Palmetto Man Gets Life After Conviction of Sexual Battery Against Minor

BRADENTON — Charlie Carter III was convicted on charges of Sexual Battery by a Person 18 Years of Age or Older upon a Child Less than 12 Years of age and Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation by a Person 18 Years Of Age or Older Upon a Child Less than 12 Years Of Age.

The crimes were committed between September 22, 2019, and October 4, 2021, and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on January 16-18.
The defendant was sentenced to life in prison on Count 1, the mandatory sentence for this charge, and he was designated a sexual predator. On Count 2, he was sentenced to 25 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by lifetime sexual offender probation.

“The state commends the young victim for her bravery and strength in disclosing the acts of abuse she endured and for sharing her experience with the jury,” said Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik, lead prosecutor in the case. We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement, specifically Det. Bryan Lake of the Crimes Against Children unit with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, in securing this conviction, as well as the patient and careful consideration provided by the members of the jury.”