State Attorney Brian Haas discussed on Wednesday filing charges against both Joseph and Courtney Irby. Joseph Irby, 35, faces one felony charge of aggravated battery. Courtney Irby, 32, has been charged with misdemeanor trespassing.
Michael James Smith
State Attorney Brian Haas announced the conviction of Michael James Smith of lewd or lascivious battery: engaging in sex act with a victim 12-16 years of age. Smith was convicted by a Polk County Jury after deliberating for just under two hours.
Smith who was twenty-five (25) years of age at the time of the crime was reported to be having an ongoing sexual relationship with a thirteen (13) year old victim. The investigation revealed this abuse occurred multiple times and at one point Smith purchased emergency contraception for the victim.
State Attorney Haas commended the efforts of Assistant State Attorney Randall Daugustinis in her efforts in bringing Michael Smith to justice. State Attorney Haas also thanked the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for a thorough investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Smith. The Special Victims Unit of the State Attorney’s Office is committed to seeking justice and protecting the most vulnerable victims, our children.
Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for August 2nd.
State Attorney Brian Haas announced the conviction of Gail Nichols on four felony counts of cruelty to animals. Nichols was convicted by a Polk County Jury after nearly four hours of deliberations.
Gail Nichols
This case was even more disturbing as Nichols is licensed in the State of Florida as a veterinarian.
The charges stemmed from an animal cruelty investigation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2017. As a result of the investigation numerous horses, dogs, and birds were confiscated because of deplorable living conditions. Three of the horses had to be euthanized after they were found to be in such poor condition.
State Attorney Haas commended the efforts of Assistant State Attorney Jessica Embree in her efforts in bringing Gail Nichols to justice. State Attorney Haas also thanked the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for a thorough investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Nichols. Animal cruelty cases such as this are very complex and complicated. The Office of the State Attorney is committed to seeking justice for all victims included the four legged ones.
Nichols’ sentencing is scheduled for June 21 before Judge Durden.
Severely Overgrown Hooves
State Attorney Brian Haas announced the conviction of Freddie Washington for first degree murder with a firearm, robbery, aggravated assault and tampering with physical evidence.
Freddie Washington
Washington was convicted by a Highlands County Jury in the October 9, 2016, murder of Aaron Hankerson. The jury took four and a half hours of deliberations to reach the guilty verdict.
The murder occurred in the early morning hours at Shooters Bar in the Sebring Square shopping plaza in Sebring. After shooting Hankerson multiple times, one witness described Washington as he stood over Hankerson, continued to shoot him, and then taking money and a cell phone from his body.
After fleeing the area in a vehicle, Washington was later stopped by the Sebring Police Department where a 9mm handgun was also recovered. Forensic evidence linked the handgun with shell casings recovered from the scene of the murder.
State Attorney Haas commended the efforts of Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin in his tireless efforts in bringing Freddie Washington to justice. Haas also thanked the Sebring Police Department for a thorough investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Washington.
Washington’s sentencing is scheduled for July 5 before Judge Estrada.