Lehigh Acres man sentenced to life in prison on child molestation, sexual activity with dog charges

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

A Lehigh Acres man was sentenced to life in prison after being adjudicated guilty of child molestation and sexual activity with an animal.

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According to the Office of the State Attorney, Jeremy Brian Brumbaugh was given the maximum sentence of life in prison for four counts of sexual battery on a child under 12 years of age, two counts of lewd molestation on a child under 12 years of age and one count of sexual activity with an animal.

Brumbaugh was also designated as a sexual predator.

Brumbaugh was indicted in 2024 following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The crimes took place on several occasions in 2023 in Lee County, the State Attorney's Office said.

Law enforcement seized both phones belonging to Brumbaugh and found evidence of sexual crimes involving the child victim and a sexual crime involving the family dog.

"This sentence means the defendant will remain behind bars, where he belongs, for the rest of his life," said State Attorney Amira Fox. "This case had evidence of atrocious acts, and he does not deserve to ever again be free, which is why we sought the maximum sentence. In October of 2023, the law in the State of Florida changed to allow the imposition of the death penalty for capital sexual battery. However, the crimes in this case were committed prior to the law change."

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