Extradited Suspect in Child S*x Abuse Case Returned to Flagler County to Face Charges
FLAGLER COUNTY, F.L. — A 72-year-old man accused of s*xually abusing a child in Flagler County has been extradited from North Carolina and is now in jail facing capital s*x crime charges, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Suspect Identified as Former School Employee
The suspect, Kermit Booth, is a former Palm Coast resident and Volusia County school employee. Authorities say Booth was a neighbor of the victim, who was between the ages of 6 and 9 when the alleged abuse occurred from 2006 to 2009.
Investigation Spanned Years
The case began in 2015, when the victim’s mother first contacted law enforcement. Detectives said the lapse of time between the crimes and the report made gathering evidence challenging, but additional information allowed them to reopen the case years later.
The victim, now an adult, has cooperated with investigators in building the case.
Sheriff Personally Oversees Extradition
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly personally traveled to North Carolina to bring Booth back, using a state plane provided by the Agriculture Commissioner.
During the extradition, Booth reportedly told Staly, “Sheriff, you must really hate me.” Staly replied, “Mr. Booth, I don’t hate anyone, but I’m responsible for holding you accountable and bringing you back to Flagler County to face some very serious charges.”
Sheriff: ‘Justice Is Coming’
Sheriff Staly called the case one of the most personal in his 50-year career.
“This individual took the innocence away from a very young child,” Staly said. “So, if you commit a crime in Flagler County, here’s what I can tell you: justice is coming.”
Booth is currently being held in the Flagler County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
The case underscores the challenges of prosecuting long-delayed abuse cases but also highlights how persistence can bring suspects to face justice.
Do you think law enforcement should dedicate more resources to investigating older abuse cases, even when evidence is difficult to collect? Share your perspective with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
