Coleman Found Guilty of Sexual Battery, Now Faces Up to Life in Prison

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Ronald Lee Coleman, 58, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Sexual Battery. Coleman now faces a maximum of Life in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Linda F. McCallum for the week of Sept. 18, 2017.

Coleman was the boyfriend of the victim’s mother. At the time, he was 56 and the victim was 12. On two separate occasions, Coleman took the victim to an area store to buy her whatever she wanted before proceeding with the crimes. The first act was committed in a park and the second at Coleman’s house. The two crimes took place eight days apart. Coleman threatened to tell the victim’s mother she had a boyfriend if she told anyone. The victim came forward approximately two months later by telling a teacher she respected.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Christine Bustamante and Cameron Stacie French.