(Hernando County, FL) On February 20, 2025, 34-year-old Robert Joseph McGuire Jr. pleaded guilty to two felony counts of Sexual Battery Upon Person 12 to 18 Years of Age Involving Threat of Retaliation.
After his plea, McGuire was sentenced to just shy of eighteen and a half years in the Florida Department of Corrections, is designated as a Sexual Predator, and will be required to complete ten years of sex offender probation upon his release.
“The cruel actions and intent behind this defendant’s crimes are repulsive,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Despite being victimized and threatened, this courageous young victim spoke up and sought help; ensuring McGuire would eventually be held accountable.”
Back in October of 2021, deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) were made aware of a previous sexual offense involving the defendant and a 13-year-old victim. The complainant stated that the victim had been extremely quiet the past few days before informing the trusted adult that McGuire had sexually battered them.
Officials made contact with the juvenile victim, who indicated that McGuire had sexually battered them. The victim further provided crucial details of the crime, informing deputies that McGuire stated he would kill the victim if they told anyone and also forced the victim to take a morning-after pill, commonly referred to as ‘Plan B’.
Evidence was collected from the scene and later examined. During the forensics examination, DNA evidence was located and compared to McGuire’s DNA with the result returning a match. Additionally, McGuire’s GPS monitor that he wore for probation revealed his location at a CVS pharmacy around the incident date. At the store, law enforcement officers collected video footage of the defendant purchasing the Plan B pill.
Detectives responded to the Hernando County Detention Center to interview McGuire who was in custody for an unrelated Violation of Probation charge. The defendant denied all allegations.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lisa Yeager and Kasey Whitson.
Published on 02/26/2025.