(Citrus County, FL) Last week, in the courtroom of Judge Joel D. Fritton, jurors found 25-year-old Jason Michael Brandley, of Inverness, guilty of Sexual Battery and False Imprisonment. Brandley was taken into custody to await his sentencing hearing at a later date.

Brandley was arrested in December of 2024 following a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigation after the victim reported the crime to law enforcement. 

The victim stated that on November 9, 2024, just shortly before noon, the defendant forced the victim to engage in sexual intercourse against the victim’s will. The victim had originally agreed to meet with Brandley, who is known to the victim. The victim entered the passenger side of Brandley’s truck and began talking when the defendant proceeded to drive down a remote trail.

While driving in the woods, Brandley expressed his intention to have sex with the victim, who repeatedly stated that they did not wish to engage in sexual activity with the defendant.  After multiple refusals, Brandley became aggressive and eventually stopped the truck before forcing himself on the victim.

After collecting the victim’s statement, CCSO’s Special Victims Unit Detective Ryan Reeder asked the victim to conduct a controlled phone call with the defendant. During the call, Brandley made multiple admissions consistent with the victim’s account of events. An arrest warrant was issued for the defendant.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lisa Yeager and Kaitlyn Mannis.

Published on 09/29/2025.