Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Florida State Attorney Bill Gladson will seek the death penalty against a man accused of child sexual battery under a new law that expanded capital punishment to include child sexual battery.
Joseph Andrew Giampa faces charges of sexual child battery on a person younger than 12. This appears to be the first time the new law is being used.
Florida State Attorney Bill Gladson said in a statement, "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 Florida Statutes 794.011(2)(a) and 921.1425."
Gladson added that the decision "reflects the gravity of the charges and the State Attorney's Office's dedication to holding criminals accountable for their actions."
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