Crime & Safety

Child Abuse Charge For Carnival Worker

Gregory David Haney, 58, was caring for a New York teen and carnival worker this summer. He is accused of dragging her across the pavement during an argument.

A self-employed carnival worker was arrested in Land O’ Lakes on one count of child abuse Friday (June 28).

Gregory David Haney, 58, of Odessa, got into an argument with a 16-year-old female under his care for the summer. According to a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office report, the incident turned physical when the teen tried to leave their vehicle when it was disabled on State Road 52. The teen fell on the pavement and Haney alleged dragged her across the pavement and back to the vehicle.

According to the report, the female is from Niagara Falls, New York. She met Haney when Haney was working a carnival there several weeks back. The girl’s mother signed a letter allowing her to travel with Haney and the carnival to earn money for the summer, the report stated. 

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Haney was taken to the Land O' Lakes Detention Center, where he remains on $5,000 bail. 


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