State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Amado Alexander Zeppi and Coty Paulk were convicted after jury trial of Murder In The First Degree; Robbery with a Firearm. The crimes were committed on 09/18/2019 and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse from 10/31/2022 to 11/04/2022. The crimes carry a sentence of Mandatory Life. Sentencing is scheduled for: Zeppi’s is to be set. Paulk was sentenced 11/04/2022 to Life on each count. This case was about 4 co-defendants that robbed the Green Galaxy Smoke shop. Both Amado Zeppi and Coty Paulk were carrying firearms and threatening the victim throughout the course of the robbery. Amado Zeppi shot and killed Mr. Hamed, who was sitting on the floor complying with their commands. The entire robbery and murder were captured on video. Two of the co-defendants took responsibility for their crimes prior to the trial and testified at trial explaining what occurred and identified their co-defendants who wore masks during the robbery. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney (Rebecca Freel, ASA) commented, “Thank you to the members of the jury for their time and attention during this case. They worked very hard and with their guilty verdicts made our county a safer place. This was a senseless murder that was solved by the diligent work of the detectives at the Manatee County Sheriff’s office who arrested 3 of the 4 perpetrators within 36 hours of the offense. Their work during the investigation and especially in preparation for the trial was invaluable to achieving this conviction. 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. Follow us on Facebook at State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, on Twitter at @sao12th and on Instagram at @sao12th

NEWS RELEASE

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Isrrael Delgado was convicted after jury trial of: 2 Counts of Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By Person Over 18 Years Of Age Upon A Child less than 12 Years Of Age; 1 Count of Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By Person Over 18 Years Of Age Upon A Child 12 Years Of Age Or Older But Less Than 16 Years Of Age; and 1 Count of Battery The crimes were committed in Manatee County between 2012 and 2019 and were investigated by Det. Gary Renninger of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on October 24-27, 2022. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The defendant was related to the young victims who were between the ages of 7 and 13 years old at the time of the sexual abuse. The defendant took advantage of the child victims’ and their parents’ trust. This trust enabled the abuse to continue for a number of years before being disclosed. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented, “The State commends the victims for their bravery and strength in coming forward and sharing their experiences with the jury. We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement in securing this conviction as well as the patient and careful consideration provided by the members of the jury.” 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. Follow us on Facebook at State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, on Twitter at @sao12th and on Instagram at @sao12th

NEWS RELEASE

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Edwin Alvin Rust was convicted after jury trial of three counts Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By Person Over 18 Years Of Age Upon A Child 12 Years Of Age Or Older But Less Than 16 Years Of Age. The crimes were committed between 08/30/2019 – 9/1/2022 and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on 10/24/22 -10/26/22. The crimes carry a maximum possible statutory sentence of 45 years. The State is seeking life in prison as the defendant’s criminal punishment code score places him above the legislative requirement to allow discretionary life sentences. Sentencing is on a date TBD pending the PSI. The victim in this case recently lost a close family member when the abuse began. The defendant used the victim’s grief to manipulate the victim to facilitate the abuse. Throughout the pendency of the case, the defendant continued to make numerous attempts to manipulate and silence the victims through intimidation. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Lauren P Benson commented, “I want to applaud the victim and children involved in this case for their bravery and perseverance. I truly hope this result can give them the peace and closure they need in order to live full and happy lives. I would also like to thank Det. Melanie Wildt of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for her extraordinary efforts with the children in the case, her diligence and care brought justice for the children involved.” If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Lauren P Benson in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office announced today that Danielle Miller, a social influencer, pled guilty of Fraudulently Using Personal Identification Information, a felony. On Friday, Circuit Court Judge Thomas Krug sentenced Ms. Miller to the maximum sentence of five years of incarceration. Danielle Miller, the recent subject of an article in New York magazine, came to Florida during the pandemic in 2020. While in Florida, she traveled to Sarasota with Ciera Blas, a co-defendant. Ms. Miller went to Chase Bank and presented a fictitious passport card at the drive through of Chase Bank in an attempt to take more than $8,000 from an account belonging to the victim who lives in California. An alert manager at the bank alerted the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office who ultimately arrested Danielle Miller. Det. Carlos Verdoni investigated the case. Ms. Miller is facing a second case in November. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Andrew van Sickle in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4451.

