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Highlands Today

Family, Friends Plea For Man In Court

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By Dan  Fearson | Highlands Today

Published: November 1, 2007

Dale Roger Leland was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to six and a half years in prison as friends and family members gave testimony, vouching for the man they said was an "outstanding" man and former church deacon.

Leland, 47, of Sebring, was found guilty earlier this year to charges of lewd and lascivious behavior, for the inappropriate touching of his stepdaughter, 12, from 2002 to 2003.

Arrest reports provided by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office state that Leland admitted to kissing the girl, beginning at her ankles and up to her buttocks.

Tuesday's court appearance marked the sentencing.

"The state never takes pleasure in trying to send someone to prison because of the impact it has on family members and friends," said Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin, who was filling in for prosecutor John Kromholz, out of town for a family emergency. "But the bottom line is a jury heard evidence and a jury spoke."

Leland, who works for Bill Jarrett Ford in Avon Park, had about 30 family members and friends in the courtroom to vouch for him. A few of them testified as witnesses.

"I'm hoping his past history will give you some guidance in your decision," said a co-worker from Bill Jarrett, who said Leland was still employed and would be allowed to return to work if he were placed on probation. "I think he was a victim of a circumstance that was blown out of proportion."

The coworker then went on to say that Bill Jarrett himself had written Judge Peter Estrada a letter vouching on his behalf endorsing Leland.

Also speaking on Leland's behalf were his biological daughter, a family friend, a fellow church member, a neighbor and his mother.

Leland was married and had two stepdaughters at the time of his arrest. There were allegations and speculation of inappropriate behavior with an older stepdaughter before his arrest, which was brought up several times in court.

Some of the witnesses questioned the stepdaughter's story and testimony she gave in court, which included pointing to areas of her body where the kissing took place.

A neighbor described Leland as a good father and said that the victim's mother stayed with him even after his arrest.

"He's an outstanding person," said the neighbor. "If the charges were legit, then his wife would have left him."

The victim's biological father gave testimony on his daughter's behalf.

"I trust that you (Judge Estrada), will do what is proper and what is right," said the father.

Leland was also given a chance to speak before his sentence was handed out.

"I feel sorry for the trouble this has caused," said a soft-spoken Leland. "I would like to be at home with my wife to support her though."

Defense attorney Austin Maslanik recommended that Estrada place Leland under community controlled probation, which would not have met the state's recommended sentence.

"I've had 30 years of practice as a defense attorney," said Maslanik. "And I can tell you that Mr. Leland is not a danger to the community."

Estrada could have sentenced Leland to a total of 15 years in prison. Instead of the maximum sentence, Leland will be placed under seven years of probation following his release.

"I have read a number of letters from people, and I've heard from a number of folks who have spoken for you today whose credibility I have no doubts about" said Estrada. "But a jury of your peers made a decision and the Legislature has set guidelines as to what I can do."

Leland will also have to pay a $5,000 fine and register as a sexual offender. He has 30 days to appeal his sentence.

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