Man Gets Life In Prison For Sexual Battery Of Child: State Attorney

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Following a two-day jury trial at the Manatee County Courthouse, a man was convicted April 27 of sexual battery by a person 18 years of age or older upon a child less than 12 years of age and lewd or lascivious molestation by a person 18 years of age or older upon a child less than 12 years of age.

Roosevelt Charles Booth III, who represented himself at the trial, was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes and designated a sexual predator, according to a news release from State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office.

The crimes were committed between Feb. 1-13, 2018, and investigated by the Bradenton Police Department.

“The State commends the victims in this case for their strength in sharing their stories with the jury. We understand how difficult it is for any person to share the horror of childhood sexual abuse,” said Ashley Dusnik, assistant state attorney and the lead prosecutor in the case.

She added, “This situation was compounded by the defendant’s decision to represent himself. When a defendant represents himself, the defendant is asking all the questions in lieu of counsel. Therefore, the child must directly respond to the defendant during cross-examination.”