DOB: 09/03/1978

Case Number: 2024-0527-CF

Putnam County Defendant Convicted, Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent Burglary

PALATKA – After a two-day trial, a Putnam County jury found defendant Richard Hagans guilty as charged of Burglary while Armed, Burglary of a Dwelling or Structure using Vehicle to cause Damage, and Resisting an Officer Without Violence. Immediately following the verdict, the defendant was sentenced to life in prison as a Prison Releasee Reoffender.

On May 20, 2024, Hagans intentionally drove his vehicle into his ex-girlfriend’s house while she was inside.

The defendant was then captured on surveillance video hunting the victim down with a firearm in hand. However, the victim escaped to her neighbor’s house and called 911.

Hagans was found and arrested a few days after the violent burglary.

“Another career criminal bites the dust,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “Your prosecutors are committed to taking out the trash. You are safer for it.”

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Palatka Police Department investigated the case. Managing Assistant State Attorney Mark Lewis and Assistant State Attorney Alex Gilewicz successfully tried the case for the State of Florida. The Honorable Alicia Washington presided over the case and pronounced sentence.