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Deputy's shooter gets decades in prison

Sgt. David M. DeCarlo requests a life sentence for the man who shot him two years ago, but the judge gives two concurrent 30-year terms.

By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published May 28, 2005

INVERNESS - Sheriff's Sgt. David M. DeCarlo's life changed forever the morning two years ago when Larry Robbins shot him during a drug investigation, DeCarlo told a judge Friday morning.

"I pray that you incarcerate him for the duration of his life," DeCarlo told Circuit Judge S. Joseph Davis Jr.

But the judge didn't grant that request. Robbins, 27, will serve two concurrent 30-year prison terms.

Robbins still awaits sentencing on drug charges.

Davis, a retired judge from DeLand, presided over the trial that addressed the shooting. On April 19, a jury found Robbins guilty of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

The shooting occurred early May 30, 2003, when DeCarlo and three other investigators served a drug-related search warrant at a Citrus Springs house.

Robbins had been staying at the home and answered the door. Attorneys presented different accounts of what occurred next, but it's clear that DeCarlo was shot twice, once in his left shoulder and once in his stomach.

Since then, DeCarlo has gone through a barrage of surgeries. His body bears a daily reminder of the events of that morning, he told the judge.

"Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be addressing this court as a victim," DeCarlo said, reading from a prepared statement.

DeCarlo said he has permanent nerve damage and now has daily medical problems.

His wife, Sherri, also asked that Robbins be given a life sentence. She, too, had prepared a statement, but her voice broke as she began to read. Victim advocate Judi McBride read it for her.

"Our family will never be the same," Mrs. DeCarlo wrote. She also wrote that she hoped Robbins had daily reminders of the crime.

The DeCarlos wiped tears from their eyes when they finished their statements.

Chief Assistant State Attorney Ric Ridgway also asked that Robbins serve life in prison.

"He was demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law. . . . It's the only sentence that's appropriate, your honor," he said.

Robbins' attorney, Jim Cummins, disagreed.

"Life sentences . . . are supposed to be reserved for the worst crimes that fall under each category," he said. "Because life is a possibility, it doesn't mean life should be handed out."

Cummins then referred to his argument during trial: that investigators weren't following a standard procedure when they served the search warrant.

"(Robbins') sentence will be harsh. Period," he said. "But not necessarily life in prison."

Robbins did not give a statement at the sentencing.

After reviewing Robbins' prior convictions, Davis announced the sentence. He sympathized with DeCarlo, he said, and admonished Robbins.

"You have made an utter mess of your life," he said.

The DeCarlos left the courtroom together, walking with a victim's advocate.

"He's going away for a long time," DeCarlo said. "I'd love to have heard the judge say life, but, you know. . . ."

Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 352 860-7312 or vansickle@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 28, 2005, 00:08:13]