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(Citrus County, FL) Earlier today, 43-year-old Joseph Singh II pleaded guilty to Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, along with many other drug-related charges.

“Today’s sentencing is another significant step forward in ridding our communities from deadly drug traffickers like Singh,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “A 15-year sentence reflects the dedicated efforts of law enforcement, our prosecution team, and the judicial system working together to protect our citizens.”

Back in August of 2022, Singh was arrested by detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives from CCSO’s Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) executed a search warrant at a residence off of North Charles Terrace in Hernando, FL. Officials were aware of ongoing narcotics sales at the residence and conducted an investigation that led to the execution of the narcotics search warrant.

Upon arrival at the residence, TIU detectives located Singh, along with co-defendant Michael Guinan, Jr. After securing both individuals, detectives proceeded with the execution of the search warrant. Various narcotics, drug paraphernalia, eighteen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body-armor, four silencers, an explosive device, and a large amount of cash were seized.

Singh was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell heroin, ten counts possession of firearm by a convicted felon, rent/own/lease drug dwelling, possession of a destructive device, two counts grand theft, two counts grand theft of firearm, possession of a controlled substance (xanax), possession of a bulletproof vest in the commission of a felony, and possession of paraphernalia.

He had previously been arrested during the CCSO’s Operation Deck the Cells and was out on bond for sales of fentanyl when this arrest was made.

Singh was sentenced to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, which carries a 7-year minimum mandatory. Additionally, Singh was ordered to pay $100,000 in court fees and fines.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Nick Caporicci and Tara Hartman.

https://www.facebook.com/FLSAO5th/posts/pfbid0NYrae39tJFRjP9apiBqupgJ6t2QG4vvREyc56E8uuM2mQUo4HV2dCLumCSoGKyrcl 

(Hernando County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces a significant development in the case against 60-year-old James Daniel Carnley II, following a fatal incident on May 15, 2020 that took the life of 25-year-old Devon Robert Graham. A swift verdict was reached, with jurors taking just five minutes to find James Carnley guilty of Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter.

“This conviction underscores our commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when they jeopardize the safety of others through reckless behavior,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our office remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, ensuring that victims and their families find resolution through the legal process.”

Back in May of 2020, Carnley, leaving the Publix shopping center on Happy Days Lane, turned left onto US 19 North. In a tragic turn of events, he violated the right-of-way, colliding with Devon Graham’s motorcycle, who had no time to react. The impact was forceful, propelling Mr. Graham across US 19 onto the grassy shoulder. Regrettably, Mr. Graham was pronounced dead at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol conducted a meticulous traffic homicide investigation, revealing that Carnley’s blood alcohol level was .125, exceeding the legal limit in the State of Florida. Additionally, his blood contained quantities of THC. The evidence, including a voluntary blood draw and testimony from civilian witnesses, members of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Dr. Bruce Goldberger, was presented during the trial.

His sentencing is scheduled for December 21, 2023, where the State Attorney’s Office will seek the maximum sanction of 15 years in Florida state prison.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Robert Lewis.

(Marion County, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Peter Brigham, jurors found 41-year-old Kevin William Ernest, of Silver Springs, guilty of Capital Sexual Battery.

Ernest was convicted, after a jury trial, of three counts of capital sexual battery upon a child under 12 years of age and three counts of sexual battery on a person 12-18 years of age by a person in familial custody.

Ernest was arrested in July of 2019 following a Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigation after the young victim made an anonymous online post of the abuse.

During the last week of June that same year, the then 12-year-old victim made an anonymous post online regarding the sexual abuse by Ernest. The victim was eventually contacted by a concerned citizen who came across the juvenile’s post. After establishing a comfortable and safe dialogue with the victim, the concerned adult alerted authorities.

Officials with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) made contact with the child who advised of numerous incidents of sexual abuse by Ernest. Detectives launched a thorough investigation which revealed Ernest had been abusing the victim since the victim was 10 years old. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ernest for sexual battery and lewd and lascivious behavior.

“I am so grateful that this fellow citizen shares the same commitment to protecting children as we do,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “They reached out to the victim, offered their help, and ultimately saved this child. Without this initiative to contact law enforcement, who knows how much more abuse this young child would have suffered from Ernest.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth White despite the overwhelming challenges to secure a guilty verdict in a case where physical evidence could not be presented due to the extensive timeframe of when the crimes occurred and the delay in reporting.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, after the mother of Stanley Haybron delivered an impactful message inside the courtroom, 22-year-old Jevaris Nathan Dortch was sentenced to Life in Prison for the murder of 21-year-old Stanley Haybron. Dortch was sentenced as a Prison Releasee Reoffender.

Earlier this month, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2021 murder case of Stanley Haybron. After nearly six hours of deliberation, reviewing compelling evidence and expert testimony, jurors found Dortch guilty of First-Degree Murder.

“In this case where a young life was tragically lost, a life sentence serves as a solemn acknowledgment of the severity of this crime and our commitment to ensuring public safety,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our duty is to seek justice, and in doing so, we strive to bring closure and ensure accountability. Today, we stand firm in upholding that responsibility.”

