Linkenauger Found Guilty of Sexual Battery, Sentenced to Life in Prison

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Michael Linkenauger was found guilty by a jury of four counts of Sexual Battery, Attempted Sexual Battery, and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. The Honorable London Kite sentenced Linkenauger to life in Florida State Prison during a March 9, 2023, hearing.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into Linkenauger in February 2020 after the victim disclosed the sexual abuse to church members. Linkenauger knew the victim through the victim’s mother. Linkenauger was able to isolate the victim and committed sexual abuse acts at his home, the victim’s home, and when the two traveled. With the evidence gathered from the investigation, Linkenauger was arrested.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Terence Martin and Adair Newman.