To the citizens of Charlotte County:

As a lifelong resident of Charlotte County and your former Sheriff who served our community for over 35 years as a law enforcement professional including four years as your Sheriff, I support Leslie E. Schneider for the position of Charlotte County’s, Commonwealth’s Attorney.

I first met Leslie in the early winter of 2020, my first impressions of her were that she was intelligent, pleasant, and approachable. Very soon after meeting her, I realized that her background was more diverse and broader than the average prosecutor.

Leslie’s background includes working as an Assistant Public Defender, working on the international platform in both Afghanistan and Viet Nam, and as a prosecutor.

When I served as your Sheriff, Leslie was respected and appreciated by law enforcement for her dedication and commitment to prosecuting the cases investigated by the Sheriff’s Department and other agencies. Leslie’s focus on human rights and justice for victims is apparent in the prosecution of every case she handles. Each case, she focuses on the victims, as well as ensuring fair sentencing for offenders.

One such case, involved a defendant, Dianna Connelly, who had distributed controlled substances to a person who unfortunately died of a drug overdose. The defendant in that case was convicted and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Leslie also was supportive with the Sheriff’s Office getting the Body Worn Cameras for the deputies which allowed more transparency for the deputies and the citizens.

Having observed Leslie and her dedication to justice and strong work ethics, I ask you to join me in supporting her, as she seeks to become our next elected Commonwealth’s Attorney in the special election to be held November 4, 2025.

Thank you,

Royal S. Freeman

Former Sheriff for Charlotte County (2019 – 2023)