PRESS RELEASE
(Escambia County, Florida), Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, announced that on November 14, 2024, Zachary Joseph Staples was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences in state prison and was designated as a Sexual Predator by Circuit Court Judge John Simon. Staples was sentenced after entering a plea straight up to the court on three counts of Sexual Battery by a
Person in Familial Authority and one count of Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child.
This investigation arose from a report that Staples had inappropriately touched a minor child that was in his custody. During the course of the investigation, additional victims were discovered, and charges were
initiated. The abuse alleged took place between 2016 and 2020.
Prosecuting attorney, Ms. Carrie Gilmer stated during sentencing, “This defendant is the ultimate predator that preys on vulnerable victims. A life sentence is more than appropriate for the heinous and atrocious acts perpetrated by this defendant.”
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant State Attorney, Carrie Gilmer prosecuted this case on behalf of Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the
First Judicial Circuit of Florida. For further information, please contact Ms. Gilmer at 850-595-4500.
