JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal grand jury has now indicted former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer Josue Garriga III on a charge of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Garriga was in federal court Wednesday and was ordered to remain on house arrest before being released on a $10,000 bond.
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Last month, Garriga, 34, resigned from his position with JSO after the Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested him on several charges, including unlawful sexual activity with a minor, stemming from a sex crime investigation involving a 17-year-old girl he met at church.
He has also been charged with the federal crime of using a cell phone/internet to coerce a minor. The federal charges are expected to take precedence over the charges in Clay County.
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Under the terms of his release, Garriga must stay at his grandmother’s home in Mandarin. He also can’t have access to the internet, cell phone or any smart devices. He was also ordered to stay away from the alleged victim and not have any contact with any minors except his son, which requires adult supervision.
His next court appearance is set for May 7.
The federal criminal complaint appears largely based on the CCSO investigation, but some new details were included. These details include the WhatsApp messages investigators say Garriga sent to the girl. Plus, his interview with investigators following the accusations.
The reports show those messages included, “I miss your face,” “You looked amazing on Sunday btw,” and “You ok with sending me pics again?”
