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Undisclosed: Civil suit, criminal probe collide in Davis’s $15M verdict

A SERIES

Part 5: Damage Control – The Fight Moves to Appeal

Editor’s Note: This is Part 5 in a multi-part series examining the legal battle between the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and ACSO Sgt. Kevin Davis in a civil trial, the influence of a dual track criminal investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) that allowed itself to be drawn into political and legal crossfire and the attorney who was the central figure in in both the civil and criminal proceedings.

GAINESVILLE – Following a major post-trial hearing on July 15, the legal battle between Sgt. Kevin Davis and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is now poised to enter a new phase: appeal. While Circuit Judge Gloria Walker denied the Sheriff’s motion for new trial and allowed the $15 million verdict to stand, attorneys for ACSO made it clear that the issues at stake are far from resolved.

Several local media outlets previously and inaccurately reported that during a June 10 hearing the Court denied ACSO’s motions to overturn the jury verdict, request a new trial, and reduce the damages award. In reality, the Court held the June 10 hearing solely to decide whether ACSO could amend its post-trial motions to include newly discovered facts – namely, that the separate FDLE criminal investigation introduced in the civil case resulted in no criminal charges and that plaintiff Davis’s attorney, Bobi Frank, was deeply involved in that investigation, including representing multiple witnesses in FDLE’s criminal probe and failed to disclose her involvement during discovery in the civil trial.

Contrasting Cases: When $15 Million Means Something Else

The contrast between Davis’s case and a recent Alachua County jury verdict awarding $17 million to a mother and child severely burned in a 2022 apartment fire could not be more striking. In that case, reported by WCJB on April 11, 2025, the plaintiffs suffered devastating physical injuries – burns covering over 27% of the mother’s body and 8% of her daughter’s. Both required hospitalization and long-term medical treatment. The jury found that the housing provider’s failure to inspect the apartment in violation of federal safety regulations directly led to the explosion.

That jury’s award was based on undeniable physical trauma, ongoing disfigurement, and medical need. By contrast, Davis’s claim was based on emotional distress stemming from a workplace dispute in which he remained on the payroll and was placed on paid administrative leave. He admitted to violating department policies, including failing to wear a body-worn camera and making derogatory social media posts about a superior officer. No medical records, psychological diagnoses, or expert testimony were presented to support his emotional damages.

The evidence showed that Davis remained a full-time employee during the entire period of his so-called “pseudo house arrest.” He continued to receive his salary and benefits and was never stripped of his classification. His emotional distress claim stemmed not from physical injury or public humiliation, but from being temporarily directed to stay home during work hours unless given prior approval – a standard protocol in internal affairs investigations. To some observers, Davis’s complaints bordered on the theatrical, especially when contrasted with the real physical suffering endured by other plaintiffs who received similar monetary verdicts.

A Narrow Ruling, a Broader Dispute

At the July 15 hearing, ACSO’s lead counsel Wes Gay challenged the foundation of the verdict, arguing that it was unsupported by the record and legally flawed. He highlighted what he described as a glaring absence of any custom or policy under federal civil rights law (Monell doctrine), arguing that Davis failed to show how official ACSO policy caused his alleged injury. Judge Walker, however, ruled that ACSO had waived those arguments by not raising them before the verdict form was finalized.

The court also declined to disturb the $15 million in non-economic damages, despite ACSO’s argument that the emotional distress award was excessive and unsubstantiated by medical records or expert testimony. Judge Walker found that the jury had sufficient evidence to support its decision and that the verdict did not shock the judicial conscience.

The jury’s $15 million award was 130 times the original back pay award of $115,724. However, because Judge Walker reduced back pay to $16,457 at the July 15 post-trial hearing, the $15 million award is more than 911 times larger than the back pay award. This is likely to bolster ACSO’s argument on appeal that the $15 million shocks the conscience.

One Win for the Sheriff

The only relief granted to the defense came in the form of a partial reduction of the jury’s award. The court accepted ACSO’s argument that the jury’s back pay award had improperly included front pay, a remedy reserved to the court. Based on the Plaintiff’s own expert testimony, Judge Walker reduced Davis’s back pay award from $115,724 to $16,457.

While the July 15 post-trial hearing was largely a victory for the Plaintiff, the ruling sets up a clean path for appellate review. ACSO now faces the choice of whether to appeal the court’s denial of a directed verdict, a new trial, and the damages award.

The Heart of the Matter

The July 15 hearing revealed the depth of ACSO’s legal strategy. Defense counsel argued that Davis’s retaliation claim failed as a matter of law, citing long gaps in time between alleged complaints and subsequent employment decisions. They argued that many of the challenged actions – including a failed transfer, reprimands, and suspension – were either standard law enforcement procedures or based on Davis’s own admitted conduct.

