Published on
Palm Bay, FL – April 10, 2025 – The Palm Bay Police Department has arrested 40-year-old Shayne Nicasio Semetara, a retired Army veteran, on a staggering 59 felony counts related to the long-term sexual abuse of a minor. The arrest, which took place on April 6, 2025, at 9:17 PM at 9179 Sabour St. SE in Palm Bay, follows a detailed report filed by the victim leading to Semetara’s detention and a comprehensive investigation.
Semetara, originally from Hawaii, faces 59 charges, including 45 counts of sexual battery on a victim aged 12 to 18 (Florida Statute 794.011.4A), classified as first-degree felonies. Additional charges include six counts of lewd or lascivious molestation (Florida Statute 800.04.5B), also first-degree felonies, two counts of computer solicitation of a minor (Florida Statute 847.0135.3A), second-degree felonies, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device (Florida Statute 934.215), a third-degree felony.
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim, identified only as V1, reported that Semetara had been sexually abusing her since she was a minor, with the abuse beginning in Georgia and continuing after they moved to Florida in July 2024. She detailed a series of horrific acts, including anal intercourse, forced oral sex, and other forms of sexual assault. She stated that Semetara forced her to perform oral sex on him approximately 30 times, performed oral sex on her about five times, touched her inappropriately under her underwear more than 10 times, and penetrated her anus with his penis, though he denied vaginal penetration.
The affidavit further revealed that Semetara coerced her into sending nude and pornographic photos via text messages, often demanding sexual favors through manipulative language. She provided police with several text messages in which Semetara requested sexual acts, using phrases like “favorite” to indicate his preferences, often accompanied by emojis. The victim also reported that Semetara frequently threatened to kill himself if she disclosed the abuse to anyone, or even after routine activities like showering, adding a layer of psychological coercion to the physical abuse.
Semetara was arrested and read his Miranda warnings. During questioning, he admitted to the allegations without an attorney present, confirming many of the victim’s claims. He acknowledged that the sexual abuse began in Georgia when she was a minor and continued in Florida. Semetara also admitted to requesting explicit photos via Messenger and confirmed the frequency of the incidents as described by V1. He stated that he was drinking alcohol at the time of the abuse but could not explain why it started.
Semetara, a 22-year Army veteran who began the abuse while serving in the military, is currently in custody at the Brevard County Jail, with a bond set at $4,575,000. The victim and her family have expressed their intent to pursue charges and have requested a no-contact order. They also asked for electronic monitoring of Semetara if he is released, citing concerns for their safety.
The City of Palm Bay Police Department, in collaboration with the FBI, is continuing to investigate the full scope of the allegations, which may involve additional charges given the interstate nature of the crimes and the duration of the abuse.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact the Palm Bay Police Department. The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as the case progresses through the legal system.
