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State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Ronald Clark Willard was convicted after jury trial of Driving Under The Influence (Fourth Or Subsequent Violation); Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended Or Revoked (With Knowledge – Third Or Subsequent Offense) Based On Dui, Refusal, Death/ Serious Bodily Injury, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer; and Driving While License Permanently Revoked.  The crimes were committed on 09/18/2024 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on June 8th through June 9th, 2026.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 15 years prison.

The State is seeking enhancement of the penalty, as the defendant is a Habitual Felony Offender, which the jury has determined beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing is scheduled for a future date to be set.

On September 18, 2024, deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting that the defendant, Ronald Willard, had committed a battery. While investigating these allegations, the deputies observed the defendant to be intoxicated and behind the wheel of his car. Law enforcement ultimately determined Mr. Willard was intoxicated while driving his vehicle and arrested him for DUI. This was Willard’s 8th conviction for DUI, including having previously served an almost 4-year prison sentence for a prior felony DUI. It was also determined Willard was driving at a time when his driving privileges had been permanently revoked, due to his multiple prior DUI convictions and that he had six prior Driving While License Suspended convictions. The State will be seeking a substantial prison sentence for the defendant as a Habitual Felony Offender.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Tanner Woods commented,

“We appreciate the hard work of the deputies of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the time and attention of the jurors in this case in rendering a just and deserved verdict. This defendant has been a menace to society, both on and off the road, for many years, as indicated by his substantial criminal record, and the State hopes to make sure he receives a sentence that will protect the people of the State Florida for many years to come.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Ulysses Lamont Pace was convicted after a jury trial of Armed Robbery with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery. The crimes were committed on July 16, 2023, and investigated by the Sarasota Police Department. The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse June 3-5, 2026.

The crimes were perpetrated against a homeless victim trying to sell items to passing patrons outside a local convenience store. Pace feigned interest in purchasing the victim’s items and instead tossed them into a vehicle and attempted to leave without paying. When the victim attempted to retrieve his items, Pace threatened the victim with a handgun and then shot the victim through the thigh.

Pace had previously served ten years in prison for multiple felonies he committed in 2010. Approximately one month after his release in 2018, he was arrested on a felony drug charge. The night before he was scheduled to begin a prison sentence for that charge, he was arrested on another drug charge. For both drug charges, he was sentenced to four years in prison. Less than six months after his release, Pace robbed and shot the victim in this case.

Assistant State Attorney William Greiner, who prosecuted the case, charged Pace under Florida’s 10-20-Life law, and as a Prison Releasee Reoffender. Under 10-20-Life, Pace faced a minimum prison sentence of 25 years and up to life in prison for each offense. Under Florida’s prison releasee reoffender statute, courts are required to sentence defendants to the maximum permitted by law if an offender commits a qualifying violent offense within three years of release from a prison sentence.

After nearly three years of pre-trial litigation, the still homeless victim could not be located to testify at the trial. However, the State successfully petitioned the court to allow it to introduce the victim’s prior testimony from Pace’s denied Stand Your Ground self-defense immunity hearing. Armed with a transcript of the victim’s former testimony and other evidence, the State presented its case at trial, and the jury convicted Pace after just twenty minutes of deliberation.

Immediately following the trial, Pace was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life in prison.

Assistant State Attorney William Greiner stated,

“When individuals demonstrate they constitute a threat to society, the State of Florida will use every tool at our disposal to bring perpetrators to justice and protect all members of our community.”

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.

DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DUI MANSLAUGHTER OF UBER PASSENGER AND INJURING THREE OTHERS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today, following a jury trial, Mark Barcia was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for DUI Manslaughter, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of DUI with Personal Injury for a fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of Toledo Blade and Woodhaven, in Northport, when the Defendant slammed his Ford F250 truck into the back of an Uber on New Year’s Eve 2019. David Flick, 61, of Port Charlotte, died at the scene. Flick was a passenger riding in the Uber at the time of the crash. The other occupants of the Uber were also injured in the crash.

The Defense and State stipulated that both occupants of the Ford F250 were under the influence of alcohol to the extent their normal faculties were impaired and their respective blood alcohol levels exceeded the legal limit of .08. The defense centered their arguments on whether Barcia was the driver, and whether his operation of the Ford F250 caused or contributed to the death of David Flick and/or to the injuries of the surviving victims.

