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(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada, jurors found 28-year-old Dayzha Duncan guilty of Battery, Burglary of a Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Assault. Duncan was sentenced to 10 years in prison following this guilty verdict.

Duncan was arrested in March of 2022 following a Leesburg Police Department investigation after the victim contacted law enforcement to report a battery that had just occurred.

When officials arrived on scene, the victim indicated that they had just been battered by an individual, later identified as Duncan. The victim stated they heard a knock at the door and went to open it. In doing so, Duncan forcefully pushed open the door and entered the residence along with another subject.

Once inside, the victim told authorities that Duncan began to strike them, before pulling them down to the floor and kicking them in the stomach. At one point, Duncan even snatched the gold necklace the victim was wearing before fleeing the residence.

The victim informed officers that they were familiar with Duncan from a prior falling out. During the investigation, it was discovered that Duncan’s accompanying subject had video-recorded the incident. The victim obtained a copy of the video and supplied it to investigators. The video depicted the entire incident as recounted by the victim.

Senior Detective Abston was assigned the case to investigate further. After reviewing the evidence and statements collected, an arrest warrant was issued for Duncan who was later arrested in Georgia.

“The defendant’s actions were nothing short of reprehensible. It’s disgraceful to attack anyone, but over a trivial dispute shows a shocking lack of regard for human life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Despite going through this horrifying ordeal, the victim was adept enough to relay crucial information to officials which led to the defendant’s arrest and successful prosecution of this case.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Rachel Jones and Chelsey Omega.

Published on 11/07/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) After a brief jury trial, 45-year-old Sloan has been found guilty of the Felony offense of Criminal Mischief related to an original report of a road rage incident back in 2022.

“Using a weapon in a manner that endangers lives and public safety will not be tolerated,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The jurors rejected the defendant’s testimony, weighed the evidence, and ultimately held him accountable for his reckless behavior and actions.”

The case against Sloan stems from the events of November 9, 2022, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service in reference to an armed and dangerous subject. When officials arrived to a residence off CR 558 in Center Hill, they made contact with the victim and witness.

While speaking with the victim and witness, law enforcement learned that the two had been involved in a road rage incident with an unknown man, later determined to be Sloan. The pair, who were traveling together in a truck, indicated Sloan was driving erratically and cut them off before leaving the roadway and stopping in a ditch.  Once stopped, both the victim and witness stated that Sloan then exited his vehicle and began to taunt them, attempting to escalate the incident into a physical altercation.

The two informed the deputies that they then attempted to drive away but were stopped when Sloan ran in front of their vehicle and rammed his shoulder into the front grill of the truck. At this time, the witness contacted law enforcement and when Sloan realized this, he took off in his vehicle. A short time later, while driving, both the victim and witness spotted Sloan’s truck parked at a residence. They stopped to take photographs to provide to law enforcement while awaiting their response. 

Sloan noticed the two individuals and approached them, striking the victim in the shoulder when the verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. When the victim went to lunge towards Sloan, he retreated and grabbed a sword from his truck wielding it at the victim. In fear for their lives, both the victim and witness ran back to their vehicle. While doing so, Sloan chased after and struck the side of the victim’s truck with the sword, causing a large scratch and significant dent.

Deputies were able to make contact with Sloan who was very irritated, pacing back and forth, and under the influence of alcohol. After obtaining his statement, and examining the evidence, Sloan was placed under arrest.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and James Argento.

Published on 11/06/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Earlier today, 41-year-old Steven Alan Swearingen was sentenced to Life in prison. In August of this year, Swearingen was found guilty by a jury of Second-Degree Murder of 52-year-old Steven Smolensky, a retired deputy sheriff with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.

Swearingen, a convicted felon, was charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and False Imprisonment.

“In the wake of today’s sentencing, there are truly no words that can be said to ease the pain and suffering Steven Smolensky’s family has been through,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “A life sentence will not fully repair the broken pieces left behind, but I hope this measure of justice will provide a sense of peace knowing the person responsible was held accountable.”

On November 30, 2021, around 9:45 a.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting incident at a residence in Weirsdale. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, Steven Smolensky, deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation unveiled that the victim had visited the location to deliver propane for his employer, Suburban Propane. While there, he was confronted by Swearingen, armed with a pistol, who held him at gunpoint, preventing him from leaving or returning to his truck. Eventually, Swearingen shot the victim multiple times.

Swearingen was apprehended and interrogated by officials. During the interview, Swearingen claimed he thought the victim was there to “fill the home with propane,” which led him to confront the victim with a handgun. According to Swearingen, the victim clarified that he was present to refill the propane tank.

Swearingen recounted that when the victim tried to go back to his truck, he held him at gunpoint before shooting him multiple times. Swearingen even stated the victim only had a cell phone in his hands at the time he was shot. Swearingen was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.

Assistant State Attorneys Adam Smith, Katrina Self, and Kevin Steiniger prosecuted this case.

