ORANGE COUNTY, Fla – Residents and users of the Little Econ Greenway Trail say they are on edge after 23-year-old Jacoby Vontrell Tillman, accused of attacking a woman on the trail, was released on $9,500 bond.
The State Attorney’s Office has characterized Tillman as a danger to the community.
Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to revoke his bond, alleging he violated the terms of his release by contacting a witness. Tillman faces multiple charges, including attempted sexual battery, battery by strangulation and false imprisonment. An attempted first-degree murder charge has since been added to his court docket.
An arrest affidavit states that Tillman reportedly told his mother after the incident, “I didn’t rape the lady, I was trying to kill the lady,” according to prosecutors.
[VIDEO: Motion filed to revoke bond for man accused of trying to rape woman on Orange County trail]
News 6 spoke with people using the trail, many of whom expressed shock and concern.
“There was an attack here. Oh my!” one trail user said.
Another added, “It’s crazy. I didn’t think that anything like that would happen here with so much people around.”
News 6 found a sign with safety guidance along the trail. It says to buddy up and travel with a friend and to carry a cell phone, so you can communicate, and to plan your route and inform others of your destination and be aware of your surroundings,” among other tips.
[VIDEO: Man accused in Little Econ Greenway trail attack released on bond]
Deputies said it took several months to find and arrest Tillman after the summer attack. His defense attorney has argued that he is not a flight risk. Despite those arguments, Tillman currently remains free.
Whether Tillman will be taken back into custody will likely be decided in court as prosecutors pursue revocation of his bond.