State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s Office announced today that Gerald Timmons was convicted after jury trial of Introduction of Pornography to a Minor and Luring or Enticing a Child. The crime was committed on or about April 29, 2025 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children division.
The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on April 6 and 7, 2026.
Following the guilty verdict, the jury was asked to determine whether sentencing the defendant to a non-prison sanction could present a danger to the public, which the jury answered in the affirmative. The defendant was set for a sentencing hearing on June 18, 2026.
The State sought a prison sentence after trial. Circuit Court Judge Teresa Kaklis Dees sentenced the defendant to two consecutive 11 months and 29 days in the county jail followed by two years of community control followed by one year of probation with various sex offender conditions. He was also designated as a sexual offender.
In May of 2025, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a local elementary school to investigate a suspicious situation. Upon further investigation, they learned that the defendant parked a moving truck, which he was living within, outside of the home of a single mother and her four children. During the two days the defendant was parked outside this home, the defendant showed pornography to a young girl and attempted to lure her towards the back of his truck.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Scott Callin, commented “Law enforcement conducted an exceptional investigation in quickly locating crucial evidence, finding the defendant, and ensuring that he would not have another opportunity to prey upon Manatee County’s youth. We also commend this young girl’s bravery in coming forward, then later facing the defendant and testifying against him. We hope that this verdict and sentence will help keep the community safe.”
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Scott Callin in the Manatee County State Attorney’s office at 941-747-3077.