The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) is expanding its search for potential victims in connection with a man currently serving a 30-year sentence for sexual assault. Hugh Perry, 55, was convicted of a February 2022 incident in which the victim, after a night out in Jacksonville Beach, reported to the Women's Center SAFE Program that she had no recollection of how she arrived home, as reported by
JSO's ongoing investigation revealed that this might not have been an isolated event. A forensic analysis of the victim's medical exam pinned Perry as the assailant, who had faced similar accusations in the past. In 2013, he was accused of a related crime but the case was not prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office at the time, as reported by Action News Jax. Officers discovered additional concerning behaviors during their investigation, including an incident in 2023 where Perry was accused of drugging another woman's drink and stealing her belongings while on release before his trial. This pattern suggests that Perry may have preyed on multiple women over the years.
The JSO urges anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Perry to come forward. "We want to bring justice to every one of Perry’s victims," JSO wrote in a statement, a message that underscores the importance of community assistance in these investigations. JSO has made Perry's mugshots public in an effort to aid potential victims in recognizing him, as highlighted on the First Coast News website.
Community members with any relevant information are being asked to assist authorities by contacting the JSO Special Assault Unit at 904-630-2168.
