Man Could Serve Life Despite Plea Deal

Justin Michael McCloy

 Viera, June 12, 2012

A Rockledge man could spend the rest of his life in prison despite accepting a plea deal offered today, by prosecutors, in Brevard.

 
Charged with 52 counts of molesting a thirteen year-old boy,  Justin McCloy, 23, nodded silently when Judge Lawrence Johnston warned him that the reduced charges could still carry a hefty sentence.

McCloy was returned to court for the plea hearing in Viera, one day after his jury trial was set to begin. He has been held in the Brevard County Jail since his arrest nearly one year ago.

Rockledge Police stopped McCloy for driving without headlights, during the pre-dawn hours of July 25, 2011 .  The child was riding as a passenger in the vehicle, which was searched by police.  Officers found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a condom package.  Investigators said McCloy had been providing drugs to the boy in exchange for sex.

At the hearing, prosecutors told the judge that McCloy did not use the drugs himself.  As a member of the National Guard, he was subject to periodic drug testing.

Judge Johnston set sentencing for July 19th, at the Moore Justice Center in Viera. The reduced charges, twelve counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery on a Minor, carry a maximum sentence of fifteen years each.

Volunteer Court Monitors with Protect Our Children, were on hand for the hearing.