State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit

06/12/2026

SCAM ALERT!!!

06/11/2026

SCAM ALERT!!!

SCAM ALERT🚨 Beware of Fake Emails!
An email scam impersonating the City of Venice is STILL ongoing. If you receive an unexpected message - possibly "from" the Planning & Zoning Department - asking for personal information, payment or urgent action, please use caution.

🚫 The City of Venice will NEVER ask you to "wire" funds to pay for services. Remember: All official City of Venice emails end with "venicefl.gov." If it’s not from that address (if it's from ".us" for example), it’s not us.

Here are a few ways to spot email scams:
⚠️ Check the sender address. If it doesn’t match our official email, it’s not legitimate.
⚠️ Look for spelling or grammar mistakes. Many scams contain unusual wording or errors.
⚠️ Be cautious of urgent or threatening language. Scammers often pressure you to act quickly.
⚠️ Don’t click unexpected links or attachments. These can lead to malicious sites or install malware.
⚠️ Does the City logo look low-resolution, or otherwise "off"? Are there multiple text fonts used in the email? That's not us.
⚠️ Verify before responding. When in doubt, contact us directly by calling the VPD non-emergency number at 941-486-2444. See less

06/11/2026

SCAM ALERT!!!

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM MANATEE COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE ⚠️

It has come to our attention that an individual or organization is using the Manatee County Animal Welfare name and logo to promote the sale of T-shirts and other merchandise online.

Manatee County Animal Welfare does not sell T-shirts, mugs, or other merchandise, and we are not affiliated with, sponsoring, endorsing, or benefiting from these sales in any way.

Please be advised that any requests for payment related to these items are not associated with Manatee County Animal Welfare, and no funds collected through these sales are received, managed, or authorized by our organization.

We encourage residents and supporters to exercise caution and verify information through our official channels before making purchases or providing payment.

If you have questions about a fundraiser, donation request, or merchandise claiming to support Manatee County Animal Welfare, please contact us directly through our official website or social media accounts.

Thank you for helping us protect our community and the animals we serve.

06/10/2026

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Ronald Clark Willard was convicted after jury trial of Driving Under The Influence (Fourth Or Subsequent Violation); Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended Or Revoked (With Knowledge - Third Or Subsequent Offense) Based On Dui, Refusal, Death/ Serious Bodily Injury, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer; and Driving While License Permanently Revoked. The crimes were committed on 09/18/2024 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on June 8th through June 9th, 2026.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 15 years prison.

The State is seeking enhancement of the penalty, as the defendant is a Habitual Felony Offender, which the jury has determined beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing is scheduled for a future date to be set.

On September 18, 2024, deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office responded to a call reporting that the defendant, Ronald Willard, had committed a battery. While investigating these allegations, the deputies observed the defendant to be intoxicated and behind the wheel of his car. Law enforcement ultimately determined Mr. Willard was intoxicated while driving his vehicle and arrested him for DUI. This was Willard's 8th conviction for DUI, including having previously served an almost 4-year prison sentence for a prior felony DUI. It was also determined Willard was driving at a time when his driving privileges had been permanently revoked, due to his multiple prior DUI convictions and that he had six prior Driving While License Suspended convictions. The State will be seeking a substantial prison sentence for the defendant as a Habitual Felony Offender.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Tanner Woods commented,
“We appreciate the hard work of the deputies of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, as well as the time and attention of the jurors in this case in rendering a just and deserved verdict. This defendant has been a menace to society, both on and off the road, for many years, as indicated by his substantial criminal record, and the State hopes to make sure he receives a sentence that will protect the people of the State Florida for many years to come.”

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

06/10/2026

SCAM ALERT!!!

Scam of the Week
Fake It ‘Til They Take It
Imagine answering your phone and hearing a family member's voice. They tell you they’ve been arrested, and they need you to send money immediately for them to be released from jail. You feel completely shocked, and you might immediately feel like you need to send them as much as they need.

But the voice that you’re hearing is actually completely fake! Cybercriminals find videos of your friends or family on social media, and then use AI to make a replica of their voice. The scammers then use the cloned voice to call you. They hope that if you hear a familiar voice, you will not stop to verify what's actually happening. They usually ask you to send money using methods that are difficult to track, such as wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Anything you send them is nearly impossible to recover!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to AI voice cloning scams:

Set up a secret code word with close family members. Choose something that can't be found online and use it to verify each other's identity in emergencies.
If someone you know calls you and claims to need money immediately, hang up and call them back directly using a known phone number to verify their story.
Be mindful of receiving unusual instructions, such as being asked to send a large amount of money in an unusual way. If someone is in jail, it’s highly unlikely that they would ask for money to be sent using cryptocurrency!

06/08/2026

On June 4th, The North Port Police Department invited State Attorney Ed Brodsky to speak at the North Port Citizens Public Safety Academy about the role and responsibilities of the State Attorney's Office. He provided an overview of the types of cases our office handles and answered questions from attendees.

We greatly appreciate the opportunity to engage with the citizens of North Port and share insights into the work of our office. We also thank the North Port Police Department for inviting us to participate in this valuable community event.

06/08/2026

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Ulysses Lamont Pace was convicted after a jury trial of Armed Robbery with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery. The crimes were committed on July 16, 2023, and investigated by the Sarasota Police Department. The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse June 3-5, 2026.

