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(Marion County, FL) Yesterday evening, a jury found 36-year-old Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr. guilty of Premeditated First-Degree Murder following a school shooting in Ocala that resulted in the death of 32-year-old Joseph James Jaurez Coles. Following the verdict, Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky sentenced Watson to Life in prison.

“A school campus should be a place where children learn, achieve, and celebrate their accomplishments – not a place where an adult illegally brings a firearm and uses it to take another person’s life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This defendant did just that during what was supposed to be a ceremonial event attended by countless students, families, and staff. Those actions cost a man his life and exposed others, including children, to a horrific act of violence. This conviction holds the defendant accountable, and the life sentence imposed reflects the gravity of his crime.”

The shooting occurred on May 22, 2024, in the parking lot of North Marion Middle School in Citrus, after a student awards ceremony. Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the school after the incident occurred and located the victim. The victim sustained four gunshot wounds and was later pronounced deceased.    

Officials learned that the victim became involved in an argument related to a custody dispute with another individual when Watson intervened. Witnesses on scene stated that when Watson intervened, the victim turned to walk away. At that time, the defendant shot the victim multiple times before the victim fell to the ground. While on the ground, Watson repeatedly struck the victim with his fists before getting up, kicking the victim in the head and walking away.

Watson stated to law enforcement that he had shot the victim in self-defense. After taking the defendant into custody, Watson refused to give a post-Miranda statement. After processing the crime scene and collecting vital evidence in this case, along with various eyewitness statements, the defendant was arrested and charged.

Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 10/09/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Last week, jurors delivered their verdict in a 2020 attempted murder case. After a few hours of deliberation, jurors found 51-year-old Galvin Bernard Smith, a multi-time convicted felon, guilty of Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Firearm. Smith will be sentenced at a later time, as the court ordered a presentencing investigation to be conducted.

“This conviction is the result of years of work to hold the defendant accountable for a violent act that could have taken a life. Our office will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice for their actions,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

The case against Smith stems from an incident on June 21, 2020, when law enforcement with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a reported shooting off Lincoln Road in Brooksville. Responding deputies arrived at a residence where they were able to locate the victim with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Despite the injuries, the victim was still conscious and able to relay vital information to authorities.

The victim indicated that Galvin Smith, who was known to the victim, arrived at the victim’s home. The victim then stated that they became involved in a verbal argument. During the argument, the victim informed detectives that Smith pulled out a handgun and attempted to shoot directly at them, but the gun jammed. When the gun didn’t fire, the victim turned around to run while the defendant unjammed the gun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim. After the shooting, the defendant fled the scene in a rented Maserati car.

Authorities collected the victim’s statement before the victim was airlifted for medical treatment. On scene, officials collected various pieces of evidence, including spent shell casings. Deputies then began patrolling for the getaway vehicle. A short time later, officials conducted a traffic stop on the Maserati car. The sole driver, later identified as 59-year-old Kathy Redding (now Smith), claimed she had the vehicle all morning and just went to get coffee.

Investigators later located the defendant for questioning. Smith denied all allegations despite the victim identifying the defendant and the Maserati car he was driving.  Forensics personnel lifted fingerprints from the vehicle that matched the defendant. Using cellular evidence, detectives determined that defendant Smith contacted Redding to exchange vehicles after the crime. GPS data from the car showed it stopped on a bridge after leaving the crime scene, before the vehicle was swapped. Dive team members searched the river and located a firearm that testing later confirmed was used during the crime.

Based on the victim’s statement and evidence collected, Smith was arrested and charged. Subsequently, Redding was arrested and charged with Accessory after the fact.

Assistant State Attorney Lori Ellingsworth successfully prosecuted this case. Thank you to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Forensics Professionals, and the Dive Team for their diligent work in this case.

Published on 10/07/2026.

(Citrus County, FL) Friday, 33-year-old Brandon Lee Martalitsch, a Habitual Violent Felony Offender and Prison Releasee Reoffender, was sentenced to Life in prison after being found guilty earlier this year of Aggravated Child Abuse.  

Martalitsch was arrested on March 31, 2025, after Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to allegations of abuse.

“This young infant was entrusted to the care and protection of the defendant, who instead inflicted horrific abuse,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Today’s life sentence holds the defendant accountable and ensures that this vulnerable child, or any other child, will never again be placed in harm’s way by this defendant.”

