A Suwannee County man has been found guilty on all counts in a child abuse case involving a victim under 12, local authorities announced this week. Wallace Humphrey, 75, was convicted of capital sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation and is scheduled for sentencing on Monday, March 9, 2026. Prosecutors say the case relied in part on a forensic interview of the child conducted by Florida's child-protection team in 2024. The sheriff's office publicly confirmed the verdict.
The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office disclosed the verdict in a news release, according to WCTV. That report notes Humphrey was found guilty of capital sexual battery on a victim under 12 and lewd and lascivious molestation. WCJB reports that sentencing is set for March 9, 2026.
Humphrey's arrest was first reported in April 2024, when WCJB said the Florida Department of Health's Child Protection Team interviewed the child, producing the evidence investigators used in the case. WCJB identified Humphrey as an O'Brien resident and said he had been charged last year with lewd and lascivious battery of a minor.
Sentencing set for next week
Humphrey is due before a judge on Monday for a sentencing hearing where the court will determine his punishment. The sheriff's office said the hearing is scheduled in Suwannee County, according to WCTV. Court filings and official records should provide more detail about the charges and any recommended sentence after the hearing.
Legal implications
Under Florida law, sexual battery by an adult against a child younger than 12 is classified as a capital felony, a designation that carries the most severe penalties under state statutes. The statute defining sexual battery and its classifications is available for review at Florida Statutes §794.011.
Victim resources
Anyone affected by sexual violence in the Third Judicial Circuit may contact the State Attorney's victim services division for support and information, according to the circuit office. Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office Victim Services provides crisis counseling, advocacy and referrals for victims in Suwannee County.
