October 25, 2023
In August of 2022 five individuals conspired to commit a home invasion robbery in Rosewood. Their robbery attempt failed when they were met by the armed homeowner. The homeowner and perpetrators exchanged gunfire resulting in one of the suspects being shot. The homeowner did not suffer any injuries.
The armed assailants fled the scene toward Gainesville, ultimately dropping off their injured companion at the Kanapaha ER Center on Archer Road. The assailant did not survive his injuries.
Three of the four surviving suspects entered into negotiated plea agreements with the State of Florida in May and July of this year.
- Jerry Cordel Clanton (7/23/92) of Gainesville pled to 15 years in DOC.
- Ocean Carey Dunn (5/4/98) of Morriston pled to 10 years in DOC.
- Aonesty Torriana Smith (11/29/2000) of Gainesville pled to 10 years on DOC.
The final defendant, Theriyus Leequina Banks, 8/7/98 of Gainesville, accepted a plea offer of 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections on October 11, 2023.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office partnered in this investigation with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Quick action and exceptional investigative efforts resulted in the quick apprehension of these four dangerous individuals which has now resulted on long incarceration terms for each of them.