LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Jake Hemmert was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday after accepting a plea deal for the murder of his father, Brian Hemmert.
The sentencing took place at the Lee County Courthouse, where Hemmert appeared with a casual demeanor.
WATCH AS HEMMERT WAS SENTENCED IN THE COURTROOM:
The case unfolded nearly a year ago when deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) searched the Hemmert family’s home in Alva.
During the search, they discovered a large chest freezer containing the body of Brian Hemmert.
An autopsy later revealed that Brian had suffered gunshot wound - confirming his death as a homicide.
During Monday’s proceedings, the State Attorney read a victim impact statement from Jake Hemmert’s sister, who expressed her ongoing torment since their father’s death.
"Every day for the last 354 days I've had the same thought: I can't forgive," she said. "I've been tormented for the last 354 days, and after our father's death, I planned his funeral and plan to celebrate his life because the years to come he will never be a part of."
In addition to the murder charge, Jake Hemmert faced charges of fraudulent use of a credit card, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a human body.
According to the arrest report, Hemmert spent more than $23,000 using his father’s credit cards, which included the purchase of the freezer where his father’s body was found.
Under the terms of the plea deal, Hemmert will serve a minimum of 25 years in prison for the murder. Upon his release, he will also be required to serve 10 years of probation.
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