Newsroom

(Citrus County, FL) Yesterday afternoon, 37-year-old Mark Anthony Wieder was sentenced to 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections for the death of a Citrus County woman.

Back in December 2023, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the fatal hit-and-run case against Wieder. Jurors deliberated for nearly 45 minutes before finding Wieder guilty on charges of failing to stop at a crash involving a death.

“As I said previously, the gravity of a fatal hit and run cannot be overstated. Kathryn Gosman’s death left her family shattered, as made clear from her husband’s testimony today,” commented William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Thirty years incarcerated is nothing compared to a life taken, but we hope Kathryn’s family can finally begin to heal from the suffering caused by Wieder.”

Wieder was originally arrested by Florida Highway Patrol troopers on April 7, 2022, following an incident on February 25, 2021, when 45-year-old Kathryn Gosman tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run on South Cascade Avenue. The victim, a dedicated worker at Angelo’s Pizzaria, was delivering pizzas to support her ill mother when she was fatally struck and left over 100 feet from the original impact site.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation revealed that Wieder’s vehicle, a GMC Sierra pickup, exhibited damage consistent with the crash. Paint transfer analysis further linked the vehicle to Wieder’s GMC Envoy.

During the investigation, Wieder claimed he thought he had hit a deer. He failed to stop to inspect the damages and continued to a store without reporting the incident to authorities. The diligent work of FHP Corporal Brian Dokendorf subsequently led to Wieder’s arrest on April 7, 2023.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Tara Hartman.  

Published on 01/30/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) On Friday, January 26, 2024, in a Citrus County courtroom, jurors found 38-year-old Glenn Talmage Cunningham guilty on four counts of Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor and two counts of Computer Pornography to Seduce, Solicit, Lure, or Entice a Child to Engage in Any Illegal Act. Cunningham did not appear in court during his trial.

Back in March of 2023, Cunningham was arrested by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officials during CCSO’s High Tech Crimes Unit undercover Internet Crimes Against Children operation called Operation Lucky Strike. The operation was aimed at apprehending internet cyber predators who attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child.

“Our office commends the diligence of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of our youth by conducting operations such as this,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This verdict removes another predator off our streets. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement counterparts to prosecute those who exploit and endanger children.”  

As part of the operation, law enforcement officials posed as minors on websites waiting to be solicited through online messages by child predators, who would send sexually explicit pictures, messages, and detailed requests of various sexual activities they wanted to perform with the child.

During the operation, law enforcement officials were contacted by Cunningham, who had knowingly texted and called who he believed to be a 14-year-old female child. After sending two graphic images and continuously contacting the decoy, officials had enough evidence to arrest Cunningham.

An arrest warrant was issued and CCSO deputies made contact with Cunningham shortly after. Cunningham told officials that he believed he was speaking to an adult, despite the numerous pieces of evidence showing he acknowledged the person to be only 14 years of age via a chat forum and text messages. Additionally, Cunningham admitted to sending the decoy pornographic images of male anatomy.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore and Elizabeth Colombrito.  

Published on 01/29/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Shortly before 1 p.m. today, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Brigham during the trial of 34-year-old Frederick Lamar Hamilton.

After nearly 45 minutes of deliberations, jurors found Hamilton guilty on all eight charges, including multiple counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery of a Child 12 Years of Age but less than 16 Years of Age.

“Children teach us many things – resiliency being one,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The victim in this case not only coped with the traumatic challenges of this insidious adult taking advantage of them, but the victim persevered through to make sure Hamilton was held responsible for his repulsive crimes.”  

In October of 2020, Hamilton was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies after a thorough investigation alleging sexual misconduct between Hamilton and the victim. Just a month prior, the victim’s mother contacted law enforcement about the sexual abuse after being made aware of the crime.

During an interview, the victim disclosed to officials numerous reports of sexual abuse committed by Hamilton, spanning from the time the victim was 12 years of age until the age of 17 years old.

The victim told investigators that the abuse included numerous instances where Hamilton would sexually batter them at various locations, including an Ocala church that Hamilton presided over.  Additional witness testimony collected supported the victim’s statement of abuse. 

