In April of 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis elevated Judge Leontiev to serve on the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court after previously appointing him as Judge on the Lee County Court in 2021. During his tenure as County Judge, Leontiev presided over civil cases, evictions, small claims, and traffic infractions. Judge Leontiev also served as Chairman of the Lee County Canvassing Board for the 2022 Primary and General Elections.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Leontiev served 14 years as an Assistant State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. He held positions in the Postconviction, Sexually Violent Predators, Special Victims, and Economic Crimes Units, prosecuting cases in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Hendry Counties.

Judge Leontiev received his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.

Judge Leontiev is a first-generation American whose parents immigrated to the United States from Latin America. His father enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces and served in the military his entire career. Growing up a military brat, Judge Leontiev moved extensively, living in Europe, Central America, and three distinct regions of the United States before settling in South Florida in 1999.

Judge Leontiev is married and the proud father of seven children. When not on the bench, he enjoys reading, fishing, working on cars, and spending time outdoors with his family.