Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on February 23, 2017, after 45 minutes of deliberation, a six-member jury found Marlon Edgardo Lara Castillo guilty as charged of one count of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation of a Victim Under the Age of 12.  The child victim testified at trial that on the date of March 6, 2016, while at the Defendant’s home, the Defendant sat her on his lap and proceeded to touch her in her vaginal area, both above her clothing as well as under.  The Defendant testified and admitted to the touching of the child victim, but claimed that it was accidental.  The State’s evidence, however, showed that upon learning that deputies from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office wanted to discuss the allegation with him, the Defendant attempted to flee, and was apprehended with a bag full of his personal belongings, his Bible, his passport, and $900 in cash.  The State’s case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys A. Michele Lucas and Christine D. Smallwood.

The Defendant is set for sentencing on March 10, 2017, and is facing a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in the Department of Corrections.

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 with any questions.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on February 23, 2017 at the Jackson County Courthouse, Heather Sheffield was sentenced by the Honorable Shonna Gay to 20 years in prison for the crime of DUI Manslaughter and Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Death.  The sentence was the result of Mrs. Sheffield entering an open plea to the court due to the state not offering her any type of plea deal.

On February 11, 2016, Mrs. Sheffield killed her husband, Michael Sheffield, by running him over while driving her silver Chevrolet Impala.  Mrs. Sheffield later admitted to Investigator Jeff Snell that she was driving drunk when she ran over her husband and that she fled the scene out of fear that she would get arrested for DUI.  Mrs. Sheffield did not stop and render aid even though she knew she ran over her husband.  The incident took place within 50 feet of the couple’s front door to their residence in Greenwood, Florida.

An investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office revealed physical evidence of the crime scene that matched the vehicle driven by Mrs. Sheffield, as well as biological evidence under the vehicle which DNA testing showed a match to the victim, Michael Sheffield.  The investigation also revealed that Mrs. Sheffield had both alcohol and methamphetamine in her blood at the time of the offense.  In 2002, Heather Sheffield was convicted of DUI with Serious Bodily Injury.

Assistant State Attorney Bob Sombathy said, “Although no term of years in prison can bring back their son, Michael Sheffield’s family are satisfied with the sentence, and appreciate Judge Gay allowing the family to address the court on Michael’s behalf.”

Michael Sheffield was 34 years old at the time of his death.

Please contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at 850-832-5510 with any questions.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced that on Wednesday, a Bay County jury found 35 year old William Haden Lundy, of Southport guilty as charged of Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex and Solicitation of a Minor for Sex.  The crimes were discovered during an investigation conducted by Investigator Mike Wombles of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2016.  During the trial, Prosecutor Christa Diviney presented evidence that Lundy contacted what he thought was a 14 year old female on “Craigslist” and proceeded to make arrangements to meet her in Panama City Beach to have sex.  Lundy was arrested by officers from the BCSO when he arrived at a predetermined location.  Diviney also presented the incriminating statements Lundy made to Investigator Wombles.  The jury deliberated approximately two hours before reaching their verdict.  Lundy could face up to twenty years in prison for the two criminal convictions.  Circuit Judge Michael Overstreet scheduled a hearing for Friday to address the defendant’s claim that conviction of both crimes violates double jeopardy.

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 with any questions.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced that on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, a Jackson County jury convicted Ricky Leon Wynn, Jr. of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.  Assistant State Attorney, Ana Maria Garcia, proved to jurors that Wynn, 31, of Marianna, Florida battered Jeremy Barnes of Malone, Florida, on May 14, 2016 while at Club Secrets in Marianna.  After an argument between Barnes and Wynn, Wynn later armed himself with a firearm and clubbed Barnes over the head with the firearm, which caused it to discharge injuring another club patron, Lazandra Johnson.  Johnson was taken to Jackson Hospital and later transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries. Based upon the facts of the case and the special findings of the jury, Wynn qualifies to be sentenced under Florida’s 10/20/life statute and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Wynn is a six-time convicted felon.  Accordingly, Assistant State Attorney Garcia will ask the court to impose a life sentence.  A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 with any questions.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced that on February 14, 2017, Stephen Trusty’s convictions and sentences were affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal.  In February 2015, Assistant State Attorney Bob Sombathy, Chief of the Major Crimes Division, proved to a jury that Trusty was guilty of Second Degree Murder with a Firearm and Witness Tampering in the death of Leonard Price.  Judge Elijah Smiley sentenced Trusty to a total of 51.2 years of imprisonment, which was upheld by the appeals court on Tuesday.

