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(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.

(Citrus County, FL) This morning, 28-year-old Sarah Jeanne Gatke was sentenced to 24 months in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by 6 years of probation for her 2025 arrest, which resulted in the charges of Burglary of Conveyance with Battery, Felony Battery, and Resist Law Enforcement Officer without Violence. Gatke originally pleaded no contest in an open plea to the court back in November of 2025.

The incident took place on February 19, 2025, around 7 p.m. while driving down Ozella Trail in Crystal River, Florida. Three good Samaritans noticed a white SUV partially submerged in water off the side of the road. Concerned that there might be occupants inside who could drown, they pulled over to help.

The first victim exited their vehicle to assist the female driver, who was later identified as the defendant, inside the flooded SUV. Meanwhile, the second victim stayed in the vehicle with the witness to call 9-1-1 to report the accident.

The first victim tried to assist Gatke by asking if she was okay and if she could walk back to the shore from the waterway. As Gatke approached land, she became angry and began yelling at the first victim, before repeatedly striking the victim. During this physical altercation, the second victim shouted at Gatke to stop hitting the first victim and mentioned that the incident was being captured on their dash camera video. Hearing this, Gatke approached the second victim, who was still seated in their vehicle, opened the door, and repeatedly struck the second victim in the face.

At this time, victim one attempted to intervene when Gatke redirected her attacks back to victim one. During this scuffle, Gatke, who also had her dog with her during the incident, instructed the canine to attack both victims. During the altercation, the dog would go from attacking and biting the victims to biting Gatke.

Eventually, during the struggle, the defendant bit down on victim one’s ring finger, nearly severing the finger, which was hanging on by skin. Hearing victim one’s cries, victim two exited the vehicle to help, leaving the third Samaritan inside on the phone with law enforcement who was enroute. Gatke, upon hearing the sirens of first responders, began to tear off her clothes and yell that the victims were trying to rape her before fleeing back into the water of the canal.

Deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and obtained statements from both victims, as well as the third witness. Law enforcement located Gatke hiding in the brush by the waterline and took her into custody. Her dog was safely secured by law enforcement.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Colombrito and Kevin Davis.

Published on 02/26/2026.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, 37-year-old Dwann Demetrius Ross Jr. was sentenced to Life in prison. Ross was found guilty last month of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm for the death of 33-year-old Traske C. Johnson, who was gunned down outside his business.

“Today’s life sentence ensures this defendant will never again have the opportunity to harm another innocent person,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “While no sentence can undo the pain caused by this senseless murder, this outcome delivers justice and holds the defendant fully accountable for taking a life.”

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 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.

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

Published on 2/26/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Today, the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson for the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces the sentencing of 29-year-old Austin Hill. Hill was found guilty by a jury last week of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm for the 2023 murder of 39-year-old Wseni Laguerre. Following the defendant’s conviction, Judge Cary F. Rada sentenced Hill to Life in prison.

On January 30, 2023, the Eustis Police Department received a call for service in reference to a reported shooting at a residence off Palm Avenue in Eustis, Florida. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Wseni Laguerre, with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the driveway of the home. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials on scene began speaking with a witness who indicated they were standing outside with the victim when another male, who said his name was “Lil Jake,” walked up to the pair and asked for a lighter. When the victim handed the lighter over, the male asked the victim if his name was “Haitian Black,” to which the victim responded yes.

The witness further stated that at this time, the man pulled out a firearm and shot the victim multiple times before fleeing. On scene, investigators were able to collect multiple spent shell casings as evidence, as well as a general description of the defendant from the witness.

During their investigation, officials received a tip indicating that Hill was the shooter. Detectives followed up on this lead, obtaining critical evidence that placed Hill at the scene of the shooting and positively identified him as the shooter. Investigators were further able to obtain the firearm that was used during the shooting and matched the gun to the spent shell casings from the scene.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kenneth Nunnelley and Rachel Jones. Thank you to the Eustis Police Department for their diligent work in this case.

Published on 2/12/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Today, the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces the conviction of 45-year-old Andrew Paul Johnson on charges related to his 2025 arrest. In the courtroom of Judge Stephen E. Toner, 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. Johnson will be sentenced at a later date but faces a 25-year minimum-mandatory sentence, with exposure of up to Life in prison.

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 02/11/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) In the courtroom of Judge Mary P. Hatcher, jurors found 48-year-old Brian Keith Winton, of Bushnell, guilty on all counts. Winton was taken into custody to await his sentencing pending a presentence investigation.

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.

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 Investigator Pam Warren of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Published on 02/06/2026.