By-Line: Joseph Bober, Public Information Office FCSO
On April 16, Michael Jennelle, 53, of Palm Coast, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life in prison after he had been previously found guilty on seven charges by a jury in March.
Judge Dawn Nichols of the Seventh Judicial Circuit sentenced Jennelle during a hearing that contained victim impact statements from those directly affected by Jennelle’s actions.
“Justice was served, and this pervert will not see outside of a prison cell for the rest of his life,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I thank Judge Nichols for the strong sentence she imposed so that he can never hurt another child. I want to also thank and commend everyone involved, including our detectives, victim advocates, and partners at the State Attorney’s Office, for their dedication and perseverance so that we could get justice for the victim and hold this dirtbag accountable for his actions. I pray the victim gets the counseling and emotional support she needs for the trauma he imposed and commend her bravery to come forward.”
Jennelle’s sentencing marks the end of a case that began in March 2023 and involved the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit, Victim Services Unit, and Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit.
Michael Jennelle (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mugshot)
