Newsroom

(Marion County, FL) On Friday, May 17, 2024, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Brigham, a jury found 62-year-old Ronny Scott Cooper guilty of Carjacking at Gunpoint, an incident that concluded with his apprehension in Louisiana.

The carjacking occurred on March 17, 2019, at a Petro truck stop in Irvine. Cooper had previously asked multiple individuals at the gas station if they were heading to Lake City. When no one responded, he approached the victim, who was pumping gas, to ask if they were traveling there, to which the juvenile victim responded no.

Upon hearing this, Cooper then brandished what appeared to be a black pistol and demanded cash from the victim, along with the victim’s truck. The victim stated they had no cash, at which point Cooper then entered the victim’s vehicle and took off.  

Just two days later, an East Baton Rouge Louisiana Sheriff’s Office deputy located Cooper sitting near the vehicle, which was now wrecked and immobilized on a golf course. Cooper initially claimed he was a singer traveling from Las Vegas to Jacksonville and that the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend.

After running the vehicle’s tag, officials learned that the truck was stolen out of Marion County. Post Miranda, Cooper admitted to taking it from a woman at a gas station. An airsoft gun, which closely resembled a real firearm, was found in the vehicle.  Cooper was subsequently arrested.

“The courage of the victim to testify during trial and identify the defendant before the jury was ultimately the deciding factor for jurors in rendering their verdict,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

Cooper has a prior criminal history that includes convictions for grand theft of a motor vehicle and robbery with a gun or deadly weapon.

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

Published on 05/20/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) This past Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 55-year-old John Cleveland Downing Jr. was sentenced to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.  Downing was charged with 12 Felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography for his December 28, 2023, arrest.  

Downing’s arrest followed an extensive investigation led by Detective Patrick Martin of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU), in collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The investigation began when Detective Martin received a report from NCMEC indicating the presence of potential child pornography linked to a residence in Citrus County. Utilizing advanced investigative techniques, he confirmed that Downing possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography.

Following these findings, Detective Martin and the CCSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) executed a search warrant at Downing’s residence. Several digital storage devices were seized as evidence during the search. Downing was arrested and booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility.

“I commend the detective in this case for following up on this report and apprehending the defendant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “My office has zero tolerance for criminals who possess this type of material and will vigorously prosecute these cases.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore.

Published on 05/17/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) On May 15, 2024, 41-year-old Sean Robert Mooney was sentenced to 10 years in the Florida Department of Corrections for his arrest during an undercover operation last year. Mooney was charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device.

Back in March of 2023, Mooney was arrested by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officials during CCSO’s High Tech Crimes Unit undercover Internet Crimes Against Children operation called Operation Lucky Strike. The operation was aimed at apprehending internet cyber predators who attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child.

“With the advancements in technology, it’s becoming easier for offenders like this defendant to prey upon our children,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “My office is grateful for our law enforcement partners who continue to apprehend these predators.”

As part of the operation, law enforcement officials posed as minors on websites waiting to be solicited through online messages by child predators, who would send sexually explicit pictures, messages, and detailed requests of various sexual activities they wanted to perform with the child.

During the operation, law enforcement officials were contacted by Mooney, who had knowingly texted and called who he believed to be a 14-year-old female child. After continuing to send sexually explicit messages to the decoy, Mooney agreed to meet up with the juvenile at a designated location.

Shortly after, Mooney showed up at the location where authorities took him into custody. CCSO detectives interviewed the defendant, who eventually admitted to speaking with a 14-year-old child.

Upon further investigation, officials discovered that Mooney was registered as a Sex Offender, a designation requirement stemming from a Virginia case where he was also charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore.

CCSO Operation Video: https://youtu.be/GQGWk5dxomc?si=3Y8fzpAEduP_Vwtw

Published 05/16/2024.

(Lake County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces that 32-year-old Kevin Eugene Leeks Jr. has been found guilty of Burglary with a Battery and was sentenced to Life in prison under Florida’s Prison Releasee Reoffender law. Tuesday, May 14, 2024, jurors found Leeks guilty in relation to his arrest for the brutal battery of a 97-year-old World War II veteran.

Back in July of 2019, the elderly veteran had driven his lawnmower to a convenience store in the Okahumpka area to purchase groceries. Upon returning home, he was confronted at his front door by Leeks, who was armed with a gun. Family members later discovered the veteran unconscious, suffering from head injuries, and his wallet missing. Authorities were contacted and the victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) canvassed the crime scene for evidence, during which they discovered a Black & Mild cigarillo tip nearby. During their investigative efforts, officials collected security footage from the convenience store which showed Leeks purchasing a Black & Mild cigarillo shortly after the victim’s transaction.

This evidence, along with DNA samples collected from the scene and the victim’s clothing, were submitted for testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). FDLE officials were able to conclusively link Leeks to the crime based upon the DNA evidence.

Leeks was later apprehended by the United States Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force at a hotel in Leesburg and subsequently charged in this case.

“The defendant’s life sentence reflects the severity of his crime and his status as a prison releasee reoffender, highlighting the justice system’s dedication to protecting vulnerable members of our community,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

This case was diligently prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Steve Miller.

Published on 05/16/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, jurors rendered their verdict in the case against 38-year-old Andre Allen Scott, who was charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor, Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sexual Conduct using a Computer, and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device to Facilitate a Felony. Jurors found him guilty on all charges. The Honorable Judge Brigham sentenced Scott to 12 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by 3 Years of Sex Offender Probation, and he will be designated as a Sexual Offender.

“Our community is fortunate to have a dedicated law enforcement agency like that of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, who will leverage their resources and partnerships to conduct these types of extensive operations,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Each time an operation like this is conducted, our children are further protected from predators like this defendant.”

Back in April of 2022, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), along with the assistance of several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies conducted a sting operation called ‘Operation April Fools.’  The primary purpose of this online operation was to target suspects who use the internet to sexually exploit children with the intention to meet the juveniles.

At the conclusion of their operation, officials arrested 22 individuals, including Scott. Law enforcement officers went undercover and exchanged messages with these individuals, who ultimately traveled to various locations within the county with the expectation that they were meeting a child between the ages of 12 and 16 for sexual activity.

During many of the online exchanges, Scott engaged in sexually explicit conversations with who he believed to be a child. While conversating with the decoy, Scott traveled to a location under the belief he would be meeting with the juvenile. Upon arrival, Scott was placed under arrest by deputies.

Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth White prosecuted this case.

MCSO Operation April Fools video: https://fb.watch/s4IcNsqeFb/

Published on 05/15/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Friday afternoon, jurors rendered their verdict in the case against 63-year-old Frank Meyer, which tragically took the life of 35-year-old Jennifer Bossert. Jurors found Meyer guilty on all three counts, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence with Serious Bodily Injury, and Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage. 

“It is unfortunate to have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s actions, but that is exactly what the Bossert family is having to do,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While this verdict is a step in the right direction for justice, this family will have a much longer path to recovery.”

On June 11, 2022, shortly before 11 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred on South Florida Avenue in Floral City. Once on scene, officials determined that the Hyundai, being driven by Meyer, made a left turn in front of the motorcycle that Jennifer was on, not yielding the right of way. Both occupants of the motorcycle were immediately transported for medical treatment.

A witness on scene told law enforcement officers that the motorcycle Jennifer was on, being driven by her husband, was traveling in a group of fellow motorcycle friends, leaving the Checkers in Inverness. Just prior to the crash, the witness stated the vehicle driven by Meyer turned directly into the path of the motorcycle Jennifer was on, ejecting both her and the driver.

During FHP’s investigation, Meyer stated to authorities that he was turning into the Liquor Plus store parking lot to purchase cigarettes. While questioning Meyer regarding the collision, FHP Troopers observed signs of impairment and determined that Meyer was under the influence.

Meyer then told officials he had drank beer at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) earlier in the day. He agreed to perform field sobriety exercises and failed each exercise. He then consented to a breathalyzer which indicated his breath alcohol content to be 0.27. Meyer was placed under arrest for DUI.

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 13, 2022, doctors at the Ocala Regional Medical Center pronounced Jennifer deceased. Meyer was subsequently charged with DUI manslaughter in the death of Jennifer and serious bodily injury due to the injuries sustained by Jennifer’s husband during the crash.

Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Kevin Davis diligently prosecuted this case.

Published on 05/13/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, jurors returned a guilty verdict for 48-year-old Lamond Harp, who was charged with Trafficking Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Fentanyl, and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device.

Harp will be scheduled for sentencing at a later date, however, his trafficking conviction carries a minimum mandatory of 25 years.

“One gram alone can result in the death of nearly 500 people,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Harp distributed 30 grams to officials, which had the potential to kill approximately 15,000 people. I commend the officials at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency for getting this harmful drug dealer off our streets.”

Back in December of 2021, detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, along with members of the Drug Enforcement Agency, conducted an undercover operation to target known drug traffickers distributing Fentanyl.

Undercover investigators were able to successfully identify Harp as a dealer and purchase a large quantity of Fentanyl from him.  During their investigation, Harp delivered two bags that contained 100 suspected Fentanyl pills in each bag.

Authorities were able to identify the pills had markings to make it appear as if they were Oxycodone Hydrochloride, a schedule-II controlled substance, also commonly referred to as Percocet. The evidence was collected and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for official testing.

On March 9, 2022, an FDLE laboratory analyst positively identified the pills as Fentanyl. Pursuant to Florida State Statute, four grams or more of Fentanyl is classified as a trafficking amount. The pills weighed a total of 30 grams, which is well above the trafficking amount.

