Jade Edward Smith was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison for a case involving domestic violence and a standoff situation in Lee County.
The defendant was convicted in March, following a trial. Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Abe Thornburg and Assistant State Attorney Melanie Sanders prosecuted the case.
The defendant was sentenced as follows:
• False Imprisonment while Armed – Sentenced to 15 years in prison with a 10-year minimum/mandatory for possession of a firearm
• Tampering with Witness, Victim or Informant while Armed – Sentenced to 10 years in prison
• Domestic Violence Battery – Credit time served
• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 5 years of probation
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon – Sentenced to 10 years in prison with a 10-year minimum/mandatory for possession of a firearm
The sentences are to run concurrently.
The crime happened in July 2025. The defendant wanted the victim’s phone and when she did not give it to him, he attacked her and battered her. Later, she called her friend and while she was on the phone, the defendant held a firearm to her and threatened to harm her. The victim’s friend heard it and called 911 and the victim’s family.
The Fort Myers Police Department went to the residence to do a wellness check but no one answered. The victim’s vehicle was located near the residence so law enforcement approached again to do a wellness check. Officers could see movement in the house and ask for the occupants to come out, but no one did. For 6 hours, the Fort Myers Police Department SWAT Team and K-9 Units, made attempts to have the defendant let the victim leave and to come out. When officers were able to get them out, the victim had visible bruising to her face and body.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director