New Smyrna Beach Molestation Suspect Takes Own Life Before Arrest

A man suspected of sexual crimes has taken his own life prior to being arrested, according to a Monday report from the Daytona Beach News-Journal. 51-year-old Joshua Leggett had an arrest warrant out for multiple missed court appearances. An attorney representing Leggett confirmed he took his own life on Monday. He was on the verge of being arrested by law enforcement on a warrant signed by Circuit Judge A. Christian Miller. In February 2025, Leggett was charged with offenses against students by an authority figure and indecent/lewd/lascivious touching of certain minors. He was released from the Volusia County Branch Jail two days after his arrest on $100,000 bond. Prior to his arrest, Leggett was a nurse at New Smyrna Beach High School. His first arrest came in December 2024 when he was accused of traveling to meet a minor. Leggett was reportedly seen driving to the workplace of a student and kissing them. Police found Leggett and the student in a car together. Further investigation was conducted by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department along with the Ormond Beach Police Department, leading to the subsequent charges against Leggett. Twice he was scheduled to appear in court, but missed the date due to medical issues. The most recent was on August 5, when his defense attorney said he suffered a heart attack.