Man back in custody after fleeing Lee County Courthouse before conviction

Reporter: Jolena Esperto Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
Therbert Sweet, 30, after his arrest in Manatee County. Credit: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

Therbert Sweet, 30, kidnapped two people and ran off right before a jury found him guilty. He is now sitting in a Manatee County jail cell after a search that lasted 1 1/2 weeks.

He was arrested Friday after he was found in Manatee County. Ten days ago, during a break in court, Sweet walked out of the courthouse just before his guilty verdict came down. Detectives say Sweet violently kidnapped two people in 2021.

He is now in custody alongside David Quezada, who investigators say also participated in the kidnapping. David Quezada is the twin brother of Daniel Quezada, accused of helping Sweet take off before his guilty verdict.

Sweet will be sentenced on those kidnapping and robbery charges in late March. It’s unclear whether or not he will face additional charges for skipping out on his trial.

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