ORLANDO, Fla. – Edward Mina, the brother of Orlando Police Chief John Mina, took a last-minute plea deal, avoiding trial in his child molestation case.
Mina pleaded guilty Friday to charges ranging from attempted lewd and lascivious molestation to sexual battery of a child under 12.
The grandmother of the child victim involved spoke on behalf of the family, asking Mina why he would hurt the child, and that they'd trusted him.
"She seemed to trust Ed, she even called him Eddie Bear, but what choice did she have?" the woman said.
News 6 is not identifying any family members to protect the child.
The judge instructed Mina on the plea deal, ultimately imposing several sentences that will run concurrently.
Mina was sentenced to 17.5 years.
In addition, Mina will be listed as a sexual predator, and placed on the sexual offender registry. He was also ordered to not have any contact with the victim and cannot have any photos of minors while he serves his sentence.
John Mina, who is running for Orange County sheriff, on Friday is serving his last day as chief of police.