On March 21, 2026, CCSO deputies responded to the HCA Citrus Hospital in Inverness regarding a two-month-old child who had a right ankle fracture. The child had arrived at the hospital with the defendant, who stated that while jumping up onto the bed, he landed on top of the victim, causing the injury.

Medical personnel told responding deputies that the injury could have occurred according to Martalitsch’s statement of events. However, a skeletal exam was conducted on the infant and showed that the child had various other fractures that were in different stages of healing. These injuries were inconsistent with the normal handling of an infant and were consistent with abuse.

Detective Michael Mission of the CCSO’s Special Victims Unit was assigned to investigate the case. After reviewing the medical reports and speaking with the medical staff, Det. Mission confirmed with the victim’s mother that the defendant was the sole person with the victim the day of the incident. The mother confirmed that Martalitsch had video-called her, stating he had injured the baby. She arrived at the residence and observed the infant’s leg to be bruised and swollen, at which time she and the defendant took the child to the hospital.

Based on the medical findings and statements provided, Det. Mission developed probable cause for the defendant’s arrest.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.

Published on 10/05/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Last week, 35-year-old Aaron David Randall was sentenced for his 2024 arrest related to the possession and distribution of sexually explicit artificial intelligence-generated material involving children and animals.  Randall was sentenced to eight years in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by three years of probation with sexual offender conditions.

Randall was convicted of the following crimes-

• Two Counts of Film/Distribute/Possess Any Pornographic Image/Video of Person & Animal Engaged in Prohibited Acts
• Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information
• Organized Fraud – less than 20,000
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Eight Counts of Possession of Generated Child Pornography

“This defendant used technology to facilitate the exploitation of children and the creation and distribution of horrific material,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “The fact that artificial intelligence was used to create this material makes it that much more alarming. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use technology to exploit children and profit from this type of criminal activity.”

The investigation into the defendant began after officials with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning a user’s activity.

After reviewing the cyber tip, investigators determined an account user was chatting with other online individuals and offering various videos and photos in exchange for money. During some of the conversations, the files were sent to different users upon payment. Detectives were then able to determine the account belonged to the defendant.

Law enforcement obtained an address for Randall and executed a search warrant at the home. The defendant was detained and questioned regarding the investigation. Randall at first denied his involvement, but then later stated he used artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images involving children and animals so he could “scam pedophiles” into paying him money.   However, the explicit content of the chats the defendant engaged in showed he was actively participating in the collecting and sharing of the illicit content.

The investigation further uncovered additional criminal conduct, including the use of another person’s identifying information in connection with financial accounts used during the online transactions and the possession of methamphetamine upon executing the search warrant at the defendant’s residence.

The State Attorney’s Office commends the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this case, especially that of Detective Evan Weston, as well as Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo for her diligent prosecutorial work.

Published on 09/28/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Today, a jury has recommended a Life sentence for 53-year-old Vickie Lynn Williams. Upon hearing the jury’s recommendation, Judge Cary F. Rada sentenced Williams to life in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Earlier this week, after roughly 30 minutes of deliberations, the Lake County jury found Williams guilty of two counts of First-Degree Murder in the December 2022 stabbing deaths of retired Mount Dora couple Darryl and Sharon Getman.

“Darryl and Sharon Getman lost their lives to an act of unimaginable violence,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Today, the jury made clear that their lives mattered, accountability matters, and justice does not forget. This defendant is now held responsible for her horrific crime.”

The case against Williams began on December 31, 2022, when 83-year-old Darryl Getman and 80-year-old Sharon Getman were found stabbed to death inside their home at the Lakeside at Waterman Village retirement community in Mount Dora, FL.

A coordinated investigation involving the Mount Dora Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office led investigators to identify Williams as the suspect. FDLE analysts at the Orlando Regional Crime Laboratory provided critical forensic evidence connecting Williams to the crime scene.

Following the murders, Williams fled the area in the Getmans’ green Kia Soul. She also took jewelry and paintings belonging to the couple. Williams was eventually arrested in Savannah, Georgia, on January 2, 2023, and has remained in the Lake County Jail without bond.

During the trial, prosecutors presented physical and forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and evidence recovered in Williams’ possession, including property belonging to the Getmans and the vehicle taken from their home. After hearing the evidence and arguments made during trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts as charged. 

