Craig Tanard Coe has been convicted of Sexual Battery of a Child Older than 12 Years of Age but Younger than 18 Years of Age. The jury also made a special finding of penetration when the guilty verdict was returned just after 6 p.m. Wednesday 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2025.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director