- October 26, 2024
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Justin Wallace, 21, was arrested Aug. 5 for having sexual encounters with a 14-year-old.
“This brave victim came forward, reported what happened and if not for that, we would not have been able to help,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “If you prey and take advantage of our children, we will work swiftly to put you in the Green Roof Inn where you belong. Let this be a warning that it doesn’t matter if you flee to the next city, across the state, or across the country, we will find you and arrest you. Justice has no boundaries!”
On Aug. 4, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a juvenile being sexually involved with a 21-year-old male. The subject, who claimed he was 16 years old to the victim’s family members, was later identified as Justin Wallace.
Wallace had just relocated to the area from Massachusetts. When the victim met Wallace, she stated that she felt pressured into the first sexual encounter, but advised the other encounters were consensual from July 18, 2021, to July 29, 2021. Wallace was advised by the victim of being 14 years old before their first sexual encounter.
On July 29, Wallace told the victim’s parents he was 21 years old, and the parents advised him to stay away from the victim. He then left the area and the parents did not know his name or contact information.
On Aug. 4, Wallace attempted to contact the victim again, and the victim’s family notified FCSO. Upon FCSO being notified of the relationship and the subject’s whereabouts, the victim expressed concern for her safety, as Wallace made multiple attempts to visit her and communicate with her after he was advised she did not want to communicate with him. The FCSO patrol units monitored the area and conducted surveillance of the victim’s family while detectives gathered enough evidence to make an arrest.
On Aug. 5, an interview with the victim was conducted. The investigation revealed that Wallace was aware of the victim’s age before the first sexual encounter. During the course of the investigation, Wallace made multiple homicidal and suicidal statements towards himself, his family, the victim, and the victim’s family, leading to a Baker Act upon arrest.
Justin Wallace was arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He’s being charged with Three Counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery on a Victim 12-16 Years of Age. Wallace is being held on a $450,000 bond.
