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State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Nicholas Lavern Bassler Jr was convicted after jury trial of Sexual Battery By Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon A Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age; Use Of A Child In A Sexual Performance; and Possession Of Child Pornography.  The crimes were committed between April and September of 2023 and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on December 8-9, 2025.

Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte sentenced the defendant following the jury verdict on Tuesday, December 9 to the maximum possible penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 20 years. 

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented, “Through the diligent efforts of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, specifically Det. Carmine Luper and Det. Steven Luke, these heinous crimes against children were uncovered.  The detectives were able to collect overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s guilt so that this conviction could be secured.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik in the Sarasota County office at 941-747-3077.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Trae Ward was sentenced to fifty (50) years in Florida State Prison for the Second Degree Murder of Reginald Graves.

Graves and Ward were related through family. Ward’s sister was in in a romantic relationship with Graves and the two had a child together.

On May 1, 2025, Graves and Ward’s sister had an argument after which Ward confronted Graves with a firearm as Graves and Graves’ mother sat outside her home. After a brief exchange, Graves retreated inside the home, thereupon Ward followed Graves and fatally shot him.

The case was investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Had the case gone to trial, Ward faced a sentence of life in prison. Instead, he agreed to accept a negotiated plea of fifty (50) years in prison for the murder and other related charges.

The family of Reginald Graves attended the plea and sentencing and several family members, including the victim’s mother and daughter, spoke of their loss.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney William Greiner commented, “None of us make good decisions when we allow anger to get the best of us. Ward allowed an insignificant disagreement to spin out of control with fatal consequences for the victim, lifelong consequences for the two respective families, and the loss of his own freedom for what will likely be the remainder of his days.”

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney William Greiner in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Calvin Deleon Turner was sentenced to 50 years in prison following convictions for two counts of Sexual Battery.  The crimes were investigated by the Sarasota Police Department.  The three-day trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse from September 24-26, 2025.  The Honorable Judge Thomas Krug presided over the trial and imposed the sentence after a sentencing hearing on December 4, 2025.

The Defendant, who had a prior conviction for sexually motivated offenses, committed the crimes when the Victim was at the Defendant’s home.  Investigations into the Defendant’s past revealed that there were several instances of the Defendant forcing himself upon women in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, but they were rarely reported. During the trial, one witness came forward and described how the Defendant committed a similar offense against her in the late 1990s. 

After finding the defendant guilty at the trial in September, the jury additionally found the Defendant qualified as a “Dangerous Sexual Felony Offender” under Florida law.  This designation imposed a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in prison and qualified the defendant for a sentence of life in prison.

The State advocated for the maximum sentence of life in prison based on the facts of the case and the Defendant’s lengthy history of prior state and federal criminal convictions – including two (2) prior convictions for impregnating a minor under the age of 16.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney S. Ethan Dunn, said: “This Defendant has shown absolutely no remorse for his years of abuse in the community.  While the sentence imposed was the minimum, it will protect the community for a significant period. The courage of the Defendant’s victims to face their abuser and the excellent work of law enforcement, along with the jury’s well-reasoned verdict, helped to make this sentence possible.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Ethan Dunn in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that George H. Boyd was convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Case #2025CF002572NC after entering an open plea.  The crime was committed on November 15, 2024 and investigated by Sarasota Police Department.  The sentencing was held at the Sarasota County Circuit Courthouse on November 4, 2025.

The crime carries a maximum possible sentence of 5 Years in Prison.

Defendant alleged that his business was struggling with a feral cat problem in the neighborhood.  In retaliation, he shot and killed what turned out to be his neighbor’s pet cat.  The cat’s owner was naturally devastated by the defendant’s actions.  During the pendency of the case, defense filed a Motion to Discharge the case.  After the State prevailed at the motion, the defendant entered an open plea.  At sentencing, defendant continued to assert that he acted to protect his business. Contrary to his testimony, the cat’s owner testified that she saw the cat on her neighbor’s property before falling dead in the street.  The prosecution noted that there was no evidence whatsoever that the cat was ever even on defendant’s property that day and that even if it was, that would not create a basis for killing it.  Furthermore, the cat’s owner saw the defendant hide the rifle alongside his leg and run away from the scene after he shot the cat, suggesting he clearly knew what he had just done was wrong and illegal.

Judge Donna Padar sentenced the defendant to an adjudication of guilt, making him a convicted felon, with a sentence that included incarceration followed by a period of probation.  At issue in the sentencing was whether defendant would be entitled to receive a Withhold of Adjudication based on him not having any prior criminal history.  The prosecution noted that it was critical he be adjudicated a convicted felon to prevent him from ever possessing a firearm again based on the defendant’s dangerous and egregious conduct in this case.  The Court ultimately agreed.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata commented, “Senseless violence towards animals should never be tolerated in Florida.  I am pleased the court recognized the severity of the defendant’s actions and held the defendant accountable.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Damian Markist Anderson has been convicted of Manslaughter By Culpable Negligence With A Firearm and Possession Of Firearm By Minor. The crimes were committed on July 19, 2022, and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The sentencing hearing was held at the Manatee County Judicial Center on November 5, 2025.

