Flagler Jury Takes 18 Minutes To Find Accused Molester Guilty On 24 Charges

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Bunnell, FL - It took a Flagler County jury just 18 minutes on Wednesday to return 24 guilty verdicts in the case of a Flagler County man who was accused of sexually battering a child, possessing child pornography, and working in concert with a co-defendant to commit sexual battery on a child.

Following those 24 convictions, Paul Dykes, 21, faces a mandatory life sentence. The jury, made up of six women, heard two days of testimony and argument before they deliberated.

Dykes and the co-defendant, 23-year-old Erin Vickers, were accused of performing sex acts on a child and possessing images of sexual acts involving children. Vickers was convicted on similar charges back in September.

“In 37 years of being involved in the criminal justice system, this is one of the most reprehensible cases I have ever seen,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza following the verdicts. “The sickening and horrific facts of this case are beyond comprehension. Our hope and wish is that our child victim will be free to live safely and securely in a protected environment.”

The case was prosecuted by Director of Operations North and Assistant State Attorney Jasin Lewis along with Assistant State Attorney Joseph LeDonne. Circuit Judge Dennis Craig presided over the case. Sentencing will be pronounced at a future hearing.

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