A man who chose to have a judge decide his fate rather than a jury was found guilty Tuesday of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.
James Matthew Hernandez, 37, of Parker, faces up to Life in prison at his March 24 sentencing before Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson.
Instead of a jury hearing the case, Hernandez asked for a bench trial, meaning the testimony and evidence was presented directly to Judge Stephenson without a jury present.
RELATED NEWS: Man who bit deputy’s head to the skull sentenced
RELATED NEWS: Follow us on Facebook for updates, news
Prosecutor Morgan McAfee called 4 witnesses – including the victim, who was under 10 years of age – and presented evidence showing the defendant sexually molested the child in 2022.
Judge Stephenson heard closing arguments from McAfee and the defense before retiring to determine a verdict. Just over 20 minutes later he returned and handed his verdict form to a court clerk who read it aloud, announcing the defendant was guilty.
Under Florida law, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of 25 years.
Basford thanked the Parker Police Department and Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center for their work on the case.
For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.