Craig Tanard Coe was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 10 years of Sex Offender Probation and was given a lifetime designation as a Sexual Predator for Sexual Battery of a Child Older than 12 Years of Age but Younger than 18 Years of Age.
The defendant was convicted in June, following a trial in Lee County. Assistant State Attorney Adam Sullivan and Assistant State Attorney Michael Curley prosecuted the case.
The crime happened in May 2024. The defendant sexually battered the child victim behind an apartment complex. The victim alerted a witness to go get help and they did. The child’s guardian contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
The defendant was located near the scene of the crime but ran when ordered to stop by law enforcement. He was later located by Lee County Sheriff K9 Deputy Deal and taken into custody.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director