Feitz guilty of sex offenses against child - Larry Basford

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan, center, addresses jurors as bailiff and Circuit Judge Brantley Clark observe.

A May 23 sentencing date is set for a Panama City man found guilty Wednesday of three sex offenses against a child, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Local Podiatrist Dr. Daniel E. Feitz, 61, was found guilty as charged Wednesday of Sexual Battery Upon a Child Less Than 12 Years of Age, Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition, and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. The penalty for the sexual battery charge is Life in prison.

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan during his opening statement to jurors.

Defendant Daniel Feitz faces Life in prison at his sentencing.

Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark Jr. ordered the defendant held without bond until his sentencing.

Lead Prosecutor Frank Sullivan and Prosecutor Morgan McAfee called 7 witnesses, including the victim, during the 2-day trial to prove that the defendant committed the acts against the child when she was 10 years old.

The jury deliberated for a little over a hour and a half before returning its verdict.

“The jury’s verdict in this case not only brings justice to the victim, but also gives her closure and the opportunity to move forward with her life in a meaningful way,” Sullivan said.

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their work on the case.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.