Marilyn M. Aciego

Publisher Marilyn M. Aciego was born and raised in Lake County and is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. She began her journalism career at LSSC and in 2023 she was honored with LSSC’s Distinguished Alumni Professional Achievement Award. She began working at the Daily Commercial while she was in college and continued her career there as a reporter after she graduated. In her 20+ year-career, she covered many of the area’s top stories including the disappearance of Trenton Duckett and the death of beloved Sheriff Chris Daniels. She has landed many exclusive interviews and was the first to break two of the biggest stories of 2024- the death of Jamaria Sessions and the murder of a Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy and the attempted murder of two other deputies. In addition to Inside Lake, Marilyn is the single mom of a teenaged son and the Florida Bureau Chief for an international media organization.

Barking Dog Alerts Showering Couple to Intruder in their Home

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg couple’s shower was interrupted last week when their dog alerted them to a woman in their home who was armed with a kitchen knife, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police responded to an apartment on Birchwood Court around 6:40 a.m. June 1 on a report of a burglary. When they arrived, they found Jayla L. Tart, 19, who lives in the same apartment complex as the victims, sitting on the couch yelling obscenities at police, clutching the knife with both hands, according to the affidavit. Police tried to calm the situation and Tart finally threw the […]

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Woman Accused of Slashing Temporary Roommate with Knife

LEESBURG, Florida—A woman temporarily staying with a man in Leesburg slashed him with a pocketknife last week when he came back to the apartment they were sharing to make sure she moved out, according to an arrest affidavit. Meghan Simpson Borsher, 49, was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after her roommate told Leesburg Police Department, she slashed him in the arm with the knife when he demanded she leave the apartment. The man told LPD he moved his belongings out of the apartment on Washington Street May 31 and came back the following day to make sure

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Man Causes $50K Damage to Clermont Business, Bites Groveland Police Officer

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont man already in the Lake County Jail facing serious charges now stands accused of driving through a rollup door and causing $50,000 damage to a local business last month. Adaly Flores Flores, 30, of Clermont, was arrested shortly before 8 p.m. May 26 after allegedly striking multiple vehicles in Groveland’s Cypress Oaks neighborhood, striking a portable potty, light poles and finally crashing into a retention pond, before charging toward a witness and running through a retention pond into a marshy area, according to an arrest affidavit. Groveland Police officers and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper located Flores

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Woman Suspected of DUI Flees 3-Car Crash in Porsche, Captured in Nearby Parking Lot after Witness Follows Her

EUSTIS, Florida—A 62-year-old woman suspected of DUI caused a three-vehicle crash, fled the scene and was captured by Eustis Police after a witness followed her May 31, according to an arrest affidavit. Elfriede Schafer Stewart is accused driving a dark-colored Porsche and rear-ending a white GMC that caused another collision with a gold Chevy shortly before 1:15 p.m. near County Road 19A and U.S. Highway 441 last Tuesday, according to the affidavit. Stewart, of Eustis, fled the scene with the Porsche’s hood up obstructing her view, and a witness followed her to Eustis Plaza, less than a mile away. The

Woman Suspected of DUI Flees 3-Car Crash in Porsche, Captured in Nearby Parking Lot after Witness Follows Her Read More »

Ray Bryant Jr., Community Leader and Volunteer, Passes Away Unexpectedly

UMATILLA, Florida—A well-known and well-loved community leader unexpectedly passed away last week. Social media posts began flooding Facebook, just a few hours after Ray “Ray Ray” Bryant, 55, died Wednesday. Bryant, of Altoona, was the owner and sensei of Central Florida Karate in Umatilla for more than 30 years and later, Central Florida Karate 2 in Mount Dora, according to his obituary. He impacted hundreds of children’s lives in the community through karate and founded Alee Academy in Eustis. Katie Mansfield, of Eustis, who trained with Bryant for five years when she was a child, told Inside Lake she was

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Leesburg Man Killed in Saturday Evening Crash

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed in a single vehicle crash Saturday night, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. A witness told LPD, a 2011 Hyundai SUV being driven by Douglas Crews, was southbound on U.S. Highway 27 near Corley Island Road, when it hit a curb, overcorrected and rolled over several times, Iozzi said in a press release. Crews was ejected and pronounced dead on the scene. The crash closed a section of the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 for about six hours Saturday night and remains under investigation.

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11-Time Convicted Felon Accused of Stealing Running Car Out of Restaurant Parking Lot

EUSTIS, Florida—A man with 11 felony convictions and a prior arrest for grand theft auto stole a running car out of the parking lot of a local restaurant May 27, according to Eustis Police Department. Robert Eugene Marks Sr., 47, who is listed as homeless, went into Double Take Pizza, 403 North Grove Street, shortly before 9:30 p.m. demanding free food and claiming he had $847 million in the bank while he moved the restaurant’s tip jar closer to him, according to an arrest affidavit. An employee took the tip jar and told Marks to leave. Witnesses told police Marks

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Mascotte Woman Accused of Public Assistance Fraud

MASCOTTE, Florida—A woman picked up on a warrant for public assistance fraud, earned nearly $60,000 in 22 months, but claimed she only made $300 per week, according to a criminal complaint. Rebecca Linda Rojas, 35, of Mascotte, is accused of stealing more than $4,100 in food stamp benefits and nearly $170 in Medicaid benefits between May 2019 and December 2020, according to the complaint filed by an investigator with the Florida Department of Financial Services. Rojas was taken into custody by Mascotte Police Department May 28 and transported to the Lake County Jail, where she was released on $2,000 bond.

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Man Released from Prison 3 Months Ago Arrested for Trafficking after Tossing Multiple Bags of Meth in Mount Dora Monday

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Leesburg man released from prison less than three months ago is being held in the Lake County Jail on $25,000 bond after he tossed multiple bags of methamphetamine in a yard in front of Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives, according to an arrest affidavit. LCSO detectives requested a marked patrol unit pull over a tan Chevy Impala that was involved in an investigation in the area North Orange Street in Mount Dora around 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. When the marked deputy arrived in the area, the Impala was parked at a home and started moving a brief

Man Released from Prison 3 Months Ago Arrested for Trafficking after Tossing Multiple Bags of Meth in Mount Dora Monday Read More »

Young Woman Killed in State Road 44 Crash Identified

EUSTIS, Florida—The woman killed in a crash Tuesday morning in unincorporated Eustis has been identified as Rebecca Daily, by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 60. In a Facebook post Wednesday, LCSO Explorer Post 60 stated, “We are heartbroken today as we let our supporters and past members and friends know of a big loss to our post family. Rebecca Daily, a post member for 5 years died tragically in a vehicle accident yesterday in Eustis. Rebecca was 21 years old. Prayers for her family, and friends as we all grieve this unbelievable loss.” According to the Florida Highway

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Mount Dora Police Chief Resigns

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A local city that has been in turmoil for several years is without a police chief—again. Inside Lake obtained a copy of the resignation letter late Wednesday afternoon. Brett Meade tendered the resignation to Mount Dora City Manager Patrick Comiskey Wednesday, it stated in part, “It is apparent that you and I have different viewpoints, which requires a change in leadership.” Comiskey was named city manager in November 2021, after former City Manager Robin Hayes and the city “agreed to part ways” in April 2021. Meade plans to utilize vacation time until his last official day, June 10,

