Owner of a Florida Keys winery sexually battered a 7-year-old, MDSO deputies say
Florida Keys deputies arrested a thriving winery owner, whose business is a vendor for several notable family-friendly festivals, after they say an investigation revealed he was sexually abusing a 7-year-old.
On Saturday, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced the Friday arrest of 43-year-old Jeffrey Scott Kesling Jr. on three felony counts of sexual battery.
Detectives began their investigation into Kesling in March, when they subsequently discovered the sexual abuse. Deputies did not release the connection between Kesling and the child.
Kesling is the owner of Keys’ Meads, according to Florida business records. The website indicates his business opened in 2017 and has grown from manufacturing meads to functioning as a distillery and vendor for popular Renaissance fairs throughout the state.
This story was originally published April 6, 2025 at 4:07 PM.
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