JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The City Attorney for Jacksonville Beach has been arrested after being accused of molesting a child.
According to inmate records from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Christopher Ambrosio, 48, is facing charges for Lewd/Lascivious Molestation on a victim over the age of 12, but less than 16 and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
Ambrosio’s arrest report states the victim and her mom went to the police station last Wednesday.
The report said Ambrosio is a friend of the family and he and the victim have been alone on several occasions.
Police say Ambrosio invited the victim to go to the gym, get some pizza and have a sleepover in February.
It was at his house in Atlantic Beach where police said Ambrosio told the victim to come into the bathroom with her swimsuit on.
That’s when authorities said the victim said Ambrosio didn’t have any clothes on, the lights were off, and he tried to force her swimsuit down.
The victim then reportedly ran into a bedroom and called her mom to come get her.
He had his first appearance before a judge Wednesday.
The judge ordered Ambrosio have a GPS with the JSO CTC program to require he stays at least 750 feet from the listed victim if he gets out on bond.
Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman said the situation is a shock and that the city is doing everything they can to make sure those who work with the city, and even the community are aware of this situation.
“Our city staff and our city leadership was stunned and shocked,” Hoffman said. “But that’s not going to stop us from making sure all of our bases are covered.”
Hoffman said Ambrosio served as the city attorney for just over a year.
“By any account, he was performing very well and was a trusted advisor to our city staff and city council,” Hoffman said. “We have already began discussing out legal services continue without any interruption to ensure our city is not without legal services.”
Ambrosio is still employed by the city as of Wednesday, but the city council will hold a special meeting Thursday at 5 where Hoffman said his employment status will be discussed.
The communications manager for the City of Jacksonville Beach sent out an email early Wednesday saying they are aware of the arrest and cannot comment on the case. The spokesperson also stated that they and are working to ensure the continuity of legal services for the city.
Ambrosio serves as the attorney to all City Departments, including Beaches Energy Services and the City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department, and serves as General Counsel to the City Council and Boards.
He is a licensed Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in City, County Local Government Law and member of the Government Lawyers and Trial Lawyers sections, according to the City of Jacksonville Beach website.