Around the County

Leesburg man accused of uploading child pornography to social media, arrested and released

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg man has been released on $25,000 bond following an arrest by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for possession of child pornography.

FDLE began its investigation in November 2024 after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) regarding an individual uploading child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) to a Snapchat account. The investigation identified Bautista as the owner of the email address attached to the account, according to FDLE.

FDLE agents executed a search warrant at Bautista’s Leesburg home and seized multiple electronic devices. A consequent forensic analysis of the phone revealed multiple files containing CSAM and a warrant was issued for Bautista’s arrest. He was picked up on the warrant Wednesday and transported to the Lake county Jail, where he was released on $25,000 bond.

Leesburg man accused of uploading child pornography to social media, arrested and released Read More »

Adult son of Tavares city councilman arrested again, bond set at $400K

TAVARES, Fla.—The adult son of a Tavares city councilman was arrested again Wednesday after a Tavares Police Department detective found video evidence of child sex crimes on his phone, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Cole Singer, who turned 22-years-old earlier this month, was picked up Wednesday afternoon on a warrant for four charges – lewd and lascivious battery, lewd and lascivious molestation, lewd and lascivious conduct and production of child pornography, stemming from an incident in 2021.

Cole Singer’s father is Troy Singer, a Tavares city councilman who has served on the council since he was appointed in 2016, and was subsequently reelected in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. In addition to council member, he has also served as vice-mayor and mayor, Mark O’Keefe, Support Services director for the City of Tavares told Inside Lake last month.

In April, Cole Singer was arrested on two dozen counts related to child pornography after a TPD investigation uncovered Singer had allegedly transmitted multiple child porn images between December 2024 and early February. Acting on a tip submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC,) TPD began investigating the case in February and searched the home Singer shares with his parents the day of his first arrest. In that search, TPD seized Cole Singer’s phone, and it was turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a forensic download, commonly known as a “data dump.”

While reviewing the data, a detective found a video that showed a young male performing a sex act on Cole Singer outside of the pair’s place of employment. The name and address of the business are redacted from the affidavit. The victim’s age is also redacted but Inside Lake confirmed he was under 16 when the act occurred, and Cole Singer was a little more than a month from turning 18.

The victim and his parents were interviewed at TPD, and the victim told TPD detectives he was in the video with Cole Singer. He said Cole Singer said, “Hey, can we do something in the back,” and led the victim to the “back,” an alleyway area behind the business’ patio, the affidavit states.

The victim told detectives details about the sex act and said, “I was a kid, I didn’t know.”

The victim told detectives Cole Singer later brought up the act when the victim was older, and because he was older, he understood what had occurred and told Cole Singer, “no,” and he was not interested.

The victim told police Cole Singer did the “same thing” and pressured him into the same sex act when Cole Singer was approximately 14 years old. He also said he and Cole Singer would wrestle and Singer would tell the victim to “choke” him. Due to heavy redaction, it’s unclear when this occurred. In the affidavit, the detective noted she located, “several instances where Cole would discuss being choked or wishing he could be choked.”

The victim was asked if he felt like he had no choice but to participate and he reportedly said, “(Cole) would keep telling me to do it, even if I would say no. He would just say please.”

A warrant was issued for Cole Singer’s arrest following the interview with the victim. He was arrested Wednesday and transported to the Lake County Jail, where he is being held on $400,000 bond.

Previous story: Adult son of Tavares city councilman arrested on 2 dozen child pornography charges, house they share searched in quest for more evidence – Inside Lake

Adult son of Tavares city councilman arrested again, bond set at $400K Read More »

Mulch fire causing smoky conditions in Tavares

TAVARES, Fla.—A mulch fire at the Lake County Solid Waste Facility is creating a lot a smoke in the Tavares area and Lake County Fire Rescue officials are telling residents to keep their doors and windows closed.

