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(Hernando County, FL) State Attorney Bill Gladson announces the grand jury indictment of 21-year-old Donald Donell Jamison, in connection with the July 30, 2024, shooting that resulted in the death of 53-year-old Claudia Barbosa and the injury of another individual.

Jamison has been indicted for one count of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm, one count of Attempted Felony Murder, two counts of Robbery with a Firearm, and one count of Escape from a Law Enforcement Officer.

The day of the incident, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received a call for service, indicating two individuals were shot while at a Brooksville restaurant. The caller stated the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. When first responders arrived, they located Claudia and the second victim with apparent gunshot wounds. Claudia was pronounced deceased on scene, while the other victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and his law enforcement officers worked diligently to investigate the incident and apprehend the suspect responsible. HCSO officials were able to obtain surveillance footage and confirm the information given by multiple witnesses on scene.

A statewide broadcast was issued for the suspect vehicle. Shortly after, the Florida Highway Patrol observed a vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop. When troopers made contact with the driver, later identified as Jamison, he matched the description of the suspect given by witnesses.

Jamison was detained and transported back to Hernando County to be interviewed by HCSO investigators. While in custody, Jamison attempted to escape but was immediately detained and arrested.

The State Attorney’s Office acknowledges the gravity of this matter and its profound impact on the victim’s family and the community. As these legal proceedings develop, our office remains committed to ensuring justice and accountability for all.

Published on 08/20/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, in a Citrus County courtroom, 27-year-old Joshua Aaron Schuler was sentenced to Life in Prison without the possibility of parole.

Back in July, a jury found Schuler guilty of one felony count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Less than 12 Years of Age and one count of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance.

“I trust this sentence will reaffirm our community’s faith in the criminal justice system, that offenders will be held accountable to the fullest extent possible,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Again, my office is grateful to the courageous individual who reported this crime and whose actions have unquestionably protected countless others.”

The charges against Schuler began in September of  2022, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) originally responded to a residence in Homosassa in reference to a call for service. Upon arrival, deputies were informed by the complainant that there was a video involving Schuler.

The complainant stated the night prior, they had gone through the defendant’s phone and had located the video. The complainant went on to further advise that the video, timestamped September 3, 2022, at 1:32 a.m., depicted Schuler molesting the victim.

CCSO’s Special Victims Unit Detective Richey responded to investigate. After speaking with the complainant, Det. Richey made contact with Schuler and placed him under arrest.

Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/19/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Today, 59-year-old Susan Louise Lorincz was found guilty in the case involving the death of her neighbor, 35-year-old Ajike “AJ” Owens. Jurors found Lorincz guilty of Manslaughter by Use of a Firearm after hearing the evidence and facts of the case presented during the trial.

“This case is undoubtedly a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence.  The defendant’s choices have left four young children without their mother, a loss that will be felt for the rest of their lives,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While today’s verdict can’t bring AJ back, we hope it brings some measure of justice and peace to her family and friends.”

The crime occurred on June 2, 2023, at an apartment complex in the Quail Run community. Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies initially responded to a call for service in reference to juveniles trespassing on private property.

While officials were in route, the MCSO Communications Center received another call advising shots had been fired. Deputies arrived on scene minutes later and located Ajike in the yard in front of Lorincz’s apartment. Ajike was observed to have a gunshot wound to the right side of her upper chest. First responders rendered aid to Ajike while another deputy contacted Lorincz inside her home and took her into custody.

During the weeklong trial, over 30 witnesses were called by both the state and the defense and today the jury found the defendant guilty of manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony that could result in a 30-year prison sentence. 

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Adam Smith.

Published on 08/16/2024.

(Sumter County, FL) Tuesday, August 13, 2024, inside the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Paul Militello, jurors found 35-year-old Amy Michelle Parrish, of Bushnell, guilty on three counts of Animal Cruelty after a thorough presentation of compelling evidence and witness testimony. After the verdict was delivered, Parrish was sentenced to 180 days in jail.   

“The defendant in this case had many opportunities and plenty of time to remedy the situation for these animals,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “At the end of the day, she also had the opportunity to turn these animals over if she could not provide adequate care.”

Parrish was initially arrested back in April of this year after a Sumter County Animal Control Officer (ACO) responded to the home for a follow-up welfare check on three animals. Officials had initially responded to the home back in September of 2023 about a report of three malnourished dogs.  After warning Parrish about the animals’ questionable conditions, she stated she would be providing additional care and nutrition to the dogs. When ACOs conducted a secondary check in October, all three dogs were reported to be improving in health. 

