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(Lake County, FL) Today, 41-year-old Marvin Ellison Jr. was found guilty of First-degree Murder by jurors after trial for his involvement in the 2022 death of 31-year-old Antwain Jamar Hart. After his conviction, Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Ellison to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Ellison’s conviction comes just a week after his co-defendant Undray Benson’s trial. Benson was found guilty of First-degree Murder and sentenced to Life. Another co-defendant in this case, Deandre Anderson, pleaded guilty to Principal to Murder in the Second-degree with a Firearm this past Monday, January 27^th, and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

“The prosecution of these three defendants and the court’s sentences make it clear that murderers will be held accountable to the greatest extent possible,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Our office hopes these substantial sentences will bring closure to an exceptionally tragic chapter for the victim’s family.”

On November 8, 2022, Umatilla Police Department officers responded to a shooting on Merrell Avenue, where the victim, Antwain, was found shot multiple times in his mother’s front yard. Witnesses reported a white Mercedes near the scene, and shell casings and the victim’s phone were found there. His rental vehicle was later abandoned at a nearby church.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation, obtaining surveillance footage of a rented 2015-2017 Mercedes Benz CLS linked to Ellison, which was near the incident site. Phone records showed a route consistent with both the crime scene and the victim’s vehicle.

Additional footage also showed three individuals unloading the Mercedes at an apartment leased by a family member of co-defendant Benson, tied to “Dray’s Spot Detailing.” Co-defendant Deandre Anderson was identified as helping with the unloading, and the vehicle was later picked up by his girlfriend’s Chevrolet Impala.

A search of the apartment revealed illegal drugs and a 9mm handgun that matched the murder weapon. The evidence indicated that the three suspects had collaborated to murder the victim during a robbery linked to illegal narcotics.

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

Published on 01/30/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) Last week, in the courtroom of Judge Joel D. Fritton, 41-year-old Heather Lynne Duarte-Wright was found guilty of Trafficking in Fentanyl and Possession of Paraphernalia. With this conviction, two-time convicted felon Duarte-Wright faces the possibility of Life behind bars as a Habitual Felony Offender.  

“It only takes two milligrams of Fentanyl to kill a person,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “And here this defendant was, riding on the back of a scooter, with a pouch of enough Fentanyl to take out a fraction of the county’s entire population.”

On August 10, 2023, a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy conducted a traffic stop on a motor scooter that did not have a license plate attached. Once stopped both the driver of the scooter and the passenger, later identified as Duarte-Wright, were asked to step off. Upon the defendant stepping off the scooter, the law enforcement officer noticed a black zippered pouch sticking halfway from under the bottom of her shirt.

When questioned as to what the item was, Duarte-Wright admitted to the officer that it was paraphernalia and a little bit of Fentanyl. At that time, the CCSO deputy removed the black pouch from the defendant’s person while securing Duarte-Wright. Inside the zippered pouch, a clear plastic baggy containing a white substance and hypodermic needles were located.

The white substance was then field tested and yielded positive results for Fentanyl, weighing approximately 20 grams. Additional testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed the presence of Fentanyl.

Assistant State Attorneys Patsey Jacobs and Elizabeth Colombrito successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 01/27/2025.

(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.