Reported by Angelina Nunez
Week of 7.27.26 - 7.31.26 (Part 2)
Editor’s note:This report contains allegations. All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Justin Levi Harris
Background
A registered sex offender from Georgia is facing new felony charges after investigators say he allegedly held a woman at knifepoint and sexually assaulted her during a family vacation in St. Augustine.
Justin Levi Harris was arrested on June 21, 2026, after the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to an Airbnb on Royal Road regarding a reported sexual battery. Harris, who was staying at the rental with a group of family members and friends, was accused of entering a woman’s bedroom while she was sleeping with her children and assaulting her while armed with a knife.
According to the arrest warrant, the victim told deputies Harris threatened her with a weapon, prevented her from leaving the room and sexually assaulted her against her will.
Harris allegedly told the victim he was not concerned about returning to jail, citing that he had previously served time for similar conduct. She later contacted family members, who helped notify law enforcement, leading to Harris’ arrest.
Investigators confirmed that Harris had a prior sexual offense conviction in Georgia. He was convicted of statutory rape on August 6, 2019, was required to register as a sex offender and was released from the Georgia Department of Corrections on January 5, 2026, after serving his sentence for that offense.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest, Harris was placed on pretrial release with a no-contact order involving the alleged victim. He was appointed defense attorney Rick Yabor, and prosecutors began filing discovery materials as the case moved forward.
Harris’ felony arraignment, originally scheduled for July 27, 2026, was continued. During that hearing, Harris waived his right to a speedy trial, and the case was reset for additional pretrial proceedings before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
The case remains pending, with a felony pretrial hearing scheduled for Sept. 29, 2026.
Charges
Sexual battery with a deadly weapon or force
Armed false imprisonment
Kyle James Markey
Background
A Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind employee was among 17 people arrested during an undercover operation targeting individuals accused of using the internet to exploit children, after investigators say he traveled to meet a person he believed was a minor.
Kyle James Markey was arrested on September 20, 2025, as part of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office’s Operation Safe Passage, an investigation targeting individuals who use online platforms to sexually exploit children.
According to investigators, Markey responded to an online advertisement posted by an undercover investigator posing as a 14 year old girl on September 19, 2025. During the conversation, investigators said Markey discussed meeting the undercover investigator and later learned the person’s age.
Investigators said Markey disclosed that he worked for the state and expressed concern about jeopardizing his employment, stating he could not risk getting in trouble because of his job. Despite those concerns, Markey continued communicating with the undercover investigator and proceeded with plans to arrange a meeting, according to the arrest report.
Investigators said Markey asked the undercover investigator to delete messages so her mom wouldn’t see them before arranging a meeting at a predetermined location.
Current Court Status
Markey pleaded no contest to traveling to meet a minor, and the State dropped the other two charges. Judge Christopher S. Ferebee sentenced him to 5 years in state prison, followed by 10 years probation with sex offender conditions.
Charges/Conviction
Traveling to meet a minor - pleaded no-contest
Soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices (State did not prosecute)
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device (State did not prosecute)
Edward Hernan Betancur Zabala
Background
A married school bus driver assigned to transport students at Nease High School is facing felony charges after investigators say he used a student’s personal information to initiate private contact and arrange a meeting with a teenage student.
Edward Hernan Betancur Zabaleta was arrested in October 2025 after a student reported he provided her with a form requesting her name, signature and phone number while she was riding his school bus. School officials later confirmed that bus drivers are not permitted to collect students’ personal contact information.
According to the arrest report, the student later received messages from an unknown number claiming to be her admirer and telling her she was beautiful. Law enforcement determined the phone number belonged to Betancur Zabaleta, who was identified as an active school bus driver.
During the investigation, authorities used the student’s phone number and online identity, with consent from the student and her mother, to communicate with Betancur Zabaleta. Investigators said he asked questions about her living situation, discussed meeting her and traveled to an apartment complex where he had dropped her off before.
