18-year-old faces capital sex battery indictment as investigators seek additional victims in Marion County

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Investigators with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are working with the State Attorney’s Office to seek a capital sex battery indictment against an 18-year-old Citra man accused of sexually abusing two children, officials said Thursday.

Jonathan King faces charges of lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between 12 and 16 years old, four counts of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12, and false imprisonment to commit sexual battery.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in late June after a 15-year-old girl reported King had gotten her pregnant. An arrest report states the teen told investigators she met with King several times over approximately two months, during which the two had sex in his car.

Officials said the teen also alleged King offered her money, drugs and alcohol in exchange for sex, claims King denied. Investigators said King admitted he knew the teen was underage and acknowledged he is the father of her child.

While King was in custody following his arrest Monday, detectives said a second victim came forward, a girl under the age of 12. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the child and King knew each other prior to the assault, and detectives believe the abuse had been occurring for at least a year.

Investigators said they believe there could be additional victims.

Zach Moore, public information officer for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, said the agency is committed to supporting those who report abuse.

“I will say that Marion County, we believe victims, we will do everything in our power to validate a disclosure and to affect an arrest if a crime has been committed,” Moore said. “We encouraged those who have been victimized to stand up, to reach out. Let us know because we see you, we’re here for you.”

Anyone who may have been affected by King is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.

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