A Florida convicted felon murdered a retired Citrus County Sheriff’s deputy who served his community for 25 years.
The local trial concluded with 41-year-old Steven Alan Swearingen’s second-degree murder conviction by jurors in the death of 52-year-old Steven Smolensky, who was a retired deputy sheriff with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office after serving his community for 25 years.
“Today marks a significant moment in justice being served for Steve, a dedicated retired member of our agency,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I am profoundly grateful for our partners at the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their relentless efforts in prosecuting this case. Their collaboration was instrumental in ensuring Swearingen will face the consequences for his appalling crimes.”
Swearingen, a convicted felon, was charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and False Imprisonment.
“We are grateful for the jury’s verdict, which brings justice for the tragic and senseless murder of this community servant,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson. “May this outcome bring some measure of closure and solace to the family and friends of the victim. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with them during this challenging time as we await the sentencing phase.”
On November 30, 2021, around 9:45am, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting incident at a residence in Weirsdale. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, Steven Smolensky, deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation unveiled that the victim had visited the location to deliver propane for his employer, Suburban Propane. While there, he was confronted by Swearingen, armed with a pistol, who held him at gunpoint, preventing him from leaving or returning to his truck. Eventually, Swearingen shot the victim multiple times.
Swearingen was apprehended and interrogated by officials. During the interview, Swearingen claimed he thought the victim was there to “fill the home with propane,” which led him to confront the victim with a handgun. According to Swearingen, the victim clarified that he was present to refill the propane tank.
Swearingen recounted that when the victim tried to go back to his truck, he held him at gunpoint before shooting him multiple times. Swearingen even stated the victim only had a cell phone in his hands at the time he was shot.
Swearingen was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
Assistant State Attorneys Adam Smith, Katrina Self, and Kevin Steiniger prosecuted this case.
