A 39-year-old Chipley man is facing a sexual battery charge involving a minor after Washington County investigators obtained warrants and authorities located him in Baldwin County, Alabama. He is also being held on a separate Alabama drug case while officials begin the extradition process.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that it was notified Friday of allegations involving a possible sexual offense against a minor. After investigators established probable cause, the office obtained warrants for Michael Thomas Mekara, who also has an active Jackson County warrant tied to the same sexual battery charge, according to Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Mekara Held In Alabama Pending Extradition
Mekara was taken into custody in Baldwin County and is being held pending extradition on the Washington County and Jackson County warrants. Alabama authorities also booked him on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Florida warrant lists the alleged offense as sexual battery involving a victim 12 or older but younger than 18, with an offender 18 or older. The public announcement did not identify the alleged victim or provide details about what investigators say happened.
Florida Law Treats The Alleged Offense As A Felony
Florida Statute 794.011 makes sexual battery involving a victim ages 12 to under 18 a felony when the accused is 18 or older, while the degree and potential penalty depend on the circumstances alleged. The law addresses factors including force, threats, incapacitation and positions of authority, but the sheriff's public notice did not specify which circumstances are alleged in this case, according to the Florida Legislature.
An arrest or warrant is not a conviction, and the allegations have not been tested in court. Any further proceedings in Washington and Jackson counties would follow Alabama's extradition process.
