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(Citrus County, FL) Jurors took exactly 13 minutes to deliberate yesterday before rendering a guilty verdict in the case against 45-year-old Christopher James Cassidy. Cassidy was found guilty as charged on two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 12 years of age and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child less than 16 years of age. After the verdict was read, Judge Joel D. Fritton ordered Cassidy back into custody to await his sentencing hearing on November 12, 2025, pending a presentence investigation.

In May of 2024, Deputy Levi Garrison of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the Emergency Operations Center in Lecanto, FL, in reference to a complaint of a past sexual assault of a child.

Upon arrival, Deputy Garrison learned from the complainant that a 12-year-old victim had been molested by the defendant. The complainant stated that the night prior, while having dinner with the defendant, he became visibly upset and left the dining room table. When the complainant went to ask what was wrong, Cassidy informed the complainant that he had touched the victim’s private area in a sexual manner. The defendant divulged a detailed account of the incident.

The complainant told Deputy Garrison that, upon learning this, Cassidy was asked to leave the residence. The complainant was then able to speak with the victim, who disclosed the sexual abuse committed by the defendant. The victim also stated to the complainant that Cassidy had instructed the victim not to say anything any the incident.

Detective Jason Cook with CCSO’s Special Victims Unit was assigned the case. A Child Protective Team interview was conducted at Jessie’s Place where the victim recounted the same details as initially reported by the complainant. Contact was then made with the defendant, where a recorded interview was completed. While speaking with officials, Cassidy made several admissions about molesting the victim and was subsequently arrested. 

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kevin Davis and Kaitlyn Mannis.

Published on 10/09/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Earlier today, 26-year-old Maria Guadalupe Bautista was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after a jury found her guilty back in July on 13 counts of Fraudulent Use of Personal Information.  

Bautista was originally arrested in 2023 after investigators uncovered a petition fraud scheme in which she unlawfully used the personal information of multiple individuals, including one elected government official, to falsify petition signatures.

In November of 2021, the Office of Wesley Wilcox, the Supervisor of Elections for Marion County, contacted the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office regarding a complaint of widespread fraud related to a Constitutional Amendment 21-16 petition for the Limited Authorization of Casino Gaming.

Investigator Jeff Pfannerstill with the State Attorney’s Office met with the Supervisor of Elections, who informed the investigator that his staff is responsible for receiving all signed petitions collected and verifying the signatures. Upon doing so, his staff found two apparent fraudulent petitions that had the signature of a paid registered petition circulator by the name of Maria Bautista.

Staff of the elections office further reviewed petition forms submitted by the defendant and found numerous forms that did not match the signatures on the voter rolls submitted by Bautista. Additionally, of the fraudulent petition forms submitted by the defendant, two contained signatures of deceased registered voters.

Investigator Pfannerstill contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for further assistance in investigating the case. Inspector Adam Graff with the FDLE obtained an address for Bautista in Gainesville, where contact was made with the defendant. Upon questioning the defendant, she informed investigators that she did work for a political action committee after seeing an ad on Craigslist for a job.

While speaking with the defendant, she was shown one of the fraudulent cards and confirmed to officials that it was indeed her signature on the submitted petition forms. The petition form in question contained the voter information and a fraudulent signature for a Marion County elected official. When questioned as to the person who filled out the form, Bautista claimed she did not recall the individual who signed it.

Continuing their investigation, Inspector Graff reached out to the Department of Elections (DOE) and requested a search to be completed to determine the number of petitions submitted by the defendant. The DOE returned the results of the submitted petitions by Bautista, and probable cause was established for the defendant’s arrest.

The State Attorney’s Office appreciates the efforts of FDLE Inspector Graff, SAO Investigator Pfannerstill, Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon, Certified Legal Intern Sandy Edwards, the Department of Elections, the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and all who assisted in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

Published on 10/08/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, 33-year-old Leslie Boileau Jr. was found guilty in the case involving the death of his girlfriend, 25-year-old Polina Wright. After a multi-day trial, jurors found Boileau guilty of Manslaughter by Use of a Firearm. With his conviction, Boileau faces up to 30 years in prison. His sentencing hearing will take place on a future date.

