A Villager has been ordered to get a substance evaluation after disrupting his neighborhood and tormenting his ex-lady friend.
Richard Paladino, 67, who lives at 1711 Kiley Court on the Historic Side of The Villages, pleaded no contest earlier this month in Lake County Court to charges of disorderly conduct and violation of a conditional release. He was placed on probation and must obtain a substance abuse evaluation. A charge of stalking was dismissed.
Paladino was arrested May 19 in a domestic-related incident on the stalking and disorderly conduct charges. His neighbors were fed up due to the constant beeping of his golf cart’s horn and his threats, particularly those aimed at his former romantic interest. Following that arrest, he was issued a strict no-contact order prohibiting him from interacting with his estranged girlfriend.
However, police were called May 21 after the ex-girlfriend reported that Paladino had come to her residence to try to “work things out,” according to an arrest report. She told officers that Paladino later threatened to burn her house down. The interactions were captured on the victim’s home video surveillance system.
When Lady Lake police officers arrived at Paladino’s home, they noted in the arrest affidavit that they approached with caution. The report stated that Paladino has an extensive criminal history, violent tendencies, self-proclaimed gang affiliations, access to firearms, and a history of being intoxicated during interactions with law enforcement.
Upon making contact with officers, Paladino was reportedly acting belligerent and yelling. He claimed he had just been released from jail and had not been in contact with his estranged girlfriend. However, officers used the video surveillance footage to contradict his statement.
In 2024, he was arrested after his golf cart crashed into a gate arm at UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital.