Reported by Angelina Nunez
October 2026
Editor’s note:This report contains allegations. All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
De’Kaze Kemaree Jarod Brooks
Background
An 11-year-old girl told investigators that her uncle, De’Kaze Kemaree Jarod Brooks, 29, sexually abused her multiple times, including an alleged incident in which her aunt discovered him trying to penetrate the child on the floor in the middle of the night.
The St. Johns County Special Victims Unit began investigating the allegations on March 16, 2026, after the girl was allegedly abused while staying at her aunt’s home in St. Augustine. Brooks had been living at the home with the aunt since 2025.
According to the arrest report, the aunt awoke around 1:30 a.m. and noticed Brooks was no longer in bed. She checked security cameras in her son’s room and saw they were facing a different direction than normal. When she entered the room, she allegedly found Brooks lying behind the 11-year-old, both naked from the waist down.
The aunt told investigators she witnessed Brooks attempting to penetrate the girl sexually and later learned he had been on top of her. When confronted, Brooks allegedly pulled the girl’s pants back up. The aunt asked whether it was the first time it had happened, and the child allegedly said it occurred each time she visited her aunt’s home.
The victim initially didn’t disclose the alleged abuse because she was afraid of getting in trouble. She later told investigators Brooks would wait until her aunt fell asleep before he would “bother her.”
Brooks had previously been accused of sexual misconduct involving children, including a recent allegation involving the aunt’s cousin, though he had not been arrested in connection with those allegations, according to the arrest report. Brooks was arrested March 17, 2026.
Current Court Status
The defendant has not entered a plea. A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 27, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Christopher Ferebee.
Charges
One count of sexual battery on a person less than 12 years of age
Curtis John Bowling
Background
A retired veteran is accused of repeatedly striking a child in the back of the head on May 17, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a disturbance call and learned Curtis John Bowling had become upset over the child’s behavior.
According to the arrest report, Bowling allegedly approached the child, who was lying beside Bowling’s wife, climbed on top him and repeatedly struck him in the back of the head until the child’s mother intervened, shielding them from further blows.
After being read his Miranda rights, Bowling allegedly told investigators he intended to discipline the child but acknowledged he overreacted and took the discipline too far. The child’s mother told investigators Bowling had become increasingly angry, according to the report. Bowling was arrested that same day on a child abuse charge and transported to the St. Johns County Jail.
Current Court Status
Following Bowling’s arrest, he was released from custody with a no-contact order after posting a $2,500 bond on May 19, 2026.
Bowling pleaded guilty on October 1 to the lesser-included offense of misdemeanor battery after the State Attorney offered pretrial diversion, which requires he obtain an alcohol and substance abuse evaluation within 30 days, be employed and not break any other laws over the next 12 months, among other conditions.
Bowling’s wife filed for divorce on August 11, 2026.
Charges
• One count of child abuse
Daniel J. Donofrio
Background
A St. Augustine man is accused of having several terabytes of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his electronic devices, after investigators traced downloads of the material to his home.
According to the arrest report, Daniel Donofrio came under investigation after detectives, using Internet Crimes Against Children-approved software, identified a device at his residential IP address downloading CSAM.
On Sept. 9, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant at Donofrio’s residence and seized several electronic devices, including his cellphone, computers, hard drives and USB storage devices. Investigators allegedly found a history of peer-to-peer file sharing and searches containing terms associated with CSAM on several of the devices. After being read his Miranda rights, Donofrio told detectives he was familiar with peer-to-peer file-sharing software, saying he had used it about 20 years ago.
A forensic examination of one hard drive uncovered thousands of files depicting sexual assaults of children as young as 3 years old, according to the report.
Some of the material recovered from Donofrio’s electronics was submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, where investigators identified children depicted in the material as a known victims. Donofrio was arrested on Sept. 18, 2025.
Current Court Status
Donofrio entered a plea of not guilty on September 23, 2025. In December 2025, several $20,000 surety bonds were posted on the charges, totaling $520,000.
The next pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
26 counts of possession of sexual performance by a child (enhanced)
Raphael Jesse Hampton
Background
A St. Johns County father is accused of repeatedly sexually abusing his 13-year-old daughter for more than a year, with the abuse allegedly escalating while the girl was staying with him under a shared custody arrangement.
According to the arrest report, Raphael Jesse Hampton, came under investigation after the girl’s mother found sexually explicit messages, images and videos exchanged between him and his daughter while checking her phone in January 2026. Investigators said Hampton asked whether the mother was present during certain times and continuously requested explicit videos from the girl.
The daughter told investigators the abuse began when she was 12, starting with inappropriate touching that escalated to forced sexual intercourse at residences in both Duval and St. Johns counties. Her mother reported the allegations to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on January 18, 2026.
Detectives from both agencies later interviewed the girl and reviewed the messages and videos recovered from her phone. During a post-Miranda interview on January 22, Hampton admitted to engaging in sexual acts with his daughter on multiple occasions and exchanging explicit images and videos with her, according to the report. Hampton was arrested on January 23, 2026.
