Camp counselor arrested for sexual offenses

A former Holley by the Sea summer camp counselor is being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond following his arrest on sex crime charges.

Alekzander Echelle, 22, of Navarre, was charged with six counts of lewd and lascivious battery with a victim under the age of 16, a second-degree felony.

According to a report issued by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Echelle worked as a camp counselor for the 4,000-plus lot subdivision from 2007-2009. The camp is for children ages 7 – 14. While there, Echelle had contact with all ages.

It was at that camp, during his employment, where Echelle met the victim, the sheriff’s report stated. At the time, Echelle told officers, he believed the victim to be 13.

The victim contacted Echelle via the social networking site, Facebook, in January of 2011.

Despite her profile stating her age being 17, Echelle questioned her about her age. The victim told Echelle that she had lied about her age and was actually 16, according to the sheriff’s report. This was also false as police have verified she is under the age of 16.

The two exchanged phone numbers and began calling, texting, and e-mailing each other. They later had their first meeting on Valentine’s Day. Echelle visited the victim at her house while her parents were away, the report stated.

Following their meeting, Echelle asked the victim to date formerly, who accepted. While dating, both the victim and Echelle admitted to having sex several times, the report stated.

On each occasion, the victim told her parents she was sleeping over a friend’s house or hanging out with a friend, the report stated.

Echelle told police that the victim assured him that her parents knew they were dating.

The victim told sheriffs that the sex was consensual.

Sheriffs are asking that anyone with a similar experience with Echelle to contact Det. Larry Tynes, 850-983-1239.