“This verdict underscores that no one is above the law and offenders must be held accountable when negligence or recklessness leads to the tragic loss of life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our office extends our deepest condolences to Ms. Wright’s family, and we thank the jury for their service and the law enforcement personnel who pursued this case with professionalism and thoroughness.”

On September 19, 2024 around 11 p.m., the dispatch center of the Ocala Police Department (OPD) received a 9-1-1 call from the defendant claiming that his girlfriend, later identified as Wright, was shot in the head while cleaning guns. First responders arrived at the home located off SE 32^nd Ave. in Ocala, FL. Upon their arrival, they observed Boileau standing behind a chair in which the victim sat, holding the victim. Emergency medical services personnel began rendering aid to the victim, who, unfortunately, was promptly pronounced deceased on scene.

During initial questioning, Boileau, a law enforcement officer at the time, stated he and his girlfriend had gone out to dinner earlier that night and consumed a few alcoholic beverages. Once they arrived back home, Boileau stated the victim wanted him to teach her about cleaning and using the firearms. During this, Boileau claimed he had cleared the weapon the victim was handling before she pointed it at him and dry-fired. At that time, he picked up a semi-automatic rifle before pointing it at the victim and firing the weapon. Boileau stated the gun was dry-fired the first time, before shooting an actual round, fatally injuring the victim.

After collecting evidence from the scene, conducting a trajectory analysis of the crime, coupled with the defendant’s own admissions, Boileau was arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Tucker O’Neill.

Published on 10/02/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) Last week, in the courtroom of Judge Joel D. Fritton, jurors found 25-year-old Jason Michael Brandley, of Inverness, guilty of Sexual Battery and False Imprisonment. Brandley was taken into custody to await his sentencing hearing at a later date.

Brandley was arrested in December of 2024 following a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigation after the victim reported the crime to law enforcement. 

The victim stated that on November 9, 2024, just shortly before noon, the defendant forced the victim to engage in sexual intercourse against the victim’s will. The victim had originally agreed to meet with Brandley, who is known to the victim. The victim entered the passenger side of Brandley’s truck and began talking when the defendant proceeded to drive down a remote trail.

While driving in the woods, Brandley expressed his intention to have sex with the victim, who repeatedly stated that they did not wish to engage in sexual activity with the defendant.  After multiple refusals, Brandley became aggressive and eventually stopped the truck before forcing himself on the victim.

After collecting the victim’s statement, CCSO’s Special Victims Unit Detective Ryan Reeder asked the victim to conduct a controlled phone call with the defendant. During the call, Brandley made multiple admissions consistent with the victim’s account of events. An arrest warrant was issued for the defendant.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lisa Yeager and Kaitlyn Mannis.

Published on 09/29/2025.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson, alongside Florida Gaming Control Commission Director Carl Herold, announced the shutdown of a major illegal gambling operation that exploited seniors and laundered millions of dollars through fraudulent business activity. The investigation brought forth formal charges against three key defendants.

The investigation began in February 2025 after multiple complaints were made about IL Villagio Senior Entertainment Center in Lady Lake. Citizens described the facility as a “local version of the Hard Rock Casino.” Undercover agents with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) later confirmed the business was operating as an illegal gambling house with slot-style machines, not licensed games of skill, as county records had indicated.

On July 15, 2025, a search warrant was executed at the establishment, resulting in the seizure of 190 slot machines and $348,221 in cash. A second search at a Marion County warehouse uncovered additional machines.

The investigation revealed that between January 2023 and July 2025, more than $24 million flowed through accounts connected to the illegal enterprise. Much of the money was funneled through shell companies, wire transfers, and overseas accounts. Nearly $3 million went directly into the personal account of the business’s CEO, 44-year-old Rima Ray, of St. Augustine, who reported less than $20,000 annually in income.

Ray was arrested on July 21, 2025, in St. Johns County on money laundering charges. She is now formally charged with:

• RICO (Life Felony)

• Three counts of Money Laundering (First-Degree Felony)

• Keeping a Gambling House (Third-Degree Felony)

• Possession of Slot Machines

Business manager 69-year-old Terrance Morgan, of Ocala, and assistant manager 67-year-old Barbara Buzzard, of Summerfield, were arrested on September 18, 2025, and face the same charges.

