A Central Florida man was sentenced in a sexual battery of a child case.
The Honorable Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Hezekiah Benjamin Jr. to 60 years in the Florida Department of Corrections on his guilty conviction.
Earlier this year, a Lake County jury found Benjamin guilty on one count of Sexual Battery of a Victim under 18, and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 16.
“I am extremely proud of our prosecutors for seeing this case to the end and securing a fitting sentence for this defendant who will no longer be able to prey upon innocent children,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson.
In May of 2021, it was reported to the Clermont Police Department (CPD) officials that Benjamin had sexually battered a 13-year-old child. Officials received a call reporting this information, where the caller advised the victim texted them, stating Benjamin was abusing them.
The victim was subsequently interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center in Leesburg for further investigation. At the center, the victim confirmed sending the text messages and informed investigators of the abuse committed by Benjamin, relaying vital details of the incidents. The victim further indicated they feared Benjamin.
Benjamin was then arrested on the warrant and booked into the Lake County Jail.
Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Gennady Gusak successfully prosecuted this case.
