Mark Daniel, 44, of Crystal River, sentenced to life in prison for lewdness toward a child

Citrus County, Florida - On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, after hearing from the prosecution, defense, and the victim's father, Judge Ric Howard of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit Court sentenced 44 year-old Mark Daniel, of Crystal River, to life in prison on each of the six lewd and lascivious molestation charges of a child under the age of 12, he'd been found guilty of, earlier this year on February 21, at his jury trial.

Former Citrus County Sheriff's Office Detective Bruce Arnold, now a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, was assigned to the case. He developed probable cause for Daniel's arrest and investigated claims that were initially made by the child to a parent, that Daniel had made the child touch him in a sexual manner. The investigation included a forensic Child Protection Team interview of the victim.

"Daniel is a predator who took advantage of the trust placed in him to care for and watch over this young victim," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "His actions have changed the victim's life forever. The diligence shown every day by detectives assigned to the Special Victims Unit is a testament to our commitment to protect young and vulnerable victims. Nothing can undo what this victim has gone through; however, we are hopeful the victim and their family find peace in the fact that Daniel will never be able to prey on another child."