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(Marion County, FL) Yesterday afternoon, a jury found 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Hill guilty of second-degree murder following a roadside shooting in Ocklawaha that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Michael Tron Hofacker.

The incident unfolded on November 28, 2020, around 7:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of S. Highway 314A. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene to investigate. Initial reports indicated Hill perceived a threat, thinking Michael had a gun, leading to a fatal shot to the head. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Hill wrongly identified the victim as someone else named Michael. The witness, a friend of the victim, stated that the victim did not pose a threat and was unarmed at the time of the incident.

“This incident underscores why people should not take matters into their own hands and trust law enforcement,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “As the legal process continues, our hearts go out to the family affected by this deeply regrettable incident.”

Hill’s inconsistent statements during the investigation raised questions, with no evidence discovered to corroborate the victim possessing a firearm during the incident. Hill was subsequently arrested on November 29, 2020.

Hill’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Assistant State Attorneys Sasha Kidney and Wynn Vickers successfully prosecuted this case.

(Marion County, FL) Today, jurors returned a guilty verdict for 36-year-old Chad Paul Anciaux, who was accused of a vicious attack on his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Powell. The brutal battery resulted in the death of Jennifer on November 16, 2020.

The incident took place on November 6, 2020, at the Stage Stop Inn, located off Silver Springs Blvd. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the hotel after a caller advised a female was beaten by a male with a baseball bat.

When officials responded, they located the victim lying on the sidewalk with a large amount of blood near her head. Investigators interviewed witnesses on scene who indicated Anciaux had chased the victim out of the hotel room and struck her repeatedly with a metal baseball bat. Video surveillance evidence from the hotel corroborated witnesses’ statements.

The investigation revealed that Anciaux, after allegedly chasing Powell from a motel room, brutally struck her nearly 20 times with a baseball bat. The victim was hospitalized and later succumbed to her injuries.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated,” stated William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Anciaux will spend the rest of his life behind bars, an appropriate sentence that reflects the severity of this heinous crime.”

Officials searched for Anciaux, who was apprehended shortly thereafter, despite his resistance during the arrest. Additionally, Anciaux previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison on a charge of failure to register as a sexual offender (having previously failed to register as a sexual predator in Florida, with a prior misdemeanor sex crime conviction from Iowa).

Assistant State Attorneys Toby Hunt and Amy Berndt successfully prosecuted the case.

(Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office secured a guilty verdict in the fatal hit-and-run case against 37-year-old Mark Anthony Wieder. Jurors deliberated for nearly 45 minutes before finding Wieder guilty on charges of failing to stop at a crash involving a death and leaving a crash involving property damages.

“The gravity of a fatal hit and run cannot be overstated. Tragedies like that of Kathryn Gosman, not only result in the loss of a precious life but leave families shattered,” commented William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Those responsible will eventually recognize the seriousness of their actions and should prepare to face the full consequences of such.”

Wieder was originally arrested by Florida Highway Patrol troopers on April 7, 2022, following an incident on February 25, 2021, when 45-year-old Kathryn Gosman tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run on South Cascade Avenue. The victim, a dedicated worker at Angelo’s Pizzaria, was delivering pizzas to support her ill mother when she was fatally struck and left over 100 feet from the original impact site.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation revealed that Wieder’s vehicle, a GMC Sierra pickup, exhibited damage consistent with the crash. Paint transfer analysis further linked the vehicle to Wieder’s GMC Envoy.

During the investigation, Wieder claimed he thought he had hit a deer. He failed to stop to inspect the damages and continued to a store without reporting the incident to authorities. The diligent work of FHP Corporal Brian Dokendorf subsequently led to Wieder’s arrest on April 7, 2023.

Mark Anthony Wieder is scheduled for sentencing on December 29, 2023.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Tara Hartman.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, a jury found 28-year-old Johnathon Michael Apenzeller guilty of three felony counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery and one felony count of Possession of Child Pornography.

“Cases such as this highlight the importance of safeguarding the well-being of our children,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our legal system stands firm against the exploitation of children and we will continue to vigorously prosecute anyone who harms a child.”

On February 7, 2020, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) originally responded to a residence in Silver Springs in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies were informed by the reportee that there was a video of Apenzeller engaged in sexual activities with the victim, who was 12 to 16 years of age.

After interviews were conducted with the reportee and victim, it was discovered that Apenzeller had engaged in multiple sexual acts with the minor child. In one instance, he even recorded those acts on his cell phone while inside the victim’s room.

Investigators then attempted to locate Apenzeller for an interview, which was met with negative results. After numerous attempts, an arrest warrant was issued for Apenzeller. Law Enforcement officials in Ohio located Apenzeller and arrested him on the warrant. He was subsequently transferred and booked into the Marion County Jail.

After being found guilty, the Honorable Judge Lisa Herndon ordered Apenzeller into custody to await his sentencing hearing which will take place on January 18, 2024.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Katrina Self and Barbara Harris.

(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.