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Man Admits to Using Heroin Before Tavares Crash that Killed 75-year-old Woman

TAVARES, Florida—The man arrested for vehicular manslaughter in the death of a 75-year-old woman Friday told medical personnel and a Tavares Police officer he used heroin about an hour before the crash, according to an arrest affidavit. Brenten Kyler Salerno, 26, is accused of fleeing the head-on crash that killed Melissa Ellen Kroeger, 75, shortly before 2 p.m. Friday. Kroeger was in a 2021 white Kia SUV on Dead River Road near Oak Drive when she was struck by a 2008 gray Nissan Altima being driven Salerno, of Leesburg. Salerno fled the crash scene and was located by a TPD

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Leesburg Woman Killed in State Road 44 Crash Tuesday Morning

EUSTIS, Florida— The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 21-year-old Leesburg woman Tuesday morning. The woman was westbound on State Road 44 near Bottany Woods Drive just after 8:30 a.m. in a 2003 Ford Ranger when she veered onto the shoulder, overcorrected and entered the eastbound path of a 2021 Ford Ranger hauling a trailer. The 2021 Ranger was being driven by a 45-year-old Groveland man, according to FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. The two Rangers collided, and the 2021 Ranger overturned and came to a final rest on its roof, the driver suffered minor injuries and

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Fatality Closes Major Tavares Intersection Tuesday

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department in investigating a crash that resulted in the death of one person Tuesday morning, according to TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Dora Avenue and David Walker Drive and closed the intersection and a portion of Dora Avenue. At press time, the road had been closed for more than two hours. One person was killed and TPD is not releasing the person’s identity, pending notification of next of kin, Sullivan said. This is a developing story.

Fatality Closes Major Tavares Intersection Tuesday Read More »

Eustis Woman Accused of Stealing from her Leesburg Job and a Retail Store in Mount Dora During March Crime Spree

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Eustis woman with a lengthy criminal history including numerous narcotics and theft charges dating back to 2009, was picked up on two warrants last week, one accusing her of stealing from her job in Leesburg and another accusing her of failing to pay for her items at a store’s self-checkout in Mount Dora. Brenna Lee Harmon, 34, is accused of stealing nearly $450 during two server shifts at City Star Diner, 10322 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg on March 12 and March 13, according to a probable cause affidavit. The owner of the diner told Leesburg Police Department

Eustis Woman Accused of Stealing from her Leesburg Job and a Retail Store in Mount Dora During March Crime Spree Read More »

Leesburg Man Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter in Death of Tavares Woman Friday

TAVARES, Florida—A 75-year-old Tavares woman was killed Friday afternoon in what Tavares Police Department believes was a head-on crash, according to TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. Melissa Ellen Kroeger was in a 2021 white Kia SUV on Dead River Road near Oak Drive shortly before 2 p.m. Friday when she was struck, possibly head-on, by a 2008 gray Nissan Altima being driven by Brenten Kyler Salerno, 26, of Leesburg. “The accident appears to be a head-on collision,” Sullivan said. “A further investigation conducted by our Traffic Homicide Unit will reveal further facts and details about what occurred.” Salerno fled

Leesburg Man Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter in Death of Tavares Woman Friday Read More »

Jewelry Store Employee Who Admitted Stealing Nearly $2,000 in Merchandise said She Took it Home By Accident

LEESBURG, Florida—A woman who wore stolen jewelry to work at the place she stole it from turned herself into Leesburg Police Department Thursday afternoon, according to an arrest affidavit. Payton Elaine Alexander, 25, of the Marion County portion of unincorporated Umatilla, stands accused of stealing jewelry from Piercing Pagoda, located inside Lake Square Mall, while she worked there from November 2021 through February, when the thefts were discovered. In February, Piercing Pagoda’s Senior Manager of Loss Prevention emailed a Leesburg Police Department detective and asked if there were any pawn hits on Alexander and there were none. The manager sent

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“Irate” Woman Upset about the Care of her Animals Accused of Pepper Spraying Child, 3 Adults

CLERMONT, Florida—A Davenport woman apparently upset about the way someone was caring for her animals, pepper sprayed three adults and a child last week and is now facing three counts of battery, one count of child abuse and one county of burglary, according to an arrest affidavit. Dominique M. Glaspey, 19, was “extremely upset” that the woman who was caring for her animals left one inside of a vehicle while she went into a local business, according to the affidavit. Glaspey went to the woman’s home on Greater Groves Boulevard in unincorporated Clermont Saturday night and wanted her animals back,

“Irate” Woman Upset about the Care of her Animals Accused of Pepper Spraying Child, 3 Adults Read More »

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Fired Following Internal Investigation into 2 Off-Duty Traffic Stops

TAVARES, Florida—A Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective was fired earlier this month following an internal affairs investigation into two separate traffic stops by Eustis Police Department. Kejuan Monroe was a backseat passenger in a vehicle pulled over for speeding on Bay Street on Feb. 26, according to the internal affairs report. When the EPD officer activated her emergency lights, the car, being driven by a friend of Monroe’s failed to immediately stop and continued for nearly half of a mile before finally pulling over. When the EPD officer approached the car, Monroe stuck his LCSO identification card out of the

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Lake County Woman Charged with Murder in 2021 Hernando County Jail Overdose Death

HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida—A 28-year-old Lake County woman is locked up in the Hernando County Detention Center on no bond facing several charges, including first degree murder, for providing the fentanyl that killed her cellmate in 2021. According to a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office probable cause affidavit, Lauren Ann Moon, 28, concealed pills in her vagina when she was booked into the Hernando County Jail on Sept. 27, 2021, for two counts of failure to appear. Moon was not given a body cavity search because she falsely claimed to be pregnant, “This was a deliberate act to bypass the body scanner

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Man Dropped Off at Hospital with Multiple Gunshot Wounds Lied About His Identity, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—The man who was dropped off at AdventHealth Waterman Hospital early Sunday lied to police about who he was and where the shooting happened, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said late Monday. Sherrod Lequan Whiley, 30, gave police a different name after they responded to AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in the early morning hours Sunday. Two females dropped Whiley off after he suffered a beating and four gunshot wounds, Capri told Inside Lake. The incident caused the hospital to be placed on lockdown for nearly an hour, Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake Sunday. Whiley,

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Man Vandalizes Mom’s Apartment, Texts Her to Tell Her About it

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Fort Pierce man destroyed his mom’s apartment and texted her to tell her about it, according to an arrest affidavit. Brett Barton Moorhouse, 34, texted his mom Sunday afternoon and said he was headed over, she told Lady Lake Police. The woman told Moorhouse he was not welcome, and he later texted her and stated, “Go check your apartment I made it up just for you. I admit everything 100%.” The victim sent family members to check on her home and when they arrived, they found the door unlocked, the affidavit states. They opened the door, found

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Second Lake County Student Found with Loaded Gun at School in a Week

MOUNT DORA, Florida—For the second time in a week a Lake County Schools student has been found with a loaded gun on campus. A Mount Dora Middle School guidance counselor received information that two students were seen vaping on the soccer field Friday. The guidance counselor asked for the school resource officer (SRO) to assist her, and they were able to identify the two students on video surveillance, according to an arrest affidavit. After identifying the boys, the principal and the SRO pulled one of them out of his classroom to search him for the vape. The boy, 15, denied

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Man Dropped Off at Hospital with Multiple Gunshot Wounds, Expected to Survive

TAVARES, Florida—A man was shot multiple times early Sunday, causing AdventHealth Waterman Hospital to be placed on lockdown, according to Tavares Police Department. Marcus McGowan, 28, was dropped off by two females at the hospital with four gunshot wounds to his arms and legs, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake.  He is expected to survive. Police have identified the females who dropped him off, an EPD detective close to the investigation told Inside Lake. The shooting caused AdventHealth Waterman Hospital to be placed on lockdown, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Lockdowns are a precautionary

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Paisley Man Killed Early Sunday after Crashing into Tree

ALTOONA, Florida—A 36-Paisley man was killed early Sunday morning after crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was traveling northbound on State Road 19 around 2 a.m., when the sedan he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree near County Road 445, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. He was pronounced dead on the scene, and he was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.

