Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on January 8, 2019, a six-member Bay County jury found Todd Sparaga guilty as charged of eleven counts of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12 Years of Age, five counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery.
Evidence presented at trial proved that between March of 2013 and January of 2018, Sparaga sexually molested two relatives on multiple occasions while at the family home. One victim approached her school counselor on or around January 23, 2018, which prompted the investigation into the sexual abuse allegations. Investigator Chris Williams with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Sparaga after meeting with both victims. Sparaga confessed to sexually abusing the victims after being read his Miranda rights.
The jury deliberated for fifteen minutes before returning a verdict of guilty as charged on all counts. Sparaga faces up to 16 consecutive life sentences plus 15 years in the Department of Corrections. Circuit Judge Brantley Clark, Jr., will sentence Sparaga on January 25, 2019. Assistant State Attorneys Jennifer Hawkins and Cord Grimes prosecuted the case with the help of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, and the victims.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.