Attorney General James Uthmeier announces grand jury indictment and plans to pursue the death penalty in Florida child sexual battery case

Brooksville, Florida – A Hernando County grand jury has handed down a twenty-five-count indictment against 36-year-old Nathan Douglas Holmberg, following a joint investigation by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution. The charges include seven counts of capital sexual battery on a child under the age of twelve — among the most serious criminal offenses under Florida law.

Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that the State of Florida will seek the death penalty in its prosecution of Holmberg, citing the severity of the alleged crimes and the lasting damage inflicted on the victims. “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.”

The charges against Holmberg come after months of intensive investigation that crossed multiple judicial circuits. The case marks the first time a special statewide task force has operated with joint authority between the Fifth Judicial Circuit and the Office of Statewide Prosecution. This collaboration, authorized by the Attorney General, allows investigators to follow leads and collect evidence across jurisdictions without the limitations typically imposed by county lines — an essential step in complex criminal cases involving child exploitation and sexual violence.

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State Attorney Bill Gladson, representing Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, emphasized that the prosecution intends to pursue the harshest punishment allowable under state law. “When an individual commits a truly heinous crime, as in this case, the full weight of the law must be brought to bear,” said Gladson. “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.”

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office first arrested Holmberg on October 20, 2025, on three counts of capital sexual battery on a child under twelve and one count of promoting sexual performance by a child. Since then, the investigation has widened, revealing additional evidence that led to the grand jury’s expanded list of charges. Law enforcement officials say the case remains active and that more charges could be filed as new information surfaces.

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis described the crimes as “especially heinous,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved when adults exploit children. “Florida is a state that is governed by the rule of law,” said Sheriff Nienhuis. “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 of Florida’s criminal justice system, and if found guilty, can expect the absolute harshest penalties.”

The state’s decision to pursue the death penalty follows recent legislative changes signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023. The new law challenges the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in Kennedy v. Louisiana, which held that the death penalty could not be imposed for crimes involving the rape of a child. Under Florida’s updated statute, prosecutors now have the authority to seek capital punishment in such cases, reaffirming the state’s hardline stance on crimes against children.

Legal experts say the case against Holmberg could become one of the first major tests of that law since its enactment. If the court upholds the statute, it could pave the way for similar prosecutions in other Florida jurisdictions — particularly in cases involving multiple victims or aggravated sexual violence.

Attorney General Uthmeier’s announcement underscores his office’s ongoing effort to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies and prosecutors statewide. The Attorney General praised the collaborative work of the task force, noting that this structure will continue to play a key role in investigating and prosecuting crimes of child exploitation. The joint authority model, according to Uthmeier, ensures that investigators can “act swiftly, decisively, and across boundaries” to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

“This case demonstrates that Florida is not just taking a tougher stance on those who prey on children,” said Uthmeier in his statement. “It shows that our system is evolving — becoming more agile, more cooperative, and more determined to ensure that justice is never delayed.”

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As the investigation continues, officials urge anyone with information related to Holmberg or similar cases to contact law enforcement. Both the indictment and the formal notice of intent to seek the death penalty have been filed and made available through the Attorney General’s Office.

For now, the case stands as a sobering reminder of Florida’s renewed commitment to protecting children and delivering the maximum consequences for those who harm them.