Yesterday (June 4), prosecutors filed a formal notice dismissing the prosecution of two persons arrested last month at Sanlando Park.

On May 9, 2024, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office conducted an undercover investigation into complaints of public sexual activity taking place at the Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. As a result, Harold Mills (53), and Leroy Green (35), were arrested on charges of Exposure of Sexual Organs and Soliciting Lewdness, both misdemeanor offences.

Law enforcement has a duty to protect the public, especially our minor children, from the potential harm caused by witnessing illegal sexual activity at community parks. However, while there was probable cause to support both arrests, prosecutors are obligated to determine if the alleged crimes can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This burden of proof is much higher than the standard required for arrest, and one the available evidence could not support. As a result, prosecutors have filed a formal notice not to pursue prosecution in both cases.

A key issue in the decision surrounded the statutory requirement that the state prove the exposure of sexual organs occurred in public. In both cases the defendants exposed their sexual organs while seated within their vehicles and could not have been observed by any person other than the undercover deputy. The anticipated defense that this did not constitute intent to commit public exposure could not be overcome based upon the available evidence.