Suncoast man faces 15-years behind bars after being convicted of his 8th DUI
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit
State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Ronald Clark Willard was convicted after jury trial of Driving Under The Influence (Fourth Or Subsequent Violation); Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended Or Revoked (With Knowledge – Third Or Subsequent Offense) Based On Dui, Refusal, Death/ Serious Bodily Injury, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer; and Driving While License Permanently Revoked. The crimes were committed on 09/18/2024 and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on June 8th through June 9th, 2026.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 15 years prison.
The State is seeking enhancement of the penalty, as the defendant is a Habitual Felony Offender, which the jury has determined beyond a reasonable doubt.3
Sentencing is scheduled for a future date to be set.
On September 18, 2024, deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting that the defendant, Ronald Willard, had committed a battery. While investigating these allegations, the deputies observed the defendant to be intoxicated and behind the wheel of his car. Law enforcement ultimately determined Mr. Willard was intoxicated while driving his vehicle and arrested him for DUI. This was Willard’s 8th conviction for DUI, including having previously served an almost 4-year prison sentence for a prior felony DUI. It was also determined Willard was driving at a time when his driving privileges had been permanently revoked, due to his multiple prior DUI convictions and that he had six prior Driving While License Suspended convictions. The State will be seeking a substantial prison sentence for the defendant as a Habitual Felony Offender.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Tanner Woods commented,
“We appreciate the hard work of the deputies of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the time and attention of the jurors in this case in rendering a just and deserved verdict. This defendant has been a menace to society, both on and off the road, for many years, as indicated by his substantial criminal record, and the State hopes to make sure he receives a sentence that will protect the people of the State Florida for many years to come.”
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Tanner Woods in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.