Sydney Lenora Seaton was convicted of Kidnapping for a case involving an attack inside a boutique in downtown Fort Myers.
Assistant State Attorney Steven Vitale prosecuted the case.
The crime happened on August 12, 2024. A store manager was working alone when the defendant came in. The defendant was exhibiting unusual behavior, like dancing provocatively and moving items around. She was asked numerous times to leave but did not. She then attacked the manager. She punched and kicked them, then body slammed the victim into furniture. She also dragged the victim by their hair. The defendant then used a large metal bar cart to pin the victim down. The defendant ripped open the victim’s shirt and tried to take their jewelry.
It was not until the victim agreed to go to the back of the store with the defendant, that the defendant removed the cart. This gave the victim an opportunity to run to the front door to scream for help. The defendant then grabbed the victim again.
A bystander heard the screams and came over. The defendant then released the victim and 911 was called. The Fort Myers Police Department responded and arrested the defendant.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2026.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director