Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida
Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter
Serving the Citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties
Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida
Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter
Serving the Citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

Newsroom

JURY RETURNS GUILTY VERDICT IN DUNNELLON ROAD RAGE CASE INVOLVING ELDERLY VICTIM

(Marion County, FL) On Friday, January 23, 2026, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of Judge Peter M. Brigham during the trial of 58-year-old Scott Alan Chamness. Chamness was found guilty as charged for the offenses of Burglary of a Conveyance with an Assault and Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.

Chamness was remanded into custody to await his sentencing pending a pre-sentence investigation.

On August 17, 2024, the Dunnellon Police Department responded to a reported road rage incident at the Murphy Oil gas station located off North Williams Street in Dunnellon, Florida.

According to the elderly victim, the incident began at a nearby traffic light when the victim honked their vehicle horn after another driver failed to proceed on a green light. When the victim turned into the Murphy Oil gas station and stopped at a fuel pump, the driver, later identified as Chamness, followed.

Store surveillance footage showed Chamness pull directly behind the victim’s vehicle before exiting his vehicle and aggressively approaching the victim’s driver’s side door. Chamness then opened the door, physically grabbed the victim, and began yelling at the victim regarding the horn.

As the confrontation escalated and the victim was unable to free themself, the victim attempted to reach for their firearm. In response, Chamness climbed on top of the victim, who remained inside the vehicle, and began choking the victim.

The attack ended only after Chamness’s passenger and a bystander intervened. Chamness then returned to his vehicle and fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. A license plate number was obtained for the vehicle Chamness was driving. Law enforcement tracked down the defendant shortly after, where he was arrested and charged.

Assistant State Attorney James Moody successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 01/26/2026.

DEFENDANT FOUND GUILTY IN 2024 MOTEL 6 SHOOTING

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, after a two-day trial where the prosecution presented compelling video evidence, a jury found 37-year-old Donald Lorenzo Roberts Jr. guilty on all counts. Roberts was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Discharging a Firearm in Public, and Providing False Identification to Law Enforcement. Following the verdict, Judge Peter M. Brigham sentenced Roberts, a Prison Releasee Reoffender, to 20 years in prison, consecutive to the 15-year sentence he is currently serving for another case.

The defendant’s charges stem from a shooting that occurred at the Motel 6 located off NW Blitchton Rd. near the I-75 overpass in Ocala, Florida. Officers with the Ocala Police Department (OPD) were dispatched to the motel in response to a call for service by the victim, who indicated they had been shot.

Responding officers found the victim with a gunshot wound and immediately rendered aid. While attending to the victim and awaiting emergency medical services to arrive, the victim gave a name and description of the shooter to law enforcement. The victim indicated the shooter had chased them down the second-story walkway of the motel before shooting them at point-blank range.   The victim was eventually taken to the hospital for further treatment.

An additional responding officer with OPD spotted an individual at a Marathon gas station in the area near the motel and I-75 overpass who matched the description of the suspect. The officer detained the individual, who initially gave a false name but was later identified as Roberts. Another assisting official searched the overpass and found a revolver hidden in the upper overpass section of the interstate, along with a black hoodie with a unique design matching Robert’s sweatpants, in the grass median area.

Authorities collected video surveillance footage from the nearby Marathon gas station and traffic cameras, which captured Roberts traveling from the motel, in the area of the overpass where the firearm and hoodie were recovered, before making his way to the gas station.  Roberts was promptly arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Meredith Poisson.   

Published 01/23/2026.

POTTER SENTENCED IN AGGRAVATED BATTERY CASE INVOLVING A DEADLY WEAPON

(Hernando County, FL) Today, 49-year-old Jeannie Potter was sentenced to 15 years in prison, after being found guilty of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon by a jury back in December of last year.

Potter was originally arrested just two days before Christmas in 2024, after deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home off Corrine Ave. in Spring Hill in reference to a battery. When officials arrived on scene, they observed a white minivan crashed into the garage area of the home and located the victim, who had injuries from the crash, as well as the defendant.

