Photo by Phil Dirlam II [Click photo to enlarge]Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department has released the final report on an accident that occurred on Highway 200 this past Saturday.
Police said that a 2002 Chrysler Voyager driven by Joyce Newhouser, 64, was traveling northbound on Southwest 38th Court on the south side of State Road 200. She was stopped at the intersection waiting for the traffic light to change from red to green.
According to reports, when the light changed to green the Voyager proceeded across the intersection and toward Sam’s Club.
As Newhouser entered the intersection, a 2011 Toyota RAV4 driven by Amber L. Eaton, 17, was traveling eastbound in the left lane of State Road 200 and failed to stop at a red light.
The front of the RAV4 then struck the left side of the Voyager. The force from impact caused the Voyager to flip an undetermined amount of times. It came to a final rest on its roof.
A third vehicle that was struck during the accident fled the scene.
Newhouser was trapped inside her vehicle and had to be removed by EMS personnel. She was then transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center. She reportedly had injuries to her lower back.
Eaton was evaluated at the scene, but refused to be transported to the hospital.
According to police, Eaton was issued a citation for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.
Ocala, Florida — The Florida Highway Patrol has released the report on an accident that occurred on May 2.
This crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 484, just east of Interstate 75.
According to reports, a 2011 Nissan Versa driven by Jean G. Gonzalez-Vega, 29, was traveling eastbound on County Road 484, when a 2010 Volvo Tractor-trailer driven by Alexander Torres, 51, attempted to exit the interstate and turn left.
As the semi traveled west onto County Road 484, the Nissan turned left and struck the tractor-trailer on its left side with the front of the vehicle.
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Marion County Fire Rescue and EMS crews arrived on-scene to find two people entrapped in the Nissan. Both individuals were successfully extricated and trauma alerted to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
The driver of the semi was not injured.
Troopers said it was unclear who had a green light when the accident happened.
FHP Public Information Officer Sergeant Tracy Hisler-Pace said, “Because of the lack of evidence and no witnesses, no one was charged in the accident.”
Ocala, Florida — On Tuesday, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners would not support a motion to move forward with the re-organization of the county’s administration.
Many believe the Board’s decision was because the community came together and demanded change after Ocala Post published an article on Sunday that spelled out issues with Interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman’s proposed plan. As of today, May 5, that article had been viewed 46,605 times.
On Tuesday, commissioners told Kauffman to go back to the drawing board.
Ocala Post reached out to the Board and asked if Kauffman’s contract as interim county administrator would be re-evaluated (by contract Ocala Post was referring to his position).
Marion County Public Information Officer Elaine McClain wrote, “His contract continues as is. The board gave no indication as to re-evaluating it.”
However, Kauffman was told during the meeting that Marion County Commissioners would need to vote on what to do about his position as interim county administrator at the next meeting.
Commissioner Stan McClain said, “Commissioners, we are going to have to have a discussion, probably sooner than later, as it relates to what we are going to do about Kauffman’s position. Are we going to do something different than we are doing right now?”
He went on to say, “What I am saying, commissioners, is: are we going to continue with Mr. Kauffman as interim county administrator, or are we going to go ahead and do a search?”
McClain said that he has always felt that it was a good idea to make people compete for their job. “Kauffman is more than welcome to submit his application,” McClain said.
Commissioner David Moore, the only commissioner to make a motion on the re-organization, wanted to know why one of the positions in the re-organization plan required a bachelors degree.
“What is the purpose [of a degree] if the person being appointed to the position has 25 years experience?” Moore asked.
However, commissioners did not make a motion to discuss that issue at Tuesday’s meeting.
Commissioner Kathy Bryant said that moving forward the Board needs to have a discussion about a uniform system when advertising for jobs. She said that a system needs to be put in place and that same system needs to be used every time.
“That way the hiring process would always be viewed as open and transparent on how we fill positions,” Bryant said.
Commissioner Carl Zalak asked, “Help me understand, exactly what is the process today?”
Marion County Human Resources Director Amanda Tart said, “Well, according to our employee handbook, it says that we will normally post positions, and we have a couple of ways we can post them. We can post them internally, and those positions only have to be posted for five days through the county website. If we choose to post them externally, then they have to be posted for 10 days.”
