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(Hernando County, FL) Monday, just after twelve minutes of deliberation, jurors returned a guilty verdict for 47-year-old Robert James Wright Jr., who was charged with Trafficking Fentanyl and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Wright’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 10^th at 9 a.m. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years on his felony trafficking conviction.  

“Fentanyl is a very, very dangerous drug and that’s why it contributes to the majority of opioid overdose deaths in our nation,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Just two to three milligrams of fentanyl, which is approximately the size of a few grains of table salt, can induce respiratory issues, cardiac arrest, and possibly death. In conducting this traffic stop and arresting the defendant, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has saved countless lives.”

Back in July of 2025, deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop for a broken taillight on a vehicle that Wright was a passenger in. After stopping the vehicle, both the driver and the passenger were asked to exit. Officials observed signs of impairment in the driver and also noticed Wright did not have his seat belt on.

While speaking with Wright, he consented to a search of his person, stating he did not have anything illegal. During his pat-down, deputies located a pill bottle in his front pocket, along with a digital scale. The defendant spontaneously stated that the pill bottle belonged to a friend and he was just holding it temporarily for them. The pills, later confirmed to be Alprazolam, were packaged in a clear plastic baggie, with some broken into halves and quarters consistent with illegal drug sales. 

Wright was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Facility. While at the jail, detention deputies discovered the defendant had concealed a plastic baggie that contained several smaller baggies. The baggies were packaged with a white and pink powdery substance inside. The powder was tested and returned a positive result for Fentanyl. The combined total weight of the Fentanyl was 56.3 grams. Wright was charged accordingly.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lyndsey Pruett and Kasey Whitson.

Published on 11/04/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) Last week, 19-year-old Alexander Warren Hernandez entered an open plea to the court before Judge Charles L.W. Helm, pleading no contest, in the case against him. Hernandez is charged with Premeditated First-Degree Murder for the death of 15-year-old Connor Michael Gill, as well as Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Weapon, Burglary of a Dwelling while Armed, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

After a brief discussion with his attorney, Hernandez entered the open plea in lieu of going to trial. Because the defendant entered an open plea, his sentence will be imposed by the Court after the Judge hears argument from both the State and Defense.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 8, 2027.  

“This was a vicious and senseless act of violence that forever changed the lives of those involved. The victims were attacked with sickles in a horrifying act of brutality, with one of them tragically losing their life,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “The trauma, pain, and devastation inflicted by this crime cannot be overstated. No one should have to endure such violence, especially in an act fueled by anger and aggression. Our thoughts remain with the victim who lost their life, the second victim forever scarred, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this horrific crime.”

The case against Hernandez began on June 1, 2024, when Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies were dispatched to a residence off County Road 148 in Wildwood, after receiving a call in reference to a stabbing.

When officers arrived, they located two victims inside the home’s front doorway with multiple lacerations. The first victim, later identified as Connor, was lying unresponsive on his stomach with a large laceration from his shoulder all the way down his spine. The second victim, who was on the floor near the first victim, had a laceration to their shoulder/arm area.  Villages Fire Rescue was on scene and provided first aid to both victims prior to transporting them for further medical treatment. Despite being airlifted for treatment, Connor later succumbed to his injuries.

Witnesses inside the residence informed law enforcement that the attacker was (then) 16-year-old Alexander Hernandez. Hernandez was the ex-boyfriend of one of the individuals who resided in the home and was familiar with both victims and witnesses there. Witnesses stated the defendant attempted to kick in the front door, at which time Connor opened the door.  Hernandez immediately struck the victim with the sickle.

Hernandez then entered the home, walking towards the bedrooms. The second victim, hearing the commotion, exited another room into the hallway where the defendant was. Hernandez then struck the second victim with one of the sickles before leaving the residence.

Authorities then attempted to locate Hernandez at his home, where he resided with his great-grandmother. The defendant, who wasn’t home, was called via phone by his grandmother. Deputies listening to the call heard the defendant crying and saying, “I messed up, I hurt them, I did something bad.” Law enforcement was able to determine a location for Hernandez through the call. The defendant was located off County Road 44, still in possession of the sickles used during the crime. He was taken into custody. The sickles were collected and processed for DNA evidence by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which confirmed a mixture of DNA from both victims.

SCSO Inspector Trent Tracy interviewed the defendant, who stated he had ordered the sickles from Amazon and received them earlier in the day before walking six miles to the victims’ home. The defendant informed Inspector Tracy that he planned to “kill all of them” at the house because he was in pain from his recent breakup. Hernandez was arrested and charged accordingly.

Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Donald McCathran successfully prosecuted this case on behalf of the victims involved and their families.  

Published on 11/02/2026.

(Marion County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the sentencing of 41-year-old Jeremiah Woodland for three counts of Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty and two counts of Misdemeanor Cruelty to Animals. Judge Steve Rogers adjudicated Woodland guilty and sentenced him to three years in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by two years of probation.