According to investigators, Betancur Zabaleta expressed concern about being seen by someone from the school and saved the contact under a name identifying her as his “niece.” Investigators arranged a meeting with Betancur Zabaleta, during which he arrived at the location and was taken into custody, according to the report.
Current Court Status
In June 2026, Judge Christopher S. Ferebee denied the defense’s motion to dismiss the charges, allowing the case to move forward. In July 2026, the case remained active as the court continued scheduling pretrial hearings and addressing procedural matters, including interpreter requests and the exchange of discovery.
Betancur Zabaleta previously entered a written plea of not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial. His next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2026, before Judge Ferebee.
Charges
Offense against a student by an authority figure
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Traveling to meet a minor while acting as a school authority figure.
Raymond Chester Lucas Jr.
Background
A Vermont man is facing felony charges after investigators say he used online platforms to pursue what he believed were sexual encounters with minors during an undercover child exploitation investigation.
Raymond Chester Lucas Jr. was identified during an undercover operation conducted by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office targeting individuals suspected of using the internet to sexually exploit children. Investigators said Lucas contacted an undercover detective through an online advertisement and began communicating with the person he believed was an underage victim.
According to the arrest report, Lucas introduced himself as “Scott” and stated he was 48 years old. During the conversation, Lucas allegedly expressed an interest in young children, stating that “it’s a preference and kinda like a fetish.” Lucas further discussed meeting the undercover investigator in St. Augustine.
Investigators said the communication continued through text messages and a phone call, during which Lucas allegedly attempted to arrange a meeting and discussed sexual activity. Deputies said Lucas traveled toward a predetermined meeting location after believing he was going to meet a 14-year-old.
Before the planned meeting, investigators said Lucas requested a photograph to verify the person was not law enforcement. The undercover investigator provided a photo as part of the operation, and Lucas continued communicating before the encounter was stopped.
Investigators later discovered an additional conversation involving Lucas and another undercover investigator. According to the investigation, Lucas again expressed interest in communicating with someone younger than 19 and continued the conversation after the undercover officer disclosed being a 13-year-old child. Lucas proceeded to make statements of “I hope you charge a lot for 13 and pregnant."
Law enforcement said photos sent by Lucas were reviewed and compared to his identity, and cellphone records linked the phone number used in the conversations to him. He was arrested on January 19, 2026.
Current Court Status
After his arrest, Lucas posted four $25,000 surety bonds totaling $100,000 and was released as the case progresses through the court system. He later entered a not guilty plea and waived his right to a speedy trial.
On July 30, 2026, the court reset for another felony pretrial hearing scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. No trial date has been set.
Charges
Two counts of enhanced solicitation of a child or a person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer or electronic device
Two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Tony Nguyen Tran
Charges
Soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices while misrepresenting his age
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Background
A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office undercover operation targeting online child exploitation led to the arrest of Tony Nguyen Tran after investigators said he communicated with an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old child and attempted to arrange contact.
According to the arrest report, the operation began on the evening of September 17, 2025, when Tran initiated communication through an online dating platform. The conversation later moved to text messages, where investigators said Tran engaged in inappropriate discussions with the undercover investigator.
During the exchange, investigators said Tran claimed he was 17 years old and continued communicating after learning the age of the undercover persona. Investigators said Tran discussed meeting in person, including inviting the girl to his home, and allegedly stated that “parents won’t care” while also attempting to arrange a visit to the girl’s residence and asking whether she would be home alone.
Investigators said Tran sent two photographs during the conversation. One image was identified as a viral photograph of a teenage male, while another showed a male wearing a hat and sunglasses inside a vehicle with a cracked sunroof.
Law enforcement later obtained information from the messaging application that linked the account’s registration IP address to a residence previously associated with Tran. Investigators then showed the photograph to Tran’s longtime girlfriend, who identified Tran as the person in the image and recognized the vehicle based on the cracked sunroof.