She went on to say, “The handbook also says that the county has the option to promote from within when appropriate.”
Replying to Bryant, Zalak said, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with [promoting from within]. I mean, we have gone through several re-organizations since I have been here. I think it serves the purpose exactly like we want it to, and other times we post the jobs.”
“I think that gives this Board discretion,” Zalak said.
But Bryant maintained her position.
Bryant told Zalak that she agreed with him as far as the current system giving the Board discretion.
Bryant said, “I think sometimes it can be viewed as not as transparent when we don’t do it the same way every time. Because basically, at the end of the day, I am all for giving our employees that opportunity. And as Commissioner McClain said, I think competing brings out the best in people. ”
Referring to keeping the process the same every time, she added, “Then there is never any question on how somebody got into a position. That’s my thought on discussing it.”
Since the Board was appointing employees from within the organization, it did not advertise the jobs. However, the question of whether or not the candidate’s qualifications were up to par still remains.
According to dozens of e-mails received by Ocala Post, many citizens of Marion County believe that administrator positions should be conducted as a national search.
In regards to the loss of MCFR personnel, Commissioner Bryant said that the Board needed to have a discussion about what needed to be done to prevent the exodus of MCFR employees. She seemed to be genuinely concerned about the issue as she spoke.
Fire Chief Stuart McElhaney told the Board that another five employees left Marion County Fire Rescue last week, which included someone who had been with the Department for 10 years. Another two resignations were submitted on Monday.
Chief McElhaney was a key player in designing the re-organization plan. He has since distanced himself from his fire chief role and turned questioning over to Nevels.
Only time will tell if Kauffman will be able to hold on to his position and if the re-organization would eventually be approved.
Silver Springs – Can you identify the person in this video?
This brazen thief is wanted for stealing lawn equipment from a home located on Northeast 29th Street, Silver Springs.
Items taken were described as a yellow Brute high rear wheel push lawn mower and a McCulloch gas blower .
If anyone has information, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. For Crime Stoppers, please reference 15-38 in your tip. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Ocala, Florida — Marion County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested the suspect accused of murdering his stepfather after he turned himself in.
Detectives arrested Sidney Ferguson, 19, for the murder of his stepfather, Johnathon Thurman, 23.
Ferguson’s mother, Angie Norman, told investigators that on the night of the murder her son had called her and stated that he was on his way to her house to visit his 6-month-old daughter. However, Thurman did not want Ferguson at the house, which was located in Marion Oaks.
According to reports, when Thurman arrived at the residence Ferguson was waiting in his vehicle.
Ferguson the exited his vehicle and shouted at Thurman, “What up f**k ni**a.”
Norman stated that Ferguson kept shouting, “Whut up.”
Detectives said that Ferguson then approached Thurman, pulled out a silver 9mm handgun, and shot Thurman two times.
After Thurman fell to the ground, Ferguson stood over him and fired a third round into the victim.
Norman told investigators that she then threw herself on top of Thurman to shield him from any further shots. She then called 911.
Ferguson then ran to his car and fled the scene.
According to reports, Ferguson refused to answer any questions about the shooting.
He was charged with Second Degree Murder and is being held without bond.
The murder weapon has not been recovered.
According to Norman, Ferguson and Thurman did not get along. She said Ferguson had caused other altercations in the past.
Authorities would like to thank everyone that shared Ferguson’s photo on social media, which undoubtedly made it difficult for him to hide.
File photos show homes damaged by a tornado that MCFR had a delayed response to due to staffing shortages, ambulances closed, ambulance that caught fire, and one that broke down.
[Last updated on May 5, 2015, at 4:10 p.m.]
Ocala, Florida — This coming Tuesday, May 5, Marion County commissioners will vote to approve a complete re-organization of county management, which includes appointing a fire chief without an application process or a review of qualifications. County Administrator Bill Kauffman proposed the re-organization.
This re-organization is just one example of how the BOCC conducts business. Ocala Post previously reported on similar actions (article linked) that the Board referred to as a “reclass” of positions, where BOCC members voted to give substantial raises to a family member of a county commissioner.
The “re-organization” at hand is no different.
Instead of three assistant county administrators, the county would have two deputy county administrators. County Engineer Mounir Bouyounes would be one, and Fire Chief Stuart McElhaney the other.
