A Highlands County man will remain behind bars until the year 2175 after being sentenced Tuesday to 150 years in prison for child pornography crimes. 23-year-old Jonathan Hernandez pleaded guilty to 100 counts of possessing and trading graphic images and videos involving children. Prosecutors said he had over 1,100 disturbing files and engaged in explicit online chats on Discord, describing horrific fantasies. Circuit Judge David Ward handed down the maximum sentence after rejecting Hernandez’s earlier attempt to withdraw his guilty plea.
Another co-defendant of former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is under arrest. Shelton Wetherholt was booked into the Lake County Jail, alongside Lopez. The suspended sheriff is charged with felony racketeering and conspiracy. Wetherholt is facing the same charges. Investigators claim Lopez helped shield an illegal gambling enterprise and received campaign contributions from it. Three other co-defendants have also been named in the case.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is requesting public assistance in reporting all wild turkey sightings throughout the state now through August 31. Observations of hens, poults (newly hatched turkeys), and gobblers are all valuable. These reports support Florida’s annual summer wild turkey survey, a critical part of a broader, multi-state initiative aimed at assessing reproductive success and population health. The data collected helps FWC biologists monitor nesting outcomes, poult survival rates, and overall distribution to ensure long-term conservation of wild turkey populations. To participate, visit myfwc.com/hunting/turkey/brood-survey and submit your observations online.
An upcoming trip could lure international business to Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday he’ll be leading a delegation to France next week. He and others will be attending the International Paris Air Show. He says the trip will highlight Florida’s status as a global hub for aerospace, aviation, defense and emerging technologies. DeSantis adds his efforts on the trip will be to promote further investment in the state and bring more high-paying jobs to Florida.