At trial, the State presented the testimony of two dozen witnesses, including Barcia’s passenger, civilians who stopped to render aid and saw Barcia exit from the driver side of the truck, law enforcement officers who responded to the crash and investigated the case, a crime scene analyst who took hundreds of photographs and collected physical evidence, expert witnesses who interpreted roadway markings and measurements, DNA evidence collected from the truck interior, and event data recorder data from both vehicles. The State also presented testimony regarding airbag deployment and deflation as well as passenger kinematics, which is the study of how vehicle occupants move during sudden stops, turns, or collisions.

After an eight-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury convicted the defendant on all four counts.

David Flick’s family, including his children and grandchildren, asserted that the loss they continue to suffer is the preventable consequence of Barcia’s decision to drink and drive, and they requested a maximum sentence.

For causing the death of David Flick, Barcia was sentenced to the statutory maximum of fifteen years in prison. After that, he will begin serving an additional three years of prison, followed by three years of probation, for the injuries he caused to the other victims.

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Leonard Allen Lafleur Jr. was convicted after jury trial of Attempted Murder In The First Degree With A Firearm.  The crime was committed on October 14, 2023, and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Judicial Center on May 11, 2026, through May 14, 2026.

The crime carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

The minimum mandatory sentence is 25 years in state prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for a date to be determined.

This incident began as an attempted robbery of the victim and ended with the victim hiding in a nearby wooded area as he was being shot at by the defendant. The defendant fired 15 rounds, striking the victim 5 times in his arm and legs. The victim survived the shooting and continues to suffer with injuries more than 2 years later.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough, commented, “This case highlights the importance of community involvement and a willingness to provide information to law enforcement as a witness cooperated with law enforcement to identify the defendant and provide witness testimony. Without this witness involvement, the defendant may have never been identified and brought to justice.”

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 today that Daniel Rivera was convicted of Criminal Mischief ($1000 Or More); Cruelty To Animals, Felony Battery; Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon, Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon and Tampering With A Witness. The crimes were committed on 06/03/2025, 06/24/2025, 02/17/2026, and 02/24/2026. These crimes were investigated by the Bradenton Police Department. The Defendant was sentenced to 7 years prison.

Daniel Rivera was in an on and off again relationship with the young female victim. On 6/03/2025, Daniel Rivera was at the victim’s apartment, and an argument ensued. Daniel Rivera grabbed the victim’s one month old kitten and threw it off the balcony of a four-story apartment building into busy traffic. While on the scene, law enforcement observed the victim with two black eyes and a laceration to her neck. Law enforcement asked the victim how she received the injuries, but she refused to disclose any information.

On 6/24/2025, Daniel Rivera returned to the victim’s apartment to spend the night. An argument ensued after he entered the apartment. During the argument, Daniel Rivera grabbed the victim by the neck and pulled her into her bedroom. Sometime later, the victim stood up on the bed in attempt to get away from Daniel Rivera. Immediately thereafter, he grabbed a pistol that was sitting on the dresser, pointed it at the victim and told her to get off the bed.  Daniel Rivera then grabbed the victim’s cell phone, threw it against the wall causing it to be inoperable, and told the victim to go take a shower. While the victim was taking a shower, Daniel Rivera punched the victim on the left side of her face causing major swelling and opening of an old laceration. Daniel Rivera continued to abuse the victim throughout the night until he left for work. Subsequently, Daniel Rivera was arrested, and the court imposed a no contact order for him not to have contact with the victim. Immediately thereafter Daniel Rivera violated the court’s order by calling the victim and telling her to drop the charges. As a result of this contact, the State moved for a bond revocation which was granted.  The State filed additional charges of Tampering With A Witness.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Limeecha Dunbar commented,

“Daniel Rivera thought he was above the law. He abused a one-month-old kitten, and he abused the victim. Daniel Rivera was ordered by the court to have no contact with the victim, but he continued to call her to drop charges during the pendency of the cases. Despite Daniel Rivera’s willful defiance of the law, he found out that he is not above the law when he was sentenced to 7 years prison on 05/7/2026. With the hard work of law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office, Daniel Rivera is unable to hurt anyone during his sentence.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Sterick Jerome Nixon was convicted after jury trial of Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon A Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age.  The crime was committed between 2018 and 2021 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Crimes Against Children division.

The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on March 16 and 17, 2026.

