(Citrus County, FL) Today, Judge Joel D. Fritton sentenced 45-year-old Christopher James Cassidy to Life in prison, with an additional 15-year sentence for his convictions.

Last month, jurors found Cassidy guilty as charged for two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 12 years of age and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 16 years of age.

In May of 2024, Deputy Levi Garrison of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the Emergency Operations Center in Lecanto, FL, in reference to a complaint of a past sexual assault of a child. 

Upon arrival, Deputy Garrison learned from the complainant that a 12-year-old victim had been molested by the defendant. The complainant stated that the night prior, while having dinner with the defendant, he became visibly upset and left the dining room table. When the complainant asked what was wrong, Cassidy informed the complainant that he had touched the victim’s private area in a sexual manner. The defendant divulged a detailed account of the incident.  

The complainant told Deputy Garrison that, upon learning this, Cassidy was asked to leave the residence. The complainant was then able to speak with the victim, who disclosed the sexual abuse committed by the defendant. The victim also stated to the complainant that Cassidy had instructed the victim not to say anything about the incident.  

Detective Jason Cook with CCSO’s Special Victims Unit was assigned the case. A Child Protective Team interview was conducted at Jessie’s Place, where the victim recounted the same details as initially reported by the complainant. Contact was then made with the defendant and a recorded interview was completed. While speaking with officials, Cassidy made several admissions about molesting the victim and was subsequently arrested.   

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kevin Davis and Kaitlyn Mannis.  

Published on 11/12/2025.