Happy #RoshHashanah. We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating the new year! We are closed today and will reopen tomorrow during our normal business hours.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Rachel Hauser, after entering an open plea to the court, was sentenced on September 19, 2022. The crime was committed on March 15, 2018 and investigated by Florida Highway Patrol. The sentencing was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on September 19, 2022. The minimum mandatory sentence is 4 years prison. The state sought 10 years in prison. The defendant, who had no prior criminal record, was sentenced to 5 years in prison followed by 5 years of probation. Rachel Hauser was involved in a road rage incident on US 41 which led to the death of one victim and the injury of two others. The defendant’s vehicle was traveling north on US 41 and was tailgating the victims’ vehicle. The defendant then accelerated past the vehicle and improperly merged into the victims’ lane striking the front passenger side of their vehicle. The force of the impact sent the victims’ vehicle barreling across the median and into oncoming traffic where they were struck by a third vehicle. One of the victims died and two others were severely injured. After striking the vehicle, the defendant fled on US 41 northbound failing to stop or render aid for the victims of the crash that she caused. After fleeing the scene, the defendant took her vehicle to a car wash and removed an identifying sticker in an attempt to avoid detection. Trooper Brandon Brelsford and Corporal Bruce Macwhorter conducted a diligent investigation resulting in her immediate arrest. The prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Matthew Willingham commented, “Everyday we drive on the roads of Sarasota County we owe a duty to our fellow citizens to drive safely and responsibly. The defendant in this case violated that duty and caused a severe crash that resulted in the loss of life. Nothing will replace what the victims and their families lost that day. Let this case be a reminder that the reckless and dangerous actions of the defendant will not be

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced that Bishop Henry Lee Porter Sr. was sentenced on Friday afternoon after a jury convicted him in June of two counts of Capital Sexual Battery upon a Child Less than 12 years of Age. Judge Thomas Krug sentenced the 74 year old Porter to two consecutive life sentences. The case was investigated by the Sarasota Police Department and the trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse from June 20th to June 24th. During the trial, five men testified how Porter sexually abused them when they were children. The victims and their families were previously members of Porter’s church called the Westcoast Center for Human Development located in downtown Sarasota. The jury heard how members of the church revered Porter and believed him to be God’s anointed one. Porter used his position of religious authority to manipulate and groom children into sexual abuse. Before this most recent investigation, law enforcement investigated Porter for child sexual abuse numerous times in the past dating back to the 1970s. However, a case was never prosecutable because of statute of limitations restrictions. Nevertheless, law enforcement has now spoken to dozens of men who disclosed to being sexually abused by Porter when they were children. Prosecutor Ryan Felix commented on the Court’s sentence, “Porter’s arrest over two years ago was an initial step toward justice. The jury’s verdict finding him guilty was the next. For decades, he used his high stature in our community as a religious leader to silence his victims. He created a cult-like atmosphere inside his church by indoctrinating hundreds in his congregation. I hope that today’s sentence brought closure to the dozens of children he has sexually abused in the past, and to our community as a whole.”

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Alexander Mendez was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 15 years of probation. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Judge Thomas Krug on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Alexander Mendez was convicted of 17 charges after a jury trial back in June of 2022: Aggravated Battery (Pregnant Victim), Aggravated Battery (Great Bodily Harm), False Imprisonment, Tampering with a Victim, and 13 counts of Violation of a Condition of Pre-Trial Release From a Domestic Violence Charge. Judge Krug found the Defendant qualified as a “Habitual Felony Offender” under Florida law. While on probation, the Defendant will be required to have no contact with the Victim in this case and complete a Certified Batterer’s Intervention Program. The Defendant abused the Victim over the course of several hours in the early morning of July 23, 2021. The Victim was approximately 7 months pregnant at the time of the abuse. After being arrested, the Defendant continuously contacted the Victim from the Sarasota County jail to try to convince her to drop charges, lie to the State Attorney’s Office, and not testify at trial. The Defendant had prior convictions for serious felony offenses, including three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm in 2008 and a conviction for selling cocaine in 2007. The Defendant also had multiple prior convictions for Battery on multiple women, two of which were domestic violence incidents. The Defendant had been to prison 3 times in the past, most recently being released in August of 2016. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney S. Ethan Dunn, said: “The State Attorney’s Office and law enforcement are committed to eradicating domestic abuse in our community. This case was one of the more egregious examples of the cycle of domestic violence, but the Court’s sentence prevents the Defendant from perpetuating that cycle with anyone else for the foreseeable future. I

