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(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.

(Lake County, FL) Last Thursday afternoon, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Mark Yerman during the trial of 40-year-old Shane Coleman Dana. Dana was found guilty as charged for the offenses of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

After jurors delivered their verdict to the court, Judge Yerman sentenced Dana to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections as a minimum mandatory, pursuant to Florida’s 10/20/Life enhancement.

“If you think you can possess a gun as a felon, and then go and shoot someone, you’re in for a rude awakening,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our law enforcement partners will arrest you and we will make sure you face the harshest consequences possible. Twenty-five years sounds like the perfect time for reflection.”

On June 21, 2019, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from an individual who stated they had been shot in the leg. Responding deputies learned from the victim, who identified Dana as the shooter, that they had previously been hanging out with the defendant at the defendant’s house.

The victim stated they left briefly to go to the store and when they returned, they knocked on the door of the residence. Dana didn’t initially respond to the first knock, so the victim knocked again and waited. Shortly after, Dana exited the home with an AK-47-style rifle and shot the victim in the leg. The victim fled to a nearby neighbor’s house and contacted authorities. During their statement, the victim indicated that the attack was unprovoked and should have been captured on Dana’s home surveillance system.

Officials were able to speak with a witness on scene who described Dana as being paranoid and easily triggered into a state of anger. Authorities approached the residence and utilized a PA system to speak with Dana, who refused to come out of the home. A friend of Dana’s was able to make contact with him via phone, where he eventually exited the residence and surrendered to law enforcement without further incident.

Deputies recovered a DVR surveillance system from the home, that confirmed the victim’s statement of the incident and depicted the defendant shooting the victim. Dana was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Steven Miller.

Published on 06/17/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Yesterday, a jury reached its verdict, finding the defendant, 30-year-old Ke’Andre Darvay Stokes, guilty of Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Cannabis, Conspiracy to Commit Sale or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device.

The trial, which began on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, concluded earlier yesterday afternoon with the Honorable Judge Mary Hatcher sentencing Stokes to 75 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, along with fining him $500,000. Stokes, who was on probation at the time of his initial arrest, is a three-time convicted felon with prior drug charges.

“Guns, drugs, cash – what could possibly go wrong?  I guess if you are going to be dumb, you’ve got to be tough,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Seventy-five years in prison seems like a sufficient time to reflect on the bad choices made in one’s life.”

Stokes was originally arrested back on June 2, 2021, after agents with the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) began an investigation into the overdose death of an individual. Officials with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) were notified and conducted a joint investigation.

During the investigation, authorities were able to set up a narcotics transaction with Stokes. During the communications, Stokes relayed an apartment address in the Villages to meet up for the sale of Fentanyl. Members of the SCSO Special Investigations Squad and Marion County UDEST arrived at the location. While surveilling the area, law enforcement was able to observe Stokes exiting the apartment to conduct the sale.

At this time, deputies placed Stokes under arrest. During a search of his persons, officials located 3.32 grams of Fentanyl, a large currency of cash, and the cell phone he was using to communicate with law enforcement.  

A search warrant was also conducted on the apartment Stokes frequented where his girlfriend lived.  During the lawful search, deputies located over 28 grams of Fentanyl, cannabis, and drug paraphernalia.

Assistant State Attorneys Donald McCathran and Daniel Geraghty prosecuted this case.

A special thank you to Sgt. Hunt of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office; Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. McPeters, Cpl. Wilson, Dep. Hinderhofer, Lt. Mullins; Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Lab Analysts Metsky and Smith for their ongoing participation and testimony in this case.

Published on 06/13/2024.

(Lake County, FL) On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, a Lake County Jury found 62-year-old Charlie Christopher Wilder guilty of one Felony count of Burglary of a Dwelling. Wilder, a twenty-three-time convicted felon, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Brian Welke to 30 years in prison, the minimum-mandatory sentence for a violent career criminal.

