Holmes County woman sentenced to seven years for crash that injured two children 

A Holmes County woman has been sentenced to seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections after entering a no contest plea in connection with a Washington County crash that seriously injured two young children.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Leandra Nicole Leverette was driving on Chance Road in Washington County on April 6, 2025, when the vehicle she was operating left the roadway and struck a tree.

Investigators said two young children were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Instead of calling 911 or reporting the crash to law enforcement, Leverette allegedly contacted the children’s mother, who was working in Graceville, and asked her to pick them up. 

When the children’s mother arrived, she found both suffering from visible head injuries. One child was crying out in pain and unable to stand. They were taken to Doctors Memorial Hospital, where one was later recommended for transfer to a Pensacola children’s hospital due to the seriousness of the injuries. 

According to the arrest affidavit, the child suffered two broken bones in the left wrist and a completely fractured right kneecap.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators also alleged that Leverette sent text messages asking the children’s mother not to tell law enforcement what had happened because she did not want to be arrested.

Troopers determined Leverette did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash. During the investigation, authorities found the crashed vehicle had struck a tree, and investigators concluded the children’s injuries indicated they were not properly restrained.

According to the affidavit, Leverette later told investigators she did not report the crash or seek emergency medical assistance because she was afraid she would go to jail for driving without a valid license.

Leverette was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, two counts of child neglect, and driving without a valid driver’s license.

Court records show Leverette later entered a no contest plea. She was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections.