Levy Man Sentenced for Child Sex Offense

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

Donald Keith McLaughlin (4-8-67) was sentenced in Levy County Circuit Court on November 4, 2015.  McLaughlin entered a plea to one count of Engaging in Sexual Activity with a Child aged 12 to 18.  Circuit Judge William Davis thereafter sentenced McLaughlin to 18 years of prison to be followed by 15 years of Sex Offender Probation. 

Levy County Sheriff’s Office Investigators became aware of the crimes in 2014 when McLaughlin was arrested on unrelated charges in Putnam County, Florida.  Putnam SO Investigators notified Levy Investigators of documentary evidence of sex crimes they had located in their county.  The evidence was substantial and included videotapes and journals kept by McLaughlin. 

After painstakingly reviewing the evidence, LCSO Investigators identified several child victims and determined that some of the crimes occurred in Levy County.  The offenses occurred as far back as the year 2000.  The Investigators then began interviewing victims. 

In May of 2014, Sgt. Mike Narayan and Cpl. Tom Martin interviewed McLaughlin in Putnam County.  They obtained admissions from McLaughlin that he had engaged in sex crimes with a child in Levy County.  After compiling the evidence, LCSO Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for McLaughlin on May 21, 2014.  The warrant was executed on September 8, 2014. 

LCSO Investigators are pleased to be able to assist in the long-term incarceration of McLaughlin and to help bring closure to some of his victims.  Unfortunately, LCSO Investigators believe there are additional victims who have not come forward and the Sheriff’s Office would like to see McLaughlin punished for all of the crimes he has committed.  Victims or anyone who believes they may have information about crimes committed by McLaughlin are encouraged to call Sgt. Narayan or Cpl. Martin at the Sheriff’s Office.  Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Levy County at 1-877-349-8477

 

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