Florida Man Could Face Death Penalty for Child Sexual Assault Under New Law

The case marks the first application of a controversial law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, challenging previous Supreme Court rulings.

Joseph Andrew Giampa, 36, has been indicted on six counts of sexual battery upon a person under 12 years old and three counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child.
Giampa was identified in a homemade video allegedly found on his laptop sexually abusing a young boy.
Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announced they will pursue the death penalty for Giampa, marking the first case under a new law that allows for the death penalty in cases of sexual battery against children.
The new law, signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in May, challenges previous U.S. Supreme Court rulings that prohibit the death penalty for sexual assault and other non-homicide crimes.
Giampa has pleaded not guilty to the charges.