Matthew Edward Zink, 49, was found guilty of one count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. The jury returned the verdict Wednesday evening, following a three-day trial in Collier County.
Assistant State Attorneys Lawrence Raab and Jennifer Brown prosecuted the case.
Zink was arrested following an investigation by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.
The investigation started when the child told a family member about being molested by the defendant. The adult then told a Youth Relations Deputy at the victim’s elementary school.
During the investigation several incidents were discovered to have occurred over several months in 2021. The defendant made the victim “pinky promise” not to tell anyone after sexually molesting them. He would also buy the victim toys after the incidents.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 22, 2024.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office