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(Marion County, FL) Thursday afternoon, jurors rendered their verdict in the case against 32-year-old Justin Cobb, who tragically took the life of 75-year-old Elfriede Meyer. Jurors found Cobb guilty on all three counts, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Manslaughter, and two counts of Driving Under the Influence with Serious Bodily Injury.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones, whose lives were forever changed by this preventable tragedy,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “We remain committed to seeking justice for victims and holding those who choose to drive under the influence accountable.”

On June 22, 2022, shortly after 6 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred on County Road 42 near Umatilla, Florida. Once on scene, officials determined that the Chevrolet Tahoe being driven by Cobb veered in front of the vehicle that the victim was driving, along with two other occupants inside. Meyer was pronounced deceased on scene, and the other two occupants who sustained substantial injuries were transported for emergency medical treatment.

During FHP’s investigation, Cobb stated to authorities that he was driving his truck and coming to a curve in the road, and didn’t remember anything regarding the crash. Cobb admitted to authorities that he smoked methamphetamine the night before and that he is a functional addict. After drawing blood samples from the defendant at the hospital, the samples were sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing. The test results concluded that Cobb was under the influence of Methamphetamines at the time of the crash.

Assistant State Attorneys Adam Smith and Robert Bullara diligently prosecuted this case.

Published on 04/02/2026.

(Lake County, FL) On Monday, 43-year-old Ivan Rodriguez Pagan was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by 5 years of probation. Pagan was found guilty back in January on all charges, including two counts of Sexual Battery upon a person 12-18 Years of Age, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Victim, Indecent, Lewd, or Lascivious Touching of Certain Minors, and Battery.

Pagan was arrested in July of 2024 following a Clermont Police Department investigation after a report turned over from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office referenced a prior sexual battery that had occurred within the city of Clermont.

The report indicated that Pagan had sexually abused the victim over the past year, with four incidents occurring, with the last one taking place approximately three weeks ago. In speaking with the complainant in the report, she advised that the victim had disclosed the sexual abuse to them, and that’s when she contacted authorities.

Officials conducted an interview with the victim at the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, where the victim stated Pagan sexually battered them on multiple occasions. The victim provided investigators with detailed information about when these incidents occurred at a residence in Clermont.

After the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and Pagan was taken into custody shortly after.

Assistant State Attorneys Shannon Schlarf and Tyler Duffy successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 04/01/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces the grand jury indictment of 32-year-old Jeroen Jarrel Coombs of Citra, FL.

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Coombs for the murder of 3-year-old Paisley Brown and the abuse of four additional child victims. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charges:

·MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY MURDER 782.04(1)(a)2
·AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE – 827.03(1)(a) AND 827.03(2)(a)
·AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE – 827.03(1)(a) AND 827.03(2)(a)
·AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE – 827.03(1)(a) AND 827.03(2)(a)
·CHILD ABUSE – 827.03(1)(b) AND 827.03(2)(c)

On or about February 19, 2026, Coombs did unlawfully and feloniously, while engaged in the perpetration of a certain felony, kill Paisley Brown.

From October 1, 2025, through February 19, 2026, Coombs did unlawfully and willfully commit two or more acts of torture upon a child, which caused unnecessary and unjustified pain to and suffering by said child.

On October 1, 2025, Coombs did cage a child; and did knowingly or willfully abuse a child, without causing great bodily harm.

Coombs remains in custody on no-bond status at the Marion County detention facility. Pursuant to Florida law, a decision on whether to file a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty will be made within 45 days.

Published on 03/27/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Today, the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson for the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces a guilty verdict in the case against 38-year-old Kevin Thomas McDonough. After the one-day jury trial on March 24, 2026, jurors found McDonough guilty of Domestic Battery by Strangulation. McDonough was sentenced to five years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

While responding to a separate call for service, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies were informed by the victim that the defendant had been violent and choked the victim during a heated argument.

The victim provided photographs of the neck injuries sustained during the physical attack, as well as a video recording of the battery. Upon reviewing the video, deputies observed the victim and the defendant inside a bedroom, engaged in a verbal argument.

During the argument, the defendant lunged over the victim, placing both hands around the victim’s throat. The victim is clearly pinned down by the defendant before falling to the floor, where McDonough continues to strangle the victim. The battery ends when a minor child is seen running into the room, yelling at the defendant to get off the victim.

MCSO authorities obtained an arrest warrant for McDonough, who was later apprehended.

The outcome of this case was a result of the diligent prosecution efforts of Assistant State Attorneys Lillian Rozsa and James Moody.