On September 30, 2025, investigators contacted Tran at his workplace, where he participated in a non-custodial interview. According to investigators, Tran admitted he was the person communicating with the undercover investigator. He was arrested on October 1, 2025.
Current Court Status
Following his October 2025 arrest, the defendant posted $35,000 in surety bonds and was released from custody while the case progressed. The defendant entered a not guilty plea through a waiver of appearance filed on October 7, 2025.
A felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Khalyd Ali Saka
Background
A domestic violence call that led to three felony charges is raising questions about what could come next, as investigators documented a series of additional allegations - including claims that children in the home were victims of sexual abuse - but, so far, no charges related to those allegations have been filed.
Kansas man Khalyd Ali Saka was arrested on July 1, 2026 after deputies say he pointed a loaded handgun at his girlfriend and threatened to "blow your brains out."
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office arrest report, the victim discreetly messaged a friend using a prearranged code word through Microsoft Teams on her work computer because she feared Saka would discover if she used her phone to call for help.
Deputies later recovered a loaded CANiK handgun with a round in the chamber that was hidden inside the grass collection bin of a lawn mower in the home's garage. The arrest affidavit extends well beyond the conduct underlying the filed charges.
According to sworn statements summarized in the sheriff's report, the victim alleged Saka had previously pointed the same firearm at her head, beneath her chin and at her chest while threatening to kill her before taking his own life. She also alleged he previously strangled her, dragged her by the hair, slammed her to the ground, sat on top of her, and monitored her phone and work computer to control her communications.
The report says she told deputies photographs documenting her injuries had since been deleted. The investigation also includes statements from the victim's two children, ages 11 and 15, who deputies interviewed after they reportedly expressed fear of speaking because of possible retaliation.
One daughter allegedly told investigators she witnessed Saka threaten her mother with a firearm and described a June incident in which he allegedly dragged her mother by the hair, pulled a chair out from under her and threatened to kill her if she continued screaming. Deputies also noted the children were inside the residence during the July 1 incident.
In addition, both children alleged that Saka sexually abused them on separate occasions, including incidents they said occurred in the family's living room and in their bedrooms. Those allegations are documented in the investigation, but no criminal charges related to the children's allegations have been filed at this time.
Current Court Status
Following his July 1, 2026 arrest on an aggravated assault charge, Khalyd Ali Saka was released on bond. Days later, he was arrested again for allegedly violating a condition of his pretrial release.
Prosecutors successfully moved to revoke his bond during a July 6 hearing, and court records indicate he has remained in custody without bond since.
Saka has entered a written plea of not guilty, and his next court appearance is a felony pretrial hearing scheduled for September 1, 2026, before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm
False imprisonment
Eric Donald Wilson
Background
An online conversation with someone he believed to be a potential victim placed Eric Donald Wilson at the center of an undercover investigation. Detectives say the communication led to a recorded phone call with a decoy posing as a 14-year-old girl.
Wilson was identified during an undercover operation after investigators said he initiated contact with a decoy through a dating website on January 26, 2026. According to the arrest report, Wilson asked the decoy’s age and continued the conversation through messages, during which investigators said he made sexually explicit requests, including asking to see the decoy’s private parts.
The communication moved to a recorded phone call lasting more than seven minutes where Wilson continued to engage in sexually explicit conversations with the undercover investigator.
Wilson later provided two photographs of himself, which investigators compared to his Florida DMV records. He was arrested on March 13, 2026.
Current Court Status
Following his March 2026 arrest, Wilson posted $27,500 in surety bonds and was released from custody while his case remains pending.
In May, Wilson’s defense attorney filed a motion requesting a modification of his pretrial release conditions. The court granted the request on May 12, 2026, although the specific changes to his release conditions were not disclosed.
The court later continued the case through additional pretrial hearings in July. Wilson’s next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 1st, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services or devices
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Johnny Joenathan Lamb Jr.
Background
A St. Augustine man is facing felony charges after investigators say he used an online dating platform to communicate with an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old child and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting.
