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(Citrus County, FL) Today, seven-time convicted felon 41-year-old Heather Lynne Duarte-Wright was sentenced to 27 years in the Florida Department of Corrections for Trafficking in Fentanyl and Possession of Paraphernalia. Duarte-Wright was found guilty by a jury after her trial back in January of this year.

“Fentanyl continues to claim lives in our community, making it crucial for our office to prosecute fentanyl traffickers and hold them accountable for the crippling and deadly impacts they’ve inflicted on our community,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney.

On August 10, 2023, a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy conducted a traffic stop on a motor scooter that did not have a license plate attached. Once stopped, both the driver of the scooter and the passenger, later identified as Duarte-Wright, were asked to step off. When the defendant stepped off the scooter, the law enforcement officer noticed a black zippered pouch sticking halfway from under the bottom of her shirt.

When questioned as to what the item was, Duarte-Wright admitted to the officer that it was paraphernalia and a little bit of Fentanyl. At that time, the CCSO deputy removed the black pouch from the defendant’s person while securing Duarte-Wright. Inside the zippered pouch, a clear plastic baggy containing a white substance and hypodermic needles were located.

The white substance was then field tested and yielded positive results for Fentanyl, weighing approximately 20 grams. Additional testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed the presence of Fentanyl.

Assistant State Attorneys Patsey Jacobs and Elizabeth Colombrito successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/31/2025.

(Lake County, FL) Earlier this week, jurors found 38-year-old Richard Michael Hutcheson, of Mount Dora, guilty of Capital Sexual Battery upon a child just an hour into deliberations after hearing both the defense and state during trial. After his conviction, Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Hutcheson to life in prison.

Hutcheson was convicted of Capital Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 Years of Age, Giving Obscene Material to a Minor, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, Sexual Battery in Familial or Custodial Authority, Delivery of Cannabis to a Minor, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition, and Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.

Hutcheson and his co-defendant, Brittany Hastings Hutcheson, were both arrested in December of 2021 following a Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) investigation regarding a past sexual battery. Just two weeks prior to their arrests, the complainant reported to officers that a young child had disclosed sexual abuse committed by Hutcheson and his co-defendant. When officials arrived to meet with the complainant and child, they learned that there was possibly a second child victim, even younger, who was currently scared to speak about the abuse.

The first victim, who was 14 years old at the time of disclosure, told law enforcement that Hutcheson had started sexually battering them approximately two years ago. The victim recounted numerous incidents involving Hutcheson alone, as well as various times involving the co-defendant. Interviews were then scheduled to have both victims come into the Lake-Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center.

While being interviewed, the first victim disclosed the same information to investigators and even stated a few incidents of abuse occurred with the second victim in the same room. When authorities met with the second victim, who was 11 years old, the victim revealed to detectives that Hutcheson had sexually battered them as well. The victim recounted instances of abuse going back to the age of 7. Furthermore, the victim stated that the co-defendant would sometimes also engage in sexual activities with the minor.

Based on the details that both victims provided to law enforcement, as well as corroborating evidence, both Hutcheson and the co-defendant were arrested. Co-defendant Brittany Hutcheson pled in her case last year and was found guilty.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and co-counsel Eduardo Faria, thanks to the diligent efforts of MDPD Detectives Hutcheson (no relation) and Rice, as well as Deputy Faulkner.

Published on 03/28/2025.

(Lake County, FL) Today, both 27-year-old Margaret Elizabeth Lehman and 30-year-old Mark Edward Brittian Jr. were adjudicated guilty in the tragic death of their 11-month-old daughter, Marcelyn Brittian. Judge Cary F. Rada sentenced Lehman to 13 years in prison and Brittian to 13.25 years in prison.

“This is disgusting, the most vulnerable of our society has been victimized by the most evil. At least in prison, they’ll both receive food, unlike their innocent child,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Both Lehman and Brittian were charged with Aggravated Manslaughter for the negligent death of their child in September 2021, after Leesburg Police responded to the couple’s home for an unresponsive infant.

When officials arrived at the home, they observed the home in deplorable conditions with a heavy odor of garbage and rotting food throughout the house. Eventually, law enforcement officers located the unresponsive child in a dirty playpen, where the child was seen to be covered in dirt and dried feces.

