State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit

08/12/2026

MAN CONVICTED OF CRUELTY TO AN ANIMAL

On January 21, 2026, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a concerned bystander about a dog on a property in Lake Wales who was in near-death condition. The dog, Queen, was found missing fur on half its body and severely underweight. Her owner, Maurice Owens, surrendered her to Polk County Animal Control. Expert testimony at trial showed that Queen had been starved and neglected for many months, resulting in the severe condition in which she was found.

Owens was found guilty by a Polk County jury of cruelty to an animal and sentenced to the maximum sentence of 364 days in the Polk County Jail. Thankfully, Queen has made a full recovery. She has been renamed Sophia and is now living a healthy, happy life. State Attorney Brian Haas thanked Assistant State Attorney Erica Baker and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.

08/10/2026

This summer, the State Attorney’s Office had the pleasure of welcoming an outstanding group of law students and undergraduate interns. Their hard work, professionalism, and positive energy made a lasting impact on our office.

State Attorney Brian Haas extended his appreciation to each student for their dedication and contributions throughout the summer. SAO10 wishes them continued success in law school and their future endeavors.

08/06/2026

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

On November 10, 2025, officers with the Lake Wales Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence off Bullard Avenue West in Lake Wales. Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from several stab wounds to the face, neck, and shoulder. The victim was transported to Lake Wales Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

Witnesses reported seeing Jade Monday construct the murder weapon the day before the murder by taping a kitchen knife to the end of a stick. On the day of the murder, residents of the home were awakened by loud yelling and commotion coming from the victim’s bedroom. Witnesses observed Monday standing over the victim while holding the weapon. One of the witnesses attempted to intervene and sustained a laceration to a finger after being stabbed by Monday. During an interview with law enforcement, Monday admitted to stabbing the victim.

Monday was found guilty by a Polk County jury of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and tampering with physical evidence. He was sentenced to life in prison. State Attorney Brian Haas thanked Assistant State Attorney Ralph Guerra and the Lake Wales Police Department for their work on this case.

08/04/2026

As students return to school, prioritizing safety is essential. State Attorney Brian Haas has a few quick social media safety tips to help families start the school year off right while protecting their children’s privacy online.

07/08/2026

Justice Served—Woman Convicted of First-Degree Murder

On May 2, 2024, law enforcement was notified by Orlando Health hospital that Bryan Boyer, a four-year-old child, had died under the care of his adoptive mother, Patricia Saintizaire.
On May 1st, the victim was observed at school and appeared to be in good condition. Later that evening, Saintizaire’s older son noticed the victim struggling to sit up while attempting to eat. Shortly thereafter, the victim became unresponsive.
During the investigation, Saintizaire denied ever using physical punishment on the victim. Investigators later learned that she instructed the victim’s older brother to lie to law enforcement about witnessing any abuse. The brother subsequently disclosed that he had observed Saintizaire physically assault the victim.
Law enforcement also recovered two home surveillance videos from Saintizaire's cell phone documenting the abuse in their home located in Davenport. One video showed her throwing the victim into a swimming pool with his hands tied behind his back. A second video depicted Saintizaire striking the victim on the back with an object while he lay on the floor.
An autopsy revealed the victim had both old and recent scars on his back, arms, and legs, consistent with repeated physical abuse. The examination also determined that the victim suffered a deep laceration to his liver, which was identified as the cause of death.
Saintizaire was convicted by a Polk County jury of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated child abuse, and tampering with a witness. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14th to life in prison. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Mikaela Perry and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for seeking justice for the victim in this case.

07/03/2026

06/30/2026

The State Attorney’s Office recently hosted its Youth Mock Trial Program. Twenty-two high school students considering pursuing careers as attorneys or law enforcement attended our week-long program to learn more about our court system and try mock cases in a courtroom. In addition to being mentored by a handful of our prosecutors throughout the week, the students spoke to Judge Rachelle E. Williamson about a judge’s role in a courtroom, they went on a courtroom tour with PCSO bailiffs, and they collected and processed evidence at a mock crime scene put on by Polk County Sheriff's Office and crime scene technicians.

All of their training led up to a mock trial at the end of the week. Students were given case facts and evidence and formulated their own openings and closings, along with witness examinations. Not only was the week an excellent opportunity for the students to get a first-hand look at how our office functions, but it also helped a few students confirm that a career as a prosecutor was exactly what they wanted to do with their lives.

We are thrilled to have such a positive outcome and look forward to hosting another successful program next year.

06/26/2026

MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

On October 22nd, 2023, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive man lying in the parking lot of the Pentecostal Church of God in Winter Haven.

During the investigation, law enforcement obtained surveillance video from the church that captured Taquion Cotton shooting the victim three times. The victim, who lived behind the church, was walking in a fenced area when he was nearly struck by Cotton’s vehicle. Following that initial encounter, Cotton fled the scene, but returned a short time later and fatally shot the victim.

Later that day, Cotton was found by law enforcement in the middle of a nearby street, less than a mile from the church.

Cotton was found guilty by a Polk County jury of first-degree murder and other violent crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10th to life in prison. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Mark Levine and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.

06/18/2026

State Attorney Brian Haas recently had the opportunity to speak to Just Us Girls and Florence Villa CDC about the many functions of the State Attorney’s Office. Participants 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.

06/15/2026

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

On September 10th, 2024, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of gunshots near Fleming Avenue in Lakeland. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim in the front yard suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A witness reported seeing Clinton Robinson approach the victim before hearing gunshots. They observed smoke coming from the firearm Robinson was holding and heard him say, “How do you like me now?” Deputies learned that Robinson and the victim were neighbors and had a history of prior disputes. After the shooting Robinson was observed fleeing the scene in his white SUV with the murder weapon. The murder weapon was never recovered.
Deputies later located Robinson at his residence. When questioned by law enforcement about his relationship with his neighbor, the defendant minimized the nature of the relationship claiming to not have any ongoing issues with any of his neighbors. He also claimed to have arrived home at 8:30 that morning, and denied leaving the residence at any time that morning.
Robinson was found guilty by a Polk County jury of first-degree murder, false information to a law enforcement officer, and tampering with evidence. He was sentenced to life in prison.
State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Michael Nutter and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.