A woman accused of threatening her mother with a knife and fighting a police officer attempting to detain her afterward was sentenced to 48 months in prison Monday, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.
Emma Susana Bustos, 25, of Panama City Beach, was found guilty Nov. 12 of Resisting an Officer With Violence and Assault. Circuit Court Judge Dustin Stephenson Monday sentenced the defendant to 48 months in prison. He also ordered her to undergo mental health treatment during her incarceration, and additional evaluation and treatment upon her release.
Prosecutor Christopher Walters called two witnesses to prove his case – the defendant’s mother who initially called Panama City Beach Police, and Beach Officer Mason Lawley who responded to the call.
“No officer should ever be attacked while doing their job and protecting our community.” Walters said. “Anyone who threatens or commits violence towards law enforcement will be prosecuted. This office stands with our partners in law enforcement.”
The testimony and evidence showed the defendant threatened her mom on May 23, 2025. The victim, fearing the defendant might use a knife, fled to her bedroom and locked the door. The defendant began yelling threats and banging on the door with an object. Police later found knife puncture marks on the outside of the door.
RELATED: Major meth dealers sentenced to 30 years
RELATED: Man who recorded women in dressing room gets prison
When Officer Lawley arrived and was given permission to enter the home, he spotted Bustos and attempted to question her. Bodycam footage showed Bustos became increasingly agitated which included poking Officer Lawley in the chest and making verbal threats.
Despite being warned that she could not leave, she attempted to run away from Officer Lawley. During Officer Lawley’s attempts to detain the defendant, she kicked him, scratched him, attempted to bite him, and grabbed a piece of broken ceramic which threatened the Officer’s safety. Officer Lawley suffered various scrapes and minor cuts before he could handcuff Bustos.
Basford thanked the Panama City Beach Police Department for its work on the case.
For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.