MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – An Ocklawaha man has been found guilty on charges that include sexual battery on a child under 12 years old.
What happened
Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) investigated 51-year-old Brian Patrick McCoy of Ocklawaha in June of 2019.
MCSO says they received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that indicated an online user had uploaded files containing child pornography. The department reports that McCoy, a registered sex offender, had the account.
Detectives from MCSO got a search warrant for McCoy’s home. They say they contacted him and took his cellphone.
During questioning, MCSO reports that McCoy confessed to looking at and saving child pornography files. A Digital Forensic Technician from MCSO examined McCoy’s device and confirmed that child pornography was found on it.
MCSO identified the victim in several videos on McCoy’s device. McCoy was arrested and taken into custody.
Outcome
McCoy appeared in the Fifth Judicial Circuit court on September 11, where jurors found him guilty on all charges including:
- Felony Capital Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 Years of Age (one count)
- Direct or Promote Sexual Performance of a Child (one count)
- Possession of Child Pornography (two counts)
Judge Timothy McCourt sentenced McCoy to Life in State Prison for the sexual battery charge.
He also consecutively sentenced McCoy to 15 years for the sexual performance charge and 5 years for each of the possession of child pornography charges.
“Crimes committed against children tear apart the very foundation of trust and hope that is essential for their future,” says Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We commend Sheriff Woods and his detectives for their dedication and pursuit of justice in this case. We hope this sentencing can offer a glimmer of hope for the victim and their family, so they can find the strength to heal.”