Davis was never demoted, never docked a day of pay, and never placed in a position beneath his classification. And yet, the jury awarded him $15 million – a sum 911 times greater than the actual back pay Judge Walker allowed. That staggering disparity may become central to ACSO’s appeal.

ACSO argued that evidence related to an FDLE criminal investigation – instigated by Davis’s attorney Bobi Frank on the same day Davis’s civil lawsuit was filed – was allowed at trial without the jury ever being informed that the criminal case had been closed without charges. Gay contended this planted a false image of criminality around ACSO leadership that unfairly influenced the jury.

Frank’s involvement continued to raise red flags. As outlined in earlier installments, she represented multiple FDLE witnesses, conducted interviews at her own law office, and failed to disclose the immunity deals granted by FDLE to those witnesses – facts never presented to the civil trial jury.

Davis’s legal team insisted in pre-trial motions that the FDLE investigation was relevant and could be presented to the jury. Despite ACSO’s repeated objections, Judge Walker permitted references to the FDLE investigation at trial. However, new evidence – including the revelation that Frank had insider knowledge of the FDLE inquiry and likely knew its criminal allegations lacked merit – lends credibility to ACSO’s long-standing concern: that Davis’s team strategically used references to the criminal investigation to inflame the civil trial jury and tip the scales in their favor.

A Look Back at This Series

Throughout this five-part series, Alachua County Today has uncovered critical issues that may now inform the appellate court’s review:

In Part 1, we revealed that Davis’s attorney Bobi Frank initiated the FDLE criminal investigation on the same day Davis’s civil suit was filed – an extraordinary dual track that was never explained to the jury.

In Part 2, we reported that key witness for Davis, former ACSO Captain Brandon Kutner, received immunity from FDLE in the criminal investigation before admitting to secretly monitoring a conversation between Frank and another client. The jury was never told about his immunity.

In Part 3, we examined how Frank shaped media narratives, directed FDLE interviews at her own law office, and crafted a public image of dysfunction at ACSO – all while representing most of the witnesses granted immunity by FDLE.

In Part 4, we analyzed FDLE’s final report and State Attorney Durrett’s findings. Despite months of speculation, FDLE substantiated only two claims – both ultimately rejected for prosecution. Dozens of other allegations either lacked evidence or were unrelated to Davis’s case.

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ALACHUA – A Gainesville man was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly pointing a gun at another vehicle during a road rage incident in Alachua, according to police.

Glenn David MacCallum, 51, was taken into custody by the Alachua Police Department (APD) after officers responded to a report of an armed confrontation involving a family on U.S. Highway 441.

According to the police report, the victims told dispatchers at 8:55 a.m. that a man had pointed a firearm at them and their child “without provocation.” An officer responding to the call located a vehicle matching the description provided by the victims and conducted a high-risk traffic stop.

Police said MacCallum was detained without incident, and a loaded black pistol was found holstered in his waistband. After being read his Miranda rights, MacCallum reportedly declined to speak with law enforcement.

The victims later identified MacCallum “without a shadow of a doubt” as the individual who brandished the weapon and confirmed it matched the black pistol recovered by police, according to the report.

Authorities also determined that MacCallum’s driver’s license had been suspended indefinitely in September 2024.

He faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of knowingly driving with a suspended license. Court records indicate that MacCallum has no prior criminal history.

Alachua County Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office seeking pretrial detention. If the motion is denied, bail will be set at that hearing in addition to the $250 bond already set for the traffic offense.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ The Alachua County Library District has begun construction on a new library branch to serve the Hawthorne community, with the new facility set to replace the existing branch.

Site preparation is already underway, including the removal of the old parking lot. Construction is expected to continue for several months, with the new building slated to open in early 2026.

The new Hawthorne Branch will offer more than 10,000 square feet of space, allowing for expanded book collections, additional computers, and more comfortable seating. Library officials say the upgraded facility will feature several new amenities, including a Snuggle Up Center for young readers, a dedicated Teen Space, a Quiet Reading Room, private study rooms, and a MakerSpace.

“While we love our current building, we are beyond excited about the construction of the new library,” said Hawthorne Branch Manager Cameron Burris. “It will offer so much more to the Hawthorne community and allow us to create new opportunities to participate, connect, and discover.”

The current library will remain open throughout construction. The new building is being constructed adjacent to the existing branch on the same property.

For updates on the project and other library news, visit the Library District’s website or follow its official social media channels.

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ALACHUA ‒ Former Alachua City Commissioner Robert Wilford, age 80, died on June 17, 2025, in St. Augustine, Florida. He was a longtime public servant and U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to community service and advocacy.

A native of Jacksonville, Wilford served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years before retiring in 1983. Sixteen of those years were spent as a cryptologist with top secret clearance, followed by four years as a religious programs specialist. During his service, he authored two training publications and received numerous awards and commendations.

Wilford’s commitment to helping others began during his military career and extended well beyond his retirement. He remained involved in various veterans’ organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America (Gainesville Chapter), Marine Corps League (Gator Chapter), Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association, and the U.S. Navy Fleet Reserve Association.

