A former Florida school resource officer was convicted for child sexual abuse.
After a two-day trial last week, a Putnam County jury found defendant Joshua Herren guilty of 16 felony counts: two counts of Sexual Battery of a Minor 12 to 18 years of age by Person in Custodial Authority, two counts of Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor, Offense Against Students by Authority Figure, eight counts of Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child, Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors by Electronic Device, Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device and Tampering in First-Degree Proceeding.
Herren committed these crimes over a three-year period while he was a Putnam County school resource deputy, according to authorities.
“The defendant used his position of authority to sexually abuse a victim he was sworn to protect,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “No punishment is too severe for his crimes.”
The defendant faces up to life in prison for the crimes.
The case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorneys Deb Rothenberg and Alex Gilewicz successfully tried the case for the state. The Honorable Alicia Washington presided over the case and is set to pronounce sentence on August 26, 2024.