Kauffman claims that the re-organization would save $120,000 by eliminating one position and combining others. But it’s clear that money from the “deleted position” is being redistributed and would further line the pockets of those sitting behind a desk.
If approved, Bouyounes’ salary would increase from $108,721.60 to $129,000.
The county director of Parks and Recreation and the landscape architect would be combined into one position, which will be headed up by Jim Couillard. His salary would increase from $65,312 to $73,659.60.
Additionally, the county’s Growth Services Department and the deputy services director would become one position. Growth Services Deputy Director Samuel Martsold would lead that position. His salary would increase from $68,660.80 to $84,861.92.
On April 28 it was announced to all county employees that current Deputy Chief Paul Nevels would assume Stuart McElhane’s position as fire chief. McElhane would then be promoted to one of the newly created Deputy County Administrator positions. His salary is $134,659.20.
These items, along with the job description of a fire chief, were placed on the county commission’s agenda the next day.
However, after researching the requirements of the job, it would appear that heir apparent Paul Nevels meets very few of the qualifications to be a fire chief.
According to the job description, a fire chief is required to have a bachelor’s degree in fire science, business administration, public administration or other related field, with a master’s degree highly preferred. Also required is five years experience as a company officer in a combat firefighting position; hold, or at least be able to hold, an EMT certificate; be a Florida Professional Geologists or equivalent; have a driver’s license; and have an emergency vehicle operations certificate, or EVOC. The job description further states that having a National Fire Association Executive Fire Officer certificate is preferred.
But, a review of county records indicated that Paul Nevels only meets two of those requirements –he has a driver’s license and EVOC.
According to state records, at one time Nevels was an EMT, but his license has been labeled as “Null and Void” since 2012. This means he would have to go back to school for a semester to retake the course and pass the state exam to become certified again. If he doesn’t, Nevels being placed in this position would be no different than giving a firefighter a gun and promoting him to a law enforcement position without proper training.
More astonishingly, it would appear that Nevels would not be qualified to be hired today as an entry-level firefighter, as he neither has a CPR card nor has he taken the federally required refresher courses to at least be considered a first responder.
Nevels would be handed a top-level position with a six-figure salary of $109,990.40 annually, and he is not even qualified for the job. His currently salary as deputy chief is $103,209.60.
Meanwhile, first responders that actually save lives — and risk their own — barely make the wages of someone who flips burgers for a living.
Non-application government appointments like this are rare for fire departments the size of Marion County Fire Rescue, which is the second largest fire department in Florida north of Interstate 4.
In reviewing the qualifications of other fire chiefs from surrounding areas, it would appear that all are paramedics and have at least a bachelor’s degree with advanced training.
This has become the national standard for fire departments that also provide emergency medical services. The chiefs under Nevels are also paramedics, most of whom have furthered their education and have a higher level of advanced specialty training in HAZMAT or technical rescue.
Area fire chiefs from other departments include:
Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Bradd Clark, master’s degree and paramedic.
Lake County Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Smith, bachelor’s degree and paramedic.
The Villages Fire Rescue Chief Edwin Cain, master’s degree and paramedic.
Sumter County Fire Rescue Chief Leland Greek, master’s degree and paramedic.
Citrus County Fire Rescue Chief Jim Goodworth, bachelor’s degree and paramedic.
Levy County Fire Rescue Chief David Knowles, master’s degree and paramedic.
Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Bill Northcutt, bachelor’s degree and paramedic.
Nevels, though, has a history of being promoted to positions he seems unqualified for. As division chief of fire prevention, Nevels was not a certified fire inspector. When he was put in charge of the building department, he again was not a building inspector, which forced employees under him to perform his duties.
Ocala Post reached out to the Board and asked if job openings had to be advertised, and Public Information Officer Elaine McClain responded with the following:
Thank you for your inquiry. The county’s employee handbook states the following:
MCBCC Employee Handbook Section 14.01.7:
Marion County recognizes the advantages of promoting employees from within its own organization, including lower turnover, better employee morale, a recruiting competitive advantage, better succession planning, reduced recruiting costs and other benefits. Whenever appropriate, Marion County may promote County employees from within the organization in order to receive the benefits of such advantages.