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Derrick McClain was convicted after jury trial of Sexual Battery Victim 12 Years of Age or Older with a Deadly Weapon (four counts) and False Imprisonment. The crimes were committed on December 19, 2018 and investigated by Sarasota Police Department. The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on September 12, 2022 through September 15, 2022. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. The minimum mandatory sentence is 50 years prison. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Derrick McClain, a convicted sex offender who has a history of failing to register as the sex offender he is, targeted the most vulnerable members of our community. People whose circumstances have resulted in them becoming homeless. The defendant pretended to be a kind and generous man in order to ingratiate himself with homeless individuals. He would offer them food, clothes and shelter. Once they agreed, he would take him or her to his hotel room. When he got his target where he wanted, alone and in his hotel room, he dropped the nice-guy persona and revealed his true colors. He used his size, demeanor and threats of violence to coerce his target to submit to his sexual attacks. In this case, the sexual batteries occurred multiple times, over the course of the early morning hours of the 19th, all while he falsely imprisoned the victim. Although this victim was threatened with death numerous times, his courage and strength prevailed. He reported the attack to law enforcement and an investigation ensued, led by Detective Dan Riley of the Sarasota Police Department. Detective Riley left no stone unturned and corroborated each detail of the victim’s version of events. Witnesses who consoled the victim immediately after the attack were located and interviewed. A sexual assault kit was collected and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis. The results of that analysis showed the def

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Bruce Wilmeth was convicted after open plea to the charge of Sexual Battery Upon Person 12 Or Older But Less Than 18 By A Person In Familial/custodial Authority; Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor (Impregnate). The crimes were committed between March1st, 2021 and April 28th, 2021 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The plea was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on August 12th, 2022. The defendant was sentenced to 30 years of prison followed by a lifetime of probation. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. The 14-year-old child victim and her siblings had just regained contact with her mother when the abuse of the victim began. The defendant was 38 years old at the time he began abusing the victim. As a result of the abuse, the child became pregnant, and the abuse was discovered. When confronted, the defendant fled authorities and was eventually captured through coordinated efforts by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Detectives and adjacent assisting law enforcement agencies. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Lauren P Benson commented, “The criminal actions of the defendant will no doubt have a life-long effect on the victim in this case. We hope that she is able to heal and have a happy and healthy life despite these events. We would also like to commend Detectives Moreland and Riley of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for their extensive efforts in locating and apprehending this defendant so justice could be served for the victim.” If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Lauren P Benson in the Manatee Office at (941)747-3077 Follow us on Facebook at State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, on Twitter at @sao12th and on Instagram at @sao12th

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that John Thomas Cray was convicted after entering an open plea to the charges of Manslaughter With A Weapon and Leaving the Scene of a Crash With Death. The crimes were committed on December 6, 2018 and investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. The plea and sentencing was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on August 10, 2022. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 60 years. The minimum mandatory sentence for the crime of Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Death is 4 years in prison. What began as road rage turned deadly when the victim exited his vehicle and John Cray struck the victim with his vehicle. The victim became lodged under Cray’s vehicle. Cray continued to drive the vehicle while the victim was still lodged under the vehicle, ultimately dragging the victim for 1.8 miles. After the Honorable Judge Whyte denied Cray’s Stand Your Ground hearing, Cray entered an open plea to the court. After hearing testimony from the defendant and the victim’s family, Cray was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence commented, “I am pleased that the victim’s family was able to get justice for their loved one, which will surely help with their grief. This outcome would not have been possible without law enforcement’s hard work.” If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077. Follow us on Facebook at State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, on Twitter at @sao12th and on Instagram at @sao12th

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announces that Andrew James Lydecker was convicted after jury trial of three counts of Sexual Battery By Person Eighteen Years Of Age Or Older Upon Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age; the crimes were committed between December, 2010 – March of 2018 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on July 25, 27-28, 2022. Each count carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison. Defendant was sentenced to life in prison on July 28, 2022. The case involved coordinated efforts by multiple agencies. The children disclosed the abuse years after it happened and while they were staying in a different jurisdiction. The abuse involved both a female victim and a male victim, years apart. Each child victim was unaware of the abuse of the other child until their disclosure to authorities. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Lauren P Benson commented, “We are grateful to the jury for their efforts in this very difficult case. We hope this will bring a sense of closure and justice to the victims so that they may move forward and heal.” If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Lauren P Benson at 941-747-3077. Follow us on Facebook at State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, on Twitter at @sao12th and on Instagram at @sao12th

