Orange County sheriff’s deputies arrested the brother of Orlando Police Chief John Mina on child molestation charges for allegedly molesting a girl since she was ten.
Edward Michael Mina, 51, was arrested Tuesday just after 4 p.m. before booking him into the Orange County Jail where he is being held without bond on charges of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12 and sexual battery on a child under 12.
The incidents began about five years ago, according to WFTV.
It’s not known how and when detectives learned of Mina’s crimes.
Chief Mina released a statement expressing concern for the privacy of the minor victim.
“These are extremely serious and disturbing criminal allegations. At this time, I am most concerned with the welfare and privacy of the child involved, and won’t be making any further comment.”
Mina filed paper work to run as the next Orange County sheriff in 2020.
He will be vying to succeed Sheriff Jerry Demings, who has served as sheriff since 2008.
Sheriff Demings has until June to formally tender his resignation as sheriff and has filed paperwork to run for Orange County mayor in 2020.
Political Science professor at University of Central Aubrey Jewett said he thought Mina’s name recognition would be a crucial advantage, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Jewett added Mina’s role in Orlando police’s response to the 2016 mass shooting in Orlando nightclub.
Edward Mina is expected to appear before a judge sometime today.