Thank you to the Mount Dora Police Department, FDLE, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Savannah Police Department for working together to identify the evidence necessary to establish Williams’ connection to the murders. Assistant State Attorneys Thomas Wieczorek and Nicholas Camuccio successfully prosecuted the case thanks to the assistance of various professional staff.

Published on 09/25/2026.

(Hernando, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the sentencing of 62-year-old Robert Daniel David Myers for various sexual crimes committed against a child. Myers was sentenced to six consecutive Life terms in prison today and designated as a Sexual Predator after being found guilty last month by a jury.

“Time and time again, the defendant chose to commit crimes against children, leaving a trail of victims and a repeated disregard for the law. Today, that ends,” said Chief Walter Forgie. “This life sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and the profound harm caused by him. It ensures this predator will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated because it is indisputable that the responsibility for these horrific crimes rests solely with him.”

Myers was convicted of two counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child Under 12 Years of Age, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child, and two counts of Sexual Battery on a Child by a Person in Familial or Custodial Authority.

He was originally arrested in January of 2024 following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Deputies were investigating another crime when they received a letter detailing sexual abuse of a minor child. Officials were able to identify the victim in the letter.

Law enforcement then contacted the victim, who was reluctant at first but then advised of numerous incidents of sexual abuse committed by Myers.  Detectives launched a thorough investigation, which revealed Myers had abused the victim since the victim was 6, with the Hernando crimes occurring when the victim was 11 years old. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Myers for sexual battery and lewd and lascivious behavior. Myers had previously been arrested on four counts of child molestation in another state before moving to Florida.    

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo despite the overwhelming challenges to secure a guilty verdict in a case where physical evidence could not be presented.

Published on 09/23/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Today, after roughly 30 minutes of deliberations, a Lake County jury found 53-year-old Vickie Lynn Williams guilty of two counts of First-Degree Murder in the December 2022 stabbing deaths of retired Mount Dora couple Darryl and Sharon Getman.

Following the verdict, Williams was taken back into custody. The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is seeking the Death Penalty in this case, with proceedings beginning Thursday, September 24.

“This verdict brings accountability for the brutal deaths of Darryl and Sharon Getman,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Our office is grateful for the dedicated work of our law enforcement partners and the forensic analysts who worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence in this case. Most importantly, we remember Darryl and Sharon and the lives they should have been able to continue living.”

The case against Williams began on December 31, 2022, when 83-year-old Darryl Getman and 80-year-old Sharon Getman were found stabbed to death inside their home at the Lakeside at Waterman Village retirement community in Mount Dora, FL.

A coordinated investigation involving the Mount Dora Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office led investigators to identify Williams as the suspect. FDLE analysts at the Orlando Regional Crime Laboratory provided critical forensic evidence connecting Williams to the crime scene.

Following the murders, Williams fled the area in the Getmans’ green Kia Soul. She also took jewelry and paintings belonging to the couple. Williams was eventually arrested in Savannah, Georgia, on January 2, 2023, and has remained in the Lake County Jail without bond.

During the trial, prosecutors presented physical and forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and evidence recovered in Williams’ possession, including property belonging to the Getmans and the vehicle taken from their home. After hearing the evidence and arguments made during trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts as charged. 

Thank you to the Mount Dora Police Department, FDLE, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Savannah Police Department for working together to identify the evidence necessary to establish Williams’ connection to the murders. Assistant State Attorneys Thomas Wieczorek and Nicholas Camuccio successfully prosecuted the case thanks to the assistance of various professional staff.

Published on 09/22/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) This week, 27-year-old Jenna Ann Hoffman was sentenced to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections and will have to register as a Sexual Predator for Life.  Hoffman was found guilty earlier this year and was convicted of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, Possession of Sex Performance of a Child, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Less than 12 Years of Age, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device.  

“The mere thought that someone would choose to purposefully exploit such a young child for monetary gain is inexcusable,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “There should be no amount of money that someone would take to engage in such horrendous crimes with a child.”

On September 23, 2024, Detective Kevin Keiper of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Section received a cybertip that an online account was distributing what appeared to be child sexual abuse material.

Officials located six files of photos and videos depicting the defendant engaged in sexual acts with a child victim. Looking into the case, Det. Keiper was able to obtain account records identifying the owner as Hoffman. An address was obtained for Hoffman, who resided off Snow Memorial Highway in Brooksville. The address matched that of the IP address the user account used to upload the illicit material.

