Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida
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Serving the Citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties
Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida
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Serving the Citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

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TWO DEFENDANTS FOUND GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING NARCOTICS

(Lake County, FL) Today, 44-year-old Cliff Demond Johnson and 30-year-old Davonte Marques Heflin were found guilty by a jury of all drug trafficking and drug-related charges related to their 2022 arrests. After hearing testimony from numerous expert witnesses, along with compelling phone records, jurors reached their verdict.

Johnson was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Cocaine, Manufacture of Cocaine, Trafficking in Cocaine while in possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Conveyance for sale/trafficking in narcotics, Unlawful Use of a Two Way Device, Conspiracy to Commit Sale/Delivery of Oxycodone,   Conspiracy to Commit Sale/Delivery of Cocaine, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, Possession of Alprazolam, Possession of Cannabis over 20 Grams, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Hydrocodone, Resisting Law enforcement without Violence, and Possession of Paraphernalia.   

Helfin was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Fentanyl and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Device.

“With this verdict, these two defendants are now held accountable for their roles in trafficking dangerous narcotics in our communities,” stated State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Drug trafficking is not a victimless crime – it fuels addiction, destroys families, and puts countless lives at risk. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who profit from the illegal drug trade and will work alongside our law enforcement partners to keep these dangerous substances out of our neighborhoods.”

Back in June of 2022, both defendants were arrested by detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). From February to June of that year, law enforcement was aware of ongoing narcotics sales occurring throughout the Leesburg, Mount Dora, and Fruitland Park area. During their investigation into these illicit operations, officials identified multiple actors in the drug distribution, two of whom were Johnson and Heflin.

After multiple wire intercepted communications and phone records, detectives from LCSO’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) executed a search warrant at a residence off Chelsea Avenue, in Fruitland Park, FL. Authorities identified this as Johnson’s primary residence where narcotics sales occurred. Upon arrival at the residence, SIU detectives made contact with Johnson and another juvenile occupant of the home. After securing both individuals, detectives proceeded with the execution of the search warrant. Law enforcement located trafficking amounts of cocaine, multiple pounds of cannabis, and other large quantities of narcotics.

Continuing their investigations, law enforcement located Heflin, who had previously been surveilled and determined to be part of the illicit narcotics operation. Heflin was taken into custody for his actions in facilitating the sale of narcotics.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Kristalle Smoller thanks to the diligent investigative efforts of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Clermont Police Department, the Fruitland Park Police Department, the Leesburg Police Department, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Eustis Police Department.

Published on 09/04/2026.