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(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, 53-year-old Undray Benson was found guilty of First-degree Murder during a bench trial in the 2022 death of 31-year-old Antwain Jamar Hart. After his conviction, Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Benson to Life in prison as mandated by Florida law.

“The actions of this defendant were calculated, deliberate, and devoid of remorse,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Justice demands accountability for such actions.”

On November 8, 2022, law enforcement officers with the Umatilla Police Department responded to a shooting on Merrell Ave., where the victim, Antwain, was found shot multiple times in his mother’s front yard. Witnesses reported seeing an unknown white Mercedes near the scene. Shell casings and the victim’s phone were found at the site, and the victim’s rental vehicle was later discovered abandoned at a nearby church.

Officials from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office were called in to assist with the investigation. During which, detectives were able to obtain surveillance footage that revealed a rented 2015-2017 Mercedes Benz CLS, linked to Marvin Ellison, later identified as a co-defendant, in proximity to the incident and the location of the abandoned vehicle. Phone records indicated a route consistent with the crime scene and the victim’s vehicle’s location.

Additional surveillance captured three individuals unloading the white Mercedes into an apartment leased by a family member of defendant Benson, associated with “Dray’s Spot Detailing.” The third co-defendant, Deandre Anderson, was identified through surveillance footage unloading the Mercedes, later picked up by a Chevrolet Impala registered to his girlfriend.

A search warrant conducted at the apartment yielded illegal drugs and a 9mm handgun, which matched the weapon used to kill Hart. The evidence suggested a collaborative effort by the three suspects to murder the victim during a robbery, likely motivated by the presence of illegal narcotics in the victim’s vehicle.

Both co-defendants Deandre Anderson and Marvin Ellison are set to stand trial next week.

Assistant State Attorneys Gabriel Lozano and Nicholas Camuccio successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 01/24/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, in the courtroom of Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky, 40-year-old Jerrell Lamont Smith was found guilty on all charges related to his 2023 arrest. Smith was convicted of three counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim less than 12 years of age, one count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age, and one count of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition.   

“Coming forward as a victim of sexual abuse takes enormous courage,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Our office is grateful to the brave victim for stepping up to stop their abuser.  We also extend our gratitude to Detective Drake for arresting this defendant and ensuring he faces the fullest extent of the law.”

In March of 2023, a victim came forward to the Ocala Police Department (OPD) about the abuse caused by Smith.  The victim indicated from the time they were 10 years old, up until the time they were 15 years of age, Smith would sexually abuse them. The victim recounted numerous instances where the abuse occurred and gave in-depth details of the lascivious acts.

Detective Denise Drake of the OPD’s Major Crimes Unit was assigned the case for further investigation. After reviewing the victim’s testimony, sufficient probable cause was established for Smith’s arrest.  Once in custody, Smith declined to speak with law enforcement and requested his attorney.

Assistant State Attorneys Katrina Self and Samantha Wahba successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 1/23/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) Yesterday in the courthouse of the Honorable Judge Joel D. Fritton, 31-year-old Gavin Lee Minden was sentenced to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after pleading in his 2024 attempted murder case. Under Florida’s 10-20-Life law, Minden will serve his sentence day for day with no time gained or the possibility of being released earlier.

Minden was convicted of two counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm, Shooting at or Into an Occupied Vehicle, and two counts of Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction.

“Shooting a firearm in public with the intent to kill human beings is a heinous crime –  that is deserving of this 25-year minimum-mandatory sentence,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney.

On April 8, 2024, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) dispatch center received a phone call in reference to a shooting that had just occurred at the Inverness Walmart. The caller indicated they and another individual had fled the parking lot after being shot at by the defendant. 

Upon arrival, CCSO deputies began searching for the defendant. CCSO immediately deployed their air unit to assist in searching for Minden, where he was quickly located hiding near the edge of the woods near the incident location.

The two victims involved were located safely at another location. The first victim sustained a wound and was transported to the hospital for treatment while the second victim was uninjured. Further investigation revealed that Minden, who knew the victims, shot through the back window of the truck, striking one victim in the back of the neck.  

Detectives obtained surveillance footage that showed the events leading up to the shooting, which occurred near the bus stop at the front of Walmart. The victim’s truck is seen approaching the bus stop and stopping near it. The shooting was not captured on camera, however, after a brief verbal altercation, the truck sped off with its window shattered.

Assistant State Attorney Kaitlyn Mannis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 01/15/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) This morning, the Honorable Judge Richard A. Howard sentenced Habitual Felony Offender, 62-year-old James Darryl Batson to 30 years in prison. Batson was found guilty by jurors last week for the 2023 burglary and attempted burglary of multiple businesses. Batson was convicted of Burglary of a Structure while Masked, Petit Theft, Criminal Mischief Damage Greater than $200, Criminal Mischief Damage Less than $200, and Trespass to Structure or Conveyance.

“This defendant’s repeated criminal behavior has made it clear that they have no regard for the law or the rightful property of others,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Burglary is a serious crime that threatens our community’s sense of security, and we cannot allow such conduct to go unaddressed. With this sentence, the defendant will have an opportunity to reflect on his poor choices and maybe learn the commandment of ‘thou shalt not steal.’”  

In March of 2023, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a commercial burglary at Bob’s Food Store off Lecanto Highway in Beverly Hills, FL. Deputies on scene observed the glass door of the business to be shattered. Upon reviewing the store’s surveillance footage, officials observed a male wearing a black hoodie with white lettering enter the business by breaking the front door. The suspect then proceeded to jump over the counter with a garbage can and fill it with cigarettes and lighters before leaving. 

Officials were also called to George’s Wholesale Tires and Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant, both nearby businesses, in reference to property damage. An employee at the tire shop indicated that a suspect cut their internet wires and destroyed three of their cameras. Similarly, at the restaurant, employees reported damage to a door lock and their internet cables cut. Video footage from both businesses captured the same suspect from the food store burglary.

Later, while on shift, CCSO Deputy Saayman observed an individual matching the same description as the suspect and wearing the same clothing, except for the black hoodie with white lettering, riding a bicycle. The deputy made contact with the individual, later identified as Batson, who was detained. CCSO Detectives Quinn and Chenoweth interviewed Batson who admitted to breaking into the food store, cutting the wires at Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant, and identified himself as the person destroying the cameras on the surveillance at George’s Wholesale Tires. 

A few days later, Detective Quinn learned of a residence where the defendant had requested a friend go to and sell items to bond him out of jail. Said residence was undergoing renovations and the owner had not given the defendant permission to be there. Inside, detectives located the hatchet used in the burglary, the black hoodie with white lettering, and the garbage can full of cigarettes and lighters stolen from Bob’s Food Store.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Colombrito and Kaitlyn Mannis thanks to the diligent work of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.

Published on 01/14/2025.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday evening, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2023 murder case of 91-year-old John Taylor.  After a brief deliberation of the evidence presented and expert testimony by Florida Department of Law Enforcement analysts, jurors found 46-year-old Bryan Matthew Hamill guilty of First-Degree Murder and Grand Theft Motor Vehicle.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family as they continue to grieve this devastating loss,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “The verdict in this case reflects the gravity of this senseless and violent act that claimed an innocent life. It also serves as a powerful reminder that such crimes will be met with justice.”  

On February 15, 2023, Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies were called to a home off Starwood Lane in Clermont regarding a fall. Upon arrival, EMS personnel were treating a patient, later determined to be the victim, John Taylor, who had a large injury to the top of his head – consistent with being struck. The victim was found by a caregiver on the floor of his bedroom in a pool of blood. The victim was in critical condition and would later succumb to his injuries.

Officials learned that the elderly victim had two roommates who resided in the home with him, 36-year-old Brandi Dale and Hamill. It was also noticed that the victim’s vehicle was no longer in the driveway of the home. Investigators immediately began their search for the victim’s vehicle.

The following day deputies spotted the vehicle in the Groveland area and conducted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Dale with Hamill in the passenger seat. Detectives conducted interviews with both Dale and Hamill to determine what had transpired.

After obtaining statements and comparing evidence collected from the scene, investigators were able to determine Hamill had attacked the victim. Additional forensic evidence also revealed Hamill’s DNA on the baseball bat used to hit the victim.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek. Thank you to LCSO Det. C. Watkins, with assistance from Dets. Z. Williams, K. Morrison, Deputies L. Montalvo and J. McKinley, CSIs G. Crews, and I. Bustamante, along with FDLE Analysts

S. Johnson and A. Stephens for their diligent work in this case that helped secure this conviction.

Published on 1/13/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) State Attorney Bill Gladson announces the indictment of three defendants for home invasion robbery and murder.

34-year-old Shawn Michael Hutton, 35-year-old Andre Douglas Gore, and 28-year-old Jason Kyle Kirchaine, have all been indicted for First Degree Murder for their roles in the December 19, 2024, death of 44-year-old Aaron Michael Kyle.

All three defendants were also indicted on the charges of Burglary of a Dwelling While Armed and Masked, two Counts of Robbery While Armed and Masked, and Armed Kidnapping While Masked. Hutton was additionally indicted on two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Gore was indicted for one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue justice in this case for the victim of these tragic crimes.

