Kirkland sentenced to 50 years after pleading to murder

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Admin SA

A man who shot and killed a woman during an argument in his home pled no contest to Second-Degree Murder Monday and was sentenced to 50 years in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Luke Eric Kirkland, 46, was set to go to trial this week for Second-Degree Murder and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Instead, before a jury was picked, Kirkland entered his plea. Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson accepted it and adjudicated the defendant guilty.

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan was prepared to call witnesses and present evidence, from the recovery of the murder weapon at a family member’s home to the victim’s blood on the defendant’s clothing, to prove the case. The evidence would have shown the defendant was arguing with victim Alyson “Amanda” Jones, 45, and when she said she was leaving he shot her in the head.

“This was a completely senseless and unprovoked act by the defendant that instantly took the life of a woman who was causing no harm,” Prosecutor Frank Sullivan said. “The investigation and evidence gathered by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office was strong as evidenced by the defendant’s plea.”

A witness in the residence left the home after the shooting and soon told a friend, who called the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. At about the same time deputies arrived, a family member of the victim called the Sheriff’s Office asking for a welfare check on the victim.

Deputies reported the defendant talked to them at the door but gave conflicting statements and at one point asked, “What if there’s a body in here?” Based on the circumstances, deputies entered the home and found the victim in the bathtub, wrapped in linen. After obtaining a search warrant, they determined the victim was Alyson “Amanda” Jones, 45. She had been shot once in the forehead.

The revolver used in the crime was found in the home of one of the defendant’s family members.

The defendant’s roommate, who was at the residence at the time of the shooting, was located by Panama City Beach Police near the County Pier.

Blood on the defendant’s pants was matched to the victim through DNA. The defendant’s DNA was also found on the handle and trigger of the murder weapon.

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit for their work on the case and Panama City Beach Police for locating the key witness the next morning on the beach.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Final Defendant in $100,000+ Baseball Card Theft Headed to Prison

Posted on June 6, 2026 by Admin SA

The final defendant in the burglary and theft of more than $100,000 in collectible baseball cards received a 15-year prison sentence today.

Christopher Develle Brown, 40, was found guilty at trial of Grand Theft over $100,000, said State Attorney Larry Basford. Circuit Court Judge Shonna Young Gay added 5 years’ probation and ordered $183,000 in restitution to the victim.

Prosecutor Zachary VanDyke said the defendant was part of a 4-person burglary crew that stole more than $100,000 in collectible baseball cards from a Panama City business in 2023.“Thirty-five years of work and passion disappeared on the night of Feb. 16, 2023,” VanDyke said. “No amount of restitution can return that to the victim. But we are glad that these thieves were held accountable and our victim was able to see justice carried out.”

A second defendant, Leon Rowe, Jr., has already been convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. A third defendant agreed to a plea in exchange for his testimony against the others. The fourth defendant has not been located.

The group is believed to be involved in similar burglaries stretching from Florida to Louisiana.In the Panama City Police Department case, the defendants took hundreds of collector’s cards ranging from a 1955 Sandy Koufax ($4,500) and 1963 Pete Rose ($4,000), to a 1954 Hank Aaron ($4,000) and a 1948 American Association Babe Ruth ($3,000). The collection included 65 Mickey Mantles, 34 Hank Aarons, 11 Whitey Fords, and cards from Tom Seaver, Roger Maris, Nolan Ryan, and Johnny Bench.

Basford thanked the law enforcement network across the Gulf Coast that collaborated in connecting the cases, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for its work on a similar case that assisted the Panama City Police Department’s case.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Third and Final Defendant in Bonifay ATM Robbery Sentenced to 9 years

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Admin SA

The third and final defendant in the robbery of more than $100,000 from the Wells Fargo Bonifay ATM has pled no contest to his charges and was sentenced to 9 years in prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Holmes County Chief Prosecutor Jake Cook said the three codefendants in the Bonifay case have now been sentenced to a combined 34 years in prison for the crime.

Traveon Ladarren Burnett, 27, of Pasadena, Texas, was adjudicated guilty Wednesday of Grand Theft of More Than $100,000, Robbery, and Criminal Mischief in the Oct. 18, 2024 robbery of a Bonifay ATM. Circuit Court Judge Russell Roberts accepted the plea and 9-year prison sentence. Judge Roberts also ordered the sentence to be serve consecutive to “any other prison sentences in any other jurisdiction.”

Cook said Burnett was part of a Houston Texas gang linked to ATM robberies across the country. Earlier this year Marcus McLemore pled to the same charges and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In December, Jacorey DeShawn Hall, 27, entered an open plea on the day of trial to Grand Theft of More Than $100,000 and Robbery, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 30 years of probation.

