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Charges Dropped: Boca Raton Mother Cleared After False Allegations in Child Sex Case
She Was Two Weeks from Trial. Facing Life in Prison. For Crimes She Didn't Commit. The charges were dropped. Justice prevailed.
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Walquiria Cassini faced the unthinkable. Accused of some of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, she was looking at a mandatory life sentence — all based on allegations her defense team believed were fabricated to take her children away from her.
Two weeks before trial, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office dropped all charges.
The Charges
Cassini, 40, of Boca Raton, was charged with sexual battery on a person less than 12 years of age, sexual battery with a child, and lewd or lascivious molestation — offenses that carry a mandatory life sentence upon conviction. Her boyfriend, Ryan Londono, and her adult son, Matthew Cassini, faced the same charges in connection with the same case.
The Defense
From the beginning, the defense maintained that no abuse ever occurred. Attorneys Matthew Goldberger and Mac Kenzie Sacks argued that the allegations were orchestrated by the children's father — Cassini's ex-partner — who they say pressured the boys into making false accusations as part of a custody dispute.
"He could not get over the fact that I left him," Cassini said after the charges were dropped. "When this all happened, it wasn't just my kids being taken away from me — my entire character was assassinated."
The defense team worked tirelessly to uncover the truth, and ultimately, new information came to light that the state could not ignore. In court documents, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office stated that "new information was brought to the State's attention that requires dismissal of these charges." All charges against Cassini, Londono, and Matthew Cassini were dropped.
Justice Prevailed
For Cassini, the dismissal is both a relief and a reminder of how much she lost along the way. Her two sons — now ages 16 and 9 — have been living with their father in Ocala throughout the ordeal. She is now focused on fighting to regain legal custody of her children.
"I am very blessed that justice prevailed," Cassini said. "I miss my boys very much. I hope that there is never another woman or man out there who has to go through what we went through and potentially have their life destroyed."
This case is a sobering example of how false allegations — even those that seem unthinkable — can devastate families. It is also proof that with the right defense team and the relentless pursuit of truth, justice is possible.
This case was covered by CBS12 News. Read the full news report.
Facing False Allegations or Sex Crime Charges in South Florida?
If you or someone you love has been falsely accused of a sex crime, the consequences of inaction are severe and irreversible. At South Florida Justice, we fight aggressively to protect the innocent and expose the truth. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Results in prior cases do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is unique and depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Mac Kenzie Sacks
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FAQ
Q: What should I do if I've been falsely accused of a sex crime in Florida?
The most important thing you can do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately — before speaking to police, investigators, or anyone else. Anything you say can and will be used against you, even if you are completely innocent. An attorney can protect your rights, begin gathering evidence, and start building your defense from day one. Do not assume the truth will speak for itself. False allegations can and do result in serious criminal charges without proper legal representation.
Q: Can false allegations in a custody dispute lead to criminal charges?
Yes. Unfortunately, false allegations made during contentious custody disputes can — and do — lead to formal criminal charges. Law enforcement and prosecutors are obligated to investigate any report of abuse, regardless of the motivation behind it. In some cases, one parent may coach or pressure children into making false statements as a tactic to gain custody. A skilled defense attorney will investigate the origins of the allegations, examine the relationship between the parties, and work to expose any improper influence or ulterior motive.
Q: What are the penalties for sexual battery on a minor in Florida?
Sexual battery on a person less than 12 years of age is one of the most serious charges under Florida law. A conviction carries a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole. This is why having an aggressive, experienced defense attorney is absolutely critical — the consequences of a conviction are permanent and irreversible. Even an accusation alone can destroy your reputation, your career, and your family before a single day in court.
Q: Can criminal charges be dropped before trial in Florida?
Yes. Prosecutors have the authority to drop or dismiss charges at any point before or during trial if new evidence emerges, if the evidence is insufficient to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, or if it is determined that the charges are not in the interest of justice. A strong defense team plays a critical role in this process — by uncovering new evidence, challenging the credibility of witnesses, and presenting the state with information that compels them to reconsider the charges.
Q: Will dropped charges still appear on my record in Florida?
When charges are dropped or dismissed in Florida, the arrest and charging record may still appear on a background check unless you take additional legal steps. In many cases, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged, which can prevent the arrest from appearing in most background searches. This is an important step to protecting your future, and your attorney can advise you on whether you qualify and how to proceed.
Q: How do I find the right defense attorney for a sex crime charge in Palm Beach County?
Look for an attorney with specific experience handling sex crime cases in Florida — not just general criminal defense. The laws, procedures, and stakes involved in sex crime cases are distinct from other areas of criminal law. You want someone who understands how to challenge forensic evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and navigate the emotional complexity these cases carry. At South Florida Justice, we have handled some of the most serious sex crime cases in Palm Beach County and are committed to fighting for the truth on behalf of every client.