as more information becomes available.