Dortch was found guilty on all charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted robbery with a firearm, and shooting into an occupied conveyance.

Back on December 27, 2021, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to a call for service in reference to a shooting that had just occurred, where they located Stanley, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During their investigation, officials were able to determine that Dortch, along with his co-defendant David Murrell, were responsible for the killing of Stanley. Due to the swift investigative work by CSSO Detectives Nick Norton and Dan Slingerland, both Dortch and Murrell were arrested just one day after the shooting.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Kevin Davis, who remained steadfast in their commitment to bring justice for the family of Stanley.

This past Thursday, November 9, 2023, a Sumter County jury delivered a verdict of guilty against 26-year-old Bacarri Justice Austell of Wildwood, for Second-Degree Murder with a firearm.

The jury ultimately found Austell possessed and discharged a firearm, resulting in the tragic death of a 16-year-old  Chris’sean Williams. The incident unfolded at Royal Park, where Austell, during a video game gathering, pursued and fired four rounds at the victim, fatally striking him in the head.

“The successful verdict of this case underscores the importance of teamwork, by numerous entities, in ensuring justice is served,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I’d like to extend my office’s sincerest appreciation to the collaborative efforts of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Fire Rescue, Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Thank you for aiding us in our efforts to hold offenders accountable and give a voice to crime victims.”

Austell claimed he thought the victim was a person who had threatened him on a different day. In one of the many various statements he told law enforcement, Austell said he was in fear for his life and shot the victim. Despite this claim of justifiable use of deadly force, diligent work by Inspector Knight, Det. Warren, CID detectives, and the Forensic team of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) proved this claim false.

Austell’s sentencing is anticipated in mid-December. He now faces a 25-year minimum mandatory sentence, with a maximum term of life imprisonment.

The SAO’s victim witness department played a crucial role in coordinating witnesses despite the inherent challenges in cases of this nature. Special acknowledgment to Sgt. Mullins of the SCSO, as well as K9 Rio, whose keen nose led to the discovery of the murder weapon.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Donald “Sonny” McCathran Jr. and Daniel Geraghty thanks to their unwavering dedication.

Yesterday, November 7, 2023, inside the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Peter Brigham, jurors found 61-year-old Terrence Andre Crowder, of Ocala, guilty of one felony and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after a thorough presentation of compelling evidence and expert subject matter testimony.  

Crowder was initially arrested back in August of 2022 after Marion County Animal Control Compliance Investigators responded to the home just a month prior, in reference to reports of animal negligence. Upon arrival, investigators called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Officials seized 13 animals from Crowder’s property – three of the thirteen animals were in appalling and negligent conditions.

The three animals in question were a miniature pony, a horse, and a goat. The miniature pony, Shakira, had ‘elf shoe’ hooves from lack of care, which is extremely painful. All four hooves were also found to be infected with thrush. The horse, Haling’s Darling, was extremely emaciated to the point the mare’s ribs were showing. The third animal, a goat, had an open, chronic wound on its back that had been left untreated for quite some time – the wound was not only very tender to the touch but had calloused over.

Subsequently, Crowder was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of cruelty to animals. Prior to his trial, Crowder was released on bond. However, after his blatant apathetic demeanor, Judge Brigham ordered him to be remanded until his sentencing.

“Crowder intentionally harmed these animals when he willingly deprived them of basic necessities – from food and water to adequate shelter and medical care,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Thankfully, the jurors were able to see this was a textbook example of animal cruelty and hold Crowder responsible for his crimes. My office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting animal cruelty cases, and I am extremely grateful for the devoted work of our Animal Cruelty Taskforce and our community partners.”

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the dedicated efforts of Deputy Struble with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Animal Services investigators, the supporting veterinarians, and Assistant State Attorney James Moody.

Crowder’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.

Today, November 6, 2023, the honorable Judge Joel Fritton sentenced 46-year-old Jeff Adams to­­­­ 20 years in the Department of Corrections after he was found guilty by jurors just after an 9-minute deliberation last week. Additionally, Adams will be required to register as a sexual offender. Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis and Blake Shore were the leading prosecutors for this case.

“Adams knowingly sent sexually explicit messages to who he believed was a minor. Luckily, it was a law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old boy but that’s not always the case,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We are very fortunate here in our state of Florida where we have a Governor who is dedicated to toughening penalties for sex criminals. To briefly quote Governor Ron DeSantis, ‘there is no meaningful difference between a criminal that committed a crime of sexual violence and a criminal that attempted but failed to commit that same crime — neither deserve to have their sentences cut short.’ We absolutely witnessed this today with the sentencing of Adams and will continue to punish those to the Nth degree for preying or attempting to prey on our children. Thank you to Sheriff Mike Prendergast and his team of professionals at the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for keeping our community safe.”

Adams was originally arrested back in March of this year during the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s Operation Lucky Strike, a tactical undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation executed by Sgt. Tiffany Barry to apprehend dangerous cyber predators who attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child. Over the course of this operation, officials from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, along with partners at the United States Secret Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tavares Police Department, worked collaboratively to capture these online child sex predators.