Published on 11/04/2024.

(Marion County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces a significant development in the case against 58-year-old Douglas M. Williams Jr., following a 2018 fatal crash, that took the life of 46-year-old Clifford Gerald Green. Jurors reached a verdict last week, finding Williams guilty on all charges. The Honorable Judge Peter M. Brigham sentenced him to 17 years on each count to be served consecutively in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Williams was charged with DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, DUI with Personal Injury, and DUI with Property Damage.

“The defendant’s decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence took a life and in so doing, destroyed a family. Driving under the influence is one of the most senseless and selfish crimes because it can be so easily avoided,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Back on December 15, 2018, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a fatal vehicle crash in the area of US 441 and the intersection of SE 80^th Street in Ocala. Upon arrival, troopers noticed a red pickup truck flipped on its side, with heavy front-end damage.

Officials were able to determine Williams was driving the pickup truck and ran a red light at the intersection, hitting the victim’s vehicle. The victim, Clifford, was located inside his vehicle, behind the wheel, with his wife, the second victim, on the passenger side. First responders pronounced him deceased on scene, while the second victim was transported to the hospital with extensive trauma.

At that time, the Florida Highway Patrol began conducting a traffic homicide investigation. Inside the truck Williams was driving, officials located numerous alcoholic beverage cans – some opened. During their investigation, it was revealed that Williams’ blood alcohol level was .157, exceeding the legal limit in the State of Florida.

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

Published on 11/04/2024.

(Marion County, FL) This week, both 50-year-old Vincent Paul Gaudio and 18-year-old William Trent Gaudio were sentenced in their Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm and Tampering with a Witness case. Both Vincent and William were found guilty by a jury in September of this year. Vincent was sentenced to 15 years and William was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“The victim in this case was targeted and brutally attacked by the defendants,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I believe the court’s sentencing decision greatly reflects the severity of the crime and guarantees justice for the victim.”

On September 4, 2023, the defendants attacked a man at the Circle K located off North Williams Street in Dunnellon. The victim reported to officials that while riding a bike back from the store, both Vincent and William appeared exiting a trail from a wooded area. The pair then approached the victim, with William grabbing the bicycle, causing the victim to fall to the ground.

Once on the ground, the defendants punched and kicked the victim in the head and the chest. The victims attempted to call 9-1-1 while being battered, but the defendants grabbed the phone and smashed it, preventing the call for help. 

Deputies observed the victim’s face to be swollen, with hemorrhaging to the victim’s eye and a hematoma on their lip.  The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and further diagnosed with a fractured orbital bone.

Assistant State Attorney Tucker O’Neill successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 11/01/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, our office presented substantial evidence during a sentencing hearing against the defendant, 38-year-old Jesse Allen Kiefer. Kiefer was found guilty and sentenced on a slew of charges, including:

• 1 count of Sexual Battery on a Child less than 12
• 2 counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 12
• 3 counts of Lewd or lascivious Exhibition in the Presence of a Child
• 7 counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child
• 8 counts of Possession of Child Pornography

Kiefer was sentenced to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections.  

“We are sending a strong message to predators everywhere: our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will not tolerate this abhorrent behavior,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our top priority is the protection of our children, and as long as there are predators seeking to harm them, we will dedicate our resources to apprehend and prosecute these offenders.”

On September 14, 2023, officials with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement executed a search warrant for the home Kiefer was residing in, due to the distribution of child sexual abuse material using an account registered to Kiefer. Officials were able to obtain the warrant after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an account was sending illicit material depicting child sexual abuse material.

During the execution of the search warrant, Kiefer was interviewed about the account in question. Post-Miranda, Kiefer admitted to owning and operating the reported account.  When further questioned about his ownership of the account and if he had ever possessed files of child pornography, Kiefer indicated he had.  He confessed to taking the pictures and then sharing them with other users.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kati Cosden, with a special thank you to FDLE Agent Tammy Dunlap, the lead agent who worked extensively on this case to bring this defendant to justice.

Published on 10/28/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, a jury found 26-year-old Ralph Fontil Jr. guilty in the shooting death of 18-year-old Kobe Bradshaw, which occurred on June 5, 2021. Fontil was originally indicted by a grand jury in December of 2021 and charged with Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm.

“Today, justice has been served for Kobe. This verdict not only holds the defendant accountable for their actions but also acknowledges the profound pain and loss experienced by the victim’s family,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “No verdict can bring back their loved one, but we hope it brings them some measure of solace knowing that the truth has been recognized in a court of law.”

Just shortly before 4 p.m., the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received a call in reference to an individual being shot. When first responders arrived on scene, they located Kobe Bradshaw with multiple gunshot wounds.  Kobe was transported to the hospital where he would later succumb to his injuries.