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Eleazar Gutierrez-Castillo was convicted after jury trial of: 2 Counts of Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By Person Over 18 Years Of Age Upon A Child 12 Years Of Age Or Older But Less Than 16 Years Of Age; and 1 Count of Attempted Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By Person Over 18 Years Of Age Upon A Child 12 Years Of Age Or Older But Less Than 16 Years Of Age. The crimes were committed between May 1, 2021 and September 1, 2021 and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on July 25-26, 2022. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 35 years in the department of corrections. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The defendant was the owner/operator of an ice cream truck. He hired the 15-year-old victim to work with him during the summer of 2021. While they were alone on the ice cream truck, the defendant molested his young employee on multiple occasions. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented, “The State commends the young victim for her bravery and strength in coming forward and sharing her experience with the jury. We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement in securing this conviction, as well as the patient and careful consideration provided by the members of the jury.” 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. Follow us on Facebook at State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, on Twitter at @sao12th and on Instagram at @sao12th

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that William Heagney was convicted after jury trial of Traveling to Seduce, Solicit or Entice a Child to Commit a Sex Act, Use of a Computer to Seduce, Solicit or Entice a Child to Commit a Sex Act, Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Battery (Victim 12 or Older but Less than 16) and Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors (88 counts). The crimes were committed between September 18, 2019, through September 21, 2019, while the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office conducted Operation Intercept VII. The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on June 20, 2022, through June 23, 2022. The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing was held on July 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. One of the defendant’s prior victims of sexual abuse testified before the Court and read her victim impact statement. After hearing argument from both the State and defense, the Court agreed with the State’s recommendation and sentenced the defendant to life in prison. The Defendant, who has a history of committing sexual abuse against children, attempted to engage in sexual conduct with a child believed by him to be 14 years old. Over the course of his conversation with this child, he sent 88 images of pornography to groom this child to entice or encourage her to engage in sexual conduct with him. The defendant, 45 years old at the time, claimed he was 41, making him 31 years older than the child he traveled to have sexual activity with. Although the child mentioned many times that she was only 14 and alluded to her young age and immaturity throughout the conversation, the defendant persisted. Ultimately, he traveled two hours and parked his truck miles away at Home Depot then rode his bicycle to the decoy house. Upon arrival, he was immediately taken into custody. The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Kate Metz commented, “Traveler operations, like Intercept VII, save children from onl

Today, we thank 1.8 million Americans for their service in the #koreanwar . The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, and is commemorated every July 27th as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.

Today is National Shark Awareness Day, and protecting sharks is an important value that our community holds. As of July 1, 2020, prohibited shark species must be released without delay, and the sharks’ gills are to remain in the water during the release. If the angler cannot get in the water to complete the task, he or she must at least cut the line to release the shark. For more information about the prohibited sharks, click here: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-44 and read 68B-44

From everyone at the State Attorney's Office, we wish you a fantastic fourth of July! This Independence Day, we take time to recognize the strong and independent county America is. Have a safe and wonderful day! #happyfourthofjuly

Happy Father's Day!

Attention! Remember to be vigilant of our reptilian residents during the summer months. Alligators are more active due to the warmer climate, so if you see a gator behaving aggressively, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline: (866) 382-4280

Happy Mother's Day! We hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day full of love.

Happy National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! 🐶🐱

Happy Earth Day! It is a beautiful day to acknowledge this wonderful planet we call home. On this Earth Day let’s spread awareness among people about importance of protecting our valuable planet!

Happy Easter! From everyone at the Office of The State Attorney, we hope you have a wonderful day full of blessings and love.

In 2020 alone, 319,230 Child Abuse cases were reported for girls and 297,352 cases were reported for boys. You can show your support by: 1. Wearing Blue 2. Sharing our posts with friends and family to help spread the word 3. Using the hashtag #Blueforkids 4. Bring awareness by talking about abuse

Myth vs. Fact Emotional Abuse is a consistent behavior targeted to bring down the child's emotional well-being. This has the potential to stunt the child's emotional development later in life.

Top O' the Morning to ya! 🍀 Happy St. Patricks Day from our office to you! We hope you have a day full of luck and a little magic. Remember to be responsible!

What is Human Trafficking?