On June 18th, 2011, DeFuniak Springs Police responded to allegations of a DeFuniak Springs child, less than 12 years of age, who was the victim of child sexual abuse at the hands of a family member and live-in girlfriend. Because of the explicit nature of the allegations police Detectives took the lead in the investigation.
As Detectives began their investigations it became clear that there were a number of very serious issues revolving around the initial allegation and that the abuse was long term. Because of the nature of the investigation, police solicited the assistance of other local agencies tasked with the investigation and protection of child victims. These agencies included the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, the Department of Children and Families, the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program, and the Walton County State Attorney’s Office. Each of these agencies played a key role in bringing the long investigation to a close with the felony arrests of both suspects.
The extensive three month long multi-agency investigation culminated on Thursday October 27th, 2011 with the arrest of 36 year old John Dwayne Infinger and 43 year old Katherine Lenora Scott of DeFuniak Springs. Infinger was arrested and charged with felony Aggravated Child Abuse/Neglect, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, and Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition. Scott was arrested and charged with felony Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition.
DeFuniak Springs Police Chief Mark Weeks said Tuesday, “It’s a sad day when a child becomes a victim of such heinous abuse. While my officers took the lead in this investigation, it was the group effort from a number of local agencies that led to putting these very serious offenders behind bars”.
Both suspects are being held at the Walton County Jail. Infinger is being held on a one million dollar bond and Scott is held on a five hundred thousand dollar bond.