Crime & Safety
Putnam County, FL Man, 82, Gets Life Sentence for Child Rape
Palatka, FL – An 82 year old former Putnam County school district employee has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for the rape of a child younger than 12, bringing a high profil
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-23T19:55:42.408Z
Palatka, FL – An 82 year old former Putnam County school district employee has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for the rape of a child younger than 12, bringing a high profile criminal case involving a once trusted community figure to a close Friday.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff 's Office, Gilberto Del Castillo Espana was convicted following a three day trial this week. Jurors deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict, after which Judge Washington imposed a life sentence.
Former School Employee Accused of Exploiting Trust Del Castillo Espana, arrested in 2024, previously worked as a teacher and served as the Putnam County School District's English for Speakers of Other Languages coordinator from 2002 to 2015.
Investigators said he used his connections with migrant families to gain access to vulnerable children.
According to detectives, the victim reported that Del Castillo Espana threatened to kill the child's parents if the abuse was disclosed.
The child's father reportedly hesitated to contact authorities because of concerns about his family's immigration status. He later described changes in the child's behavior, including nightmares.
Sheriff Responds to Life Sentence Putnam County Sheriff H.D. "Gator" DeLoach condemned the convicted man's actions, saying he exploited his reputation within the community.
"This vile individual used his position of trust to silence victims through grooming, intimidation and bullying," DeLoach said.
The sheriff also thanked State Attorney R.J. Larizza and Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit prosecution team for securing the conviction.
Case Concludes After Three Day Trial The sheriff's office said Del Castillo Espana had previously been regarded as a respected figure in South Putnam County, making his 2024 arrest particularly shocking to residents.
The life sentence follows the jury's guilty verdict and concludes the trial proceedings described in Friday's announcement.