Former Police Officer Acquitted of Child Abuse in Lee County

Child abuse is a serious offense in Florida. It is a felony of the third degree, and it can lead to a maximum prison sentence of five years. If you face this charge, you should do everything in your power to avoid conviction. A recent child abuse case in Lee County shows that this goal is possible – and you should not give up hope just because you face this allegation. Instead, consider speaking with an experienced Fort Myers violent crimes attorney.

Former Police Officer Acquitted After Allegedly Firing Airsoft Gun at Child 

In February of 2025, various sources reported that a former Lee County police officer had been acquitted of child abuse charges. He successfully navigated a two-day trial, facing one count of aggravated child abuse with malicious punishment and a separate count of “simple” child abuse. It is worth noting that aggravated child abuse is a much more serious offense compared to simple child abuse, as it carries a potential prison sentence of 30 years.

In February of 2024, a teen at the defendant’s home called 911. She told the authorities that the defendant had physically beaten her, causing her to flee the home and call for help. When the police arrived, the defendant told them that the teen had started hitting him when he tried to punish her by confiscating her sneakers.

In response to this physical assault by the teen, the defendant attempted to restrain the teen. A physical altercation then occurred in the home, apparently involving an adult woman as well. Later, the defendant commented that he had used an airsoft gun in a similar physical altercation in the past.

The defendant’s mother-in-law then told authorities that he had shot the teen with a BB gun. In response, the defendant commented that “everyone” had been shot with BB guns.

It is not clear how the defendant managed to avoid a conviction. However, the most logical explanation is a lack of evidence. Since the altercation occurred within the family home and with no outside witnesses, it may have been difficult to establish what really happened. Although the teen and the mother-in-law might have stated that the defendant committed child abuse, it is their word against his.

In addition, it is worth noting that Florida parents are legally allowed to engage in corporal punishment. This most certainly does not include shooting children with BB guns, although physical force is allowed in many cases.

Can a Defense Attorney in Lee County Help With Child Abuse Charges? 

A criminal defense attorney in Lee County may be able to help if you face allegations of child abuse. This crime not only has the potential to trigger felony prison sentences, but it can also affect your reputation. This could be a particularly serious concern for certain individuals, such as police officers, lawyers, and public officials. To learn more about potential defense strategies, consider a consultation with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today.

Sources: 

news-press.com/story/news/crime/2025/02/05/ex-marco-island-police-officer-cleared-in-lee-county-child-abuse-case/78209480007/

yahoo.com/news/former-marco-island-police-officer-135540402.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKv5MvAQ6e2JR6Xa2MKekGqXDaXHqsYUqv0L7zQh4pXouxv-ULu6u9u4W33hFgLJzUAQgjlbjYZdmVSiAUR1ADN-tZhfqsecfKr08SB6l_3K6-DwVC2qZiDnC9GsmZjxBS28XfC0QYU4APsWgHo_6wvRvrnesaFWbAllxp63M1Cx