The victim relayed to law enforcement that the defendant, later identified as Potter, had arrived at the home shortly before the incident. The victim indicated that an active court order was in place, prohibiting Potter from entering the property. Despite this, the defendant pulled into the driveway, exited her vehicle, and proceeded to rip off numerous security cameras from the outside of the home.

When the victim exited the home to confront the defendant, Potter got inside her vehicle, drove straight at the victim, and bumped the victim with the van. The victim recorded the incident by cell phone video. After striking the victim the first time with the vehicle, Potter is seen reversing the van once more, before placing the vehicle in drive and accelerating towards the victim. The victim sustained injuries to their leg and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The defendant was also transported for treatment of injuries.

At the hospital, deputies obtained statements from Potter, who indicated she was upset the victim had sold what she believed was her rightful property. After admitting to ripping off security cameras from the home, the defendant stated she got into her vehicle and accelerated towards the garage while the victim was standing in front of it. Potter advised that she did not hit the brake soon enough and accidentally hit the victim.

After obtaining witness statements and reviewing the evidence from the investigation, Potter was arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kasey Whitson and Heather Errede.

Published on 01/22/2026. 

CHASSAHOWITZKA MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR AGGRAVATED STALKING WITH CREDIBLE THREAT

(Citrus County, FL) Today, 58-year-old Christen Ray Brock was adjudicated guilty of Aggravated Stalking with Credible Threat, Aggravated Stalking – Violation of Injunction, and Violation of Condition of Pre-trial Release. Having reviewed the defendant’s criminal history spanning nearly 40 years, meeting the guidelines as a Habitual Felony Offender, Judge Joel D. Fritton sentenced Brock to 50 months in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Back on August 14, 2024, the victim called law enforcement to report a violation of a domestic violence injunction. The victim advised that Brock had left a letter at the victim’s residence. The letter, collected by deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, depicted a shooting target with a bullseye and the victim’s name in the center, with the words, “You’ll regret it,” written underneath.

Officials made contact with the defendant the following day at his residence. When questioned about the letter, Brock admitted to writing the letter but alleged he did not mean it as a threat. The defendant was arrested and charged with aggravated stalking with a credible threat.

While out on pre-trial release pending the prosecution of the above case, the defendant violated the terms of his release, which stipulated the defendant was not to have any contact with the victim. The victim notified law enforcement on January 15, 2025, that the defendant had left several notes on her bedroom window despite the no-contact order.  One of the notes was written on an envelope that contained the defendant’s home address.

Contact was made once again with Brock, who, during a post-Miranda interview, admitted to leaving the notes at the victim’s residence. He was placed under arrest and remained incarcerated with no bond pending the disposition of these two cases.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kaitlyn Mannis.

Published on 01/22/2026.

CITRUS COUNTY MAN FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER WITH A FIREARM

(Citrus County, FL) Today, a Citrus County jury found 37-year-old Dwann Demetrius Ross Jr. guilty of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm. This verdict follows the detailed investigation into the death of 33-year-old Traske C. Johnson, who was gunned down outside his business. After the verdict was rendered, Ross was remanded into custody to await his sentencing on February 24, 2026.

Ross’ charge stems from the Colonial Plaza shooting that took place on May 28, 2024, in Inverness, Florida. Deputies from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the plaza after it was reported that a shooting had occurred. Upon their arrival, deputies found the male victim, later identified as Traske C. Johnson, in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. Johnson was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The defendant, Dwann D. Ross Jr., was identified on scene and quickly detained by deputies. Detectives from the CCSO Criminal Investigations Division arrived shortly after to begin their investigation. While speaking with the defendant, he claimed self-defense, alleging the victim as the aggressor.

Evidence collected during the investigation revealed that both men, who operated separate businesses within Colonial Plaza, had been involved in a brief physical altercation. During this confrontation, Ross retrieved a handgun and shot Johnson several times.

