Aree L. Spivey, 52, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after a Brevard County jury found him guilty of sexually battering a co-worker in Rockledge, according to West Orlando News. The outlet reported that prosecutors secured habitual felony offender and prison releasee reoffender classifications, and that Circuit Judge Steve Henderson imposed the sentence. Its account says those classifications allowed the judge to double the 15-year maximum for the second-degree felony.
What the outlet reported about the case
The assault occurred on September 21, 2021, at a business patio off Murrell Road. West Orlando News reported that the co-worker had clocked out at 2 p.m. and was waiting on the outdoor porch for a ride when Spivey approached her. The outlet says he grabbed and dragged her as she resisted, then removed her pants. It also reported that Spivey later told Rockledge police investigators the contact was consensual.
Police obtained a warrant to collect Spivey’s DNA, which matched semen recovered from the victim’s clothing, according to West Orlando News. The outlet reported that Assistant State Attorneys Samantha Barrett and Andrew Joy presented evidence and testimony at trial. It also reported that Spivey was on supervised work release during the assault, after serving prison time for perjury in a homicide case.
Statewide recidivism figures
The Florida Department of Corrections defines recidivism as a return to prison within three years of release because of a new conviction or a violation of post-prison supervision. Its report says the overall three-year rate stayed near 21% for the most recent three release years it measured.
A Florida Sheriffs Association report gives different statewide estimates: about 25% within three years and 35% within five. The report notes that its measure counts returns to prison and excludes people sentenced to county jail or other non-prison terms. The figures come from separate reports and should not be treated as directly equivalent.
