Dad in videotaped brawl back in jail after fainting spell

PALM BAY, Fla.,None — A Palm Bay man convicted of child abuse for beating a teenager during a videotaped brawl was taken to jail on Monday from a hospital to wait for his sentencing.

Gary Johnson, 35, who was convicted of three felonies, was hospitalized on Friday night after he passed out in court when the guilty verdict was read.

Authorities said Johnson could face more than 17 years behind bars.

"It is my intention to remand him and he is hereby remanded," said Judge Morgan Reinman.

Johnson's attorney said the fainting spell may have been the result of a long week and a long day of jury deliberations.

"He didn't eat anything and I think the combination of the stress, so on, contributed to him fainting," said Johnson's attorney Ernest Chang.

Johnson is already paying a price for his role in the beatdown caught on camera. The emergency room technician lost his job, and now the divorced father is also facing a civil suit from the victim's family. With three felonies, future work in healthcare is in question.

Prosecutors plan to ask for the maximum prison time possible.

"He has not even figured out how wrong this was. And for him to be surprised at this verdict, and to respond the way he did, clearly shows that he didn't understand the gravity of this," said the assistant state attorney.

However, Chang asked the judge to wait to sentence Johnson because there are still a number of legal appeals that could wipe away the 17 years of prison time Johnson is facing.

"Ultimately, it is my belief that we will prevail on appeal and certainly some of the felonies, I would anticipate will be dismissed," Chang said.

Reinman said he is going to consider some of the legal motions, which could reduce Johnson's sentence.

Johnson's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 19.

Johnson's attorney said he plans to file for a new trial later this week.

Previous Stories:

WFTV