Officials on scene were able to speak to witnesses who advised they saw two subjects with ski masks run from the incident location. After surveilling the neighborhood, investigators were able to obtain security footage from a residence that showed the two individuals near the homicide, as well as an older Ford F-150 in the area before and after the incident. While further investigating, officials were able to identify the truck and operator.

Five days later, MCSO Detective Brent Castellano located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Fontil was placed behind the wheel and given commands to exit the vehicle. He refused, and when law enforcement approached he indicated he had a firearm in his waistbelt. Officials were able to secure the firearm and escort Fontil out of the truck. Fontil refused to speak with detectives regarding the shooting.

The vehicle was subsequently seized as evidence and a search uncovered one loaded and one empty Glock magazine and AK-47 ammunition.  The ammunition in the Glock magazine was of the same brand as some of the shell casings from the crime scene. Additionally, forensics evidence revealed a fingerprint matching 17-year-old Brandon Merizier, who was identified as the second suspect in the shooting.

Cell phone records further indicated both defendants were near the shooting before and after it occurred and that they communicated multiple times leading up to the murder. Investigators also located further surveillance footage that showed Merizier’s car near the crime scene. Additionally, law enforcement discovered a deleted file on Merizier’s phone that contained other incriminating evidence linking both him and Fontil to the murder.

The State Attorney’s Office commends the diligent work of law enforcement and the prosecution team in securing this conviction. Assistant State Attorneys Toby Hunt and Rich Buxman successfully prosecuted the case.

Published on 10/25/2024.

(Hernando County, FL) Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. sentenced 43-year-old Joshua Reginald Velez to Life in prison.

Last month, Velez was found guilty by jurors on both counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 years of age by a Person in Familial Custody. Judge Merritt sentenced Velez to Life on each count to be served consecutively.

“Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protect vulnerable children from predators like Velez. The unspeakable crimes against this innocent child highlight a profound breach of trust placed in this defendant who happened to serve as a youth coach in another state,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We will not tolerate such acts of violence and depravity.”

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 10/25/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Earlier this morning, 26-year-old Ian Anselmo appeared before the Honorable Judge Brian Welke to be sentenced for the killing of his pregnant stepmother back in 2019. Judge Welke sentenced Anselmo to Life in prison.

“Today, we hold accountable a defendant who chose to take the life of his pregnant stepmother in 2019. This tragic case is a sobering reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of protecting the vulnerable,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as we seek to ensure that such acts of cruelty are met with the full force of the law.”

In April of this year, Anselmo was found guilty by a Lake County jury for the fatal strangulation of his expectant stepmother, 39-year-old Sue Ellen Anselmo. Ian Anselmo was charged and found guilty of Murder in the Second-Degree and Killing an Unborn Child by Injury to the Mother.

The tragic incident took place on March 13, 2019, when Anselmo strangled his stepmother at the Greenwood Cemetery. Law enforcement officers received a 9-1-1 call in reference to the incident and arrived at the scene to find Sue with a cord draped over her shoulder inside her vehicle. Anselmo was also present at the scene.

Despite life-saving efforts, Sue passed away five days later at Orlando Regional Medical Center due to her injuries. Anselmo, while present at the crime scene, stated to officials that he guessed he had strangled Sue. He further indicated he didn’t remember committing the crime but did remember the argument the two had just prior.

In a document filed on September 9, 2020, Anselmo’s defense attorney revealed plans to pursue an insanity defense based on Anselmo’s alleged state during the incident. However, after jurors reviewed the extensive evidence and listened to testimony presented during the trial, they determined Anselmo was sane during the time of the attack and was aware of the ramifications of his actions.

Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Camuccio and Thomas Wieczorek successfully prosecuted the case.

Published 10/18/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Earlier this morning, 58-year-old Robin Joanna Bell was sentenced after being found guilty by a jury in June for stealing her ex-husband’s retirement funds. The Honorable Judge Joel D. Fritton sentenced Bell to 25 years for Grand Theft over 100,000, 20 years on the two counts of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information, 20 years for Witness Tampering, and 5 years for Forgery of a Public Record. Her sentences are set to be served concurrently.

Additionally, Bell was ordered to pay the victim restitution in the amount of $153,000 and will be placed on probation for 15 years following her prison term.

“In today’s sentencing, we acknowledge the serious consequences of financial crimes that erode trust and devastate lives. The defendant’s actions have stolen not only her ex-husband’s retirement savings but also his sense of security after a lifetime of dedicated service to his community,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While justice has been served, it is important to recognize that no prison sentence can restore what has been taken from him. This case serves as a reminder that betrayal, especially by those we once trusted, carries significant repercussions.”

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 victim’s retirement benefits.

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 to investigate the case and discovered that the notary stamp on the document was fraudulent. Despite attempts to contact the suspect, Bell, and her attorney, no response was received. Detective Dowling sought assistance from Agent Bruce Arnold of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who located a witness that confirmed the document was forged.

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 10/16/2024.