By-line: Joseph Bober, FCSO
On March 12, 2025, Michael Wayne Jennelle, 53, of Palm Coast, was found guilty on seven charges ranging from Sexual Battery to LEWD/ Lascivious molestation. The trial by jury was held at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Flagler County. Jennelle is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility while he awaits sentencing.
The charges include Sexual Battery Victim Under 12, Lewd/Lascivious Molestation Victim Under 12, Lewd/Lascivious Exhibition Victim Under 16, Lewd/Lascivious Molestation Victim Under 12, Lewd/Lascivious Molestation Victim Under 12, Sexual Battery on a Person Under 12, and Lewd/ Lascivious Exhibition Victim Under 16.
“Our Major Case unit successfully brought this pervert to justice,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I am confident the court will sentence him appropriately for taking a child’s innocence away. We must send a clear message that our community has zero tolerance for predators like Jennelle who prey on young children. We stand by and support the victim and their family as they work to recover.”
Under Florida law, Jennelle is facing life in prison.
Palm Coast Man Under Arrest for Sexual Battery on a Child
BUNNELL, Fla. — On June 30, 2023, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51-year-old Michael Wayne Jennelle of Palm Coast on charges of Sexual Battery – Victim Under 12 and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation – Victim Under 12.
The investigation into Jennelle by FCSO’s Major Case Unit began in March of 2023 after Jennelle had reportedly exposed himself and inappropriately touched a known juvenile victim Under the age of 12 on multiple occasions in Flagler County jurisdiction. Jennelle was also recently indicted in the State of Virginia on similar charges including Indecent Liberties with Child and Aggravated Sexual Battery – Victim Under 13.
FCSO’s Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit located and arrested Jennelle while walking his dog in front of his apartment at 121 Pine Lakes Parkway. Jennelle was placed Under arrest without incident. He is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility with no bond.
Michael Wayne Jennelle
“This young victim was brave enough to report this to a parent who then contacted law enforcement,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “The child’s innocence was taken away by this pervert and I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison where he belongs. We also pray the victims in all his cases receive the help they likely need to recover from this dirtbag’s actions. Great work by our Major Case Unit.”
