Panama City Beach firefighter arrested for lewd and lacivious molestation on child

Dec. 02--INLET BEACH -- A Panama City Beach firefighter and girls' volleyball coach was arrested Saturday and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 12 years old.

Joseph Middlebrooks III, 48, of Inlet Beach, had been sought by the Walton County Sheriff's Office after the victim came forward last week and disclosed numerous incidents of molestation that had taken place over the last year. According to the victim, Middlebrooks would allegedly touch her inappropriately and then tell her to keep quiet because it would "ruin his life."

Middlebrooks is currently being held in the Walton County Jail without bond.

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