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License Plate Reader Alerts Police to Stolen Vehicle, 130 Cocaine Pills Found  

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Georgia man busted Wednesday with 130 pressed pills that tested positive for cocaine is facing a trafficking charge and being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond due to a probation violation. Corey Michael Payton, 43, of Douglas, Georgia, was pulled over near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27/441 and Water Oak Boulevard after a license plate reader alerted Lady Lake Police a stolen vehicle had entered the town, according to an arrest affidavit. Lady Lake Police detained Payton and began to inventory the vehicle before having it towed and found a prescription bottle in

License Plate Reader Alerts Police to Stolen Vehicle, 130 Cocaine Pills Found   Read More »

No Tag Light Leads to Trafficking Arrest, Woman Held on $82K Bond

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A woman who was at a known drug house and driving around with no taillights was arrested for a variety of drug offenses early Tuesday, including two trafficking charges, according to an arrest affidavit. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling the area of Palm Street in Fruitland Park early Tuesday morning when he spotted a red car in the driveway of a “known narcotics house,” around 1:30 a.m. “Due to my familiarity with the residence being heavily involved with narcotics users, I remained in the area even after the red car left the residence,” the deputy

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Sorrento Man Wanted for Setting Shed Ablaze, Beating Man with Pipe, Turns Himself in

SORRENTO, Florida—A man accused of attacking another man with a metal pipe and setting his shed ablaze, turned himself in at the Lake County Jail Monday and was released a few hours later. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on County Road 437 near State Road 46 around 11:15 p.m. April 29 in reference to an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to a probable cause affidavit. The male victim told LCSO, Shane L. Poole attacked him with a metal pipe, striking him all over his body and then set fire to a sheet that was

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Leesburg High Student Arrested with Gun on Campus

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg High School student was arrested Friday after he was found with a loaded gun in his backpack at school, according to an arrest affidavit. A teacher and an assistant principal responded to a classroom to assist a substitute teacher with three students who were possibly smoking a nicotine device around 9 a.m. Friday. The teacher and the AP removed the trio from the classroom and began walking them to an office and they were asked if they had anything they should not have; they submitted to a search, according to the affidavit. The teacher searched a 16-year-old

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Man Arrested for Ramming Trooper’s Car, Driving Recklessly in Mount Dora Construction Zone

MOUNT DORA, Florida—An Ocoee man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $37,000 bond for several charges after allegedly driving recklessly through a construction zone, fleeing a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and ramming the trooper’s car, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 10: 30 p.m. Sunday, a trooper was on Wolfbranch Road approaching U.S. Highway 441 when he spotted a Chevrolet pickup truck run the northbound red light on U.S. Highway 441. “It appeared as though the driver (later identified as Benton Wesley Smith) ‘stabbed’ the throttle intentionally and the rear end of the pickup broke traction,” the

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Fiery Crash Kills Man In Leesburg Friday

LEESBURG, Florida—A North Carolina man was killed Friday after a Lexus collided with the Cadillac he was driving, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. The preliminary investigation revealed Kenny Ray Amdahl, 69, of Hubbard North Carolina, was northbound on U.S. Highway 27/441 at Tally Road in a gold 1988 Cadillac when a silver 2019 Lexus being driven by Terrance Raghoonauth, 29, of Lauderdale, swerved into Amdahl’s lane, colliding with the Cadillac, Iozzi said in a press release. The Cadillac caught fire and Amdahl was pronounced dead on the scene, Iozzi said. Witnesses are encouraged to call LPD’s Traffic Unit

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Man Dead Following Altercation, Shooting in Daycare Parking Lot

GROVELAND, Florida—A man has died following a shooting at a Groveland daycare Thursday afternoon, according to Groveland Police Department. Two men got into a physical altercation around 4:15 p.m. in the parking lot of We Are The Future Academy, 207 Groveland Farms Road, which resulted in Stephan Jefferson being shot once, GPD spokesperson Sarah Panko said in a press release. Jefferson was transported by air to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, and the other man was transported to South Lake Hospital with minor injuries. “This was an isolated incident with no immediate threat to the community.

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Clermont Woman Ejected, Dies in Crash

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont woman died in a single-vehicle crash shortly after midnight Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 32-year-old woman was driving a 2015 Mercedes Benz SUV northbound on County Road 561 near Cypress Cove Lane when she lost control and left the roadway at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The woman collied with a tree stump, causing the SUV to overturn and eject her. She was pronounced dead on the scene, and she was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.

Clermont Woman Ejected, Dies in Crash Read More »

Teenager Arrested for Bomb Threat at Eustis Wendy’s Last Month

EUSTIS, Florida—A prank phone call turned into a felony charge for a 14-year-old Tavares boy Tuesday when he was arrested for making a false bomb threat last month. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age and the nature of the charge. Around 5:45 p.m. April 9, Eustis Police Department responded to Wendy’s, 2827 South Bay Street on a report of a bomb threat. Officers evacuated the building and parking lot and spoke with the manager who said he received a call on the restaurant’s main line around 5:30 p.m.; the caller asked, “Is this Wendy’s?” and

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Man Arrested for Stalking Uncle, Driving into his Fence in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A man who allegedly has been harassing his uncle for about four months was arrested for several charges after being accused of driving a truck into a fence at his uncle’s home Monday morning and intimidating his uncle and his wife Monday evening. Around 7:15 a.m. David Dwayne Johnson, 45, is alleged to have driven his truck into his uncle and aunt’s fence on 11th Avenue, destroying about 20 feet of the fence, according to an arrest affidavit. The couple called Mount Dora Police Department to respond and told an officer Johnson had been harassing them for around

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Woman Stabs 2 People Sunday, Both Victims Airlifted

ALTOONA, Florida—A woman who told Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective she found the largest knife she could and “I never said it was self-defense” was arrested Mother’s Day for two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after stabbing two people, according to an arrest affidavit.  Shortly after 3:15 p.m. Sunday, LCSO responded to 20304 Green Wing Road in reference to a stabbing and found a large butcher knife with a blue handle, blood, and two victims; a female with a stab wound to her back and a man with a stab would to his left bicep, according to

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Couple’s Raunchy Escapade at Community Pool Lands Them in Jail

CLERMONT, Florida—A couple who apparently could not keep their hands off each other at a neighborhood pool and in the backseat of a patrol vehicle are each facing three counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition charges after Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies busted them in the act. A mom of three children, aged 4, 7 and 10 asked her friend to call LCSO around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, after she and her children witnessed Steven John Angrignon, 58 and Michelle Lynn Austin Lewis, 49, both of Clermont, involved in sexual activities at the community pool on Golden Eagle Boulevard in the

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Paisley Man Killed After SUV Strikes Tree Friday

DeLAND, Florida—A Paisley man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 52-year-old man was westbound shortly after noon Friday on County Road 42, near State Road 44 in the DeLand area of unincorporated Lake County, in a 2007 Mazda CX-7 when he left the roadway for an unknown reason a struck a tree, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The man was pronounced dead on the scene, and he was wearing his seatbelt, Montes said; the crash remains under investigation.

