Two defendants in Manatee County are currently facing five felony counts each for aggravated animal neglect and abuse. The allegations involve prolonged suffering, severe mistreatment, intentional starvation, and living conditions no animal should ever endure. These are serious, violent crimes — and the public has a right to a fully transparent legal process as this case moves forward. In September 2025, I personally met with Assistant State’s Attorney Craig Shaffer and warned the State Attorney’s Office about harassment, attempted intimidation, abuse of the court system, and serious misconduct involving one of the defendants, Adriana O’Hara, a former employee of the 12th Judicial Circuit (Sarasota office). My concerns were largely dismissed. I was even told that reporting her behavior and crimes to the sheriff’s department would “be a waste of their time.” Just weeks later, that same individual was arrested and charged with five felony counts of aggravated animal neglect and abuse — confirming that those warnings should never have been ignored. This case has raised widespread concern about corruption throughout Manatee County. For many years, community members have feared that this former employee and her mother, a retired Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy, have used their positions and connections within the justice and court systems to avoid accountability. Those fears are resurfacing now, as one of the defendants is attempting to seal public records and make court proceedings confidential. This is unacceptable. The public cannot be shut out of a case involving such egregious acts of neglect and abuse.
Justice cannot be served behind closed doors. We are calling on the Manatee County Court System, the State Attorney’s Office, and all related judicial divisions to: Keep all public records in this case unsealed and accessible

 Ensure full transparency in all hearings and proceedings

 Address any potential or perceived conflicts of interest

 Protect the community’s right to know the truth

 Award the county full ownership and custody of the animals, ensuring they are permanently protected and never returned to either defendant

 Ensure that family court applies the same standards of safety and suitability in cases involving both defendants’ minor children — because if an environment is not safe for animals, it is not safe for children

 Prosecute the defendants to the fullest extent of the law, without favoritism, influence, or special treatment Transparency is not optional — it is the foundation of public trust. The people of Manatee County deserve confidence that justice will be carried out fairly, openly, and without influence. Sign this petition to demand accountability, integrity, and transparency. 
Justice must be done — and the community must be able to see it.