A Lady Lake woman received a ten-day jail sentence for inciting juveniles to attack a boy at a recreation center last year.
Charity Lashay Nelams, 32, was found guilty of contributing to a minor’s delinquency or dependency at her Lake County Court hearing this past week. She was sentenced to serve ten days in Lake County Jail.
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According to an affidavit of probable cause from Lake County, on May 13, 2024, an officer with the Leesburg Police Department responded to the Leesburg Recreation Complex on Griffin Road regarding a large gathering of juveniles fighting. The officer spoke with a mother, who reported that many juveniles had attacked her son.
Her juvenile son recalled an incident between himself and two other juveniles that progressed from verbal to violent, with Nelams’ encouragement. She remained nearby while 15 to 20 additional minors joined in, striking the juvenile with clenched fists and kicking him. He attempted to flee many times before unrelated individuals interfered and ended the altercation.
The juvenile’s relative described Nelams as violent. She made several remarks about being willing to “put her hands on” anyone who intervened, as well as going to jail for one of the youngsters. But when police interviewed her, she said she was there to break up the fight and get one minor to leave.
During the investigation, a phone video captured during the altercation showed Nelams coaching children on where to stand to form a circle around the youths fighting. She also acted belligerently and intensified the confrontation. She cheered and encouraged the fight as it progressed.
