UPDATE: A 61-year-old man from Seminole has been arrested and charged with serious offenses following a shocking incident involving juvenile witnesses at a local park. Authorities confirmed that Mark Prutsman was taken into custody on January 5, 2026, after detectives from the Crimes Against Children Unit investigated reports of lewd behavior in Blossom Lake Park.
The disturbing event unfolded on December 24, 2025, at around 3:37 p.m., when two young boys, ages 12 and 9, noticed Prutsman sitting on a bench watching pornography while engaging in inappropriate conduct. The juveniles quickly alerted an adult nearby, who called 911 for assistance.
During questioning, Prutsman admitted to watching what he referred to as “adult material” but denied any inappropriate touching. He now faces two counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition. Following his arrest, Prutsman was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, which has raised significant concern in the community. In accordance with Florida Statute 119.071, no identifying information about the victims will be released. This case highlights the urgent need for vigilance in protecting children from sexual exploitation and misconduct in public spaces.
As the investigation progresses, residents are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. The community is rightly shaken by this incident, as safety in public areas is paramount. Local officials are expected to address the community’s concerns in upcoming meetings.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
