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(Citrus County, FL) Thursday, August 1, 2024, jurors found 66-year-old Michael Regalski, guilty on three counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, one count of Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle, and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence. Regalski’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 19, 2024.

“The defendant’s actions were not only reckless but also a blatant disregard for human life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The evidence presented clearly demonstrated his intent to cause harm and to also try to cover his crime up. Justice has been rightly served with this verdict and we hope the outcome brings some measure of relief to the victims and their families.”

The charges stem from an incident back in April of 2023, in which Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service regarding a shooting that had occurred.  When officials arrived on scene, they located an adult victim, along with two juvenile victims on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The victims indicated they were riding on the vehicle in the area when they heard two loud noises and pulled over, thinking the vehicle was malfunctioning.

While stopped, one of the juveniles indicated they felt pain in their lower abdomen, and upon reaching down immediately observed they were bleeding. CCSO officials and other medical first responders were able to stabilize the juvenile, who was then airlifted to a hospital for treatment. 

CCSO’s Major Crimes Detective Roscoe Watts responded to the scene to investigate. During this time, he made contact with Regalski, whose home was just south of where the incident occurred. According to Regalski, he had seen the ATV with the three victims pass by his property previously while he was outside his garage. He said he had prior issues with the utility vehicles passing by his property loudly at all hours of the night.

Regalski further admitted when he saw the vehicle passing by his property the last time, he fired his Glock 40-caliber handgun at the vehicle in an attempt to deter the rides from driving by his property. When questioned as to what he did after firing at the utility vehicle, Regalski stated he secured his firearm inside his garage before entering his residence to wash his clothes and shower.

He then told Detective Watts after he showered, he viewed his home’s video surveillance camera footage of the incident. He claimed nothing was captured on the footage, but still decided to erase the footage after viewing it.

Regalski was subsequently arrested and booked into the Lecanto Detention Facility.

Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Blake Shore prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/05/2024.

(Marion County, FL) In a landmark trial for the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, a jury has found Marquis Rosado guilty in the death of Marcus Lane II. The verdict, delivered Wednesday, marked a significant development in a case that has highlighted the deadly impact of Fentanyl in our community. Rosado was convicted of First-Degree Murder.

The investigation began on October 12, 2021, when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received a call about a deceased male, later identified as 26-year-old Marcus Lane II. MCSO Major Crimes Detective Andrew Canterberry responded to the scene, where evidence suggested that Marcus had died from a drug overdose. A plastic bag containing pills was found near the victim and collected as evidence. On November 30, 2021, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Marcus’ death resulted from Fentanyl and Ethanol toxicity.

Detective Canterberry further uncovered text message records between the victim and Rosado discussing the sale of drugs on the day of the victim’s death. Surveillance footage and witness accounts corroborated that Rosado had delivered the drugs to the victim’s home a few hours before his death.

On January 6, 2022, Rosado was arrested in this case. Following his arrest, Detective Canterberry requested a laboratory analysis of the pills found near Marcus, which confirmed the presence of Fentanyl. On August 25, 2022, Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt presented the case to a Grand Jury, which returned an indictment charging Rosado with First Degree Murder.

Rosado was arrested again and has been held at the Marion County Jail without bond until this trial.

“This conviction underscores the commitment of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and our office to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs and seek justice for victims and their families,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am extremely proud of Assistant State Attorney Berndt for diligently prosecuting this case and laying the groundwork for future prosecutions of these types of crimes.”

Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/02/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Earlier this week, 41-year-old Steven Alan Swearingen was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder.  The trial, which commenced on July 30, 2024, concluded with Swearingen’s conviction by jurors in the death of 52-year-old Steven Smolensky. Steven Smolensky was a retired deputy sheriff with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office after serving his community for 25 years.

“Today marks a significant moment in justice being served for Steve, a dedicated retired member of our agency,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I am profoundly grateful for our partners at the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless efforts in prosecuting this case. Their collaboration was instrumental in ensuring Swearingen will face the consequences for his appalling crimes.”

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.

“We are grateful for the jury’s verdict, which brings justice for the tragic and senseless murder of this community servant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “May this outcome bring some measure of closure and solace to the family and friends of the victim. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with them during this challenging time as we await the sentencing phase.”

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 08/02/2024.

