Sarasota Man Receives Sentence for Assaulting and Detaining Two Women

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Cory Garries, a Sarasota man, was convicted on numerous charges, including sexual battery and kidnapping, following a series of brutal assaults on two women in a single night.

In October 2022, Garries attacked two women, leading to a judge’s ruling of eight consecutive life sentences for his crimes.

According to the office of State Attorney Ed Brodsky, Garries initiated one of the assaults by entering a woman’s home, where he threatened her with a knife, cut off her hair, and forced himself on her while endangering her life.

After compelling her to shower, Garries forced the victim to drive to his sister’s residence, where the assault continued.

The victim persuaded Garries to allow her to make a phone call under the pretense of asking a friend for money.

Her friends, realizing something was amiss, recognized she was in danger after she asked several leading questions. They promptly contacted 911 to assist her.

Convinced law enforcement wouldn’t arrive in time, she fled to her car and managed to escape as Garries attempted to stop her. She drove to a safe location and alerted authorities.

While deputies were searching for him, Garries crossed the street and broke into another house, where he assaulted a second woman as she slept.

The victim awoke to find Garries choking her, threatening her with a knife. He continued to sexually assault her, even taking her into the bathroom for another assault.

In a desperate effort, the second woman tried to appease Garries by treating his self-inflicted wounds.

Eventually, she managed to convince Garries to leave the bathroom, and once he fell asleep, she escaped and flagged down a passerby who called 911 on her behalf.

Deputies arrived to find Garries attempting to flee the property.

The assaults left both women with serious physical and emotional injuries.

During the trial, which took place between September 2 and September 5, 16 witnesses testified, including both survivors, law enforcement officials, forensic experts, and DNA specialists.

Garries was found guilty on five counts of sexual battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of kidnapping with a weapon, and one count each of burglary with assault and aggravated assault.

Assistant State Attorney Joshua Wertheim stated:

“The heinous acts of violence committed by the Defendant in this case upon the two Victims in this community are absolutely horrific. These two women suffered the worst sort of violence imaginable, and somehow found the strength to survive and escape. I commend them on how they were able to face their attacker both in the moment, and at trial. The State Attorney’s Office will always stand up against evil, and prosecute those who commit it. I agree with the Court’s sentence in this case, and believe the Defendant deserves every day of his 8 consecutive life sentences.”