A new law change led to the conviction of an Immokalee man for familial or custodial sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation of a young girl.
According to the state attorney’s office, Juan Alameda was found guilty around 7 p.m. Friday after a three-day trial in Collier County.
Alameda’s trial resulted in a conviction after extremely crucial evidence was admitted under a recent law change sponsored by Florida state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka and Florida state Sen. Jonathan Martin and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The evidence that led to the guilty verdict involved a recording of the defendant during the commission of the crime, according to the state attorney’s office.
A guardian of the victim put the child’s cellphone in a hidden area to record any interaction between the defendant and the child after the defendant had made concerning statements about the child.
The guardian checked the phone the next morning and contacted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office after hearing what sounded like a crime being committed.
The law, now Florida Statute 934.03 , states that it is lawful for a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age to record conversations if their child is involved, and they have a valid reason to believe it will capture evidence of another person planning, committing, or having committed a sexual crime or violent act against the child.
Alameda’s sentencing is scheduled for June 4. The state is seeking life in prison.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more.