HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A 43-year-old Hernando County man, Joshua Reginald Velez, has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing a child under the age of 12.
Velez was found guilty last month on two counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 years of age by a Person in Familial Custody. Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. handed down the sentence, ordering Velez to serve two life sentences consecutively.
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“Unspeakable Crimes”
“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.”
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Investigation and Arrest
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation in December 2020 after the young victim disclosed the abuse to a trusted adult. The investigation revealed that Velez had been abusing the child since she was 10 years old, with the abuse spanning across three different states.
Assistant State Attorneys Angelina Rodeo and Kasey Whitson successfully prosecuted the case, ensuring that Velez was held accountable for his actions.
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