New details have emerged about a property dispute that led to a standoff in The Villages.
Jana Stafinsky, 53, continues to be held without bond following the nearly five-hour standoff Thursday at her home at 2186 Broxton Place in the Village of Ashland.
Stafinsky had been embroiled in a legal battle with a renter who was paying $1,000 per month to live in a room at the home. The renter had been suddenly ordered to leave this past month. The renter had gone to court in an effort to recover her possessions, which were still in the Stafinsky home.
When a deputy showed up at about 11 a.m. Thursday to serve Stafinsky with a court document, Stafinsky pointed a gun at the deputy. The deputy immediately requested backup and Stafinsky barricaded herself in the home. A negotiator finally persuaded her to surrender several hours later.
The saga began in August when Stafinsky advertised for a roommate via the online Roomies app. She offered an unfurnished bedroom with a private bathroom for $1,000 per month, plus a $1,200 security deposit. Melissa Garai accepted the offer and moved in. However, Stafinsky began demanding additional money. Garai was very suddenly evicted on Oct. 30, with Stafinsky telling her, “Get out now.” Stafinsky had a gun in her waistband. Garai, who said she was in “fear,” took a few photos and left her key with Stafinsky. Garai returned later that day with law enforcement, but was only allowed to retrieve her cat, which was hiding under a bed…