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(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Hezekiah Benjamin Jr. to 60 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections on his guilty conviction. Back in February of this year, a Lake County jury found Benjamin guilty on one count of Sexual Battery of a Victim under 18, and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 16.

“I am extremely proud of our prosecutors for seeing this case to the end and securing a fitting sentence for this defendant who will no longer be able to prey upon innocent children,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

In May of 2021, it was reported to the Clermont Police Department (CPD) officials that Benjamin had sexually battered a 13-year-old child. Officials received a call reporting this information, where the caller advised the victim texted them, stating Benjamin was abusing them.

The victim was subsequently interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center in Leesburg for further investigation. At the center, the victim confirmed sending the text messages and informed investigators of the abuse committed by Benjamin, relaying vital details of the incidents. The victim further indicated they feared Benjamin.

Benjamin was then arrested on the warrant and booked into the Lake County Jail.

Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Gennady Gusak successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 07/16/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Mary P. Hatcher, a jury was excused as the defendant in the case, 42-year-old Antoine Lamar Whitter, entered an open plea in his case. Whitter was charged and found guilty of Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Cocaine.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2024, at 1 p.m.

“This case is just another example of our law enforcement partners’ keen observation and swift actions,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “Thanks to their heightened awareness, we were able to prosecute another drug trafficker to keep them off our streets and clean up our community.”

Back in October of 2019, Whitter was arrested by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies during a routine traffic stop. At around 3 a.m., SCSO Deputy Moore was assisting Deputy Hinderhofer with a traffic stop when she spotted a vehicle speeding near the northbound 321 exit of Interstate 75. Deputy Moore paced the vehicle traveling at 82 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone. The deputy activated her lights and proceeded to conduct a separate traffic stop.

When the law enforcement officer approached the driver, later identified as Whitter, the deputy indicated the reason for the stop.  A K-9 unit was deployed during the traffic stop. While conducting an exterior sniff of the vehicle, the K9 officer alerted on the vehicle for the presence of illicit narcotics.

At that time, K9 Deputy Garrity secured Whitter and his passenger from the vehicle so Deputy Moore could conduct a search. During the search, authorities located large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and some cannabis. There was also a scale, along with a medium-sized box of baggies in the vehicle, leading deputies to believe the drugs were being packaged and sold.

When questioned about the martinis found inside the vehicle, Whitter declined to speak with officials. Deputies then conducted a search of Whitter, which revealed he had $2,670 in cash in his right front pocket. The money was in multiple denominations of $100, $50 and $20 bills, which are consistent with that of illicit drug transactions. As a result, Whitter was placed under arrest.

The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and Elizabeth Hart.

Published on 07/12/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Early Thursday afternoon last week, 47-year-old Delia Marie Dean pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder and was sentenced to 20 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections. Dean’s plea comes after her 2022 arrest for murder via distribution of Fentanyl in the death of 48-year-old Jonathan Michael Bishop.

“This case represents the significant battle law enforcement faces when combating the opioid epidemic in our communities,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “Thanks to recent legislative changes, both our office and our law enforcement partners have new tools to address the issue and hold defendants like this accountable for their roles in perpetuating this crisis.”

On April 20, 2022, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a residence off West Hudson Street in Inverness in reference to a death. Upon arrival, officials located Jonathan in his room, where he was pronounced deceased due to obvious signs of rigor mortis. After speaking with the decedent’s mother and witness on scene, it was determined that the decedent did not have any medical conditions that would cause his passing.

As investigators searched through Jonathan’s room, they located a white powdery substance, identified as Fentanyl, was discovered in his bathroom. The powder was field-tested and yielded a positive result for the presence of Fentanyl. The powder was collected for evidence and the decedent’s body was turned over to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

CCSO’s Major Crimes detectives and Tactical Impact Unit detectives continued to work collectively on this case and identified Dean as the primary suspect. On May 19, 2022, the toxicology report from the Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Jonathan’s cause of death as a combined drug toxicity of Fentanyl and alcohol.

Based on the findings of this case, along with the evidence collected and interviews conducted, an arrest warrant was issued and Dean was arrested on May 23, 2022.

The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore.

Published on 07/01/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, 24-year-old Jacqueline Jasmin Johnson-Cabrera pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder in the death of Marion County Detention Deputy, 31-year-old Cory Schweitzer, and Armed Residential Burglary. Shortly after her plea, Cory Schweitzer’s sister delivered a victim impact statement before the court, detailing how Johnson-Cabrera’s actions will forever impact the family. Johnson-Cabrera was sentenced to Life in prison.

“On behalf of the men and women of my office who serve Marion County, I want to extend our sincerest thanks to Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast and his dedicated team. They investigated Cory’s death and quickly brought his murderer to justice. Today, Cory’s killer pled guilty and received life without the possibility of parole. While we continue to mourn his loss, knowing she is off the streets brings us some comfort. I personally want to thank State Attorney Bill Gladson and the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for ensuring this killer will never see freedom again,” said Billy Woods, Marion County Sheriff.

On August 19, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s communication center received a call in reference to a potential suicide. It was relayed to the communications officer that the victim, Cory, had an apparent gunshot wound and was not breathing. First responders arrived at the residence shortly thereafter and pronounced the victim deceased.

