ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — A 41-year-old caregiver is being held on a $1 million bond after authorities arrested him for sexually exploiting a vulnerable, disabled adult in his care, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) announced.
Micah Hatcher was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in neighboring Clay County. He has been charged with Sexual Battery, Lewd or Lascivious Offense Committed on a Disabled Person, and Sexual Misconduct with a Vulnerable Adult.
Caregiver Exploited Position of Trust
The criminal investigation was launched in June 2026 by the SJSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) after receiving reports of sexual abuse involving a vulnerable adult.
Detectives determined that between April 2026 and June 2026, Hatcher engaged in illicit sexual interactions with the victim while working as their hired caregiver. Authorities emphasized that the victim lives with multiple medical and cognitive conditions that significantly impair their ability to understand, evaluate, or give legal consent.
Bribes and Deception Used to Silence Victim
As the investigation unfolded, SVU detectives uncovered evidence that Hatcher took active steps to cover up the ongoing abuse.
Investigators allege Hatcher offered the victim electronic devices and cash payments to justify the inappropriate relationship. He is also accused of repeatedly lying to the victim to manipulate them and prevent them from reporting the misconduct to family members or law enforcement.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained felony arrest warrants and coordinated with federal authorities to track down Hatcher, who had moved into Clay County.
Detention & Custody Status: Following his arrest by federal marshals, Hatcher was booked into the Clay County Jail, where he remains held on a $1,000,000 bond awaiting extradition back to St. Johns County to face formal prosecution.