CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) took a strong stand against domestic violence during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As part of the national Family Violence Apprehension Detail, CCSO deputies arrested 14 individuals for various domestic violence-related offenses.
The nationwide effort, initiated by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon, focuses on serving outstanding warrants for family violence crimes. These crimes include domestic battery, violating restraining orders, failing to pay child support, and child and elder abuse.
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The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that over 10 million adults in the United States experience domestic violence each year, often at the hands of repeat offenders.
“Domestic violence poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of individuals, often leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Here at the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, we understand that combating domestic violence is essential for creating safe, supportive, and thriving communities. Domestic violence can often be a recurring issue within families and communities.,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “Therefore, we never remain passive. The Behavioral Health Unit diligently works to reduce domestic violence across the county and stop the cycle of abuse.”
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Operation Take Control: 14 Arrests Made
During the operation, CCSO deputies focused on gathering intelligence, pursuing leads, and apprehending offenders who had been evading arrest. This resulted in the apprehension of 14 individuals on various charges, including domestic battery, strangulation, child support violations, and violating probation.
- Melissa Rose Barnes, 59, Crystal River, FL – Domestic Battery. Total bond set at none.
- Isaiah Malik Dunaway, 20, Beverly Hills, FL – Felony Battery by Strangulation with Significant Injury. Total bond set at none.
- Dakota James Edsall-Lee, 24, Hernando, FL – Warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support.
- Kierra H. Gaiter, 25, FL – Domestic Battery. Total bond set at none.
- Joshua Gibbs, 40, Lecanto, FL – Warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support.
- Brent Richard Hansen, 58, Inverness, FL – Felony Battery on a Person 65 years old or older. Total bond set at none.
- Lydia Rebecca Hertz, 33, Inverness, FL – Lewd and Lascivious Battery of a Person between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. Total bond set at none.
- Johny Lopez, 41, Inverness, FL – Four warrants for Failure to Pay Child Support with a total cash purge of $2,677. He was also arrested for Driving with a Suspended License and Fleeing and Eluding, with a total bond of $1,500.
- Gavin MacDonald, 26, FL – Committed Domestic Battery in Pasco County, which was a Violation of Probation for a prior charge of Battery here in Citrus County.
- Michael Martinis, 46, Inverness, FL – Violation of Probation for the original charge of Battery on a Person 65 years or older.
- David Gene Miller Jr., 38, Springfield, Oregon – Domestic Battery and Resisting an Officer without Violence.
- Amber Peterson, 35, Inglis, FL – Warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support.
- Roxanna Marie Reinhold, 38, Hernando, FL – Warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support.
- Peter Matthew Vazquez, 43, Homosassa, FL – Domestic Battery. Total bond set at none.
Even though Domestic Violence Awareness Month has ended, the CCSO remains committed to addressing this critical issue. They encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to report it by calling 352-249-2790. Victims can also contact CASA, a domestic violence advocacy organization, at 352-344-8111.
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