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(Sumter County, FL) On Friday, April 5, 2024, 61-year-old Dean Larry Oneal was found guilty of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Law Enforcement Officer with Violence, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

“The defendant’s actions clearly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of our community and the authority of law enforcement,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “By battering an officer and attempting to flee with drugs, he not only posed a direct threat to public safety but also showed a complete disregard for the laws that are in place to protect us all. It is imperative that we hold individuals like him accountable for such dangerous and reckless behavior.”

On February 9, 2023, just shortly after 9 pm in the vicinity of County Road 44A and County Road 221, a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that did not have a license plate. The SCSO deputy made contact with the driver, Oneal, who identified himself through an Indiana driver’s license.

During the stop, K-9 unit was summoned to the scene of the traffic stop and the dog alerted on the vehicle, indicating the presence of drugs. A deputy informed Oneal that a search of the vehicle would take place. Oneal became argumentative and advised he would not step out of the vehicle. When the deputy took him by the arm for compliance and to try to remove him from the car, Oneal fled.

The deputy pursued Oneal’s vehicle for a mile and a half before Oneal pulled over into the driveway of a residence. He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. A search of the vehicle turned up a small clear bag that tested positive for the presence of cocaine, along with pills identified as Sildenafil, which requires a prescription. Officials also found a plastic bag that contained yellow squares which tested positive for THC.

Oneal was arrested and booked into the Sumter County Detention Center.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Shelby Senn.

Published on 04/10/2024. 

(Citrus County, FL) Last week, in a significant development following a lengthy legal process, 29-year-old David Jerome Lemon Jr. was sentenced to a minimum mandatory of 25 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections after entering a plea.

Lemon pleaded to Second-degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle. This sentencing comes after a thorough investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and a rigorous legal process by the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.

“The gravity of Lemon’s actions shook our community, robbing residents of their sense of security and leaving a profound impact on the victim’s family,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While this sentence cannot undo the tragedy that occurred, it provides a measure of closure for the victim’s family and reinforces the message that violent acts will be met with consequences.”

The incident occurred on February 20, 2020, when CCSO deputies arrived at Copeland Park due to a shooting that had occurred. Upon arrival, officials learned that a witness had transported the victim, 26-year-old Tyler Hopkins, to a local hospital. Tyler was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit began an investigation into the fatal shooting, with David Lemon, Jr. being identified as a person of interest. When law enforcement officials attempted to locate Lemon, they learned he’d already fled the area.

Despite Lemon’s initial evasion of law enforcement, relentless efforts by CCSO’s Major Crimes Unit and the Tactical Impact Unit, along with the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, led to his eventual arrest on February 4, 2021.

“I hope this sentence brings a measure of closure to the Hopkins family. Lemon’s reckless actions took a young life and caused immeasurable pain to the victim’s family and friends,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our personnel and the U.S. Marshals in apprehending Lemon, as well as our state prosecutors for ensuring he faced justice for his crime.”

The sentencing of David Jerome Lemon Jr. serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice and ensure the safety of the community.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Rich Buxman and Rob Lewis.

Published on 04/08/2024.

(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. 

(Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, in a Citrus County courtroom, 46-year-old Jeromee Wade Greenough, a Habitual Felony Offender, was sentenced to 40 Years in prison for Robbery with a Weapon, two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without the Intent to Kill while Masked, two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement.

As a result of his habitual offender status, Greenough will serve 30 Years of his sentence, day for day with no gain time, as a Prison Releasee Reoffender. Prior to this 2022 arrest, Greenough was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on September 8, 2020, after serving a 19-year sentence for committing eight-armed bank robberies.

“Justice prevails when the relentless pursuit of law enforcement meets the unwavering commitment of prosecutors,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Greenough willfully disregarded the law while placing others in grave danger. I commend our fellow law enforcement partners for protecting our community and the prosecutors in this case for ensuring accountability.”

On July 21, 2022, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officials apprehended Greenough after he robbed the TD Bank in Crystal River. Greenough entered the bank shortly before noon, brandishing a firearm (which was later determined to be a BB gun), and demanded money from the teller’s counter. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled the scene in a white vehicle.

CCSO deputies and detectives, in collaboration with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), located Greenough traveling down Fort Island Trail. When approached by law enforcement, Greenough attempted to evade capture by speeding off in his vehicle, endangering officers’ lives in the process.

