MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Thomas Gibson III, 53, of Dunnellon, was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison for the aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled adult.
Judge Timothy T. McCourt handed down the verdict and sentence on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
The incident occurred on July 30, 2022, at the Rainbow Garden Apartments in Dunnellon. Police responded to a report of a battery and found the victim with severe injuries, including a large laceration and bruising.
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The victim recounted a violent altercation with Gibson, who repeatedly struck them and threatened their life when they attempted to call for help.
“Brutally attacking a disabled adult is one of the lowest acts of violence you can commit,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The victim in this case was fortunate to escape with their life and I thank the jury for their service in this case.”
Gibson fled the scene but was arrested three days later and booked into Marion County Jail. Assistant State Attorney Peter Sziklai successfully prosecuted the case.
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