Marion County man found guilty of sex offenses against a child
Photo graphic courtesy of State Attorney's Office.
William M. Gladson, State Attorney
Fifth Judicial Circuit
Serving Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties
Marion County, Florida - On December 6, 2023, 28 year-old Johnathon Michael Apenzeller, of Silver Springs, Florida was found guilty of felony charges: three counts of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of possession of child pornography.
"Cases such as this highlight the importance of safeguarding the well-being of our children," said William "Bill" Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. "Our legal systems stands firm against the exploitation of children, and we will continue to vigorously prosecute anyone who harms a child."
On February 7, 2020, Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence in Silver Springs, Florida in regard to a disturbance. When deputies arrived at the residence, they were informed by the person who made the report that there was a video of Apenzeller engaged in sexual activities with the victim, who was between the ages of 12 to 16 years-old.
According to interviews with the person who reported the crime and the victim, Apenzeller had engaged in numerous sexual acts with the child. On one occasion, Apenzeller had recorded sexual acts on his cell phone while inside the victim's bedroom.
After investigators unsuccessfully made numerous attempts to locate Apenzeller for an interview, a arrest warrant was issued for his arreat. Law enforcement officials in Ohio located Apenzeller and arrested him on the warrant. He was later transferred to Florida and booked into the Marion County Jail in Ocala, Florida.
After announcing the verdict of guilty for the charges against Apenzeller, the Honorable Judge Lisa Herndon ordered him into custody to await his sentencing hearing which will take place on January 18, 2024.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Katrina Self and Barbara Harris.