Florida man offers to trade life behind bars for a Philly cheesesteak; but judge won't bite
TAMPA, FLORIDA: A Florida courtroom witnessed an unusual plea negotiation when a 74-year-old defendant offered a fast-food meal in exchange for accepting a life sentence.
Robert Kessler, who is accused of killing Stephanie Crone-Overholt and disposing of her remains, made the offer while representing himself before Hillsborough Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian on Monday, October 26.
But his proposed meal-for-plea bargain failed to win the judge’s approval.
Philly cheesesteak, fries, and a 20 oz Pepsi. - The craziest hearing happened this morning. Robert Kessler, who is now blind (can see shapes), had at one time said he couldn't stand trial because he couldn't see his accusers (not kidding). Then filed last week to waive his appearance at his trial today. THEN this morning he wanted to go Pro Se. The judge allowed him to go Pro Se, then he said he would plead guilty for a Philly cheesesteak, fries, and a 20 oz Pepsi. They are moving forward with jury selection. He is representing himself. I'll send more info out shortly.
— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) October 26, 2026
Robert Kessler's bizarre proposal
Kessler was discussing a possible plea with Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian when the judge explained that admitting guilt could bring the case to a close with a sentence of life imprisonment.
Kessler responded by naming his price: a Philly cheesesteak.
The defendant did not stop at the sandwich.
He added French fries and a soft drink, then elaborated on the order when Nazaretian sought clarification.
He wanted onions and mayonnaise on the cheesesteak, along with fries and a 20-ounce Pepsi.
Kessler argued that agreeing to the arrangement would spare taxpayers the expense of a lengthy trial.
But the judge made clear that a guilty plea could not be exchanged for a meal.
Nazaretian said he could not provide food as an inducement for someone to enter a plea, describing such an arrangement as wrong “in a thousand ways.”
He offered to ensure Kessler could have lunch that day, while making no promise about what would be served.
The offer failed to produce an agreement. Kessler declined to enter an open plea and asked the court to proceed with jury selection instead.
He made clear that the sandwich remained a sticking point, saying he might have considered the deal if he had actually received it.
Kessler faces charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body in connection with Crone-Overholt’s death.
Well, Robert Kessler now wants his attorney to take over AND he doesn’t want to be present at his own trial. Unfortunately, the judge granted that. https://t.co/b5cx5gD0rf
— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) October 27, 2026
The grim stakes of Kessler’s case
The evidence against Robert Kessler came from several sources, including forensic testing, witness reports and information from inside his household.
One of the accounts came from Kessler’s young daughter, who told investigators about disputes between her father and Stephanie Crone-Overholt.
She recalled arguments between the pair, adding a personal dimension to a case that would later rely heavily on physical evidence.
Detectives also examined Kessler’s property and vehicles.
Their findings included blood traces inside his minivan and on household items such as a mattress and kitchen cabinets. Laboratory testing linked blood recovered from the home to Crone-Overholt.
Investigators also looked into reports of suspicious activity near McKay Bay.
At least three witnesses said they had seen a man resembling Kessler throwing rubbish bags into the water around the time Crone-Overholt disappeared.
The investigation had begun after fishermen found human remains in the bay in November 2021.
Further discoveries and DNA testing identified the remains as Crone-Overholt’s. Investigators also established that she had stayed at Kessler’s home after the pair met at a McDonald’s.
