Chipley man arrested for child sex crimes
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: After a discussion with the victim’s family, this article has been edited to remove information filed with the Washington County court system and released in a public record. Although this information was made public record, it is the desire of the Washington County News to limit any continued effects reporting this story may have on the victim or their family. Subsequently, comments have now been disabled on this article.
Daniel Joseph Donofrio III, known locally as “Q-Ball,” was arrested July 26 and is currently in the Washington County Jail on a $250,000 bond in connection to molestation and sexual battery on a child.
Donofrio is charged with sexual assault , sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older but under 18 years of age and lewd and lascivious behavior/molestation on a victim less than 12 years of age by an offender 18 years or older.
On June 8, a local pastor contacted Washington County Sheriff’s Office stating a teenager had disclosed information that they had been touched by Donofrio from the age of eight until the age of 13 to a counselor during the church’s summer camp. The pastor stated that was all the information known at the time but would speak with the counselor for additional information.
On June 10, the pastor again contacted WCSO after meeting with the counselor and wanted to make an official report. A WCSO investigator and a Child Protection Team (CPT) interviewer met with the pastor and counselor on June 11.
According to the affidavit of complaint, the counselor stated the week prior the church held their summer camp, and the victim came forward with information they had been sexually assaulted and touched inappropriately by Donofrio.
A parent of the victim stated to investigators they were unaware of the allegations until being called by the pastor.
According to a WCSO report, Donofrio was advised an investigation was underway and instructed to refrain from contacting the victim until further advised. According to court records, Donofrio performed numerous sexual acts upon the victim over the course of five years.
Donofrio is scheduled for arraignment on September 5.
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