During the operation, Detective Roscoe Watts and Kyle Helfritz of the CCSO posed as a minor on various websites waiting to be solicited through online messages by these subjects. Despite the acknowledgment of the child’s age, Adams, still chose to send sexually explicit messages, conversations, and detailed requests of various sexual activities he wanted to perform with the child. He was subsequently arrested for Travel to Seduce/Solicit Child in Sex Act: F.S.S. 847.0135(4)(a); and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S. 934.215. During an interview with CCSO Detectives Patrick Martin and Ryan Brown, Adams eventually admitted that if a 14-year-old child had shown up at the meeting location, he would have taken a photo of the child and use it later for sexual gratification.

Adams had previously been incarcerated for 10 years for a 2001 sexual offense case that was pled to a non-sex offense, which unfortunately did not require sexual offender registration.

Last week, on October 11, 2023, 33-year-old Travis Folsom, the defendant in a harrowing case involving sexual offenses against a minor, was sentenced to five concurrent life sentences.

The case, which began with Folsom’s arrest on July 5, 2022, sent shockwaves through the community. Folsom was charged with sexual battery on a 12-year-old by a person in a parental or custodial authority.

“This sentencing underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the legal system in ensuring the safety and protection of our community’s most vulnerable members,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.

Following the investigation, which included search warrants for Folsom’s phone and extensive conversations with the victim, his charges included two counts of sexual battery on a minor aged 12-18 in a parental or custodial authority, two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, and one count of child pornography possession.

The trial, which commenced on August 9, 2023, took a significant turn when Folsom pleaded guilty after the victim had almost completed their testimony. This decision was seen as a recognition of the strength of the evidence against him.

The victim’s mother had confronted Folsom with the allegations before his arrest, to which he shockingly attempted to deflect blame, suggesting that the child had seduced him. However, the investigation, led by Detective Nick Norton of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, ultimately revealed compelling forensic evidence, including the identification of Folsom’s semen on the victim’s comforter.

In a disturbing turn of events, it was revealed during sentencing that just a day before his arrest and several hours prior, Folsom had conducted internet searches on topics such as “how long can you spend in jail for having sex with a 12-year-old” and “do child rapists get put into protective custody.” He had also read an article titled “what happens to child molesters in prison,” among other similarly incriminating searches.

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the dedicated efforts of Detective Nick Norton with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the relentless pursuit of justice by Assistant State Attorneys Kevin Davis and Tara Hartman, who tirelessly presented the case.

Today, October 16, 2023, the honorable Judge Robert Hodges sentenced 20-year-old Brandon Jordan Merizier to 50 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. Merizier was originally found guilty of First-Degree Murder back in June of 2023 when a jury returned a verdict of guilty.

The case, which began with then 17-year-old Merizier’s arrest back in November of 2021, revealed the senseless killing of 18-year-old Kobe months earlier.

Back on June 5, 2021, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call shortly before 4 p.m. regarding a shooting in Ocala Park Estates. Upon arrival, deputies located Kobe, later identified as the victim, who transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

This sentencing hearing comes just one day after what would have been the 21^st birthday of Kobe Jeremiah Bradshaw.

“Sentences are a solemn reminder of the gravity of crimes and the consequences that come with them. In this case, Merizier not only determined Kobe’s fate, but his own,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Merizier had an extensive criminal history involving firearms and clearly demonstrated he is no stranger to gun violence. His fifty years for first-degree murder is nothing in comparison to the loss of a life which is irreversible.”

During the investigation of this case, which included search warrants for Merizier’s phone and social media accounts, officials located multiple pieces of incriminating information including various Snapchat photos and videos of Merizier. 

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the dedicated efforts of Marion County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detective Andrew Canterberry and the relentless pursuit of justice by Assistant State Attorneys Toby Hunt and Rich Buxman, who tirelessly presented the case.

The victim’s mother was unable to read her impact statement to the courtroom, however, ASA Hunt delivered her statement before the court on her behalf.

State Attorney William “Bill” Gladson announces the grand jury indictment of Jeffrey Norman Crum. Crum was indicted on one count of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping and one count of sexual battery of Jennifer Odom on July 24, 2023.

Jennifer was abducted after getting off a school bus in Pasco County on February 19, 1993.  She was found dead in a Hernando County orange grove six days after she was abducted. Crum was previously convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2019 in Pasco County for sexual battery of a 17-year-old girl that occurred on January 16, 1992.  That case had very similar facts and circumstances to this case.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis and his detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently and exhaustively to investigate the case and apprehend the defendant responsible for these heinous crimes. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County State Attorney’s Office, and several other agencies nationwide provided support during the lengthy investigation. The defendant is currently being held on no bond in the Hernando County Jail.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has released a photo of Crum from 1993 with the hope that someone may recognize him and possibly provide additional information about Jennifer’s murder. If you, or anyone you know, has information regarding this case, you are encouraged to contact Detective George Loydgren at (352)754-6830.

William “Bill” Gladson was elected State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in November 2020 and took office January 2021. He is a former law enforcement officer and career prosecutor with over 20 years of trial experience. As State Attorney, Gladson leads a team of over 250 employees who serve the citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties, an area encompassing more than 1.2 million people.

Posted on 7/27/2023