A former school resource officer was found guilty on sixteen felony charges of child sexual assault by a Putnam County jury on Wednesday, July 24.
In 2022, deputies apprehended Joshua Herren following the discovery of several physical evidence during an inquiry.
On Wednesday, following two days of trial, a jury found Herren guilty on sixteen criminal counts, including:
- Two counts of sexual battery on a juvenile by a custodial authority, ranging from 12 to 18 years old.
- Two counts of engaging in sexual relations with a minor without consent.
- Offense against students by an authority person.
- The promotion of sexual performance by children is charged with eight counts.
- The risk of electronic device-borne transmission of harmful materials to children.
- A two-way communication gadget is being used unlawfully.
- Tampering in first-degree proceedings.
The Latest in Action News The victim, who was an adult by then, came forward in November 2022 to confirm the three-year sexual affair, and Jax broke the news that Herren had been detained.
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As far back as 2018, when the victim was a child, the accusations began, according to Sheriff Gator DeLoach.
In a statement issued following the arrest, DeLoach expressed his deepest sympathies with the victim, expressing his hope that this arrest could catalyze their rehabilitation. “When an officer betrays the confidence of the public and their fellow cops, we feel anger and disgust as well.”
Herren worked as a Putnam County resource officer for several years before stepping down the day after the victim reported him.
“The defendant abused a victim he was obligated to protect by using his position of authority,” stated R.J. Larizza, the state attorney, regarding the case. “He deserves the harshest penalty possible for his crimes.”
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
