Sheriff: Couey admits to abducting, killing Lunsford

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Couey is being held without bond.

John Couey, who had been labeled a person of interest in the Jessica Lunsford case, admitted to investigators Friday that he abducted and killed her.

Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said Couey was interviewed by investigators throughout the day and took an FBI polygraph. He then said he didn't need to be told the results of the polygraph, that he already knew them.

Couey, a registered sex offender, apologized for wasting investigators' time and confessed.

"I will tell you that we have built a case, a very methodical case," said Dawsy. "I've got my man."

Dawsy said Couey gave investigators a general idea of where he put Lunsford's body. That could be near his half-sister's house, where he spent a lot of time.

"I ask that you understand that this is a very tough time, not only for me, it's a very tough time for the family," said Dawsy.

Lunsford was abducted from her Homosassa home Feb. 23.

Couey was arrested Thursday on an unrelated parole violation in Georgia. He had been staying with his half-sister near the Lunsford home, and his name came up when authorities were investigating sexual offenders in the area.
Dawsy said the sheriff's office has built a solid case against Couey.

Couey's criminal history spans more than three decades and 24 arrests, including multiple arrests for burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, larceny and drug charges.

In 1991, Couey pleaded guilty to felony charges of sex offense against a child, fondling a child under age 16 and lewd and lascivious conduct in Kissimmee; he was convicted of indecent exposure in 1987, according to records from the sheriff's office.

During a 1978 burglary for which he was convicted, Couey was accused of grabbing a girl in her bedroom, placing his hand over her mouth and kissing her, Dawsy said.