“This was a lucrative and highly illegal operation that targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our community—our seniors,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Illegal gambling houses are not harmless entertainment. They open the door to exploitation, financial crimes, and other serious criminal activity.”

The case was a collaborative effort involving the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Division of Financial Services, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Published on 09/26/2025.

(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of Judge Heidi Davis, jurors found 48-year-old Jerry Lynn Adams guilty of Sexual Battery Upon a Child Less Than Twelve Years of Age and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Less Than Twelve Years of Age. Adams faces Life in prison as a mandatory sentence. His sentencing hearing will be set at a later date so a presentence investigation can be conducted.

Adams was arrested in August of 2023 following a Tavares Police Department investigation after a complainant reported that a minor child had been sexually abused. Deputies then learned that the abuse took place at a residence in Altoona and called in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to assist.

Deputy Honore responded to the Tavares Police Department, where he met with the complainant, who advised that a child was molested by Jerry Adams, the defendant. The complainant stated the child had confided in another child, who then told an adult, and that adult informed the complainant.

Officials spoke with the child, who advised that the defendant had sexually battered them approximately a year ago. The child relayed crucial details to deputies and further stated that Adams had molested them on another occasion.

Detectives launched a thorough investigation and conducted a controlled phone call to Adams, who admitted to touching the then 10-year-old victim inappropriately. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Adams for sexual battery.  

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Shannon Schlarf and Tyler Duffy.  

Published on 09/24/2025.

(Hernando County, FL) Last week, 78-year-old Frank Joseph Michali was sentenced to Life in Prison on three counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 12 and three counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child 12 but less than 16. Michali was found guilty by a jury during his trial earlier this year, on June 17, 2025.

Back in September of 2022, it was reported to Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) officials that Michali had sexually battered a 14-year-old child over the span of 7 years. Officials received a call from out of state reporting this information, where the caller advised the victim disclosed to them that Michali was abusing them.

The victim was subsequently interviewed and disclosed to law enforcement numerous instances of abuse committed by Michali, starting when the victim was as young as seven years old. The victim further indicated that Michali committed additional similar offenses while visiting another state.

HCSO deputies then questioned Michali regarding the allegations. The defendant denied any inappropriate touching of the child. Based upon the victim’s statement, as well as corroborating statements made by another witness in the case, Michali was arrested and charged.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of the detectives from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Assistant State Attorneys Kasey Whitson and Lisa Yeager were able to successfully prosecute this case.

Published on 09/22/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Today, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2023 murder case of 59-year-old Timothy Smith.  After listening to a week’s worth of witness testimony and reviewing captivating evidence, jurors found 57-year-old Herbert Swilley guilty of Premeditated First-Degree Murder. Swilley, who was previously indicted in the case back in November of 2023, was sentenced to Life in Prison.

On March 25, 2023, Swilley called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, stating he was unable to reach his husband, Timothy Smith. After deputies arrived at the couple’s shared apartment, they gained access to the apartment with a key provided by the landlord, where they located Timothy lying on a bedroom floor, deceased. 

Officials observed obvious signs of trauma to the victim’s face and neck. The victim appeared to have ligature marks around his neck. The medical examiner’s office responded to the scene. While moving the decedent’s body, examiners noticed a prevalent odor of a cleaning chemical similar to bleach. As deputies continued to walk through the apartment, they observed various items throughout the residence, some of which were collected for DNA processing.  

Deputies then exited the apartment and spoke with the defendant, who was informed that the victim was deceased. Swilley, not appearing distraught after receiving the news, told law enforcement he last saw the defendant alive two nights before at their primary residence after having watched television together. Swilley said they went to bed, then he woke up early the next morning and went to the gym. When he returned home, the victim wasn’t home, and he assumed the victim was gone for work. Swilley said he realized the victim was missing when the victim didn’t show up to work, and he found the victim’s truck at their shared apartment, but did not have a key to enter.

Major Crimes detectives arrived on scene to investigate the victim’s murder. While speaking with the defendant and other witnesses, they noted inconsistencies with the defendant’s statements to law enforcement, as well as others, leading up to the day the victim was found. Detectives further learned the victim had a substantial amount of Diphenhydramine in his system, over 30 times the appropriate dose.

