(Citrus County, FL) After a thorough judicial process this week, 50-year-old Robert Joe Maracek has been found guilty on all charges related to a lengthy pursuit by law enforcement back in 2021. The verdict follows extensive investigation and prosecution efforts by law enforcement and the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
Maracek faced a litany of charges, including Aggravated Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Assault of a Law Officer, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, two counts of Throwing a Deadly Object at a Vehicle, Resisting Law Enforcement with Violence, Possessing Amphetamine, Battery of a LEO K-9, Providing a False Identity to Law Enforcement, Driving without a License, and Driving with No Vehicle Registration.
“This verdict reiterates the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to uphold public safety and hold individuals accountable for criminal behavior,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Maracek will face the consequences of his actions as determined by the court.”
The case against Maracek stems from the events of February 1, 2021, when he struck a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputy with his vehicle while attempting to evade a traffic stop in Hernando. Additionally, Maracek threw tire spikes from his vehicle’s window to thwart pursuing deputies.
Despite attempts to evade capture, Maracek was apprehended by a K-9 unit after fleeing his disabled Ford Expedition on South Washington Street in Beverly Hills. During the apprehension, Maracek extensively resisted arrest, striking and kicking deputies and their K9.
Maracek’s criminal history dates back to August 27, 2001, when he became a fugitive from Osceola County authorities for failing to appear at his trial for charges of law enforcement battery, resisting law enforcement, and leaving a crash scene. Additionally, Maracek was wanted for absconding from probation following his sentencing in May 2000 for armed burglary and theft charges originating from Broward County in January 1994.
Maracek sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2024.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.
Published on 02/23/2024.