TAMPA, FL – A former Polk County deputy, who vanished just before his trial for a deadly DUI crash, is now back in custody. Authorities apprehended him in South America and returned him to the Bay Area, where he will finally face justice.
Joshua Roloff’s court appearance was brief, lasting less than a minute, but it marked the end of a tumultuous period for the victims’ families. Jorge Negrete, whose son was killed in the crash, expressed relief that Roloff is back behind bars.
The incident, which took place in 2022, involved Roloff driving at 100 miles per hour on the Courtney Campbell Causeway while intoxicated. His vehicle collided with another car, resulting in the deaths of Christopher Coroli and Ricky Gongora, Negrete’s son.
The trial was originally scheduled for April, but Roloff failed to appear. Authorities later discovered he had fled the country. Negrete described the waiting period as agonizing, filled with tears and prayers for justice to prevail.
Roloff was eventually located in Colombia, where federal agents tracked him down. Hillsborough State Attorney Susie Lopez revealed he had been living in a luxury resort, seemingly untroubled by the charges awaiting him.
Lopez emphasized the gravity of Roloff’s actions, calling them brazen and irresponsible. If convicted, he faces the possibility of more than 100 years in state prison.
Negrete hopes that the time Roloff spent in luxury will weigh heavily on him as he faces life behind bars. “I hope he thinks about the time he’ll never get with his son,” Negrete shared, reflecting on the loss.
Roloff’s next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow morning, where the legal process will continue.