(Marion County, FL) Earlier today, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Pope during the trial of 47-year-old Christopher Lee Holding. Holding was found guilty on all seven charges, including Sexual Battery of a Victim Older than 12 but less than 18 years of age.

After jurors delivered their verdict to the court, Judge Pope sentenced Holding to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“I cannot even begin to fathom the pain and suffering this victim endured from Holding,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The weight of the trauma they will have to carry the rest of their life is despairing and incomparable. I am extremely pleased with this sentencing after fully examining all the evidence and considering the surrounding circumstances.”

In June of 2023, Holding was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies after allegations of sexual misconduct between Holding and the victim were reported. During a forensic interview, the victim disclosed numerous reports of sexual abuse committed by Holding, spanning from 2017 to 2021.

The victim told investigators that the abuse started when they were only 13 years old and included numerous instances where Holding would tie or chain up the victim while sexually battering them.  Additional evidence revealed during the investigation supported the victim’s statement of repetitive abuse.    

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self.