Published on 03/26/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) Yesterday, Judge Mary P. Hatcher sentenced 49-year-old Brian Keith Winton to seven Life sentences in the Florida Department of Corrections and designated Winton a Sexual Predator.

Winton was charged and convicted of three counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 years of age and four counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Victim less than 12 years of age. The defendant had been in custody since a jury found him guilty on all counts following his trial in February.

“This is a just sentence for this defendant,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “And a fitting way to provide closure, to provide reassurance of safety, and to provide due justice for the two young victims in this case.”

Winton was arrested in October of 2023 following a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigation into possible sexual offenses involving two minor children.

Both victims disclosed to authorities during two separate interviews that the defendant had sexually battered them on numerous occasions over a period of four years, starting when the victims were as young as 10 years old. Probable cause was established for Winton’s arrest after each victim recounted specific occurrences and descriptive details to detectives.

After interviewing the two victims, detectives took Winton into custody, where he was transported to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview. After being read his Miranda rights, Winton admitted to sexually battering both victims.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Shelby Senn thanks to the diligent investigation conducted by Inspector Pam Warren of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Published on 03/25/2026.

(Lake County, FL) The Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces that on March 18, 2026, in a Lake County courtroom, jurors found 63-year-old Manuel Ramon Lebron guilty of two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child, one count of Showing Obscene Material to a Minor, and three counts of Battery. Lebron was taken into custody on no bond pending sentencing.

On January 9, 2024, it was reported to Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) officials that Lebron had sexually molested a 7-year-old victim. During the investigation, the victim revealed to detectives that Lebron had sexually abused them in 2019.

The victim was transported to the local child advocacy center for further investigation. At the center, the victim recounted numerous instances of Lebron inappropriately touching and showing them pornographic material. LCSO deputies then attempted to contact Lebron regarding the allegations, who was residing in Puerto Rico at the time. During a controlled call, the defendant apologized to the victim for his actions.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Lebron was arrested on February 9, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and later transported back to Lake County.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Tyler Duffy.

Published on 03/19/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Last week, jurors found 58-year-old Manes Pierre guilty of Fraudulent Simulation of a Legal Process and False Statement to the Department of State. Pierre was taken into custody on no bond following his conviction to await sentencing.

Pierre was originally arrested in 2021 after investigators uncovered a fraudulent lien unlawfully filed with the Florida Department of State.

“Filing false liens is not only illegal, but it’s harmful, and it’s a form of harassment that can significantly harm a person’s reputation and lead to substantial damages,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This type of crime will not be tolerated in our jurisdiction, and I am grateful the jurors convicted this defendant for his crimes.”

In August of 2021, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a fraudulent lien filed by the defendant, which listed several judgment debtors, including Marion County Sheriff William Woods, Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory C. Harrell, a Circuit Court Judge, and Assistant State Attorney. None of those individuals had any knowledge of the lien, and a records search during the investigation confirmed the filing was fraudulent.

The lien alleged that the debtors owed $16 million and listed the court as the “Morocco Consular Court,” with the judicial officer as Elio Bohechio Trogon El and the judgment creditor as Manes Pierre. Additionally, when the lien was filed, it was filed by Elio Bohechio Trogon El with a Miami Beach address and a Gmail account. This information matched other prior court filings linked to the defendant.

During the investigation, MCSO Detective Kip Peterson contacted the Department of State’s General Counsel’s Office to obtain copies of the information filed, as well as the transaction details for the electronic filing fee associated with the fraudulent lien. On the transaction details, the customer’s billing information listed was for Manes Pierre, with the same Miami Beach address and Gmail account information.

The State Attorney’s Office appreciates the efforts of Detective Kip Peterson, the Florida Department of State, as well as Assistant State Attorneys Kevin Steiniger and Robert Bullara, all of whom assisted in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.
Published on 3/17/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Today, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the guilty verdict of 16-year-old Kydris Jackson for the 2023 murder of 19-year-old Griffin Smith. Jackson was found guilty of Second-degree Murder with a Firearm.

The investigation began on December 2, 2023, when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received a call around 3 p.m. about a possible shooting. The caller indicated they observed a white Dodge Ram pickup truck riddled with bullet holes drive off the road and into a bush, where it came to a final stop. When bystanders went to check on the occupants of the pickup truck, they only observed a driver inside with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. The driver, identified as Griffin Smith, was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Inside the vehicle, law enforcement located two firearms, one a Sig Sauer handgun and another a Glock semi-automatic. MCSO Major Crimes Detective Daniel Pinder responded to the scene, where his investigation further revealed that several other witnesses had heard a series of gunshots in the area. A witness on scene told officials that the victim had called him on the phone when the victim could be heard arguing over money sent via Cash App with an unknown individual before the shooting occurred.

