Charges against a Navarre resident accused of sexual assault on a minor were dismissed Sept. 2 by the State of Florida. Sam Druggish, 73, had been facing life in prison for the capital felony case.
Druggish was arrested Dec. 17, 2015 and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault on a minor by a custodian and lewd and lascivious behavior. He was issued a $400,000 bail and released March 11.
Depositions started in August, and Prosecutor Stephanie Pace announced in court last Friday that charges would be dismissed.
Assistant State Attorney James Parker said there was insufficient evidence in the case.
“During depositions there were some inconsistencies in the testimony of the victim. That made it impossible for us to move forward,” Parker said, noting there was no other corroborating evidence.
“I’m happy that justice prevailed and now Mr. Druggish can put this behind him and have closure in his life,” said Attorney Keith Kilpatrick, who represented Druggish.
“These cases are extremely emotional and difficult for everyone,” Kilpatrick said.
