(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, 36-year-old Jeremy Donye Walker entered a plea in court just minutes before jurors were scheduled to hear the state’s evidence against the defendant. Walker pleaded no contest to Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Possession with the Intent to Sell Hydromorphone, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, No Motor Vehicle Registration, and No Valid Driver’s License.
After being convicted on the above charges, Walker was sentenced to six years in prison, followed by four years of probation, court fees and fines, along with mandated mental health treatment to be completed upon his release.
On March 6, 2025, while conducting normal traffic patrol in Umatilla, Florida, Deputy Ricketts with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office observed a gray Ford Focus weaving in and out of lanes while decelerating and accelerating intermittently. Upon catching up to the vehicle, the deputy estimated the driver’s speed to be approximately 90 miles per hour.
Deputy Ricketts then attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the car. The driver failed to pull over and began crossing lanes into oncoming traffic. Additional deputies were called to assist in the pursuit, and several miles ahead, Deputy Bloom successfully deployed tire deflation devices, causing the vehicle to come to a stop. The defendant, later identified as Walker, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.
Inside the vehicle, officials observed a clear baggie with pills on the driver’s floorboard. The pills were identified as Hydromorphone. Law enforcement also recovered a yellow backpack that the defendant tossed out the window during the pursuit. Inside the front pocket of the bookbag, they located three live rounds of 9mm ammunition.
After running Walker’s information, law enforcement learned that he did not possess a valid registration for the vehicle or a driver’s license and was a convicted felon. Walker was promptly arrested and charged.
Assistant State Attorneys Samuel Militello and William Harris prosecuted this case.
Published on 07/18/2025.