The crimes were perpetrated against a homeless victim trying to sell items to passing patrons outside a local convenience store. Pace feigned interest in purchasing the victim’s items and instead tossed them into a vehicle and attempted to leave without paying. When the victim attempted to retrieve his items, Pace threatened the victim with a handgun and then shot the victim through the thigh.

Pace had previously served ten years in prison for multiple felonies he committed in 2010. Approximately one month after his release in 2018, he was arrested on a felony drug charge. The night before he was scheduled to begin a prison sentence for that charge, he was arrested on another drug charge. For both drug charges, he was sentenced to four years in prison. Less than six months after his release, Pace robbed and shot the victim in this case.

Assistant State Attorney William Greiner, who prosecuted the case, charged Pace under Florida’s 10-20-Life law, and as a Prison Releasee Reoffender. Under 10-20-Life, Pace faced a minimum prison sentence of 25 years and up to life in prison for each offense. Under Florida’s prison releasee reoffender statute, courts are required to sentence defendants to the maximum permitted by law if an offender commits a qualifying violent offense within three years of release from a prison sentence.

After nearly three years of pre-trial litigation, the still homeless victim could not be located to testify at the trial. However, the State successfully petitioned the court to allow it to introduce the victim’s prior testimony from Pace's denied Stand Your Ground self-defense immunity hearing. Armed with a transcript of the victim’s former testimony and other evidence, the State presented its case at trial, and the jury convicted Pace after just twenty minutes of deliberation.

Immediately following the trial, Pace was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life in prison.

Assistant State Attorney William Greiner stated, “When individuals demonstrate they constitute a threat to society, the State of Florida will use every tool at our disposal to bring perpetrators to justice and protect all members of our community.”

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

06/05/2026

SCAM ALERT!!!

The ABA is warning attorneys about a sophisticated immigration fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate licensed lawyers, legal aid organizations, and the ABA to target individuals seeking immigration assistance. According to an ABA alert, fraudsters have used real attorneys' names and bar numbers...

06/05/2026

SCAM ALERT!!!

Scam of the Week

The Cost of a "Free" Prize

Imagine receiving an unexpected email from a well-known organization, such as Costco or Marriott, letting you know that you've been selected for an exclusive opportunity. All you have to do is respond to a quick survey about your recent experience with them, and you'll be awarded a brand-new iPhone. If you haven't visited these organizations recently, you probably suspect that something isn't quite right. But if you have, you might be very tempted to open the survey. If you do, you'll see a countdown timer that pressures you to answer all the questions quickly.

But the email you received is actually a phishing scam! Cybercriminals frequently impersonate well-known brands to build your trust and trick you into acting impulsively. The survey, the prize, and the countdown timer are all part of the scam. If you complete the survey, you'll be prompted to enter your credit card number and personal information to pay a small delivery fee for the new iPhone. But remember, this survey is fake, and cybercriminals will steal any information that you enter!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:

It’s unlikely that a legitimate organization will ask you to pay a fee with your credit card to receive a free prize. Being asked to pay for something that's supposed to be free is a red flag.
Use caution if you receive an unexpected message that claims you've won a prize, especially if it pressures you to act quickly. Cybercriminals often use a sense of urgency to trick you into making fast decisions.
If you receive a suspicious email, don't select any links in it. Instead, check the organization's official website or contact them directly to verify if the survey is legitimate.

06/02/2026

DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DUI MANSLAUGHTER OF UBER PASSENGER AND INJURING THREE OTHERS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today, following a jury trial, Mark Barcia was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for DUI Manslaughter, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of DUI with Personal Injury for a fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of Toledo Blade and Woodhaven, in Northport, when the Defendant slammed his Ford F250 truck into the back of an Uber on New Year’s Eve 2019. David Flick, 61, of Port Charlotte, died at the scene. Flick was a passenger riding in the Uber at the time of the crash. The other occupants of the Uber were also injured in the crash.

The Defense and State stipulated that both occupants of the Ford F250 were under the influence of alcohol to the extent their normal faculties were impaired and their respective blood alcohol levels exceeded the legal limit of .08. The defense centered their arguments on whether Barcia was the driver, and whether his operation of the Ford F250 caused or contributed to the death of David Flick and/or to the injuries of the surviving victims.

At trial, the State presented the testimony of two dozen witnesses, including Barcia’s passenger, civilians who stopped to render aid and saw Barcia exit from the driver side of the truck, law enforcement officers who responded to the crash and investigated the case, a crime scene analyst who took hundreds of photographs and collected physical evidence, expert witnesses who interpreted roadway markings and measurements, DNA evidence collected from the truck interior, and event data recorder data from both vehicles. The State also presented testimony regarding airbag deployment and deflation as well as passenger kinematics, which is the study of how vehicle occupants move during sudden stops, turns, or collisions.

After an eight-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury convicted the defendant on all four counts.

David Flick’s family, including his children and grandchildren, asserted that the loss they continue to suffer is the preventable consequence of Barcia’s decision to drink and drive, and they requested a maximum sentence.

For causing the death of David Flick, Barcia was sentenced to the statutory maximum of fifteen years in prison. After that, he will begin serving an additional three years of prison, followed by three years of probation, for the injuries he caused to the other victims.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorneys William Greiner and Brain Chambers in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.