“The deaths of these two dogs were the tragic result of a defendant’s failure to provide even the most basic necessities of life,” stated Bill Gladson, State Attorney. “No animal should be forced to endure deplorable living conditions, neglect, and suffering at the hands of the person responsible for its care. While this was a heartbreaking and entirely preventable loss of life, I am proud of our prosecutors and our Animal Cruelty Task Force for holding this offender accountable and pursuing justice on behalf of the animals who cannot speak for themselves.”

In November of 2024, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to Woodland’s residence off of NE 169^th Avenue in Silver Springs to assist Animal Services with a search and seizure warrant.

While executing the warrant, officials made entry into the residence where they were met with an overwhelming smell of feces, ammonia, and decay. The floors of the home appeared to be covered with feces and urine. Inside, authorities discovered two deceased dogs, one in a crate and one on the dining room floor.

Animal Services personnel removed six other malnourished and flea-infested dogs from the property. While speaking with neighbors, investigators learned that the defendant had not been seen at the home for at least one month. A witness advised Woodland was residing at another address less than a mile away from the home.

MCSO Agriculture Corporal Manning and Animal Services Investigators McClure and Trail traveled to the provided address to locate the defendant. Woodland was interviewed about the animals at his home located off NE 169^th Avenue. The defendant advised the home had been without electricity or water for over a month and that he would feed the animals a bag of dog food on occasion and that he filled his above-ground pool with water for them.

During the walk-through of the property, officials did not locate any food inside or outside the home for the animals to access. Additionally, the pool in the backyard was not accessible to the animals and was observed to be greenish-black in color with larvae swimming in it.

A necropsy was performed on both deceased dogs, Jewel and Luna, to determine the cause of death. Following the findings of the necropsy, along with the evidence collected from the home of the defendant, Woodland was subsequently arrested and charged.

Assistant State Attorneys Caley Chappel and Madison Bryan successfully prosecuted this case. Thank you to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Animal Services for their diligent work in this case.

Published on 10/30/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) This past Friday, Judge Charles L.W. Helm accepted a plea from 40-year-old Joseph Brown, who was sentenced to 130.950 months, nearly eleven years in prison. Brown escaped from the Sumter County Detention Center in November 2025 and prompted a large-scale search before being apprehended later that evening.

Brown’s charges were:

• Escape
• Burglary of a Structure
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• 3 cts. Grand Theft – $750 or More But Less than $5,000
• Felony Petit Theft
• Burglary of an Occupied Structure
• Burglary of a Dwelling
• Criminal Mischief – Damage Greater than $200
• Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• Resist Law Enforcement w/o Violence
• Criminal Mischief – Damage $200 or Less
• Attempted Escape
• Possession/Introduction of Contraband into Detention Facility
• Criminal Mischief – 3^rd Degree Felony
• Interfere with First Suppression Equipment

“Escaping from lawful custody is a serious offense that undermines the administration of justice,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “This case is a testament that whoever attempts to evade the justice system will face further consequences. We appreciate the dedication and cooperation of the law enforcement officers who worked to locate and apprehend the defendant while ensuring the safety of our community.”

On November 16, 2025, Brown escaped from the Sumter County Detention Center in Bushnell while assigned to a kitchen work detail. According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigation, Brown, who at the time was working in the detention’s kitchen, removed the top of his inmate uniform and fled the facility by jumping a fence.

Following the escape, law enforcement immediately began efforts to locate Brown while alerting the community. Investigators received information that Brown had been captured on a residential doorbell camera taking a white electric bicycle from a property on North Jasper Street. Authorities subsequently determined that he had also stolen a vehicle as he attempted to evade capture.

Deputies coordinated their response and specialized resources to track Brown to the area of County Road 675, just several miles from the detention center. He had taken paint to try and conceal his face while hiding in the water from officials. Brown eventually surrendered and was taken back into custody that evening and charged.

While incarcerated, Brown attempted once again to escape by digging into a wall in his cell, damaging a fire alarm and air-conditioning ductwork during the process. Charges were filed and combined for prosecution in this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth Hart. Our office would like to commend the coordinated efforts of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office that led to the rapid capture of this defendant.

Published on 10/28/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Yesterday, Judge Daniel B. Merritt, sentenced 44-year-old Charles Michael Mabry to 13 Life terms without the possibility of parole.

Mabry was found guilty earlier this year on the following charges:

• 4 cts. of Capital Sexual Battery of a Child under the Age of Twelve
• 7 cts. of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child under the Age of Twelve
• 15 cts. of Promoting the Sexual Performance of a Child
• 1 ct. of Sexual Exhibition
• 1 ct. of Sexual Conduct

“Thirteen life sentences send an unmistakable message – crimes against children will be met with the full force of the law. These victims deserved safety, innocence, and a childhood free from abuse. Our responsibility is to stand up for those who cannot always stand up for themselves and ensure that those who inflict such harm are held accountable for their actions,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson, of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Mabry was arrested in July of 2024 following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the possession of child pornography after being notified by officials with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation called “Guardians of Innocence,” targeting online predators. During this operation, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Mabry’s home and located a large amount of child sex abuse material on the defendant’s devices.

