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(Marion County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Timothy T. McCourt, jurors found 40-year-old Matthew Hand guilty after less than one hour of deliberating. Hand was convicted of Traveling to Meet a Minor and Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct.

Hand was arrested in December of 2023, following an Ocala Police Department (OPD) investigation.

During an undercover operation, OPD Officer Boyd posed as a 12-year-old female child on an online account. Hand messaged the decoy user and after repeatedly being informed of the minor’s age, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the child.

Hand would later request to meet with the child to engage in sexual activities. Officials then coordinated a time and location to meet Hand, where he was promptly arrested.   

“There is nothing more vile than those who seek to exploit and harm our children,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. “It’s not only morally reprehensible but it’s illegal and carries hefty consequences.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Shanae Pickens. Thank you to OPD Officer Boyd for developing this lead and Detective Blanton for extracting crucial evidence used during the trial.

Published on 11/21/2024.

Javarre Latrell Johnson to Life and 21-year-old Ba’Karri Juan’Ya Williams to 50 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections. 

Back on August 16, 2024, jurors delivered their verdict, finding both Johnson and Williams guilty of First-Degree Murder in the 2020 murder case of 19-year-old David Bartholomew Lyons. Johnson and Williams were also found guilty of one count of Armed Robbery, and one count of Possession of Cannabis.

“Acts of violence like this will be met by the full force of the law,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Holding these defendants accountable for the immense pain and suffering they have inflicted is not just a legal necessity; it is a vital step towards bringing a sense of justice and closure to the Lyons family.”

On  April 20, 2020, officials with the Wildwood Police Department responded to a call for service in reference to a shooting that had just occurred within the city limits of Wildwood. Upon arrival, officers observed three males standing by a vehicle and another male, the victim, later identified as David Lyons, lying on the ground. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.

From the information obtained, detectives discovered that the defendants had met up with the victim, who was in the back passenger seat of the vehicle, with the intention of robbing him. During the transaction, the victim was subsequently shot. All three defendants were placed under arrest.

The third Co-defendant Terell Shamar Lynum pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to 25 years.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Joseph Church and Sonny McCathran.

Published on 11/21/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, 51-year-old Antonio Carter was found guilty of Manslaughter with a Weapon.  The trial, which commenced earlier in the week, concluded with Carter’s conviction in the death of 27-year-old Adonis Boone.

Compelling evidence was presented to jurors before their verdict, including one corrections officer recounting the statements made by Carter after the attack, stating “I hope I killed him! I tried to kill him.”

“Whether you are out in the general public or confined in the general population of a correctional facility, the same laws apply,” said Walter Forgie, Chief State Attorney. “The defendant was already in possession of dangerous contraband and elevated his criminal act by using it to fatally attack a fellow inmate.”  

On June 8, 2017, while incarcerated at the Lake Correctional Institute on unrelated charges, Carter became involved in a heated discussion with the victim, Adonis. During this argument, Carter pulled out a makeshift knife and proceeded to stab Adonis in the upper chest area.

Corrections officers responded to the incident, securing Carter and rendering aid to Adonis. The injury sustained during the attack severed a major artery and resulted in the death of the victim, as confirmed by the Medical Examiner.

Special Agents Ted Silberstein and Dale Crosby of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) were assigned to investigate the in-custody death. The investigation reaffirmed the unlawful use of deadly force by Carter in the stabbing death of Adonis.

Assistant State Attorneys Edward Moffitt and Steven Miller prosecuted this case.

Published on 11/15/2024.

(Hernando, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt sentenced 31-year-old Isaac Troy Lemons to 14.8 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections after jurors found Lemons guilty of Manslaughter and Sale of a Controlled Substance back in August.

“Two lives have irrefutably been altered due to illicit narcotics. This is just a stark reminder of the devastating toll drugs take on our community,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “One family is now left to grieve the loss of a young life taken too soon, while the other must face the lifelong consequences of actions that cannot be undone. Both families, forever changed, highlight the importance of accountability and the irreversible impacts of our choices.”

Lemons’ case comes as a result of his 2015 arrest linked to the death of 18-year-old Dylan Joseph Thornton who went missing after his friends hosted an 18th birthday party for him. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) was contacted and over the next couple of days, an extensive search took place. Tragically, on the morning of September 15, 2015, the significantly decomposed body of Dylan was found along some dunes south of the Duke Energy transfer station. 

The Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy on Dylan ruled his cause of death as Alpha-PVP toxicity, the substance referred to as “Flakka,” a dangerous drug that is similar to the street drug commonly known as bath salts. HCSO’s missing persons case then turned into a suspicious death investigation.

Detective Dustin Adkins was assigned the case and learned that a DJ, later identified as Lemons had sold a drug containing amphetamines at a party, misrepresenting “Flakka” as “Molly.” This substance was distributed to several people, including Dylan. Later, while under the influence, Dylan and a friend believed they were being followed and eventually parted ways before his demise.