Published on 01/09/2025.

(Hernando County, FL) Yesterday, a jury found 43-year-old Michael Corey Bowser-Jones guilty as charged for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

“The proactive efforts of our law enforcement partners led to the quick arrest of this defendant,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. “The evidence gathered through their investigation also ensured the successful conviction in this case.”

Back in December of 2023, Bowser-Jones was arrested by deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) after being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The owner of the vehicle originally reported it stolen to the Tavares Police Department just four days prior.

HCSO deputies located the vehicle in a convenience store parking lot while on proactive patrol. After running the tag, officials were informed that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Lake County, FL. Upon entering the store, deputies located the defendant, along with another female, inside. The defendant was at the checkout counter, with items for purchase, along with a set of keys on the countertop.

When questioned, Bowser-Jones advised officers that he arrived at the store after being dropped off. After requesting to see the keys in his possession, deputies were able to determine they were a match to the stolen vehicle. Inside the vehicle, they located a purse on the passenger side that belonged to the female accompanying the defendant. After speaking with the female, she informed deputies that she just met Bowser-Jones, who picked her up in the car earlier that day.

After reviewing surveillance footage from the store, law enforcement was able to positively identify Bowser-Jones operating the motor vehicle, before pulling into the parking lot and exiting the vehicle to enter the store.

Assistant State Attorney Benjamin Larison successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 01/13/2025.

(Marion County, FL) This morning, 40-year-old Matthew Hand was sentenced to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections for his traveling to meet a minor conviction.

Last month, jurors found Hand guilty after less than one hour of deliberating. Hand was found guilty of Traveling to Meet a Minor and Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct.

“Despite the defendant being informed numerous times of this decoy’s age, he still wasn’t deterred,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Hopefully, this substantial sentence will help him think about his decision.”

Hand was originally arrested back in December of 2023, following an Ocala Police Department (OPD) investigation.

During an undercover operation, OPD Officer Boyd posed as a 12-year-old female child on an online account. Hand messaged the decoy user and after repeatedly being informed of the minor’s age, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the child.

Hand would later request to meet with the child to engage in sexual activities. Officials then coordinated a time and location to meet Hand, where he was promptly arrested.   

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Shanae Pickens. Thank you to OPD Officer Boyd for developing this lead and Detective Blanton for extracting crucial evidence used during the trial.

Published on 12/20/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, 46-year-old Anthony Earl Crim Jr. was found guilty of Trafficking in Cocaine and Trafficking Methamphetamine. Jurors deliberated for 20 minutes, after hearing expert testimony and examining evidence presented during the trial, before rendering their verdict.

After the verdict was read, the Honorable Judge Timothy T. McCourt sentenced Crim to 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. 

“Once again, a major drug trafficker has been removed from our streets thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. “And with a 30-year sentence, this defendant’s chance at reoffending is slim to none.”

Back in January of this year, Crim was arrested by members of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST). UDEST, along with the assistance of the Ocala Police Department’s SWAT team, executed a search warrant at a residence off SW 5^th Street in Ocala, FL. Officials were aware of ongoing narcotics sales at the residence and obtained a narcotics search warrant.

Upon arrival at the residence, officials located Crim and another adult occupying the home. Prior to the execution of the search warrant, these individuals were safely detained. While securing Crim, officers noticed that his hands were wet.

During the search of the residence, law enforcement located various narcotics throughout the kitchen and hallway of the home – some of which were soaking wet. Additionally, agents found bags of drugs inside the bathroom, along with a similar bag used for packaging the narcotics located in the toilet bowl. A further search of a boat located on the property yielded additional bags of trafficking amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Crim was arrested and charged accordingly. He was furthermore charged with Animal Cruelty for the dogs, who were in dire condition, that were found on the property during the search warrant. He was convicted of those charges, after a jury trial, earlier this year.

Assistant State Attorney Wynn Vickers successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 12/19/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 70-year-old Donald Bass, who is a registered sexual offender, was found guilty of one Felony count of Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.

Officers with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a 9-1-1 call around 5 a.m. on September 3, 2023.  The caller, a female victim, indicated they had been battered by an individual, later identified as Bass.

“Battering anyone is a senseless act of violence,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partners and prosecuting attorneys who sought justice for this victim.”

The victim was visibly upset and told law enforcement that they had been in a physical altercation with Bass. The victim indicated Bass had kicked her and after telling him to stop, he became irate before choking her.

Officers observed visible marks consistent with the victim’s recount of events. After speaking with the victim, deputies questioned Bass who denied any physical altercation with the victim.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Hart and Scott Ragan despite the victim being unable to attend and testify during the trial.

Published on 12/13/2024.