Former Keys resident sentenced to 13 years for incest, sexual battery
A former Marathon resident has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of sexual battery, incest and child neglect.
In addition to her 13-year sentence for sexual battery, Cadogan received concurrent five-year sentences for both incest and child neglect, according to State Attorney’s Office spokesman Steven Torrence. Cadogan will be subject to court-ordered supervision and required to register as a sex predator for life.
“This is one of the most horrifying cases we’ve prosecuted,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward. “The level of betrayal and abuse is almost unimaginable. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our legal team—especially Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne — and our dedicated law enforcement partners, Kia Cadogan is finally being held accountable. There is no expiration date on accountability. We are not finished.”
The charges stem from a multi-jurisdictional investigation into prolonged sexual abuse and exploitation that occurred while Cadogan and her family lived aboard a sailboat in Marathon.
Evidence established that Cadogan not only participated in the sexual abuse of a minor child but also failed to protect multiple children from ongoing harm. During the investigation, a second victim — a teenager — was also identified.
Dunne, the lead major crimes prosecutor, handled the case for the state, presenting extensive forensic interviews, digital evidence and witness statements to establish both Cadogan’s direct involvement and her willful inaction, Torrenece said. The investigation was conducted in partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin, where the Cadogans later moved.
“This wasn’t just child abuse — this was a calculated, sustained campaign of sexual exploitation within what should have been the safest place: a child’s own home,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield. “Kia Cadogan’s actions were depraved, and her willingness to expose multiple children to trauma is nothing short of evil. Our job is to stand between predators like this and the children they target — and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Although Eric Cadogan is currently incarcerated in federal prison, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office has filed additional state charges, which remain pending. These include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, child neglect, child cruelty and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
“Let me be clear: we are not deferring to the federal system,” Ward said. “These were Florida children, harmed in Florida — and they deserve Florida justice. Eric Cadogan will be held fully accountable in this state for the crimes he committed here.
Offences took place in Nottingham in the 1990s
AN 82-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl more than 30 years ago.
The abuse took place between 1991 and 1998 at a family address in Bulwell, Nottingham, while Bleasdale was trusted to care for the victim.
He was living in Pembrokeshire when the allegations were reported to police two years ago.
Victim’s bravery leads to justice
The victim, now an adult, gave a detailed and compelling account of the assaults, which began when she was too young to understand what was happening.
Detective Constable Dan Blackham, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection team, praised the survivor’s courage:
“This case is a reminder that it’s never too late to come forward. Bleasdale’s crimes were historic, but we treated them just as seriously as if they’d happened yesterday.”
He added that the conviction would hopefully provide the victim and her family with some closure.
Restrictions imposed
In addition to the jail term, Bleasdale was handed a lifetime restraining order and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from living at any property with a girl under 16.
Offences cross county lines
Although the abuse occurred in Nottingham, the investigation spanned two counties after Bleasdale relocated to Pembrokeshire in later life.
Police said the case demonstrates how historic offences can still be prosecuted successfully, no matter how much time has passed or where the offender now resides.
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