OCALA, Fla. – A Kentucky man who was released from prison early and was then found living in Marion County, Florida, is now headed back to Kentucky.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday that Ron Exantus was extradited and escorted back north.
Exantus was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2018 for attacking a family, though he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the stabbing death of a 6-year-old.
Exantus was released on parole earlier this month and moved to the Ocala area. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said Exantus was living 40 yards across from an elementary school.
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However, investigators took him into custody for failing to register as a convicted felon with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office within 48 hours, which is required by Florida law.
“We will hunt you down and ensure you’re put right back where you should be,” Woods said.
Attorney General James Uthmeier says the state will continue to be tough on crime.
“There are a handful of states out there that already have a narrow insanity defense,” he said. “I hope the leaders in Florida will look at adding Florida to that list.”
Woods said he is not sure of the specific charges Exantus could face in Kentucky, but he said he is glad he is out of Florida.
Exantus’ early release garnered national attention, including from the White House.