Villager’s attorney to pursue insanity defense in case of theft of golf cart at Spanish Springs

A Villager’s attorney has indicated that he plans to pursue an insanity defense in a case involving the theft of a golf cart at Spanish Springs Town Square.

Winter Park attorney Leon Cheek is representing 62-year-old Susan Marie Cervo who has been living on the Historic Side of The Villages.

She was arrested in May in the theft of a golf cart parked at Spanish Springs by a Villager who had gone to work out at MVP Athletic Club.

Last week in Lake County Court, Cheek filed a notice of intent to rely on defense of insanity.

“On September 22, 2016, at the time of the commission of the offense, the Defendant was suffering bipolar disorder Type 1 Mania with psychotic features, and that by her active symptoms of mental illness, she was not able to understand the consequences of the wrongfulness of her conduct,” Cheek wrote in the filing.

Last year, Cheek represented “America’s Psychologist” after her arrest on a drunk driving charge at the Waterfront Inn.

Earlier this year, Cervo was sentenced in Lake County Court in a separate case. She pleaded no contest to a charge of disorderly intoxication. She was ordered to pay $338 in court costs.

She also has a case pending in Sumter County Court in which she allegedly kicked a deputy in the groin.