Further investigation into the events leading up to the shooting revealed that Ross and the victim had a heated text exchange. Investigators learned through various messages and witness testimony that the defendant was upset with the victim for allegedly telling a female companion that the defendant was romantically involved with multiple women. After being presented with this evidence and interviewed by detectives, Ross was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting.

During a Stand Your Ground hearing in August of 2025, the defendant’s motion to drop the case was denied after the court determined Ross was never justified in his use of the firearm.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Kevin Davis.


Published on 01/15/2026.

KIMBERLEY MILLS SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER OF HER SON, SET TO TESTIFY AGAINST CO-DEFENDANT ANDRE WALKER

(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Rada, 38-year-old Kimberley Leonie Mills was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to Life in prison for the murder of her son, 10-year-old Xavier Williams. As part of Mills’ plea, she will testify against her co-defendant in the case, 37-year-old Andre Dwayne Walker, later this year during his trial. The victim’s father and extended family expressed their support for the plea agreement and resolution reached regarding Mills’ acknowledged involvement in this case.

“Our focus has always been justice for this child and accountability for those responsible,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Mills’ plea, which includes truthful testimony against her co-defendant, strengthens our ability to pursue that goal and ensures the full story is brought before the court. In doing so, Mills will spend the rest of her life incarcerated. I have no doubt she will think of Xavier every waking day and regret the pain and suffering she made him endure while she repeatedly endures her own.” 

Mills and Walker were indicted back in April of 2025 on an array of charges, including First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse.  Both defendants have remained in custody on no-bond status since their indictments.

On February 22, 2025, the victim was brought to AdventHealth Waterman in cardiac arrest, covered in bruises and burn marks. He was later airlifted to a children’s hospital in Orlando, where he died on March 21, 2025, after nearly a month on life support. The victim’s death was ruled the direct result of systematic abuse committed by Mills and her paramour, Walker, while at Mills’ home in Tavares, Florida.

Chief Sarah Coursey of the Tavares Police Department stated, “The death of Xavier is one of the most heartbreaking crimes our community has ever faced. While no outcome can truly bring justice for such a loss, the plea agreement ensures that Kimberley Mills will spend the rest of her life in prison and that her cooperation will help hold Andre Walker fully accountable for his heinous acts. Our department remains committed to seeking justice for Xavier and to honoring his life through the pursuit of truth and accountability.”

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, along with the Tavares Police Department, is pleased with the hard work and dedication shown by the medical professionals, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors in the case involving Kimberley Mills. Their commitment to pursuing justice and holding offenders accountable is unwavering and truly commendable.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Xavier’s family as this case continues forward through the judicial process.

Assistant State Attorneys Ken Nunnelley and Nicholas Camuccio are prosecuting the case.

Published on 01/14/2026.

TRACEY STANLEY SENTENCED IN MURDER OF ROOMMATE

(Citrus County, FL) On Friday, January 9, 2026, 63-year-old Tracey Lee Stanley was sentenced for the murder of her roommate, 72-year-old Andrea Kathleen Day.

Back in October of 2025, Stanley entered an open plea to the court, pleading no contest, in the case against her in lieu of going to trial. Stanley was charged with Second-Degree Murder for the death of her roommate.

Presiding over the case, Judge Joel D. Fritton sentenced Stanley to 40 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The case against Stanley began on July 20, 2024, when Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies were dispatched to 6033 East Rector Street in Inverness, FL, after receiving a call in reference to a deceased person having been located.

Inside the residence, they located the victim, who had clearly been deceased for a while and was wrapped in a tarp. The victim had been bludgeoned to death by being hit repeatedly in the head over 20 times. Evidence collected from the scene determined that the item used was the claw end of a hammer. Further forensic testing of the item revealed both the victim’s and the defendant’s DNA on the hammer.

Stanley, who was Day’s roommate, was subsequently questioned by CCSO’s Major Crimes Detectives and was arrested in the case.

Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore successfully prosecuted the case.

