Florida Teen Who Raped Toddler Gets Life in Prison
In Florida, sexual battery is a very serious offense that can result in life in prison. Sexual battery is the same as rape, which means engaging in sexual activity with someone without their consent. The younger the victim, the more serious the crime.
This was the case for a Florida teen, who recently received a sentence of life in prison for raping a 2-year-old girl. He had sex with the toddler in April 2018, while he was babysitting the girl and two other children one night.
The teen, who was 17 at the time, called the girl’s father and told him that the girl was hurt and he needed to come home. The father called 911 and when deputies arrived, the teen told them that a masked intruder wearing black entered the home while he was sleeping. The teen also said he chased the intruder and later realized that the girl had been hurt.
A K-9 unit found a bloody sheet in the woods behind the house. The boy admitted to hiding the sheet there. He was arrested and charged with rape of a child.
On February 28, 2020, the teen, now 19, pled guilty to child sexual battery. Because he was 17 at the time of the crime, he did not face a mandatory life sentence. However, the judge still chose to try him as an adult. The teen was sentenced to life in prison. He apologized to the girl’s family while in court.
What the Law Says
Sexual battery involves sexual penetration without consent. Consent does not include coerced submission. It is also important to know that children cannot consent to sex.
Under Florida Statutes, Section 794.011, a person who is over the age of 18 who commits sexual battery with a child under the age of 12 can be convicted of a capital felony. When the person is under the age of 18 and the victim is under the age of 12, the punishment is life in prison with a $15,000 fine.
When the person is under 18 and the victim is over the age of 12, the crime is charged as a first-degree felony. This is punishable by 30 years in prison, 30 years probation and a $10,000 fine.
When an adult over the age of 18 rapes another adult, and there is no violence or weapon involved, the crime is charged as a second-degree felony. The punishment is 15 years in prison and 15 years probation, as well as a $10,000 fine.
Seek Help for Your Criminal Defense Case
Sexual battery is a serious crime, especially when the victim is a young child. As seen in this case, a person can face a lifetime in prison for such a crime.
If you are being accused of sexual battery, get help from the Dade City & Zephyrhills sexual battery lawyers at Madonna Law Group as soon as possible. You could face many years in prison, so don’t delay. Call us today at (800) 557-0411 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
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https://www.manderlawgroup.com/orlando-teacher-arrested-for-molesting-teen-student/