The sentencing for the 14-year-old boy charged with breaking into the home of a 91-year-old woman and assaulting her is scheduled for next month, despite the guardian’s objections.
The boy’s grandmother informed the court that her grandson wishes to dismiss defense attorney Jonathan Mills. On Thursday, she delivered this statement during a change of plea hearing with Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon presiding.
A boy in red pants and a brown top appeared via Zoom from county jail, informing the judge that he is pleased with his lawyer and wishes to enter a plea.
After soothing the boy’s grandmother, the judge inquired if the boy, whose name is kept confidential by the Star-Banner due to his age, wished to proceed with the hearing, to which he responded affirmatively. The newspaper is withholding the grandmother’s name to protect the boy’s identity.
The judge questioned the boy to ensure he is capable and aware of his rights. The judge inquired whether the boy had ever received a mental illness diagnosis, to which he responded affirmatively, stating he has ADHD. The boy mentioned that he has not been using the medications as they have a negative impact on him. He informed the judge that he is able to think clearly without the medication.
A boy faces charges for sexual assault and burglary with battery. He faces a potential life sentence for the battery charge. He faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison due to the sex offense.
Mills informed the court that he has had multiple conversations with his client regarding the case, covering both the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s arguments, which involve DNA evidence and the statement made by the boy to law enforcement officials. Katrina Self, the Assistant State Attorney, is handling the prosecution of the case.
The boy responded with a guilty plea when asked about it. The request indicates that the judge will hear arguments from both the prosecution and defense during the sentencing hearing in December before deciding on the sentence.
The boy informed the court that he has not been threatened or offered anything in exchange for his guilty plea. A pre-sentence investigation and pre-disposition report were ordered by the judge.
The boy’s grandmother, appearing downcast, stepped out of the hearing for a moment. She came back and paid attention to the remainder of the discussions.
After the hearing wrapped up, Mills informed a Star-Banner reporter that his client is attending school while incarcerated. The court appointed a lawyer to represent the boy. The boy attended the hearing at the jail but was kept apart from the adults.
The attorney indicated that the state presented a plea deal, but the defense turned it down. He chose not to reveal the details of the offer.
A 14-year-old defendant is among the youngest juveniles to confront adult charges in the 5th Judicial Circuit, which includes Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, and Hernando counties.
On June 9, authorities reported that the victim contacted 911 to inform them of an attack by an unidentified individual who physically and sexually assaulted her in her home in Reddick. An elderly woman was transported to a hospital for care while deputies conducted their investigation.
Authorities reported that the woman claimed to have seen a shadow in her house while she was in bed. An intruder entered the room, and she engaged in a struggle with him. She reported that her assailant struck her in the face with his fist. She mentioned that she prayed during the attack and at one moment asked the assailant to leave her alone.
The woman reported that someone took off her underwear against her will and assaulted her. The assailant departed the residence following the incident.
Detectives identified the teen as a potential suspect through their investigation, which included DNA evidence, and interviewed him at the sheriff’s office. The young male confessed to gaining access to the woman’s home via the living room entrance. According to detectives, he claimed to have viewed explicit content on her iPad before assaulting her.