Collier County man found guilty of having sex in his car with a minor

A Collier County man was found guilty of lewd or lascivious battery after a three-day trial, according to the State Attorney's Office. According to the SAO, deputies were on patrol in October of 2024 when they noticed a dark SUV parked in a secluded area. Deputies saw a man, later identified as Joseph Scott Michaels, then 19, get out of the car and pull up his pants. Deputies approached and saw a child in the back of the car trying to put her clothes on. The child told deputies that Michaels had sex with her. Evidence confirming this was found on the scene, and Michaels was arrested. Michaels, now 23, was found guilty and his sentencing is set for September. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.