On September 22, 2024, deputies were canvassing a wooded area in Bassville Park, Leesburg, searching for a suspect with outstanding charges from the previous shift. Upon walking through a homeless camp and known drug area, deputies observed three males sitting in a circle when the defendant, Sergio Cordovez, was seen in possession of a straw and a clear baggy with a white powdery substance in his hands. As deputies were speaking to the individuals, Cordovez threw the baggy and the straw into a fire pit that was not active. Cordovez was placed in hand restraints pending further investigation of possession of illegal narcotics. The white powdery substance was tested with an agency-issued test kit, which yielded positive for Cocaine. The deputy conducted a search of a bag the defendant had in his possession and located a bottle of prescription liquid Methadone. The deputy also located an additional small baggy with a white cake-like substance that tested positive for Cocaine. Cordovez was transported to the Lake County Jail and charged accordingly.
