BONIFAY, Fla. (WDNews)— A 41-year-old Holmes County pastor has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for sexually battering a teenage boy earlier this year, according to State Attorney Larry Basford.
Randon Lee Carroll, of Ponce de Leon, was sentenced Tuesday, Nov. 10, after pleading no contest in October to sexual battery of a victim older than 12 but younger than 18 who was under his custodial authority.
Carroll also pleaded to sexual performance by a child for recording some of the sexual acts.
According to the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit, Carroll entered an “open” plea, meaning his sentence would be determined by Circuit Court Judge Russell Roberts rather than agreed upon beforehand.
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, Chief Holmes County Prosecutor Jacob Cook presented evidence and questioned defense witnesses while seeking the maximum sentence.
Cook said Carroll continued to shift blame, testifying that he “fell for it” and was “lured,” which prosecutors said was contrary to the evidence.
“I think this is the worst possible act that can be committed against a child your Honor and the State requests that he die in prison,” Cook said. “This is as bad as it gets.”
After reviewing the evidence, Roberts sentenced Carroll to life in prison for sexual battery and an additional 15 years for the second charge.
According to prosecutors, the crime occurred May 16, 2026, at Carroll’s home.
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Bill Pate testified about the investigation, including a forensic interview conducted with the victim at the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Pate interviewed Carroll at his home May 19. According to the State Attorney’s Office, Carroll admitted to the sexual acts during that interview.
“I have a problem. I shouldn’t have done it,” Carroll told investigators.
Prosecutors said the details Carroll provided matched the victim’s account.
The victim’s mother also submitted an impact statement addressing her family’s strong religious beliefs and the betrayal of trust involving a pastor.
“It takes a wicked person to do that,” she wrote. “There’s no way this is of God. This is pure evil.”
Following the sentencing, Cook praised investigators and expressed hope that the outcome would bring justice to the family.
“I hope today’s sentence gives justice to the victim and his family,” Cook said. “Captain Bill Pate of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office did a terrific job investigating this case. Due to his stellar work, we have permanently removed a monster from our community.”
Basford also thanked the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation and for obtaining Carroll’s confession, which helped bring the case to a resolution.
Image Source – State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit
Image Source – State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit
