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(Lake County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson announces the grand jury indictment of 34-year-old Tyshael Elise Martin.   

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Martin for her role in the June 17 death of 9-year-old Jamaria Faith Sessions. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charges:

·MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (CAPITAL) 782.04(1)(a)

· AGGRAVATED MANSLAUGHTER OF A CHILD 782.07(3)

·AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE 827.03(1)(a) and 827.03(2)(a)

Martin remains in custody on no bond status in an area detention facility.

Published on 09/24/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Friday, September 20, 2024, 60-year-old Robert Allen Gerber was found guilty by a jury of Failing to Comply with Sex Offender Reporting Requirements. Gerber, a registered Sexual Offender, failed to re-register as part of his sexual offender registration requirements of Florida Statute 943.0435.

“When a sex offender fails to comply with registration requirements, it poses a significant risk to public safety,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “These laws are in place to ensure law enforcement can track and monitor offenders to prevent repeat crimes. Compliance is crucial to provide an additional layer of protection for our community.”

In April of this year, Detective Smith with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office received an alert through the Florida Sexual Offender and Predator Database from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that an offender had missed their reregistration. That offender was identified as the defendant.

Gerber, who had originally moved down to the great state of Florida from New Jersey, was currently on probation under the Florida Department of Corrections supervision in an Interstate Compact agreement from New Jersey. He had been placed on felony probation and required to register as a Sexual Offender due to his 2023 conviction for Possession of Child Sexual Assault Material.

Gerber initially registered per the requirements when he first moved to Florida. He was instructed he would be required to register twice a year – once during his birth month of September and 6 months after that in March. He registered in March and was reminded and given formal paperwork to come back in September to reregister. Gerber failed to meet this requirement.

During Detective Smith’s investigation, she was unable to locate any documentation or incarceration reports prohibiting Gerber from complying with his statutory requirements to register.

Gerber was sentenced to 30 months in the Florida Department of Corrections. After finishing his sentence, he will be transported back to New Jersey to face additional charges for his probation violation.  

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Shelby Senn and Sonny McCathran.

Published on 09/23/2024.

(Marion County, FL) On September 18, 2024, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2018 murder case of 47-year-old Anthony Brady.  After reviewing compelling evidence and listening to witness testimony, jurors found 39-year-old Brandon Lee Brown guilty of Second-Degree Murder.

Brown was additionally convicted of Attempted Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Failure to Appear.

“Justice has been served for the family of Anthony Brady thanks to the jury’s verdict,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While this decision still cannot bring back the victim, it does ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for his heinous crimes.”

On May 22, 2018, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to a call for service in reference to a shooting that had just occurred off SE 145^th Place in Summerfield. Upon arrival, deputies located two victims with gunshot wounds.

The first victim, Anthony Brady, was observed to have a gunshot wound to the upper thigh area. He was trauma alerted in critical condition to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased a week later. The second victim, who suffered a gunshot wound to their back extremities, was also transported for medical treatment but survived.

During the investigation, officials were able to determine that Brown had traveled to the residence where the victims were, engaging in a verbal altercation before shooting them both. The second victim was able to positively identify Brown as the shooter due to prior altercations and run-ins with the defendant.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon.

Published on 09/20/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Earlier today, 66-year-old Michael Regalski was sentenced to 65 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after jurors found him guilty back in August. Regalski was convicted of three counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, one count of Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle, and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence. He was sentenced to 25 years on the first count, 20 years on the second, and 20 years on the third to be served consecutively.

“Today’s sentencing reaffirms the justice sought for the victims and their families involved in this case,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The defendant’s dangerous actions in response to a minor annoyance led to a tragic and senseless act of violence that he will now have 65 years to reflect upon.”

The charges stem from an incident back in April of 2023, in which Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service regarding a shooting that had occurred.  When officials arrived on scene, they located an adult victim, along with two juvenile victims on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The victims indicated they were riding on the vehicle in the area when they heard two loud noises and pulled over, thinking the vehicle was malfunctioning.

While stopped, one of the juveniles indicated they felt pain in their lower abdomen, and upon reaching down immediately observed they were bleeding. CCSO officials and other medical first responders were able to stabilize the juvenile, who was then airlifted to a hospital for treatment. 

CCSO’s Major Crimes Detective Roscoe Watts responded to the scene to investigate. During this time, he made contact with Regalski, whose home was just south of where the incident occurred. According to Regalski, he had seen the ATV with the three victims pass by his property previously while he was outside his garage. He said he had prior issues with the utility vehicles passing by his property loudly at all hours of the night.

Regalski further admitted when he saw the vehicle passing by his property the last time, he fired his Glock 40-caliber handgun at the vehicle in an attempt to deter the rides from driving by his property. When questioned as to what he did after firing at the utility vehicle, Regalski stated he secured his firearm before entering his residence to wash his clothes and shower.

He then told Detective Watts after he showered, he viewed his home’s video surveillance camera footage of the incident. He claimed nothing was captured on the footage, but still decided to erase the footage after viewing it.

Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Blake Shore prosecuted this case.

Published on 09/19/2024.

(Marion County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Timothy McCourt, jurors found 51-year-old Brian Patrick McCoy guilty on all charges. McCoy was charged with one count of Felony Capital Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 Years of Age, one count of Direct or Promote Sexual Performance of a Child, and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography.  

After being found guilty, Judge McCourt sentenced McCoy to Life in State Prison for the sexual battery charge. McCoy was also consecutively sentenced to 15 years for the sexual performance charge, and then 5 years respectively for each of the possession of child pornography charges.

“Crimes committed against children tear apart the very foundation of trust and hope that is essential for their future,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We commend Sheriff Woods and his detectives for their dedication and pursuit of justice in this case. We hope this sentencing can offer a glimmer of hope for the victim and their family, so they can find the strength to heal.”

McCoy was arrested in June of 2019 following a Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) investigation after law enforcement officials received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating an online user had uploaded files containing apparent child pornography.

During their investigation, officials determined McCoy, a registered sex offender, was the owner of the account. After obtaining a search warrant, detectives responded to McCoy’s residence, where they made contact with McCoy and seized his cellular device. While interviewing McCoy, he admitted to law enforcement about viewing and saving files of child pornography.

An MCSO Digital Forensic Technician was able to complete a forensic exam of the defendant’s device and locate the aforementioned files. The victim in this case was identified in various videos contained on the defendant’s device. 

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Shanae Pickens and Sasha Kidney.

Published on 09/11/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Heidi Davis sentenced 38-year-old Jason Jameel Ganga to 30 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections. Ganga’s sentencing carries a 25 Year Minimum Mandatory.

Earlier this year a Lake County jury found Ganga guilty on charges of Attempted Second-degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Aggravated Battery.

“The defendant’s crime was a brutal attempt on an innocent woman’s life, a clear disregard for the sanctity of human life, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that crime,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

Back in March of 2023, the Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) responded to a reported shooting incident in the area of Pine Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle, suffering from at least two gunshot wounds. Officials on scene observed two bullet holes through the driver’s side window of the vehicle.

Medical treatment was rendered to the victim on scene, who was later transported to a local hospital. The victim was still responsive and able to identify her assailant as “Jason” to authorities. During MDPD’s investigation, detectives were able to later confirm the shooter as Jason Jameel Ganga.

As officers approached the residence, they heard voices and discovered an individual outside, who indicated Ganga was inside the home. MDPD officers located Ganga hiding under a bed. As they attempted to remove him from under the bed, they observed him holding a handgun to his temple.

The weapon, however, lacked a magazine and therefore was not loaded. Deputies were able to secure the firearm and take Ganga into custody. Ganga, who showed signs of alcohol intoxication, refused to cooperate with MDPD’s questioning. A search of the home revealed multiple firearms, including handguns and rifles, with ammunition scattered throughout the premises.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Gabriel Lozano and Eddie Moffitt.

Published on 09/10/2024.

(Hernando County, FL) Last week, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt, jurors found 43-year-old Joshua Reginald Velez guilty of two counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 years of age by a Person in Familial Custody.

“Justice was served today because a brave child found the courage to speak up, and a trusted adult chose to listen and act,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Protecting our children requires the vigilance and commitment of everyone in our community. We are grateful for the trust placed in us to bring this predator to justice.”

Velez was originally arrested in December of 2020, following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigation after the young victim disclosed to an adult the abuse committed by Velez. The adult then contacted law enforcement to report the crime.

Officials made contact with the child who advised of numerous incidents of sexual abuse by Velez, spanning over three different states.  Detectives launched a thorough investigation, which revealed Velez had been abusing the victim since the victim was 10 years old.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Angelina Rodeo and Kasey Whitson.

Published on 09/09/2024.

(Hernando, FL) On Friday, August 23, 2024, after deliberating for roughly 90 minutes, jurors returned a guilty verdict in the case against 31-year-old Isaac Troy Lemons. Lemons was convicted of Manslaughter and Sale of a Controlled Substance. After the verdict was delivered, the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt ordered Lemons into custody to await his sentencing hearing which is scheduled for November 7, 2024.

“This case is another example of a young life lost due to illicit drugs and the greed of others to make a profit,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The defendant’s actions in dealing these deadly substances demonstrate the severe disregard of human life but also added another layer of danger to an already perilous situation.” 

Lemons’ case comes as a result of his 2015 arrest linked to the death of 18-year-old Dylan Joseph Thornton. Back in September of that year, Dylan went missing after his friends hosted an 18^th birthday party for him.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) was contacted in reference to Dylan being missing. Over the next couple of days, an extensive search took place in Spring Hill where Dylan was last seen. Tragically, on the morning of September 15, 2015, the significantly decomposed body of Dylan was found along some dunes south of the Duke Energy transfer station. 

The Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy on Dylan ruled his cause of death as Alpha-PVP toxicity, the substance referred to as “Flakka,” a dangerous drug that is similar to the street drug commonly known as bath salts. HCSO’s missing persons case then turned into a suspicious death investigation.

Detective Dustin Adkins was assigned the case and learned that a DJ had been arranged to play at the birthday party. It was also discovered that the DJ, later identified as Lemons, was asked to bring some “Molly” to the party, which is a street drug containing amphetamines.  Shortly after his arrival, Lemons sold a quantity of “Molly,” later determined to actually be “Flakka,” which was then distributed to others, including Dylan. Later that evening, both Dylan and his friend left the party under the influence and eventually parted ways after believing they were being followed while in their disoriented state.

This case went to trial in the summer of 2021 and resulted in a hung jury.  The re-trial commenced on Monday, August 19, 2024, with jurors returning the verdict on Friday. Thank you to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigators involved in this case, as well as District 5 Medical Examiners Dr. Wolf and Dr. Goldberger whose testimony helped ensure a guilty conviction.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Robert Lewis and Melissa Underwood.

Published on 08/27/2024.

(Bushnell, FL) Last week, August 16, 2024, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2020 murder case of 19-year-old David Bartholomew Lyons.  After a brief deliberation, reviewing compelling evidence and expert testimony, jurors found both 20-year-old Javarre Latrell Johnson and 21-year-old Ba’Karri Juan’Ya Williams guilty of First-Degree Murder. Johnson and Williams were also found guilty of one count of Armed Robbery, and one count of Possession of Cannabis.

“The loss of this young life is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on a family and a community,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child.”

Back on April 20, 2020, officials with the Wildwood Police Department responded to a call for service in reference to a shooting that had just occurred within the city limits of Wildwood. Upon arrival, officers observed three males standing by a vehicle and another male, the victim, later identified as David Lyons, lying on the ground. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.

From the information obtained, detectives discovered that the defendants had met up with the victim, who was in the back passenger seat of the vehicle, with the intention of robbing him. During the transaction, the victim was subsequently shot. All three defendants were placed under arrest.

Co-defendant Lynum pleaded guilty earlier this year in this case and is set to be sentenced later.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Joseph Church and Sonny McCathran.

Published on 08/22/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, 51-year-old Dmitri Kostyunin, a former Apopka High School teacher, was sentenced in a Lake County courtroom for his guilty conviction in a sexual battery case on an exchange student. Kostyunin was sentenced to Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Kostyunin was found guilty back in April of this year, on charges of Engaging in an Act that Constitutes Sexual Battery upon a Child 12 Years of Age or Older but Younger than 18 years of Age by a Person in Familial or Custodial Authority, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Delivery of Cannabis to a Person Under the Age of 18 Years by a Person Over the Age of 18.

“The defendant’s actions violated the trust placed in him and severely impacted the well-being of a child within our community,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am grateful that he now will spend the rest of his life behind bars, unable to harm another child.”

This case started in October of 2023, when officials with the Mount Dora Police Department were contacted by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) who were informed by authorities in Italy about an incident that occurred at Kostyunin’s home in Mount Dora, involving an exchange student who is an Italian citizen. 

The student reported the sexual abuse committed by Kostuynin to family members back home, who reported the crime. Detectives responded to Apopka High School to meet with the victim regarding the allegations. The victim relayed to detectives that they had been residing with Kostyunin, who was their Foreign Exchange Provider, since August.

The victim further explained to officials that Kostyunin had given them cannabis-infused chocolates and alcohol one night while watching a movie together. While the victim was under the influence of both substances, Kostyunin committed a sexual battery on the child.

Shortly after speaking with the victim, investigators interviewed Kostyunin who admitted to giving the juvenile the cannabis-infused chocolate, as well as wine and beer. Kostyunin then stated he blacked out but woke up the next day and knew he made a mistake. Kostyunin was arrested and taken into custody on October 3, 2023. 

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to the Mount Dora Police Department investigators in this case, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and their counterparts in Italy who reported this crime.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Chelsey Omega.

Published on 08/22/2024.