A 47-year-old Ocala man was sentenced to life in prison for sexually battering a child over a four-year period.
On Wednesday, January 10, jurors rendered a guilty verdict during the trial of Christopher Lee Holding. He was found guilty on all seven charges, including sexual battery of a victim older than 12 but less than 18 years of age.
After jurors delivered the guilty verdict, Marion County Judge Pope sentenced Holding to a life sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections.
According to court records, in June of 2023, Holding was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies after allegations of sexual misconduct between Holding and the victim were reported.
During a forensic interview, the victim disclosed numerous reports of sexual abuse by Holding, spanning from 2017 to 2021.
The victim told investigators that the sexual abuse began when she was 13 years old. During many instances, the victim stated that Holding would tie or chain her up while he sexually battered her.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement uncovered additional evidence that supported the victim’s statement regarding “repetitive [sexual] abuse.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self.
“I cannot even begin to fathom the pain and suffering this victim endured from Holding,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
“The weight of the trauma [the victim] will have to carry the rest of their life is despairing and incomparable. I am extremely pleased with this sentencing after considering all the evidence and the surrounding circumstances,” added Gladson.