However, when ACO Gravatt went to do another follow-up check on the animals, she observed the three dogs to be in worse condition than when the initial check was conducted back in September. At that time, ACO Gravatt called the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Officials seized all three animals in question, which were all Pitbulls: 7-year-old Clyde, 9-year-old Cookie, and 11-year-old Bash.

The animals were so desperate for food, that they were observed eating paper that was lying around on the ground. It was apparent that both Clyde and Cookie were not being provided enough food to eat, as both animals were thin and had their ribs protruding out. Bash was observed to be much thinner than the other two, and extremely underweight with his ribs and individual backbones bulging out. Additionally, Bash had wounds near his tailbone from an unknown source. 

Due to these observations, with the animals ranking lower on the body scale than the initial visit, Parrish was placed under arrest and transported to the Sumter County Detention Center. 

Unfortunately, Bash the 11-year-old Pitbull had to be humanely euthanized due to his critical condition. Cookie has since been adopted to a loving home, and officials at Sumter County Animal Services are still looking for Clyde’s forever home. If you would like to adopt Clyde, please visit their website at https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1270/Adopt-Today or call (352)689-4400.    

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the dedicated efforts of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Sumter County Animal Services Officers, Veterinarian Candice Humphrey, Dr. Stern from the University of Florida Veterinarian and Forensic Pathologist (also a member of our Animal Cruelty Taskforce), and Assistant State Attorneys Scott Ragan and Elizabeth Hart.

Published on 08/15/2024.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, a jury found 66-year-old Charles Fred Fesler guilty on all 37 Felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

“As I’ve said before, our office stands firm against the exploitation of children,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am extremely grateful to the jurors for their service during this trial proceeding.”

Back in January of 2020, Lady Lake Police Department deputies were informed by a victim that Fesler had shown them images of nude, prepubescent females on his computer.

After interviews were conducted with the victim, probable cause existed for Fesler’s arrest for Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Child under 12. Officials located Fesler at his residence in Lady Lake and placed him under arrest. A warrant was then secured to search Fesler’s computer for further investigation into the child pornography claim.

Once the computer was examined, detectives located numerous images of obvious child pornography. During an earlier interview, the victim described some of the illicit photographs which matched what officials discovered.

After being found guilty, the Honorable Judge James R. Baxley ordered Fesler into custody to await his sentencing hearing.

Thank you to Detective Perdue with the Lady Lake Police Department for diligently investigating this case and to Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Gennady Gusak for the successful prosecution.

Published on 08/14/2024.

(Citrus County, FL) Thursday, August 1, 2024, jurors found 66-year-old Michael Regalski, guilty on three counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, one count of Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle, and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence. Regalski’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 19, 2024.

“The defendant’s actions were not only reckless but also a blatant disregard for human life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The evidence presented clearly demonstrated his intent to cause harm and to also try to cover his crime up. Justice has been rightly served with this verdict and we hope the outcome brings some measure of relief to the victims and their families.”

The charges stem from an incident back in April of 2023, in which Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service regarding a shooting that had occurred.  When officials arrived on scene, they located an adult victim, along with two juvenile victims on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The victims indicated they were riding on the vehicle in the area when they heard two loud noises and pulled over, thinking the vehicle was malfunctioning.

While stopped, one of the juveniles indicated they felt pain in their lower abdomen, and upon reaching down immediately observed they were bleeding. CCSO officials and other medical first responders were able to stabilize the juvenile, who was then airlifted to a hospital for treatment. 

CCSO’s Major Crimes Detective Roscoe Watts responded to the scene to investigate. During this time, he made contact with Regalski, whose home was just south of where the incident occurred. According to Regalski, he had seen the ATV with the three victims pass by his property previously while he was outside his garage. He said he had prior issues with the utility vehicles passing by his property loudly at all hours of the night.

Regalski further admitted when he saw the vehicle passing by his property the last time, he fired his Glock 40-caliber handgun at the vehicle in an attempt to deter the rides from driving by his property. When questioned as to what he did after firing at the utility vehicle, Regalski stated he secured his firearm inside his garage before entering his residence to wash his clothes and shower.

He then told Detective Watts after he showered, he viewed his home’s video surveillance camera footage of the incident. He claimed nothing was captured on the footage, but still decided to erase the footage after viewing it.

Regalski was subsequently arrested and booked into the Lecanto Detention Facility.

Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Blake Shore prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/05/2024.

(Marion County, FL) In a landmark trial for the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, a jury has found Marquis Rosado guilty in the death of Marcus Lane II. The verdict, delivered Wednesday, marked a significant development in a case that has highlighted the deadly impact of Fentanyl in our community. Rosado was convicted of First-Degree Murder.

