Florida Man Kidnaps Same Woman Twice
In a troubling case from Florida, 53-year-old Jeffrey Holley was arrested for allegedly kidnapping the same woman he had previously abused in 2022. Holley had been released from prison in February 2024 after serving time for a similar crime but resumed his abusive behavior just two months later.
Assault and Captivity
According to authorities, after the woman told Holley to leave, he assaulted and bound her using duct tape and zip ties, holding her captive for four days. She attempted to escape twice but was forcibly dragged back into the house. A concerned neighbor eventually called law enforcement when they observed Holley taking zip ties from the woman's truck.
When police arrived, they discovered the woman in the garage, hogtied with duct tape and rope. She had bruises and cuts from the ordeal. Holley fled the scene, prompting a manhunt involving bloodhounds and a K-9 unit. He was ultimately found hiding on Naval property and was apprehended after resisting arrest.
Personal History
Holley's criminal history with the victim dates back to August 2022 when he was convicted of false imprisonment and domestic violence against her. He was sentenced to two years in prison but released early in February 2024. In a news conference, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson expressed frustration that the previous prison sentence did not deter Holley.
Challenges for Domestic Abuse Survivors
This case has once again highlighted the difficulties domestic abuse survivors face when trying to break the cycle of violence. Johnson noted that it is often even harder when the abuser repeatedly manipulates the victim into believing they've changed, only to reoffend. In the wake of Holley's arrest, the sheriff's office has reinforced the importance of community resources for victims of domestic violence, encouraging those in abusive situations to seek help.
Holley remains in Santa Rosa County Jail without bond. He faces a long list of charges, including kidnapping, domestic battery, and resisting arrest. Authorities are hopeful that his sentencing this time will be more severe, and Johnson emphasized that the sheriff's office would do everything possible to ensure the victim's safety and well-being moving forward.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788, or chat online for confidential support 24/7. For more information, visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
References: Man kidnaps woman, goes to prison and kidnaps her again after release, Florida cops say | Milton man arrested after SRSO deputies find girlfriend beaten and hogtied in garage
