A 35-year-old Palm Bay man was arrested January 27, 2026, on seven counts of sexual battery by a familial or custodial person after investigators say he repeatedly assaulted a teenage family member over the course of more than a year, with many of the assaults documented on park security cameras at West Melbourne’s Field of Dreams Park.
Who Was Arrested
Joseph Timothy Hubert III, born May 21, 1990, was taken into custody by the Palm Bay Police Department. He faces seven felony charges under Florida Statute 794.011(8)(b), which addresses sexual battery committed by a person in a familial or custodial role against a victim between the ages of 12 and 17. The victim in this case is between 12 and 15 years old. Hubert is married and has young children.
Surveillance Video Documents Assaults
According to the detailed Arrest Warrant Affidavit filed by West Melbourne Police, the defendant would regularly bring his children and the victim to the park’s skate area. While the younger children played, he would isolate the victim at a nearby gazebo. Security cameras at the park captured Hubert and the victim in repeated sexual acts on at least seven occasions between December 24, 2025, and January 18, 2026. The victim positively identified both herself and Hubert in still images taken from the video footage.
Evidence of Resistance and Coercion
Investigators documented instances in which the victim exhibited non-compliance and resistance, with the affidavit noting that Hubert allegedly held her wrists, pinned her down, or physically repositioned her during the assaults. The victim told police she often attempted to resist but felt unable to fight back due to the significant size difference — Hubert is listed as 5’9″ and approximately 290 pounds — and her fear of the pain or bruising he would inflict when she resisted.
Hubert reportedly discouraged the victim from bringing her phone to the gazebo, allegedly to prevent her from capturing any evidence.
Prior Criminal Record
Court records indicate Hubert has a prior criminal history. In 2010, he was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious battery and molestation involving minors under 16. He ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and was sentenced to five years of probation.
Victim’s Disclosure and Current Status
An assault on January 18, 2026, at Hubert’s Palm Bay residence prompted the victim to finally disclose the abuse to a family member. The victim had reportedly feared coming forward due to Hubert’s role as a financial provider in the family and threats that he would “twist her story” if she spoke out. Hubert is currently held at the Brevard County Jail.
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Joseph Timothy Hubert III are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.