Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an indictment by a Hernando County grand jury against Nathan Douglas Holmberg on accusations of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve during a press conference this week.
Speaking in Brooksville, Uthmeier said Holmberg, 36, engaged in sexual abuse with a three-year-old and multiple other children in Hernando County. He also said Holmberg filmed the alleged crimes.
Uthmeier said the state will seek the death penalty against Holmberg in the case.
"If you harm a child, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek the maximum penalty under the law," Uthmeier said. "The nature of these crimes demanded a statewide special task force, and the investigation is far from over. Hernando County Sheriff Nienhuis and State Attorney Gladson have the full support of our Office of Statewide Prosecution."
According to Uthmeier's office, Holmberg was arrested by Hernando County Sheriff's deputies on Oct. 20. Holmberg has since been charged with 25 counts, including seven for capital sexual battery.
Uthmeier also said several other victims exist.
“When an individual commits a truly heinous crime, as in this case, the full weight of the law must be brought to bear,” State Attorney of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Bill Gladson said. “There is no place for mercy when the acts committed against a child are so unspeakable. Accountability will be had, any chance of recidivism will be nonexistent, and justice will be served.”
In 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that would allow the state to seek the death penalty for a person convicted of rape of a child under 12, defying Supreme Court precedent under Kennedy v. Louisiana.
Florida and several other states are challenging the law.
"This is not an individual who can be rehabilitated. This is someone who needs to face the ultimate form of justice," Uthmeier said during the press conference.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution led the investigation against Holmberg. Uthmeier's office noted that additional charges could be made as the investigation continues.
“Florida is a state that is governed by the rule of law,” Hernando County Sheriff Al Neinhuis added. “Although it is never acceptable to commit a crime against another person, it is especially heinous to victimize totally innocent and very young children, children who often put their complete trust in adults. Anyone who perverts that trust for sexual gratification can expect the full weight Florida’s criminal justice system, and if found guilty, can expect the absolute harshest penalties.”
A copy of the indictment can be found here. A copy of intent to seek the death penalty can be found here.
