LAKE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) says a man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for a sexual battery case in Lake County.

Authorities say 36-year-old Joseph Andrew Giampa offered to serve the rest of his life in prison. The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office says at the request of the victim’s family they accepted the offer. Under the agreement, Giampa will spend the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to Lake County jail records, Giampa was arrested on November 2, 2023, in Leesburg.

On December 14, he was indicted for six counts of sexual battery upon a person under twelve years old and three counts of promoting sexual performance by a child.

The State Attorney’s Office sought the death penalty in the case.

“This was a huge case for our office. It was the first case where the death penalty was being sought under the governor’s new law,” said a spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office.

The new law allows predators who commit sexual battery on young children to be punished by death.

“Resolution in less than 100 days is proof that Florida’s capital punishment statute for sexual battery of children is effective,” commented State Attorney Bill Gladson in a news release. “By passing this law, the Florida Legislature and the Governor have sent a message that Florida has a zero tolerance for those who prey upon our most vulnerable and that the punishment will be certain, swift and severe.”

Lake County court records show that while in jail, Giampa was also charged with attempting to escape from a law enforcement officer.

They say Giampa had plastic handcuffs on while he was receiving treatment for self-inflicted wounds. When detention deputies attempted to switch his handcuffs back to metal ones, they say he “became resistant by jumping up and striking medical staff and the deputies.” Afterwards, they say he attempted to get by the staff and deputies.

Records show he was advised to stop. When he did not comply, they tased him. They say deputies had to tase Giampa a second time for him to stop. When Giampa was returned to the bed, they say he continued to yell at deputies and say, “Just kill me.” According to authorities, he also said, “Why didn’t you use your gun to kill me?” He was then tased two more times.

Court records also show Giampa’s wife filed for divorce on December 19, 2023.