Detective Scala with MCSO made contact with Hamilton to speak with him regarding the allegations. During the interview, Hamilton admitted to having sexual contact with the victim on multiple separate occasions. Hamilton was subsequently arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail.

Hamilton’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.   

This case was successfully prosecuted by the unwavering dedication of Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth White.

Published on 1/24/2024.

(Lake County, FL)- State Attorney, William “Bill” Gladson, announces the indictment of Kevin Harrison and Destiny Pendleton.  
 
Harrison has been indicted for First Degree Murder involving the December 27, 2023, death of Lekendre Hall.  
 
Harrison’s sister, Pendleton, was also indicted for Accessory After the Fact and Evidence Tampering in connection with the death. 
 
The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office emphasizes its commitment to seeking justice in this case. The charges brought against Kevin Harrison and Destiny Pendleton reflect the serious nature of their alleged involvement in the tragic death of Lekendre Hall.  
 
As the case moves forward, our office will continue to work diligently to bring this case to a just resolution.  

 
About State Attorney Gladson: 
William “Bill” Gladson was elected State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in November 2020 and took office January 2021. He is a former law enforcement officer and career prosecutor with over 20 years of trial experience. As State Attorney, Gladson leads a team of over 250 employees who serve the citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties, an area encompassing more than 1.2 million people. 

Published on 1/18/2024

(Marion County, FL) Last week, Assistant State Attorney Tucker O’Neill with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office secured a guilty verdict for a series of alarming crimes involving 45-year-old Rocco Dominic Gelonese.  
 
“Gelonese’s case demonstrates the importance of a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community in maintaining public safety,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our office remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of our citizens.” 
 
Gelonese, who had just been released from prison only three days prior to his crime spree, faced serious charges related to the August 7, 2022, incident that occurred at the JC Penney store located in the Paddock Mall.  
 
While in the store, Gelonese was observed attempting to leave without paying for a significant quantity of children’s clothing and a pair of shoes. Upon fleeing from store employees, he attempted to forcefully enter a van while threatening the occupants with harm if they did not comply with his demands.  
 
Subsequently, Gelonese continued his crime spree by approaching another victim in their car, attempting to forcibly enter and demand money before fleeing. Law enforcement, with the assistance of witnesses and victims, was able to positively identify Gelonese through a photo lineup and arrest him a few days later. 
 
Gelonese, with a prior criminal record, was charged with Burglary of a Conveyance with Assault, Burglary of an Occupied Conveyance, and Petit Theft. Due to his Prison Releasee Reoffender (PRR) status, he faces substantial minimum mandatory sentences, including a Life sentence. 
 
The sentencing for Gelonese is scheduled for January 31, 2024. 
 

Published on 01/18/2024

(Marion County, FL) Earlier today, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Pope during the trial of 47-year-old Christopher Lee Holding. Holding was found guilty on all seven charges, including Sexual Battery of a Victim Older than 12 but less than 18 years of age.

After jurors delivered their verdict to the court, Judge Pope sentenced Holding to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“I cannot even begin to fathom the pain and suffering this victim endured from Holding,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The weight of the trauma they will have to carry the rest of their life is despairing and incomparable. I am extremely pleased with this sentencing after fully examining all the evidence and considering the surrounding circumstances.”

In June of 2023, Holding was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies after allegations of sexual misconduct between Holding and the victim were reported. During a forensic interview, the victim disclosed numerous reports of sexual abuse committed by Holding, spanning from 2017 to 2021.

The victim told investigators that the abuse started when they were only 13 years old and included numerous instances where Holding would tie or chain up the victim while sexually battering them.  Additional evidence revealed during the investigation supported the victim’s statement of repetitive abuse.    

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, the honorable Judge Hatcher sentenced 26-year-old Bacarri Justice Austell to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections for the senseless murder of Chris’sean Williams just two days before the young teenager’s 17^th birthday.

“This life sentence echoes the profound consequences of not just one, but two young lives lost,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “As our community grapples with the tragedy of this teenager’s murder, may Austell’s sentence serve as a resolute reminder that our commitment to justice demands accountability for the choices we make.”

Back in November 2023, a Sumter County jury delivered a verdict of guilty against Austell for Second-Degree Murder with a firearm.