The citizens of Marion County deserve better than non-application political appointments that lead to six-figure salaries. Fire chief is arguably the most important senior management position under the Board of County Commissioners. Firefighters believe that commissioners should seek candidates externally and internally to find the most qualified individual to run the fire rescue department.
And while politicians continually give themselves hefty raises, there are men and women who actually put their lives on the line, take time away from their spouses, miss their children’s birthday parties, face the stress of witnessing devastation, and struggle to survive on a daily basis.
Until the county chooses to increase funding for new emergency vehicles as well as funding to staff fire stations, Marion County residents and first responders are being put at great risk.
Marion Oaks — Marion County sheriff’s Detectives are searching for a 19-year-old suspect who shot his stepfather to death in Marion Oaks Friday night.
At approximately 11 p.m., dispatchers received a 911 call regarding a shooting located at, 7819 Southwest 128th Street Road.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Johnathon Thurman in the front yard bleeding out from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he died.
The murder suspect, Sidney Ferguson, fled the scene in a dark blue or black sedan in an unknown direction.
According to witnesses, the two were arguing when Ferguson pulled out a gun and shot Thurman.
Ferguson is approximately six feet tall and has an average build. Ferguson was last seen wearing black basketball shorts and a black shirt.
MCSO detectives said Ferguson is considered armed and dangerous.
If anyone has information, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. For Crime Stoppers, please reference 15-38 in your tip. Anonymity is guaranteed.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – NOVEMBER 29: Defensive back P.J. Williams #26 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the University of Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 29, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. Third-ranked Florida State defeated University of Florida 24-19. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Vanguard alumni and former Florida State Seminole P.J. Williams became the first Ocala athlete since Antonio Allen to be drafted in the annual NFL Draft. Williams was selected by the New Orleans Saints with their second, third-round pick. Williams was selected No. 78 overall.
The Saints received this selection via a trade with the Miami Dolphins in which they sent receiver Kenny Stills to the Dolphins in exchange for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and the 78th overall selection in the draft.
Williams was a two-year starter at Florida State University, playing in 40 total games over his 3 seasons as a Seminole. Over those 3 season Williams recorded 123 tackles and intercepted four passes, three of which occurred during his sophomore campaign. Williams was a first-team all-ACC selection and a semi-finalist for the Thorpe Award. Williams won the BCS National Championship Defensive MVP during the 2014 National Championship game.
Williams will surely add needed depth at the cornerback position for the Saints behind Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, with a possibility to contend for the starting nickel position.
Toyana R. Evans [left] and Tyecka EvansOcala, Florida — An arraignment date has been set for the sister of the mother whose baby died at Parkside Gardens Apartments.
Toyana R. Evans, 27, was arrested on April 22, on a warrant that was issued on April 6. Her arraignment date was recently scheduled for May 26.
Toyana is the sister of Tyecka Evans, the mom whose baby was left in an upstairs apartment while she and her sister went clubbing on March 26.
Investigators said that Toyana had also left her baby in the apartment. Toyana had originally told detectives that she left her baby in the apartment with her sister. She said that her sister had called her and told her to come home because something was wrong with the baby, however, video surveillance proved otherwise.
Orlando, Florida — The Orlando Police department has fired one of its officers after an internal investigation revealed he violated department policy as well as Florida statutes.
On February 24, 2014, an investigation was initiated against Officer David Johnston, 25, for violation of Obedience to Laws and Department Procedures, Obedience to Policies and Procedures and Other Written Directives, Response to Resistance and Apprehension Techniques, and Deadly Force.
The investigation revealed that on the aforementioned date, Officer Johnston and two other officers responded to a 911 call in reference to a domestic disturbance between a boyfriend and girlfriend, located at 595 West Church Street, City View Apartments.
According to reports, after arriving at the parking garage of the apartments, officers Alexander Kipp and Anthony Watts discharged their weapons while making contact with the suspect, Derrick Lattimore.
The officers claimed that Lattimore was driving his vehicle toward them.
The investigation stated that as Lattimore attempted to exit the garage, he crashed his vehicle into a wall due to being fired upon.
Prior to Lattimore crashing, Officer Johnston had returned to his patrol car and retrieved his AR-15.
Video surveillance revealed that after Lattimore crashed, Johnston fired 23 rounds from his AR-15 into the vehicle.
