David John Butka, 69, was arrested on a solicitation to commit first-degree murder charge after an inmate reported he offered 5,000 dollars to kill a neighbor who had testified against him. Investigators say the affidavit included specific identifying details, handwritten notes and a disputed credit card transfer into an inmate commissary account. Butka denies soliciting a killing and says the inmate raised the topic; he also claims charges on his card were for attorney fees. Authorities reviewed the evidence with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office before the arrest, and the allegations remain unproven.
Jailed Florida Man Allegedly Offered $5,000 To Kill Neighbor Who Testified
Image Credit: Lake County Sheriff's Office.
A 69-year-old Lake County man already jailed after a neighborhood confrontation has been charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder after an inmate reported an alleged plot to kill a neighbor who had served as a witness against him.
What Authorities Say
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by local outlets, detectives allege that David John Butka approached another inmate around Sept. 7 or 8 and offered 5,000 dollars up front to have one of his neighbors killed. Investigators say Butka provided the neighbor's first name, a physical description, the person's morning routine and directions to the home.
Officials also allege that Butka's credit card was handed to the reporting inmate's wife, and that 300 dollars from that card was later deposited into the inmate's commissary account. The reporting inmate reportedly turned handwritten notes over to detention staff on Sept. 16; one note allegedly contained Butka's name, contact information, the victim's residence description and instructions referencing the 5,000 dollar payment.
How the Plot Came to Light
Detention staff were notified when the inmate reported the alleged solicitation. Jim Vachon, public information manager for the Lake County Sheriff's Office, told WESH that the reporting inmate had taken notes and provided them to authorities. Detectives say a second inmate became aware of the purported scheme and later told investigators the prospective killer indicated he did not intend to follow through.
Butka's Account
Butka has denied soliciting a murder. He told detectives he discussed his pending cases and his credit card with the other inmate but says the inmate raised the idea of killing the witness. Butka also told investigators he had authorized 2,400 dollars on his card for legal fees, denied authorizing the release of the card to the inmate's wife and said he believed he was being defrauded.
Background And Related Case
The solicitation charge follows a separate July 22 incident in a Clermont neighborhood. Deputies responded after residents reported Butka flying a drone near nearby homes, a recurring civil dispute described in the affidavit. During that confrontation, a passing driver reported that something struck the side of his truck; a witness said she saw Butka throw a rock. Butka denied throwing anything and said he had been operating a drone. He was arrested on an aggravated assault charge.
Butka initially posted bond on the assault charge but was later recommitted on Sept. 1, which placed him in the Lake County Jail when the alleged solicitation was reported. Detectives reviewed their investigation with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office before filing the solicitation charge.
Current Status
Investigators informed the alleged target of the reported plot before charging Butka. Both the solicitation allegation and the earlier aggravated assault remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
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