A registered sex offender was recently found guilty of battering an elderly Central Florida woman.
70-year-old Donald Bass, who is a registered sexual offender, was found guilty of one Felony count of Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.
Officers with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a 9-1-1 call around 5 a.m. on September 3, 2023. The caller, a female victim, indicated they had been battered by an individual, later identified as Bass.
“Battering anyone is a senseless act of violence,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partners and prosecuting attorneys who sought justice for this victim.”
The victim was visibly upset and told law enforcement that they had been in a physical altercation with Bass. The victim indicated the registered sex offender had kicked her and after telling him to stop, he became irate before choking her.
Officers observed visible marks consistent with the victim’s recount of events.
After speaking with the victim, deputies questioned Bass who denied any physical altercation with the victim.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Hart and Scott Ragan despite the victim being unable to attend and testify during the trial.
