- April 18, 2024
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The first in-person jury trial in Florida since the COVID-19 pandemic began was a grand theft auto case tried in Flagler County on Aug. 24-25, according to a joint news release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the State Attorney.
“I am glad that we were able to get this case tried by a jury of his peers even in the midst of a global pandemic, so justice can be served."
— RICK STALY, Flagler County sheriff
The defendant, 22-year-old Brian Keith Johnson, was convicted by a jury of four men and two women on felony charges of grand theft auto and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer. The jury deliberated for approximately 2 hours.
Circuit Judge Terence R. Perkins presided over the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Phil Bavington, according to the news release.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly both attended, and Staly testified as a state witness because he was the first law enforcement officer to find the stolen car after it triggered a license plate reader.
“I am glad that we were able to get this case tried by a jury of his peers even in the midst of a global pandemic, so justice can be served,” Staly said after the trial, according to the news release. “He put countless lives in danger on that day over a year ago by his very dangerous driving of a stolen car, and it is time for him to face the penalty. I appreciate the partnership with the State Attorney, the Clerk’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office for making this trial happen.”
Johnson was already on probation for a felony Alachua County charge of dealing in stolen property when he was arrested in Flagler County for the auto theft case.
He faces a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in state prison for the Flagler County charges, and may face additional sanction for he probation violation. He will be sentenced on Oct. 2.
"This represents a milestone in our efforts to resume normal courtroom operations," Larizza said from the courtroom after the reading of the verdict, according to the news release. The State Attorney’s Office, partnered with the FCSO, will continue to put public safety first as we work through the challenges presented by COVID-19.”