(Marion County, FL) On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 53-year-old Thomas Gibson III was found guilty of one Felony count of Aggravated Abuse of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult.  

After Gibson was adjudicated guilty, the Honorable Judge Timothy T. McCourt sentenced Gibson to 30 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.  

“Brutally attacking a disabled adult is one of the lowest acts of violence you can commit,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The victim in this case was fortunate to escape with their life and I thank the jury for their service in this case.”

On July 30, 2022, Dunnellon Police Department officers responded to the Rainbow Garden Apartments regarding a battery. Upon arrival, responding officers noticed obvious injuries to the victim, who had a large laceration to their upper lip and a bruised, swollen eye. There were also large blood stains on the victim’s shirt and throughout the residence.

The victim, who was clearly upset and afraid, told law enforcement that they had been in a verbal argument with Gibson. During the argument, Gibson became angry and pushed the victim.  At that time, the victim told Gibson to leave but he refused. Both individuals separated and went to bed, waking up that following morning when the dispute continued.

It was during this verbal exchange that Gibson then began striking the victim repeatedly. The victim attempted to call 9-1-1 but was restrained by Gibson who then threatened to kill them. Eventually, after the altercation, the victim was able to get away from Gibson and contact the authorities. 

Gibson fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival, but he was apprehended three days later and booked into the Marion County Jail.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Peter Sziklai.

Published on 07/19/2024.

(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada, jurors found 53-year-old Kenlin Anthony Bougouneau guilty on all three counts and sentenced him to 15 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.  

“Law enforcement officers face every situation imaginable,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “They respond to calls for service, not knowing all the details and having to make split-second decisions. In this case, they had to subdue an individual who was out of control and posed a danger to others.” 

Bougouneau was convicted, after a jury trial, of two counts Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and one count Resist Law Enforcement Officer with Violence.

In October of 2020, Bougouneau was arrested following a Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigation after officials responded to a call for service at a residence off Wilshire Road in Clermont.  

Deputies arrived on scene and observed Bougouneau aggressively striking multiple victims during a dispute. He was promptly cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car while authorities investigated the disturbance.

A short time later, officials went to check on Bougouneau, who became irate and started to kick the law enforcement officers. After regaining control of him, deputies resecured Bougouneau and placed him under arrest, transporting him to the Lake County Jail.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Chelsey Omega and Edward Moffitt.  

Published on 07/18/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Yesterday, 66-year-old Fredrick Leroy Connell was sentenced to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.

Last week, on July 11, 2024, Sumter County jurors found Connell guilty of Sexual Battery upon a Person under Twelve Years of Age. Connell’s charge stems from his 2021 arrest, in which investigators revealed he sexually abused a child from 2013-2015.

“Acts like this will not go unpunished in our circuit,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I commend this brave child for speaking up and telling a trusted adult what occurred. They have undoubtedly saved future victims from this predator.”

Back on September 30, 2021, it was reported to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) that Connell had sexually battered a child victim. School officials reported that a student made a disclosure of sexual abuse after a presentation held in the health class by E3 Family Solutions. The victim was interviewed by deputies for further investigation and the case was assigned to Inspector Pam Warren.

During the forensic interview at the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, the victim recounted to authorities numerous instances of Connell sexually battering them, disclosing key details.  Inspector Warren interviewed the defendant, where he stated various information that coincided with the recount told by the victim, however, he denied all accusations of sexual battery occurring.

Inspector Warren interviewed multiple parties to the case and developed probable cause for the arrest of Connell. Connell was arrested on December 29, 2021, and transported to the Sumter County Detention Center.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Dan Geraghty and Sonny McCathran. A sincere thank you to Inspector Pam Warren and the Staff at the Lake-Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center for their work in this case, despite the challenges presented by the time-lapse that had occurred between the crime and when it was reported.

Published on 07/18/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) On July 12, 2024, a jury found 27-year-old Joshua Aaron 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.

After being found guilty, Schuler was ordered into custody to await his sentencing hearing which will take place on August 19, 2024.

“The complainant in this case helped save this child from any further harm,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “If you find evidence that a crime has been committed or believe someone is engaging in illegal acts, please report it immediately because every second counts in apprehending these types of predators.”

On September 17, 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 of Schuler molesting the victim, who was a five-year-old child.

