Esteban Burgos, 54, of Punta Gorda, was found guilty of Robbery and actual possession of a firearm. The jury returned the verdict this afternoon following a two-day trial
in Charlotte County.
On December 3, 2020, the defendant robbed a Publix liquor store at gunpoint. He pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded that he hand him all of the cash in the register. The defendant handed the clerk a bag to put money in and then told him to get on the ground and not to call for help.
Burgos left the store and the victim immediately contacted 911 for assistance. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office came to the scene and started an investigation.
The identity of the robber was not immediately known, as he had his face concealed, but after the surveillance footage from the crime was made public, tips came in leading to Burgos. He was later positively identified as the person who robbed the store.
The North Port Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Assistant State Attorney Caitlin Sorenson prosecuted the case. Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2023.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office