“Today’s life sentence reaffirms our unwavering commitment in seeking justice and holding offenders accountable for their crimes,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While this sentence cannot bring back Cory, we hope it provides a measure of closure to the Schweitzer family and to Cory’s colleagues at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.”

CCSO Major Crimes Sergeant Thomas Dowling and Detective Roscoe Watts responded to investigate. As evidence was collected by Crime Scene Specialist Victoria Gerneth and analyzed, it became evident to investigators that this was not a suicide, but a murder coverup.  The medical examiner was requested to perform an autopsy on the decedent.

While investigating, officials were able to identify a suspect, later identified as Johnson-Cabrera, a former girlfriend of Cory. After receiving the medical examiner’s report and compiling the evidence collected from the scene and statements made during the investigation, a warrant was secured for the arrest of Johnson-Cabrera. On August 24, 2022, officials arrested Johnson-Cabrera and charged her with the murder of Cory.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Peter F. Magrino and Blake Shore.

Published on 06/28/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, 63-year-old Frank Meyer was sentenced to 20 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections for his DUI Manslaughter conviction, which tragically took the life of 35-year-old Jennifer Bossert. Jurors found Meyer guilty on all three counts back in May, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence with Serious Bodily Injury, and Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage. 

“While justice was served with this sentence, no imposed time could ever restore the irreversible loss of life – and that is the true tragedy,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The consequences of driving while impaired are devastating and there is no excuse whatsoever.”

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 06/28/2024.

(Marion County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the guilty verdict in the trial of 27-year-old Devin Rashad Sims, a convicted felon. Sims has been found guilty of Possessing a Firearm and was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Peter M. Brigham to Five Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Sims’ arrest occurred back in April of 2022, during a large block party where Ocala Police Department (OPD) deputies initially observed him in the crowd, wearing a ski mask. Deputies continued patrolling the area on foot and while doing so, noticed Sims coming up directly behind them grabbing and holding onto an item within his pant pocket.

Upon noticing the suspicious behavior, deputies decided to conduct a consensual encounter with Sims. As deputies turned and began to walk in his direction, Sims took off running toward a parked vehicle.

While doing so, OPD officials notice Sims take his arm from his pocket and toss an item into the grassy area beside the vehicle. The item made an audible sound upon landing on the ground.  

When deputies made contact with Sims, who now had his ski mask pulled up on his head, another deputy observed a firearm in the grassy area where they witnessed Sims toss an item. The firearm was collected and deputies questioned Sims as to the possession of the firearm, post-Miranda Warning, he denied ownership.

Based upon their observation, the discovery of the firearm, and given Sims’ prior felony conviction, he was placed under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. While being processed into the Marion County jail, Sims told the arresting officer that the firearm was not his and he did not plan on using it.

“This case underscores the importance of vigilance in our community. Our deputies acted swiftly to ensure the safety of the public,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “The successful prosecution and sentencing of the defendant reflect our commitment to upholding the law and protecting our residents.”

Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon ensured the successful prosecution of this case.

Published on 06/27/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Monday, in the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada’s courtroom, 34-year-old James Lewis Hodge III was adjudicated guilty on Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia. Hodge’s charges stem from his 2022 arrest. He was sentenced to 20 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections on the drug trafficking charge.

“The sentencing of this drug trafficker to 20 years in prison sends a clear message that illegal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities will not be tolerated,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.  “Criminals will pay for engaging in crimes that jeopardize lives.”

On April 25, 2022, a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) conducted a traffic stop. 

Deputy Heuser approached the driver, later identified as Hodge, and explained the reason for the stop.

While speaking with Hodge about the infraction, the deputy could smell a distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the interior of the vehicle. A K9 Unit responded to the stop and alerted to the vehicle. Hodge and another occupant were asked to exit the vehicle so it could be searched.

Upon exiting the vehicle, officials discovered Hodge was on probation and had a condition of searching for contraband or alcohol. Officials searched his person, locating nearly 28 grams of pills which tested positive for methamphetamine.

Hodge was arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine.

The outcome of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and Assistant State Attorneys Chelsey Omega and Gennady Gusak.

Published on 06/26/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, on June 18, 2024, 66-year-old Edgar Wesley Tello was sentenced to 135 months in the Florida Department of Corrections for his 2022 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Manslaughter case which took the life of 30-year-old Rebekah Jo Towner. Tello pleaded guilty to Driving under the Influence Manslaughter and was sentenced to incarceration, followed by probation, DUI school, and had his driver’s license revoked for life.

“We hear and see the catastrophic consequences of driving under the influence all too often,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “It is intolerable that anyone would act so recklessly and put innocent lives at risk.  I hope this sentence can begin the healing process for Rebekah’s family.”

On April 25, 2022, officers with the Eustis Police Department responded to a traffic crash at the intersection of North Grove Street and Pendleton Avenue in Eustis. Upon arrival, responders observed a motorcycle that was carrying two individuals, both Tello and Rebekah, had crashed. Emergency medical responders rendered aid to Tello, who was located next to the motorcycle. He was later transferred to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Due to the impact of the crash, Rebekah was located about ten feet away from the motorcycle underneath a guard rail and pronounced dead on scene.  

During the investigation, a witness told authorities that they were traveling north on North Grove Street and saw the motorcycle pass by in the right lane. The witness indicated they were driving at 35 miles per hour when the motorcycle passed by with Tello driving and Rebekah riding as a passenger. Once the bike passed, the witness noticed it was swerving noticeably before it eventually hit a curb on the right side and went into the grass where it struck a sign and ended up on the sidewalk.

While securing the scene for evidence, investigators located various personal items that were flung from the bike during the crash.  One item collected was a mostly empty alcoholic beverage bottle. Officers made contact with Tello regarding the crash. Tello stated he was at a motorcycle show earlier and claimed to had only one beer. Afterward, he stopped at another bar where he met Rebekah. He said they then had drinks together before riding to another establishment and consuming more alcoholic beverages before leaving to drive Rebekah home.

A toxicology panel was obtained from Tello’s medical records and sent off to a laboratory for testing. On August 20, 2022, those results were returned and revealed Tello had a blood alcohol content of 175mg/dL which is twice the legal limit. A warrant was issued and Tello was arrested on February 2, 2023.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Gabriel Lozano.

Published on 06/25/2024.

(Orange County, FL) Today, the Honorable Judge Lisa T. Munyon sentenced convicted murderer Bessman Charles Obinna Okafor to Death for the 2012 murder of 19-year-old Alex Zaldivar.  The sentence, which has gripped the community, reflects the relentless pursuit of justice by the father of the slain victim and the State of Florida.

“Okafor’s death sentence reflects the gravity of the crime,” said Bill Gladson, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Okafor, along with two other accomplices, participated in a home invasion back in May of 2012.  Witnesses Alex Zaldivar and another individual were set to provide testimony against Okafor and his accomplices. Before they could, Okafor orchestrated their murders just a day before the trial on September 10, 2012. Alex succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while the other two victims were both shot in the head but miraculously survived. They would later testify against Okafor.

“We can never bring back our Alex, but today’s verdict brings us another step closer to justice and closure. If I have to go to round eight of keeping this individual behind bars – I’ll go to eight, twelve, fifteen, you name it,” stated Rafael Zaldivar, father of the victim. “Going through these proceedings for the seventh time, you become immune to it but you never stop fighting for your child.”

The case was presented by Chief Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams, and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Jamie McManus, who have worked tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and the people of the great State of Florida.   

Published on 06/24/2024

(Citrus County, FL) On June 20, 2024, Robin Joanna Bell, a 58-year-old resident of Inverness, was found guilty of Grand Theft over 100,000, two counts of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information, Witness Tampering, and Forgery of a Public Record. The trial followed a series of legal troubles that escalated, culminating in her additional charge of tampering with a witness.

“Theft, particularly when it’s from someone who was once close to you, can be devastating.  Let this serve as a reminder that cheating, stealing and deceiving victims, for your benefit, will not go unchecked in Citrus County,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Protecting our most vulnerable population is a top priority for this office.”

Back in July of 2021, the victim reported to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) that their ex-wife, Bell, had committed fraud by filing forged documents to obtain retirement benefits against a court order. In 2015, when the victim and Bell were finalizing their divorce, Bell requested half of the victim’s retirement since the victim was currently retired. At the time, Bell was not retired, however, the victim was and was currently receiving benefits.

The victim agreed to the request, only on the premise that they would then also receive half of Bell’s retirement when she officially retires. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) was filed and the judge finalized the terms, with each legally entitled to half the retirement of the other party. With this new court order, Bell began to receive half of the retirement benefits of the victim.

By December 2020, the victim received notice that Bell had retired. As a result, the victim contacted the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to begin receiving half of the benefits. To their surprise, they were informed that FRS had received a document with the victim’s signature on it, signing over all rights to the account to Bell. Additionally, there was another document provided by Bell to FRS for the same purpose, that was not notarized but did have a witness signature. The victim then contacted law enforcement to file a report.

CCSO Detective Thomas Dowling was assigned the case, spoke with the victim and reviewed all the provided documents supporting the victim’s claim. Det. Dowling was then able to view the forged document and met up with the notary on the notary stamp of the fraudulent document. The notary indicated they had never notarized the document for Bell and believed it to be a fake document. 

Det. Dowling then attempted to make contact with Bell, who advised the official would need to speak with her attorney. After not hearing from Bell or her attorney, and being unable to locate the witness of the forged document, Det. Dowling contacted Agent Bruce Arnold of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for assistance. After a little over a month, Agent Arnold was able to locate the witness, who agreed to meet up for an interview.

During the interview, the witness indicated they had never seen nor signed the document provided to FRS by Bell. Probable cause was established, and a warrant was issued for Bell’s arrest. On January 1, 2023, CCSO deputies made contact with Bell and placed her under arrest for the charges.

While out on bond, Bell attempted to have the victim drop the charges and was subsequently charged with tampering.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Patsey Jacobs and Tara Hartman.

Published on 06/24/2024.