BUNNELL, Fla. — A man convicted on a molestation charges stemming from a sexual encounter with a juvenile at a golf course last year was sentenced to five years in prison.
Alphonso Joseph, 49, also received 10 years of sex offender probation after pleading guilty to Lewd and Lascivious Battery. Joseph was arrested in July 2022 after being found engaging in sexual activity in the backseat of a vehicle with a juvenile he had met on a dating app, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Around 9 p.m. July 14, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about a noise complaint in the area of Matanzas Woods Golf Course. After investigating the noise, they saw Joseph having a sexual relationship with a juvenile.
Deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call about loud music playing in the area of the dormant Matanzas Woods Golf course. Deputies observed a grey Toyota Camry and two males in the back seat pulling up their pants.
"When asked what they were doing in the area, Joseph stated they were 'just chillin' and he had taken his shirt off because it was hot in the car," the release said.
Joseph had ties to a local church according to reports and social media posts, referring to himself as "Overseer Alphonso Joseph," though it was not confirmed.
“Thank you to our Major Case Unit for working hard on this case to ensure he can’t prey on any more children,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a press release. “Be the sheriff of your home and make sure you monitor who your children are talking to online. I also want to thank the observant resident who called in a noise concern that allowed our deputies to end his crime and disgusting behavior preying on children.”