The case went to trial in the summer of 2021 but ended in a hung jury. A retrial began on August 19, 2024, with a verdict returned on Friday. Thanks to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigators for their work on the case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Robert Lewis and Melissa Underwood.

Published 11/08/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Yesterday afternoon, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Joel D. Fritton during the trial of 36-year-old Melissa Marie Alexander. Alexander was found guilty as charged for the offenses of Burglary of a Dwelling with a Battery while Armed and Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.

After jurors delivered their verdict to the court, Judge Fritton ordered Alexander into custody to conduct a presentencing investigation. Alexander faces a minimum mandatory of 10 years in prison on her charges.

“The defendant’s conviction underscores the gravity of this case, where she recklessly put lives at risk by attacking an elderly individual while armed,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This violent altercation could have ended in tragedy. Such dangerous behavior has no place in our community, and we remain committed to holding those who jeopardize the safety of others accountable.”

On April 14, 2024, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) dispatch received a call about a threat involving a firearm. Responding deputies located the victim and a witness, who was able to secure the firearm, at the residence.

They learned from the victim, who identified Alexander as the shooter, that they had previously trespassed Alexander from their property when she showed up with the firearm.  The existing trespass was verified by deputies. The victim further stated Alexander had entered the residence and upon entering a brief physical altercation ensued while attempting to have her exit the home.

During this altercation, a firearm fell from Alexander’s waistline, and upon seeing the firearm, the victim attempted to grab it and secure it away from the defendant. While doing so, a struggle between the victim and Alexander occurred over the firearm when it discharged, striking both individuals. It was at this time the witness was alerted to the altercation and was able to take control of the firearm.

The victim had an apparent gunshot wound to their hand and injuries to their face. They were transported for medical treatment. It was then learned that Alexander had been transported to the hospital by an independent party on scene. Law enforcement responded to the hospital to question Alexander who stated she was attacked by the victim and thrown to the ground where she was then shot.

Deputies recovered video surveillance footage from the home, that confirmed the victim’s statement of the incident and depicted the defendant engaging in a physical confrontation with the victim at the residence. Alexander was subsequently arrested.

Assistant State Attorneys Tara Hartman and Kevin Davis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 11/07/2024.

(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada, jurors found 28-year-old Dayzha Duncan guilty of Battery, Burglary of a Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Assault. Duncan was sentenced to 10 years in prison following this guilty verdict.

Duncan was arrested in March of 2022 following a Leesburg Police Department investigation after the victim contacted law enforcement to report a battery that had just occurred.

When officials arrived on scene, the victim indicated that they had just been battered by an individual, later identified as Duncan. The victim stated they heard a knock at the door and went to open it. In doing so, Duncan forcefully pushed open the door and entered the residence along with another subject.

Once inside, the victim told authorities that Duncan began to strike them, before pulling them down to the floor and kicking them in the stomach. At one point, Duncan even snatched the gold necklace the victim was wearing before fleeing the residence.

The victim informed officers that they were familiar with Duncan from a prior falling out. During the investigation, it was discovered that Duncan’s accompanying subject had video-recorded the incident. The victim obtained a copy of the video and supplied it to investigators. The video depicted the entire incident as recounted by the victim.

Senior Detective Abston was assigned the case to investigate further. After reviewing the evidence and statements collected, an arrest warrant was issued for Duncan who was later arrested in Georgia.

“The defendant’s actions were nothing short of reprehensible. It’s disgraceful to attack anyone, but over a trivial dispute shows a shocking lack of regard for human life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Despite going through this horrifying ordeal, the victim was adept enough to relay crucial information to officials which led to the defendant’s arrest and successful prosecution of this case.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Rachel Jones and Chelsey Omega.

Published on 11/07/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) After a brief jury trial, 45-year-old Sloan has been found guilty of the Felony offense of Criminal Mischief related to an original report of a road rage incident back in 2022.

“Using a weapon in a manner that endangers lives and public safety will not be tolerated,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The jurors rejected the defendant’s testimony, weighed the evidence, and ultimately held him accountable for his reckless behavior and actions.”

The case against Sloan stems from the events of November 9, 2022, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service in reference to an armed and dangerous subject. When officials arrived to a residence off CR 558 in Center Hill, they made contact with the victim and witness.

While speaking with the victim and witness, law enforcement learned that the two had been involved in a road rage incident with an unknown man, later determined to be Sloan. The pair, who were traveling together in a truck, indicated Sloan was driving erratically and cut them off before leaving the roadway and stopping in a ditch.  Once stopped, both the victim and witness stated that Sloan then exited his vehicle and began to taunt them, attempting to escalate the incident into a physical altercation.

