For Immediate Release

November 17, 2017

WALTON COUNTY, Fla—A DeFuniak Springs man is now designated as a Sexual Predator and a Habitual Felony Offender and will spend the next two decades behind bars.

Buddy Lee Curry, 41, plead no contest after breaking into a home in DeFuniak Springs in July of 2016 and sexually battering a teenager. Curry entered the house on Walnut Drive armed with a pocket knife and took several items including an air compressor, chop saw, 2 wallets, and a bottle of prescription pills. There were also additional items such as lap tops and air tools which he was attempting to take from the home.

While inside the residence Curry went into the 17-year-old’s bedroom and exposed himself, got on top of the victim, put his hands around the victim’s throat and threatened their life if they attempted to scream. During the encounter Curry touched the victim inappropriately. The teenager was able to get away from Curry and wake up the parents who then confronted Curry inside the residence.

A struggle ensued between the victim’s father and Curry who then fled the scene in a stolen SUV. Deputies caught up with the suspect at Highway 90 West and Girl Scout Road after being positively identified by the victim from the back of an ambulance. DNA evidence was also collected from the crime scene that confirmed Curry’s identity.

“She is a very, very brave girl,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson following the incident. “She acted courageously during an incredibly awful situation.”

The investigation and arrest was conducted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Curry was charged with Burglary of a Dwelling with an Assault/Battery, Attempted Sexual Battery, Possession of Burglary Tools, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Grand Theft, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance, Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure, Grand Theft Auto, and Petit Theft. Assistant State Attorney Matthew J. Richardson prosecuted the case.

State Attorney Bill Eddins Office announced in a press release Wednesday Curry was sentenced by Circuit Judge Kelvin Wells to 20 years in prison. As part of his sentence, Curry was designated both as a Habitual Felony Offender and a Sexual Predator. By being designated a sexual predator, he will be subject to the state’s registration and monitoring requirements for the rest of his life