Life-saving measures were immediately attempted on the child with no success. The infant was later pronounced deceased by hospital professionals. Both Lehman and Brittian were questioned as to what led up to the infant’s death, with both stating the victim and their 3-year-old child were happy and healthy.

During law enforcement’s investigation, officers discovered that Brittian had called two other individuals 15 minutes before calling 9-1-1 that morning. Further examination of the child by medical examiners indicated she had not eaten in approximately two to three days and was extremely malnourished. Both defendants were arrested and charged, and the other child in their care was placed with family members.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Gabriel Lozano.

Published on 03/17/2025.

(Marion County, FL) On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 64-year-old Frederick Leon Fraziars was found guilty of Trafficking in Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Jurors deliberated for roughly 10 minutes, after hearing expert testimony and examining evidence presented during the trial, before rendering their verdict.

After the verdict was read, Judge Timothy T. McCourt sentenced Fraziars to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections. 

“Once again, we have successfully removed a major drug trafficker from our streets, a testament to the outstanding efforts of our law enforcement partners,” stated Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “A 15-year sentence last time for this defendant did little to deter him; hopefully this 25-year sentence provides him more time to reflect on his choices.”

Fraziars, who was released from prison two years ago after serving fifteen years for the same crime, was arrested by the Ocala Police Department (OPD) in May of 2024.

Just shortly before 6 p.m., Officer Graham observed Fraziars driving a sedan that did not have operable brake lights. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, with Fraziars first failing to stop before eventually placing the vehicle in park and shutting the engine off as instructed.

While making contact with Fraziars and another occupant in the vehicle, Officer Prather utilized his K9 to conduct an open-air sniff around the vehicle. The K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics and both the defendant and occupant were instructed to step out of the car. While doing so, Fraziars attempted to grab two cups from the middle cup holder. He was instructed to leave both there and exit.  

During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement located an orange pill bottle that contained a substance believed to be cocaine inside one of the cups Fraziars was attempting to conceal. Both a razor blade and pipe with a white powdery substance on them were also located. All items were field tested, resulting in a presumptive positive for cocaine. Upon searching both persons, officers located a large amount of folded money in Fraziars’ pocket in denominations consistent with street-level narcotics sales.

After being advised of the items authorities located, Fraziar spontaneously stated everything in the car was his.

Assistant State Attorney Madison Kirkland successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/13/2025.

(Marion County, FL) On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the day after 43-year-old Santini Antwain Chisholm’s trial commenced, jurors found the twenty-three-time convicted felon guilty on all five counts of drug-trafficking-related offenses.  After his conviction, Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky sentenced Chisholm to fifty years in prison.

Chisholm was charged and convicted of Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl, two counts of Armed Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Armed Trafficking in Oxycodone, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

“We are fully committed to protecting our neighborhoods by aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers who endanger public safety, ensuring that those who engage in these illegal operations face severe legal repercussions,” emphasized Bill Gladson, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “We’d like to also thank our community partners at the Department of Probation and Parole who were able to dismantle this illicit drug network and get this dangerous defendant off our streets.”

The trial stemmed from an investigation initiated in 2021 by the Florida Department of Probation and Parole when specialists were conducting a home check at a residence off Hemlock Course in Ocala, FL. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) were called in to assist after probation officials located firearms and narcotics inside the residence.

Upon arrival at the home, MCSO deputies were informed by the probation specialists that they were at the home to conduct a check on the probationer, later identified as defendant Chisholm. When they knocked at the door, a female named Latoya Wilkerson-Chisholm answered the door and indicated she needed to put on some clothing before letting the probation officials inside the home.

After an unusually long amount of time, the probation specialist eventually made entry into the home. Inside, they located various amounts of illicit narcotics and scales, along with multiple firearms, and large quantities of cash. At that time, MCSO deputies and members of the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) entered the residence after obtaining a warrant. They located all items previously identified by probation authorities. 

When questioned about the evidence seized inside the house, Chisholm denied all ownership and Co-defendant Wilkerson-Chisholm stated she couldn’t say if the drugs belonged to her husband.

Wilkerson-Chisholm entered a plea back in 2023. She was found guilty and sentenced to 21 months in prison, with credit for time served, three years probation, and two hundred hours of community service.

