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Open Enrollment for Annual SAO Youth Mock Trial

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The State Attorney’s Office is now accepting applications for their Annual Youth Mock Trial.

The four-day program will take place July 10th through July 13th  from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow. This program gives students going in to the 11th and 12th grade an opportunity to work with prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office and learn how a criminal case makes its way through the criminal justice system. Students will attend court hearings and study current cases to see how the law is applied.

Please fill out the application attached and submit to communications10@sao10.com or mail to the Polk County Courthouse. Deadline to apply is July 3rd, 2023.

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Mock Trial Program APPLICATION

Inmate Photo Corey Smith

Man Convicted and Sentenced to 25 Years Florida State Prison

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Corey Smith didn’t take kindly to a group of friends who asked him to leave their backyard get together. Several witnesses and the victim were hanging out together when Smith, who lived directly behind one of the witnesses, walked over while heavily intoxicated. When Smith continued to use vulgar language and began breaking glass, he was asked to leave. After leaving for approximately 10 minutes, Smith returned to the witnesses’ home and started an argument. Smith pulled out a handgun and pointed it at one of the witnesses. That’s when the victim jumped in and was shot in the back. Thankfully, the victim survived and has recently become a firefighter. Smith was convicted of Aggravated Battery with a Weapon and charged under the 10-20 Life Law. He was sentenced to 25 years in Florida State Prison. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Ralph Guerra and the Lakeland Police Department for their work on this case.Photo of gun

Book in Photo of Bruce Torres

Sebring Dunkin Donuts Manager Convicted of Sexual Activity with a Minor

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Bruce Torres, 42, wasted no time demanding nude photographs and sexual favors from the victim. Torres, the manager at Dunkin Donuts in Sebring, interviewed and hired the young (16 yoa) victim, taking advantage of her age and first job. After just a few weeks of employment, the victim reported the incidents to an adult and law enforcement was immediately contacted. DNA evidence was obtained during the investigation. Torres was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in Florida State Prison. He was designated a Sexual Offender. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks ASA Tatiana Dimitroff and the Lake Placid Police Department for their work on this case.

Sir Dangerous London Mug Shot

Update: Violent Felon Convicted and Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison

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Following his conviction of kidnapping and felony charges, London Sir Dangerous was sentenced to 40 years in Florida State Prison. The facts of the case were as follows: The defendant grabbed the victim’s car keys and entered into the vehicle with her. He began punching the passenger side window and windshield causing each one to crack. When the victim tried to leave, the defendant pulled out a box cutter and made threats that he would beat her up if she left. Fearing for her life, the victim pulled back into her apartment building. The defendant jumped out and got into the victim’s other vehicle and began following her. The defendant struck the victim’s vehicle several times; causing extensive damage before she was able to arrive at the Winter Haven Police Department. London Sir Dangerous has a violent criminal history. This lengthy prison sentence will protect our community for many years to come. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Conner Hilgenfeldt and the Winter Haven Police Department for their work on this case.

 

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