Current Court Status
Following Hampton’s arrest, he was released under a domestic violence no-contact pretrial release order requiring GPS electronic monitoring.
On April 29, 2026, Hampton waived his right to a speedy trial. A felony hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Five counts of sex battery; engage sexual conduct, minor 12 to 18 years by person in familial or custodial authority
One count of aggravated child abuse
One count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device
One count of promoting sexual performance by a child
One count of soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices
One count of transmission of material harmful to minors by electronic device
One count of use of a minor in the production of obscene material
Kenneth Christopher Huenink
Background
A 13-year-old girl discovered videos on her cellphone showing her having sex with an adult man despite having no memory of the encounter, according to a St. Johns County arrest warrant.
Kenneth Christopher Huenink met the girl through social media about a week before the incident, according to the report. On March 8, 2025, he allegedly ordered an Uber for the girl to his home, where they drank alcohol. She later told investigators she had no recollection of what happened.
The next day, the victim discovered videos on her cellphone showing Huenink having sexual intercourse with her, prompting her father to contact law enforcement, according to the report. The girl underwent a forensic interview and sexual assault examination.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement DNA testing linked Huenink to the victim, finding the DNA profile was more than 700 billion times more likely to have originated from Huenink than an unrelated person. Investigators also found cellphone location data placing the girl at Huenink’s residence.
A search of the home recovered items matching photographs taken by the victim. Two videos allegedly showed Huenink having sex with her while she appeared unresponsive. Investigators said the videos were recorded while the cellphone was locked, contradicting Huenink’s claim that the girl unlocked the phone and asked him to record the encounter.
Huenink later told investigators the girl initiated the sexual activity and was conscious throughout the encounter, but investigators noted his story changed during the interview. Huenink was later arrested.
Current Court Status
After his arrest, Huenink was released on pretrial conditions requiring a GPS monitor and a no-contact order. The defendant later entered a written plea of not guilty on May 18, 2026.
Hueninke is now scheduled to appear for a felony pretrial hearing on October 8, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Sexual battery by person 18 years or older on person 12 or older but younger than 18 (specified circumstances)
Two counts of promoting sexual performance of a child
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Contributing to the delinquency of a child
Kamala Devi Singleton
Background
A woman was stabbed three times during a confrontation over a mutual love interest. Investigators say the suspect arrived at a Hastings home armed with a knife and waited for the chance to attack.
According to the arrest report, Kamala Devi Singleton went to a residence on Reno Street in Hastings on November 7, 2025 armed with a knife. She then allegedly entered the home without permission and demanded the victim come outside, whereupon the two then became involved in a physical altercation.
The victim suffered three stab wounds - two to her left arm and one to her chest - and was airlifted to a trauma facility, where she underwent emergency surgery. She told investigators that during the altercation, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest and asked Singleton if she had stabbed her.
According to the victim, Singleton responded, “Yeah, I been waiting to do this.” The knife wasn’t recovered. Singleton later told investigators she acted in self-defense, claiming the victim came outside holding an unknown object, which Singleton later grabbed from the ground and made stabbing motions toward the victim. Investigators said surveillance footage didn’t support that account.
The mutual love interest told investigators Singleton had informed him earlier that day she planned to go to his residence because she knew he wouldn’t be there but the victim would. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrested Singleton on November 17, 2025.
Current Court Status
Following her arrest, Singleton was placed under pretrial release conditions and a no-contact order. On November 24, 2025, her attorney filed a plea of not guilty, waived arraignment and filed a notice of discovery.
A felony pretrial hearing for October 27, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee, followed by a felony docket sounding on December 1, 2026.
Charges
Attempted first-degree premeditated murder (weapon)
Ali Aldemar Moreno
Background
An investigation into the alleged sexual battery of an 11-year-old child uncovered additional allegations involving Ali Aldemar Moreno, 21, and multiple juvenile victims.
According to the arrest report, Moreno is accused of sexually battering the child on October 7, 2024. Prosecutors allege he used online communication to facilitate the offense, traveled to meet the child and possessed an image or video depicting the sexual conduct.
Investigators later identified a second 14-year-old victim, who told detectives she met someone known as “Leo” on Snapchat after he claimed to be 15. She said they later met in person and had sex in the back seat of his car.
Investigators said Moreno also contacted one of the victim’s friends on Snapchat. The victim identified Moreno from a photo lineup, and investigators reviewed Snapchat conversations and location data from his device, according to the report. Moreno was arrested on October 25, 2024.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest, Moreno was placed on pretrial release with a no-contact order in June 2025. He pleaded not guilty on April 7, 2026.
A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Lewd or lascivious battery
Unlawful use of a two-way communications device
Traveling to meet a minor
Joseph Lee Wilson
Charges
• Aggravated battery of a pregnant person
Background
A pregnant woman was allegedly punched and kicked in the stomach during a fight over infidelity, according to an arrest report.
St. Augustine resident Joseph Lee Wilson and the victim allegedly became involved in a verbal argument on October 6, 2025, during which the victim took Wilson’s phone. Investigators say Wilson then tackled the woman onto a couch and punched her. After getting his phone back, Wilson allegedly stood over her and kicked her in the belly before fleeing the scene.