After his Navy service, Wilford transitioned into health care administration in Florida and Georgia. In 1987, he began a decade-long career as an executive director for organizations focused on substance abuse recovery, addiction treatment, and prison ministry. He later served as executive director for similar programs in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

He continued his mission to serve communities when he became executive director of the Tri County Community Council in Bonifay, Florida. There, he oversaw transportation services, housing assistance, food distribution, child development, and Head Start programs.

In 2006, Wilford returned to Florida to lead the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA), Inc. as CEO, a position he held until 2013. Over his 27-year executive career, he focused on economic development and sustainability through nonprofit and governmental partnerships.

His contributions were recognized by several organizations. He was named “Advocate of the Year” by the East Gainesville Development Corporation and received the “Outstanding Community Leader” award from St. Luke AME Church.

Wilford was elected to the Alachua City Commission in 2010 and served three terms as vice mayor. His civic involvement included serving on the board of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services, the Florida Association for Community Action, and the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association.

In addition to his public service, Wilford authored a book on childhood sexual abuse, published in May 2015. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International, a former president of the Turkey Creek Lions Club, and a charter member of the Alachua Optimist Club. His volunteer work included participating in Kairos Prison Ministry International at Lake Butler and in programs supporting incarcerated veterans at Florida State Prison.

In 2022, Wilford moved to St. Augustine to enjoy retirement with Diane, his wife of more than 50 years, and their grandchildren.

“My heart is still in Alachua and it was a tough decision to move, but it is time to spend more time with my family and grandchildren,” Wilford said at the time.

When asked about the legacy he hoped to leave, Wilford replied: “As having made a difference in others’ lives.”

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GAINESVILLE – A 44-year-old Archer man was sentenced to 10 years in state prison on June 10, 2025, after pleading no contest to multiple felony charges related to sexual crimes against children.

Joel Bruce Searby, who previously led a municipal charter school initiative in Newberry, was sentenced in Alachua County Circuit Court to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of sex offender probation. The plea deal stems from a 2024 investigation involving explicit communications with a 15-year-old boy.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on June 19, 2024, after deputies received a report about inappropriate Snapchat messages Searby sent to the teen. The messages reportedly included shirtless photos, an image of Searby in the shower, and explicit messages referencing his own past sexual experiences with an older man while in high school.

On June 10, Searby entered an open plea of nolo contendere to 12 felony charges: traveling to meet a minor, using a computer to solicit a minor, lewd and lascivious conduct, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and eight counts of possession of child pornography. As part of the plea agreement, four additional counts of possession of child pornography were dropped.

According to court documents, Searby faced a potential maximum sentence of 80 years in state prison. His sentencing guideline score sheet indicated a minimum permissible sentence of 90.6 months.

On June 12, Judge William Davis sentenced Searby to two sentences of 10 years in prison and two sentences of five years in prison on the first four charges, all running concurrently, followed by five years of sex offender probation.

Judge Davis added an additional five years of probation, served after the first five years, for the child pornography charges. Searby will also be designated a sexual offender.

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ALACHUA ‒ A 17-year-old Alachua man has been sentenced as an adult to four years in state prison after deputies found a stolen pistol and nearly 170 grams of marijuana in his bedroom during a February search.

Charles Lavon Williams Jr., who had previously served a juvenile sentence in 2024, was released on Nov. 26 of that year. A subsequent investigation involving his social media account reportedly showed him holding multiple firearms after being adjudicated a delinquent.

On Feb. 5, 2025, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant for the home where Williams lives with his mother. The following day, investigators searched his bedroom and recovered a 9mm Taurus pistol with an extended magazine that had been reported stolen in Alachua, along with a loaded Glock extended magazine. Both items had allegedly appeared in social media posts by Williams.

Deputies also reported finding a bag containing 167.99 grams of marijuana in his closet, along with a digital scale and a box of baggies. One detective wrote that the discovery “indicat[ed] to this detective that [Williams] has been involved in narcotics since his release from his Juvenile Commitment Program.”

Although Williams was not charged with stealing the pistol—authorities said he was in custody when it was stolen—he was charged with possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana.

On Feb. 17, Williams was formally charged as an adult and transferred to the Alachua County Jail later that month. At the time of his arrest, he had one prior juvenile conviction and told court personnel he was a student at Santa Fe High School. He was released on $100,000 bail in early March.

Williams entered an open plea of nolo contendere on May 19 to both charges, which carried a maximum sentence of 20 years. The following day, prosecutors asked Circuit Judge William Davis to remand Williams to custody pending sentencing, but the judge denied the motion and instead imposed an 8 p.m. curfew, with exceptions if he was fulfilling work or school obligations.

On June 9, Judge Davis sentenced Williams to two concurrent four-year prison terms, followed by three years of probation for the firearm charge.

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