GAINESVILLE, FL — A 74-year-old man faces seven capital felony charges following a disturbing disclosure by a child regarding years of sexual abuse. Paul Foco was arrested by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, April 27, 2026, after a report from a brave minor led to a multi-agency investigation.
Foco has been charged with seven counts of Sexual Battery by a Custodian with a Victim Under 12 Years of Age.
School Resource Deputy Intervention
The investigation began earlier in April when the victim, who was under Foco’s care, confided in their School Resource Deputy that Foco had been inappropriately touching them. The deputy immediately notified the Department of Children and Families (DCF), initiating a sensitive forensic interview with the child.
During that interview, the victim detailed a pattern of abuse that had occurred over the span of many years at Foco’s residence in the Southwest 47th Street area of Gainesville. The victim also reported that Foco used threats to prevent them from telling anyone about the incidents.
Arrest and Investigation
Detective L. O’Steen led the subsequent investigation, which uncovered evidence corroborating the victim’s claims. Deputies located Foco at his home and took him into custody. He was transported to the Alachua County Jail, where he is being held on the severe charges.
In a statement following the arrest, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of the victim’s actions:
“Our agency takes all reports of abuse seriously, especially those involving children. We commend the victim for their bravery in speaking out, which helped bring these allegations to light and led to the arrest of an individual accused of preying on a child.”
Active Case Status
Authorities noted that this remains an active investigation. Because of the nature of the charges and the need to protect the victim’s identity, the Sheriff’s Office is not releasing further specific details at this time.
Under Florida law, the charge of sexual battery by a custodian on a child under 12 is a capital felony, carrying a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.