Assistant State Attorneys Marissa Meyer Shannon and Kyle Lambert prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/12/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) In Judge Joel D. Fritton’s courtroom last week, 50-year-old Robert Paul Kowanko was found guilty by a jury on trafficking illicit narcotics charges stemming from his 2023 arrest. Kowanko was convicted of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Cocaine, Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, and Possession of Paraphernalia. Kowanko was remanded into custody until his sentencing hearing on April 30, 2025, at 9 a.m.

“We’ve seen the devastating and deadly impacts of illicit narcotics in our communities,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney.  “Working with our law enforcement partners like that of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, we are targeting the source of these drugs and ensuring defendants face their punishment for the harm they caused.”

Kowanko was arrested in September 2023 following an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) detectives. The investigation revealed that the defendant was involved in the sale and delivery of large quantities of methamphetamine in Citrus County.

Officials observed Kowanko and another subject exit the wood line of a property off US 19 in Crystal River where a drug transaction was completed via a controlled buy by SIU. Officers made contact with Kowanko who was standing by his vehicle which was currently occupied by a co-defendant, later identified as Sean Thomas Joyce. 

Law enforcement detained the pair and conducted a search of their persons, as well as the vehicle. During the search of the car, officers located a clear plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance as well as a digital scale and two hypodermic needles. While searching Kowanko, they located another clear plastic baggie with a similar white powder. Joyce was searched and found to have narcotics on his person as well.  All substances were field-tested and determined to be Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.

During their investigation, detectives were able to determine Kowanko had traveled from Port Charlotte with Joyce, to deliver approximately half a pound of Methamphetamine. Kowanko admitted post-Miranda to selling the narcotics.

Co-defendant Joyce entered a plea earlier this year and was sentenced to 10 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The outcome of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, as well as Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.

Published on 03/10/2025.

(Lake County, FL) Last week, 22-year-old Kenneth Dalon Bailey entered a plea of guilty to the charge of Second-Degree Murder for the 2024 murder of 87-year-old Clarence Harold Ervin.  Judge Cary Rada sentenced Bailey to 45 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“Despite his young age, this defendant made the choice that led to the tragic and senseless loss of an innocent life. This conviction and substantial sentence underscore the seriousness of his actions and provide justice for the victim’s family and friends,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney.

On September 28, 2024, the victim, Clarence Harold Ervin was shot at a Leesburg gas station located off West Main Street. Leesburg Police Department officers responded to the scene where they located the victim with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported for medical treatment and would later succumb to his injuries.

Witnesses on the scene informed officials of the directions that the suspects fled and were able to provide detailed descriptions of each. Contact was made with the store clerk who was able to provide video surveillance footage of the incident, showing three suspects approached the victim while the victim was sitting inside his vehicle at the gas pump. Two of the three suspects stood beside the passenger door of the vehicle, while the third suspect, later identified as Bailey, stood by the opened driver’s door and appeared to exchange words with the victim before pulling out a firearm and shooting the victim.

After issuing a public bulletin asking for help identifying the three suspects, officials received information identifying one of the suspects, named Craig Stevenson Jr. The witness indicated to authorities that Stevenson had a best friend named Kenney, later determined to be the defendant. Additional information was developed during the investigation by detectives to identify the third suspect.

Both Bailey and Stevenson were arrested for their involvement in the crime. The investigation into the third suspect involved remains ongoing.

Assistant State Attorneys Ken Nunnelley and Shannon Schlarf prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/10/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) Earlier this morning, 40-year-old Ashley Jerome Oliver Santiago entered an open plea to the Court before Judge Joel D. Fritton just minutes before jurors were scheduled to hear the state’s evidence against the defendant. Santiago was charged with two counts of Burglary of a Structure, two counts of Felony Petit Theft, and one count of Criminal Mischief. 

After a brief discussion with his attorney, Santiago entered the open plea in lieu of going to trial and was sentenced to seven years in prison, followed by three years of felony probation.  

“The defendant’s repeated criminal behavior shows a clear disregard for the law. After recently serving time, he chose to reoffend instead of reform. This sentence will hold him accountable for his actions and protect our community from further victimization,” stated Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney.  

Santiago, who had just been recently released from jail, and was designated as a habitual felony offender, faced burglary charges related to two incidents that occurred at a residence in Inverness on November 15 and 16, 2024. He faced a third charge of felony petit theft for a crime at a nearby business located off East Gulf to Lake Highway.

