FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2008

Child molester sentenced to life.

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the sentencing, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Robert N. Baldwin, to life in prison for the charge of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child under the age of 12.

Baldwin, WM, DOB: 3-29-1964, was convicted of the offense on March 19th. This is the case in which the State appealed the ruling of the previous judge, Glenn Hess, excluding the testimony of other child victims. The First District Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court was incorrect and a previously excluded child witness testified at trial.

Circuit Court Judge Michael Overstreet found Baldwin to be a Dangerous Sexual Felony Offender and imposed the life sentence. Under current Florida law; life means life. Baldwin is not eligible for parole.

Baldwin is currently serving a prison sentence for a Citrus County robbery.