Today (Oct 27), Circuit Judge Robert Segal sentenced Jason HERNANDEZ (37), to Life in Prison after a Brevard County Jury convicted him on August 24, 2022, for Burglary of a Dwelling with Battery (F1 PBL), Felony Battery (F3), and Criminal Mischief (M2), stemming from a violent attack on his former girlfriend. Judge Segal found HERNANDEZ qualified for enhanced penalties as a Prison Releasee Reoffender and ordered he was not eligible for early release from prison.

In a three-day trial with evidence presented by Assistant State Attorney Clarissa Harrell, the jury deliberated just under 4 hours before returning with the guilty verdicts.

On September 7, 2020, the victim called Palm Bay Police to report that HERNANDEZ had been following her, placing her in fear for her safety. However, when they arrived HERNANDEZ had left the area. Approximately 2 hours later, a neighbor called police and reported that HERNANDEZ had broken into the victim's home. Police found the victim beaten and bleeding, saying that while she was in bed, HERNANDEZ broke into her home and attacked her. She broke free and yelled for help from her bedroom window. HERNANDEZ then fled breaking the screen on the balcony to escape. Police obtained a warrant for HERNANDEZ’ arrest, however he remained a fugitive until September 14, 2020, when he was arrested in Massachusetts and later extradited back to Florida.

HERNANDEZ continued to terrorize the victim from jail by making more than 100 calls to her and another witness, all in violation of a no contact order. As a result, he was charged with two counts of Witness Tampering, and Violation of Pretrial Release. Today Judge Segal also accepted HERNANDEZ plea to those charges and sentenced him to an additional six (6) years in prison served concurrently.

In a statement after the sentencing ASA Harrell thanked the jury for their thoughtful deliberations and holding HERNANDEZ responsible for his crimes. She also recognized Prosecutors Francis Demuro, Andrew Dressler, Jacqueline Russo, and Victim Advocate Janet Pearson as team members who contributed countless hours of effort preparing the case for trial.

“I couldn’t have successfully presented this case without them, and I am so grateful for their assistance.” Harrell went on to say, “For years HERNANDEZ’ presence in society produced broken laws, injured and terrorized victims, and failed efforts to rehabilitate him. I believe his permanent absence from it will prove to be more beneficial”