Officials executed a search warrant at the residence where Hoffman was interviewed about the account in question. Post-Miranda, Hoffman admitted to owning and operating the reported account.  The defendant confessed to taking pictures and videos to share with another user online in exchange for money, which was never received.  Hoffman was promptly arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo, with a special thank you to HCSO Det. Kevin Keiper and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, who worked extensively on this case to bring this defendant to justice. 

Published on 09/11/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. sentenced 37-year-old Gerald Allen Gilbert to Life in prison on each sexual battery charge to be served consecutively. Gilbert was found guilty by a jury back in July of four counts of Felony Capital Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 Years of Age.

“The years of abuse this victim endured are unimaginable,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “It took an incredible amount of courage and strength for this victim to come forward. Throughout the judicial process, the victim remained resilient, even while testifying against the defendant. I commend the victim and the work of ASA Rodeo in securing a conviction in this case and thank Judge Merritt for sentencing this predator appropriately.”

Gilbert was arrested in June of 2023 following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) investigation after law enforcement officials received information from officials with the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama that possible crimes of sexual battery had occurred at a residence in Brooksville, within HCSO’s jurisdiction. Law enforcement in Lamar County indicated they were investigating similar incidents involving the same victim and Gilbert.

HCSO officials obtained reports from their Alabama counterparts that stated that in May of 2022, the child victim went to a neighboring residence, stating Gilbert was threatening to kill them. The neighbor drove the child to a nearby intersection to meet with law enforcement. 

While telling authorities the threats made by Gilbert, the victim disclosed numerous instances of sexual abuse committed by Gilbert, starting when the victim was as young as three years old. The victim further indicated that Gilbert committed additional similar offenses while living at a residence in Brooksville.   

During their investigation, deputies questioned Gilbert regarding the allegations. The defendant denied any inappropriate touching or sexual acts with the child. Based upon the victim’s statement, as well as corroborating statements made by other witnesses in the case, Gilbert was arrested and charged.   

Thank you to the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office for responding to the initial call in this case and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for diligently investigating this predator. This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo.  

Published on 09/10/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Today, 44-year-old Cliff Demond Johnson and 30-year-old Davonte Marques Heflin were found guilty by a jury of all drug trafficking and drug-related charges related to their 2022 arrests. After hearing testimony from numerous expert witnesses, along with compelling phone records, jurors reached their verdict.

Johnson was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Cocaine, Manufacture of Cocaine, Trafficking in Cocaine while in possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Conveyance for sale/trafficking in narcotics, Unlawful Use of a Two Way Device, Conspiracy to Commit Sale/Delivery of Oxycodone,   Conspiracy to Commit Sale/Delivery of Cocaine, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, Possession of Alprazolam, Possession of Cannabis over 20 Grams, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Hydrocodone, Resisting Law enforcement without Violence, and Possession of Paraphernalia.   

Helfin was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Fentanyl and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Device.

“With this verdict, these two defendants are now held accountable for their roles in trafficking dangerous narcotics in our communities,” stated State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Drug trafficking is not a victimless crime – it fuels addiction, destroys families, and puts countless lives at risk. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who profit from the illegal drug trade and will work alongside our law enforcement partners to keep these dangerous substances out of our neighborhoods.”

Back in June of 2022, both defendants were arrested by detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). From February to June of that year, law enforcement was aware of ongoing narcotics sales occurring throughout the Leesburg, Mount Dora, and Fruitland Park area. During their investigation into these illicit operations, officials identified multiple actors in the drug distribution, two of whom were Johnson and Heflin.

After multiple wire intercepted communications and phone records, detectives from LCSO’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) executed a search warrant at a residence off Chelsea Avenue, in Fruitland Park, FL. Authorities identified this as Johnson’s primary residence where narcotics sales occurred. Upon arrival at the residence, SIU detectives made contact with Johnson and another juvenile occupant of the home. After securing both individuals, detectives proceeded with the execution of the search warrant. Law enforcement located trafficking amounts of cocaine, multiple pounds of cannabis, and other large quantities of narcotics.

Continuing their investigations, law enforcement located Heflin, who had previously been surveilled and determined to be part of the illicit narcotics operation. Heflin was taken into custody for his actions in facilitating the sale of narcotics.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kristalle Smoller thanks to the diligent investigative efforts of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Clermont Police Department, the Fruitland Park Police Department, the Leesburg Police Department, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Eustis Police Department.

Published on 09/04/2026.