In a concerning series of events in Flagler County, Florida, 64-year-old Robert Goldstein has been arrested following allegations of assault. Initially detained for assaulting a healthcare worker on New Year’s Day, further investigation revealed a more disturbing incident involving an 11-year-old girl at a Walmart store.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) utilized facial recognition software on Goldstein’s mugshot, which linked him to the Walmart incident. Chief of the Investigative Services Division, David K. Williams, detailed the nature of the assault, describing how Goldstein inappropriately touched the young girl’s head and shoulders.
The girl’s parents reported the incident to the deputies, who expressed relief at their decision to come forward. “This stuff happens more often than is reported,” Williams stated, acknowledging the underreporting of such incidents.
Local mothers Anna Walker and Shalonda Woods, upon learning about Goldstein’s actions through the sheriff’s office’s Facebook post, expressed their horror and concern. Walker described her reaction as “absolute terror.” This sentiment is increasingly common among parents in the community, especially following a recent similar incident in Lee County, where Pablo Hernandez was arrested for an attempted kidnapping of a 4-year-old inside a Walmart.
With these events occurring within a short span of one another, Walker emphasized her heightened concern for her child’s safety, preferring to keep him at home or close by in stores.
The FCSO is now exploring the possibility of more victims. Goldstein, who had no prior criminal history and was not on the sex offenders registry, has raised suspicions about potential past offenses. “We want anyone in the community who recognizes him to come forward if they’ve had any dealings with him in the past. Similar situations or anything like that,” Williams urged.
Authorities are prepared to hold Goldstein accountable for all his actions should more victims come forward. Williams also stressed the importance of public vigilance, advising parents to keep their children close and be aware of their surroundings.