HERNANDO COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MOLESTING MULTIPLE CHILDREN

(Hernando County, FL) On December 18, 2025, 50-year-old Kevin Christopher Hanrahan was sentenced to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections. Hanrahan was found guilty after trial, back in October, of  Lewd and Lascivious Conduct and four counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 12.

Back in January of 2024, it was reported to Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) officials that a sex offense had occurred involving two children. Officials spoke with both juvenile victims, who recounted two different occurrences of the defendant’s illicit behavior. Both victims were still wearing the same clothing they were in during the offense. Officials collected the clothing for analysis and found the defendant’s DNA on the inside of victim one’s shorts.

The victims then advised of two additional victims that Hanrahan had also molested. Interviews were set up with the third and fourth victims, who disclosed to investigators acts of inappropriate touching by Hanrahan. The events recounted by all four victims were consistent with one another. Due to the four separate disclosures, there was sufficient evidence established for the defendant’s arrest.

Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo successfully prosecuted the case.

Published on 12/29/2025.

FLEEING & ELUDING DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO TWO DECADES IN PRISON

(Marion County, FL) After a one-day jury trial, 42-year-old James Marion Brady has been found guilty on all charges related to a pursuit by law enforcement back in 2024. Brady was convicted of Burglary of an Authorized Emergency Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Judge Peter M. Brigham sentenced the defendant to 20 years in prison.

The case against Brady stems from the events of October 26, 2024, when he stole a law enforcement vehicle and led deputies on a high-speed chase. Originally, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious incident off SE 59th Street in Ocala. Upon arrival, they made contact with the defendant, who advised that he needed assistance. Brady informed officials he had ‘done drugs’ and needed to be seen by medical personnel.

While waiting for emergency medical services, the defendant got off the ground and ran towards the deputies’ parked patrol vehicles. Brady gained access inside one of the vehicles before fleeing. A brief, high-speed chase ensued before the vehicle was immobilized, and the defendant was arrested. 

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Meredith Poisson and Madison Bryan.

Published on 12/18/2025.

26-YEAR-OLD LOPEZ SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR THE MURDER OF RAIED SHIHADEH

(Lake County, FL) Today, December 17, 2025, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2024 murder case of 51-year-old Raied Shihadeh.  After nearly three hours of deliberation, jurors found 26-year-old Alex Lopez guilty of First-Degree Murder and Robbery with a Firearm. Judge Brian Welke sentenced Lopez to Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“Less than a hundred dollars is what this ruthless, wanna be thug valued over the victim’s life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While this verdict, nor ANY amount of money, can’t bring the victim back, we hope his family finds comfort in knowing this killer won’t walk free again.”

On May 30, 2024, officers with the Leesburg Police Department responded to the M & M Food Mart convenience store located off Picciola Road in Leesburg, FL. Law enforcement was advised of a robbery with a possible gunshot victim. When officials entered the store, they located Shihadeh lying on the ground behind the front counter. He had a gunshot wound to the abdomen and head. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim by helicopter to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officers spoke with a witness on scene who advised she had just entered the store and heard screaming coming from what sounded like a cell phone. When she looked behind the counter, she saw the victim and the phone. Detectives were able to determine that the victim was on a FaceTime call with his wife at the time of the incident.

Surveillance footage was collected from the business, where it showed a face-covered male entering the store brandishing a firearm before shooting the victim. The unknown, masked male then proceeded to take money from the register and a vape product before fleeing.  During their investigation, officials disseminated photos of the suspect in a public bulletin asking for information identifying the shooter.

A couple of days later, detectives received multiple tips identifying the shooter as Lopez, the defendant. Authorities attempted to make contact with Lopez with negative results, and an arrest warrant was issued. On June 26, 2024, law enforcement arrested the defendant at the Sunshine Inn motel in Kissimmee, FL.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Ken Nunnelley and Rachel Jones. A special thank you to the law enforcement personnel for their diligent efforts in investigating this case, as well as the public’s assistance in identifying and reporting the defendant.

Published on 12/17/2025.