At a Glance
- Justin Andrew Busby, 18+, was sentenced to life in prison after a Jan. 13 jury conviction for sexually battering a 10-year-old relative during a Florida vacation.
- The abuse happened between December 27, 2022, and January 3, 2023, in Destin, Florida, while the family was on holiday.
- An 8-year-old in Mississippi has also accused Busby of abuse; a grand jury there indicted him on three additional counts.
- Why it matters: The case underscores how trusted family members can exploit vacations to commit crimes, and how delayed disclosures still lead to convictions.
A Florida jury has sentenced Justin Andrew Busby to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old relative during a family trip to the Gulf Coast, sealing a conviction that labels him a sexual predator and opens the door for separate charges in Mississippi.
The Crime and Conviction
According to the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, Busby-who was over 18 at the time-was found guilty on January 13 of sexual battery of a victim under 12. The abuse occurred in Destin, Florida, while the family vacationed there from December 27, 2022, to January 3, 2023.
Prosecutors said Busby held a position of trust within the family. The child did not report the assault immediately. Instead, she spontaneously disclosed the abuse to her parents after the family had returned home to Mississippi.
Investigation Spans Two States
Once the girl spoke out, law-enforcement agencies in both states launched parallel inquiries:
- Florida authorities focused on the Destin assault.
- Mississippi authorities learned of additional allegations from an 8-year-old who also accused Busby of sexual abuse.
George County Assistant District Attorney George Huffman told local outlet WDAM that an indictment followed:
| Charge | Jurisdiction | Victim Age |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual battery of victim under 14 | George County, Miss. | 8 |
| Two counts of lustful touching of a minor | George County, Miss. | 8 |
Lucedale Police Department and other Mississippi agencies handled that investigation.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Busby was arrested in May 2023 on the Florida charge. He did not deny the allegations when questioned, though investigators said he “minimized his actions.”
A Florida grand jury indicted him, leading to the January trial. After the guilty verdict, Circuit Judge Ginger Bowden Madden imposed the mandatory life sentence and the sexual-predator designation.
What Happens Next
With the Florida case resolved, attention shifts back to Mississippi:
- Busby’s January 20 status conference in George County will be rescheduled.
- He retains the right to appeal the Florida conviction.
- Prosecutors say the victims’ families can opt to proceed with the Mississippi trial or decline further court action.
News Of Los Angeles reached out to the George County District Attorney’s Office for comment; no statement has been released.
Key Takeaways
- Delayed disclosure is common: The victim waited until she felt safe at home before telling her parents.
- Cross-state cooperation works: Florida and Mississippi agencies shared evidence to build both cases.
- Life sentences are mandatory in Florida for sexual battery on a child under 12, leaving judges no discretion for leniency.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified counselor.
