Ocala, Florida — On July 10, 2014, Cole S. Decker, 20, of Belleview, was released from the Marion County Jail and transported to the Florida Department of Corrections where he will begin serving his sentence.
Decker was arrested on October 30, 2013, and charged with Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12-Years-Old(x2) and Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition(x2). He was released November 7, 2013 on $75,000 bond. Decker’s bond was later revoked and he was re-arrested.
In October, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received information about a possible sex offense. Deputy Rawls responded to the scene.
The step-father told Deputy Rawls that during a conversation with his 11-year-old step son, he learned that between the dates of August 1, 2013 and October 22, 2013, Decker had molested the 11-year-old boy on more than one occasion.
The victim was taken to Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection for an interview with investigators. According to reports, during the interview, the victim stated the first incident took place in August 2013, while he and his 10-year-old cousin were staying overnight at the home of their grandparents located in Belleview. The grandparents were not home when the assault took place, according to authorities.
The victim told investigators that Decker lured the two boys into a bedroom of the residence by stating, “Hey, I wanna’ show you something.” Both boys went into the bedroom which was used by Decker, according to reports. The victim stated that once they were all inside the bedroom, Decker produced a “fake vagina” masturbation device and showed it to both boys. According to reports, Decker then sexually aroused himself and masturbated with the device to the point of ejaculation. The victim told authorities that this was done in he and his cousin’s presence.
Following the initial incident, Decker took the boys outside to play for a while, according to reports.
When it began to get dark outside the three went inside to get washed up. The victim stated the he got in the bath while his 10-year-old cousin got into the shower of the same bathroom.
According to reports, Decker entered the bathroom a short time later and got into the bath tub with the victim and molested him.
According to reports, on a separate occasion in October 2013, Decker molested the boy at his home while the two were playing video games.
On October 30, 2013, authorities made contact with Decker in an attempt to interview him. According to reports, Decker stated that he did not want to speak about the investigation and requested a lawyer. Decker was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail.
On July 7, 2014, Decker plead guilty on two counts of Capital Sexual Battery and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition.
Decker was sentenced to 25-years on each count of Capital Sexual Battery and 15-years on each count of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition. The sentences will run concurrent.
According to the Department of Corrections, he will be eligible to go before the Parole Review Board in the year 2038.
In 1977 the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty can only be imposed if a Capital Felony causes the death of another.
[Last updated July 16, 2014 at 12:29 p.m.]