Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg recently announced the arrest and filing of criminal charges against a former police officer from Jacksonville. Josue Garriga III, 34, has been charged with online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Disturbing Allegations Surface
Garriga, who previously served with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, is accused of developing an inappropriate relationship with a minor he initially met at a church in September 2023. The relationship allegedly continued through communication via text messaging and WhatsApp, platforms through which Garriga expressed his illicit interest in the child.
The criminal complaint details multiple instances where Garriga reportedly met with the victim, including late-night visits to her home and an encounter at a local coffee shop on March 6, 2024. It was during this meeting, in his vehicle parked outside the coffee shop, that Garriga’s actions reportedly took a turn.
He is accused of forcibly placing the child’s hand down his pants and demanding the child perform oral sex on him. Upon the child’s refusal, he then insisted that the victim kiss his genital area, and would not allow the child to leave the vehicle until it fulfilled his request.
Check also: Tampa man sentenced for exploiting veterans care program, faces federal prison
Legal Consequences
If convicted, Garriga faces a potential life sentence in federal prison, highlighting the grave nature of the charges. The complaint is a formal accusation, and Garriga remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelly S. Milliron are prosecuting the case.
