The state attorney has announced he will be seeking the death penalty for a Leesburg man who allegedly filmed himself sexually battering a young girl.
Joseph Andrew Giampa, 36, was arrested in November when deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office found video of the sexual battery on a laptop in his possession.
State Attorney William “Bill” Gladson announced the grand jury indictment of Giampa on Thursday afternoon. He has been indicted for six counts of sexual battery upon a person under 12 years of age and three counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child.
Given the severity of the crime and its impact on the community, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office has filed a notice that it intends to seek the death penalty pursuant to two Florida Statutes, 794.011(2)(a) and 921.1425, both of which pertain to the death penalty regarding sexual battery as a capital felony.
“The decision to pursue the highest penalty reflects the gravity of the charges and the State Attorney’s Office’s dedication to holding criminals accountable for their actions. The office acknowledges the sensitivity of this matter and the impact it has on the community. Their commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the vulnerable remains unwavering,” Gladson said in a statement.
