Clay County Jury Finds Chapin Guilty of Molesting 11-Year-Old

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Clay County jury found Dustin Chapin Sr. guilty of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. With the verdict, Chapin faces a minimum of 25 years and up to life in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Steven Whittington will sentence Chapin at a later date.

On May 19, 2018, the victim’s mother called the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to report Chapin for molesting her 11-year-old daughter. The victim’s mother took her to get medically evaluated. The investigation discovered the victim, her mother, and Chapin were at the victim’s grandmother’s house. The victim went to bed in the guest room and woke up to Chapin in the room. The victim reported Chapin touched her genitals multiple times and tried to kiss her. The victim ran out of the room and found her mom to report what happened. The victim’s underwear was placed into evidence. Chapin’s DNA was tested and compared to DNA found on the victim’s underwear, and it was a match.

The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Cara Devlin and Randi Daugustinis.