A 31-year-old man entered a no-contest plea shortly after his jury trial began, ending court proceedings with a 13-year prison sentence for a violent attack at an Ocala store.
Julio Cesar Bautista, who had invoked his right to a speedy trial, was adjudicated guilty on all counts by Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky. He was convicted of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm with a firearm, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Judge Kissner-Kwatkosky sentenced Bautista to 13 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, which includes a 10-year minimum mandatory term.
The charges stem from an incident on March 9, 2025, at the Amex Food Mart located off Northwest 110th Avenue in Ocala. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene after receiving reports of a battery. When deputies arrived, witnesses reported that Bautista had already fled after attacking two people inside.
Investigators learned that one victim was cleaning the building after a party when Bautista approached and started an argument. Bautista grabbed the victim by the neck, shoved them against a wall, and struck them over the head with a handgun. First responders noted blood in the corner of the room where the assault took place, and the victim received a laceration above the eye.
A second person witnessed the attack and tried to intervene to break up the fight, knocking the handgun out of Bautista’s hand and onto the floor. Bautista retrieved the gun and pointed it at both victims as they ran out of the building.
Deputies later located Bautista during a traffic stop and arrested him.
READ: 32nd Suspect Arrested In Final Bust Of ‘Operation Checkmate’ Online Florida Predator Sting
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
