Crime & Safety
Florida Child Sex Abuse Case: Man Sentenced to 65.65 Years
Sarasota, FL – A Florida man with three prior convictions for sexual offenses against children has been sentenced to 65.65 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing a child whi
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-16T15:15:32.094Z
Sarasota, FL – A Florida man with three prior convictions for sexual offenses against children has been sentenced to 65.65 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing a child while staying with the victim's family in Sarasota County.
According to the State Attorney's Office for Florida's 12th Judicial Circuit, Larry Wayne Riddle was convicted following a three day jury trial held Oct. 12 14 at the Sarasota County Courthouse.
The jury found Riddle guilty of attempted sexual battery involving a child younger than 12, lewd or lascivious conduct and lewd or lascivious exhibition involving a child younger than 16.
Abuse Reported During Family Vacation
Prosecutors said Riddle, a close family friend, stayed with the child and her family at their Sarasota vacation home during spring break.
During the visit, Riddle repeatedly attempted to involve the child in sexual acts and instructed her to keep the encounters secret.
The child refused and later disclosed the abuse to her grandmother and mother.
The family initially contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff 's Office before reporting the allegations to Sarasota County authorities.
Riddle was arrested March 31, 2026, and transported to the Sarasota County Jail.
Maximum Sentence Imposed
Investigators discovered Riddle had three previous convictions for sexual offenses against children in Broward County dating to the 1980s and 1990s.
A previous victim also testified during the trial.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, Judge Andrea DeCanio sentenced Riddle to 65.65 years in prison, the maximum allowable sentence under Florida law, and designated him a sexual predator.
Assistant State Attorney Lissa MacDonald praised the child's courage and the investigative work that helped secure the conviction.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and prosecutors also recognized the victim's family and the agencies involved in the investigation.
The sentence follows the jury's guilty verdict and concludes the trial proceedings described in the official announcement.