Putnam County Man Arrested in Hernando County on Capital SEX BATTERY Charges

In June 2026, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding disclosures of sexual battery involving two juvenile victims. The disclosures indicated that the alleged abuse had occurred over an extended period, dating back to the victims’ childhoods. 

The suspect, Christopher Buzzone, DOB/06-11-1989, was identified during the investigation. The reported incidents occurred in multiple jurisdictions in Florida and New York. 

Previously in January 2021, one of the victims disclosed allegations that Buzzone had sexually battered them in Putnam County. An agency assist report was subsequently made in Hernando County and forwarded to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) regarding the allegations that occurred in their county. 

As part of the current investigation, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Detective Killingsworth contacted PCSO to obtain the 2021 report and gather additional information. The report was provided, and HCSO was advised that investigators had been unable to make contact with Buzzone. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review, and no further investigative activity was documented in the records provided. 

Following a thorough investigation by Detective Killingsworth, an arrest warrant was obtained for Buzzone. He was subsequently arrested in Alachua County and transferred to the Hernando County Detention Center.

Buzzone faces the following charges: 

Sexual Battery by a Person 18 Years of Age or Older on a Victim Under 12 Years of Age - 3 Counts

Bond: No Bond 

This investigation remains ongoing, with forensic investigative efforts pending. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is also coordinating with law enforcement agencies in the other jurisdictions where the incidents occurred. 

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously. These are among our most vulnerable victims, and they deserve to be protected, heard, and treated with dignity. We are committed to conducting thorough investigations, pursuing justice, and ensuring that the victims receive the support they deserve. 

This investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as appropriate. 

Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips 

If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers.  You will remain anonymous!

***Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone. *** 

You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .

 You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash!