Release posted on 08-28-26 at 11:14 AM

A 26-year-old man has been charged with sexually abusing a child under age 12.

St. Petersburg police detectives launched an investigation August 5th after a young child told her parents she was sexually abused by a man known to the family. The incident was initially reported in Pasco County, but investigators determined the alleged abuse occurred in St. Petersburg.

The investigation determined that the suspect was Michael Phillips (26). His booking photo is below.

Phillips was arrested on charges of sexual battery on a child under the age of 12.