November 29, 2023
Alfonso Joseph, a 50-year-old resident of Palm Coast and former pastor affiliated with several churches in Bunnell, has been sentenced to five years in prison, followed by a decade of sex offender probation, after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.
Upon his release, Joseph will be required to register as a sex offender for life and adhere to strict conditions, including a ban on any future work or volunteer positions as a pastor or church leader. Joseph previously served as a pastor at Vision Cathedral and Destined for Greatness Ministries in Bunnell.
The sentencing followed a negotiated plea agreement rather than a standard open plea, allowing Circuit Judge Terence Perkins to rule on the proposed penalty, which attorneys reached through discussions. Joseph faced up to 15 years in prison before this agreement.
Joseph was apprehended on the night of July 14, 2022, after law enforcement responded to a noise complaint about loud music emanating from a vehicle parked at the abandoned Matanzas Woods golf course in north Palm Coast. Deputies discovered Joseph with a 15-year-old boy in the backseat of his Toyota Camry, both of whom were adjusting their clothing.
The victim revealed to authorities that he met Joseph via a dating app, which led to Joseph picking him up and bringing him to the golf course. Joseph claimed they were merely “chillin’” when approached by deputies.
After posting a $15,000 bond shortly following his arrest, Joseph remained free until his court appearance, where he was supported by a group of approximately ten people. Some in attendance could have testified on his behalf had the plea remained open, potentially influencing the judge’s ruling.
During the court session, the mother of the victim addressed the proceedings via Zoom, sharing her family’s struggles since the incident. “It did change my life and my son’s life tremendously… I just pray everything works out for this gentleman. But it has truly affected my family, and me as a mother,” she stated.
Joseph did not make any statements beyond answering the judge’s routine inquiries prior to the sentencing. He was convicted of lewd and lascivious battery on a minor aged between 12 and 16. Upon his release, Joseph must also observe a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Additionally, he is banned from residing within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or any locations frequented by children and is prohibited from any contact with minors, except under court supervision. He will also be restricted from working or volunteering in environments involving children, among other additional limitations.
As the case was nearing trial, the defense indicated a willingness to enter a plea, which Joseph officially did on August 31.
