ST. PETERSBURG MAN FACING MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCE RECEIVES FIVE (5) YEARS PROBATION

State v. D.W.
Judge: Phillip Federico
Date: July, 2008

Facts: The Defendant was accused of raping a minor on multiple occasions. The State Attorney charged the Defendant with Capital Sexual Battery, an offense that carries a mandatory life sentence. An extensive investigation revealed that the alleged victim’s story had changed on numerous occasions. In addition, the victim had pending criminal charges that were being prosecuted by the same prosecutor’s office as that which was prosecuting the Defendant. Our investigation suggested that many of the statements being made by the victim fabricated to assist him in his own criminal case.

Result: Reduced charge to child abuse, five (5) years probation.