DAYTONA BEACH, FL — A repeat sex offender who attempted to abduct a 7-year-old girl inside a Daytona Beach retail store has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison, where he must serve his time “day for day” under Florida’s recidivism laws.
56-year-old Timmothy Hall was found guilty by a Volusia County jury following a two-day trial. He was convicted of Attempted Kidnapping of a Minor under 13 Years of Age and Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition on a Minor under 16 Years of Age.
Immediately following the verdict, Circuit Judge Kathryn Weston designated Hall a sexual predator and handed down the statutory maximum sentence.
Public Retail Store Attack
The incident occurred on July 11, 2025, inside an undisclosed Daytona Beach store where a 7-year-old girl was playing with her brother while her family shopped nearby.
According to trial evidence presented by Assistant State Attorneys Kevin Betancourt and Paiton Mizelle, Hall approached the young child while actively exposing his genitals. As he advanced on the girl, Hall motioned with one hand for her to come toward him and reached out to grab her.
The child screamed, disrupting the attempt. Hall fled the business immediately, but store surveillance cameras captured crisp footage of him entering his getaway vehicle, allowing the Daytona Beach Police Department to rapidly track him down.
“Day for Day” Recidivist Penalties
A criminal background audit revealed Hall was previously convicted in Hillsborough County in 2012 for Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition involving a minor under 16.
Because of this prior record and the timeline of his release, prosecutors successfully qualified Hall as a Prison Releasee Reoffender (PRR). Under Florida’s PRR statute, defendants must serve 100% of their ordered sentence behind bars without the possibility of early release or gain-time credits.
Statement from the State Attorney: Reflecting on the traumatic nature of the public assault, State Attorney R.J. Larizza issued a candid statement following the sentencing hearing:
“I thank God that most folks never experience the raw and dreadful reality of criminal activity. It is inconceivable that someone would target a 7-year-old girl in such a way, especially in a public place. Your prosecutors are hyper-vigilant in their efforts to protect you and your family. The defendant received the maximum penalty, but 30 years doesn’t feel like enough.”