2 Arrested for Alleged Public Sex at Marathon Children's Park

Authorities say the suspects were engaged in lewd acts in front of a family with a child.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of metal handcuffs against a stark, black background, conceptually representing the arrest of individuals accused of inappropriate public behavior.The arrest of two individuals accused of public indecency at a children's park exposes the need for increased vigilance to protect community spaces.Marathon Today

Two people, Benjamin Andrew Frey and Kristi Lynn Ruiz, were arrested in Marathon, Florida on Saturday after being accused of having sex in plain view at a children's park. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of the incident at the City of Marathon Children's Rotary Park and Dog Park, where a family with a juvenile witness allegedly saw the couple engaged in lewd acts.

Why it matters

Public indecency and lewd behavior in areas meant for families and children raise serious concerns about public safety and the wellbeing of minors. This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to ensure parks remain safe, family-friendly spaces.

The details

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, deputies arrived at the City of Marathon Children's Rotary Park and Dog Park around 8 p.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of a man and woman having sex in plain view. The witness was a family of three that included a juvenile. Frey and Ruiz were then taken into custody and charged with several counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest.

  • The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Andrew Frey

A 35-year-old man arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest.

Kristi Lynn Ruiz

A 42-year-old woman arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and made the arrests.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining appropriate public conduct, especially in areas meant for families and children. The arrests highlight the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure community spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.