The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office announced on April 15 that a grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Key Largo resident Jeffrey Scott Kesling, charging him with the sexual abuse of two children, ages 3 and 7, over an 18-month period in Monroe County.
Kesling, the owner of Keys Meads in Key Largo, is charged with two counts of sexual battery on a child under the age of 12, a capital felony under Florida Statute 794.011(2)(a), and three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, a life felony under Florida Statute 800.04(5).
Under Florida law, capital sexual battery carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole and is eligible for the death penalty. As a capital offense, it is not bondable. For the three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, Kesling’s bond has been set at $150,000 per count, for a total of $450,000.
“There are no words strong enough to describe the cruelty of these crimes,” State Attorney Dennis Ward said following the grand jury’s indictment. “A 3-year-old and a 7-year-old — these are babies. What happened to them is monstrous. The state of Florida allows the death penalty for a reason in cases like this, and if the facts warrant it, we will pursue it. We have a duty to protect our children and bring justice for what they’ve endured.”
The grand jury’s indictment alleges repeated and predatory acts of abuse occurring between June 2023 and December 2024. The charges reflect both the severity and the sustained nature of the alleged conduct.
“This isn’t just criminal — it’s evil,” Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said. “Anyone who sexually violates a 3-year-old or a 7-year-old has no place in our society. This case will be prosecuted aggressively. Our community needs to know that when it comes to protecting children, there is no room for compromise. No plea deals. No leniency. Only accountability.”
Kesling remains in custody at this time. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office is coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies, victim advocates and other agencies to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the victims.
Because this is an active and sensitive criminal prosecution, no further information will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of the victims.