LCFR and the Solid Waste Department are working to break up the mulch pile and remove fuel sources, LCFR said, and the Florida Forestry Service has created a precautionary barrier around the fire that was caused by recent rain and extreme heat.

The smoke may continue for several days and businesses and residents should keep doors and windows closed. Individuals with certain respiratory and allergy illnesses may experience increased symptoms. The Lake County Solid Waste Facility is functioning as usual.

Mulch fire causing smoky conditions in Tavares Read More »

Tavares cleaning company eases the burden for cancer patients

TAVARES, Fla.— A local cleaning company is continuing its mission of giving back to residents who are fighting cancer—and to them, the mission is personal.

For the third year running, Bright Side Services Inc. of Tavares has partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit organization that pairs residents who are undergoing cancer treatment with local cleaning companies that donate two free house cleaning sessions. Founded by Debbie Sardone of Buckets & Bows Maid Service in Texas, cleaning companies from across the country participate, including Tavares-based Bright Side Services Inc., owned by Michelle and Mike Krueger. They have participated in the program since 2022 and the mission has a deep personal meaning to them, Michelle Krueger said.

Michelle and Mike Krueger

“This cause is close to my heart,” she said. “I clean in memory of two extraordinary individuals, Judy Weikel and John Brian Kaup—who showed me what strength and generosity really look like.”

Krueger shared why Weikel and Kaup are so important to her.

“Judy was one of my earliest supporters, always lifting me up and sharing my business with others. I remember confiding in her once about a slow week on the schedule, and she simply said, ‘There will come a day when you wish for a day off.’ She was right—and her faith in me carried me through.”

“John is a fellow cleaning business owner whose positivity is unmatched. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, he continued to serve others with grace and grit. His resilience is a reminder of why this work matters. Thankfully, he has since recovered, and I’m honored to recognize his journey through this effort.”

Serving the community since 2007, Bright Side Services Inc. donates two cleanings for each cancer patient, and donates services to two patients each month. This service is available to residents fighting cancer in Tavares, Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, Howey in the Hills, and Yalaha. Anyone undergoing cancer treatment—regardless of age, gender, or cancer type—can apply for free house cleaning services. To date, 30 cancer patients have received free cleanings from Bright Side Services Inc. Krueger said. Patients in need of services can apply here.

“Cleaning for a Reason understands the impact that a clean home has on a cancer patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When cancer makes life at home difficult, our network of residential cleaners and volunteers support are here to support you or your loved ones battling cancer,” according to its website.

“When someone you care about is facing cancer, you want to do something—anything—to help,” said Krueger. “Offering a clean, peaceful home is one small way we can lighten their load. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Judy and John, and a promise to keep showing up for those who need it most.”

Want to help Cleaning for a Reason?

To register your organization, click here.

To register your cleaning company, click here.

To donate, click here.

Tavares cleaning company eases the burden for cancer patients Read More »

Teen reported missing from Eustis arrested in Panhandle kidnapping, 2 adults also facing charges

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.—A Eustis teenager has been arrested for kidnapping and lying to cops in the Panhandle, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said Wednesday.

Kaylynn Corsi, 17, was arrested Monday, along with Lennys Cotto, 30, and Joe Trejo, 27, both of Ocala, for their roles in the kidnapping of a man who was beaten multiple times before escaping his captors early Monday morning.

According OCSO, a group of masked, armed individuals entered a home on Mooney Road near Fort Walton Beach around 2:45 a.m. The intruders beat and pepper sprayed one of the occupants and then forced him into a car. They took the victim to a trailer on Carlos Drive and beat him again before he escaped and ran to a convenience store on Racetrack Road.

Deputies arrived at the store and found the victim bleeding and bruised, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He told deputies the suspects said they were looking for someone, but he did not have answers to their questions, OCSO said.

While deputies were investigating the incident at the Mooney Road home, Corsi, Cotto and Trejo returned to the home and were taken into custody. Cotto and Trejo were arrested for armed burglary and kidnapping, and Corsi was arrested for kidnapping and giving a false name to law enforcement.

