Deputies: Polk County man ties up, sexually batters teen

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A Haines City man was arrested for kidnapping and sexually battering a teenaged girl, deputies say.

Polk County deputies arrested 30-year-old Travis Burton on Saturday. Deputies said Burton punched the 16-year-old girl several times in the face shortly after she arrived at an unoccupied home in Davenport where he was waiting. He then tied her up with a rope and bound her with tape, before sexually battering her.  

Deputies said he also put a knife to her throat and attached a dog leash to her neck. Later, he put her in a truck and drove until he got stuck in an orange grove. At that point, they said the teenager was sexually battered again. 

When deputies arrived, Burton fled on foot but was located. Deputies say he told them he arranged to meet the girl through the Internet. He said he agreed to pay her $300, but then there was an “disagreement over money, so she refused to leave,” according to a media release. 

Burton was charged with sexual battery, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated child abuse and soliciting prostitution. 

Additional details are expected to be released by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Tuesday afternoon.