Paisley Man Killed After SUV Strikes Tree Friday Read More »

Third Annual Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Hundreds of people are expected to attend the third annual Lake County Backs the Blue Walk scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Tavares’ Wooton Park. In its third year, the walk began in 2019 to show support for law enforcement during a time when the “defund the police” movement was making its way across the country, event organizer Shannon Cook told Inside Lake. Representatives from several law enforcement agencies and numerous public officials are expected to be in attendance. “The good ones needed to know they were appreciated,” Cook said. Cook has always had respect for law enforcement officers

Third Annual Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday Read More »

LCSO Treating Suspicious Death in Altoona as a Homicide

ALTOONA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death it is treating as a homicide, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. LCSO responded to 19331 East Altoona Road on a report of a dead man Wednesday and upon arrival found Ernie Wayne Wilburn, 44, deceased. Witnesses failed to provide an explanation as to what happened to Wilburn, Herrell said in a press release. The circumstances surrounding Wilburn’s death are “suspicious,” and his cause of death is not being released at this time, according to LCSO detectives. 

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Tavares Man Accused of Trying to Open Patrol Car Door and Take Deputy’s Gun

TAVARES, Florida—A man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $26,000 bond after getting into his neighbor’s vehicle, trying to get into a Lake County Sheriff’s Office patrol car and telling a deputy, “give me your gun, sir,” and trying to fight him for it, according to an arrest affidavit. LCSO deputies responded to the 12000 block of Lona Street around 6 p.m. Saturday, after receiving a report of a physical altercation. When the first deputy arrived and began to walk to the door of the residence, Jordan Michael Lanier, 32, started actively pulling on the door handle

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Man Arrested for Molestation the Day after Touching Teenage Girl at Local Store

CLERMONT, Florida—A man who smacked a 14-year-old on the buttocks as she walked through a local Walmart with her family was arrested for lewd or lascivious molestation Friday. The girl’s father told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy that a man, later identified as Derik Manuel Bonet-Rodriguez, 28, of Clermont, walked past his wife, daughter and an unnamed female and swung his right arm back and “intentionally struck the buttocks of the 14-year-old with an open hand,” at Walmart, 550 U. S. Highway 27, Clermont around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the arrest affidavit states. The man then left on a bicycle

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Mount Dora Motorcyclist Killed after being Rear-Ended, Ejected Saturday Night

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A motorcyclist died Saturday night after he was rear-ended and thrown from his bike, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 64-year-old Mount Dora man was riding a 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Old U.S. Highway 441 when he slowed to make a left turn onto Holly Drive around 8:45 p.m., FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. A 2018 Hyundai being driven by a 34-year-old Mount Dora woman failed to slow and struck the back of the motorcycle as it approached the intersection, ejecting the rider. He was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares,

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Trio in Car Accused of Trying to Run Deputy Over Facing Litany of Charges

LEESBURG, Florida—The trio accused of being in a car that attempted to run over a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy are facing a litany of charges, according to several booking sheets. Jeffrey Elijah Gilbert, 20, of Orlando is facing the most serious charge, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle, after being accused of being the driver in Monday’s incident. According to LCSO, a deputy attempted a traffic stop near Water Oak Country Club Estates on a white Dodge Charger believed to be involved in a shoplifting incident at Walmart, 2501 Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg. Gilbert, along

Trio in Car Accused of Trying to Run Deputy Over Facing Litany of Charges Read More »

Naked Stroll through Umatilla Lands Man in Jail

UMATILLA, Florida—A nice leisurely naked stroll through Umatilla resulted in a trip to jail for a Fort Lauderdale man Thursday night. Stephen Robert Fauteux, 47, was arrested when he was found standing naked in front of Umatilla Police Department around 6: 10 p.m. Thursday. An officer was responding to a naked man walking in the area of State Road 19 and Golden Gem drive and as he left the department to respond, he was flagged down by two off-duty Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies who said the man was standing out front, according to an arrest affidavit. The officer went

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Clermont Woman Arrested and Held on $50K Bond for Shooting Husband in March and Leaving Him in Vegetative State

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont woman who shot her husband last month and left him in a vegetative state was arrested on a warrant for attempted murder Wednesday and is being held on $50,000 bond. Teresa Marie Kemme, 57, stands accused of shooting her husband during an altercation on March 27 at their home on Lake Katherine Circle. According to a probable cause affidavit, a witness told Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Kemme’s husband, who is not named, attempted to start a physical fight with Kemme’s son and Kemme walked into the home. The witness then walked the victim into the house

Clermont Woman Arrested and Held on $50K Bond for Shooting Husband in March and Leaving Him in Vegetative State Read More »

Former Firefighter Pleads No Contest in DUI Manslaughter Case, Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

TAVARES, Florida—The former Eustis firefighter accused of killing a young woman while he was driving drunk has pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter. According to Lake County Clerk of Court online records, Downs was sentenced to six years in prison and must serve at least four years, followed by four years on probation, $2,100 fine, community service, restitution, court costs and he will lose his driver license for the rest of his life. Downs, who was the deputy chief of the volunteer Umatilla Fire Department, an engineer medic at Eustis Fire Department, and former local paramedic of the year was later

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Leesburg Mother Charged with Neglect after Volusia Deputies Find 2 Children Unrestrained in Car Pulled Over for Speeding

DeLAND, Florida—A little more than a week after a devastating crash that killed two unrestrained Leesburg children; two more Leesburg children were found unrestrained in a car that was reportedly speeding in DeLand at nearly 100 miles per hour. Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday, two Volusia Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted a white Chevy Impala traveling 57 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour zone. VSO started to apprehend the car and its speed increased to 70 miles per hour before turning onto International Speedway Boulevard and accelerating to 91 miles per hour in a 50 miles per hour

Leesburg Mother Charged with Neglect after Volusia Deputies Find 2 Children Unrestrained in Car Pulled Over for Speeding Read More »

Two Suspects Shot After Driving Towards LCSO Deputy

LEESBURG, Florida—Two people were shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy after the vehicle they were in drove towards him when he was outside of his vehicle, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. LCSO deputies were looking for a suspect vehicle after a stolen credit card was used at Walmart, 2501 Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg. Deputies spotted the vehicle in Lady Lake and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, Herrell said in a press release. “At some point during the chase, the deputy, after getting out of his vehicle, reportedly fired shots at the suspect vehicle as it

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Sorrento Woman Killed in Eustis Motorcycle Crash