Investigators said that Officer Johnston could not see the suspect and had just assumed that he was armed.
“You fired 23 rounds from your AR-15 during a time where the suspect did not pose an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to you or any individual in the immediate area, which is in violation of Florida Statutes 790.19 and 790.15(1),” the Internal Affairs report stated. “Considering the fact that the gates were completely closed, the vehicle was disabled, and you could not see the suspect, your use of deadly force in this instance was not objectively reasonable.”
Johnston’s Defense attorney, David Bigney, told a judge during a hearing in February that the officer should have sovereign immunity (because) he’s a cop. He said the officer should not be charged with a criminal offense or lose his job.
Assistant State Attorney Linda Drane Burdick said Bigney’s statements were “absurd.”
Circuit Judge Wayne Wooten agreed. Wooten said, “One unjustified shot, is one shot too many.”
The state attorney said a law enforcement officer does not have the right to assume someone is armed and fire into an occupied vehicle.
Johnston was with OPD for two years. He was terminated on May 1, 2015.
He was charged with Firing a Weapon into an Occupied Vehicle and Discharging a Weapon in Public.
Florida — In a state where growing numbers of motorcycles and vehicle drivers share the roads, it is important for all motorists to practice safe driving behaviors to prevent motorcycle crashes. With more than 80,000 miles of roads and ideal, year-round riding conditions, Florida is a popular location for motorcyclists. More than a million drivers in Florida have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver licenses and there are over 600,000 motorcycles registered in the state, not including all of the out-of-state motorcycle enthusiasts that come to Florida to ride.
With the anticipated increase in motorcycle traffic during the summer months, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of Transportation are promoting May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Florida.
“Regardless of your mode of transportation, safety comes first,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Last year, there were nearly 10,000 motorcycle crashes in Florida that resulted in 440 deaths and more than 9,800 injuries. By staying alert and using common sense and courtesy, drivers and riders alike can help to create a safer road environment for everyone.”
FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold said, “Florida has great weather and roads for motorcycle enthusiasts. FDOT is committed to making roads safe and usable by all, including motorcyclists. We all need to share the road and look twice for motorcycles.”
In 2013, 462 motorcyclists including passengers were killed in traffic crashes, a slight increase from 2012 (457). Those deaths account for 19.2% of the total highway fatalities that year, despite motorcycle registrations representing only 3% of all vehicles in Florida.
DHSMV and FDOT are asking motorcyclists to ride smart and motorists to share the road by using these simple tips.
Tips for motorcyclists:
Make yourself more visible to motorists: Wear bright colors.
Always wear safety gear.
Train regularly.
Stay out of blind spots, especially around large trucks. The smaller the vehicle, the more difficult it is for truck drivers to see it.
Obey the speed limit. Twenty percent of speed-related motorcycle crashes (46) in 2014 resulted in a fatality.
Always drive sober.
Inspect your motorcycle before each ride to ensure your safety by having it in good working order.
Reducing the number of motorcycle-involved crashes goes beyond training and prevention on the part of the motorcyclist. Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway.
Tips for drivers:
Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width; never try to share a lane.
Check for motorcycles by looking in your mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Remain extra vigilant when entering or crossing intersections. In 2014, 15 percent (66) fatal motorcycle-involved crashes occurred within an intersection.
Do not tailgate. Allow more following distance when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on driving – don’t drive distracted.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook fan Ramon Gonzalez snapped several photos of the Davenport Fire Department and PCSO Animal Control Officer Kami Scarborough, as they attempted an animal rescue.
They responded to the area after someone reported hearing a kitten meowing in the drainage system off of US Highway 17-92.
They worked together as a team and successfully rescued the kitten from the storm drain. The kitten is expected to make a full recovery.
Ocala, Florida — Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Juan A. Marrero was conducting traffic enforcement on I-75 at Mile Marker 361 when he “clocked” a white 2009 Infinity SUV at 92 mph.
Trooper Marrero then activated his emergency lights, at which time the driver failed to stop.
According to reports, when Trooper Marrero performed a computer check of the vehicle’s license plate number it showed that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Hillsborough County.
As the driver, later identified as Thomas L. McGhee, 28, exited at mile marker 368 he tossed a plastic bag out of the sunroof.
