(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of Judge Heidi Davis, jurors found 48-year-old Jerry Lynn Adams guilty of Sexual Battery Upon a Child Less Than Twelve Years of Age and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Less Than Twelve Years of Age. Adams faces Life in prison as a mandatory sentence. His sentencing hearing will be set at a later date so a presentence investigation can be conducted.

Adams was arrested in August of 2023 following a Tavares Police Department investigation after a complainant reported that a minor child had been sexually abused. Deputies then learned that the abuse took place at a residence in Altoona and called in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to assist.

Deputy Honore responded to the Tavares Police Department, where he met with the complainant, who advised that a child was molested by Jerry Adams, the defendant. The complainant stated the child had confided in another child, who then told an adult, and that adult informed the complainant.

Officials spoke with the child, who advised that the defendant had sexually battered them approximately a year ago. The child relayed crucial details to deputies and further stated that Adams had molested them on another occasion.

Detectives launched a thorough investigation and conducted a controlled phone call to Adams, who admitted to touching the then 10-year-old victim inappropriately. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Adams for sexual battery.  

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Shannon Schlarf and Tyler Duffy.  

Published on 09/24/2025.