Court records filed in Orange County, Florida, provide details surrounding the arrest of a man identified as Dontay Howe, who is known to some social media users as "Dummy Don." According to an arrest affidavit submitted by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to an apartment complex on June 10, 2026, following reports of an incident involving a maintenance golf cart owned by the property's management company.

The affidavit alleges that Howe operated the golf cart without authorization and that maintenance employees reported feeling threatened during an encounter involving a knife. Based on witness statements, evidence reviewed during the investigation, and the findings of the responding officer, authorities established probable cause for multiple criminal charges. The allegations outlined in the affidavit remain subject to the judicial process, and no determination of guilt has been made by a court.

Key Details

According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to an apartment complex located on South Semoran Avenue in Orange County on June 10, 2026.

The affidavit states that maintenance employees reported observing a company-owned golf cart being driven away from an area near the leasing office. According to witness statements documented by investigators, employees attempted to stop the vehicle after recognizing it as property belonging to the management company.

Court records indicate that maintenance workers told investigators they encountered Howe while he was operating the golf cart. The affidavit alleges that during the encounter, Howe displayed a knife and made statements that caused the employees to fear for their safety.

According to the report, the employees moved away from the area and later contacted authorities. Property management representatives also became involved in the response.

The affidavit further states that the golf cart was owned by the management company and had an estimated value of approximately $7,000. Investigators reported that management representatives informed deputies that Howe did not have permission to take or operate the vehicle.

Court documents indicate that investigators also examined allegations involving damage to a landscaping tiller valued at approximately $200. The affidavit alleges that the equipment was damaged during the incident.

According to the arrest report, investigators reviewed witness statements and evidence collected during the investigation before determining that probable cause existed for criminal charges.

The charges listed in the affidavit include:

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Grand Theft
• Criminal Mischief

The affidavit states that the charges were based on information gathered from witnesses, evidence reviewed by investigators, and the observations of responding law enforcement personnel.

Court records show that Howe was arrested without incident and transported to the Orange County Jail for processing.

The affidavit also references an earlier law enforcement response at the same apartment complex on the same day. According to the report, deputies responded to complaints involving Howe prior to the golf cart incident. The affidavit notes that no criminal charges were filed in connection with those earlier complaints.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations contained in the affidavit represent claims made during an investigation. The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.

Background

An arrest affidavit is a legal document prepared by law enforcement officers to explain the basis for an arrest and to establish probable cause supporting criminal charges.

The document reviewed in this case was filed by an Orange County Sheriff's Office deputy and contains statements attributed to witnesses, maintenance employees, property management personnel, and investigating officers.

Probable cause is a legal standard used during the arrest process. It is not a finding of guilt and does not determine the outcome of a criminal case. Criminal charges must still proceed through the court system, where evidence can be examined and challenged.

Court proceedings may include initial appearances, hearings, motions, plea negotiations, or a trial, depending on how a case progresses through the judicial system.

Public records show only the allegations and information available at the time an affidavit is prepared. Additional evidence, testimony, legal arguments, or court rulings may emerge later in the process.

The case involving Howe remains subject to judicial review, and the outcome will ultimately be determined by the courts.

Quotes

The arrest affidavit contains allegations and summaries of witness statements but does not appear to include any direct public quotations from Howe, attorneys, court officials, or property management representatives.

As a result, no independently verified public quotes were available in the source document reviewed.

Analysis 

From a public-interest perspective, the case highlights the role of witness statements, physical evidence, and law enforcement investigations in establishing probable cause for criminal charges.

The affidavit demonstrates how investigators document allegations from multiple witnesses before determining whether sufficient legal grounds exist for an arrest.

At the same time, legal experts often emphasize that arrest affidavits represent one stage of the criminal justice process. Defendants retain the right to challenge evidence and allegations in court, and judges or juries ultimately determine outcomes based on the evidence presented.

For that reason, court filings should be viewed as allegations and investigative findings rather than final determinations of fact.

Our Opinion

Cases involving criminal allegations often generate significant public attention, particularly when individuals have a social media following or public profile. However, responsible reporting requires a careful distinction between allegations, probable-cause findings, and court-established facts.

Public records play an important role in transparency, but readers should recognize that legal proceedings are designed to evaluate evidence before any final conclusions are reached. Following the case through the court process can provide a more complete understanding of the facts and outcomes as they become available through official channels.