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(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Heidi Davis sentenced 38-year-old Jason Jameel Ganga to 30 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections. Ganga’s sentencing carries a 25 Year Minimum Mandatory.

Earlier this year a Lake County jury found Ganga guilty on charges of Attempted Second-degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Aggravated Battery.

“The defendant’s crime was a brutal attempt on an innocent woman’s life, a clear disregard for the sanctity of human life, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that crime,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

Back in March of 2023, the Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) responded to a reported shooting incident in the area of Pine Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle, suffering from at least two gunshot wounds. Officials on scene observed two bullet holes through the driver’s side window of the vehicle.

Medical treatment was rendered to the victim on scene, who was later transported to a local hospital. The victim was still responsive and able to identify her assailant as “Jason” to authorities. During MDPD’s investigation, detectives were able to later confirm the shooter as Jason Jameel Ganga.

As officers approached the residence, they heard voices and discovered an individual outside, who indicated Ganga was inside the home. MDPD officers located Ganga hiding under a bed. As they attempted to remove him from under the bed, they observed him holding a handgun to his temple.

The weapon, however, lacked a magazine and therefore was not loaded. Deputies were able to secure the firearm and take Ganga into custody. Ganga, who showed signs of alcohol intoxication, refused to cooperate with MDPD’s questioning. A search of the home revealed multiple firearms, including handguns and rifles, with ammunition scattered throughout the premises.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Gabriel Lozano and Eddie Moffitt.

Published on 09/10/2024.

(Hernando County, FL) Last week, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt, jurors found 43-year-old Joshua Reginald Velez guilty of two counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 years of age by a Person in Familial Custody.

“Justice was served today because a brave child found the courage to speak up, and a trusted adult chose to listen and act,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Protecting our children requires the vigilance and commitment of everyone in our community. We are grateful for the trust placed in us to bring this predator to justice.”

Velez was originally arrested in December of 2020, following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigation after the young victim disclosed to an adult the abuse committed by Velez. The adult then contacted law enforcement to report the crime.

Officials made contact with the child who advised of numerous incidents of sexual abuse by Velez, spanning over three different states.  Detectives launched a thorough investigation, which revealed Velez had been abusing the victim since the victim was 10 years old.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Angelina Rodeo and Kasey Whitson.

Published on 09/09/2024.

(Hernando, FL) On Friday, August 23, 2024, after deliberating for roughly 90 minutes, jurors returned a guilty verdict in the case against 31-year-old Isaac Troy Lemons. Lemons was convicted of Manslaughter and Sale of a Controlled Substance. After the verdict was delivered, the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt ordered Lemons into custody to await his sentencing hearing which is scheduled for November 7, 2024.

“This case is another example of a young life lost due to illicit drugs and the greed of others to make a profit,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The defendant’s actions in dealing these deadly substances demonstrate the severe disregard of human life but also added another layer of danger to an already perilous situation.” 

Lemons’ case comes as a result of his 2015 arrest linked to the death of 18-year-old Dylan Joseph Thornton. Back in September of that year, Dylan went missing after his friends hosted an 18^th birthday party for him.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) was contacted in reference to Dylan being missing. Over the next couple of days, an extensive search took place in Spring Hill where Dylan was last seen. 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 had been arranged to play at the birthday party. It was also discovered that the DJ, later identified as Lemons, was asked to bring some “Molly” to the party, which is a street drug containing amphetamines.  Shortly after his arrival, Lemons sold a quantity of “Molly,” later determined to actually be “Flakka,” which was then distributed to others, including Dylan. Later that evening, both Dylan and his friend left the party under the influence and eventually parted ways after believing they were being followed while in their disoriented state.

This case went to trial in the summer of 2021 and resulted in a hung jury.  The re-trial commenced on Monday, August 19, 2024, with jurors returning the verdict on Friday. Thank you to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigators involved in this case, as well as District 5 Medical Examiners Dr. Wolf and Dr. Goldberger whose testimony helped ensure a guilty conviction.

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

Published on 08/27/2024.

(Bushnell, FL) Last week, August 16, 2024, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2020 murder case of 19-year-old David Bartholomew Lyons.  After a brief deliberation, reviewing compelling evidence and expert testimony, jurors found both 20-year-old Javarre Latrell Johnson and 21-year-old Ba’Karri Juan’Ya Williams guilty of First-Degree Murder. Johnson and Williams were also found guilty of one count of Armed Robbery, and one count of Possession of Cannabis.