Following the guilty verdict, the defendant was set for a sentencing hearing on May 6, 2026.  Circuit Court Judge Frederick Mercurio sentenced the defendant to life in prison.  He was also designated as a sexual predator

On December 29, 2022, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of the defendant displaying himself in a lewd or lascivious manner to a family member.  During the pendency of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that the defendant had previously sexually abused two other family members.  Those two victims then disclosed that the defendant sexually abused them for several years.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Scott Callin commented, “All three of these young ladies showed incredible courage and strength in disclosing their abuse at the hands of the defendant. They showed those same qualities in bravely testifying before a jury and the defendant. We are pleased at the jury’s verdict and are thankful that the verdict and sentence will assure the safety of these girls and the community.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Kevin Maurice Holloway was convicted after a jury trial of First-Degree Premeditated Murder, two counts of Attempted First-Degree Premeditated Murder, Robbery with a Firearm, Shooting into a Dwelling, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and one count of Stalking.  The crimes were investigated by the Sarasota Police Department.  The four-day trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse from April 21-24, 2026.  The Honorable Judge Danielle Brewer presided over the trial.

The charges stemmed from a shooting in the early morning hours of July 4, 2024, in the City of Sarasota.  The Defendant had driven by the home of his ex-girlfriend around 12:30am threatening her and two others in the driveway of her home, specifically stating he would come back and kill people.  Approximately 40 minutes later, the Defendant approached the driveway – now with four people total – on foot as a masked gunman dressed in all black, a ski mask with only eyeholes, gloves, and a gun in his hand.  He demanded everyone went inside and, after taking the phone from his ex-girlfriend and engaging in an argument with others at the scene, he shot and killed one man followed shortly thereafter by firing at others now fleeing the scene.  He also shot nine additional rounds into the window and living room of his ex-girlfriend’s home as she laid on the floor trying to find cover.

After a joint initial response by members of the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), an investigation was conducted by detectives with SPD.  The investigation revealed the Defendant was the primary suspect and the only one named by eyewitnesses.  Investigators located several camera angles of the incident, including one later recovered from the cell phone of the man the Defendant shot and killed.  SPD detectives learned of the Defendant’s whereabouts and tracked his car to Miami.  He was arrested by members of the Miami Police Department approximately 17 hours after the shooting.  As the investigation continued, a detective with SCSO was able to locate records of text messages the Defendant sent to the ex-girlfriend in the months leading up to the shooting.  In the messages, the Defendant threatened her repeatedly and made several statements to her about how he would go about killing her and anyone he happened to find around her – statements that later matched the circumstances of the shooting. 

Following the jury’s verdict of guilty on all counts, the jury additionally found the Defendant qualifies as “Prison Releasee Reoffender” under Florida law.  For 5 of the 8 counts for which he was convicted, this meant the Court was required under Florida law to sentence the Defendant to the maximum penalty.

The jury also found, pursuant to a Florida law commonly referred to as the “10/20/Life” statute, that the Defendant carried a firearm during the crimes, that he discharged that firearm, and that there was death or great bodily harm inflicted upon someone as a result.

Based on those findings, the Defendant was sentenced to multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.  The sentencing took place shortly after the verdict, with the family of the deceased Victim making statements before the sentence was handed down.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney S. Ethan Dunn, said: “This Defendant truly believed he could get away with murder.  His path of devastation and destruction left a family without a loved one and shattered a sense of safety for the surviving Victims and eyewitnesses.  Thanks to the courage of the surviving Victims and eyewitnesses to stand up to the Defendant, and the jury’s careful attention to this case, the Defendant’s past and hubris has finally caught up with him.  The jury’s verdict not only restores a sense of justice for the families of the Victims and the Victims themselves but makes our community a safer place.

On behalf of myself, my co-counsel Kate Metz, and the State Attorney’s Office, I would like to thank the dedication of the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department for their endless efforts to bring this man to justice.  I would also like to thank the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Miami Police Department for their collaboration on this case.  The jury’s verdict highlights the incredible dedication of the people in these agencies, and I am thankful to have such strong law enforcement partners willing to do what it takes to protect the people of Sarasota and the State of Florida from criminal predators like the Defendant.  The streets of the City and County of Sarasota; Florida; and the nation at large are better off with the Defendant behind bars for the rest of his life.”

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 Jonathan Edward Elwing was convicted after jury trial of twelve felony offenses related to the sexual abuse of children: Sexual Battery by a Person 18 Years of Age or Older Upon a Child Less than 12 Years Of Age; Lewd or Lascivious Molestation by a Person 18 Years of Age or Older Upon a Child Less than 12 Years of Age; 5 Counts of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance; and 5 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

The crimes were committed between April and June of 2024 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children and Crimes Against Children divisions. 

The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on April 20 – April 21, 2026.

The defendant was sentenced immediately following the guilty verdict on April 21, 2026.

