Ocala courthouse: One man sentenced, another awaits sentencing after jury trial
Two felony cases were recently resolved at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala. Here's what we know:
State v. Marcus Terell Collins
Plea: No contest
Sentence: Court records show Marcus Terell Collins was sentenced as a youthful offender to five years of probation. He has credit for 58 days served at the county jail. Circuit Judge Peter Brigham presided over the May 12 sentencing hearing.
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Charges: Four counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, four counts of burglary of a conveyance, three counts of criminal mischief less than $200.
Special conditions: The 22-year-old Ocala man must undergo a mental health evaluation, complete a substance abuse evaluation, avoid return to the incident locations, and pay restitution to the victim/victims.
About the case: Ocala police officers arrested Collins last year and accused him of breaking into nearly two dozen vehicles, though he was unsuccessful in stealing them. The break-ins occurred at eight different apartment complexes.
State v. Juan Jose Rodriguez
Verdict: A jury on May 17 found Juan Jose Rodriguez guilty of three counts of lewd, lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12.
Sentencing: Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon delayed sentencing until a pre-sentencing investigation can be completed. The 61-year-old Ocala man is expected to be sentenced on June 23.
Trial: Jury selection began May 15, with the trial starting on May 16 and concluding the next day. Rodriguez, who had been out on bond, was handcuffed and sent to the jail after the verdict was read aloud by the clerk. The victim testified at trial. Rodriguez did not take the stand.
Lawyers: Defending Rodriguez were Assistant Public Defenders Stacia Rae Arnold and Sean Gravel. Assistant State Attorney Adam Smith prosecuted the case.
About the case: Rodriguez was taken into custody by sheriff's deputies in 2020, accused of molesting a girl.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Probation in burglary case; guilty verdict in sex crime case
