A 51-year-old registered sex offender from Marion County who was found guilty of sexually battering a child under the age of 12 will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
On Wednesday, September 11, after a one-day trial, jurors found 51-year-old Ocklawaha resident Brian Patrick McCoy guilty of felony capital sexual battery upon a child under 12 years of age, directing or promoting the sexual performance of a child, and possession of child pornography.
Following the conviction, Marion County Judge Timothy McCourt sentenced McCoy to life in state prison for the sexual battery charge. In addition, McCoy was consecutively sentenced to 15 years for the sexual performance charge, and then 5 years respectively for each charge related to the possession of child pornography.
In June of 2019, McCoy was arrested following an investigation that was conducted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. According to MCSO, a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicated that an online user had uploaded numerous files containing child pornography.
After conducting an investigation, MCSO detectives determined that McCoy, a registered sex offender, owned the account that had been flagged by NCMEC. A search warrant was subsequently obtained, and detectives responded to McCoy’s home.
While at McCoy’s residence, detectives made contact with him and seized his cellphone. After being read his Miranda rights, McCoy admitted to law enforcement that he had used the device to view and save files of child pornography.
A forensic exam of McCoy’s cellphone was conducted, and multiple videos were found that showed a man, later identified as McCoy, molesting a child.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Shanae Pickens and Sasha Kidney.
“Crimes committed against children tear apart the very foundation of trust and hope that is essential for their future,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
“We commend (Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods) and his detectives for their dedication and pursuit of justice in this case,” added Gladson. “We hope this sentencing can offer a glimmer of hope for the victim and their family, so they can find the strength to heal.”