(Lake County, FL) The Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces that on March 18, 2026, in a Lake County courtroom, jurors found 63-year-old Manuel Ramon Lebron guilty of two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child, one count of Showing Obscene Material to a Minor, and three counts of Battery. Lebron was taken into custody on no bond pending sentencing.

On January 9, 2024, it was reported to Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) officials that Lebron had sexually molested a 7-year-old victim. During the investigation, the victim revealed to detectives that Lebron had sexually abused them in 2019.

The victim was transported to the local child advocacy center for further investigation. At the center, the victim recounted numerous instances of Lebron inappropriately touching and showing them pornographic material. LCSO deputies then attempted to contact Lebron regarding the allegations, who was residing in Puerto Rico at the time. During a controlled call, the defendant apologized to the victim for his actions.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Lebron was arrested on February 9, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and later transported back to Lake County.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Tyler Duffy.

Published on 03/19/2026.