Abuse suspect risks trial

By TONY HOLT | Hernando Today

Published: May 27, 2012

BROOKSVILLE --

Ronald White is willing to take his chances with a jury.

The 37-year-old Spring Hill man was accused of forcing his adopted son to guzzle large quantities of water, which caused the boy's organs to shut down.

During a pretrial hearing Thursday, White officially turned down an offer of a 25-year prison sentence, according to court records.

White was charged along with his wife, Tammy White, 42, in July 2011.

In addition to inflicting water torture on their 16-year-old son, the couple also locked him inside a room for long periods of time at their home at 1315 Medford Ave., according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

The boy went into septic shock and was flown to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, deputies said. He survived his injuries.

The husband and wife were charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse.

Ronald White's next court hearing is June 21, at which time a trial date is expected to be set. His wife's next hearing is July 3.

Ronald White's legal troubles got even worse after allegations surfaced earlier this year he raped a 15-year-old girl at the Ronald McDonald House during his son's hospital stay.

Ronald White spent the night at the St. Petersburg facility while doctors cared for his son, authorities said.

He is accused of having sexual relations several more times with the same underage girl in Hernando County. He was charged with four counts each of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation.

White is still being investigated for the St. Petersburg rape allegation. A records search disclosed no charges.

The couple adopted three teenagers while they lived in Coffee County, Ga. Soon thereafter, they moved to Spring Hill, deputies said.

White and his wife remain in jail and their children were removed from their home, according to the sheriff's office.

If convicted of any of the child abuse or sex charges, Ronald White could face up to life in prison.

wholt@hernandotoday.com (352) 544-5283