Newberry Man Arrested On Charges Involving Underage Victim

NEWBERRY ‒ A 34-year-old Newberry man has been arrested on felony charges of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious battery after authorities say he inappropriately touched a girl beginning when she was 12 years old.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victim recently disclosed the incidents to family members, who then contacted law enforcement. She told investigators that the inappropriate contact occurred on multiple occasions over a period of years. She explained that she had not spoken up earlier because, as a child, she did not realize the behavior was improper. She also described one incident in which she immediately pulled away after he touched her genitals.

Following the disclosure, deputies opened an investigation and identified Michael D’artagnon Kesselring as the suspect. He was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.

Kesselring has been formally charged with sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18 and lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16. Both are serious felony offenses under Florida law that carry the possibility of lengthy prison terms, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and long-term restrictions on employment and residency if convicted.

Deputies said that after being read his Miranda rights, Kesselring declined to answer questions.

At his first appearance, Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered Kesselring held without bail while the State Attorney’s Office pursues a motion to keep him detained until trial. If the motion is denied, the court will consider bail at a later hearing.

Court records show Kesselring has one prior case in Alachua County. In 2017, he was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving with alcohol. The DUI charge was later dropped after he completed a deferred prosecution agreement. Adjudication of guilt was withheld on the reckless driving charge.

Kesselring remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail pending the outcome of the State Attorney’s motion and future court proceedings.

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