The bag was later recovered and identified by the Marion county sheriff’s Office, who assisted with the traffic stop, as prescription medication.
McGhee eventually stopped at a place of business and was arrested on 19 charges.
The charges include Fleeing and Eluding, Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft (personal items that were in the SUV at the time it was stolen), Reckless Driving, Destruction of Evidence (x2), Violation of Probation from Hillsborough County, Littering, Driving on a Suspended License, and Possession of Prescription Medication without a Prescription (x10).
McGhee is currently being held at the Marion County Jail in lieu of a $37,000 bond.
Ocala, Florida — On July 29, 2014, a Marion County sheriff’s deputy responded to a home in Silver Springs Shores in reference to an alleged sex crime on a now 16-year-old female.
Upon arrival, the mother of the juvenile told the deputy that her daughter had been having sex with, Michael Hoppel, 28, between August 2012 to 2014.
Hoppel was the live-in boyfriend of the mother.
The juvenile told authorities that in 2012, when she was 14-years-old and 8-months pregnant, Hoppel had given her synthetic marijuana to help with her morning sickness. She said it was in the middle of the day and no one else was home at the time.
The juvenile stated that after she smoked, she fell asleep in her mother’s bed. She said that a short time later she awoke to find Hoppel having sex with her. She told investigators that she pretended to remain sleeping until Hoppel “finished.”
The 14-year-old had her baby about a month later.
Investigators said that during the investigation they learned some disturbing details in this case.
According to reports, after the juvenile had returned home with her baby she and Hoppel began sleeping in the same bed together. Hoppel had allegedly convinced the mother, his girlfriend, that he needed to sleep in the same bed so other people in the house would not harass the baby in the middle of the night.
The juvenile stated that the two would have sex and do “other” sexual things while no one was home or they were sleeping. The juvenile said the she and Hoppel would begin with oral sex and finish with vaginal sex. The juvenile told investigators that she and Hoppel also tried anal sex, but it “didn’t work.”
According to reports, on one occasion the juvenile invited a female friend over and they all got drunk on vodka. The three of them then attempted a threesome.
During an interview with another male, who was also living in the house, he told investigators that the juvenile and Hoppel were really close and always together.
The roommate told investigators that in December 2013, the juvenile and her mother were arguing. The roommate stated that during the argument the juvenile blurted out, “I f***ed Mike.” He said later that same day the juvenile retracted her statement.
According to the roommate, the juvenile told her mother she only said it because she was mad.
The mother did not contact authorities during that time.
The roommate said that in March of 2014, he asked the juvenile if she was screwing Mike, to which she replied, “Yes.” According to reports, the roommate asked the juvenile because he had heard rumors in the neighborhood about the juvenile and Hoppel dating.
Then, on July 14, 2014, Hoppel was arrested on unrelated charges. The roommate stated that the juvenile had become a different person since Hoppel was not around.
According to reports, the juvenile told the roommate that she was involved in a romantic relationship with Hoppel and that she wanted help telling her mother.
On August 13, 2014, detectives interviewed the mother. She stated that Hoppel was her boyfriend and that she had allowed him to sleep with her daughter in the same bed. The mother told detectives that her daughter told her that Hoppel had forced her to have sex on multiple occasions.
The juvenile told her mother that Hoppel had threatened to take her baby away if she didn’t have sex with him.
On April 21, 2015, investigators interviewed Hoppel. He told authorities that he was mentoring the juvenile. He said he had taught her how to write in cursive and that he enforced rules in the house.
He said that on multiple occasions the juvenile would take his penis out of his pants and perform oral sex on him.
Hoppel stated that on one occasion, he drank a fifth of vodka and passed out on the bed. He said he awoke to find the juvenile on top of him. He said that she jumped off and said, “Thanks.” He told authorities that she made that statement because he could not get an erection because he had drank too much.
Hoppel also admitted to sleeping in the same bad as the juvenile. He said the relationship was mutual and that he never forced the juvenile to do anything.
Hoppel was arrested and charged with four counts of Sexual Battery on a Minor.
The Department of Children and Families was also notified.
No charges have been filed against the mother at this time.
