Homosassa man sentenced to 40 years for brutal attack of an elderly person
State Attorney's Ofice (SAO), Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Serving Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties
Serving Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties
Citrus County, Florida - In a solemn courtroom on January 4, 2024, 60 year-old James Frederick Queen of Homosasa, Florida was sentenced to 40 years with the Florida Department of Corrections for his egregious actions against an elderly victim. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kevin Davis.
"This case underscores the commitment of law enforcement to protect the vulnerable, as well as our commitment to hold those, responsible for reprehensible acts, accountable," said William "Bill" Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. "The victim in this case was so severely battered that the responding deputy initially thought they were deceased."
In March 2023, due to concerns about an elderly person under Queen's care, a Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputy went to Queen's residence to conduct a well-being check on the elderly person. Queen told deputies that the elderly person was in another county with a family member. Deputy Smith was skeptical of Queen's claim, and Queen eventually admitted that the victim was inside the home.
The elderly victim was found inside the home. The victim had been brutally assaulted. Queen falsely asserted that the victim's injuries had been self-inflicted, and he had not sought help for the victim due to his embarrassment about the injuries.
Due to the severity of the vctim's injuries, the victim was transported to an area trauma center.
A detective with the CCSO Special Victims Unit conducted an investigation into the incident. The victim contradicted Queen's account of what had happened. The victim told deputies that Queen had beaten him/her over several days and had not allowed him/her to call for help or leave the residence. Due to the victim's injuries and statements made by the victim and medical professionals, Queen was placed under arrest, charged with attempted murder, kidnapping with intent to inflict bodily harm, aggravated battery of a person age 65 or older, and hindering communication to law enforcement.
"The victim's life was undoubtedly saved by the thoroughness of Deputy Smith, who exemplifies the values of the CCSO, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "But catching the criminals is only part of the job. Thankfully, Citrus County is blessed to have the dedicated professionals at the State Attorney's Office Fifth Judicial Circuit, working to ensure offenders pay for their crimes - and that brutalizers like Queen are removed from our society. The cruel and inhumane actions displayed by Queen were utterly sadistic. Not only did he torture and terrorize the victim for days, but he deliberately kept her from seeking law enforcement or medical assistance. His actions will have a lasting impact on the victim, and I hope this sentence brings them a sense of relief and safety."