Man accused of molesting underage girls

POLK COUNTY, Fla. -- (WKMG) -- A Polk County man is facing dozens of lewd molestation charges after deputies say he repeatedly molested three young girls, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Ezra Raulerson, 65, was arrested Tuesday. A woman came forward earlier this month and tipped off deputies to the abuse, according to a news release.

All three victims said Raulerson asked to give them a "tummy rub" and then molested them, deputies said.

One victim was molested 30 times when she was 10 and 11 years old, the second victim was molested 15 times when she was 10 years old and the third girl was molested 20 times when she was 9 years old, according to the news release.

Deputies said the abuse continued until about three weeks ago.

"Ezra Raulerson's conduct is the worst of the worst -- he violated innocent children who depend on adults for their safe care. It sickens us to know that three innocent and precious children were taken advantage of by someone they trusted. He belongs behind bars for the rest of his life," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.