CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A 62-year-old man with a history of criminal offenses has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries in Citrus County.
James Darryl Batson, deemed a Habitual Felony Offender, was found guilty last week by a jury for the 2023 crimes. The charges included burglary of a structure while masked, petit theft, criminal mischief with damage exceeding $200, criminal mischief with damage less than $200, and trespass to a structure or conveyance.
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“This defendant’s repeated criminal behavior has made it clear that they have no regard for the law or the rightful property of others,” stated Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “Burglary is a serious crime that threatens our community’s sense of security, and we cannot allow such conduct to go unaddressed.”
In March 2023, Batson burglarized Bob’s Food Store in Beverly Hills, smashing the glass door and stealing cigarettes and lighters. He was also linked to property damage at nearby businesses, George’s Wholesale Tires and Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant, where he cut internet wires and destroyed security cameras.
Batson was apprehended after a Citrus County Sheriff’s deputy recognized him from surveillance footage. He later confessed to the crimes during an interview with detectives.
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A search of a residence where Batson had been staying uncovered further evidence, including the hatchet used in the burglary and the stolen cigarettes and lighters.
With this 30-year sentence, Forgie hopes Batson will “reflect on his poor choices and maybe learn the commandment of ‘thou shalt not steal.'”
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Colombrito and Kaitlyn Mannis, with the diligent work of the Citrus County Sheriff’s
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