A PROSECUTOR CALLED TO SERVE
With a prosecutorial career spanning over 30 years, Judge Luis Bustamante has been shaped by countless cases—each one reinforcing his deep commitment to justice. He has dedicated his career to serving the public, protecting communities, and upholding the rule of law across the State of Florida. Among the thousands of cases he has prosecuted, several stand out for their profound impact—cases that tested the limits of human cruelty and highlighted the critical importance of compassion, fairness, and accountability.
Notable Cases
State of Florida v. William Wells
Bradford County – First-Degree Murder
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: Death
Presiding Judge: Hon. Mark Moseley
Judge Bustamante led the prosecution in one of Florida’s most chilling prison murder cases. William Wells, already serving seven life sentences for six murders and one attempted murder, brutally stabbed a fellow inmate to death at Florida State Prison in an attack captured on surveillance video. The assault was premeditated and vicious, underscoring Wells’ continued danger to others even in maximum security. Despite the added logistical and safety challenges of conducting a capital case during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Bustamante prepared an airtight case, coordinating with corrections staff and forensic experts. His efforts culminated in a successful jury verdict and death sentence, protecting inmates and staff alike from an individual deemed incapable of rehabilitation.
State of Florida v. James Doty
Bradford County – First-Degree Murder
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: Death
Presiding Judge: Hon. William Davis
In this emotionally charged case, later featured on the Netflix series I Am a Killer, James Doty was already serving a life sentence for murder when he killed again—this time, another inmate. Doty attempted to justify his actions by citing his childhood abuse, claiming his violent behavior was the product of childhood trauma. Judge Bustamante dismantled this narrative through careful cross-examination and expert testimony, focusing the jury on Doty’s pattern of calculated violence. The case raised difficult questions about justice, trauma, and accountability—but Judge Bustamante’s clear-eyed pursuit of the facts led to a death sentence that recognized both the danger Doty posed and the justice owed to the victim’s family.
State of Florida v. Leo Boatman
Bradford County – First-Degree Murder, Possession of a Weapon by a State Inmate
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: Death
Presiding Judge: Hon. James Colaw
Leo Boatman, already convicted of killing two college students in the Ocala National Forest, committed a brutal prison murder by stabbing an inmate 130 times. Judge Bustamante’s prosecution showcased his ability to navigate extremely violent and emotionally difficult cases with precision and care. The trial involved disturbing physical evidence, inmate and corrections officer testimony, and detailed autopsy reports. Judge Bustamante secured a death sentence, ensuring that Boatman, a repeat and remorseless killer, would never have the opportunity to harm again.
State of Florida v. Demetrius Wilson
Bradford County – Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder, Manslaughter
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: 55 Years in Prison
Presiding Judge: Hon. James Colaw
Wilson, a known drug dealer, orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot to eliminate a rival in his drug territory. Judge Bustamante led an intensive investigation involving electronic surveillance, forensic computer analysis, and witness testimony. The killing took place in broad daylight outside a church, shocking the community. By skillfully navigating complex evidentiary issues—including digital trail reconstruction—Judge Bustamante presented a compelling case to the jury. The result was a conviction and a substantial sentence that reflected the premeditated and merciless nature of the crime.
State of Florida v. Marcus Whitfield
Bradford County – Second-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: Life in Prison
Presiding Judge: Hon. James Colaw
This case was directly linked to the Wilson case. Whitfield was the hitman Wilson hired to carry out the murder. During trial preparation, Judge Bustamante reviewed hours of jail phone calls—a routine practice he had developed over the years. In doing so, he uncovered a chilling plot: Whitfield had solicited another murder, this time targeting a key witness—and even Judge Bustamante himself. The phone calls revealed that Whitfield had enlisted his sister to deliver cash for a contract killing. The discovery elevated the stakes of the case and showcased Judge Bustamante’s diligence and personal courage. Whitfield was convicted and sentenced to life, eliminating an ongoing threat to the justice system.