EUSTIS, Florida—A weekend that saw many motorcycles on the roads, especially in Eustis and Leesburg ended tragically Sunday afternoon with the death of a 28-year-old Sorrento woman. Rebekah Jo Towner was the passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being ridden by 64-year-old Edgar Wesley Tello, of Umatilla, northbound on Grove Street, when he struck a construction sign near Pendleton Avenue, a Eustis Police spokesperson told Inside Lake—the only media on the scene. The impact threw Tello and Towner from the motorcycle and she slid with the motorcycle more than 100 feet, coming to rest at a fence in front of a

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Eustis Woman Busted with Funny Money, Meth, Laptops and Printers; Secret Service Notified

EUSTIS, Florida—A traffic stop for a missing tag landed a Eustis woman in jail Tuesday night after Eustis Police found 50 counterfeit bills, several smoking devices, printers, laptops and methamphetamine in her car, according to an arrest affidavit. Kimberley Renee Rappoccio, 40, was pulled over near her home in Eustis around 9: 30 p.m. because the car she was driving did not have a tag. Rappoccio told EPD she had bought the car two months prior and was returning home from trying to sell the car. She was able to provide a title signed by the seller, according to the

Eustis Woman Busted with Funny Money, Meth, Laptops and Printers; Secret Service Notified Read More »

Sex Offender Busted with Kiddie Porn, Soliciting a Minor; Hundreds More Charges Possible

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A registered sex offender is facing a litany of sex-related charges after Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents searched his phone and found numerous files of sexually exploited children—some of them infants. Christopher Michael Kinney, 35, of Leesburg, was originally arrested on Tuesday for possession of child pornography and failure to register as a sex offender and was released on $10,000 bond the following day. At the time of his arrest, his phone was seized, and agents found 20 more photos containing male and female children ranging from infants to 13 years old and arrested him again Thursday

Sex Offender Busted with Kiddie Porn, Soliciting a Minor; Hundreds More Charges Possible Read More »

Eustis Police Officer Resigns Following “Egregious Policy Violation”

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis Police officer has resigned following an internal investigation that resulted in a five-day suspension, for what EPD Chief Craig Capri called an “egregious policy violation.” Austin Williams, a four-year veteran of the department, resigned earlier this month after an internal investigation showed he violated the department’s pursuit policy, by pursuing a vehicle for a minor traffic violation and reaching speeds of up to 113 miles per hour. The vehicle he was pursuing crashed outside EPD’s jurisdiction, according to the internal affairs report. “Once we were made aware of the egregious policy violation, we investigated and took corrective

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Leesburg Man Dies in Crash With School Bus

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed in a crash Wednesday after he collided with a school bus carrying 17 children and ended up in a retention pond, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A Lake County Schools bus, being driven by a 64-year-old Bushnell man was eastbound on Great Egret Drive around 6:40 a.m. when it attempted to make a left turn on U.S. 27. A sedan, being driven by a 36-year-old Leesburg man, collided with the back of the bus and the impact sent the sedan into a retention pond, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press

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Man Found Alive After 2-Day Search Effort at Alexander Springs

ALTOONA, Florida—The man who went missing during a canoe trip Easter Sunday has been found alive, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Davidson Anjab. 39, was reported missing after a canoe overturned; the two men Anjab was with were able to get back into the canoe and Anjab swam to shore and said he would walk back. He was reported missing when he failed to meet his party. LCSO and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers found Anjab while they were searching on foot, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. He was found one-tenth of a mile from

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Man with Ties to Eustis Arrested in Polk County Murder

DAVENPORT, Florida—A man with ties to Eustis was arrested for the murder of a man In Polk County, Sheriff Grady Judd said in a press conference Monday. Justin Otrell “Zae” Jenkins, 29, is accused of killing Xavier Antonio Johnson, of St. Petersburg in an Airbnb he began renting April 8 on Acorn Drive in Davenport to sell trafficking amounts of marijuana, Judd said. “There were people coming and going from this Airbnb and buying marijuana,” Judd said Johnson was fatally shot around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday after two suspects were seen entering the rental home, including Jenkins. “He was brutally murdered,”

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Search Underway at Alexander Springs for Missing Man

ALTOONA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service are working together searching for a man who went missing on a canoe trip Easter Sunday. Davidson Anjab, 39, was canoeing with two men Sunday afternoon when the canoe overturned; two of the men got back into the canoe, but Anjab was unable to, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. The man swam back to shore and yelled he would walk back and meet his party, but he never made it. The U.S. Forest Service has closed the day-use area of Alexander Springs because it is being used as a

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Free Sealing and Expungement Clinic Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Lake County residents with minor criminal histories have a unique opportunity to quickly and efficiently expunge or seal their record Saturday if they qualify, at the first-ever Sealing and Expungement clinic offered here. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida is teaming up with the Lake County Bar Association and Lake Young Lawyers Division to offer this free 4-hour clinic scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Courthouse, 550 West Main Street, Tavares. Lawyers and representatives from numerous government agencies will be on hand to help participants navigate through the process, which often can be difficult

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Tragic Easter Weekend: Groveland Child Dies After Being Struck in Driveway

GROVELAND, Florida—A 7-year-old girl has died after being run over in a driveway Easter Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 70-year-old Groveland woman was parked in a driveway dropping off family members at a home on County Road 48 near County Road 33 at 4:30 p.m. The woman put the van in “drive” and failed to realize her 7-year-old granddaughter was in front of the van, and she was struck, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The girl, also of Groveland, was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where she later died. The crash remains

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Two Leesburg Toddlers Killed, One Airlifted in Fiery Easter Eve Crash that Shut Down SR 46

SORRENTO, Florida—A 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy were killed in a late afternoon crash Saturday and a 1-year-old boy was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries—and at least two of the boys were not in car seats, it is unknown if the surviving toddler was restrained, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Witnesses told FHP a 20-year-old man of Leesburg, was driving a 2011 Kia westbound on State Road 46 near Bear Pond Access Road and passing other traffic in a no-passing zone. A 2011 Toyota Pickup truck being driven by a 44-year-old Lake Mary man was eastbound

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Double Traffic Fatality Closes S.R. 46

SORRENTO, Florida—A double fatality has closed a major roadway when many are traveling for the Easter holiday. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash that occurred shortly before 5:45 p.m. Saturday at State Road 46 and Bearpond Access Road. Two people were pronounced dead, one person was flown to a local hospital for treatment, and there are two trauma patients, said FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. State Road 46 is closed, and drivers are asked to use an alternate route. This is a breaking story.

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Man Arrested After Medical Records Show He was DUI

LEESBURG, Florida—The third time was not the charm for a Leesburg man who passed out in a Wendy’s drive-thru in February and was arrested Wednesday for his third DUI in relation to the incident after toxicology reports came back showing he had a .378 blood alcohol content—more than four times the legal limit. On Feb. 26, shortly after midnight, Leesburg Police responded to Wendy’s, 914 North 14th Street to assist EMS with an unresponsive driver in the drive-thru. When officers arrived, they found Reddick Williams III, unresponsive in the driver’s seat of the grey Hyundai, that was on and in

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Umatilla Man Accused of $20K Theft from Electrical Substation

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man who was already in the Lake County Jail on theft charges was served with another warrant accusing him of stealing $20,000 worth of copper materials from Duke Energy and then selling them to a recycling plant, according to an arrest affidavit. Luchious Myron Clayton, 64, of Umatilla, was arrested April 2 at his home on a warrant accusing of him of burglary and grand theft—and the victim was his cousin. In that case, the victim, Clayton’s cousin, left for work on March 28, and got an alert from his home surveillance system. He began watching the

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Gift Card Scam Ends in Handcuffs for Employee

EUSTIS, Florida—An employee of an office supply store is facing fraud and grand theft charges after he was caught scamming the store with a gift card scheme, according to an arrest affidavit. Matthew Tyler Nolen, 18, of Mount Dora, was confronted by the manager of Office Depot, 17081 U.S. Highway 441, after his drawer consistently came up short and the manager reviewed surveillance video. The video showed Nolen ring up Visa gift cards under his associate number and then select cash, the affidavit states. Nolen performed four separate transactions over a week, totaling more than $1,000 that were captured on

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Leesburg Man Killed After Crashing into Tree in Parking Lot

LEESBURG, Florida—A 77-year-old Leesburg man was killed Tuesday after he crashed into a tree at a local pharmacy, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. The man was driving a 2004 Honda Civic eastbound on State Road 44 shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, when he left the roadway for an unknown reason and crashed into a tree at Walgreens, 901 South 14th Street. The man was transported to UF Health Leesburg and later airlifted to a trauma center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The man’s identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin, Iozzi said. No

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Shooting that Left Man Dead Still Under Investigation, Shooter’s Name Released

FOUR CORNERS, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a shooting that left a man dead Tuesday and have released the shooter’s name. Christopher Darrick Deloatch, 36, shot Dejuan Dior McWilliams, 31, around noon Tuesday when he tried to enter Deloatch’s apartment uninvited, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones said. McWilliams was found deceased on the third floor of an apartment building at Cagan Crossings, 16343 Cagan Crossing Boulevard in the Four Corners area, also known as Citrus Ridge. Jones said the pair were involved in a confrontation at Deloatch’s doorway. The investigation is ongoing.

Shooting that Left Man Dead Still Under Investigation, Shooter’s Name Released Read More »

Eustis Man “Surprises” Sister with Stolen Trailer Tracked from Polk County, Arrested for Grand Theft

TAVARES, Florida—A man who “surprised” his sister with a stolen trailer was arrested Monday after the Polk County victim pinpointed the trailer in Tavares using a tracking device. Tavares Police responded to a construction site near Camp Street and Mansfield Road and found the trailer attached to a Ford truck. The officer ran the trailer’s license plate and confirmed it was stolen out of Polk County, then he ran the license plate of the truck it was attached to and found the registered owner was on site, according to an arrest affidavit. When TPD spoke to the truck’s owner, she

Eustis Man “Surprises” Sister with Stolen Trailer Tracked from Polk County, Arrested for Grand Theft Read More »

Man Found with Viagra, Other Drugs Tucked Inside His Pants

EUSTIS, Florida—A Leesburg man lost his swag Monday night when a deputy busted him hard—with ammunition and drugs, including more than two dozen Viagra pills tucked in next to his scrotum. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes deputy spotted Rodney Lamar “Hollywood Swag” Woods driving a green Ford Mustang with dark tinted windows late Monday night on State Road 19 near Pine Meadows Golf Course Road. The deputy performed a traffic stop for the suspected illegal tint and asked Woods for consent to search the car, which he denied, according to an affidavit. A K9 deputy arrived, and the

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LCSO Identifies Man Killed Tuesday

FOUR CORNERS, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man shot at an apartment complex Tuesday. Dejuan Dior McWilliams, 31, was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon after a confrontation at the doorway of an apartment at 16343 Cagan Crossings Boulevard in the Four Corners area, also known as Citrus Ridge. McWilliams was found dead around noon Tuesday by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies, on the third floor of an apartment building, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones said. The shooter’s name has not been released and LCSO is still investigating. Jones said McWilliams and the shooter knew each

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One Dead Following Confrontation at Four Corners Apartment, LCSO Investigating

FOUR CORNERS, Florida—A person was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon after a confrontation at the doorway of an apartment at Cagan Crossings in the Four Corners area The black male, whose identity has not been released, was found deceased around noon Tuesday by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies, on the third floor of an apartment building LCSO Lt. Fred Jones said. Detectives have found the shooter and the deceased male knew each other and a confrontation occurred at the doorway of the apartment at 16343 Cagan Crossings Boulevard. The Four Corners area is also known as Citrus Ridge. No other

One Dead Following Confrontation at Four Corners Apartment, LCSO Investigating Read More »

Eustis Woman Arrested for Putting 4-year-old in Dryer

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis woman was arrested on a warrant for aggravated child abuse Saturday after a 4-year-old boy she was babysitting in February said she put him in a dryer with towels and he went, “round and round.” According to a probable cause affidavit, on Feb. 1, the boy was at the emergency room at UF Health Leesburg for treatment. Medical staff observed swelling and bruising on the child’s forehead, ears, abdomen and back, and the boy said, “Miss Amber” put him the dryer with towels, and he spun around, according to a probable cause affidavit. Amber Christine Chapman, 35,

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Tavares Police Release Shooting Victim’s Names, Urging Witnesses to Come Forward

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department has released the names of two people shot Friday, but the suspect is still on the run. Alejandro “Alex” Garcia Jr., 29, was killed around 8 p.m. Friday night at Caroline Court Apartments, 1000 E. Caroline Street, and Darnell Lester, 31, was shot numerous times and appeared to attempt to leave the scene himself and get help, but crashed the vehicle he was driving, TPD Det. Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. He was removed from the vehicle and airlifted to a local hospital. The vehicle contained several bullet holes, Sullivan said. “It’s still unclear how many

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Two People Shot, One Killed in Tavares Friday Night

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department is searching for a suspect who shot two people Friday night at an apartment complex, killing one of them, TPD Det. Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. TPD responded to a report of a shooting at Caroline Court Apartments, 1000 E. Caroline Street shortly after 8 p.m. The suspect fled the scene and had not been apprehended at press time. One person was killed and the second person was airlifted to a local hospital. The names of the victims are not being released pending notification of next of kin, Sullivan said. TPD detectives are asking anyone with

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Daycare Inspector Arrested for Kiddie Porn After His Wife Turns Him In

LEESBURG, Florida—A daycare inspector is behind bars and facing 11 counts of possessing child pornography after his wife discovered his stash and turned him in, according to an arrest affidavit. Keith Alan Wilkins, 61, is in the Lake County Jail on $55,000 bond after the Lake County Sheriff’s Office searched his home acting on the tip from his wife. According to the affidavit, Wilkins’ wife discovered her husband pleasuring himself last month and “decided to look around,” she wrote in a statement to LCSO. She found a thumb drive containing child pornography in a drawer and found a bag in

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Man Flees Eustis Traffic Stop, Crashes

EUSTIS, Florida—A man accused of fleeing a traffic stop did not get very far when he crashed the vehicle, he was driving just a few blocks later, according to an arrest affidavit. Eustis Police attempted to stop 2005 silver Honda without a front or rear bumper for running a stop sign at Park Avenue and Eustis Street shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday. The car, being driven by Erin Tryon Dobson, 18, accelerated and fled the area when an EPD officer activated his lights and sirens, running several stop signs. The officer then terminated the stop, due to department policy, the

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Woman Busted By Eustis Police With 4 lbs. of Marijuana In January Pleads No Contest

TAVARES, Florida—A woman busted by Eustis Police early this year with nearly 4 pounds of marijuana, scales, THC oil, chocolate bars containing hallucinogenic mushrooms and two concealed guns pleaded no contest to several of the charges Monday and was sentenced to 45 days in jail, with a credit of three days. Her legal woes are not over, however, she is still facing numerous charges in Orange County. Miranda April Mauck, 30, of Okahumpka, pleaded no contest to three charges Monday, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and two counts of carrying a concealed firearm, according to Lake County Clerk

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Head-On Crash Kills Sanford Man, Shuts Down State Road 44

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A 22-year-old Sanford man was killed Tuesday night in a three-vehicle crash that shut down State Road 44 near Eustis, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was driving a 2005 Nissan Altima westbound around 6:10 p.m. on State Road 44 near Donna Vista Place when he crossed over the center line and sideswiped a 2014 Honda Accord being driven eastbound by a 30-year-old Sorrento woman, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Altima then struck a 2006 Chevy Silverado head-on being driven by a 56-year-old Eustis man.

