Arraignment set for Navarre predator
STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

A March 5 arraignment has been set for Navarre resident Bruno Cannella, 38, arrested for 36 crimes against a juvenile involving sexual offenses. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office reported the investigation began when authorities noticed Bruno Cannella, 38, parking at Navarre High School on Jan. 26, and a male juvenile got inside the vehicle.

Investigators confronted Cannella and the juvenile, questioning why Cannella was on school grounds with the young male. Cannella stated that he was helping the juvenile with homework in the vehicle in the mornings before school. According to officials, no sexual activity was observed at the time and Cannella was allowed to leave. Sheriff's officials conducted interviews with the juvenile and he disclosed that the two were involved in sexual activity for the past three years. The juvenile stated that Cannella had engaged in sodomy with him on at least 12 occasions in locations that included Cannella's home in Navarre, his office in Pensacola, his work van, his personal vehicle and in a vehicle in a side parking lot of the high school. The investigation also revealed that Cannella was formerly a counselor in church youth groups at St. Sylvester's Church in Navarre.

The juvenile victim told investigators that he tried to end the activities with Cannella, but Cannella said he would kill himself or others.

A judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Cannella on charges including 12 counts of Sexual Battery on a Juvenile, 2nd degree felony; 12 counts of Sexual Offense on a Juvenile 12-15 years of age, 2nd degree felony and 12 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior, 2nd degree felony. Cannella turned himself in at the Santa Rosa County Jail on Feb.7. He is being held on a $36,000,000 bond.