fbpx

Starke man arrested for spitting on store clerk after trying to use counterfeit bill

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Javaris Eugene Kates, 32, of Starke, was arrested yesterday afternoon for battery on a person over 65 after allegedly spitting on a store clerk who questioned the $10 bill he gave her.

At about 3:20 yesterday afternoon, Kates allegedly entered the store (location undisclosed) and tried to buy a candy bar with a $10 bill. The clerk reportedly told Kates the bill was counterfeit, and Kates allegedly got upset with the clerk, started yelling at her, and then spit in her face. The clerk is 67 years old, making this a felony.

The store manager witnessed the incident and reportedly corroborated the victim’s account. The witness reportedly added that after he asked Kates to leave the store, Kates said, “Meet me outside and I’ll hit you with a 24-pack.” The witness said that Kates then left the store.

Post Miranda, Kates reportedly said he went into the store to get change for a $10 bill and that the person who gave him the money said he could keep half of it if he got change. Kates reportedly denied spitting on the victim but said he drools a lot and some of the drool may have hit the victim.

Kates has 10 felony convictions along with a juvenile history and has served three state prison terms for cocaine possession, marijuana possession, and armed robbery; he was most recently released in November 2020. Judge Walter Green set bail at $10,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

  • With that many arrests and felonies why is he on the streets. Wake up judges, why can’t you do your job .

  • >