Authorities obtained surveillance footage and electronic data from numerous sources, which corroborated a series of events showing the defendant leaving from the primary residence in the early morning hours on March 24th, driving his truck to the apartment, presumably dumping the victim’s body inside, before returning to their primary residence. Swilley then proceeded to get into the victim’s jeep, drive it over to the apartment to park, before walking back to their home.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Amy Berndt. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners, especially Sgt. Pinder and forensic professionals whose dedication, expertise, and teamwork were essential in ensuring the successful prosecution of this case.

Published on 09/19/2025.

(Marion County, FL) On September 17, 2025, Cody Allen McGuigan, age 40, was found guilty of Trafficking Fentanyl over 14 Grams, Trafficking Methamphetamine 200 Grams or More, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communication Device. McGuigan has been remanded into custody to await his sentencing hearing after a presentence investigation is completed. McGuigan faces a 20-year minimum-mandatory sentence for his crimes.

In February 2024, agents of the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Task Force (UDEST) were conducting an investigation of suspected drug trafficking in the Citra area of Marion County. The investigation included the use of court-authorized interceptions, commonly referred to as wiretaps, of a phone used by a suspected drug supplier operating in the Citra area of Marion County. On February 13, 2024, agents intercepted communications indicating that Cody McGuigan was arranging to make a large purchase of narcotics from the drug supplier.

During surveillance, agents observed a vehicle traveling towards the suspected drug supplier’s residence and then leaving shortly after midnight. A UDEST agent notified patrol officers in the area to be on the lookout for the vehicle. Shortly after midnight, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bosnyak observed the vehicle and ran the license plate, finding that the registered owner had a suspended license. Deputy Bosnyak then conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and, when contact was made with the driver, noticed the smell of marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle.

Law enforcement then searched the vehicle, which revealed a cereal box on the floor of the rear passenger seat where the defendant, Cody McGuigan, was sitting, and a tan purse to the left of where he was sitting. Multiple plastic bags of methamphetamine and fentanyl were found in the cereal box, and plastic bags containing fentanyl and cocaine were found in the purse.

Over 300 grams of methamphetamine and over 15 grams of fentanyl were collected.

Assistant State Attorney Samuel Armstrong, assisted by Paralegal Kimberly Lane, successfully prosecuted the case.

Published on 09/19/2025.

(Sumter County, FL) Today, 63-year-old Ronnie James Brown was sentenced to Life in prison for the 2019 murder of 68-year-old Jenetta Floyd. Last week, jurors delivered their verdict, finding Brown guilty of Second-Degree Murder. Brown was also adjudicated guilty on additional charges in the case, including Grand Theft and Battery.

Back on September 14, 2019, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a call for service in reference to an unresponsive female at a residence off County Road 223 in Oxford, FL. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, Jenetta Floyd, inside with apparent homicidal wounds. Authorities observed a shattered lamp lying next to the victim’s body, which appeared to have been used during the attack on the victim.  Floyd was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials took statements from neighbors, along with the defendant, who were at the home when the victim’s body was found. During their investigation, officials noticed that Brown’s initial statement and subsequent statements to law enforcement were constantly changing. At first, Brown stated the victim had given him a ride earlier that day, and after running some errands in her vehicle, he returned to mow his lawn. When she didn’t come out to talk with him as usual, he entered the residence through an open sliding door in the back of the home, where he found the victim unresponsive inside.  

Detectives noticed the lawn at the defendant’s home did not appear to be recently mowed as originally indicated. Upon further questioning, Brown continued to give inconsistent accounts with his original statement to law enforcement. Officials subsequently collected the clothing and shoes worn by Brown.  DNA evidence was then compared from the victim and the crime scene. Three particularly incriminating pieces of evidence were Brown’s fingerprint on the lamp used during the attack on the victim, his DNA on the victim, and the victim’s DNA on his person – including the victim’s blood on his shoelaces.

Our office would like to recognize SCSO Sergeant Brent Sargent and Crime Scene/ Evidence Lieutenant Joel Mullins for their exceptional work during the investigation of this case.

 This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Stephen Fern.

Published on 09/17/2025.