Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Benjamin John Roberts, 29, of Lake City, and Christy Marie Shaw, 33, of Gainesville, were arrested on warrants on Tuesday after Roberts allegedly attacked a man sitting outdoors in downtown Gainesville and they both stole jewelry and cash from him.

A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a call about a robbery and physical attack at about 8 p.m. on November 15. The victim told the officer that Shaw, his ex-girlfriend, had approached him while he was sitting on the steps of the Matheson Museum, making a sandwich. He said Roberts approached from the other direction and punched him 20-30 times with a closed fist without saying a word to him. The victim said Roberts ripped a gold chain from his neck and told Shaw to come get the chain because “this belongs to me now.” The victim said Roberts then told Shaw to rob him, and she went through his backpack and took $150 in cash.

The victim said Roberts told him he would get his gun and put a “hit” out on the victim if he didn’t leave Gainesville by morning. The officer reported that the victim sustained multiple bruises and that both his eyes were swollen shut after the attack.

The victim reportedly recognized Roberts as Shaw’s current boyfriend and picked both of them out of a photo line-up.

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The officer reported that Roberts’ Facebook page displayed a direct threat to the victim on the day before the attack; Roberts allegedly wrote that he was actively looking for the victim and would put him in the hospital when he found him. The victim reportedly said that Shaw had previously shown him a gun, saying it belonged to Roberts, and the victim feared that Roberts still intends to kill him.

Roberts has been charged with simple battery and robbery. He has three misdemeanor convictions (none violent). Judge Walter Green set bail at $30,000.

Shaw has been charged with robbery. She has no criminal history but has a petit theft charge pending in Gilchrist County. Judge Green set bail at $25,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.