Santa Rosa Man Gets Life For Abusing Child In Church Pantry

June 24, 2017

A Santa Rosa County man will spend the rest of his life in prison for molesting a child in a church pantry.

John Thomas Kelley, Sr., age 71 of Milton, was found guilty by a Santa Rosa County jury of lewd or lascivious molestation upon a child less than 12 years of age. Immediately following the trial, Judge David Rimmer designated Kelley as a sexual predator and sentenced him to life in prison.

In June 2016, Kelley invited the 7-year old child into a church pantry where he fondled the child.

In 1987, Kelley was convicted of three counts of lewd or lascivious assault and three counts of attempted sexual battery for crimes he committed upon two children. Due to the law in effect at the time, Kelley was not designated as a sexual  pffender or sexual predator or required to register as such.

Comments

6 Responses to “Santa Rosa Man Gets Life For Abusing Child In Church Pantry”

  1. morgan on June 27th, 2017 4:10 pm

    I wonder if Mr. Kelly thinks it was worth his time to fondle a child – I sincerely hope he enjoys his new home. I’m praying for his family. Not only do they loose him, but he’s done them wrong TOO!

  2. MB on June 25th, 2017 7:05 pm

    So sad smh.
    U can NEVER trust anyone anymore…this world is pitiful..

  3. JC on June 25th, 2017 12:04 pm

    Tattoos on foreheads is a start. I say they all should have to where fluorescent jump suits. Onesies that zip in the back. Hot pink or green ! We could see them then

  4. Enough Already on June 24th, 2017 5:26 pm

    Our children aren’t safe anywhere! In recent days, we have experienced sorrow in the actions of these very sick individuals. We need to learn. Anyone who is convicted of sexual battery should have “SEXUAL PREDATOR” tattooed across his/her forehead. Enough is enough!!

  5. anne 1of2 on June 24th, 2017 8:39 am

    I hope he lives to 102 years! We have to get beyond this assumption that churches are a safe place. Maybe we could put these jerks on a barge that is anchored in the Gulf. Hate it for them if a hurricane comes in. Let them prey on each other.

  6. Good grief on June 24th, 2017 7:02 am

    Excellent! That should be the sentence when it happens the first time. These perverts can’t be habilitated because that is what they want to do. How about we start PROTECTING our children. Had he been given life in 1987 this 7 year old wouldn’t have experienced this. LOCK THEM ALL UP and THROW AWAY THE KEY, THE FIRST TIME!