Law enforcement successfully deployed spike strips, deflating Greenough’s tires. Despite this, he continued to drive on deflated tires until FHP executed a pursuit intervention technique, further immobilizing the vehicle. Greenough exited his vehicle, armed himself with an actual rifle, and fled towards a playground area. He was apprehended shortly after.

The successful prosecution of this case is attributed to the diligent efforts of Assistant State Attorneys Tara Hartman and Kevin Davis.

Published on 04/02/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, 51-year-old Dmitri Kostyunin, a former Apopka High School teacher, was found guilty by a Lake County jury 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.

“Kostyunin’s actions not only violated the trust placed in him but also endangered the well-being of a child within our community,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Instead of being able to learn abroad, make lasting friendships, and take in some of the amazing things our country has to offer, those experiences and memories will forever be tarnished because of Kostyunin.”

Back in October of 2023, officials with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) 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 with the LCSO 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, LCSO 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. 

A presentencing investigation was issued and Kostyunin will be sentenced at a later time.  

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office 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 3/25/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Shortly after 10 a.m. this morning, the Honorable Judge Willard Pope sentenced 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Hill to Life for Second-degree Murder.

“Today’s sentence is a reminder of the irreversible consequences of mistaken identity,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Hill’s life sentence reflects the impartiality of the law in a case where an individual’s life was cut short due to the carelessness of another.”

Back on December 13, 2023, a jury found 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 fatally shot Michael.

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.

Hill’s inconsistent statements during the investigation raised further questions, with no evidence discovered to corroborate her statements. Hill was subsequently arrested on November 29, 2020.

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

Published on 03/25/2024.

(Hernando County, FL) After more than a decade in the relentless pursuit of justice, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce a significant update in a Hernando County sexual battery cold case.

Yesterday, 45-year-old Andy Raul Carrillo was found guilty and sentenced to Life in prison for his heinous crime and predatory actions on July 11, 2011.

“This conviction sends a clear message that perpetrators of such despicable acts will face the full force of the law, regardless of how much time has passed,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our office commends the courage and resilience of the survivors who bravely testified to ensure that Carrillo was held accountable for his crimes.”

The case, which remained unsolved for nearly nine years, was finally cracked thanks to a DNA hit in 2020. The victim, who had left a party walking home, was offered a ride by Carrillo, whom she did not know. Instead of ensuring her safe return, Carrillo subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, leaving her battered and sexually assaulted on the side of the road. The victim’s injuries were so severe that she was airlifted to a trauma center for medical treatment.

The breakthrough in the case came when Carrillo’s DNA was entered into CODIS after another aggravated sexual battery that occurred in Tampa just 30 days after the attack in Hernando County. Matching DNA recovered from the victim’s sexual assault exam revealed a chilling pattern, linking Carrillo to both cases.

Despite the challenges posed by the passage of time, diligent detectives from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively to piece together the evidence. Both cases shared striking similarities, with victims being targeted while walking alone late at night, subjected to brutal assaults, and left in isolated areas.

Carrillo’s attempts to evade accountability were futile as overwhelming evidence, including testimony from the victims, detectives, medical professionals, and other witnesses, ensured that justice was served. Despite the absence of some key figures from the original investigation, the collective effort of law enforcement agencies and dedicated professionals led to a successful prosecution.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful resolution of this case, including the law enforcement agencies, medical professionals, witnesses, and courageous survivors.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo.

Published on 03/08/2024.

(Hernando County, FL) Just hours ago, 38-year-old Michael Steven Pollard Jr. was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Merritt Jr. to five years in the Florida Department of Corrections for his 2023 arrest, as well as new charges brought against him earlier today.

Pollard appeared for court this morning, standing trial for felony charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Grand Theft of a Firearm, both serious offenses that pose a significant threat to public safety.

In April of last year, Pollard was arrested by Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies on the charges after it was reported he was in possession of firearms. HCSO initially responded to a citizen’s assist call, where Pollard was attempting to retrieve items from a residence he shared with a previous partner who currently had an injunction against him.

When officials arrived at the home, the witness indicated that Pollard could grab his belongings inside but asked the deputy what was going to happen to a safe Pollard owned that contained firearms since he was a convicted felon. The deputy investigated the witness’s claim, verifying that Pollard had been adjudicated as a felon in the state of Indiana. 

