Florida man used cameras to target sprinklers at disabled kids headed to school, deputies say

A Florida man angry that a bus stop is located in front of his house — a bus stop used to help children with disabilities use a bus ramp to get on and off the bus – is accused of targeting the children and their parents by watching his driveway through surveillance cameras and then turning on a portion of his sprinkler system, according to an arrest affidavit filed with the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

According to the report, this has been a years-long issue between the man and his neighbors, resulting in several calls to the sheriff's office.

Affidavit: Florida man is mad that the bus stop is located in front of his house

What we know:

Antonio Roman, 61, ws arrested on Sunday and booked into jail on multiple counts of stalking, battery, and battery on a disabled person, according to the arrest affidavit.

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According to investigators, Roman owns the home, but does not live there full-time. He reportedly lives out of state. 

His next-door neighbors allege that Roman has been intentionally turning on his sprinklers during the week when the school bus arrives to pick up and drop off their children, all of whom are considered special needs. The neighbors alleged that this has happened hundreds of times.

Roman told a deputy that he was frustrated that the bus stop is located "on his side" of the house. He has reportedly tried to get the bus stop moved through Marion County Public Schools Board, but apparently denied, the report said.

FOX 35 has reached out to Marion County Public Schools for comment.

Roman also apparently tried to get the bus stop moved through the Homeowners Association, the report said. But, that also did not move forward.

The investigation began on April 30, 2025. The deputy talked with the victims, and rang the doorbell at Roman's home, who did not answer. But, Roman did contact MCSO asking why law enforcement was at his house.

Video shows sprinklers turned on for 3 minutes, long enough for bus to pull up, pick up kids, and leave: MCSO

Days later, a detective conducted video surveillance near Roman's home. He confirmed that the sprinklers were turned on as the bus pulled up in front of the house, as the parents and children were being put on the bus, and then were turned off as the bus pulled away. 

By the detective's count, the sprinklers were on for a total of three minutes.

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Neighbor admits to monitoring through surveillance cameras

Roman told a deputy over the phone that he uses his surveillance cameras and activates his sprinklers when the bus arrives to pick up and drop off the kids. He told the detective that he does not like the bus stop being in front of his house, specifically because a portion of the wheelchair ramp touches his driveway.

An arrest warrant was issued for Roman. Once he arrived back in Marion County, he turned himself into the Marion County Sheriff's Office and was booked into the Marion County Jail.

According to online jail records, Roman was awarded a $4,000 bond on all 7 charges. He has since posted bond and been released from jail, records show.

The Source: The information in this article comes from a report shared by the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

FloridaCrime and Public Safety