BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A Hernando County grand jury has indicted 36-year-old Nathan Douglas Holmberg on 25 charges, including seven counts of sexual assault of a child under 12. The announcement was made by Attorney General James Usmayer, whose statewide prosecutor’s office is working with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the 5th Judicial District State’s Attorney. circuit on the case.
Prosecutors confirmed that the state of Florida will seek the death penalty against Holmberg. The measure was authorized under recent state legislation that expands penalties for certain crimes of child sexual assault.
Attorney General Usmayer said this case is one of the most serious prosecutions his office has brought.
“If you harm a child, we will seek you out, prosecute you, and seek the maximum penalty under the law,” Usmayer said. “The nature of these crimes necessitated the establishment of a statewide task force, and the investigation is far from over. Hernando County Sheriff Nienhaus and State’s Attorney Gladson have the full support of the State’s Attorney’s Office.”
Bill Gladson, state’s attorney for Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit, said the charges reflect the state’s commitment to justice in cases involving children.
“When the acts committed against a child are unspeakable, there is no room for mercy,” Gladson said. “There will be accountability, there will be no chance of re-offending, and justice will be served.”
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhaus echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged crimes.
“Committing a crime against another person is never acceptable, but victimizing completely innocent young children is especially heinous,” Nienhuis said. “Anyone who perverts that trust for sexual gratification can expect the full weight of Florida’s criminal justice system and, if found guilty, the absolute harshest penalties.”
Multi-agency task force and ongoing investigation
This case marks the first time a joint task force will operate with statewide authority under the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. This collaboration allows investigators to follow leads across jurisdictions without delaying the process, a major advantage in crimes involving multiple victims or when evidence is spread across counties.
Holmberg was first arrested by Hernando County deputies on October 20, 2025, on three counts of capital sexual assault of a child under the age of 12 and one count of promoting sexual activity of a child. A new grand jury indictment expands these charges to a total of 25 charges.
expansion of the death penalty
Florida’s pursuit of the death penalty in this case is based on a 2023 law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that aims to overturn the 2008 Kennedy v. Louisiana Supreme Court decision. The ruling prohibited the death penalty in cases of child rape where the victim did not die. A new Florida law directly challenges that precedent.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