Marion County — The Marion County School Board announced that Marion County public schools will now start on August 17 — a week earlier than normal. Previously, the start date was scheduled for August 24. The school board actually wanted to change the start date to August 10, but they revised the plan and settled on the 17th.
School board members said they made the change so that students could take semester exams before Christmas break.
However, the change did not come without criticism. While some parents supported the change, many said they had already planned vacations for the week of August 17. Some parents said that the vacations they had already paid for were non-refundable.
Superintendent of Schools George Tomyn said if students had to miss the first week of school that they would certainly be allowed to make up any missed work. He said teachers could also use personal days if they already had plans.
School board member Kelly King said it was not right to force kids to make up all that work if they missed the first week. She also said that she felt it was not fair to make teachers use personal days.
King said, “I think we should stick to our word.” King said the board should have kept the start date of August 24.
However, her plea fell on deaf ears and the board passed the new 2015-16 school calendar with a 3-2 vote.
School board member Nancy Stacy also voted against the change.
Ocklawaha, Florida — A 20-year-old man remains in the hospital after he flipped his vehicle on Wednesday afternoon.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said a black 2000 Dodge Durango was traveling eastbound on County Road 42 approaching 168th Terrace before the accident happened.
The driver, later identified as Daniel Paul Penley, 20, of Eustis, told troopers that a vehicle had exited 168th Terrance in front of him, which caused him to lose control of the SUV and crash.
The SUV exited the roadway and flipped. It came to rest after smashing into a tree.
There were no other vehicles at the scene.
At approximately 1 p.m., Marion County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the vehicle rollover.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the driver and a passenger, later identified as William Dempsey, was trapped inside the SUV.
Rescue crew had to use heavy extrication equipment to free both individuals.
Dempsey refused medical treatment and left the scene.
Peneley had to be trauma alerted to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.
It was reported to Ocala Post by FHP that Dempsey refused treatment. It was also reported to Ocala Post that Peneley was trauma alerted in critical condition. However, Dempsey stated on social media that he did not refuse treatment and that Penley was released from the hospital later that night.
Ocala, Florida — Recently, the Ocala Police Department received an inspiring message from a victim of a past case of Domestic Violence.
OPD Public Information Officer Sergeant Angy Scroble said that it was one of the worst cases of domestic violence some of OPD’s officers had ever responded to.
According to reports, when Ocala police arrived they found the bedroom where the attack happened covered in blood. The mattress was also soaked in blood.
Sergeant Scroble said the victim survived and is awe-inspiring.
The victim, Joi Partain, wanted to go public with her story in hopes of helping other victims of domestic violence.
In 2009, Partain, then 21, was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Jonathan Pearson. He nearly beat her to death with two golf clubs. When the first golf club (a driver) broke, he grabbed a putter and continued the beating.
Pearson crushed the bones in her face and both of her arms. She suffered 22 broken bones in total.
At first, Pearosn stated that he didn’t remember anything from the night of the incident. However, during court Pearson blamed the attack on Partain. He said he did it because he could no longer “take” the verbal attacks from her. He said he had reached a breaking point and “just snapped.”
Partain said, “He offered to babysit for me, and after a 12-hour shift I found him unconscious on the floor with a beer can in his hand. Verbal attacks? He was blacked out drunk with my baby in the house. You would verbally attack a person too. Most of it was me saying, ‘I’m tired of this. You’re a drunk and you need help.’ He looked like he was going to hit me again, so I told him if he laid a hand on me it would be the last time. That’s when he walked out of the room. I really did think he was going for a walk, so I locked the door and laid down. The rest is history.”
Partain was lying in her bed facing the wall trying to sleep when he attacked her from behind. Partain said she was lying there in silence when, all of a sudden, he began hitting her multiple times with the first club.
A roommate, Alexa Connolly, who was also inside the home, stopped Pearson from killing Partain and called 911.
The couple had only been dating for three months.
Jonathan Pearson is currently serving 15 years in prison.
In August of 2009, Pearson was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
“During court Pearson’s family wore support T-shirts for him. It was just one of many things I had to deal with,” Partain said. “The hardest being the incident itself.”
Partain had to undergo multiple surgeries to repair injuries sustained during the attack.