The jury ultimately found Austell possessed and discharged a firearm, resulting in the tragic death of 16-year-old  Chris’sean Williams. The incident unfolded at Royal Park, where Austell, during a video game gathering, pursued and fired four rounds at the victim, fatally striking him in the head.

Austell claimed he thought the victim was a person who had threatened him on a different day. In one of the many various statements he told law enforcement, Austell said he was in fear for his life and shot the victim. Despite this claim of justifiable use of deadly force, diligent work by Inspector Knight, Det. Warren, CID detectives, and the Forensic team of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) proved this claim false.

The SAO’s victim witness department played a crucial role in coordinating witnesses despite the inherent challenges in cases of this nature. Special acknowledgment to Sgt. Mullins of the SCSO, as well as K9 Rio, whose keen nose led to the discovery of the murder weapon.

Exceptional work by Assistant State Attorney Donald “Sonny” McCathran Jr. and Daniel Geraghty for their firm commitment to seeking justice for the Williams family.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, the Honorable Judge Hatcher sentenced Miguel Espinosa Navarro to Life in Prison with a 20-year Minimum Mandatory for a disturbing case that unfolded on June 27, 2020.

Navarro while driving a black Ford F150 Raptor on I-75, recklessly discharged a firearm at passing vehicles. One shot went through a driver’s window, narrowly missing the occupants. Multiple 9-1-1 calls prompted Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) patrol deputies to intervene, leading to a standoff where Navarro wielded his firearm.

Deputies successfully stopped traffic, ensuring the safety of motorists, during their attempts to subdue the suspect. Navarro fled in his pickup, ultimately crashing into a fence along the interstate. Following a brief struggle, deputies were able to apprehend him and locate the discarded firearm.

Body cam videos and a passing motorist’s recording of the incident were pivotal during the trial. A Sumter County jury delivered a guilty verdict on September 13, 2023, finding Navarro guilty on six counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, 2 counts of Shooting into an occupied vehicle and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude with recklessness or high speed.

“Justice prevailed in the face of reckless violence,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The sentencing of Navarro sends a resolute message that endangering lives through senseless acts will be met with severe consequences.”

Our office would like to recognize those SCSO deputies who actively engaged and apprehended Navarro during this dangerous situation. Their swift actions ensured no citizens were injured by Navarro’s depraved behavior.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Florida Department of Law Enforcement lab analysts, along with Assistant State Attorneys Sonny McCathran and Dan Geraghty played crucial roles in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

(Lake County, FL)- State Attorney, William “Bill” Gladson, announces the grand jury indictment of Joseph Andrew Giampa.

Giampa has been indicted for six counts of Sexual Battery Upon a Person Under Twelve Years of Age and three counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child.

Given the severity of the crime and its impact on the community, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office has filed a notice that it intends to seek the death penalty pursuant to Florida Statutes 794.011(2)(a) and 921.1425.

The decision to pursue the highest penalty reflects the gravity of the charges and the State Attorney’s Office’s dedication to holding criminals accountable for their actions. The State Attorney’s Office acknowledges the sensitivity of this matter and the impact it has on the community. Our commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the vulnerable remains unwavering.

As legal proceedings unfold, our office asks for respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved. We will continue to work diligently to bring this case to a just resolution.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday afternoon, a jury found 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Hill guilty of second-degree murder following a roadside shooting in Ocklawaha that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Michael Tron Hofacker.

The incident unfolded on November 28, 2020, around 7:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of S. Highway 314A. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene to investigate. Initial reports indicated Hill perceived a threat, thinking Michael had a gun, leading to a fatal shot to the head. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Hill wrongly identified the victim as someone else named Michael. The witness, a friend of the victim, stated that the victim did not pose a threat and was unarmed at the time of the incident.

“This incident underscores why people should not take matters into their own hands and trust law enforcement,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “As the legal process continues, our hearts go out to the family affected by this deeply regrettable incident.”

Hill’s inconsistent statements during the investigation raised questions, with no evidence discovered to corroborate the victim possessing a firearm during the incident. Hill was subsequently arrested on November 29, 2020.

Hill’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Assistant State Attorneys Sasha Kidney and Wynn Vickers successfully prosecuted this case.