Charlotte County man sentenced to 1 year in jail for raping a child

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

A Charlotte County man was sentenced to jail on Wednesday after being convicted of raping a child between the ages of 12 to 16 years old.

According to court records, James Ooley, 20, was sentenced to one year in jail and five years of probation after a juvenile's mother told a school resource officer that her child had sexual intercourse with him.

The victim told Charlotte County detectives last year that they were in a dual enrollment program when they met Ooley when he was 19.

The victim said that one day, they left for school 20 minutes early and met up with Ooley at a gas station. While there, they had sex in Ooley's car.

Ooley admitted to deputies that he knew it was wrong and said he told the victim not to tell anyone.

Deputies arrested Ooley in March of 2025.

Ooley pleaded guilty as a youthful offender. In the State of Florida, a youthful offender is one who commits a felony under the age of 21.

Offenders typically face reduced and modified sentences in an effort to improve the chances of a successful return to the community.

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