In appreciation of first responders saving her life, Partain wrote the following in a letter:
“OPD and the Ocala medical teams saved my life years ago. I’m a survivor of severe domestic violence. I was attacked by my ex-boyfriend. The attack left me with 22 broken bones and the loss of my left eye. My ex-boyfriend was arrested and convicted of first-degree attempted murder. If it wasn’t for the first responders getting me into the helicopter in time I wouldn’t be here! I would like to thank Ocala first responders for giving me a second chance at life and protecting my baby (8 months at the time) and is now going on 7-years-old very soon! I hope one day I can hug all my Heroes face to face! Thank you all for what you do every day! ”
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Through her eyes
I get the million dollar question a lot: why would you stay?
Love will blind you. I’m not embarrassed to say, yeah, I was in love with this guy. It’s not easy to leave someone you love, especially at the age of 21 with a baby.
People who have never been abused often wonder why a person wouldn’t just leave. They don’t understand that breaking up can be more complicated than it seems.
I was four hours away to the closest relative and they didn’t believe me about the abuse.
My poor dad reminds me at least every few months of how sorry he was that he didn’t come and get me when I asked for help. He has to live with that guilt every day.
My friends always talked me into forgiving Pearson because they liked him better.
I worked minimum wage at a lingerie store with a six-month-old baby.
I agree that I have not made right decisions in my past, but that’s what makes us human. It’s 10,000 times harder to just leave when you have a child and not too much support. And the main reason why I never called the police was because I was scared to fail as a mother. It scared the hell out of me to think that they would call DCF. That’s exactly what stopped me.
I was right too. Not too long after the incident, DCF opened a case against me. They claimed that I failed to protect my child and wanted me charged with child endangerment. Those claims were later dismissed, but the fact that they tried proved it’s just one reason why women are so scared to call the police.
There are many reasons why both men and women stay in abusive relationships.
If you have a friend in an unhealthy relationship, support them by understanding why they might choose not to leave immediately.
I am not only saying this as a person who has gone through it, I am saying this as a trained domestic violence advocate as well.
If you have friends or family members who are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, the most important thing you can do is be supportive and listen to them. Please don’t judge. Understand that leaving an unhealthy or abusive relationship is never easy.
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Partain also made a video and was very honest about what she has gone through. She said she does not want to hide. Instead, she wants other women to learn from her pain.
She said if a woman (or a man for that matter) is in an abusive relationship her advice is to, “Get out! Get out now.”
She said she doesn’t want any person to listen to lies and empty promises that an abuser will never do it again.
Partain says she is a fighter and has vowed to never let anyone take her smile.
UPDATED: Girdhari was found safe at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd appreciates everyone that shared Girdhari’s photo on social media.
A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for MORGAN ARIANA GIRDHARI. Her black hair might have been dyed red. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes. She was also carrying a black and white Gucci purse. She was last seen in the 1900th block of Michigan Court in Poinciana, Florida.
Dunnellon Police chief Joanne Black gives a toy Police Action Set to a young boy visiting the police station.
Dunnellon, Florida — Dunnellon Police Chief Joanne Black has resigned her position as police chief of the Dunnellon Police Department.
City Manager Eddie Esch Sr. said Chief Black’s resignation was for personal reasons.
According to a press release, the letter of resignation was effective for May 11, 2015.
Esch requested that the Marion County Sheriff’s Office provide temporary leadership for the Dunnellon Police Department during this time of transition.
Sheriff Chris Blair agreed to the request to assist the DPD.
According to reports, Lieutenant Brian Spivey was appointed by Sheriff Chris Blair to assume the post of interim Police Chief, but would remain an employee of the MCSO.
Lieutenant Brian Dotten was appointed by the sheriff to assume Lieutenant Spivey’s duties as the Lieutenant overseeing the Tactical Investigations Unit and the Fugitive Apprehension Unit. This is in addition to his continued responsibilities in supervising the Property Crimes Unit.
The City of Dunnellon press release states, “No other Dunnellon Police Department employees are impacted by the resignation of Chief Black or the Sheriff’s Office assumption of temporary operational control of the Department. Chief Black has offered to assist as needed to ensure a smooth transition.”
“The Dunnellon Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office have been partners in law enforcement and will continue to work with the city to provide law enforcement services until such time a decision can be made by Dunnellon city officials for the best interests of all involved,” Sheriff Blair said.
