Maracek sentenced to 75 years for violence during attempted traffic stop in Citrus County
SAO photo of Maracek during his Feb. 2024 trial.
Citrus County, Florida - On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 50 year-old Robert Joe Maracek was sentenced to 75 years in the Florida Department of Corrections as an habitual violent felony offender for crimes he committed February 1, 2021, when he evaded a traffic stop which led to a pursuit by law enforcement officers.
On February 23, 2024, Maracek was found guilty of charges that included aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault of a law officer, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, two counts of throwing a deadly object at a vehicle, resisting law enforcement with violence, possession of amphetamine, battery of a law enforcement K-9 (police dog), providing a false identity to law enforcement, driving without a license, and driving with no vehicle registration.
"The sentencing of this violent offender serves as a testament to our commitment in holding those who violate our laws accountable," said State Attorney Bill Gladson of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit Court. "I am extremely thankful for our community partners whose vigilance led to the apprehension of this dangerous individual and to the judiciary for ensuring this person is no longer a menace to our society."
The case against Maracek stemmed from the events of February 1, 2021, when he struck a Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputy with his vehicle while attempting to avoid a traffic stop in Hernando, Florida. During the pursuit, Maracek threw tire spikes from his vehicle's window to thwart pursuing deputies.
Despite attempts to evade capture, Maracek was apprehended by a K-9 unit after fleeing from his disabled Ford Expedition sport utility vehicle on South Washington Street in Beverly Hills, Florida. During the apprehension, Maracek resisted arrest, striking and kicking deputies and a K9 officer.
On August 27, 2001, Maracek became a fugitive for failing to appear at his Osceola County, Florida trial for charges of law enforcement battery, resisting law enforcement, and leaving a crash scene. Maracek was also wanted for absconding from probation following his sentencing in May 2000 for armed burglary and theft charges originating from Broward County, Florida in January 1994.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.