LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida man pleaded guilty on Thursday, years after a violent crime spree across several counties.
11:11 a.m. update:
Jonny Santiago pleaded guilty Thursday morning to charges from his 2022 crime spree that ended with a shootout and a crash into a Mount Dora synagogue.
The 22-year-old was sentenced to 25 years in prison with a 20-year minimum mandatory.
His attorney, Brian Pakett, said mental health played a central role in the case and that Santiago had been treated at a state hospital after being found not competent to stand trial in the past.
This plea only resolves the Lake County charges.
Santiago still faces a second-degree murder charge in Volusia County for allegedly killing his father.
Pakett says negotiations are ongoing in that case and that the family remains supportive.
Channel 9 Eyewitness News will continue following this story and will have more details on what happens next.
Original report:
A Central Florida man accused of a violent crime spree is expected to be back in court Thursday morning.
Jonny Santiago, 22, is expected to plead guilty to charges from a 2022 crime spree in Lake County.
The charges include shooting at deputies and crashing his truck into a Mount Dora synagogue.
This plea deal specifically covers the Lake County charges and does not resolve a separate murder charge Santiago faces in Volusia County for allegedly killing his father.
Santiago has remained in jail without bond since 2022, with his case experiencing multiple delays due to mental health evaluations.
These delays occurred after doctors stated he was not mentally ready for trial.
If the judge accepts the guilty plea, Santiago will be sentenced for the Lake County charges.
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