Detective Pinder further uncovered text message records between the victim and Jackson discussing the sale of a Glock handgun on the day of the victim’s death. Surveillance footage from the businesses, cellphone records, and witness accounts corroborated that Jackson had arranged for a ride, meeting the victim at the Dollar General off Marion Oaks Boulevard, before an argument over money ensued, and the defendant repeatedly shot at the victim.

Contact was then made with the defendant in Alachua County. Jackson denied knowing the victim and setting up the sale of the Glock firearm. On July 22, 2024, Detective Pinder received confirmation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that a positive match of DNA from Jackson was located on the Glock firearm.

Assistant State Attorneys Amy Berndt and Toby Hunt prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/06/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, 44-year-old Justin Lamar Jones was found guilty in the double murder case of 17-year-old Tyviontae Finister and 38-year-old Sandra Gaudino. Jurors deliberated briefly before finding Jones guilty of Premeditated Murder in the First-degree, Second-degree Murder, three counts of Sexual Battery, and one count of False Imprisonment. After an extensive sentencing phase, Jones was formally sentenced by Judge James R. Baxley to Life in prison today.

“From this day forward, the defendant will wake up every morning knowing he will spend the rest of his life behind prison walls,” stated State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “He will have ample time to reflect on the irreversible pain he caused and the two innocent lives he took. While the victims’ families endure a lifetime of grief, today’s sentence demands that the defendant bear the full weight of his actions for the rest of his life.”

On August 31, 2022, deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to the Thousand Trails Orlando RV Park located in Clermont, Florida. LCSO’s dispatch center had received a 9-1-1 call in reference to a sexual battery and homicide that had occurred.

When officials arrived on scene, they were met by the complainant and victim one. The complainant advised that the victim was banging on the door of their home. When they opened the door, the victim stated they had been sexually battered and imprisoned by Jones for hours before they escaped.

Deputies learned that the crimes had occurred at another location in the park. When they arrived at the recreational vehicle (RV) and entered inside, they located the deceased body of Tyviontae Finister inside one bedroom. While searching the remainder of the residence, they noticed blood throughout. Eventually, authorities discovered the body of Sandra Gaudino inside a trash bag in the master bedroom.

The victim stated to law enforcement that Jones had beaten Tyviontae to death. Afterwards, Jones sexually assaulted the victim. While interviewing the victim, deputies were informed that after being tied and caged, the victim was able to escape from inside the RV after Jones briefly left. The victim indicated that while trying to knock on various doors for help, Jones had arrived back at the RV, entered inside to see the victim missing, before spotting the victim in the campground. The victim said that at this time, they feared Jones would come after them, but that he got into Sandra’s Ford Explorer and fled the area at a high rate of speed. The victim indicated they had not seen Sandra since the night prior.

Law enforcement sent out a BOLO for the vehicle, which was located abandoned at the Publix parking lot off of US 27. Officers located Jones walking southbound in the area. The defendant was taken into custody for questioning. During the interview, after being read his Miranda rights, Jones admitted to the crimes.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office thanks the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for its swift and thorough investigation in this case that resulted in the quick apprehension of the defendant. Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Camuccio and Gabriel Lozano successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/05/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Today, the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces the Life sentence of 45-year-old Andrew Paul Johnson. Back in February of this year, Johnson was found guilty of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim less than 12 years of age, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition, and Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor by Electronic Device.

In July of 2025, deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Brooksville in reference to a sex offense. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they were informed by the complainant that two juvenile victims stated they were both inappropriately touched by Johnson. Furthermore, the complainant provided deputies with a cell phone found in possession of the first victim, who indicated Johnson had provided the device to talk to them.

Additionally, authorities observed numerous messages on a computer from the Discord application between one of the victims and Johnson that were sexually explicit in nature. Deputies photographed the inappropriate images and communications. In the messages, Johnson attempted to have the victim download another application for a more private conversation and encouraged the victim to delete their messages afterwards.

Law enforcement and You Thrive Child Advocacy Center’s child protective team conducted interviews with both victims. The first victim recounted specific details of events, as well as various locations where these acts occurred. The victim disclosed that some incidents occurred in the presence of the second victim. The victim further advised that Johnson would buy the victim various gifts and food in an attempt to keep the victim from reporting him. The victim stated the defendant once said to never tell anyone, due to the fact that he would get into trouble.

During the interviews with the second victim, the victim disclosed several instances of inappropriate touching by the defendant and even corroborated statements made by the first victim.

Assistant State Attorneys Kasey Whitson and Rob Lewis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/05/2026.