MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A Marion County man entered a plea in court Tuesday, moments before a scheduled jury trial in connection to a high-speed pursuit and multiple felony charges.
Jeremy Donye Walker, 36, pleaded no contest to several charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, possession with intent to sell hydromorphone, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, no motor vehicle registration and no valid driver’s license.
The plea came just minutes before jurors were set to hear evidence from the state. Walker was subsequently sentenced to six years in state prison, followed by four years of probation. He was also ordered to pay court fees and fines and complete a mental health treatment program upon release.
The charges stem from a March 6, 2025, incident in Umatilla, Florida. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Ricketts observed a gray Ford Focus driving erratically – swerving between lanes and varying speed. The deputy followed the vehicle and estimated it was travelling approximately 90 mph before initiating a traffic stop.
Officials said the driver failed to stop and crossed into oncoming traffic. Additional deputies responded to the pursuit, and Deputy Bloom deployed tire deflation devices, successfully bringing the vehicle to a stop several miles later.
The driver, later identified as Walker, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities reported locating a clear plastic bag with pills on the driver’s floorboard, later identified as hydromorphone. During the pursuit, Walker allegedly threw a yellow backpack from the vehicle, which deputies recovered. Inside the front pocket, law enforcement found three live 9mm rounds.
Following his arrest, a records check revealed that Walker was a convicted felon, did not possess a valid driver’s license and had no active registration for the vehicle.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Samuel Militello and William Harris.