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By Staff Writers
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A 19-year-old man, Giovany Rojas-Castro, has been taken into custody following accusations of assaulting and detaining a woman over a span of approximately 48 hours.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call after a friend of the victim reported witnessing a live video showing Rojas-Castro allegedly abusing the woman. Upon arriving at the scene, a deputy encountered Rojas-Castro attempting to leave the area, leading to a traffic stop.
The victim recounted a harrowing ordeal, claiming Rojas-Castro held her captive in her own home for two days. She alleged the conflict began when Rojas-Castro became angry, during which he reportedly struck and choked her. He is also accused of confiscating her phone to prevent her from seeking help. Despite the dire situation, the victim managed to text a friend. However, when she attempted to meet this friend outside, Rojas-Castro allegedly pursued her and forcibly brought her back inside. He is also accused of causing property damage, including punching holes in the walls.
Law enforcement officials were provided with multiple video recordings by the victim’s friend, which reportedly supported the victim’s statements and accusations.
The deputy reported that there were two holes in the walls where it appeared Rojas-Castro had punched the wall, and a cabinet was damaged.
Rojas-Castro reportedly gave a fake name at first but later provided his real name. Post Miranda, he was adamant that he had never harmed or hit the victim and said she was the one who had abused him, but when confronted with the video evidence, he reportedly said he did not want her to leave because he was concerned for her safety. The deputy reported that Rojas-Castro “had a hard time explaining his actions to deputies.”
Rojas-Castro has been charged with holding an adult hostage, felony battery, simple battery, and property damage. He has no criminal history, and Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him held without bail on the kidnapping charge, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing. Judge Ramsey set bail at $20,000 on the other charges.
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.