Habitual felony offender, James Darryl Batson, sentenced to 30 years on burglary and criminal mischief charges

Office of the State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Serving Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

Citrus County, Florida - On the morning of January 14, 2025, 62 year-old James Darryl Batson was sentenced to to 30 years in prison by the Honorable Judge Richard A. Howard. Batson, an habitual felony offender, was found guilty by jurors last week for crimes committed in 2023. His charges included burglary of a structure while masked, petit theft, criminal mischief with damages greater than $200, criminal mischief with damages less than $200, and trespassing in a structure or conveyance.

"This defendant's repeated criminal behavior has made it clear that they have no regard for the law or the rightful property of others," said 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. With this sentence, the defendant will have an opportunity to reflect on his poor choices and maybe learn the commandment of 'Thou shalt not steal.'"

In March 2023, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a burglary at Bob's Food Store, located at 3795 N. Lecanto Highway in Beverly Hills, Florida. Deputies noted that the glass door of the business was shattered. On the store's surveillance, officials observed a man - wearing a black hoodie with white lettering - enter the business by breaking the front door, then jumping over the counter with a garbage can that he filled with cigarettes and lighters before leaving.

Officials were also called to two other nearby businesses with complaints of property damage. An employee at George's Wholesale Tire Pros, located at 3260 N. Lecanto Highway, reported that a suspect had cut the business's internet wires and destroyed three cameras. Employees at Los Magueyes, a Mexican restaurant located at 3887 N. Lecanto Highway, reported that a door lock was damaged, and the internet cable had been cut. Video footage from both businesses captured the same suspect shown in the Bob's Food Store burglary surveillance.

Later, on the same day, CCSO Deputy Saayman observed an a person who matched the description of the suspect seen in the surveillance of the three businesses. The suspect was riding a bicycle, wearing the same clothing as seen in the surveillance, with the exception of the black hoodie with white lettering. The deputy spoke with the person, who was later identified as Batson; he was detained. CCSO detectives Quinn and Chenoweth interviewed Batson, who admitted that he'd broken into Bob's Food store, cut the wires at Los Magueyes Mexican restaurant, and destroyed the cameras at George's Wholesale Tire Pros.

A few days later, Detective Quinn learned that Batson had requested that a friend go to a residence and sell items from the residence to bond him out of jail. The residence was undergoing renovations, and the owner had not given Batson permission to be there. Inside, detectives located the hatchet used in the burglary, the black hoodie with white lettering, and the garbage can full of cigarettes and lighters stolen from Bob's Food Store.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Colombrito and Kaitlyn Mannis, assisted by the diligent work of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.