News Summary
In Winter Haven, Florida, 24-year-old Deamonte Earl Lee Hill was arrested after being found smoking marijuana in a vehicle with a two-year-old child present. Officers discovered marijuana and a loaded firearm during their investigation. Hill, a convicted felon, was charged with multiple offenses, highlighting ongoing concerns about drug use and child safety in the area. Authorities promptly ensured the child’s safety by placing them with a responsible adult.
Winter Haven, Florida
A 24-year-old convicted felon, Deamonte Earl Lee Hill, from Orlando, was arrested in Winter Haven after being found smoking marijuana with a toddler present in his vehicle. The incident took place last week at Lake Maude Nature Park, where Winter Haven police were conducting routine patrols.
Officers approached Hill’s vehicle, which was parked in a restricted area of the park, and detected the unmistakable odor of burning cannabis. Upon investigation, it was determined that Hill did not possess a medical marijuana card, making the presence of the substance unlawful.
Inside the vehicle, police discovered a two-year-old child secured in a car seat. In addition to the child, a search of the car resulted in the discovery of a container filled with marijuana located near the center console. Furthermore, officers found a loaded Glock handgun positioned underneath the front passenger seat.
Upon being confronted by police, Hill initially denied his status as a convicted felon. However, police records indicated that he had a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault dating back to September 2024 in Orange County. The authorities also uncovered multiple driver’s licenses and identification cards displaying Hill’s photo but bearing different names. Hill confessed that these were fraudulent identification documents.
As a result of these findings, Hill was charged with several offenses, including:
- Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
- Possession of forged or stolen driver’s licenses
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
The safety of the child was a priority for the responding officers. At the scene, the toddler was handed over to another responsible adult, ensuring they were no longer in a potentially harmful situation.
Background Context
Winter Haven, located in Polk County, has seen various incidents related to drug use and child safety in recent years. Law enforcement agencies in the area regularly conduct patrols to deter unlawful activity, particularly in public parks where families often gather. The presence of firearms in conjunction with drug use raises significant concerns about safety and the potential for violence, especially when children are involved.
In Florida, the possession of marijuana remains illegal except under specific medical circumstances that require a valid medical marijuana card. Convicted felons face additional penalties when found in possession of firearms or ammunition, as established by state laws aimed at reducing gun violence. The enforcement of these laws is critical in maintaining community safety, particularly in family-friendly environments.
The recent arrest of Hill highlights ongoing issues surrounding drug use and the safety of minors. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities adults have when caring for children and the potential consequences of engaging in unlawful activities.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WFTV News
- Wikipedia: Marijuana in Florida
- ABC Action News
- Google Search: Florida drug laws
- Fox 13 News
- Google Scholar: Florida firearm laws
- The Ledger
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- Patch
- Google News: Winter Haven Florida drug arrests
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
