(Lake County, FL)- Joseph Andrew Giampa was sentenced to life in prison in a Lake County courtroom earlier today.   

Giampa, through his defense attorney, conveyed an offer to serve the rest of his natural life in prison.  At the request of the victim’s family, and with the interests of the child victim in mind, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office agreed to this resolution. Under this agreement, Giampa will spend the remainder of his life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

“Resolution in less than 100 days is proof that Florida’s capital punishment statute for sexual battery of children is effective,” commented Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson.   “By passing this law, the Florida Legislature and the Governor have sent a message that Florida has zero tolerance for those who prey upon our most vulnerable and that the punishment will be certain, swift and severe.”

Giampa, was indicted by a grand jury in December 2023 for six counts of Sexual Battery Upon a Person Under Twelve Years of Age and three counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child.   Shortly after Giampa was indicted, State Attorney Bill Gladson filed a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty in the case, pursuant to Florida Statutes 794.011(2)(a) and 921.1425.  The decision to pursue the highest penalty reflected the gravity of the charges.  The Notice was the first such notice filed in Florida, pursuant to new legislation, which allows predators who commit sexual battery on young children to be punished by death.

Our office will continue to hold those who violate our laws accountable for their actions and ensure that victims of crime have a voice in the criminal justice system.

Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Camuccio and Katie Cosden successfully prosecuted the case.

Published 02/02/2024.