Harp was subsequently arrested on July 8, 2022, in Orange County on the arrest warrant for this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kristalle Smoller.

Published on 05/10/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Following a thorough week-long trial, a jury reached its verdict this past Monday, finding defendants, 42-year-old Ahmar Rashard Porter, and 47-year-old Michael Lawrence Robinson, guilty on a total of Twenty Counts related to Drug Trafficking. The trial, which commenced on April 29, 2024, concluded with convictions against both individuals.

Porter faced charges including two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of a Place for Trafficking or Sale of a Controlled Substance, Trafficking in Heroin, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Sale of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device to Facilitate a Felony, and various Conspiracy Charges.

Additionally, Robinson was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Heroin, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell or Deliver, Possession of a Place for Trafficking or Sale of a Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy Charges.

“The verdict in this case sends a powerful message, those who profit from drug trafficking will be held accountable for the devastation they bring to our communities,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

The trial stemmed from an investigation initiated in 2020 by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), comprising officers from the Ocala Police Department and deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The probe targeted suspected drug trafficking activities involving Porter, Robinson, and others, including Lloyd Kinsler, who previously entered a plea agreement and received a twenty-year sentence.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Porter and Robinson collaborated with other individuals to traffic narcotics, utilizing various residences in Marion County for the storage, sale, and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Investigators utilized court-authorized interceptions, providing crucial insights into their operations.

Arrests were made during the investigation, including individuals purchasing narcotics, further substantiating the allegations. Search warrants executed on October 9, 2020, yielded significant quantities of drugs at residences linked to Porter and Robinson. At Porter’s residence, authorities seized approximately 7 pounds of methamphetamine, along with firearms, cocaine, heroin, and currency counting machines. Similarly, Robinson’s residence yielded over a pound of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana. Porter and Robinson were arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail.

Porter and Robinson both will be sentenced in their upcoming hearing on June 6^th.

These cases were successfully prosecuted by Assistance State Attorney Sam Armstrong, who was assisted by Kim Lane.

Published on 5/10/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Yesterday, 43-year-old Robert Jason Headley was found guilty in the tragic case involving a fatal DUI crash that claimed the life of 68-year-old Richard Neely. Jurors found Headley guilty on all three counts, including Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, and Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage. 

“Driving while impaired poses significant dangers to both the driver and others on the road. Impairment, whether due to alcohol or drugs, slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and decreases coordination which increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and ultimately fatalities,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This case and its verdict serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.”

The incident occurred on April 4, 2018, near Sumterville on Sumter County Road 470. Headley, a Correctional Officer, was driving his vehicle on the wrong side of the highway when he collided head-on with the victim’s vehicle. At the time, Headley was on his way to work at the Coleman Prison, had previously missed all three entrances to his place of employment, and nearly collided with a co-worker who was leaving the facility.

Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash and determined that Headley, operating a Nissan Altima, was driving westbound in the eastbound lane when he collided head-on with a Ford Fiesta, driven by Richard Neely. Richard, whose vehicle spun into a fence after the collision, was pronounced deceased on scene by paramedics. Headley was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the crash. The crash was witnessed by the co-worker, who provided a detailed statement to officials.

An FHP Trooper responded to the hospital to interview Headley about the collision. While at the hospital, a blood draw was conducted to determine if Headley was impaired. The sample was submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing and the returned results indicated that Headley had Oxycodone in his system.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Daniel Geraghty and Michael Kotsifakis.

Published on 05/09/2024.

(Lake County, FL) On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Lake County jurors delivered a critical verdict, finding 50-year-old Rodney Dewayne Goodman guilty of the Sale of Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a Convenience Business and Possession with the Intent to Sell/Deliver Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a Convenience Business. As a result of this guilty verdict on felony charges, Goodman is facing 60 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“I commend Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell and all the remarkable law enforcement personnel involved in this operation,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “As the Sheriff stated, operations like this save lives – and in this particular case, possibly upwards of two thousand lives.”

Back in June of 2023, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s (LCSO) Special Investigations Bureau, in conjunction with the City County Investigation Bureau, concluded their six-month-long investigation called ‘Operation Poison Control,’ which targeted mid-to-high level drug traffickers distributing Fentanyl.

As the operation developed, undercover detectives were able to successfully purchase trafficking amounts of Fentanyl from multiple drug traffickers, including Goodman, who was arrested on September 7, 2023, as a result of this investigation.

It was determined through LCSO’s operation that Goodman had sold approximately 4 grams of Fentanyl, an equivalent  30-50 times more powerful than heroin, whereas one gram alone can result in the deaths of between 300-500 people according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

Goodman has been remanded in custody in the Lake County Jail where he will remain until his sentencing hearing in the near future.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kristalle Smoller.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Operation Poison Control Video: https://youtu.be/uBcu4WAfZWM?si=P5Q5MJN2sNAI_-s- 

Published on 04/18/2024.