LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – In a conviction against human trafficking, 31-year-old Jose Gomez of Lake County was found guilty last week of Human Trafficking of a Child for Commercial Sexual Activity and three counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery. The conviction, handed down on May 28, 2025, by a jury, resulted in a mandatory life sentence for Gomez, as presided over by Judge Cary F. Rada.
State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, joined by Attorney General Uthmeier and Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri, announced the conviction at a press conference Tuesday.
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“This conviction signifies a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking,” stated Bill Gladson. “Furthermore, it serves as a clear message: we maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward human trafficking and the exploitation of children in our community.”
The egregious acts came to light on July 15, 2024, when Eustis Police Department officers responded to a 911 hang-up call originating from an apartment on North Prescott Street in Eustis. Though the initial callback was unsuccessful, officers were soon flagged down by a distressed individual, later identified as the victim.
The victim recounted being dropped off at an apartment to meet with Gomez. Once inside, Gomez offered money and drugs in exchange for sex. He then proceeded to sexually batter the victim, who was able to escape after kicking Gomez and fleeing the apartment. The victim called 9-1-1 before flagging down the nearby officers and was subsequently transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
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Upon arrival, officers attempted to locate Gomez, who barricaded himself inside his apartment upon seeing law enforcement. After several hours, Gomez was apprehended by a police canine and taken into custody.
During a post-Miranda interview, Gomez admitted to officers that he was approached by an individual who offered to facilitate sex acts involving the victim for money. Gomez confessed to paying $100 to engage in sexual activity with the victim after arrangements were made for the victim to be brought to his apartment. Officers observed visible scratches on Gomez’s body, consistent with the victim’s statements of a physical altercation.
A search warrant of Gomez’s apartment was executed to gather evidence. Additionally, key evidence used in the prosecution was obtained through a search of Gomez’s cell phone, conducted with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
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