State of Florida v. Ricky Martin
Bradford County – Capital Sexual Battery
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: Life in Prison
Presiding Judge: Hon. Robert K. Groeb
In this heart-wrenching case, Judge Bustamante prosecuted a man who repeatedly sexually abused his fiancée’s younger sister between the ages of 10 and 11. The victim came forward more than a decade later, after learning of another potential victim. The long delay in reporting presented major legal and evidentiary challenges, but Judge Bustamante skillfully presented corroborating testimony and used trauma-informed trial strategies to support the victim’s account. His compassionate and determined advocacy led to a conviction and life sentence, sending a clear message that justice does not expire with time.
State of Florida v. Roger Bombalier
St. Johns County – RICO, Organized Fraud, Grand Theft
Verdict: Guilty| Sentence: Prison
Presiding Judge: Hon. Robert K. Mathis
Bombalier, a former police officer, operated a fraudulent technical school that scammed dozens of students with false promises of accreditation and job placement. Judge Bustamante led a four-month investigation in collaboration with the Department of Education and multiple law enforcement agencies. His bilingual capabilities proved invaluable in reviewing Spanish-language contracts and financial records. The case ended with the school’s license revoked, restitution for the victims, and Bombalier convicted of serious financial crimes, highlighting Judge Bustamante’s expertise in complex white-collar investigations.
State of Florida v. Shannon Ford
Bradford County – Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury (4 Counts)
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: 20 Years in Prison
Presiding Judge: Hon. William Davis
Ford was recklessly driving a semi-truck on U.S. 301 when he crashed into a stopped school bus loaded with elementary school children. The bus had its red lights flashing and stop signs extended. The collision caused serious injuries to several children and could have resulted in multiple fatalities had the children been outside the vehicle. Judge Bustamante led a year-long investigation involving crash reconstruction experts and Department of Transportation records. His unrelenting advocacy for the victims led to the maximum sentence under the law.
State of Florida v. Michael McCaffrey & Earl Haire
St. Johns County – Organized Fraud
Verdict: Guilty Pleas | Sentence: Maximum jail sentence and probation
Presiding Judge: Hon. Robert K. Mathis
This case involved a fraudulent ballroom dance business and fake franchise operations that targeted elderly victims across Florida. Judge Bustamante utilized forensic accounting and interviewed numerous victims who had been pressured or deceived into signing over their life savings. His methodical prosecution halted an ongoing scheme that preyed on vulnerable individuals, bringing long-awaited accountability and financial restitution to the victims.
State of Florida v. Christopher Alan Combs
Marion County – RICO, Grand Theft, Burglary
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: 130 Years in Prison
Presiding Judge: Hon. John W. Booth
Combs ran an organized burglary ring targeting senior citizens' homes during the dinner hour, stealing heirlooms and valuables to fund his fencing operation. He melted down stolen jewelry to avoid detection. Judge Bustamante prosecuted the two-week trial, during which elderly victims courageously testified about the emotional and psychological trauma they endured. The extensive sentence—130 years—was upheld on appeal, a testament to the strength of the case.
State of Florida v. Anthony Fragenti
Flagler County – Securities Fraud
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: 5 Years Prison, 20 Years Probation
Presiding Judge: Hon. David Walsh
Fragenti orchestrated a complex securities scheme that defrauded dozens of investors out of millions. Judge Bustamante worked with financial regulators, forensic accountants, and victim advocates to unravel the web of false investments and shell companies. The conviction brought closure and justice to the defrauded investors, and Fragenti was held accountable through a combination of incarceration and long-term probation.
State of Florida v. Mario McClenny
Volusia County – Capital Sexual Battery, Aggravated Kidnapping
Verdict: Guilty | Sentence: Two Consecutive Life Sentences
Presiding Judge: Hon. R. Michael Hutchinson
McClenny was a serial predator who abducted and assaulted young girls in the Daytona Beach area. Judge Bustamante assembled a comprehensive case using DNA evidence, child hearsay testimony, and similar-fact evidence to show a pattern of predatory behavior. The case required sensitive handling of young victims and their families, demonstrating Judge Bustamante’s ability to blend compassion with fierce legal advocacy. The life sentences ensured McClenny would never pose a threat to another child.
