A resident of the Historic Side of The Villages who has been tormenting his neighborhood has been jailed after allegedly threatening to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s home.
Richard Paladino, 67, who lives at 1711 Kiley Court on the Historic Side of The Villages, was taken into custody by Lady Lake police on a charge of violating a no-contact order.
Paladino had been arrested May 19, in a domestic-related incident on charges of stalking and disorderly conduct. 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.
Paladino was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail, where he was booked without bond.