HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Robert Joseph McGuire Jr., 34, of Hernando County, has been sentenced to nearly 18 and a half years in prison for sexual battery against a minor, announced the State Attorney’s Office.
On February 20, 2025, McGuire pleaded guilty to two felony counts of Sexual Battery Upon a Person 12 to 18 Years of Age Involving Threat of Retaliation. In addition to the prison sentence, he was designated a Sexual Predator and will be required to serve 10 years of sex offender probation upon his release.
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“The cruel actions and intent behind this defendant’s crimes are repulsive,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Despite being victimized and threatened, this courageous young victim spoke up and sought help; ensuring McGuire would eventually be held accountable.”
The investigation began in October 2021, when the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received a report of a sexual offense involving McGuire and a 13-year-old victim. A trusted adult reported that the victim had been unusually withdrawn before disclosing the abuse.
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The victim told deputies that McGuire had sexually battered them and threatened to kill them if they told anyone. They also revealed that McGuire forced them to take a “morning-after” pill, commonly known as Plan B.
Forensic evidence played a crucial role in the case. DNA evidence collected from the scene matched McGuire’s DNA. Furthermore, GPS monitoring from McGuire’s probation revealed his presence at a CVS pharmacy around the time of the incident. Law enforcement obtained video footage from the store showing McGuire purchasing the Plan B pill.
McGuire, who was already in custody at the Hernando County Detention Center for a probation violation, was interviewed by detectives but denied all allegations.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lisa Yeager and Kasey Whitson.
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