Third suspect charged with sexual abuse of a child under 12.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In an update to an ongoing investigation spanning several months and involving numerous search warrants, detectives from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office apprehended a third defendant in a harrowing case of child sexual abuse.

Maria Cribb, 33, known to be the sister of the primary accused, Steven Cribb, currently faces severe charges related to child abuse. Steven Cribb, 30, along with his girlfriend Laura L. Dietz, 30, resided off Mentmore Circle in Deltona and were apprehended on the evening of February 22, 2023, following a prompt investigation that morning. Maria Cribb now stands accused of one count of capital sexual battery and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation concerning a victim under the age of 12. Furthermore, the ongoing investigation has uncovered distressing evidence indicating the abuse of another child.

The initial news release reported the arrest of the Deltona couple for the sexual abuse of two children under 12. Both defendants admitted to the egregious act of sexually abusing two young girls under the age of 12. These reprehensible acts had occurred on multiple occasions over several years. While evidence suggests the victims knew their attackers, specific details about their relationship have been withheld to safeguard their identities.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with any information about potential victims of child sexual abuse in this or any other case to contact the VSO Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.