(Hernando County, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. sentenced 43-year-old Joshua Reginald Velez to Life in prison.

Last month, Velez was found guilty by jurors on both counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 years of age by a Person in Familial Custody. Judge Merritt sentenced Velez to Life on each count to be served consecutively.

“Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protect vulnerable children from predators like Velez. The unspeakable crimes against this innocent child highlight a profound breach of trust placed in this defendant who happened to serve as a youth coach in another state,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We will not tolerate such acts of violence and depravity.”

Velez was originally arrested in December of 2020, following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigation after the young victim disclosed to an adult the abuse committed by Velez. The adult then contacted law enforcement to report the crime.

Officials made contact with the child who advised of numerous incidents of sexual abuse by Velez, spanning over three different states.  Detectives launched a thorough investigation, which revealed Velez had been abusing the victim since the victim was 10 years old.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Angelina Rodeo and Kasey Whitson.

Published on 10/25/2024.