The victim of the residence advised officers with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) that earlier in the day an unknown man wearing a black shirt and black and blue shorts had stolen a Craftsman trimmer from the shed in the backyard. The victim indicated this was the same individual who had also attempted to enter their home earlier in the morning after puncturing a hole in the front porch screen before being confronted by the victim.  The victim was able to provide video footage from the home.

The following day, officials were called back out to the residence after the victim spotted the defendant in the area. Law enforcement contacted Santiago who was carrying the same clothing as described by the victim and observed on the video footage. Santiago was arrested and booked into the Lecanto Detention Facility.

Just five days later, the business owner of Mattress by Appointment contacted CCSO to report a past theft. The owner stated that when they arrived at the business, they noticed the front door was unlocked and that the company’s laptop was missing. The surveillance footage at the business showed Santiago enter the building and upon seeing no one, reach for the laptop before concealing it in his bag and leaving.  

The stolen laptop, which was not listed as stolen at the time of his first arrest, was in his possession. The item was collected and turned into evidence. Santiago, who was still in custody, was charged with the additional offense of felony petit theft. 

Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Colombrito and Patsey Jacobs ensured the prosecution of this case.

Published on 03/04/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Last week, in the courtroom of Judge Timothy McCourt, jurors found 40-year-old Daniel Martinez Jr. guilty on all seven charges. Martinez was charged with three counts of Capital Sexual Battery upon person Under Twelve Years of Age and four counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.

After being convicted, Judge McCourt sentenced Martinez to seven consecutive Life sentences in the Florida Department of Corrections.   

“This defendant committed horrific crimes against two innocent children. The depravity of his actions is beyond measure, and this sentence reflects the severity of his crimes. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “We hope this provides some closure for the victims and their family, helping them find the strength to heal.”

Martinez was arrested in March of 2024 following a Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) investigation after a school resource officer had been contacted by the Department of Children and Families in reference to allegations of sexual abuse of two juvenile victims.

DCF officials indicated that the complainant had informed them that Martinez had abused the two victims over the past three and a half years. Forensic interviews at Kimberly’s Center were scheduled and during the interviews, the victims detailed several incidents of sexual abuse committed by Martinez. Based on the evidence collected and the victims’ statements, an arrest warrant was issued, and he was taken into custody shortly after.

Assistant State Attorney Shanae Pickens successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 03/03/2025.

(Lake County, FL) In the courtroom of Judge James R. Baxley, 22-year-old Jephson Seguin pleaded guilty to charges related to his 2023 arrest. Seguin was convicted of Attempted Sexual Battery with Force Likely to Cause Injury while Wearing a Mask, Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer with a Weapon While Wearing a Mask, and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement.

“The sense of security taken from this victim by this defendant and the crimes he committed after that are deserving of this fifteen-year sentence,” commented Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney.

Seguin was arrested in June of 2023 following a Eustis Police Department (EPD) investigation after law enforcement was contacted in reference to an attempted sexual battery that just occurred. Dispatch advised officers that a male wearing a grey, black, and white hoodie had just battered the victim while they were walking on Morningview Drive in Eustis, FL.

The victim indicated to officers that while walking, an unknown man came up from behind, grabbing and groping them before throwing them down to the ground. The victim further stated after yelling for the defendant to let go, the defendant, who was wearing a surgical mask over his face, took off running. A few moments later the victim stated gunshots were fired.  

While officers were responding to the attack, they noticed a man in a black truck nearby who appeared to be hiding. He was wearing a hoodie and surgical mask matching the suspect’s description. When law enforcement tried to approach him, he fled and attempted to run over an officer, who fired at the truck. Home surveillance footage showed the suspect running from the attack location to where his vehicle was parked nearby.

Officers identified the owner of a black truck, who confirmed that Seguin was in possession of it. An arrest warrant for Seguin was issued, and he was found two days later with a bullet wound. He was hospitalized and admitted to being in the driver’s seat when shot. His truck was located at his grandmother’s house, where his DNA was found, matching evidence of the shooting. A surgical mask similar to one described by the victim and officers was also found next to the driver’s seat.

Seguin was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by an additional 15 years of sex offender probation, and has been designated as a sexual predator. Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 02/27/2025.