A reoffender who had been released from prison was sentenced for a brutal attack on an ex-girlfriend in north Florida.
After a two-day trial, a Putnam County jury convicted defendant Richard Hagans guilty of burglary while armed, burglary of a dwelling or structure with a vehicle to cause damage, and resisting an officer without violence.
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Immediately after the verdict, the defendant was sentenced to life in prison as a prison releasee reoffender.
On May 20, 2024, Hagans intentionally rammed his car into his ex-girlfriend’s home while she was inside.
The defendant was later caught on a surveillance camera chasing after the victim with a handgun in hand. However, the victim fled to her neighbor’s house and dialed 911.
Richard Hagans was discovered and arrested a few days after the horrific burglary.
“Another career criminal bites the dust,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza stated of the case. “Your prosecutors are determined to take away the trash. You’re safer for it.”
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Palatka Police Department investigated the incident.
Mark Lewis, Managing Assistant State Attorney, and Alex Gilewicz, Assistant State Attorney, successfully tried the case on behalf of Florida. The Honorable Alicia Washington ruled over the case and delivered the punishment.
