Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on January 16, 2020, Xsavian “Rozay” Cromartie was found guilty as charged by a jury of Lewd and Lascivious Battery, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition. The victim testified at trial that in December 2016, when she was 12 years old, she and her friend, who lived with the victim and dated Xsavian Cromartie, were picked up by the defendant and taken to a motel on Harrison Avenue, near the bus station. When they arrived at the motel, the friend stayed in the car and the defendant and the victim went into the motel room. In the room, the victim was told to get on her knees and perform oral sex on the defendant who was 26 at the time. Not knowing what to do the defendant grabbed the victim’s hand and showed her what to do. When the victim didn’t perform oral sex for a length of time to the defendant’s liking, the defendant asked the 12 year old to push her breasts together and then masturbated in front of the victim. The defendant then paid the victim $60. The victim testified that she was afraid to disclose at the time. About 18 months later the victim disclosed to a friend who encouraged her to tell a teacher, who immediately notified law enforcement.
During the trial, the State presented the testimony of the victim and Cpl. Kristian Shaw of the Panama City Police Department. The jury deliberated for 40 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts. The defendant faces a maximum of 45 years in the Department of Corrections and is scheduled for sentencing on January 24th before the Honorable Judge Dustin Stephenson.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Nicole Reed and Frank Sullivan. Voyager, the Facility Dog from the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, provided support for the victim in this case during court proceedings.