The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced today the arrest of Donald Dwayne Eldridge, age 59, of Fountain, for Capital Sexual Battery: Victim less than 12, and two counts of Sexual Battery by a Person in Custodial Authority.
In January, 2023, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into Eldridge after two adult victims reported being abused by Eldridge while they were minors. Investigators met with the victims and learned that Eldridge routinely engaged in sexual intercourse with both victims for multiple years throughout their adolescence.
One of the victims stated the sexual abuse began when she was only 9 years old, while the second victim disclosed the sexual abuse carried on throughout her teenage years.
Through various investigative techniques, investigators were able to corroborate the accounts of sexual abuse the victims disclosed. Investigators were able to track down and interview independent witnesses that knew the victims during their childhood and had knowledge of the sexual abuse incidents.
Eldridge was arrested by members of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, and US Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force.
He was booked into the Bay County Jail.
Also arrested was Teresa Yvonne Eldridge, age 54, the wife of Donald Dwayne Eldridge. After her husband was arrested, she contacted one of the victims. This resulted in her arrest yesterday on a charge of Tampering with a Witness/Victim.
The investigation is ongoing with additional arrests and charges expected.
Anyone with information regarding Eldridge is encouraged to contact Inv. Jake Roberts at 850-747-4700.
