A 48-year-old Palm Bay, Florida, man has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually battering a child who was a female relative. Ronnie Davis was found guilty in February 2026 by a Brevard County jury on one count of sexual battery on a child by a person in familial or custodial authority.
Sentencing and Predator Designation
Circuit Judge Steve Henderson handed down the life sentence during a hearing on March 18, 2026, and declared Davis a sexual predator under Florida law. The designation carries additional registration and monitoring requirements beyond the prison term.
Prosecution and Victim Testimony
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Andrew Joy and Christine Babb, and relied on sworn testimony from Davis’ victim. Joy commended the victim’s courage in coming forward.
“The victim was brave to testify and stand up to her abuser,” Joy said. “The jury found her testimony so powerful that they agreed the defendant was guilty.”
A Message to Victims
Prosecutors said the case sends a clear message that perpetrators of child sexual abuse will be held accountable in Brevard County. The life sentence ensures Davis will remain behind bars for the remainder of his life.