The crimes carried a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison.

Following the presentation of victim impact statements and other evidence, the Court sentenced the defendant to 15 years in prison followed by 1 year of community control followed by 4 years of probation, with various conditions.

On July 19, 2022, the victim, Damarion “Poohman” Smalls, was at a friend’s house with the defendant and other teens. According to witnesses, the group was smoking marijuana and the defendant was in possession of a firearm. The defendant pulled the trigger and Smalls was struck in his head, resulting in his death.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough commented, “this was yet another avoidable teen death. This is a clear example of why teens and marijuana do not go together, why teens and guns do not go together, and how tragedy happens when they all come together. It is our hope that the Court’s sentence provides some measure of justice for the victim’s family and serves as a warning to the community of these dangers.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney (ASA) in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Calvin Deleon Turnerwas convicted after a jury trial of two counts of Sexual Battery.  The crimes were investigated by the Sarasota Police Department.  The three-day trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse from September 24-26, 2025.  The Honorable Judge Thomas Krug presided over the trial.

The Defendant, who had a prior conviction for sexually motivated offenses, committed the crimes when the Victim was at the Defendant’s home.  There were several other people elsewhere in the home, but they were all the friends and family of the Defendant.  After the assault and when she was away from the home, the Victim was able to call her own family telling them what happened.  The Victim then went to a hospital for medical treatment just a few hours after the assault.  After an investigation by the Sarasota Police Department, the Defendant was arrested and charged with the crimes of which he was convicted by the jury.

During the trial, another witness testified about how the Defendant committed a similar offense against her in the late 1990s.  Investigations into the Defendant’s past revealed that there were several instances of the Defendant forcing himself upon women in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, but they were rarely reported.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney S. Ethan Dunn, said: “This Defendant had a lengthy history of sexual abuse in the local community.  Thankfully, the courage of the Victim in this case and the witness that was willing to share her account of the Defendant’s abuse put an end to that.  Their courage; the incredible investigatory work by members of the Sarasota Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner team; and the support of the Victim’s family helped the jury see the Defendant for who he truly is.  Their courage to testify and face their abuser was nothing short of heroic.  They were able to take back the power their abuser took from them, and the Defendant’s long history of sexual abuse in our community is over thanks to the jury’s verdict.”

The jury found the Defendant qualifies as “Dangerous Sexual Felony Offender” under Florida law.  This designation means the crimes carry a 50-year minimum mandatory, and the Defendant could be sentenced to up to life in prison.  A sentencing date is pending.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney S. Ethan Dunn in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Carter Thomas Layne has been convicted of Manslaughter With A Firearm. The crime was committed on 3/8/24 and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The crime carried a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison.

There was no minimum mandatory sentence applicable.

There was no sentencing enhancement applicable besides that charged for the use of the firearm during commission of the crime.

A sentencing hearing was held on 9/24/25, where the Court imposed a sentence of 20 years in state prison followed by 6 months of community control followed by 4.5 years of probation with various conditions.

According to the evidence, the defendant was at the gathering drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana throughout the day. Several times during the day and evening, the defendant was brandishing a revolver and even pointed it at others “dry firing” the weapon. He was repeatedly told to stop, but he did not. The final time he pointed the gun and pulled the trigger was at JM Feeney, who was struck and killed.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough, commented, “this was a completely senseless and avoidable situation. It is our hope that this outcome brings some measure of justice to the Feeney family for the loss of their loved one, who was by all accounts an extraordinary individual and beloved member of the community.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced thatCory Garries, was convicted last night of 5 Counts of Sexual Battery with a Deadly Weapon, 2 Counts of Kidnapping with a Weapon, Burglary with Assault or Battery, and Aggravated Assault.  The jury trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse from 09/02/25 – 09/08/25 in front of Circuit Court Judge Donna Padar. 

Following the trial, Judge Padar sentenced the Defendant to 8 separate consecutive life sentences.

Back in October of 2022, Garries, who had recently served a 17-year federal prison sentence for Sexual Abuse, began his night of terror by showing up at Victim #1’s house, threatening her with a knife, cutting off her hair, and forcing himself on her vaginally and anally while threatening her life.  After making her shower, he then forced her to drive him to his sister’s house, also in Sarasota, where he raped her additional times.  Victim #1 convinced the Defendant to allow her to call her friends to ask for money.  Her friends, who immediately knew that she would never ask for that kind of money, recognized she was in trouble, and through a series of “yes/no” questions, they were able to determine that she was being kidnapped and held against her will.  Her friends called 911, who then immediately sent deputies to search for Victim #1.  Meanwhile, Victim #1 realized that law enforcement was not going to get to her in time, and seized her moment of opportunity and ran for her car.  The Defendant chased after her, but he was too slow, and the Victim was able to lock her car doors just at the moment the Defendant got there.  The Victim was able to drive away, while the Defendant was holding onto the doorhandle, breaking it.  Victim #1 drove to a nearby establishment, where she reported her crimes and called 911.  Deputies then began searching for the Suspect, but the victim was unsure of the exact address of his location. 

