On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of allegations involving a possible sexual offense against a minor.
Following an investigation, probable cause was established, and arrest warrants were obtained for Michael Thomas Mekara 39 years old, of Chipley, Florida, charging him with Sexual Battery Victim 12 Years of Age or Older but Less Than 18 Years of Age; Offender 18 Years of Age or Older.
Investigators also determined that Mekara is facing the same charge through the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, it was discovered that Mekara had active outstanding felony warrants from both Washington County and Jackson County.
Mekara was located in Baldwin County, Alabama, where he was taken into custody. He is currently facing local Alabama charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
He is also being held pending extradition on the Washington County and Jackson County warrants for Sexual Battery Victim 12 Years of Age or Older but Less Than 18 Years of Age; Offender 18 Years of Age or Older.
