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A Walton County jury found Dr. Francis Nicoli Herrbold guilty of sexual battery on April 10, according to the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Judge J. Ryan Love ordered Herrbold into custody following the verdict and set sentencing for June 3, 2025. Herrbold faces up to 15 years in state prison.
The incident occurred on June 24, 2023, during a fishing tournament at the Sandestin Marina. According to court testimony, Herrbold was among a group of friends socializing aboard the victim’s yacht. At the night’s end, the victim went to sleep in the main cabin. A friend of the victim locked the yacht’s only door and confirmed that all other guests had left, except for Herrbold, who was asleep and could not be awakened.
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Investigators said Herrbold later entered the yacht through a hatch, accessed a guest cabin, and entered the main cabin, where the victim was asleep. The victim reported waking up to Herrbold sexually battering her. She reported the incident to law enforcement the following day.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant State Attorney Angela Liles prosecuted the case.
The State Attorney’s Office directed inquiries to Assistant State Attorney Angela Liles at (850) 892-8080 for more information.
