ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County man faces multiple felony charges after investigators say he sexually abused a vulnerable adult in his care at a licensed group home in St. Augustine.
Micah Hatcher, 41, of Palatka, was arrested July 21, by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office following an investigation by the agency’s Special Victims Unit. He faces three felony counts: lewd or lascivious battery on a disabled person, sexual battery on a person under 18 by a person 18 or older, and sexual misconduct by an employee with a client who has a disability.
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Investigation begins
The investigation began June 22, when the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit opened a sexual battery case involving a vulnerable adult.
According to the arrest warrant’s probable cause affidavit, Hatcher was employed as a caregiver by Out and About People Incorporated, a home health service provider serving disabled and vulnerable adults in St. Johns County and the Jacksonville area. He was responsible for the care of up to six vulnerable adult residents at a licensed group home located on Ervin Street in St. Augustine.
Alleged grooming
The victim — a resident at the group home who moved in during April 2026 — told detectives the relationship began shortly after his arrival, while Hatcher was already employed at the facility, according to court documents.
Investigators say Hatcher engaged in a series of behaviors consistent with grooming. The affidavit describes promises of gifts, including a PlayStation 5, an iPhone and a debit card bearing Hatcher’s name — which the victim displayed to detectives during the initial interview. The victim reported never receiving the gaming system or phone and believed the promises were used to manipulate him.
Detectives say Hatcher also instructed the victim to stay behind during scheduled group outings — referred to in the affidavit as “life skills days” — to ensure no other staff or residents were present.
Digital evidence
Investigators say they obtained text message communications between Hatcher.
The affidavit details that Hatcher allegedly used two phone numbers — including one he posed as his own niece — to communicate with the victim. Detectives say the fictitious persona was traced back to Hatcher through a TextNow account linked to his personal iCloud email address.
Victim’s legal inability to consent
The affidavit states the victim is diagnosed with multiple conditions that significantly impair his ability to understand, evaluate or consent to sexual activity. Under Florida law, he is legally incapable of providing informed consent.
Charges, bond
Hatcher was booked into the St. Johns County jail on July 21. A judge set his total bond at $1 million.
News4JAX tried calling the phone number listed for Out and About People Incorporated. An automated message said the number had been disconnected.