Jeffrey Ashton, a Florida judge renowned for his role in the prosecution of Casey Anthony in 2011, is reportedly under scrutiny following allegations of child molestation and failure to report child abuse.
The allegations surfaced in an executive order signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and made public on the governor's official website.
The document, signed on October 11, reveals that the accusations against Ashton are currently being investigated by the Winter Park Police Department, as reported by WOFL. The executive order alleges that Ashton is under investigation for "lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 16 and failure to report child abuse."
Two other individuals are implicated in the allegations: Rita Ashton, Jeffrey's wife, for alleged failure to report child abuse, and David Ashton, for alleged "lewd conduct on a child under 16."
The executive order further states that recently appointed State Attorney Andrew Baine of the Ninth Judicial Circuit proposed transferring the case to the Tenth Judicial Circuit. This suggestion was made due to Ashton's position as a judge within the Ninth Judicial Court, which could potentially create a conflict of interest.
Details surrounding the case remain sparse. The executive order refers to an alleged molestation of a 16-year-old, but it does not specify when the alleged incident occurred. The identity of the 16-year-old has also been withheld.
The executive order calls for cooperation from all residents of the Ninth Judicial Circuit and directs public officials to provide any necessary assistance to the Assigned State Attorney. The order states, "All residents of the Ninth Judicial Circuit are requested, and all public officials are directed, to cooperate and render whatever assistance is necessary to the Assigned State Attorney, so that justice may be served."
The executive order stipulates a one-year period for the assignment, ending on October 11, 2024. It also requires the Assigned State Attorney to notify the Governor by September 11, 2024, if additional time is needed.
Ashton is best known for his work on the Casey Anthony case, which concluded in the summer of 2011. Anthony was acquitted of murder and child abuse charges related to her own child by a jury. However, she was found guilty on four counts of providing false information to law enforcement during the investigation.
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