Circuit Court Judge Ryan Felix sentenced the defendant to twelve life sentences, one for each count of which he was convicted.  He was also designated a sexual predator. Three of the life sentences were ordered to be served consecutively, with the remaining sentences to run concurrent with each other.

The defendant in this case was the senior pastor at a local Palmetto church.  His actions of abuse were discovered when law enforcement received a tip related to suspicious internet activity on an account associated with the defendant.  Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the defendant’s electronic devices, which led to the discovery of his heinous acts of abuse.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented,

“The State would like to recognize the diligent work of the MSO Crimes Against Children Detectives who were able to obtain overwhelming evidence of this defendant’s guilt.  Their efforts ensure that no children will be exposed to any additional harm at the hands of this defendant.  We would also like to thank the members of the jury for their time and careful consideration in this disturbing case.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced on Friday, April 17^th, that Cesar Navarrete was convicted after a sentencing hearing of four (4) criminal charges: 

1. Driving Under the Influence – Manslaughter
2. Vehicular Homicide
3. Driving While License Suspended Causing Death
4. Driving Under the Influence (Property Damage and/or Personal Injury)

The sentencing hearing was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on April 16, 2026. 

The DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years (DUI Manslaughter also carries a 4-year minimum mandatory prison sentence), the Driving While License Suspended Causing Death carries a maximum penalty prison sentence of 5 years, and the DUI (PD/PI) carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 1 year. 

On the evening of November 2, 2024, Bradenton Police Department responded to a high-speed two-vehicle crash at the intersection of 43rd Street West and Cortez Road West.  The car driven by the defendant was traveling west on Cortez Road.  The victim, Ms. Sara Holmes, was the front passenger of the car that was traveling east on Cortez Road and was attempting to make a left turn when the defendant crashed into the victim’s side of the car.  A crash analysis indicated that the defendant was traveling at 115MPH at the moment of the crash.  The posted speed limit is 45MPH.  There was no evidence to indicate that there was any effort on the part of the defendant to brake or avoid the crash from occurring.  The defendant’s blood alcohol level was over double the legal limit for alcohol consumption.  The victim’s vehicle was effectively sawed in half and the rear part of her vehicle traveled approximately 130ft away from the front half ending up in a nearby business parking lot.  In addition to being twice over the legal limit for alcohol, the defendant has a prior 2021 conviction for Driving Under the Influence and Driving While License Suspended.  At the time he committed the crimes, the defendant had an active driver’s license suspension.  The defendant also had an active bench warrant for failure to appear for a pending misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended at the time these crimes were committed. 

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Michael Anolfo, commented,

“Justice was served at the sentencing hearing.  The defendant was ultimately sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 10 years probation.  Due to all the aggravating factors in this case, the Court sentenced the defendant consecutively on his criminal charges.  I would like to thank the friends and family members of the victims in this case who spoke at the sentencing hearing in support of the State’s recommended sentence. We appreciate the hard work of the Bradenton Police Department on their investigation.” 

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today thatChristopher George Pettit was convicted after jury trial of 6 Counts of Cruelty to Animals, 3 Counts of Keeping Venomous reptiles without a permit, 1 count of Unsafe Maintenance of Captive Wild Life, and 6 Counts of Confinement of Abandonment of Animals. The crimes were committed over the span of many months and were investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse beginning 4/6/2026 and ending 4/7/2026.

County Judge Megan Leaf presided over the case. The Defendant was sentenced to 6 months in the Sarasota County Jail followed by 18 months of probation. As a condition of probation, the Defendant is to have no care, custody, or control of animals and must register on the Animal Cruelty Registry.

The Defendant in this case kept 3 venomous snakes, two non-venomous snakes, and a Lace Monitor Lizard in a garage with no ventilation. They were in plastic bins with no food or water. All the animals were severely emaciated and dehydrated. One of the snakes later died after being rescued. There were also multiple dead snakes found in the garage. During trial the defendant shifted blame to his son who passed away several months ago. The Defendant also works at a veterinary office as a vet tech.

Assistant State Attorney Kyle Meyer the lead prosecutor, commented,

“No animal, no matter what species, deserves to be treated the way those reptiles were treated. They suffered months of malnutrition and dehydration and were left to die a slow and painful death. Furthermore, the Defendant put the community at risk by keeping the venomous animals without proper safeguards. This prosecution would not have been successful without the tireless work and effort of FWC Investigator Robert O’Horo, Deputy Robbie Martin of SSO, Dr. Jack Landess, and the civilian witnesses who testified.”

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