Isreal gets 15 years for a DUI crash that killed a Venice Korean war vet

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

via State Attorney

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Isreal Rogner was sentenced to the statutory maximum of fifteen (15) years in prison for DUI Manslaughter and fifteen (15) years of probation for numerous other charges related to a 2022 drunk driving crash. Rogner plowed into a line of stopped vehicles at the intersection of US 41 and the Venice Bypass in Venice, Florida on December 28, 2022. The crash caused fatal injuries to Denver Gillean and injuries or property damage to six (6) additional victims. Denver Gillean, a Venice resident, Korean War veteran and father of six was sitting in the back seat of his caregiver’s car after enjoying a birthday dinner with friends. Two additional occupants of the same vehicle were also injured, and one continues to suffer debilitating back pain to this day.

The crime was investigated by the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney. The investigation revealed that the Defendant had consumed eight (8) alcoholic beverages at Sharky’s On The Pier up until just prior to the crash. Sharky’s is approximately two and a half miles from the crash scene.

The December 28, 2022 crash was neither the Defendant’s first, nor his last, example of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. On January 24, 2022, the Defendant was discovered unresponsive and slumped over the wheel of his still-running Toyota Highlander by Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies. After waking Rogner, deputies noted he was unable to exit the vehicle or walk without assistance and exhibited slurred speech and the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Deputies also noted open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle. Rogner refused to perform field sobriety exercises or submit to a breath test. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence, which he resolved with a plea to Reckless Driving on March 24, 2022, and was sentenced to probation. After completing the terms of his probation, he was released from it on December 1, 2022. Four weeks later, with his license suspended for refusing to submit to a breath test in January, Rogner crashed the same Toyota Highlander into Mr. Gillean and others. He again refused to perform field sobriety exercises or submit to a breath test.

After the December 2022 crash, Rogner was released on bond, and ordered to wear a GPS monitor and consume no alcohol. On March 25, 2024, Rogner’s bond was revoked after he crashed the boat he was operating into rocks on Sanibel causeway in Lee County. According to witnesses, he was seen on a nearby beach just prior to the crash and appeared to be highly intoxicated. Rogner was ejected from his vessel during the crash but is not believed to have suffered serious injuries. He has remained in continuous custody at the Sarasota County Jail since his bond was revoked and he is expected to face prosecution in Lee County now that his Sarasota case has been resolved.

On June 6, 2024, Rogner entered a plea of no contest to all charges in his Sarasota case, without the benefit of a negotiated plea deal. On February 19, 2025, the Honorable Judge Thomas Krug presided over an hours-long sentencing hearing during which he heard from the children of Denver Gillean, the injured co-occupants of Gillean’s vehicle, friends and family of Rogner, and Rogner himself, who expressed remorse for his actions and described his struggles with alcohol. The Court also considered dozens of letters in support of Rogner and a pre-sentencing investigation by the Florida Department of Corrections. The State argued for a sentence of twenty-five (25) years in prison followed by probation and the Defense argued for a sentence of five (5) years in prison followed by probation.

In imposing a sentence of fifteen (15) years in prison followed by fifteen (15) years of probation, the Court noted Rogner’s long history of alcoholism and the Court’s concern for public safety. The Court also noted the pain Rogner had caused to his victims and their families, as well as to his own family and friends. After Rogner was sentenced, members of the respective families consoled each other outside the courtroom.

Conditions of Rogner’s probation will include alcohol counseling and treatment, an alcohol-detecting ankle monitor, and restitution to his victims. Should he violate the terms of his probation, Rogner could face an additional fifteen (15) years in prison.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney (ASA) William Greiner commented, “Struggling with alcohol is not a crime, but ignoring the law and endangering members of our community by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence most certainly is. Rogner will pay for his actions on December 28, 2022, but those he harmed, including members of Mr. Gillean’s family, as well as members of his own family, will pay even more.”

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney (ASA) William Greiner in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.