Meanwhile, after Victim #1 had escaped, the Defendant then went across the street to the neighbor’s (Victim #2’s) house, broke into her home, and began raping her while she was sleeping.  She woke up to the Defendant’s fingers around her neck, strangling her, and threatening to stab her with a knife.  The Defendant then began sexually battering her, by force.  The Defendant forced her into a bathroom, and raped Victim #2 again, there, for several hours.  Victim #2 tried to placate the Defendant by tending to his wounds, after he had cut himself with the knife.  After convincing the Defendant to finally let her out of the bathroom, they both laid down on the bed.  The Defendant, exhausted, fell asleep, and Victim #2 seized her opportunity to escape and ran out of her home as fast as she could.  She ran to Bee Ridge road, and flagged down a vehicle that was on its way to the hospital, who called 911 on her behalf.  Deputies then went to Victim #2’s house and located the Defendant attempting to leave the backyard. 

Both Victims suffered serious injuries. 

16 witnesses testified at trial, including both Victims, Law Enforcement Deputies and Detectives, Crime Scene Experts, Forensic Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, and Experts in DNA. 

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Joshua Wertheim commented, “The heinous acts of violence committed by the Defendant in this case upon the two Victims in this community are absolutely horrific.  These two women suffered the worst sort of violence imaginable, and somehow found the strength to survive and escape.  I commend them on how they were able to face their attacker both in the moment, and at trial. 

The State Attorney’s Office will always stand up against evil, and prosecute those who commit it.  I agree with the Court’s sentence in this case, and believe the Defendant deserves every day of his 8 consecutive life sentences.”

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Tiffany Denyse Young was sentenced to 15 years in Florida State Prison followed by 15 years of Probation in Manatee County Case No. 2023CF001208AX and 2023CF001462AX. Ms. Young had previously entered a No Contest plea on May 02, 2025 to 2 Counts of Scheme to Defraud (Less than $20,000), 2 Counts of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information (Victim over 60 Years of Age), 1 Count of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information (10 or More Victims), 5 additional Counts of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information; 1 Count of Obtaining Codeine by Fraud, 1 Count of Worthless Check/Debit Card ($150 or More), and 7 Counts of Uttering Counterfeit Instruments.

The crimes were committed between December 22, 2020 and July 01, 2022, and July 19, 2022 through February 28, 2023, while the defendant was employed as an Office Manager at two separate Dentist offices here in Manatee County. The cases were investigated by Detectives Randall Walker and Gary Cummings III of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The defendant used her position to defraud the local practices out of tens of thousands of dollars by having patients leave the “Pay to:” section of their checks blank, then filling in her own name before depositing the checks into her personal bank account. In many cases, the defendant altered the amounts of checks to increase the dollar amount, prior to depositing the checks. The defendant also altered credit/debit card payments of patients to smaller amounts, prior to pocketing the difference. She would then manipulate the accounting software to cover up the thefts. Many of the patients defrauded were senior citizens. The defendant also used one doctor’s unique DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) Registration Number to prescribe herself controlled substances.

Ms. Young had a lengthy prior record of similar offenses, for which she had served time in prison. She provided false identifying information on her employment applications to obtain these jobs.  

The 15 years in prison reflected the maximum punishment available on the highest-level of offenses. The Fraudulaent Use of Personal Identification Information (10 or More Victims) carried a mandatory minimum punishment of 3 years in prison.

            A Sentencing Hearing was held on September 03, 2025, after which Circuit Judge Stephen Mathew Whyte handed down the aforementioned sentence.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Justin Foster commented, “The defendant used her position of trust at these local dental offices to systematically defraud them out of tens of thousands of dollars. She was able to get these jobs by providing an altered middle name and Social Security Number. We encourage all employers to thoroughly and carefully vet any prospective employees who will be handling finances for your companies. We are pleased that the victim businesses, their doctors, and patients will be protected from this defendant for the next 30 years.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Justin S. Foster in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Eddie Lee Smith III was convicted after jury trial of Murder In The Second Degree With A Weapon. The crime was committed on 12/21/2022 and investigated by Arcadia Police Department. The trial was held at the Desoto County Courthouse on August 11 & 12, 2025.

The defendant received a life sentence minutes after the verdict was read in Circuit court.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney William Moran commented,

“After the relentless pursuit of the truth, killer Eddie Smith was brought to justice Tuesday.” Prosecutor Moran said that *solving this grisly senseless murder was due to old fashioned police work and modern science. We hope that family can finally find closure after the jury’s verdict.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney William Moran in the DeSoto County office at 863-993-4881.