State attorney seeks death penalty in child sexual battery case under new Florida law

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida State Attorney Bill Gladson of the 5th Judicial Circuit intends to seek the death penalty for Joseph Andrew Giampa, who has been indicted for six counts of Sexual Battery Upon a Person Under 12 Years of Age.

The attorney’s office was able to move forward with the decision because of a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that allows the death penalty for convicted criminals who were charged with perpetrating sexual battery against a minor younger than 12.

The governor said it will be the first case to challenge the U.S. Supreme Court since signing to make pedophiles eligible for the death penalty. DeSantis expressed on social media that the office has his “full support” as they move forward with the decision.

“Today, @FLSAO5 announced that they will seek the death penalty in a case of sexual battery against a child under age 12,” DeSantis said. “It will be the first case to challenge SCOTUS since I signed legislation to make pedophiles eligible for the death penalty.”

The bill passed the House and Senate 95-14 and 34-5, respectively.

“The State Attorney’s Office acknowledges the sensitivity of this matter and the impact it has on the community,” the office said. “Our commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the vulnerable remains unwavering.”

“As legal proceedings unfold, our office asks for respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved,” they added. “We will continue to work diligently to bring the case to a just resolution.”

House bill sponsor Rep. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville, delivered impassioned remarks whilst closing on her bill during the 2023 Legislative Session.

“There is no earthly redemption for somebody wo rapes a small child, only God can save them,” Baker said. “And in Florida, we should be eager to arrange that meeting.”

Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, carried the bill in the senate.

“I know everybody in this room hopes that nobody is put to death for this crime. Because if someone is put to death for this crime, it means that a poor innocent child was raped,” Martin said during session.

Sen. Rosalind Osgood, D-Tamarac, one of the five senators to vote against the bill, told the New York Post that she found it difficult to expand the death penalty due to her religious beliefs.