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State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Demetrius Gabriel was convicted after jury trial of Murder In The First Degree.  The crime was committed on 12/15/2017 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse 3/24/25-3/26/25.

The homicide occurred at Spot 26 nightclub at 4307 26^th Street West just off of Cortez Road in Bradenton.  For reasons that are still unknown, the defendant, already inside the club, waited near the front door for the victim to enter.  He stood near the front door watching for some time and when the victim started to enter, he drew a gun from his waistband, walked up to the victim, and shot him in the face.  After the victim fell to the floor, the defendant walked calmly out of the club still holding the murder weapon.

Most of the incident was captured on surveillance video but the identity of the shooter was still unknown.  Ultimately police were able to identify a possible suspect but needed to confirm his identity.  They were able to do this through fingerprints that Gabriel left on a cup he was drinking from at the bar.  An arrest warrant was issued, but the defendant remained on-the-run for close to 5 years while using another identity.  He was ultimately found after he was arrested in Miami on unrelated charges using this false identity.  The defendant was released from Federal prison less than 2 years prior to this shooting and was still on probation at the time of this shooting. 

The defendant was sentenced to Life in prison without parole.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell, commented,

“Thanks to the keen eye of law enforcement this case was solved.  Both lead detective, Benjamin Main, and crime scene technician, Abby Schmitt, from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office noticed from the surveillance video that the shooter left a cup on the bar.  They protected, preserved, and processed this evidence which led to a confirmation of the defendant’s identity.  The family of the deceased victim, Jarvis Isom, has waited a very long time for justice in this case, and we are relieved that they finally received it.  We thank the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work, and we thank the jury for their attention and consideration of this extremely important case.”

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 Jose Julio Espinosa was convicted after jury trial of Sexual Battery By a Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon a Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age and Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By a Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon a Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age; The crimes were committed between 2009 and 2015, when the victim was under the age of 12, and were reported in 2021.  The case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on March 12-13, 2025.

The crimes carry a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The defendant will be designated a sexual predator.  Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented, “The State would like to thank the members of the jury for their careful consideration of this difficult case.  We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement, specifically Det. Bryan Lake of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children unit, in securing this conviction.  The State commends the victim for her strength and bravery in disclosing the acts of sexual abuse she endured as a child after keeping this secret for so many years.”

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 today that Terry Tyron Collins was convicted after jury trial of Sexual Battery By a Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon a Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age and Lewd Or Lascivious Molestation By a Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon a Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age.  The crimes were committed between November 2021 and March 2023 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’S Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on March 5 – March 7, 2025

The crimes carry a mandatory sentence of 25 years to Life in prison and require the defendant to be designated as a Sexual Predator.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented, “The State commends the young victim for her bravery and strength in disclosing the acts of abuse she endured and sharing her experience with the jury.  We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement, specifically Det. Timothy Collins of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children unit, 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 Dusnikin the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Demitrius Tyrone Bell was convicted after jury trial of Attempted  Murder In The First Degree With A Firearm, Armed Kidnapping, and Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon.  The crimes were committed on 06/05/2023 and investigated by Bradenton Police Department.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse 3/12/25 through 3/14/25.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

The minimum mandatory sentence for the Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm is 25 years in prison and for the Armed Kidnapping is 10 years in prison.

The State is seeking enhancement of the penalty under Three-Time Violent Felony Offender, which would make the sentence a mandatory life sentence.

Sentencing is to be scheduled at a future date.

The defendant, the male victim, and the female victim were employees at the Tropicana plant. The defendant was upset all day and confronted the female victim at Tropicana during her break. Shortly after, the defendant appeared in the department where both victims worked.  He was not supposed to be in that department at that time. While approaching the victims, the defendant removed a firearm from his waistband and started arguing with the victims. Within 10 seconds of approaching them, the defendant shot the male victim in the torso. Once the male victim was shot, the female victim tried to run away but tripped and fell. The defendant chased after her and pointed the gun at her head. He then directed her to get up and walk while pointing the gun at her. He forced her to walk out of the building, off of the property, and across the parking lot where he pushed her into his car. The defendant kept the female victim isolated from the public for two days before he dropped her off in a random neighborhood in Tampa.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence commented, “The defendant’s reprehensible actions back on June 5, 2023 irrevocably affected both of the victims’ lives. We hope this verdict provides them a sense of justice. We appreciate the jury’s attention throughout the trial and are thankful that they held him accountable for these senseless and violent crimes.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Isreal Rogner was sentenced to the statutory maximum of fifteen (15) years in prison for DUI Manslaughter and fifteen (15) years of probation for numerous other charges related to a 2022 drunk driving crash. Rogner plowed into a line of stopped vehicles at the intersection of US 41 and the Venice Bypass in Venice, Florida on December 28, 2022. The crash caused fatal injuries to Denver Gillean and injuries or property damage to six (6) additional victims. Denver Gillean, a Venice resident, Korean War veteran and father of six was sitting in the back seat of his caregiver’s car after enjoying a birthday dinner with friends. Two additional occupants of the same vehicle were also injured, and one continues to suffer debilitating back pain to this day.

