BROOKSVILLE, FL – Earlier this month, defendant Charles Howell Alley, age 43, was brought before Judge Daniel Merritt at the Hernando County Courthouse. After discussions with the prosecutors, Alley waived his rights and entered into a plea deal with Judge Merritt for a maximum sentence of up to 13 years and a minimum of 12.8. His sentencing is officially set for 1:15 pm on Thursday, September 12.
As he has already served 61 months (five years, one month) of his sentence since his arrest in July of 2019, Alley is looking at nearly six more years behind bars regardless of which end of the range he is granted. The sentencing will concern these seven felony cases as specified by Mr. Alley’s waiver of rights and plea agreement (he pled nolo contendere to all except the last):
2019-CF-001568-A-27 – Between June 21 and 27 of 2019, he stole a lawn mower.
He is charged with dealing in stolen property – 2nd degree
Burglary of a structure – non-dwelling type – 3rd degree
2019-CF-001569-A-27 – Between July 1 and 11 of 2019, Alley stole a rifle as a prior felon.
He is charged with burglary of a dwelling while armed – 1st degree
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a felon – 2nd degree
Grand theft – firearm – 3rd degree
2019-CF-001570-A-27 – Between January and March of 2019, Alley broke into a residence and stole a Lincoln Town Car and lawn mower, which he sold.
He is charged with burglary of a dwelling – standard dwelling – 2nd degree
Theft of statutory property – motor vehicle – 3rd degree
Grand Theft – $750 or more but less than $5,000 – 3rd degree
2019-CF-001585-A-27 – Between August 13 and 18 of 2019, the defendant used intimidation for the testimony of a witness in addition to having his jail cellmate call her.
He is charged with witness Tampering – FTA or avoid service – 3rd degree
2019-CF-001586-A-27 – In May of 2019, he was involved in stealing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) from Florida Fish and Wildlife, which he then traded.
He is charged with theft of statutory property – motor vehicle – 3rd degree
2019-CF-001609-A-27 – The defendant entered a victim’s home, stole approximately 130 firearms, and encouraged a minor to steal the weapons as well.
He is charged with burglary of a dwelling while armed – 1st-degree
Possession of a firearm by a felon – possession 2nd degree
Dealing in stolen property – 2nd degree
Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor
2022-CF-000383-A-27 – Written threats to kill or to do bodily injury – 2nd degree
A plea of guilty means the defendant admits the truth of a charge, while a plea of not guilty denies it. Nolo contendere (no contest) neither admits nor denies the charge but enables the judge to sentence the party as if they had pled guilty.
The Sun reached out for further comment and information regarding this case, but responses were received from neither Alley’s attorney nor the 5th Judicial Circuit. After more than five years, the 43-year-old will not have to await his fate for much longer as Judge Merritt will dole out his sentencing on Thursday afternoon.
