On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Judge Richard A. Howard sentenced 62-year-old James Darryl Batson, a habitual felony offender, to 30 years in prison after he was convicted of multiple crimes stemming from a series of burglaries in 2023. Batson’s conviction was the result of his involvement in the burglary and attempted burglary of several businesses in the Beverly Hills, Florida area.
Batson was found guilty of Burglary of a Structure while Masked, Petit Theft, Criminal Mischief (Damage Greater than $200), Criminal Mischief (Damage Less than $200), and Trespass to Structure or Conveyance. The charges stemmed from incidents that took place in March 2023, where Batson was linked to a string of break-ins and property damage at local businesses.
The first crime occurred at Bob’s Food Store off Lecanto Highway, where Batson was captured on surveillance footage breaking into the store. He used a large object to shatter the front door, then jumped over the counter, filling a garbage can with cigarettes and lighters before fleeing the scene.
Shortly after the Bob’s Food Store burglary, two other nearby businesses, George’s Wholesale Tires and Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant, reported similar acts of vandalism. At the tire shop, Batson cut the internet wires and damaged security cameras. At the Mexican restaurant, he destroyed a door lock and cut the business’s internet cables. Video footage from both businesses showed the same suspect, matching the description of the individual seen in the food store burglary.
Detectives from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) quickly made progress in the investigation. Deputy Saayman, while on patrol, spotted a man matching the description of the suspect riding a bicycle. Upon making contact, the man was identified as Batson, and he was detained. Batson later confessed to the crimes during an interview with CCSO Detectives Quinn and Chenoweth, admitting to the burglary at Bob’s Food Store and the vandalism at the other two businesses.
Further investigation revealed that Batson had also illegally entered a residence undergoing renovations, where he had requested a friend to sell stolen items to bail him out of jail. The property owner had not given Batson permission to be on the premises. Inside, detectives discovered the stolen cigarettes and lighters, a hatchet used in the burglary, and the black hoodie with white lettering Batson was wearing during the break-ins.
“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.”
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Colombrito and Kaitlyn Mannis, with the diligent efforts of the CCSO playing a critical role in securing the conviction.
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