Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a Hernando County grand jury has indicted Nathan Douglas Holmberg, 36, on twenty-five charges. These include seven counts of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve. The indictment follows an investigation conducted by the Hernando County Sheriff, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty in this case.
“If you harm a child, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek the maximum penalty under the law,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The nature of these crimes demanded a statewide special task force, and the investigation is far from over. Hernando County Sheriff Nienhuis and State Attorney Gladson have the full support of our Office of Statewide Prosecution.”
State Attorney Bill Gladson from the Fifth Judicial Circuit commented: “When an individual commits a truly heinous crime, as in this case, the full weight of the law must be brought to bear. There is no place for mercy when the acts committed against a child are so unspeakable. Accountability will be had, any chance of recidivism will be nonexistent, and justice will be served.”
Hernando County Sheriff Al Neinhuis stated: “Florida is a state that is governed by the rule of law. Although it is never acceptable to commit a crime against another person, it is especially heinous to victimize totally innocent and very young children, children who often put their complete trust in adults. Anyone who perverts that trust for sexual gratification can expect the full weight Florida’s criminal justice system, and if found guilty, can expect the absolute harshest penalties.”
This case marks a new approach with investigators from both offices operating under a special task force granted statewide authority by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. This arrangement allows them to pursue leads across different jurisdictions without delay.
Holmberg was arrested by Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies on October 20, 2025 on initial charges including three counts of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve and one count related to promoting sexual performance by a child.
In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation intended to challenge Kennedy v. Louisiana—the Supreme Court decision barring use of capital punishment for child rape—by allowing Florida prosecutors to seek death sentences in such cases.
The investigation remains ongoing and prosecutors may file further charges as new evidence emerges.
