Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
A man charged with allegedly sexually abusing a minor is back in custody after being charged with sexual assault of a minor less than 12 years of age. Wallace Edward Humphrey, a 73-year-old O’Brien resident, was given the new charge after being booked into the Suwannee County Jail on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Prior to this, he had been awaiting trial for allegations of sexually abusing a minor in April of 2024 in Suwannee County. Reports provided by the State Attorney’s Office showed that Humphrey had allegedly touched the victim inappropriately on two occasions: once in a truck on his property and the second time when the victim’s mother walked in on Humphrey attempting to abuse the victim sexually. The victim was questioned by investigators and members of the Child Protection Services team in Lake City. A sexual battery kit had also been conducted on the victim, which the report noted yielding positive results. The reports also indicated that Humphrey had two other victims in Marion County. One victim had reported that, between the ages of 15 and 18, Humphrey would allegedly watch her shower and sexually molested her. The victim stated that she never came forward because she was led to believe it was normal. The incident occurred in Salt Springs, Fla. Another victim stated that Humphrey had sexually abused and assaulted her on multiple occasions. Because of the incidents occurring in Marion County, the information received was forwarded to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. The State Attorney’s Office confirmed that the recent arrest of Humphrey was related to the case. However, they did not clarify why Humphrey was arrested and charged with sexual assault. Humphrey is being held on no bond at the Suwannee County Jail.