“The loss of this young life is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on a family and a community,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child.”

Back 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.

Co-defendant Lynum pleaded guilty earlier this year in this case and is set to be sentenced later.

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

Published on 08/22/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, 51-year-old Dmitri Kostyunin, a former Apopka High School teacher, was sentenced in a Lake County courtroom for his guilty conviction in a sexual battery case on an exchange student. Kostyunin was sentenced to Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Kostyunin was found guilty back in April of this year, on charges of Engaging in an Act that Constitutes Sexual Battery upon a Child 12 Years of Age or Older but Younger than 18 years of Age by a Person in Familial or Custodial Authority, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Delivery of Cannabis to a Person Under the Age of 18 Years by a Person Over the Age of 18.

“The defendant’s actions violated the trust placed in him and severely impacted the well-being of a child within our community,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am grateful that he now will spend the rest of his life behind bars, unable to harm another child.”

This case started in October of 2023, when officials with the Mount Dora Police Department were contacted by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) who were informed by authorities in Italy about an incident that occurred at Kostyunin’s home in Mount Dora, involving an exchange student who is an Italian citizen. 

The student reported the sexual abuse committed by Kostuynin to family members back home, who reported the crime. Detectives responded to Apopka High School to meet with the victim regarding the allegations. The victim relayed to detectives that they had been residing with Kostyunin, who was their Foreign Exchange Provider, since August.

The victim further explained to officials that Kostyunin had given them cannabis-infused chocolates and alcohol one night while watching a movie together. While the victim was under the influence of both substances, Kostyunin committed a sexual battery on the child.

Shortly after speaking with the victim, investigators interviewed Kostyunin who admitted to giving the juvenile the cannabis-infused chocolate, as well as wine and beer. Kostyunin then stated he blacked out but woke up the next day and knew he made a mistake. Kostyunin was arrested and taken into custody on October 3, 2023. 

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to the Mount Dora Police Department investigators in this case, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and their counterparts in Italy who reported this crime.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Chelsey Omega.

Published on 08/22/2024.

(Hernando County, FL) State Attorney Bill Gladson announces the grand jury indictment of 21-year-old Donald Donell Jamison, in connection with the July 30, 2024, shooting that resulted in the death of 53-year-old Claudia Barbosa and the injury of another individual.

Jamison has been indicted for one count of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm, one count of Attempted Felony Murder, two counts of Robbery with a Firearm, and one count of Escape from a Law Enforcement Officer.

The day of the incident, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received a call for service, indicating two individuals were shot while at a Brooksville restaurant. The caller stated the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. When first responders arrived, they located Claudia and the second victim with apparent gunshot wounds. Claudia was pronounced deceased on scene, while the other victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and his law enforcement officers worked diligently to investigate the incident and apprehend the suspect responsible. HCSO officials were able to obtain surveillance footage and confirm the information given by multiple witnesses on scene.

A statewide broadcast was issued for the suspect vehicle. Shortly after, the Florida Highway Patrol observed a vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop. When troopers made contact with the driver, later identified as Jamison, he matched the description of the suspect given by witnesses.

Jamison was detained and transported back to Hernando County to be interviewed by HCSO investigators. While in custody, Jamison attempted to escape but was immediately detained and arrested.

The State Attorney’s Office acknowledges the gravity of this matter and its profound impact on the victim’s family and the community. As these legal proceedings develop, our office remains committed to ensuring justice and accountability for all.

Published on 08/20/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, in a Citrus County courtroom, 27-year-old Joshua Aaron Schuler was sentenced to Life in Prison without the possibility of parole.

Back in July, a jury found Schuler guilty of one felony count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Less than 12 Years of Age and one count of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance.

“I trust this sentence will reaffirm our community’s faith in the criminal justice system, that offenders will be held accountable to the fullest extent possible,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Again, my office is grateful to the courageous individual who reported this crime and whose actions have unquestionably protected countless others.”

The charges against Schuler began in September of  2022, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) originally responded to a residence in Homosassa in reference to a call for service. Upon arrival, deputies were informed by the complainant that there was a video involving Schuler.

The complainant stated the night prior, they had gone through the defendant’s phone and had located the video. The complainant went on to further advise that the video, timestamped September 3, 2022, at 1:32 a.m., depicted Schuler molesting the victim.

CCSO’s Special Victims Unit Detective Richey responded to investigate. After speaking with the complainant, Det. Richey made contact with Schuler and placed him under arrest.

Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/19/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Today, 59-year-old Susan Louise Lorincz was found guilty in the case involving the death of her neighbor, 35-year-old Ajike “AJ” Owens. Jurors found Lorincz guilty of Manslaughter by Use of a Firearm after hearing the evidence and facts of the case presented during the trial.

“This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.  The defendant’s choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While today’s verdict can’t bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”

The crime occurred on June 2, 2023, at an apartment complex in the Quail Run community. Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies initially responded to a call for service in reference to juveniles trespassing on private property.

While officials were in route, the MCSO Communications Center received another call advising shots had been fired. Deputies arrived on scene minutes later and located Ajike in the yard in front of Lorincz’s apartment. Ajike was observed to have a gunshot wound to the right side of her upper chest. First responders rendered aid to Ajike while another deputy contacted Lorincz inside her home and took her into custody.

During the weeklong trial, over 30 witnesses were called by both the state and the defense and today the jury found the defendant guilty of manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony that could result in a 30-year prison sentence. 

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Adam Smith.

Published on 08/16/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Tuesday, August 13, 2024, inside the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Paul Militello, jurors found 35-year-old Amy Michelle Parrish, of Bushnell, guilty on three counts of Animal Cruelty after a thorough presentation of compelling evidence and witness testimony. After the verdict was delivered, Parrish was sentenced to 180 days in jail.   

“The defendant in this case had many opportunities and plenty of time to remedy the situation for these animals,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “At the end of the day, she also had the opportunity to turn these animals over if she could not provide adequate care.”

Parrish was initially arrested back in April of this year after a Sumter County Animal Control Officer (ACO) responded to the home for a follow-up welfare check on three animals. Officials had initially responded to the home back in September of 2023 about a report of three malnourished dogs.  After warning Parrish about the animals’ questionable conditions, she stated she would be providing additional care and nutrition to the dogs. When ACOs conducted a secondary check in October, all three dogs were reported to be improving in health. 

However, when ACO Gravatt went to do another follow-up check on the animals, she observed the three dogs to be in worse condition than when the initial check was conducted back in September. At that time, ACO Gravatt called the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Officials seized all three animals in question, which were all Pitbulls: 7-year-old Clyde, 9-year-old Cookie, and 11-year-old Bash.

The animals were so desperate for food, that they were observed eating paper that was lying around on the ground. It was apparent that both Clyde and Cookie were not being provided enough food to eat, as both animals were thin and had their ribs protruding out. Bash was observed to be much thinner than the other two, and extremely underweight with his ribs and individual backbones bulging out. Additionally, Bash had wounds near his tailbone from an unknown source. 

Due to these observations, with the animals ranking lower on the body scale than the initial visit, Parrish was placed under arrest and transported to the Sumter County Detention Center. 

Unfortunately, Bash the 11-year-old Pitbull had to be humanely euthanized due to his critical condition. Cookie has since been adopted to a loving home, and officials at Sumter County Animal Services are still looking for Clyde’s forever home. If you would like to adopt Clyde, please visit their website at https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1270/Adopt-Today or call (352)689-4400.    

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the dedicated efforts of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Sumter County Animal Services Officers, Veterinarian Candice Humphrey, Dr. Stern from the University of Florida Veterinarian and Forensic Pathologist (also a member of our Animal Cruelty Taskforce), and Assistant State Attorneys Scott Ragan and Elizabeth Hart.

Published on 08/15/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, a jury found 66-year-old Charles Fred Fesler guilty on all 37 Felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

“As I’ve said before, our office stands firm against the exploitation of children,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am extremely grateful to the jurors for their service during this trial proceeding.”

Back in January of 2020, Lady Lake Police Department deputies were informed by a victim that Fesler had shown them images of nude, prepubescent females on his computer.

After interviews were conducted with the victim, probable cause existed for Fesler’s arrest for Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Child under 12. Officials located Fesler at his residence in Lady Lake and placed him under arrest. A warrant was then secured to search Fesler’s computer for further investigation into the child pornography claim.

Once the computer was examined, detectives located numerous images of obvious child pornography. During an earlier interview, the victim described some of the illicit photographs which matched what officials discovered.

After being found guilty, the Honorable Judge James R. Baxley ordered Fesler into custody to await his sentencing hearing.

Thank you to Detective Perdue with the Lady Lake Police Department for diligently investigating this case and to Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Gennady Gusak for the successful prosecution.

Published on 08/14/2024.