The Hall County Sheriff's Office arrested a Clermont man Wednesday morning following accusations that he sexually abused a girl under the age of 16.
According to a press release from the agency, Joshua Donald Schandera, 38, was charged with child molestation and sexual battery with a child under the age of 16. He was arrested in the 5000 block of Ransom Free Road.
The release said Schandera allegedly sexually abused the girl between Jan. 1, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2021, at a home in Gainesville. He also reportedly knew the victim prior to the crimes.
Hall County Deputies first learned of the abuse on Feb. 19, 2022, when a family member reported it to authorities after the victim disclosed the incident. Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Schandera on Dec. 30, 2022.
He remained in the Hall County Jail without bond as of Friday morning. The case remains under investigation.