Corsi was reported as missing/runaway late last year. Corsi and Melianis Cardona-Cruz, age unavailable, were last seen walking eastbound on Orange Avenue in Eustis Nov. 30, 2024. If you have information on Cardona-Cruz’ whereabouts, call Eustis Police Department at 352-483-5400.

 

Teen reported missing from Eustis arrested in Panhandle kidnapping, 2 adults also facing charges Read More »

Clermont police officer puts “service above self” to help local family

CLERMONT, Fla.—A Clermont Police Department officer recently received a commendation letter for helping a family in need earlier this year, Inside Lake has learned.

Officer Antonio Robinson, a nearly three-year veteran of CPD, and a member of the agency’s Mobile Crisis Response Unit, had an interaction with a family in need in February—and when a gift card came up short, he paid for the remainder of their groceries out of his own pocket.

Sgt. Erin Razo said Robinson’s act was an “extraordinary demonstration of the agency’s core value of ‘Service Above Self.’ Officer Robinson recently went above and beyond in assisting a family in need, and his actions truly reflect the highest standards of compassion, integrity, and selflessness.”

The family has had prior involvements with CPD, and “Regardless of the familiarity, Officer Robinson did not become complacent or treat them as if they were a nuisance. He treated them with dignity and respect.”

Robinson was provided with what he believed to be a $100 gift card to assist the family with their food needs. When Robinson attempted to use the card at a local store, he discovered it only had a $75 balance, so he personally covered the remaining $40 of the grocery bill.

“Officer Robinson’s willingness to act selflessly to help those in need is an inspiring example to all of us,” Razo said

Robinson has been a member of the Mobile Crisis Response Unit (MCRU) for more than a year. The MCRU unit pairs a sworn officer with a licensed mental health clinician, CPD Capt. Malcolm Draper told Inside Lake. “The purpose of this unit is to respond to calls for service or case referrals dealing with residents in a mental health crisis. However, in this case, Officer Robinson went even a step further by paying with his own money without hesitation to assist a family in need.”

Clermont police officer puts “service above self” to help local family Read More »

Leesburg motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Minneola Saturday night

MINNEOLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the driver of a Chevy Tahoe that killed a motorcyclist late Saturday night and fled the scene, FHP said Sunday morning.

Just before 10:45 p.m., a 36-year Leesburg woman on a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle was stopped at the traffic light in the inside lane at U.S. Highway 27 and Citrus Grove Road and a 2024 Honda HR-V, was southbound approaching the light, according to FHP. The light turned green, and the motorcycle started to proceed forward and the Honda swerved into the outside lane to avoid the motorcycle. A 2001 Chevy Tahoe traveling behind the Honda failed to see the motorcycle and collided with it; the impact then caused the front right of the Chevy to strike the rear left of the Honda.

The Chevy fled the area and was later found abandoned in the median of U.S. Highway 27, approximately three miles north of the crash scene.

The Leesburg woman was transported to South Lake Hospital and pronounced deceased; the driver of the Honda, a 42-year-old woman, and her passengers, a 47-year-old male and a 6-year-old boy, all of Polk City, were not injured, FHP said.

If you have information on the crash, or the driver of the Chevy, call *FHP on your cell phone, or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Leesburg motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Minneola Saturday night Read More »

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week

EUSTIS, Fla.—The community is scheduled to come together Friday night to remember Monica Islam, the woman who was found murdered near Mount Dora last week.

Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis approximately 6:10 a.m. the same morning.

According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. Friday. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She said her mom helped her with opening the store and then she went outside to take a walk around the parking lot, which was normal behavior. Rimi Islam told police she got busy and lost track of where her mom was. Another employee told Rimi Islam she saw Monica Islam in the parking lot as she arrived at work, around 6:10 a.m. Rimi Islam tried calling her mom, who had left her purse behind at the store, and was unable to reach her. After going back to the home they shared and looking for Monica Islam and checking security cameras for her with no success, Rimi Islam reported her missing to EPD.

