10 Years on the Run Finally Ends – Suspect Arrested for Capital Sexual Battery

April 14, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

The hunt for a suspect in a capital sexual battery case has finally been found. After 10 long years, Benjamin Quinn, 37, has been arrested by the police. Quinn was found on a secluded farm going by a fake name, and trying to outrun a crime he had already admitted to.

In the state of Florida, sexual battery is taken very seriously. A sexual battery conviction can lead to extreme consequences, such as expensive fines, jail time, and social stigma among family and friends. In the case that the victim of sexual battery is a minor under the age of 12, the penalties are even more severe.

A review of the case, along with an overview of sexual battery in Florida will all be covered in this blog.

What was the Initial Case?

Back in March of 2012, an investigation was opened by the MCSO Major Crimes detective’s unit. There was a report that a 10-year-old girl confided in her parents and admitted that Benjamin Quinn had been sexually abusing her for the last two years. This means the abuse began when the child was only 8-years-old.

After receiving the information from their daughter, the parents tried to confront Quinn. His response was to flee from Florida, only leaving a note behind. In the note, Quinn admitted to the crime, and apologized for being “sick.”

The family contacted the police and informed them of the abuse, as well as the letter left behind. Detectives from MCSO Major Crimes were quickly granted a warrant for Quinn’s arrest, however, he was nowhere to be found. This led to a 10-year search for the suspect.

FDLE Special Agent Yolanda Carbia was on the case, and after years of investigation was certain that Quinn had since moved to Connecticut. Carbia believed that Quinn was now living on a farm under a false name, “Michael Waters.” With the assistance of MCSO Detective Cody Blair, the U.S. Marshal Service, and the Connecticut State Police, the search finally ended. The authorities were able to trace Quinn to a farm in Bethlehem, Connecticut.

Sheriff Billy Woods gave the following comment regarding the overdue arrest of Quinn: “With the cooperation of these law enforcement agencies, we were able to bring justice to this victim and her family. Quinn is an individual who preyed on the innocence of a child, and with the hard work of the detectives and all agencies involved, he is now behind bars where he cannot harm another child.”

After a 10 year-long search, Quinn has been arrested on an outstanding warrant for two counts of sexual battery on a person under 12-years-old. In the state of Florida, this crime is considered a capital felony.

Quinn is currently being held in the Connecticut State Department of Corrections, and is waiting to be extradited back into Marion County, Florida.

Capital Sexual Battery in Florida

Sexual battery is covered in the Florida Statute Section 794.011. Under the law, sexual battery refers to the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or in union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object.

In the specific section 794.011(2)(a), it defines that a person who is 18 years or older who has committed sexual battery on a minor who is 12 years or younger has committed a capital felony. This is whether the act of sexual battery was fully completed or even just attempted.

The charge for sexual battery on a minor under the age of 12 is a capital felony. This means it results in one of the most severe punishments. Committing sexual battery on a minor under the age of 12 can result in the consequence of a lifetime on the sex offender probation, and potentially life in prison.  

To read more about sexual battery in the state of Florida, you can find our blog here.

Resources

Although Quinn has now been arrested, investigators theorize that there may be more victims in the case. If you have any information about Benjamin Quinn and potential sexual battery instances, contact the FDLE at (386) 462-9975, or the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 732-9111.

Finding a Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

Getting accused of a sexual battery charge is extremely serious, and can lead to a lifetime of problems if convicted. Along with expensive fines and potential jail time, you could also end up on the sex offender’s registration. Not to mention the social stigma that can lead to the deterioration of relationships with friends and family. Even after the case has been closed, it will continue to follow you for the rest of your life.

If you or a loved one have been accused of a sexual battery charge, it is important to prioritize seeking out legal advice from an experienced sex crime defense attorney in Tallahassee, Florida. An arrest doesn’t necessarily equate to a conviction, especially with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney in Florida. Don Pumphrey and his legal team at Pumphrey Law Firm understand the severity of a sexual battery charge, and will do everything they can to help combat the charges and preserve your future. Call (850) 681-7777 or leave an online message for a free consultation today.

Written by Karissa Key

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