A 39-year-old Ocala man is being held without bond after Marion County sheriff’s detectives say he met a 15-year-old girl while working at a local Goodwill, began communicating with her on Snapchat and later drove to her home before sexually battering her.
Garrett Jamner was arrested Monday, Aug. 17, on a lengthy list of charges including lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, soliciting a child for sexual activity, traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity and transmitting harmful material to a minor. He also faces two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The investigation began Aug. 6, when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an alleged sexual battery involving a juvenile.
According to MCSO, the girl told investigators she first met Jamner a couple of months earlier while shopping with her grandmother at the Goodwill Outlet on West Silver Springs Boulevard, where Jamner worked.
Investigators say Jamner gave the girl extra attention, learned she was 15 and asked for her Snapchat username. The two then began communicating through messages and calls on the app, some of which detectives say became sexual in nature.
During a forensic interview at Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, the girl told investigators Jamner later drove to her home and picked her up. She said he provided her with alcohol and a THC vaping device before sexually battering her while the two were parked in a vacant lot near her home.
Detective Michael Lowder identified Jamner as a suspect during the investigation, according to MCSO. The girl later selected Jamner from a photo lineup.
On Monday, Detective Zachary Elliott went to Jamner’s home on SW 160th Court and located his vehicle. Detectives conducted a traffic stop after Jamner left the residence and detained him for questioning.
Sheriff’s officials say Jamner initially denied knowing the girl. During the interview, however, investigators say he eventually acknowledged knowing her, having sexually charged Snapchat conversations with her and traveling to meet her.
Jamner was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail, where he remained without bond Tuesday.
Detectives say the investigation may not end with one alleged victim.
Because of the nature of the accusations, MCSO said investigators believe there could be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Lowder at (352) 351-6408.