The two informed the deputies that they then attempted to drive away but were stopped when Sloan ran in front of their vehicle and rammed his shoulder into the front grill of the truck. At this time, the witness contacted law enforcement and when Sloan realized this, he took off in his vehicle. A short time later, while driving, both the victim and witness spotted Sloan’s truck parked at a residence. They stopped to take photographs to provide to law enforcement while awaiting their response. 

Sloan noticed the two individuals and approached them, striking the victim in the shoulder when the verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. When the victim went to lunge towards Sloan, he retreated and grabbed a sword from his truck wielding it at the victim. In fear for their lives, both the victim and witness ran back to their vehicle. While doing so, Sloan chased after and struck the side of the victim’s truck with the sword, causing a large scratch and significant dent.

Deputies were able to make contact with Sloan who was very irritated, pacing back and forth, and under the influence of alcohol. After obtaining his statement, and examining the evidence, Sloan was placed under arrest.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and James Argento.

Published on 11/06/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Earlier today, 41-year-old Steven Alan Swearingen was sentenced to Life in prison. In August of this year, Swearingen was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder of 52-year-old Steven Smolensky, a retired deputy sheriff with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.

Swearingen, a convicted felon, was charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and False Imprisonment.

“In the wake of today’s sentencing, there are truly no words that can be said to ease the pain and suffering Steven Smolensky’s family has been through,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “A life sentence will not fully repair the broken pieces left behind, but I hope this measure of justice will provide a sense of peace knowing the person responsible was held accountable.”

On November 30, 2021, around 9:45 a.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting incident at a residence in Weirsdale. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, Steven Smolensky, deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation unveiled that the victim had visited the location to deliver propane for his employer, Suburban Propane. While there, he was confronted by Swearingen, armed with a pistol, who held him at gunpoint, preventing him from leaving or returning to his truck. Eventually, Swearingen shot the victim multiple times.

Swearingen was apprehended and interrogated by officials. During the interview, Swearingen claimed he thought the victim was there to “fill the home with propane,” which led him to confront the victim with a handgun. According to Swearingen, the victim clarified that he was present to refill the propane tank.

Swearingen recounted that when the victim tried to go back to his truck, he held him at gunpoint before shooting him multiple times. Swearingen even stated the victim only had a cell phone in his hands at the time he was shot. Swearingen was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.

Assistant State Attorneys Adam Smith, Katrina Self, and Kevin Steiniger prosecuted this case.

Published on 11/04/2024.

(Marion County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces a significant development in the case against 58-year-old Douglas M. Williams Jr., following a 2018 fatal crash, that took the life of 46-year-old Clifford Gerald Green. Jurors reached a verdict last week, finding Williams guilty on all charges. The Honorable Judge Peter M. Brigham sentenced him to 17 years on each count to be served consecutively in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Williams was charged with DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, DUI with Personal Injury, and DUI with Property Damage.

“The defendant’s decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence took a life and in so doing, destroyed a family. Driving under the influence is one of the most senseless and selfish crimes because it can be so easily avoided,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Back on December 15, 2018, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a fatal vehicle crash in the area of US 441 and the intersection of SE 80^th Street in Ocala. Upon arrival, troopers noticed a red pickup truck flipped on its side, with heavy front-end damage.

Officials were able to determine Williams was driving the pickup truck and ran a red light at the intersection, hitting the victim’s vehicle. The victim, Clifford, was located inside his vehicle, behind the wheel, with his wife, the second victim, on the passenger side. First responders pronounced him deceased on scene, while the second victim was transported to the hospital with extensive trauma.

At that time, the Florida Highway Patrol began conducting a traffic homicide investigation. Inside the truck Williams was driving, officials located numerous alcoholic beverage cans – some opened. During their investigation, it was revealed that Williams’ blood alcohol level was .157, exceeding the legal limit in the State of Florida.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon.   

Published on 11/04/2024.

(Marion County, FL) This week, both 50-year-old Vincent Paul Gaudio and 18-year-old William Trent Gaudio were sentenced in their Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm and Tampering with a Witness case. Both Vincent and William were found guilty by a jury in September of this year. Vincent was sentenced to 15 years and William was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“The victim in this case was targeted and brutally attacked by the defendants,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I believe the court’s sentencing decision greatly reflects the severity of the crime and guarantees justice for the victim.”

On September 4, 2023, the defendants attacked a man at the Circle K located off North Williams Street in Dunnellon. The victim reported to officials that while riding a bike back from the store, both Vincent and William appeared exiting a trail from a wooded area. The pair then approached the victim, with William grabbing the bicycle, causing the victim to fall to the ground.

Once on the ground, the defendants punched and kicked the victim in the head and the chest. The victims attempted to call 9-1-1 while being battered, but the defendants grabbed the phone and smashed it, preventing the call for help. 

Deputies observed the victim’s face to be swollen, with hemorrhaging to the victim’s eye and a hematoma on their lip.  The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and further diagnosed with a fractured orbital bone.

Assistant State Attorney Tucker O’Neill successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 11/01/2024.