A Texas man was found guilty Tuesday of sexually battering and molesting a 14-year-old girl here in 2012, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.
Orlin Antonio Garcia, 49, was found guilty Tuesday of Sexual Battery (No Physical Force) on a Victim Older than 12 but Younger than 18, and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. Circuit Court Judge Timothy Register set sentencing for April 13.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Moore, assisted by Prosecutor Jack Lyons, called two witnesses – including the victim – to prove the defendant sexually battered and molested her here in 2012. The jury took just over an hour to reach its verdict.
“I’m happy for our victim that she was able to get some measure of justice,” Moore said. “She had a tough task here today, to take the witness stand in open court and speak bravely to people she’s never met about something that happened in 2012.
“It took years of counseling and more to get to this point and the jury believed her.”
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The victim, now 27, testified the sexual attacks took place during 2012 but she was too frightened to report them and did not think anyone would believe her. She said the defendant threatened to kill her and her family if she disclosed the assaults.
She did, however, start dating a teen she met at church and told him about the molestation, but also asked him to keep her secret.
“I just felt like I needed to share it with somebody, it had become a lot at that time for me,” she said in court. “I wanted to speak to someone who would make me feel safe, who would comfort me at the time.”
The former boyfriend also testified, confirming the victim’s disclosure to him.
In 2022 the victim said she finally found the courage to report the crimes.
“I have absolutely nothing to gain. I just want my truth to be heard,” she testified. “I have the courage now, I’m brave enough, I’m not scared anymore.”
Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for its thorough investigation of the case, and the victim for her courage.
For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.