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Women Arrested for Burglary After Being Found Naked In Homeowner’s Bathtub

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla woman was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office after being found naked in a whirlpool tub by the owner of the home around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday. The victim told LCSO she awoke to find lights on in her kitchen and heard her whirlpool tub running at her home on Lake Smith Road in unincorporated Umatilla early Tuesday morning. She opened the door to her bathroom and found Amanda Nicole Toler, 32, naked, inside her bathtub. The victim asked Toler who she was and what she was doing and she reportedly said, “I’m Amanda, I have nowhere

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Homeless Man Accused of Threatening Worker in Tavares with Realistic BB Gun Because Leaf Blower Disturbed His Sleep

TAVARES, Florida—A homeless man was arrested Wednesday after he pulled a realistic-looking BB gun on lawn maintenance worker because his leaf blower was disturbing the man’s sleep. The worker called Tavares Police around 7:30 a.m. and said he got into a confrontation with two homeless subjects, one later identified as William Ray Turner, 35. Inside Lake is not naming the second subject because he was not charged with a crime. The victim said he was working on a property on Classique Lane when Turner and the second man confronted him. He said Turner pulled a pistol from his pants and

Homeless Man Accused of Threatening Worker in Tavares with Realistic BB Gun Because Leaf Blower Disturbed His Sleep Read More »

Dispensary Employees’ “Clogged Machine” Theft Scam Foiled by Tipster, 2 People Arrested  

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Two employees of a local marijuana dispensary were arrested Monday after an anonymous caller tipped their employer off to ongoing thefts according to their arrest affidavits. Hector Alexander Valle Roman, 24, and Danielle Caitlynn Eiler, also 24, were both arrested by Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives after the security manager of Curaleaf Dispensary, 4149 Britt Road, Mount Dora reported multiple thefts of “flower.” Flower is a term for marijuana in its natural bud form. The security manager told LCSO the security manager at their Gainesville location received a call from an anonymous tipster alleging that three people at

Dispensary Employees’ “Clogged Machine” Theft Scam Foiled by Tipster, 2 People Arrested   Read More »

Porch Pirate Caught on Camera, Suspected of Stealing in Several Counties, Busted by LCSO

LEESBURG, Florida—A man suspected of numerous burglaries in at least four counties was released on $5,500 bond Monday after he was served with a Lake County warrant Friday charging him with burglary and petit theft stemming from an incident in unincorporated Leesburg March 2, according to a probable cause affidavit. John Francis Thomas, 56, of Silver Springs, is facing charges in Lake County, in addition to being suspected of crimes in Sumter, Bradford and Hernando counties, the affidavit states. The victim told a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy he was alerted to a package delivery and found that it was gone

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Newlywed Charged with Battering 70-year-old Husband

LEESBURG, Florida—A 66-year-old woman was arrested Saturday after scratching her 70-year-old husband because she thought he hid her phone and cigarette lighters, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on Crossways Drive shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday on a report of a domestic disturbance. The victim told LCSO his wife, Mary Louise Anderson—who he married earlier this month—is an alcoholic and had gotten drunk. She became angry with him over the phone and lighters and scratched his arm and caused multiple abrasions, the affidavit states. A deputy tried to speak with Anderson, “but

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Unlicensed Contractor Served with Lake County Warrant While Locked Up in Pasco Jail

CLERMONT, Florida—A man who pleaded guilty to several counts of contracting without a license, grand theft, and failure to obtain workers compensation insurance in Pasco County early this month was served with a Lake County warrant Friday while serving his sentence, charging him with two of the same crimes. Eric Lee Manning, of Dade City, was served with the warrant for contracting without a license and grand theft just two days before his 34th birthday after being accused of swindling a Clermont woman out of more than $4,000 dollars in 2021, according to a probable cause affidavit. Manning is alleged

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Bicyclist Killed Thursday Afternoon In South Lake

CLERMONT, Florida—A bicyclist was killed Thursday after he was struck by a car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Witnesses told FHP the bicyclist, a 45-year-old Clermont man, was eastbound on the bike trail on State Road 50 and County Road 455, when he ran the stop sign and entered the direct path of a sedan that was southbound on County Road 455 at 3:30 p.m. near Clermont, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The impact killed the cyclist, who was wearing a helmet. The 16-year-old Montverde girl driving the sedan was not injured.   The crash

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Drunk Driver Arrested After Crashing Into Tree In Front Of Downtown Eustis Restaurant

EUSTIS, Florida—A drunk driver whose BAC was nearly three times the legal limit, caused quite a commotion Wednesday night during the dinner hour when he lost control of his truck and crashed into a tree in front a popular pizza and sub shop in downtown Eustis. Cameron Mitchell Smith, 29, of Leesburg, was arrested for DUI after Eustis Police responded to the reported crash in front of El Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shoppe, 200 North Bay Street just before 6:45 p.m., according to an arrest affidavit. Witnesses said they saw Smith leave the parking lot of Crazy Gator, 402 North

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CleanUp With A Cop Takes More Than A Ton Of Trash Off The Streets

EUSTIS, Florida—A little bit of everything, including the kitchen sink. More than two dozen people came out in the cloudy and humid weather to clean up just a small part of the community and their efforts took at least 2,370 pounds of trash off just one street in Eustis Tuesday afternoon during “CleanUp with a Cop.”   Beginning with a group photo in front of Palmetto Point Park with a display from “Card My Yard, Leesburg, FL” volunteers armed with grabbers and buckets made their way down Palmetto Street grabbing every piece of trash they saw, while Eustis Public Works

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Man Out On Bond For Child Molestation Arrested After Firing Two Shots Near Woman Who Did Not Want Him Around Her Daughter

UMATILLA, Florida—A man out on bond for molesting a 5-year-old girl in 2020, was arrested Saturday after firing two shots near a woman who did not want him around her daughter, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 9 p.m. Saturday, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Tropical Whisper mobile home park in unincorporated Umatilla in reference to a battery. The victim told LCSO she went to her neighbor’s house to retrieve her daughter, who was with Joshua “Boops” Leon Redmond Dudley, 28, and his girlfriend. Dudley is facing several sex-related charges involving a minor;  the victim’s daughter’s age

Man Out On Bond For Child Molestation Arrested After Firing Two Shots Near Woman Who Did Not Want Him Around Her Daughter Read More »