Once questioned by authorities, Pollard indicated that he and the witness had traveled to Indiana to retrieve the safe from his father under the agreement that the witness and his father made. After contacting Pollard’s father, his statements were determined to be false. At the time, Pollard was not allowed to retrieve the safe until further investigation as officials were unable to access the contents inside the safe due to a missing pin pad.

Days later the witness contacted officials and turned over five firearms that were inside the safe. Of the firearms retrieved, one was reported as stolen out of Hendricks County in Indiana. After contacting local authorities there to verify the status of the stolen gun, an arrest warrant was issued for Pollard.   

However, it was recently learned that Pollard messaged a witness in his case on March 3 and March 4, instructing the witness not to show up to testify in the trial on March 6, indicating he would make claims they were involved in illegal activities if the witness did appear.

He was arraigned during an emergency hearing and sentenced on both cases shortly after noon.

“Today’s sentencing of Michael Pollard Jr. for possession of a firearm by a felon and tampering with a witness underscores our unwavering commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Pollard, an already convicted felon, further emphasized his disregard for the law and the rights of others when he contacted a witness multiple times and instructed that witness to not show up for the trial.”

The State Attorney’s Office appreciates the collaboration and dedication of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case, especially that of HCSO Deputies Samantha Lewis and William Harsahyi, as well as the support of the witnesses in this case. We commend the diligent efforts of our prosecution team, Assistant State Attorneys Ben Larison and Lori Ellingsworth, in securing this conviction.

Published on 03/06/2024.

(Marion County, FL) In the Honorable Judge Herndon’s courtroom earlier this morning, 25-year-old Jordan Lil’Chris Foster pleaded guilty to charges for his 2022 arrests for burglary and trafficking illicit narcotics. He was adjudicated guilty on both cases and sentenced to 13 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Foster was charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession with the Intent to Sell, Manufacture or Deliver Cannabis, Possession of Methamphetamine, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Posses Structure for Trafficking Controlled Substances, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon for his October 12, 2022, arrest.

Additionally, he was concurrently sentenced for his September 7, 2022, arrest in which he was charged with Burglary of a Conveyance, Interfere with Custody of a Minor, Domestic Battery, and Burglary of a Dwelling.

“Despite repeated interventions and opportunities for rehabilitation, Foster persisted in his criminal behavior, posing an ongoing threat to our community’s safety and well-being,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “It is imperative that we take decisive action to ensure the protection of our citizens and deter further harm. Foster’s sentencing sends a powerful message – our community will not tolerate the devastating impact of drug trafficking and violence in our neighborhoods.”

Back in April of 2022, Ocala Police Department’s UDEST team responded to an address on the 1700 block of NW 18^th Street in reference to executing a narcotics search warrant. After an extensive investigation, it was determined that Foster was in possession of various amounts of illegal drugs that he was selling out of the home. Foster was arrested on scene and transported to the Marion County Jail.

After bonding out, Foster was rearrested months later for domestic battery, when Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to an apartment complex in Ocala. Officials were informed by the victim and a witness that Foster had not only entered the victim’s car to retrieve an item but the residence as well, battering the victim during the incident.

MCSO authorities were able to locate Foster and the child a short while later. He was then arrested and booked into jail on a no-bond status.

The outcome of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, Assistant State Attorney Marissa Meyer, and Assistant State Attorney Kyle Lambert.

Published on 03/05/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, in a brief court appearance, 27-year-old Aljuwan Malik Burnett was sentenced on charges brought against him from his 2023 arrest. As a result of his plea, Burnett was sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Burnett was arrested on May 3, 2023, by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies at the conclusion of an undercover narcotics investigation. Officials with CCSO determined that Burnett was selling large quantities of illegal drugs and scheduled several undercover buys.

During the first two controlled purchases, which took place over several days, Burnett sold authorities seven grams of Fentanyl. The final purchase, of roughly 30 grams of Fentanyl, was conducted on May 3^rd, after which members of CCSO moved in to arrest Burnett – who fled on foot but was apprehended shortly within the vicinity of the sale.

Burnett was charged with three counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl, Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000ft of a School, three counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, and one count of Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence.  

“Today’s sentence marks a significant step towards protecting our community from illicit narcotics dealers like Burnett,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding individuals accountable, particularly those who pose a deadly risk to our citizens. The outcome of this case sends a clear message drug dealers will face severe consequences under the law.”

The State Attorney’s Office appreciates the collaboration and dedication of the law enforcement officials involved in the investigation.

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Caporicci and Kaitlyn Mannis.

Published on March 1. 2024.