A civil lawsuit has been filed against the Lake County Republican Party and its Vice-Chairman, Mike Trainor, following a disturbing incident at a party meeting that allegedly left a precinct committeewoman injured and hospitalized.
According to the complaint filed by attorney and Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, plaintiff Autumn Jacunski—a newly appointed precinct committeewoman—was attending the Lake County Republican Executive Committee (LCREC) meeting at the Venetian Center in Leesburg when she was physically injured by Trainor. The suit alleges that Trainor, acting under direct orders from LCREC Chairman Taylor Yarkosky, slammed a steel door on Jacunski’s hand, crushing it against the frame as she attempted to exit the building.
🚑 Jacunski reportedly screamed in pain and was treated on-site by Leesburg EMS before spending several hours in the emergency room at UF Shands Hospital. The complaint states she continues to suffer from the injury and requires extended chiropractic care.
The lawsuit includes four counts: battery, negligence, and two counts of vicarious liability against the Lake County Republican Party, arguing that Trainor was acting within the scope of his employment when the incident occurred. It seeks damages exceeding $50,000 and calls for punitive damages due to the “especially egregious behavior” and alleged political animus behind the attack.
🎥 Witnesses at the scene corroborated the account, with one stating, “He most definitely slammed the door on her hand,” and another describing the aftermath as “the most disgraceful thing I’ve ever seen”.
🚨 The Leesburg Police Department confirmed they were called to the scene for a report of battery, though no arrests have been made as of Monday evening.
Sabatini, who has been publicly critical of Chairman Yarkosky, posted on social media that members were threatened with arrest by Florida Highway Patrol officers if they attempted to enter the meeting. He further alleged that long-standing members were “pre-trespassed” and barred from attending.
🧾 Disclaimer: This article reports on allegations contained in a civil complaint filed in court. All defendants are presumed innocent of any wrongdoing unless and until proven liable in a court of law. The Lake County Republican Party and Vice-Chairman Mike Trainor have not yet issued public statements in response to the lawsuit.
As tensions rise within the Lake County GOP, calls for leadership resignations have intensified. Whether this legal action will prompt broader reform or deepen internal divisions remains to be seen.
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