Back in November of 2020, deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a call for service off of Myrtle Lake Avenue in Fruitland Park. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the complainant who advised that a strange man in an SUV pulled up beside their trailer outside and was looking at items under the carport. When the complainant asked the man, later identified as Wilder, if he needed help, Wilder stated he was looking for a family that needed yard work done.

After this brief exchange, Wilder walked away from the property and headed next door to a neighbor’s house. There, Wilder was seen entering the screened in back porch of the residence. The complainant called the property owner who advised that Wilder did not belong on their property and needed to leave.

The complainant subsequently confronted Wilder, who was inside the porch, attempting to open the back door of the residence. When told he was not allowed to be there and needed to leave. At that time, the homeowner arrived and attempted to block Wilder from leaving while contacting law enforcement.

LCSO deputies made contact with Wilder, who was unable to corroborate his reason for being at the residence.  While further questioning Wilder regarding his presence at the home, he told deputies that he was sent to the area to look for lawn service work.

“The defendant in this case had multiple prior felony convictions for burglary and two years after being released from prison, committed this burglary,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “He is headed to where he belongs.”

Assistant State Attorney Steven Miller and State Attorney Bill Gladson prosecuted the case.

Published on 06/12/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, a jury delivered a guilty verdict in the case against 51-year-old Cesario Bastian. Bastian was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon after his 2022 arrest by the Leesburg Police Department (LPD).

“This case is another example of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The efforts of the Leesburg Police Department laid the foundation for our office to prosecute the case and obtain a favorable verdict.”

On July 4, 2022, officers with the LPD responded to a home in reference to a victim who was stabbed. When officials arrived on scene, they located the victim who had an apparent laceration to the top left area of their back. Emergency medical services staff arrived to render aid.

A witness on scene relayed to law enforcement that the incident took place further down the apartment complex, with the victim returning back to the residence with the injury. Upon returning, the victim told the witness they were stabbed by an individual who goes by the name “El Muneco,” later identified as Bastian.

Officials spoke with the victim, who stated that while outside barbequing with family, an acquaintance had discussed going to buy fireworks to celebrate. The victim then left with the acquaintance to walk a few apartments down, where the victim sat outside waiting for the acquaintance to exit the home to go purchase fireworks.

The victim had sat beside Bastian and his friend. While sitting outside, the victim became the target of verbal insults by Bastian’s friend, who was heavily intoxicated. Before the victim could get up and leave the scene to de-escalate the situation, Bastian stood behind the victim and subsequently stabbed them. Realizing what occurred, the victim advised they ran back to their home and asked another individual to call 9-1-1.

After obtaining witness statements and reviewing the evidence from the investigation, enough probable cause was established for the arrest of Bastian. On August 20, 2022, detectives were able to locate Bastian and take him into custody for the stabbing incident.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Steven Miller.

Published on 06/07/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, 42-year-old Ahmar Rashard Porter was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Willard Pope to life in prison, after convictions at trial on twenty counts of drug trafficking-related offenses.  The trial, which commenced on April 29, 2024, concluded with convictions against both Porter and his co-defendant, 47-year-old Michael Lawrence Robinson, who was sentenced to thirty years in prison.

Porter was charged with 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. One of the counts for Trafficking in Methamphetamine was for Trafficking in Methamphetamine while Armed, for which Porter received the maximum sentence of Life in prison.

“Drug trafficking leads to widespread addiction, broken families, and increased crime rates,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our office will continue to diligently prosecute drug traffickers in an attempt to remove them from our communities.”

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.

Assistant State Attorney Sam Armstrong prosecuted this case.

Published on 06/07/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, June 5, 2024, a Lake County jury found 38-year-old Jason Jameel Ganga guilty on charges of Attempted Second-degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Aggravated Battery. This verdict follows a detailed investigation and subsequent trial.

“I commend the diligence and bravery of the Mount Dora Police Department in their swift response and thorough investigation, leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of this defendant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This verdict represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat violence and ensure the safety of our community.”

Back in March of last year, 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.

Ganga was transported to the Lake County Jail where he has been held since his arrest for trial.

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

Published on 06/06/2024.