The victim was approximately four and a half months pregnant and had a noticeable baby bump, according to the report. Wilson is believed to be the father of the unborn child. Wilson was arrested that same day by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
Current Court Status
Following Wilson's arrest, he entered a domestic violence no-contact pretrial release order with GPS electronic monitoring. He waived his right to a speedy trial in December 2025.
A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 27, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Elvis Nyakundi
Background
An active-duty U.S. Navy sailor allegedly agreed to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl for sex, even after being told her age, according to the arrest report.
Elvis Nyakundi, 22, an Aviation Ordnanceman who told investigators he lived at Naval Air Station Mayport, contacted an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl during a September 21, 2025 internet sting operation targeting people attempting to sexually exploit children.
After the undercover detective disclosed the persona’s age, Nyakundi allegedly responded, “I don’t mind,” and continued arranging a meeting. Investigators said he was persistent about wanting to meet and repeatedly discussed the details of the encounter.
During phone calls, Nyakundi allegedly discussed meeting at a predetermined location in St. Johns County, asked how much the encounter would cost and agreed to pay $60 for the sexual activity. He later allegedly offered $100, citing the “inconvenience” and being late.
Nyakundi traveled to the predetermined St. Johns County location, where he was arrested on September 20, 2025. After being read his Miranda rights, he allegedly admitted he was there to engage in sexual acts with the undercover persona and agreed to pay for the encounter.
Current Court Status
Following Nyakundi’s arrest, the case grew from its initial charges of human trafficking of a person under 18, traveling to meet a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to 25 total counts in September 2026.
Nyakundi was arraigned on September 3, 2026 and pleaded not guilty. A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 27, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
21 counts of possession of sexual performance by a child (enhanced)
Traveling to meet a minor
Attempted lewd or lascivious battery, sex act; victim 12–15 years old
Soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Timothy Adam Sherman
Background
A St. Johns County man is accused of sexually abusing three of his younger siblings over several years, according to a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrest warrant.
Timothy Adam Sherman, 18, is accused of sexually abusing his siblings, who were ages 6, 8 and 11 at the time of the investigation. The alleged abuse occurred between 2022 and 2025, primarily at the family’s residence.
According to the arrest report, Sherman and his father went to the sheriff’s office on October 17, 2025 after Sherman disclosed that he had been inappropriately touching his siblings. Investigators said Sherman later waived his rights and provided a sworn statement detailing the alleged abuse.
The report says Sherman told investigators he began abusing his youngest sibling in 2022, when the child was about 3 years old, and that the conduct continued into 2024. He also admitted to repeatedly molesting another sibling beginning when she was about 5 years old, with investigators alleging some incidents occurred after Sherman turned 18. The warrant also alleges Sherman began sexually abusing a third sibling in 2023, when the child was about 9 years old.
Investigators and a Department of Children and Families investigator later spoke with one of the alleged victims, who confirmed that Sherman had sexually touched her. Investigators also recovered handwritten notes Sherman had given his parents in 2024 in which he had previously confessed to touching his sister. Sherman was arrested on October 18, 2025.
Current Court Status
Following Sherman’s arrest, the defendant pleaded not guilty on November 17, 2025, and was placed on pretrial release with a no-contact order and GPS monitoring.
The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Two counts of sexual battery on person less than 12 years of age
Five counts of lewd/lascivious molestation (defendant under 18; victim under 12)
Christopher Benjamin Murray
Background
A 28-year-old former neighbor is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl twice, then warning her they “probably wouldn't be able to keep getting away with it,” according to an arrest report.
Christopher Benjamin Murray allegedly met the girl in late December 2025 while working as a landscaper in her St. Johns County neighborhood. The girl told investigators she was 14 and a 10th-grade student when they first met. Murray allegedly asked for her phone number, but she initially declined. By early March 2026, the two began communicating through texts, phone calls and FaceTime, and their conversations eventually became sexual, according to the report.
During spring break, investigators say Murray coordinated with the girl to meet at her home while her mother was away. The warrant alleges Murray had sexual intercourse with the girl twice. The girl told investigators Murray repeatedly pressured her into sexual activity and warned her not to tell anyone, saying he “had more to lose” than she did. After the second encounter, Murray allegedly instructed her to delete their conversations and stop communicating with him.
Months later, detectives were able to resume contact with Murray by using the victim’s phone while posing as her. During the conversation, Murray allegedly acknowledged the relationship and sexual encounters. When asked about doing it again, he responded, “We probably wouldn't be able to keep getting away with it.” He also commented that the girl was “way too nervous,” allegedly saying, “Yes, you are. Both times your body was shaking uncontrollably.”
Murray was arrested on June 17, 2026.
Current Court Status
Murray was briefly held in custody before being released on June 22, 2026, under pretrial conditions that consisted of GPS electronic monitoring and a no-contact order. His June 29 arraignment and Sept. 1 pretrial hearing were both continued.
A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 3, 2026 before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Two counts of lewd or lascivious battery sex act with a victim 12 years old but less than 16 years old
Traveling to meet a minor
Soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
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