BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A Hernando County grand jury has indicted 36-year-old Nathan Douglas Holmberg on 25 counts, including seven counts of capital sexual battery on a child under 12. The announcement was made by Attorney General James Uthmeier, whose Office of Statewide Prosecution is working with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit on the case.
Prosecutors confirmed that the State of Florida will seek the death penalty against Holmberg — a move authorized under recent state law expanding the punishment to certain crimes of child sexual battery.
Attorney General Uthmeier said the case represents one of the most serious prosecutions his office has undertaken.
“If you harm a child, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will seek the maximum penalty under the law,” Uthmeier said. “The nature of these crimes demanded a statewide special task force, and the investigation is far from over. Hernando County Sheriff Nienhuis and State Attorney Gladson have the full support of our Office of Statewide Prosecution.”
State Attorney Bill Gladson, who serves Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, said the prosecution reflects the state’s commitment to delivering justice in cases involving children.
“There is no place for mercy when the acts committed against a child are so unspeakable,” Gladson said. “Accountability will be had, any chance of recidivism will be nonexistent, and justice will be served.”
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the gravity of the alleged crimes.
“Although it is never acceptable to commit a crime against another person, it is especially heinous to victimize totally innocent and very young children,” Nienhuis said. “Anyone who perverts that trust for sexual gratification can expect the full weight of Florida’s criminal justice system, and if found guilty, can expect the absolute harshest penalties.”
Multi-Agency Task Force and Ongoing Investigation
The case marks the first time a joint task force has operated with statewide authority under the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. The collaboration allows investigators to pursue leads across jurisdictions without procedural delays, a key advantage in crimes involving multiple victims or evidence spread across counties.
Holmberg was first arrested by Hernando County deputies on Oct. 20, 2025, on three counts of capital sexual battery on a child under 12 and one count of promoting the sexual performance of a child. The new grand jury indictment expands those charges to 25 counts total.
Death Penalty Expansion
Florida’s pursuit of the death penalty in this case follows a 2023 law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which aims to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in Kennedy v. Louisiana. That ruling barred the death penalty for child rape cases where the victim did not die. The new Florida statute directly challenges that precedent.
Officials said the investigation remains active, and more charges may be filed as it continues.
