On behalf of Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick, the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) announces the successful prosecution of Anthony Smalls, II.
On April 18, 2020, UFPD disseminated a Timely Warning to the Gainesville campus after a sexual battery occurred along the banks of Lake Alice. In the Timely Warning, UFPD publicized the victim was approached by a male suspect, near the Bat House on Museum Road, who introduced himself and tried to hug him. The sexual battery occurred after the subject got aggressive and pulled the victim into the bushes where he sexually assaulted the victim.
UFPD Detective Dillon Stewart, assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), responded to the crime scene. Based on the preliminary investigation and the severity of the crime, the assistance of the entire Investigations Division was required. Additional detectives responded and assisted in the investigation which included Lieutenant M. Davis, Sergeants A. Boone and D.T. Henderson, Detectives A. McIntosh, and W. Sasser.
These detectives worked nonstop shifts for several days, investigating potential leads and working covert increased patrols searching for the suspect. In addition, those detectives were assisted by other units, including the Patrol and Community Services Division, whose officers provided education and safety tips to the campus community and conducted increased patrols of the Lake Alice area.
During the investigation, detectives tracked down several leads and used a composite by FaceLogic for Law Enforcement generated with the victim’s description of the attacker. Ultimately, with DNA, the investigation led detectives to Smalls, who was charged with sexual battery by use of threat of deadly weapon or physical force, and kidnapping to commit or facilitate the commission of a felony. Since his arrest in June 2020, Smalls has been held in the Alachua County Jail.
On Oct. 27, 2022, Smalls went before a jury during a two-day trial. After two hours of deliberation, the jury found Smalls guilty on both charges. Prior to presenting the case to the jury, the State Attorney’s Office – for the Eighth Judicial Circuit filed an enhancement of penalty to the charges based on Smalls’ extensive criminal history, which included serving prison time for Grand Theft. Because of the penalty enhancement, Smalls was left facing a minimum of a life sentence.
On Dec. 12, 2022, Smalls returned to the Judge Stephan P. Mickle, Sr. Criminal Court House for sentencing. During the hearing, Smalls was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences and will serve that time in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections.
Based on the efforts to bring about an arrest in this case, Lt. Davis, Sgts. Boone and Henderson, Detectives Stewart, McIntosh, and Sasser were awarded a Unit Citation for their work and dedication to the case.
The University of Florida strongly believes that no person is responsible for the harm inflicted by another person. Additionally, UFPD firmly believes that crime is never the fault of the victim. The Detectives assigned to this case worked countless hours to represent the victim. UFPD encourages all victims to come forth and when safe report crimes to law enforcement.
For further questions regarding the case, please complete the UFPD Media Request portal at: https://businessaffairs.ufl.edu/resources/media-request-form/. For questions pertaining to the prosecution, contact Darry Lloyd with the States Attorney’s Office at: lloydd@sao8.org.
