A Wewahitchka man found guilty in March of 2 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation was ordered to serve consecutive minimum-mandatory 25-year sentences Tuesday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.
Henry Hollis Mangum, 59, was found guilty of the charges March 21 after a 1-day trial. Jurors reached a verdict about 20 minutes after hearing the case presented by Prosecutor Brea Dearing. Circuit Court Judge Shonna Young Gay presided over Tuesday’s sentencing.
At trial, Dearing presented evidence and called 4 witnesses, including the victim – who was under 10 years of age at the time of the offense. The crime was initially unreported, but a series of events in 2021 led to the disclosure.
A forensic interview by an Alabama child protection team and other evidence gathered proved the victim’s case.
“We are pleased that the victim, who had the courage to testify at trial, saw justice served today with Judge Gay’s sentence,” Dearing said. “This has been an ordeal for her, but now she doesn’t have to worry about him ever harming her again.”
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Dearing noted the importance of the verdict on a crime that was reported years after it occurred, because it shows other sexual abuse victims that they will be heard if they come forward.
Basford thanked both the Alabama agencies initially involved in the investigation and the Panama City Police Department for gathering the evidence to build a strong case.
For additional information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.