“Chief Johnny Whitaker and the Bonifay Police Department put a lot of work into what was a very complicated case involving multiple jurisdictions and states,” Cook said. “This crime was well-planned, sophisticated, and the pieces of evidence were spread out all across the country, and now between the three defendants they have a combined 34 years to think about committing crimes in Florida.”

Cook was prepared to call witnesses and present evidence that the defendants caused the Bonifay ATM to malfunction on Oct. 18, 2024, which resulted in a service call for repairs. Burnett and his co-defendants waited over 4 hours after jamming the ATM, and when the technician arrived, they rushed him, beat him away from the ATM, and stole over 100,000 dollars in cash.

Witnesses and video surveillance helped law enforcement identify the getaway car and its tag, and its path of travel back to Panama City Beach. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office found the abandoned car and items in it – like gloves and receipts –that were linked to the Texas gang.

Basford also thanked the Bonifay Police Department and multiple agencies involved for their collaboration.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Man guilty in drug-related shooting, robbery that paralyzed victim

Posted on June 4, 2026June 4, 2026 by Admin SA

A man who drove to what was supposed to be a small marijuana transaction but instead shot the seller in the back, paralyzing him, was found guilty of the charges against him Wednesday evening, according to State Attorney Larry Basford.

Dexter Owens, 19, was found guilty late Wednesday of Robbery with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark set sentencing for July 23. Under Florida’s 10-20-Life Statute, the defendant faces up to Life in prison.

“The plan was to go and rob the victim of his marijuana and that changed when Dexter Owens saw the victim’s gun and decided he wanted it and made the decision to shoot the victim,” Prosecutor Frank Sullivan said. “And that gun was found hidden in a hole in Owens’ closet.”

There were multiple witnesses who testified about various parts of the evening of Oct. 12, 2024. It started with a ride to the victim’s girlfriend’s house to buy a small amount of marijuana and ended with Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputies surrounding the defendant’s home as they awaited a search warrant. Nearly a half dozen people emerged from the residence when the warrant was obtained.

Owens drove a car with two passengers to the victim’s girlfriend’s house to buy $30-$60 worth of marijuana, according to several witnesses. The victim, who is paralyzed from the shooting and arrived in court in a wheelchair, testified he got into the backseat and handed a few grams of marijuana to the front-seat passenger.

He said he was waiting for payment and looking at his phone, “and all I hear is Dexter say, ‘Hey, what’s that?’ When I looked up, I didn’t move, and I have a gun pointed at my chest (by Owens).

“I let him take my phone and everything, I was scared to move,” the victim continued. “We’re sitting there a minute or two or so and nothing’s being said … so I try to run.”

The victim, who said he had a gun tucked into his waistband, said he was trying to get out the back door, “and then I feel him physically hit me in the back with the gun and shoot me.”

The car’s passenger said he knew the victim was carrying a gun but did not threaten anyone with it and did not deserve to be shot by his friend Owens, who was driving.

The victim’s phone was left in the car and his girlfriend was able to use an app to tell deputies exactly where the defendants’ car had parked in Panama City. Deputies went to that address and knocked, but no one would answer the door.

They surrounded the house and when a search warrant was signed about two hours later, they ordered everyone out.

Multiple statements to investigators generated evidence pointing to Owens as being the shooter and instigator. Owens’ version of events that night changed multiple times, ranging from he never touched a gun or shot anyone, to he did shoot the victim but it was in self-defense.

In all statements to deputies the reason for the trip in the first place was to buy marijuana. But on the stand Wednesday, Owens claimed he was driving someone there to buy a gun, something he never said in his previous interviews with investigators.

“He lied again, and again, and again, and again during that interview,” Sullivan said. “When somebody is proven to be a liar, you have to think critically, and you have to analyze everything they say. He has proven he will lie to get out of trouble and to avoid getting into trouble and to protect himself, and then he gets into court and tells you something he’s never told anyone before.”

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and it’s Criminal Investigation Division for their work on the case involving multiple suspects and scenes.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Impaired man in boxers who killed college-bound student sentenced to 15 years

Posted on May 28, 2026May 28, 2026 by Admin SA

A man who testified he “loved” drinking and did so daily was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday for DUI-Manslaughter, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Anthony Charles Hill Jr., 49, of Panama City, was found guilty of crossing the centerline and hitting a disabled vehicle that flipped into the air, crushing and killing Javis Whipple. The defendant emerged from his vehicle wearing only his boxer shorts and was estimated to have had a BAC of up to .23 at the time of the April 14, 2023 wreck.

Circuit Court Judge Shonna Young Gay issued the maximum sentence after final statements from Chief Assistant State Attorney Mark Graham and the defense. Four of the 15 years are minimum-mandatory. His driver’s license is permanently revoked.