The complainant stated the night prior, they had gone through the defendant’s phone and had located a video in the recently deleted file. 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. During their interview with him, Schuler denied the allegations but could not provide an explanation for the video. Officials subsequently arrested Schuler on a warrant for this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis.

Published on 07/17/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Hezekiah Benjamin Jr. to 60 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections on his guilty conviction. Back in February of this year, a Lake County jury found Benjamin guilty on one count of Sexual Battery of a Victim under 18, and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 16.

“I am extremely proud of our prosecutors for seeing this case to the end and securing a fitting sentence for this defendant who will no longer be able to prey upon innocent children,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

In May of 2021, it was reported to the Clermont Police Department (CPD) officials that Benjamin had sexually battered a 13-year-old child. Officials received a call reporting this information, where the caller advised the victim texted them, stating Benjamin was abusing them.

The victim was subsequently interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center in Leesburg for further investigation. At the center, the victim confirmed sending the text messages and informed investigators of the abuse committed by Benjamin, relaying vital details of the incidents. The victim further indicated they feared Benjamin.

Benjamin was then arrested on the warrant and booked into the Lake County Jail.

Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Gennady Gusak successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 07/16/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Mary P. Hatcher, a jury was excused as the defendant in the case, 42-year-old Antoine Lamar Whitter, entered an open plea in his case. Whitter was charged and found guilty of Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Cocaine.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2024, at 1 p.m.

“This case is just another example of our law enforcement partners’ keen observation and swift actions,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “Thanks to their heightened awareness, we were able to prosecute another drug trafficker to keep them off our streets and clean up our community.”

Back in October of 2019, Whitter was arrested by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies during a routine traffic stop. At around 3 a.m., SCSO Deputy Moore was assisting Deputy Hinderhofer with a traffic stop when she spotted a vehicle speeding near the northbound 321 exit of Interstate 75. Deputy Moore paced the vehicle traveling at 82 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone. The deputy activated her lights and proceeded to conduct a separate traffic stop.

When the law enforcement officer approached the driver, later identified as Whitter, the deputy indicated the reason for the stop.  A K-9 unit was deployed during the traffic stop. While conducting an exterior sniff of the vehicle, the K9 officer alerted on the vehicle for the presence of illicit narcotics.

At that time, K9 Deputy Garrity secured Whitter and his passenger from the vehicle so Deputy Moore could conduct a search. During the search, authorities located large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and some cannabis. There was also a scale, along with a medium-sized box of baggies in the vehicle, leading deputies to believe the drugs were being packaged and sold.

When questioned about the martinis found inside the vehicle, Whitter declined to speak with officials. Deputies then conducted a search of Whitter, which revealed he had $2,670 in cash in his right front pocket. The money was in multiple denominations of $100, $50 and $20 bills, which are consistent with that of illicit drug transactions. As a result, Whitter was placed under arrest.

The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and Elizabeth Hart.

Published on 07/12/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Early Thursday afternoon last week, 47-year-old Delia Marie Dean pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder and was sentenced to 20 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections. Dean’s plea comes after her 2022 arrest for murder via distribution of Fentanyl in the death of 48-year-old Jonathan Michael Bishop.

“This case represents the significant battle law enforcement faces when combating the opioid epidemic in our communities,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “Thanks to recent legislative changes, both our office and our law enforcement partners have new tools to address the issue and hold defendants like this accountable for their roles in perpetuating this crisis.”

On April 20, 2022, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a residence off West Hudson Street in Inverness in reference to a death. Upon arrival, officials located Jonathan in his room, where he was pronounced deceased due to obvious signs of rigor mortis. After speaking with the decedent’s mother and witness on scene, it was determined that the decedent did not have any medical conditions that would cause his passing.

As investigators searched through Jonathan’s room, they located a white powdery substance, identified as Fentanyl, was discovered in his bathroom. The powder was field-tested and yielded a positive result for the presence of Fentanyl. The powder was collected for evidence and the decedent’s body was turned over to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

CCSO’s Major Crimes detectives and Tactical Impact Unit detectives continued to work collectively on this case and identified Dean as the primary suspect. On May 19, 2022, the toxicology report from the Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Jonathan’s cause of death as a combined drug toxicity of Fentanyl and alcohol.

Based on the findings of this case, along with the evidence collected and interviews conducted, an arrest warrant was issued and Dean was arrested on May 23, 2022.

The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore.

Published on 07/01/2024.