The investigation began on October 12, 2021, when the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received a call about a deceased male, later identified as 26-year-old Marcus Lane II. MCSO Major Crimes Detective Andrew Canterberry responded to the scene, where evidence suggested that Marcus had died from a drug overdose. A plastic bag containing pills was found near the victim and collected as evidence. On November 30, 2021, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Marcus’ death resulted from Fentanyl and Ethanol toxicity.

Detective Canterberry further uncovered text message records between the victim and Rosado discussing the sale of drugs on the day of the victim’s death. Surveillance footage and witness accounts corroborated that Rosado had delivered the drugs to the victim’s home a few hours before his death.

On January 6, 2022, Rosado was arrested in this case. Following his arrest, Detective Canterberry requested a laboratory analysis of the pills found near Marcus, which confirmed the presence of Fentanyl. On August 25, 2022, Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt presented the case to a Grand Jury, which returned an indictment charging Rosado with First Degree Murder.

Rosado was arrested again and has been held at the Marion County Jail without bond until this trial.

“This conviction underscores the commitment of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and our office to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs and seek justice for victims and their families,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am extremely proud of Assistant State Attorney Berndt for diligently prosecuting this case and laying the groundwork for future prosecutions of these types of crimes.”

Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/02/2024.

(Marion County, FL) Earlier this week, 41-year-old Steven Alan Swearingen was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder.  The trial, which commenced on July 30, 2024, concluded with Swearingen’s conviction by jurors in the death of 52-year-old Steven Smolensky. Steven Smolensky was a retired deputy sheriff with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office after serving his community for 25 years.

“Today marks a significant moment in justice being served for Steve, a dedicated retired member of our agency,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I am profoundly grateful for our partners at the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless efforts in prosecuting this case. Their collaboration was instrumental in ensuring Swearingen will face the consequences for his appalling crimes.”

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.

“We are grateful for the jury’s verdict, which brings justice for the tragic and senseless murder of this community servant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “May this outcome bring some measure of closure and solace to the family and friends of the victim. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with them during this challenging time as we await the sentencing phase.”

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 08/02/2024.

(Marion County, FL) On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 53-year-old Thomas Gibson III was found guilty of one Felony count of Aggravated Abuse of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult.  

After Gibson was adjudicated guilty, the Honorable Judge Timothy T. McCourt sentenced Gibson to 30 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.  

“Brutally attacking a disabled adult is one of the lowest acts of violence you can commit,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The victim in this case was fortunate to escape with their life and I thank the jury for their service in this case.”

On July 30, 2022, Dunnellon Police Department officers responded to the Rainbow Garden Apartments regarding a battery. Upon arrival, responding officers noticed obvious injuries to the victim, who had a large laceration to their upper lip and a bruised, swollen eye. There were also large blood stains on the victim’s shirt and throughout the residence.

The victim, who was clearly upset and afraid, told law enforcement that they had been in a verbal argument with Gibson. During the argument, Gibson became angry and pushed the victim.  At that time, the victim told Gibson to leave but he refused. Both individuals separated and went to bed, waking up that following morning when the dispute continued.

It was during this verbal exchange that Gibson then began striking the victim repeatedly. The victim attempted to call 9-1-1 but was restrained by Gibson who then threatened to kill them. Eventually, after the altercation, the victim was able to get away from Gibson and contact the authorities. 

Gibson fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival, but he was apprehended three days later and booked into the Marion County Jail.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Peter Sziklai.

Published on 07/19/2024.

(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada, jurors found 53-year-old Kenlin Anthony Bougouneau guilty on all three counts and sentenced him to 15 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.  

“Law enforcement officers face every situation imaginable,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “They respond to calls for service, not knowing all the details and having to make split-second decisions. In this case, they had to subdue an individual who was out of control and posed a danger to others.” 

Bougouneau was convicted, after a jury trial, of two counts Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and one count Resist Law Enforcement Officer with Violence.

In October of 2020, Bougouneau was arrested following a Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigation after officials responded to a call for service at a residence off Wilshire Road in Clermont.  

Deputies arrived on scene and observed Bougouneau aggressively striking multiple victims during a dispute. He was promptly cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car while authorities investigated the disturbance.

A short time later, officials went to check on Bougouneau, who became irate and started to kick the law enforcement officers. After regaining control of him, deputies resecured Bougouneau and placed him under arrest, transporting him to the Lake County Jail.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Chelsey Omega and Edward Moffitt.  

Published on 07/18/2024.