An extensive investigation that spanned two decades culminated in the apprehension of a Florida man, long suspected of a series of sexual assaults. Jason Blount, 52, was arrested for robbery in Orange County, setting off a chain of events leading to an alarming revelation. According to FOX 35 Orlando, the DNA collected during his booking matched samples from several unsolved sexual battery cases in Jacksonville.
Investigators piecing together the brutal assaults that terrorized Jacksonville residents finally closed in on Blount, with forensic evidence linking him to at least four incidents spanning back to March 2000, where a woman was attacked while jogging, another case following a month later involved a woman who was dragged from her apartment and assaulted, and two years subsequent, another victim was attacked in her home after Blount allegedly forced his entry, these attacks left a community in fear not knowing when or where he might strike next. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) claims that the diligent work of their Special Assault Unit Cold Case Detective was instrumental in charging Blount with three counts of sexual battery, and tragically, an additional victim was identified posthumously.
The deep scars left by these heinous acts, felt by a community for over twenty years, may begin to heal with the apprehension and prospective prosecution of the suspect. "Twenty-five years after the first crime, this dangerous predator is being brought to justice," the JSO deputies said in a sentiment echoed by FOX 35 Orlando.
The JSO extends a call to action, urging anyone with information that may aid the ongoing investigation to come forward as they believe there may be more victims not only in Jacksonville and Orlando but perhaps in other areas yet uncovered, if you have any information about this case, or if you believe you may have been a victim, you are encouraged to reach out to the authorities. Anonymous tips can be shared by calling the JSO at (904) 630-0500, as detailed by ClickOrlando.
