Man with Four Prior State Prison Sentences Arrested on Domestic Battery by Strangulation Warrant

Police booked Jimmy E. Spears, 47, into jail Sunday on a warrant for domestic battery by strangulation, a felony carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years.

According to the police report, Spears and the victim were living in a shared tent when he got angry at her after she told him to stop talking. Spears reportedly punched the victim before strangling her to the point she couldn’t breathe and nearly blacked out. She had visible injuries.

According to the Florida Department of Corrections website, Spears has served four prison sentences within the state. His most recent release was in February 2023.

Spears was arrested in 2024 following allegations of domestic violence but the case was dropped and expunged from court records.

On November 4, 2025, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) charged Spears with felony battery by a repeat offender after he allegedly punched and slapped the victim, and hit her with her walker.

On December 2, 2025, ACSO pressed 40 charges against Spears for illegally calling the victim from jail. The report states he illegally contacted her 187 times.

The same day, the victim sent a letter to the judge in Spears’ felony battery case asking for the no-contact order to be removed. The victim advised that the “circumstances changed” after “careful consideration and reflection.” 

The victim wrote, “Both (Jimmy Spears) and I have had the opportunity to address our issues and I am confident there will be no further risk of harm or disturbance.” 

Prosecutors dropped the felony battery case soon after the victim sent her letter.

Regarding the no-contact order violations, prosecutors formally filed 15 of the 40 charges. In February 2026, Spears was convicted in a no contest plea deal and sentenced to 120 days in jail with 99 days of credit for time served. 

Regarding his pending case, Spears is held in jail without bond.