While investigating Monica’s disappearance, EPD was made aware of a body found near Mount Dora; later identified as Monica Islam. LCSO has been tight-lipped about its investigation, releasing very little information over the past week. LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said detectives do not believe Monica Islam’s murder was a random act, and said earlier this week, they were following up on potential leads.

A large photo of Monica Islam is posted on the window next to the front door of Shell, asking anyone with information to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

A photo of Monica Islam posted next to the front door of Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis.
PHOTO: Marilyn M. Aciego/Inside Lake

The candlelight vigil, organized in-part by family friend, Alisha Curtin, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis. Overflow parking is available across Bay Street from Shell at First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 1724 South Bay Street, Eustis; parking will not be available at Harden-Pauli Funeral Home, 1617 South Bay Street due to a previously scheduled, unrelated service.

“This (candlelight vigil) is not being organized by just one person,” Curtin told Inside Lake. “There is a village of people that are contributing to the memory of Monica, including local businesses, such as Publix.”

Amanda Hall, a Lake County native who works nearby, has also assisted with planning the candlelight vigil. Hall lost her own mother three years ago and knows the pain of losing a parent all too well. “(I know how Rimi feels) right now…lost without Mommy.”

Hall said the tight-knit community of Eustis wants “justice for Monica and our hearts and prayers are with Rimi.”

“When something like this happens in our community, we here in Eustis show our support and gather round the ones that need us most,” Curtin said. “A good person was taken from this Earth, and an amazing friend lost her best friend and mother. This is being organized to show our love and kindness throughout this community.”

Previous stories: Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say – Inside Lake

LCSO treating death of woman reported missing from Eustis as “potential” homicide investigation – Inside Lake

Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related – Inside Lake

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week Read More »

Clermont man killed near Orlando after crashing into parked SUV Tuesday

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A 78-year-old Clermont man was killed Tuesday after crashing into a parked vehicle shortly after 7 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The man was driving a 2012 Ford Escape eastbound on 18th Street west of Woods Street, near Orlando, when he crashed into the front of a parked Chrysler Pacifica facing westbound; the Pacifica was unoccupied, FHP said.

The Clermont man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.

Clermont man killed near Orlando after crashing into parked SUV Tuesday Read More »

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The woman found dead Friday was shot to death and detectives believe it was not a “random act,” according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road Friday morning after someone reported they found a woman’s body. Deputies responded and found the woman, later identified as Monica Islam, 44, who was reported missing from Eustis, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake Friday.

According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. Friday. She told EPD they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, shortly after. She said her mom helped her with opening the store and then she walked outside to take a walk around the parking lot, which was normal behavior.

Rimi Islam said she got busy and lost track of where her mom was and asked another employee if she had seen her, the report states. The employee said she saw Monica Islam walking in the parking lot as she arrived at work, around 6:10 a.m. Rimi Islam tried calling her mom and was unable to reach her, and she went home to look for her. After checking her security cameras, she confirmed Monica Islam did not go back home. She called her mom multiple times, and was unable to reach her, so she called police.

EPD canvassed the area looking for Monica Islam and and went to the home she shares with her daughter. After officers were unable to find her, she was entered as a missing person and a BOLO (be on the lookout) was generated in an effort to find her.

An EPD officer soon spoke with an LCSO sergeant who said they were working a case involving a deceased female found on the roadside. The sergeant gave EPD details that matched the description of Monica Islam and LCSO responded to Islam’s home, along with EPD detectives, to speak with her daughter. The body was positively identified as Monica Islam later the same day.

An autopsy was performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office, and on Tuesday, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said Monica Islam’s cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death is homicide.

“Detectives believe that this was not a random act, and we expect to release additional details as they continue to follow up on potential leads” Martin said.

If you have information on Islam’s murder, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say Read More »

Scroll to Top