(Citrus County, FL) This morning, 50-year-old Robert Joe Maracek was sentenced to 75 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections as a Habitual Violent Felony Offender for his 2021 crimes.
“The sentencing of this violent offender serves as a testament to our commitment in holding those who violate our laws accountable,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am extremely thankful for our community partners whose vigilance led to the apprehension of this dangerous individual and to the judiciary for ensuring this person is no longer a menace to our society.”
On February 23, 2024, Maracek was found guilty on all charges related to a lengthy pursuit by law enforcement back in 2021. The verdict followed extensive investigation and prosecution efforts by law enforcement and the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
Maracek faced a litany of charges, including Aggravated Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Assault of a Law Officer, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, two counts of Throwing a Deadly Object at a Vehicle, Resisting Law Enforcement with Violence, Possessing Amphetamine, Battery of a LEO K-9, Providing a False Identity to Law Enforcement, Driving without a License, and Driving with No Vehicle Registration.
The case against Maracek stemmed from the events of February 1, 2021, when he struck a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputy with his vehicle while attempting to evade a traffic stop in Hernando. Additionally, Maracek threw tire spikes from his vehicle’s window to thwart pursuing deputies.
Despite attempts to evade capture, Maracek was apprehended by a K-9 unit after fleeing his disabled Ford Expedition on South Washington Street in Beverly Hills. During the apprehension, Maracek extensively resisted arrest, striking and kicking deputies and their K9.
Maracek’s criminal history dates back to August 27, 2001, when he became a fugitive from Osceola County authorities for failing to appear at his trial for charges of law enforcement battery, resisting law enforcement, and leaving a crash scene. Additionally, Maracek was wanted for absconding from probation following his sentencing in May 2000 for armed burglary and theft charges originating from Broward County in January 1994.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.
Published on 04/03/2024.