A Palm Beach County jury today convicted a man of sexual battery (victim 18 years of age or older) and false imprisonment, the State Attorney’s Office announces.

Lazaro Rodriguez Santa Maria, 28, also was found guilty of misdemeanor battery, in a verdict reached after nearly three hours of deliberations.

The victim bravely testified about the April 2023 violence, which happened in Lake Worth Beach while she was dating her attacker.

Assistant State Attorneys Marissa Chiarolanzio and Logan Edwards prosecuted the case. We extend our thanks to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office detective who investigated this case.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled on Oct. 7.