A 78-year-old man is awaiting sentencing after an Indian River County jury found him guilty of multiple severe child molestation charges stemming from a 2019 criminal investigation. The conviction brings a close to a legal process that has spanned several years, with the authorities noting the crimes occurred at the defendant’s local home and office.
Following a trial at the Indian River County Courthouse on Friday, April 17, the jury convicted George Frank Bollis Jr. on eight distinct charges. Court records indicate Bollis, who pleaded not guilty and did not testify during the proceedings, was found guilty of the following:
- Six counts of lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim under the age of 12.
- Two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Brian Workman and presided over by Circuit Judge Anastasia Norman, centered on the repeated abuse of two young girls. Defense attorneys Andrew Metcalf, Mark Longwell, and Michael Ufferman represented Bollis during the trial.
The investigation was initially launched by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in May 2019. At the time of the initial report, the two victims—then ages 11 and 13—came forward to report the abuse. According to official reports, the incidents took place over a two-year period between June 2016 and August 2018.
Following the initial arrest, former Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar publicly praised the bravery of the young girls:
Today is a safer day in Indian River County. This man molested two young children in our county. Bollis is behind bars where he deserves to be and will face the justice system. We are proud of the victims for having the courage to come forward.
Immediately following the guilty verdict, Judge Norman officially revoked Bollis’ bond. He remains in custody at the Indian River County Jail as he awaits his ultimate penalty. His formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 13.