“The victim in this case was 23 years old; he was headed for college,” Graham told Judge Gay. “The defendant chose to drink and drive recklessly, and he caused the wreck that took Javis Whipple’s life.

“I would submit the defendant has shown no remorse nor accepted any accountability for his actions,” Graham continued. “Even on the stand he lied to avoid the consequences of his actions, and I think that’s significant.”

Graham also noted the defendant had a “significant” prior record that included a half-dozen felony arrests.

At trial, Graham and Prosecutor Zachary VanDyke called 15 witnesses and presented evidence proving the defendant was guilty. The defendant denied being impaired, saying he only started drinking after the wreck.

Under cross-examination, he said he “loved” drinking and did so daily, but testified he only started chugging liquor that day after the wreck because his passenger/paramour was nagging him.

The evidence showed the victim’s car broke down on County 22-A near Cherry Lane on the night of April 14, 2023. A friend came to help and was parked behind the victim. Both vehicles, facing north on the side of the road, had their headlights and hazard lights on.

The defendant was driving south when he crossed the centerline and hit the victim’s Challenger head-on. The Challenger flipped backward, hitting and killing the victim before coming to a rest nearly 50 feet away in a graveyard.

Hill’s car was going 60 mph in the 35-mph zone.

Williams and other witnesses said Hill got out of his car wearing only a red pair of boxer shorts, appeared impaired, and repeatedly said he did not hit the Challenger and did not know what had happened. Hill at that time claimed he had not been drinking.

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol for their response that night and the ensuing accident reconstruction.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Former Student Guilty of Sexually Assaulting 2 Girls on Campus

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Admin SA

A former Bay High School student found guilty late Friday afternoon of sexually assaulting two 14-year-old girls in the locker room is set for sentencing July 9, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Jaques Cortez Lee, 22, was 19 and a senior at the time of the offenses. He was found guilty of Sexual Battery of one of the victims and Lewd and Lascivious Battery on the other for the Nov. 8, 2022 attack.

Prosecutor Morgan McAfee called both victims as witnesses and presented evidence showing the defendant was communicating with both victims via Snapchat. On Nov. 8, 2022, he ssaged one to meet him in the locker room.

A friend went with the victim for safety and the evidence showed that while in the locker room the defendant sexually assaulted both girls. Both victims reported it and underwent forensic interviews at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center for forensic interviews.

Basford thanked the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center for its work and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for its thorough investigation that helped lead to the guilty verdicts.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

2 Calhoun correctional officers sentenced to prison

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Admin SA

Separate investigations led to two pleas last week that sent two former Calhoun Correctional Institution officers to prison, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Amber Tawnee Rabon, 35, of Marianna, pled to Corrections Employee Sexual Misconduct with an Inmate, two counts of Unlawful Compensation for Official Behavior, and two counts of Possession/Introduction of Contraband into a State Correctional Institution – one involving a cellphone and the other involving cigarettes.

In an unrelated case at the facility, Rhonda Lynn Jones, 59, of Grand Ridge, pled to Trafficking in Phenethylamines and Introduction of Contraband into a State Facility.

Circuit Court Judge Brandon Young Circuit Court Judge Brandon Young accepted Rabon’s plea, adjudicated the defendant guilty and sentenced her to 46 months in prison on three of the charges. On two other charges she was given 10 years’ probation, to be served after her release from prison.

Judge Young also accepted Jones’ plea and a 3-year prison sentence.

“What these two defendants were doing, while unrelated, were happening at the same facility and undermining the other employees’ ability to maintain control and order,” said Calhoun County Chief Prosecutor Joshua White. “Contraband is an ongoing problem in any prison facility and we must be able to rely on the correctional officers – most of whom are doing an outstanding job – to follow the rules and keep contraband out.

“Having sexual relationships with an inmate or smuggling in contraband is something the DOC and our offices take very seriously.”

White was prepared to call witnesses and evidence gathered by Det. William Dalton of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Corrections, proving Amber Rabon was engaged in a sexual relationship with an inmate.

The evidence would have shown the defendant had relations with the inmate at the facility, smuggled in at least one cellphone at his request, smuggled cigarettes into the facility, and was rewarded through cash payments via CashApp – a mobile based cash transfer app. The acts took place between September 2022 and November 2023.

At least one sexual act took place in a staff bathroom while another inmate acted as a “lookout.” There also was evidence the defendant and the inmate would engage in video calls – on a contraband cell phone – during which the defendant was nude in her vehicle in the parking lot.

In the second case, White was prepared to call witnesses and present evidence by Det. Dalton to prove that Rhonda Jones tried to smuggle in two packages of Phenethylamines – commonly found in stimulants like prescription Adderall or illegal drugs like methamphetamine.

The evidence would have shown Jones was entering the facility for work on March 15, 2025, with two packages of the drug concealed in her bra. During the entry pat-down process, a Sergeant located the items wrapped in black electrical tape.