Johnny J. Lamb Jr. was identified during an undercover investigation after he allegedly initiated contact with an undercover investigator through a dating site on September 19, 2025.
According to the arrest report, Lamb began communicating with the undercover investigator and asked about their age in relation to the posted profile. After being told the person was 14 years old, investigators said Lamb continued the conversation before moving the exchange to text messaging.
During the conversation, Lamb allegedly said he lived in St. Augustine and expressed interest in meeting the undercover investigator downtown. He was arrested on October 21, 2025.
Current Court Status
Following his October 2025 arrest, the defendant posted $55,000 in surety bonds and was released from custody while the case remains pending.
In July, the defense filed a motion seeking dismissal of the charges, which prosecutors opposed. The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. No trial date has been set.
Charges
Using a computer or electronic device to solicit someone he believed was a child for unlawful sexual conduct
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Larry Childs Wolfe
Charges
Traveling to meet a minor
Attempted lewd or lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony
Background
An undercover operation targeting online child predators led investigators to a man who allegedly continued pursuing a sexual encounter after learning the person he was communicating with was underage.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Larry Childs Wolfe contacted an undercover investigator through a private message on an online dating platform on January 12, 2026. Investigators said the conversation became increasingly inappropriate before moving to text messages.
During the exchange, the undercover investigator informed Wolfe she was 14 years old, according to the arrest report. Despite that, detectives allege Wolfe continued the conversation, asked questions about meeting in person and expressed concern about whether he was being set up by law enforcement.
The communications escalated during a recorded phone call lasting more than 15 minutes, during which Wolfe allegedly made plans to meet the undercover investigator later that evening and requested an address for the meeting. Investigators said the communications formed the basis of the undercover operation that ultimately led to Wolfe's arrest that day.
Current Court Status
Following his January 2026 arrest, Larry Childs Wolfe posted a total of $110,000 in surety bonds and was released from custody while the case proceeded through the court.
The case was initially assigned to Judge R. Lee Smith before being reassigned a few days later to Judge Christopher S. Ferebee, who continues to oversee the proceedings. Since then, the case has remained in the pretrial phase.
The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Carter Todd Mceachean
Background
A domestic dispute led to a police investigation after a woman reported she was assaulted, strangled, held against her will and threatened with a firearm by Carter Todd McEachean.
On March 12, 2026, McEachean was arrested after the alleged incident involving the victim, with whom he had been in a romantic relationship. The two were living together when an argument allegedly escalated.
The victim reported that McEachean struck her multiple times, threw her into a bedroom door frame and strangled her with his hands. During the incident, the victim attempted to call 911, but McEachean allegedly took her phone and threw it against a wall. The call remained connected, and deputies later reviewed the recording, which captured portions of the confrontation.
The victim could be heard asking McEachean why he was “beating on a woman,” followed by her yelling that she could not breathe, according to the arrest report. McEachean allegedly responded, “You think I care.” The recording also captured the victim stating McEachean had assaulted her previously, while McEachean repeatedly asked whether she planned to report him to law enforcement.
The victim told deputies McEachean later picked up a firearm and threatened her, causing her to yell, “Do not shoot me.” The victim also reported McEachean prevented her from leaving the bedroom during the incident.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest, the court issued a domestic violence no-contact order with GPS monitoring as a condition of his release. He later posted bonds totaling $42,000 across the charges.
McEachern entered a written plea of not guilty, and the case moved into the pretrial phase. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have continued exchanging evidence as multiple pretrial hearings have been continued.
The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Domestic battery by strangulation
Aggravated assault with a firearm
Witness tampering
False imprisonment
Battery
Alton Farnell Hobbs
Charges
Aggravated battery causing great bodily harm
Aggravated rioting
Background
An apartment complex fight allegedly escalated into a stabbing, leaving one man hospitalized and Alton Farnell Hobbs facing felony charges after authorities said he used a knife during the confrontation.
Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls on April 1, 2026, reporting a large disturbance involving several people and a stabbing. The victim, Shaquail Daniels, was found with a stab wound to the kidney area and was transported to Florida Orange Park Hospital for treatment.
According to investigators, witnesses identified Hobbs as the person who pulled out a knife during the altercation. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex allegedly captured Hobbs making a stabbing motion toward Daniels while multiple people were involved in the fight.
During an interview with deputies, Hobbs initially denied having a knife but later admitted to using one after being shown the surveillance footage, according to the arrest warrant. Investigators also noted Hobbs was on felony probation at the time for a previous knife-related offense.
Current Court Status
The case remains in the pretrial phase, with a no-contact order with the victim entered as part of Hobbs’ pretrial conditions. His felony arraignment has been continued multiple times, and his next hearing is scheduled for August 31, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Hayward Dequinton Coldy
Background
"The devil made me do it," is what investigators say Hayward Dequinton Coldy told authorities after he allegedly stabbed his mother 15 times inside the Sunset Inn in St. Augustine. According to investigators, Coldy allegedly said he had been thinking about killing her before the attack.
St. Augustine Police Department officers responded to the Sunset Inn on May 16, 2025, following reports of a disturbance and found Coldy in the motel lobby covered in blood. Officers then located his mother inside a room with multiple stab wounds. She was transported to Orange Park Medical Center for treatment, while Coldy was taken into custody and transported to Flagler Hospital.
During an interview with detectives, Coldy allegedly described the moments leading up to the stabbing, telling investigators that he and his mother had argued earlier that morning. He claimed he left the room while angry but later returned, grabbed a butcher knife and attacked her, according to authorities.
Investigators said Coldy admitted to stabbing his mother approximately 15 times, leaving her with injuries to her back, chest, stomach and legs. The victim was transported to Orange Park Medical Center and was expected to survive.
Current Court Status
Shortly after the defendant’s arrest and the filing of the attempted first-degree murder charge, the defense raised concerns about his competency to stand trial.
On June 17, 2025, Judge R. Lee Smith found the defendant incompetent to proceed and ordered him to undergo involuntary mental health treatment.
Additional psychological and forensic evaluations were filed in December 2025 and again in June 2026, including a confidential forensic evaluation. After those evaluations were completed, the case was reopened on July 1, 2026, and returned to court for further competency review.
A felony status conference is scheduled for August 3, 2026, before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee, where the court is expected to address the defendant’s current mental competency status and determine the next steps in the criminal proceedings.
Charges
Attempted first-degree murder with a weapon
Michael Terrell Hankerson
Charges
Two counts attempted first-degree murder involving the discharge of a firearm causing great bodily harm
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a second-degree felony
Background
A movie night inside a St. Johns County home allegedly ended in a shooting without warning, leaving two women seriously injured and Michael Terrell Hankerson facing life felony charges.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to multiple 911 calls on December 4, 2025, reporting that two women had been shot. One caller identified Hankerson as the shooter and told dispatchers he had fled the home on foot.
Investigators said the victims had been watching a movie with Hankerson when he allegedly stood up without warning, pulled out a handgun and opened fire. One woman was shot in the shoulder, while the other suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her legs.
Both were transported to a trauma center for treatment. Deputies located Hankerson less than an hour later, about eight blocks from the scene, after investigators said he fled on foot. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Hankerson’s criminal history includes previous cases involving allegations of robbery, domestic violence and other offenses.
Current Court Status
Hankerson entered a written plea of not guilty, waiving his right to a speedy trial as the case entered the pretrial phase. He remains in custody without bond.
In July 2026, his defense attorney changed twice after the Public Defender's Office and later the Regional Conflict Counsel withdrew because of conflicts of interest. Judge Christopher S. Ferebee subsequently appointed private registry attorney Benjamin Mark Chase to represent Hankerson.
The case remains pending, with the next felony pretrial hearing scheduled for Sept. 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Ferebee.
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