Further investigation led to the discovery of videos the defendant made from 2013-2015 where he abused three separate victims. Through digital forensic data, authorities were later able to confirm the crimes committed by the defendant occurred at his previous residence in Spring Hill.

Contact with various witnesses in the investigation identified the three juvenile victims in the illicit material. Officials interviewed Mabry about the Hernando County crimes, and he admitted to living in the home and owning the electronic devices. He was subsequently charged based on witness statements and forensic evidence tying him to the crimes. 

Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo successfully prosecuted this case thanks to the diligent efforts of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Earnest of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Major Cases Section.

Published on 10/23/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, Sumter County Judge Charles L. Helm sentenced 28-year-old Joshua Aaron Timmons to 100 years in prison for the 2023 ambush shooting of a victim. Timmons was found guilty by a jury back in September on all charges, including Attempted Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm, Robbery with a Firearm, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Grand Theft, Tampering with a Witness, and Burglary of a Conveyance. 

During his sentencing, Judge Helm sentenced Timmons to 50 years on count one, 15 years on count two, 15 years on count four, time served on count five, 30 years on count six, and 5 years on count seven, with all counts being served concurrently, and to 50 years on count three to be served consecutively with those.

“The defendant’s actions demonstrated a clear and deliberate disregard for human life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This sentence holds him accountable for the gravity of his conduct and reinforces that acts of deadly violence will be met with the full force of the law. Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to securing justice for victims and holding violent offenders accountable.”

The case stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 13, 2023. The victim was lured to a location on County Road 510 after communicating through social media earlier in the day with a female co-defendant of Joshua Timmons, whom Timmons was in a relationship with at the time. The female co-defendant, per the victim, indicated that her female friend would also be available that night as well.   Once the victim arrived at the location, the two women began to demand money from the victim.

During the confrontation, the defendant, later identified as Timmons, jumped out from a nearby wooded area, confronting the victim.  Timmons displayed a firearm before striking the victim with the gun. The argument between the parties then escalated with Timmons physically restraining the victim as the two women began to search the victim’s car for valuables.  The victim eventually was able to break free from Timmons and began to run, when Timmons pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the back.

The bullet struck the victim in the back, exiting out the front of the victim’s abdomen. After being struck, the victim ran to a nearby house for help. No one answered the door at that location.   At that point, the three co-defendants had driven by, quickly leaving the shooting location.   The victim then went back to their car and drove to the first house with a light on and knocked on the window, where the owners of the home immediately called 9-1-1.   First responders rendered medical treatment on scene and airlifted the victim to a hospital for further treatment. The victim was still responsive and able to provide authorities with information on what had occurred.

During SCSO’s investigation, detectives were able to track down Timmons at his mother’s residence, along with both women. While taking the three into custody, law enforcement noticed that Timmons had stashed clothes in an attempt to potentially burn or otherwise dispose of the clothing.  Both co-defendants of Timmons are charged in this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and Peter Molgaard. The State Attorney’s Office thanks the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent investigative efforts in this case.

Published on 10/21/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Heidi Davis during the trial of 42-year-old Anthony Stephon Calloway. Jurors were out for deliberations just 45 minutes before finding Calloway guilty as charged for the felony offenses of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Shoot at an Occupied Vehicle.

After jurors delivered their verdict to the court, Judge Heidi Davis sentenced Calloway to three and a half years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“Being a convicted felon, possessing a firearm, and shooting at a vehicle is a recipe for prison time,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Given the defendant’s history of non-compliance and the public safety risk posed by these multiple violations, this sentence is warranted to deter future criminal behavior.”

On December 19, 2023, the Leesburg Police Department dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from the victim who indicated they were involved in a road rage incident where the defendant, later identified as Calloway, pulled out a gun and shot towards the victim.

Officers learned from the victim that while driving down Lone Oak Drive in Leesburg, a vehicle began following too closely. The victim stated they pulled over to let the vehicle pass before continuing to drive in the same direction. The other vehicle then pulled off the side of the road and stopped the victim’s car.

The victim stated that while stopped, the defendant and another individual exited their vehicle and approached the victim’s car.  The victim asked if everything was okay, at which time a confrontation took place. During the confrontation, the victim informed authorities that Calloway pulled out a firearm and stated he was going to “blast” the victim. At this moment, the victim drove away before hearing a gunshot coming from behind, resulting in the victim’s rear tire deflating.   

Officials were able to obtain a video recording of the altercation from the victim.  Authorities searched the license plate on the vehicle, which came back to Calloway. Upon questioning the defendant regarding the incident, Calloway stated he ‘warned’ the victim several times before shooting the gun at the ground. Calloway was arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Tyler Duffy.

Published on 10/19/2026.

(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.