The investigation began after the victim reported abuse by a custodial figure
A 34-year-old Palm Coast man has been arrested on sex crimes charges following an investigation that began when a minor reported being sexually battered by someone in a custodial role.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office opened the investigation on December 15 after the victim came forward to deputies. The FCSO Major Case Unit took over the case with assistance from the Community Policing Division.
Detectives determined that Joshua Hawkins of Palm Coast had sexually battered and molested the victim on multiple occasions. Investigators also found that Hawkins purchased items of a sexual nature and gave them to the victim as gifts.
When detectives interviewed Hawkins, his statements supported the allegations against him, though investigators noted he significantly downplayed the severity of his actions.
On December 23, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Hawkins. He was taken into custody without incident.
“There is no place in Flagler County for child sexual predators who take the innocence away from our children,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I commend our detectives for quickly getting this pervert in jail where he belongs. My message is clear to all perverts: if you prey on children, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will hold you accountable for your actions, and you will go to prison for a very long time.”
Hawkins faces charges of sexual battery of a minor between 12 and 18 years of age, which is a first-degree felony, and lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between 12 and 16 years of age, a second-degree felony. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is being held on $75,000 bond.