The crime was investigated by the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney. The investigation revealed that the Defendant had consumed eight (8) alcoholic beverages at Sharky’s On The Pier up until just prior to the crash. Sharky’s is approximately two and a half miles from the crash scene.

The December 28, 2022 crash was neither the Defendant’s first, nor his last, example of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. On January 24, 2022, the Defendant was discovered unresponsive and slumped over the wheel of his still-running Toyota Highlander by Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies. After waking Rogner, deputies noted he was unable to exit the vehicle or walk without assistance and exhibited slurred speech and the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Deputies also noted open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle. Rogner refused to perform field sobriety exercises or submit to a breath test. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence, which he resolved with a plea to Reckless Driving on March 24, 2022, and was sentenced to probation. After completing the terms of his probation, he was released from it on December 1, 2022. Four weeks later, with his license suspended for refusing to submit to a breath test in January, Rogner crashed the same Toyota Highlander into Mr. Gillean and others.  He again refused to perform field sobriety exercises or submit to a breath test.

After the December 2022 crash, Rogner was released on bond, and ordered to wear a GPS monitor and consume no alcohol. On March 25, 2024, Rogner’s bond was revoked after he crashed the boat he was operating into rocks on Sanibel causeway in Lee County. According to witnesses, he was seen on a nearby beach just prior to the crash and appeared to be highly intoxicated. Rogner was ejected from his vessel during the crash but is not believed to have suffered serious injuries. He has remained in continuous custody at the Sarasota County Jail since his bond was revoked and he is expected to face prosecution in Lee County now that his Sarasota case has been resolved.

On June 6, 2024, Rogner entered a plea of no contest to all charges in his Sarasota case, without the benefit of a negotiated plea deal. On February 19, 2025, the Honorable Judge Thomas Krug presided over an hours-long sentencing hearing during which he heard from the children of Denver Gillean, the injured co-occupants of Gillean’s vehicle, friends and family of Rogner, and Rogner himself, who expressed remorse for his actions and described his struggles with alcohol. The Court also considered dozens of letters in support of Rogner and a pre-sentencing investigation by the Florida Department of Corrections. The State argued for a sentence of twenty-five (25) years in prison followed by probation and the Defense argued for a sentence of five (5) years in prison followed by probation.

In imposing a sentence of fifteen (15) years in prison followed by fifteen (15) years of probation, the Court noted Rogner’s long history of alcoholism and the Court’s concern for public safety. The Court also noted the pain Rogner had caused to his victims and their families, as well as to his own family and friends. After Rogner was sentenced, members of the respective families consoled each other outside the courtroom.

Conditions of Rogner’s probation will include alcohol counseling and treatment, an alcohol-detecting ankle monitor, and restitution to his victims. Should he violate the terms of his probation, Rogner could face an additional fifteen (15) years in prison.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney (ASA) William Greiner commented, “Struggling with alcohol is not a crime, but ignoring the law and endangering members of our community by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence most certainly is. Rogner will pay for his actions on December 28, 2022, but those he harmed, including members of Mr. Gillean’s family, as well as members of his own family, will pay even more.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Albert Wilcox was convicted after jury trial of Murder In The Second Degree With A Firearm.  The crime was committed on 02/26/2022 and investigated by the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff’S Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse from 2/10/25 to 2/12/25.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Suzanne O’Donnell and Rebecca Freel.  The defendant was sentenced to Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

On the night of the homicide the defendant was displaying aggressive behavior, firing a gun into the air, and arguing with his girlfriend’s mother, the deceased victim Sherline White.  During this argument, the defendant pointed his gun at Ms. White while she sat in the driver’s seat of her car preparing to leave.  He fired 8 times and struck her 5 times killing her instantly. 

