State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit

06/12/2026

MAN CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO 2 LIFE SENTENCES IN PRISON

On January 25th, 2024, Kwavaughn Buckely went to the victim’s residence in Poinciana and forcibly entered the home before shooting the victim twice. One of the gunshot wounds, to the abdomen, proved fatal. Buckley fled the scene and was later arrested by the Winter Park Police Department. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered the murder weapon from his possession. Buckley was found guilty by a Polk County jury on June 10th for first-degree murder and burglary of a dwelling with an assault while armed with a weapon. He was sentenced to two life sentences in Florida State Prison.

06/04/2026

Assistant State Attorney Courtney Durden recently had the opportunity to speak to the Polk County Sheriff's Office RAL Academy about the many functions of the State Attorney’s Office. Students also heard from judges, the public defender's office, and law enforcement about their role in the court system and how we all work together to keep our judicial system running smoothly.

05/26/2026

Recently, State Attorney Brian Haas spoke to the Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club about the different functions of the State Attorney's Office and helpful information on current scams impacting businesses and residents. Thank you, Lakeland Sunrise Rotary, for inviting Mr. Haas!

05/25/2026

05/13/2026

In honor of , the State Attorney's Office would like to take a moment and thank all of our law enforcement agencies who serve and protect the community.

05/12/2026

Man Convicted of Sexual Battery of a Child

A Polk County jury found Robert Felts, 41, guilty of sexual battery of a minor. Felts sexually battered the victim when she was 16 years old. The State Attorney’s Office recognizes the courage it took for the victim to come forward and report Felts; he faces life in prison when sentenced on June 22nd. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Joseph Spano and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.

05/08/2026

State Attorney Brian Haas recently visited The Estates at Carpenters, located in Lakeland, to share important information about protecting residents from scams. Mr. Haas explained how fraudsters often target older adults with phone calls, emails, and mail that appear legitimate. He gave the residents several helpful tips on how to not become a victim of fraud. Thank you for having Mr. Haas.

05/05/2026

Man Sentenced to 20 years Florida State Prison for DUI Manslaughter

Justice was finally served in a DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash case. John O’Brien was recently sentenced by Circuit Judge Carpanini to 20 years in Florida State Prison. On April 25, 2020, near SR-540 and Old Eagle Lake Road, O’Brien was driving under the influence of an illegal narcotic when he hit and killed the wheel-chair bound pedestrian victim. O’Brien’s vehicle was seen fleeing the crash with a blown-out tire and severe front-end damage to his car. Test results showed O’Brien was positive for high amounts of Alprozolam.

Assistant State Attorney Josephine Colon remained dedicated to pursuing justice for the victim in this case. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Josephine Colon and the Florida Highway Patrol for their work on this case.

05/01/2026

Assistant State Attorney Courtney Lenhart Receives Judge Clifton M. Kelly Award at Law Day Event

Assistant State Attorney Courtney Lenhart was honored with the prestigious “Judge Clifton M. Kelly Award” during the Highlands County Bar Association’s annual Law Day event, held on Thursday, April 29th, in Sebring, Florida.

The award was presented by Assistant State Attorney Christina Henry, who currently serves as president of the Highlands County Bar Association. The Clifton M. Kelly Award recognizes outstanding professionalism, dedication to the legal community, and commitment to the principles of justice.

Lenhart was selected for her exemplary service as an assistant state attorney and her continued contributions to the legal profession and the community.