Beverly Hills man sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexual battery of a child
On December 18, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a past sexual assault of a juvenile. Deputies made contact with the juvenile victim, who disclosed years of sexual abuse by King. Based on these allegations, former CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) Detective Bruce Arnold was assigned to the case and began an investigation.
The victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team at Jessie's Place, a Citrus County child advocacy center. The victim disclosed to officials they had been sexually assaulted by King multiple times, over the past several years.
Detective Arnold interviewed King, who confirmed the statements made by the victim. King was arrested on charges of sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious molestation, and held at the Citrus County Detention Facility without bond.
"King is a predator who manipulated and abused his victim. The harm he inflicted on this innocent child is inexcusable, and no punishment can truly ever correct his horrendous actions," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "However, through our efforts and those of the Honorable Judge Howard, we are hopeful the victim can begin the healing process, knowing this predator is no longer able to hurt anyone."
In court on April 8, 2021, King plead no contest to three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, one count of attempted sexual battery, and one count of sexual battery. Judge Howard sentenced King to 40 years in prison, followed by lifetime probation as a sexual predator.