Inmate who pled guilty in West Boca murder faces charges over threat to Palm Beach County judge

An inmate serving 14 years in state prison for second-degree murder faces new charges of threatening the Palm Beach County judge who signed off on his plea agreement.

Roosevelt F. Sifford, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and burglary in February 2021, in the May 2018 shooting of Carlos Gardel Dacosta, 52, at his home in West Boca, court records show. Sifford was 17 when he was arrested, along with another teen.

Judge Daliah Weiss received a letter in September 2024 that Sifford sent from prison threatening her and her family. Sifford wrote in the letter that he was “unjustly” sentenced and that “alot of Blood will Be Shed if u continue to give out harsh sentences.”

He wrote he is a member of the Bloods gang and that other gang members would “surround and overthrow (her) court room” and threatened to beat Weiss “to a pulp,” among other things, the letter shows.

“This Is Not a threat its a Promise so to Protect you and your family I advise you to take
this advice,” Sifford wrote.

Detectives interviewed Sifford at the Reception and Medical Center prison in Lake Butler, near Gainesville, in October about the letter. He denied having contacted anyone in Palm Beach County about his murder case and denied having written any letters sent to Palm Beach County, a probable cause affidavit said. He then asked for an attorney.

Sifford is facing charges of written threats to kill or harm another, extortion and corruption by threat against a public servant, court records show. The Florida Supreme Court issued an order in November assigning Broward County Judge Michael Usan to the case, after the Palm Beach County judge initially assigned to the case, Judge Sarah Willis, recused herself.

In court Wednesday, Sifford was ordered to remain in the Palm Beach County jail with no bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 4.