A Florida man is facing a new criminal charge after authorities say he allegedly tried to arrange the killing of a neighbor while he was already behind bars over an earlier confrontation involving the same person.
David Butka, 69, has been charged with solicitation to commit murder, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say the alleged plot developed from an ongoing dispute over Butka’s use of a drone near the neighbor’s property.
Drone Dispute Led to Earlier Arrest
The dispute dates back to July 22, when authorities were called following an incident involving Butka and his neighbor.
According to an arrest affidavit, the disagreement centered on Butka allegedly flying a drone over or near the neighbor’s property. The neighbor reportedly attempted to document the situation while leaving the residence.
Investigators say Butka then threw a rock at the person’s vehicle, allegedly leaving visible marks and dents. He was subsequently taken into custody and later pleaded no contest to an aggravated assault charge connected to the incident.
Butka was being held at the Lake County Jail and was scheduled to be released on Sept. 17.
Authorities Say He Offered $5,000 for the Killing
While in jail, Butka allegedly approached another inmate around Sept. 7 or 8 and asked him to kill his neighbor, according to investigators.
Authorities allege that Butka offered the inmate $5,000 upfront and claimed he had approximately $1.3 million in the bank. Investigators also say he provided information that could help identify and locate the intended victim, including an address, phone number, physical description and morning routine.
The inmate reportedly documented details of the conversations and later brought the information to a Lake County Sheriff’s Office official on Sept. 16.
Investigators also allege that Butka provided credit card information to the inmate. The inmate’s wife subsequently transferred $300 into his jail commissary account.
Butka Denies the Allegations
Butka has denied attempting to arrange the killing. According to authorities, he told investigators that the money and financial information were connected to helping the inmate obtain legal representation.
Officials also said the two men had not known each other before being held in the same facility.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokesman James Vachon said investigators were still trying to determine why Butka would allegedly target the neighbor, particularly because he was already scheduled to leave jail. Authorities have suggested anger or revenge as possible explanations, but the precise motive remains unclear.
Butka’s bond on the new charge was set at $25,000. It was not immediately clear whether he had obtained an attorney for the new case.
The allegations remain unproven unless established in court, and Butka is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
