Power Trial Lawyers’ Matthew Barhoma Explains Due‑Process Issues in the Search for Sara Ebersole

On a recent episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace—a national true‑crime program—Power Trial Lawyers’ Matthew Barhoma joined host Nancy Grace to discuss the disappearance of 26‑year‑old Sara Ebersole. The program examined how Ebersole vanished after getting into a black pickup truck with two men in Reddick, Florida, and why investigators have struggled to make an arrest. Barhoma’s appearance highlighted his willingness to discuss challenging cases in the media while reminding viewers that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Below is a summary of the case, Barhoma’s analysis and how digital evidence is shaping modern criminal defense.

The disappearance of Sara Ebersole

According to law‑enforcement documents summarized by the Ocala Gazette, Sara Ebersole (also reported as Sarah Ebersole or Ebersoll) accepted a ride from two men at a Circle K convenience store in Reddick around 10 p.m. on March 2, 2023. She and a man named James Robinson were dropped off at a residence on U.S. Highway 441 where Robinson lived in one half of a subdivided home. Around 1:24 a.m. on March 3 Robinson texted another man, Tyrone Morman, who arrived and drove away with Ebersole around 4 a.m. Ebersole has not been seen since. Law‑enforcement records say there has been no contact from her with family or friends, no financial activity and no social‑media postings since March 3, 2023.

Investigators soon focused on digital breadcrumbs. During the Crime Stories episode, panelists noted that Ebersole’s Google account showed she was watching YouTube until 2:40 a.m. on March 3. Later that day, someone accessed her account, deleted her search history and attempted to reset her Snapchat password, triggering a reset email. Ebersole’s sister, Michelle Tullis, told the program she discovered this digital trail herself after gaining access to her sister’s accounts because she felt the sheriff’s office was not acting quickly. With few cameras in the rural area, these digital footprints are key evidence. The panel also discussed how a person of interest allegedly smashed his phone and told police it had malfunctioned, which led to misdemeanor obstruction charges but no homicide charge.

Matthew Barhoma’s insights on due process

Nancy Grace asked Matthew Barhoma, a veteran criminal‑defense and appellate attorney with Power Trial Lawyers, to explain why deleting information from a phone would not automatically constitute evidence of murder. Barhoma reminded viewers that the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from self‑incrimination. He noted that “the beauty of American jurisprudence is that [a person] doesn’t have to answer” questions that could incriminate them. Barhoma emphasized that deleting information “is not evidence of murder… It’s not evidence of foul play… There’s still a missing piece of material evidence that links [the person of interest] and Sarah [the victim]”. When Nancy Grace pressed him, he reiterated that there must be a concrete evidentiary link before a criminal prosecution can proceed.

Barhoma’s comments underscore several important principles of criminal law:

• Presumption of innocence. Every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Deleting data or exercising the right to remain silent cannot be equated with guilt. Law enforcement must produce evidence linking the accused to the crime.
• Fifth Amendment protections. The Constitution protects individuals from being compelled to incriminate themselves. This right applies at all stages of a criminal investigation.
• Need for corroboration. Barhoma explained that without corroborating evidence—such as physical evidence, eyewitness testimony or a confession—digital circumstantial evidence alone is insufficient for a murder conviction.

How digital evidence shapes modern criminal cases

The Crime Stories episode highlighted how digital footprints—texts, social‑media logs and account histories—are now central to investigations. In Ebersole’s case, investigators know she used YouTube until 2:40 a.m., that her search history was deleted and that someone attempted to reset her Snapchat password. Barhoma and other guests explained that while deleting data is not illegal, lying to law enforcement about possessing a phone can lead to obstruction charges. Private‑investigator Ashley Wardlow added that deleting digital data is rarely foolproof because experts can often recover “deleted” information.

For defendants, this growing reliance on digital evidence means experienced counsel is critical. A skilled attorney can scrutinize search‑warrant procedures, challenge the authenticity and chain of custody of digital records and ensure that prosecutors meet their burden of proof. Barhoma’s appearance on the show demonstrates how knowledgeable counsel can protect clients’ rights even in high‑profile investigations.

Serving clients across Southern California

Power Trial Lawyers is proud that Attorney Matthew Barhoma was chosen to provide legal analysis on a national program. Our firm represents clients in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County, defending people charged with felonies and misdemeanors ranging from murder and domestic violence to white‑collar crimes. We handle every stage of a case—from investigation and arraignment through trial and appeal—and we stay on the cutting edge of digital‑evidence challenges. Whether you are under investigation or have been formally charged, our team will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected and that prosecutors meet their burden of proof.

When you need a defense attorney, call us

Cases like Sara Ebersole’s remind us that the stakes in a criminal investigation are enormous. Digital footprints can tell a story, but without proper context and corroboration they may lead to wrongful accusations. Matthew Barhoma’s analysis on Crime Stories shows that experienced defense counsel can articulate the nuance between suspicious behavior and criminal culpability. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino or Riverside, call Power Trial Lawyers at 213‑800‑7664. We offer confidential consultations and are committed to defending our clients’ freedom and future.