Woman Convicted After Pepper-Spray Attack, Taking Children to Georgia During Supervised Visit
A Manatee County woman has been convicted on multiple felony charges after prosecutors said she assaulted two workers during a supervised visit with her children, then fled the state with the children before being arrested in Georgia.
A Manatee County jury found Lachina Renea Cropes guilty of two counts of false imprisonment with a weapon and two counts of battery. According to the State Attorney’s Office, she faces up to 30 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Prosecutors said Cropes’ two children, ages 8 and 10, had been placed in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families in 2024 following allegations that she committed acts of domestic violence against her partner in the children’s presence.
The incident occurred on Nov. 3, 2024, during a supervised visit at Rye Wilderness Park. Two group home employees were overseeing the visit when prosecutors said Cropes became belligerent after refusing to follow visitation rules.
As one employee attempted to call 911, Cropes allegedly pulled a can of pepper spray from her purse and sprayed both workers in the face. Prosecutors said she then punched one of the employees before taking the children and leaving the park in a vehicle.
Authorities later located and arrested Cropes in Georgia with the children. Investigators reported finding an empty can of pepper spray and a firearm inside her vehicle.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, the children have since been permanently placed with a family member.
