JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The prime suspect in the disappearance of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton could be facing at least 50 years in prison if convicted of five felony charges against him.
Ruben Ebron is charged with two counts of child neglect and three charges related to an escape police say he planned. All five are felonies. He is also charged with one count of lying to police, which is a misdemeanor.
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The State Attorney's Office said it will seek "enhanced penalties" for Ebron on the five felony charges, citing his extensive arrest record, which makes him a habitual offender. He has prior convictions for grand theft in 2001 and 2011.
Police have said that they believe Ebron, who was the last person to see the toddler, murdered Lonzie, who was reported missing July 24.
Ebron, who is facing two child neglect charges connect to Lonzie's disappearance, is also charged with possession of a handcuff key, introducing contraband into the jail and conspiracy to escape. He remains in jail without bond.
Attorneys said that seeking a habitual felony classification is fairly common if the suspect's criminal record calls for it. But it is unusual for the State Attorney's Office to go after the increased penalties so early in a case.
Attorney Gene Nichols, who is not affiliated with the case, said the SAO is putting as much pressure as it can on Ebron and is putting all its cards on the table.
"You see this in a lot of cases with someone who has been to prison multiple times for violent crimes, and it's the Legislature's way of saying, 'We're not going to give you just a slap on the wrist anymore. We are going to enhance the penalties,'" Nichols said. "And they have to tell the defendant that they are going to seek this sentence."
Ebron's most recent arrest also violates his probation in Baker County, which is yet another legal issue he'll have to resolve.
Earlier this month, Ebron had his contact with witnesses in Lonzie's case limited by a judge.
According to the state, Ebron attempted to contact his ex-girlfriend, who has an injunction against him, more than 30 times the first three weeks he was in jail. She and Lonzie's mother, Lonna Lauramore Barton, who are not on the witness list, were included in the judge's no-contact order.