An accused pedophile could become the first person in Florida to be executed for sexually abusing a child.
Prosecutors announced Thursday their intention to seek the death penalty under the new law for Joseph Andrew Giampa, who was allegedly filmed sexually assaulting a boy.
In a statement announcing Giampa’s grand jury indictment, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office noted the “seriousness of the crime and the impact on the community.”
Giampa, 36, is charged with six counts of sexual battery of a person under the age of 12 and three counts of promoting sexual performance by a child.
“The decision to pursue the maximum sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges and the State Attorney’s Office’s dedication to holding criminals accountable for their actions,” said Attorney General Bill Gladson.
Giampa was arrested in November after Lake County deputies identified him as the adult who sexually assaulted a boy in a homemade video allegedly found on Giampa’s laptop, court records show.
In the video, the man admits that he knows the child doesn’t enjoy the abuse, but he “prefers when [the victim] don’t like it.”
Giampa – who was also arrested for assault and battery in 2021 – has pleaded not guilty.
Joseph Andrew Giampa could become the first person to be executed for sexually abusing children. Lake County Sheriff⿿s Office
The harsh punishment for sex crimes would be the first of its kind in the state under a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May.
Under the new bill, juries can recommend the death penalty for sexual battery on children under 12 by a vote of at least 8-4.
It goes against Supreme Court precedent set in 2008, when the high court ruled 5-4 in Kennedy v. Louisiana that the death penalty cannot be imposed on child rapists or anyone who commits a crime in which the victim does not die.
Attorney General Bill Gladson announced his intention to continue the death penalty based on the “seriousness of the crime and the impact on society.” Facebook/Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office
Florida and Alabama are the only two states that allow the death penalty to be imposed after a non-unanimous jury recommendation.
DeSantis, who helped push the legislation forward, praised the Fifth Judicial Circuit for taking advantage of the new law.
“The Attorney General has my full support,” said the presidential candidate in a statement.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