Spring Break Tragedy: Teenager Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash, 4 Children Sent To The Hospital

SORRENTO—A 16-year-old boy was killed, and his four passengers sent to the hospital following a single-vehicle crash in Sorrento on the night before Spring Break begins for Lake County Schools, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The teenager, of Sorrento, was driving a 2008 Ford Expedition northbound on County Road 437, approaching Plymouth Hollow Circle, around 10:20 p.m. Thursday, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. He lost control of the SUV and struck a light pole on the north shoulder of Plymouth Hollow Circle; the SUV collided with hedges at 2400 Plymouth Hollow Circle and continued until

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Two Lake County Motorcyclists Injured In Volusia County Crash Saturday Night

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida— A man and woman are dead, and two men are recovering from injuries after a car hit two motorcycles Saturday night near DeLand and a third man suffered minor injuries when he laid his motorcycle down to avoid the crash. Shortly after 10:30 p.m. a 41-year-old male of Orlando was eastbound on State Road 44 near Eau Claire Avenue in a Toyota Corolla, when he traveled into the westbound lane for an unknown reason, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kim Montes. The Corolla struck two motorcycles, one being ridden by a 38-year-old Mount Dora man, and

Two Lake County Motorcyclists Injured In Volusia County Crash Saturday Night Read More »

Multiple Agencies Assist In Apprehension Of Man Wanted On Federal Charges In Tavares Thursday Night

TAVARES, Florida—A man wanted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was picked up on a federal warrant at a Tavares motel Thursday night. Timothy Eric “Tater” Evans, 40, was apprehended near La Bella Inn, 101 West Burleigh Boulevard, and multiple agencies assisted around 9 p.m. Thursday. Several witnesses, who asked not to be identified by Inside Lake, said they heard flash bangs and saw a heavy law enforcement presence. “I heard a huge bang and then I heard a megaphone, but I couldn’t make out the words,” said a witness who lives nearby. “We assisted ATF,

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Third Teenager Arrested In Gang-Related Shooting

EUSTIS, Florida—A 14-year-old has now been arrested for his involvement in one of a series of gang-related shootings in recent months. Kristine Moriel Morris, of Eustis, was picked up Monday on charges related to a drive-by shooting on Feb. 7 in the 1200 block of East Hazzard Avenue. Artavious “Kutt” Williams, 16, and Robert “Swag” Sharp, 16, were arrested last month and more arrests may be forthcoming. Eustis Police responded to the scene in February and found a bullet hit a home and a tree, along with four shell casings in the roadway, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police

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Man Convicted of 34 Felonies Arrested In Leesburg Baseball Bat Attack

LEESBURG, Florida—A 34-time convicted felon has been arrested in a baseball bat attack that sent a man to the hospital in December. According to a probable cause affidavit, Leesburg Police responded to UF Health Leesburg on Dec. 13 to meet with victim who told them he was in the 2100 block of Harlem Avenue when a man he knew as “Hollywood Swag,” approached him. He said, “Hollywood Swag,” identified several months later as Rodney Lamar Woods, had made numerous attempts to fight him and he was trying to avoid it. The victim started to walk away, and Woods started running

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Former Mount Dora City Council Member Arrested For Cutting Trees Down And Disturbing Grave Markers At African American Civil War Cemetery

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A former Mount Dora city council member was arrested Monday—on the last day of Black History Month—for removing and damaging trees that fell on grave markers in an African American Civil War Cemetery, according to an arrest affidavit. Edward Lee Rowlett, 74, admitted to Mount Dora Police he hired a tree service to cut the trees down after police were called by a Country Club of Mount Dora Board (CCMD) member. He told MDPD there were two grave markers under the refuge left by the tree company and the responding officer performed an internet search of the cemetery

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Man Who Had “Lapse In Judgment” Turns Himself In After FDLE Agents Find Child Pornography On His Phone

TAVARES, Florida—A Windermere man who lived in Clermont in October turned himself in at the Lake County Jail Thursday on a warrant for two counts possession child pornography. According to a probable cause affidavit, Timothy Ray Holmes, 37, messaged a Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) detective who was acting as an underage decoy on the app, Whisper on Oct. 14. Holmes asked the detective for a photo, and she sent him a photo of an employee who was 14 or 15 years old at the time the photo was taken and told Holmes she was 13. Holmes advised he was

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Woman Susepected Of Overdosing While Driving On CR 437, Arrested For DUI

SORRENTO, Florida—A woman found unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a car on the side of a popular highway, was given a dose of Narcan, cleared by hospital staff, and arrested for DUI last week, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Lake County Fire Rescue responded to a call from a passenger in a Toyota Camry who believed the driver overdosed while driving on County Road 437, north of State Road 44. Emergency personnel found Kaley Noel Barber, 31, of Orlando unresponsive with the car running. She was removed from the vehicle and regained consciousness

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Teen Arrested For Throwing Brick Through Vehicle Window At Umatilla Police Department

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla High School was student was arrested last week for throwing a brick through the window of a police officer’s personal vehicle In January. According to a probable cause affidavit, Umatilla Police responded to the area of Kentucky Avenue and Mitchner Street in reference to a subject matching the description of a retail theft suspect on Jan. 21. Police approached a juvenile who matched the description of the thief, and he told the officer he stole a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from a Umatilla convenience store because he wanted to go to jail. The store refused

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Suspected Thief Wanted In 2 Counties Found “Lethargic” In Stolen Vehicle In Lady Lake

LADY LAKE, Florida—A man already wanted in Lake and Marion counties caught a few more charges after he spent several hours in a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Sam’s Club Friday. Lady Lake Police Department responded to Sam’s Club, 755 North U.S. Highway 27/441 in reference to a suspicious person who had been in his vehicle for several hours, according to an arrest affidavit.  LLPD found Earl Lee Dorey, 33, whose address is listed as “Homeless, Summerfield” in the red Chevrolet Equinox that was reported stolen from Sumter County and found that he was “very lethargic” as they

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Man Confronted By Homeowner As He Attempts To Steal ATV, Runs Out Of His Slides and Drops His Phone. Text Messages Reveal His Plan

SORRENTO, Florida—A burglary suspect who was being chased by the homeowner he attempted to steal an ATV from, dropped his phone and ran right out of his slides last week; and the found phone led to the capture of both him and his partner in crime, according to an arrest affidavit.  Before daylight Thursday, a Sorrento resident observed a male, later identified as Tyler Ray Trapp, 22, enter her back porch and take an ATV. The woman woke her husband, who went outside and confronted Trapp. As Trapp attempted to leave the property, the male victim yelled and Trapp took

Man Confronted By Homeowner As He Attempts To Steal ATV, Runs Out Of His Slides and Drops His Phone. Text Messages Reveal His Plan Read More »

Man Admits To Stabbing Woman With Machete During Altercation Near Bicycle Trail

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who admitted to police he stabbed a woman with a machete last week because he was tired of her “(expletive) talking,” is being held in the Lake County Jail on $10,000 bond. Leesburg Police responded to the city’s bicycle trail near the 900 block of Stinson Street on a report of a stabbing, shortly before 10 a.m. Feb. 18. The victim told police she was stabbed with a machete by Kenneth Eugene Hicks, 42, of Eustis, during an argument over ongoing issues and her refusal to allow him to use her illegal drugs, according to an arrest

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