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Judge in Ocala, Florida, sets no bail for woman accused of fatal overdose

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A woman who has been incarcerated since the beginning of the year in connection with a drug deal that authorities say resulted in a death recently appeared before a judge hoping to be given the opportunity to post bail. The judge denied the request.

Here's a look at what happened in that case and another that was heard the week of August 19.

State v. Jodie Ann Overholser

Judge: District Judge Lisa Herndon.

Lawyers: Jack Maro, private attorney, and Assistant District Attorneys Amy Berndt and Lillian Rozsa.

About the case: Overholser was arrested in late January and accused of selling drugs to Austin Taylor Roberson, 23, of Ocala, who later died of an overdose. The 51-year-old Fort McCoy woman was a convicted felon and appeared in court with her attorney on August 21.

Why was Overholser in court? Her attorney filed a motion asking the judge to set bail. Oveholser has been held without bail since her arrest.

What arguments were put forward in court? Berndt told the judge that Overholser was identified as the person who gave the victim drugs through cell phone, text messages and other records obtained by law enforcement officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team investigating Roberson's death.

The prosecutor said Overholser knew the fentanyl given to Roberson was harmful because she told him two other people had died from the drug.

Maro said law enforcement has no evidence that Overholser sold fentanyl to the victim. He said other items and bags were found in the victim's vehicle that were not examined.

What was the result? The judge, who also heard testimony from witnesses called by the prosecution, refused to set bail for Overholser, citing the state's compelling arguments.

What’s next for Overholser? Prosecutors told the judge they were ready to proceed to trial. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December.

State v. Jeffrey James Schwartz Jr.

Judge: District Judge Tim McCourt.

Lawyer: According to court records, Schwartz's attorney was Eric J. Evilsizer, a private attorney from Inverness.

Charging: Traveling to meet a minor after using the computer to lure children and transmit harmful material to minors.

When was Schwartz in court? On August 20, he pleaded no contest to the charges.

What was his verdict? Thirty months in prison and 24 months probation. According to court records, he will receive credit for 458 days of time already served in the Marion County Jail until this case is resolved.

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Are there special conditions for probation? During his probation, Schwartz must adhere to a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., not live within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, park or place where children congregate, must register as a sex offender, and must undergo a psychosexual evaluation and complete any recommended treatment within 90 days.

Why was Schwartz arrested? The 42-year-old was one of many men arrested by police last year as part of an undercover operation targeting adults attempting to arrange sex with minors online. The operation was called MAP (Minor Attracted Persons).

Contact Austin L. Miller at [email protected]

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