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell commented, “Due to the excellent work of the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the defendant was quickly apprehended after fleeing to Glades County, and he confessed to the crime.  This was a senseless crime that should not have happened and now Ms. White’s family must bear the pain of her loss.  Hopefully this life sentence will provide some comfort to them.”

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

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that defendants, Carlos Herrera and Akeleis Dumbar, were sentenced on January 31, 2025, to life in prison after being convicted by a jury for Attempted 1^st Degree Murder with a Firearm; Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle within 1,000 feet of a Person; Shooting at or Into an Occupied Vehicle; Shooting at or Into an Occupied Dwelling; and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm Causing Great Bodily Harm. Akeleis Dumbar was also convicted of Witness Tampering. 

The crimes were committed on November 23, 2022, and investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on November 4, 2024, through November 14, 2024.

The crimes of Attempted 1^st Degree Murder with a Firearm, Witness Tampering, and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm causing Great Bodily harm carried a maximum possible sentence of Life in Prison. The other charges carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The minimum mandatory sentences for Attempted 1^st Degree Murder with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm are 25 years to Life in Prison.

The State sought a sentencing enhancement of the penalty under Florida’s 10-20-Life, Florida Statute 775.087.

Sentencing occurred on January 31, 2025.

On November 23, 2022, Carlos Herrera and Akeleis Dumbar entered Jamari Williams’ neighborhood in the cover of night, through a broken resident’s gate, parked their car, and waited for Jamari Williams to come home. They laid in wait for more than 40 minutes until Williams returned home and parked his vehicle in front of his townhome. At that point, Herrera and Dumbar drove their vehicle next to Williams’ and unleashed gunfire into Williams’ vehicle and home. More than 17 rounds of bullets were fired into Williams’ body before Herrera and Dumbar fled the property. EMTs rushed Williams to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital where trauma surgeons operated to repair the damage inflicted upon him. Bullets dissected Williams’ liver, small bowel, and were lodged in his brain. Against all odds, Williams survived but remains paralyzed on his right side.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Megan Leaf commented, “The strength and resiliency of Jamari Williams and his family is unparalleled. While no amount of time will ever fully restore Mr. Williams, the jury’s verdict and Court’s sentence provided the justice he and his family deserved.”

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 on 01/24/25 that Luke Terrence Politi was convicted after entering an open plea to the Court for the charges of Vehicular Homicide; Reckless Driving – Causing Serious Bodily Injury; and Reckless Driving – Causing Damage to Persons or Property.  The crimes were committed on 12/04/2020 and investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. A jury trial was set to begin on November 11, 2024. Politi entered a plea to the charges just prior to jury selection. The sentencing hearing was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on January 22, 2025.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in the Department of Corrections and one year in the Manatee County Jail.

Politi was 17 years old at the time of the offense.

Politi was speeding down University Parkway with the three victim passengers in his Tesla vehicle when Politi lost control of the vehicle, drove into the grass, hit a culvert, went airborne several feet into the air and struck a light pole with significant force and speed causing the pole to snap in half. The car then rolled several times on the ground and came to its final resting place on the edge of a retention pond upside down on its roof. The backseat passengers, ages 15 and 16, were ejected from the vehicle and both received devastating injuries. The front seat passenger, 16 years of age, was killed as a result of this crash. Video surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the crash. Politi’s laboratory report showed there was alcohol in his system. The Tesla’s Event Data Recorder showed Politi’s speed to reach 126 miles per hour moments before the crash.

On the morning of jury trial in front of the Honorable Judge Whyte, Politi entered an open plea to the Court. During the sentencing hearing, the Court heard testimony from Politi, his family and friends, and a psychologist. The Court also heard testimony from the prosecution’s witnesses to include family and friends of the three victims. After consideration of all evidence and testimony, Judge Whyte rejected defense counsel’s request for a Downward Departure from the Sentencing Guidelines.  Judge Whyte also rejected defense counsel’s request for a Youthful Offender sentence and sentenced Politi to 155.175 months in the Department of Corrections followed by 24 months of Probation.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney, Annie Ebert commented, “After four years I am delighted that the two surviving victims, all three victims’ families and friends and their community were finally able to receive justice. It was heartwarming to see many family members and friends of all three victims come together and provide the Court with testimony and support each other during this difficult time. This outcome would not have been possible without law enforcement’s continued dedication and hard work. The two surviving victims and the deceased victim’s family now have closure to this horrific tragedy. “

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