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JURY VERDICT: Davenport man convicted of lewd molestation
/in SAO10 Blog /by Kaitlyn PearsonWhen Daryl Penney’s victim asked that he stop touching her sexually, he responded, “I will try not to anymore.” On a controlled phone call with law enforcement, the 15-year-old girl reminded Penney she said “no” and “stop” on multiple occasions. The girl asked him why he continued to touch her after she told him not […]
SENTENCING UPDATE: Child rapist receives two life sentences
/in SAO10 Blog /by Kaitlyn PearsonMatthew Baist stood motionless as Judge Abdoney handed down two consecutive life sentences Friday. Following a jury trial Aug. 2, Baist was found guilty of sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and sexual battery by a person with familial or custodial authority. As a punishment for not finishing household chores, 33-year-old Baist raped […]
JURY VERDICT: Davenport man guilty of lewd molestation
/in SAO10 Blog /by Kaitlyn PearsonRolando Dejesus admitted to forcing a 12-year-old girl to perform sexual acts on him. It took less than 30 minutes Tuesday for a jury to convict Dejesus, 42, of lewd molestation. He is facing life in prison and will be sentenced on October 18. Assistant State Attorney Mattie Tondreault told jurors that Dejesus’ abuse started […]
JURY VERDICT: Winter Haven man guilty of threats to kill his ex, aggravated stalking
/in SAO10 Blog /by Kaitlyn PearsonDameon Akins was mad when his girlfriend broke up with him, so he hit her and threatened to kill her. “Death is in the air,” Akins said in messages to the victim. “Wherever I see you, I hope God be with you.” One of his video messages ended with 29-year-old Akins forming his hands into […]
JURY VERDICT: Habitual offender convicted of rape, faces 30 years in prison
/in SAO10 Blog /by Kaitlyn PearsonRoger Griffin held his victim at knife point, took her to an abandoned house, and forced himself on her. After a little more than an hour of deliberation, Griffin was found guilty Thursday of sexual battery. He is a habitual offender and faces an increased sentence of up to 30 years in prison. He will […]
Chris Nelson to become new SAO Executive Director
/in SAO10 Blog /by Kaitlyn PearsonState Attorney Brian Haas announced that Auburndale Police Chief Chris Nelson will join the State Attorney’s Office as its Executive Director. When Nelson assumes the role on August 27, he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office. He will also oversee the budget, human resources, IT, facilities, investigations, records retention, and Child […]