Click on this link to view the opinion:

https://edca.1dca.org/DCADocs/2015/1233/151233_DC08_02142017_081040_i.pdf

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 with any questions.

Press Release from the Office of Glenn Hess, State Attorney

The State Attorney’s Office has implemented a Juvenile Sexting Diversion Program that began on February 1, 2017. This program applies to any child under the age of 18 who sends a sexually explicit photograph to another minor.

For a first offense, pursuant to Florida Statute 847.0141, the child or his parent or legal guardian will be required to pay $65 to the Clerk of Court or the child must perform 8 hours of community service at any non-profit organization.  Failure to complete one of the sanctions within 30 days will require a court appearance before a Circuit Judge in Juvenile Court on a court date provided by the law enforcement officer on the citation.  If a child receives a second offense, it will be classified as a first degree misdemeanor and he/she will be prosecuted in Juvenile Court.  A third or subsequent offense will be a third degree felony that will also be prosecuted in Juvenile Court.

This program is the result of a cooperative effort between the various law enforcement agencies, the Clerk of Court, and the State Attorney’s Office to teach minors about the dangers of sending out such explicit photographs to others,without punishing them criminally for a first offense.  However, if the photograph in question is classified as child pornography, the child could be prosecuted for offenses listed under Florida Statute 847.002 and 847.0137.

For any questions concerning this program, contact Assistant State Attorney Susan Rodger at (850) 872-4473, extension 1328.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced that on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, State Attorney Hess was sworn in for his third term.  County Judge Joe Grammer administered the oath of office, while State Attorney Hess’s wife Maureen, son Scott, and many of his Assistant State Attorneys and staff looked on.  State Attorney Hess looks forward to serving the citizens of the 14th Judicial Circuit for another four years.

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 for any questions.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced that on Tuesday, January 31, 2017,  Circuit Judge Shonna Gay conducted a sentencing hearing in Jackson County, and found Adrian Lamar Graham, 31 years of age, of Marianna, Florida to be a Habitual Felony Offender.   Judge Gay then ordered that Graham be sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years in prison.  Graham was tried and convicted in October of 2016 for committing a battery on a Correctional Officer while in the Jackson County Jail.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Tyler Land and Laura Wahlquist.

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 for any questions.

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced:

On January 20, 2017,  State Attorney Investigator Dave Edmondson presented retiring Circuit Judge William Wright with a plaque in recognition of over thirty-five years of distinguished public service at a luncheon sponsored by the local law enforcement agencies.  Judge Wright began his legal career as a prosecutor in 1979.  In 1983, he was appointed Chief Assistant State Attorney over the Jackson County office.  While working for the State Attorney’s Office, Judge Wright also taught several courses to the the police and corrections cadets at the law enforcement academy at Chipola College.  He was elected Circuit Judge in 1996 and under his direction instituted the Drug Court Program in Jackson County.  After the plaque was presented several citizens took the opportunity to remind those in attendance of Judge Wright’s dedication to the community and to the justice system.

Press Release

The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announced that on Friday, January 20th, 2017 a Bay County Circuit Jury deliberated approximately one hour and found Ronald Eugene Anderson guilty as charged for selling crack cocaine in the front yard of a residence on Allen Avenue in Panama City.  Assistant State Attorneys Jacob Cook and Barbara Beasley presented the testimony of four witnesses to establish Anderson sold the cocaine to an undercover officer with the Panama City Police Department on May 26th, 2016.  Circuit Judge Michael Overstreet scheduled a sentencing date for February 6th.  Selling cocaine is a second degree felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.

Contact Chief Assistant Attorney Larry Basford at (850) 819-6985 for any questions.