(Citrus County, FL) Today, in a Citrus County courtroom, 27-year-old Joshua Aaron Schuler was sentenced to Life in Prison without the possibility of parole.

Back in July, a jury found Schuler guilty of one felony count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Less than 12 Years of Age and one count of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance.

“I trust this sentence will reaffirm our community’s faith in the criminal justice system, that offenders will be held accountable to the fullest extent possible,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Again, my office is grateful to the courageous individual who reported this crime and whose actions have unquestionably protected countless others.”

The charges against Schuler began in September of  2022, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) originally responded to a residence in Homosassa in reference to a call for service. Upon arrival, deputies were informed by the complainant that there was a video involving Schuler.

The complainant stated the night prior, they had gone through the defendant’s phone and had located the video. The complainant went on to further advise that the video, timestamped September 3, 2022, at 1:32 a.m., depicted Schuler molesting the victim.

CCSO’s Special Victims Unit Detective Richey responded to investigate. After speaking with the complainant, Det. Richey made contact with Schuler and placed him under arrest.

Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/19/2024.