LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A Lake County jury convicted 63 year old Manuel Ramon Lebron on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, of multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of a 7 year old child. Lebron was found 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. Following the verdict, he was taken into custody with no bond pending a future sentencing date.
The investigation began on January 9, 2024, when the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the abuse. During interviews with detectives, the victim disclosed that the sexual abuse had occurred in 2019. Further investigation at a local child advocacy center revealed numerous instances where Lebron inappropriately touched the victim and forced them to view pornographic material.
At the time the allegations surfaced, Lebron was residing in Puerto Rico. Lake County deputies coordinated a controlled phone call between the victim and the defendant, during which Lebron apologized for his actions. This admission contributed to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Authorities apprehended Lebron in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on February 9, 2024. He was subsequently extradited back to Lake County to face trial. The Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson confirmed the case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and Tyler Duffy.