The DOC investigator said when Jones was asked to remove the two items, she said, “I am a woman of God, I don’t have anything!” She then “took two items from inside her bra and threw them under the sink … .” They were retrieved and found to contain drugs.

Basford thanked the Department of Corrections and Office of the Inspector General for its thorough investigation that led to pleas in the case.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Man who threw punch at cop and missed lands in prison

Posted on May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 by Admin SA

A man who fought with a police officer responding to a call of one man threatening another with a knife was sentenced to 42 months in prison after being found guilty Tuesday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Stephen Wayne Spohn, 48, was found guilty of Resisting an Officer with Violence, and Battery. Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson handed down the sentence following the verdict. Jurors took 27 minutes to reach their verdicts.

Prosecutor Christopher Walters called 3 witnesses, including the officer involved.

Walters said protecting those – law enforcement – who are on the streets putting themselves in danger to keep citizens safe is crucial.

“The officer is just trying to do his job, and in this case there is a report that someone with a knife is beating and chasing another citizen,” Walters said. “We depend on them to respond and protect us. We must do the same when they become the victim.”

Walters noted that from the moment a citizen spotted the defendant arguing with another man, the defendant was the aggressor.

“Every escalation in this case is due to one person – this defendant,” Walters said. “He met every situation with violence. There’s no one to blame but himself.”

RELATED: Former CO sentenced to prison

The testimony and evidence showed the defendant struck another man, knocking him to the ground near 23^rd Street and State 77. The man was able to get out and tried to run away, but the defendant caught him.

A Good Samaritan saw what was happening, pulled up next to the men, and ultimately let that victim into the vehicle for protection until police arrived.

The officer spotted the defendant walking away and told him to stop but was ignored. The defendant tried to punch him when he was detained and continued to struggle with police.

Basford thanked the Panama City Police Department and the officers involved for their work that day and for helping keep citizens out of harm’s way.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

Texas Man Sentenced to 45 Years for 2012 Child Sex Assaults

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Admin SA

A Texas man was given consecutive sentences totaling 45 years in prison today for the 2012 sexual battery and molestation of a 14-year-old girl, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Orlin Antonio Garcia, 49, was found guilty in February of Sexual Battery and Lewd & Lascivious Molestation. Circuit Court Judge Timothy Register Monday sentenced him to the maximum on both charges – 30 years and 15 years respectively – and ordered the sentences served consecutively. The defendant was also designated as a Sexual Predator.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Moore said the stiff sentence was more than proper, it represented justice for the young victim who had to live with the trauma of the crime for over a decade and then testify in the 2026 trial.

“This is a fitting sentence for our victim,” Moore said. “It was an emotional and difficult process for her, but she walked through it, the jury believed her, and today the judge reinforced that with the maximum sentence.”

The victim, now 27, testified the sexual attacks took place during 2012 but she was too frightened to report them and did not think anyone would believe her. She said the defendant threatened to kill her and her family if she disclosed the assaults.

“I have absolutely nothing to gain. I just want my truth to be heard,” the victim testified at trial. “I have the courage now, I’m brave enough, I’m not scared anymore.”

Basford thanked the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for its thorough investigation of the case, and the victim for her courage.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.

2 Life Sentences for Man Who Used Force, Threats, and Drugs to Sexually Batter Child

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Admin SA

Two Life sentences were given to a Panama City man found guilty Friday of using force, threats, and drugs to sexually batter a child repeatedly, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Christopher Adam Coatney, 34, of Panama City, was accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting the victim starting when she was 10 years old. Circuit Court Judge Brantley Clark sentenced the defendant following the verdict. Jurors took just over an hour to find the defendant guilty of two counts of Sexual Battery on a Child Under the Age of 12.

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan addresses jurors.

Prosecutor Frank Sullivan told jurors the defendant victimized and terrorized the young girl, threatening to harm her if she ever disclosed the abuse.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael this man repeatedly sexually abused the victim,” Sullivan said. “This defendant used force, the threat of violence, fear, and drugs to repeatedly victimize this little girl.”

The evidence showed that in addition to the force and threats, the defendant made the victim drink a meth-laced concoction before some of the attacks.

The attacks started after Hurricane Michael and continued into 2019, according to evidence gathered by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. The victim was staying at another shelter for children in 2021 when she disclosed the abuse. An advocate there contacted the GCCAC.

“This is a horrific case of abuse,” Sullivan said after the trial. “This child had to experience what no child should ever have to go through.

“But with this verdict she can begin to heal and move forward with her life.”

Basford thanked the GCCAC for its work and forensic interview of the victim, and the BCSO for its thorough investigation that helped lead to the guilty verdicts.

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.