Man Charged with 7 Capital Felonies for Child Sexual Abuse, Prosecutors Motion for Pretrial Detention

On April 27, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies arrested Paul Phillip Foco, 74, and charged him with seven capital felony charges of sexual battery against a victim under 12 years of age.

According to a press release by ACSO, “The victim, who was under the care of Foco, disclosed to their school officials that Foco inappropriately touched them. The information was immediately turned over to the Department of Children and Families, and a forensic interview was conducted with the victim. The victim explained to investigators that Foco abused them on numerous occasions at Foco's Gainesville residence over the span of many years. Deputies made contact with Foco at his residence, and he was taken into custody.” 

On April 29, prosecutors filed a pretrial detention motion against Foco to hold him without bond. 

Judge Denise Ferrero will hear the motion in court tomorrow morning.