July 1, 2004
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

MAN WANTED IN JUNE 16 DELTONA SHOOTING 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding a man wanted in connection with a Deltona shooting last month. Sheriff’s investigators have obtained warrants charging 20-year-old Joseph Ledesma with two counts of principal to attempted first-degree murder. The warrants carry a total bond of $100,000. 

Ten friends were hanging out in a garage bedroom at 1297 Tivoli Drive on June 16 when someone from outside fired several shots into the bedroom through a window. The Sheriff’s Office’s helicopter and deputies arrived on scene within minutes of receiving a 911 call. A 19-year-old victim received minor injuries when a bullet struck him in the right shoulder. A 20-year-old victim was shot in the right side of the torso area and treated at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. 

The investigation, headed by lead case investigator Toby Schwartz, resulted in four arrests so far. Brian Kent, 21, of 2175 Deerfoot Trail, DeLand, was captured on June 18 and he later admitted to the shooting. He faces six felony charges: two counts of attempted first degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling. 

The other men arrested this past week on two counts of principal to aggravated battery each were:

-- Kristopher Wadsworth; 19; 1419 Farmington Ave., Deltona.

-- Francisco Ortiz Jr.; 21; 1749 W. Chapel Drive, Deltona.

-- Douglas George; 19; 1788 W. Acadian Drive, Deltona. 

Kent, Wadsworth, Ortiz Jr. and George were each transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach. 

Further investigation revealed Ledesma’s involvement, and on Monday Circuit Court Judge S. James Foxman signed the associated warrants. Ledesma is a white man with brown eyes and close-cut, dark hair. He’s approximately 5’11” and weighs about 150 lbs. A recent address listed for Ledesma is 2580 Tryon Ave., Deltona, and it’s believed he still frequents areas in the city. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call investigator Schwartz at (386) 860-7030 or Crime Stoppers of Volusia & Flagler Counties, toll-free at 1-888-277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.