A Chipley man found guilty in September of sexually battering a 6-year-old will spend the rest of his life in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.
Circuit Court Judge Timothy Register sentenced Christopher Duffy, 36, to life in prison without the possibility of parole Monday for Sexual Battery on a Child under the age of 12.
Prosecutor Megan Ford, Chief of the State Attorney’s Washington County office, presented evidence through a series of witnesses that the defendant sexually assaulted the child on multiple occasions.
The victim reported the abuse to a trusted adult in June 2019 and the adult contacted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators there asked for assistance from the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, and it was determined the offenses had occurred in Washington County. The case was turned over to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Investigator Daryl White.
White, who testified at trial and who is now an investigator with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, interviewed the defendant and others, worked with the GCCAC and a warrant was issued June 25, 2019.
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Duffy was found guilty at trial Sept. 29.
State Attorney Basford wants to thank all the agencies involved for their work across county lines to present a solid case for prosecution. The GCCAC was crucial in this case, particularly the testimony of Victoria Hamilton who interviewed the victim.
For additional information contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov or (850) 381-7454.