Crime Scene Technicians, Christopher Decker, using a metal detector to search for evidence.
Ocala, Florida — There is still no information on the identity of the human remains found on August 18, 2014.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office received information that human bones were discovered in a wooded area just north of Ft. McCoy on County Road 315 in Marion County.
The Special Investigations Unit responded along with their Evidence Unit and the Medical Examiner’s Office to investigate the discovery and try to determine the victims identity and cause of death.
At this time, detectives do not have much to go on, but are hoping that the Medical Examiner can uncover the mystery of the human remains.
The human bones were found just inside a fenced in area.
The Evidence and Field Force Units were at the discovery location yesterday to do a grid search of the area for further evidence collection.
At this time, information into the identity or manner of death is not available.
If anyone has information concerning this case, they are encouraged to call (352) 369-6845. You can phone anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP or 368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
Deputy Bloom plays basketball to distract kids from a bad situation.
Ocala, Florida — On Friday, August 1, 2014, Deputy Bloom responded to a call for service where children were involved. During the call, Deputy Bloom played basketball (minus a hoop) with the kids until the call for service was over.
Deputy Bloom knew he had to somehow get these kids a basketball net so he sought out the help of Carter’s Towing and Recovery to purchase a basketball hoop for these kids in need.
On Thursday, August 7, after working a 12-hour, he delivered the basketball hoop to these kids and stayed to play basketball with them until he had to get ready for his next 6pm-6am shift.
The preseason polls were released Sunday and Jameis Winston and the defending national champion Florida State rein No.1. This is no surprise as it is very common to have the defending national champions ranked No.1. Florida State will start off the season No.1 for the sixth time and the first time since 1999 when they became the first team in college football history to hold the top spot all year long.
Rounding out the top five is Alabama at No.2, Oregon at No.3, Oklahoma at No.4 and Ohio State at No.5. College football’s runner-up Auburn ranks No. 6 is the preseason polls.
The polls are only a starting point though for college football rankings, as they switch to official rankings midway through the season. The BCS is no longer the official ranking, as college football is now switching to a playoff format where a selection committee will pick the top four teams in the country to advance to the new playoff system.
Six years ago, Florida State Senator Gary Siplin, sponsored a bill to remove saggy pants in Florida schools
Ocala, Florida –The Florida State Conference and the Marion County Branch and Youth Council released the following statement regarding Ocala’s Saggy Pants Ordinance.
On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at 4 p.m., at the City Council meeting, the Florida State Conference of NAACP Branches and its Marion County Branch will ask Mayor Kent Guinn and the five other members of the City Council to repeal Ocala’s Saggy Pants Law or face a legal challenge from the NAACP.
Florida State Conference 4th Vice President and Criminal/Juvenile Justice Chair, Dale Landry, will address the council and present specific data as well as legal justifications for repealing the law.
This fight is not a new fight for the Florida NAACP. Nearly six years ago, State Senator Gary Siplin sponsored a bill to address saggy pants in our schools and our streets. Florida State Conference (FSC) President, Adora Obi Nweze led the NAACP campaign to oppose the bill.
Former Florida Governor Charlie Christ supported the NAACP position and said, “I remember when I went to high school, people were worried about how long somebody’s hair was. It really doesn’t matter. What’s important is what you learn, not what you wear.”
Although a watered down version of the bill was eventually signed by current Florida Governor Rick Scott, the NAACP remains vigilant in its determination to legally challenge the saggy pants law implemented in the Florida’s public schools and in cities across the State of Florida.
President Nweze said, “These laws as clearly discriminatory…In essence, it will criminalize the wearing of saggy pants and thereby provide a new avenue of interaction between young people and the criminal justice system.”
Marion County Branch NAACP President, Loretta Jenkins, strongly agrees with this position. In her recent address to the City Council, she stated that, “many are concerned, as is the NAACP, of potential and of past records of racial profiling by law enforcement. By using the “Saggy Pants” ordinance to make initial contact with youth, especially African American males, the action may result in the further escalation of more serious charges such as resisting arrest, assault on officers, and other charges.”
The NAACP said when a black youth encounters the justice system, the recidivism rate for re-encounters increase.
The NAACP is blaming our laws for introducing youth into the criminal justice system instead of the actions of the individual person.
The NAACP wrote, “The law (referring to the saggy pants ordinance) creates a gateway to the criminal justice system for youth, the long-term implications of a second-degree misdemeanor will have a far-reaching impact into social mobility — such as jobs, income, and education — of those who become victims of this senseless law.”
Oddly enough, individuals sagging their pants in photo’s that have recently been circulated by other local media outlets, have felony arrest records for distribution of cocaine.
The NAACP said overwhelming evidence of racial profiling and recent stories of excessive force for minor offenses further strengthens the NAACP’s resolve to challenge the ordinance.
The NAACP said key elements for vacating the ordinance are the fact that the ordinance:
Targets mainly black youth
Leads to escalation of charges
Allows for stop and frisk and
Leads to excessive use of force
The NAACP also alleges that minor offenses often times turn deadly for the black community.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there is not any legitimate data to support the NAACP’s theory.
Many black leaders throughout the U.S. have spoken out against the NAACP for challenging the ordinance. Some accusing the group of using the ordinance to exploit the black community.
On August 1, 2014, Charles Patrick, fed up with today’s “saggy youth” and the “set yourself on fire” challenge, posted a challenge of his own.
Ocala, Florida — Yes, I would like a TV with that; and make it a large.
Three Burger King employees, two of whom are managers, were arrested on multiple felony charges Friday night, August 15, 2014.
Arrested were employee Albert Moran, 33; assistant manager Blake Hunter, 27; and store manager Christopher Downing, 40, all from Ocala.
According to the Ocala Police Department, all three worked for the Burger King inside of the Wal-Mart located at 2600 SW 19th Avenue Road.
According to police, Downing would load merchandise such as big-screen TVs, power tools, and other high-ticket items into a shopping cart, then push it into the Burger King without paying for the items. The items were later loaded into Downing’s car.
Downing then recruited Hunter and Moran to unload the items at various pawnshops.
Downing told police he stole the items because he is addicted to oxycodone, and he needed Hunter and Moran to pawn the merchandise to support his habit.
Moran and Hunter would pawn items stolen and then give the money to Downing.
According to Ocala Police, Moran stated he pawned the items because Burger King doesn’t pay enough money; however, Downing never paid him.
Hunter stated to Police that he is addicted to heroin and only received $10 from Downing.
Downing has previously been arrested and charged with Fraud-Writing Worthless Checks.
According to public records, Wal-Mart is owner of the fast-food burger store.
Ocala Post reached out to Wal-Mart and asked if background checks are performed on employees. Ocala Post’s e-mail was not returned.
Lisa Flory Griffin, Human Resource Manager for the Camp/Fore Group in Ocala, said, “The new Burger King inside the Wal-Mart on Easy Street (that is not even open yet) is not owned by our group. It is owned and operated by Wal -Mart and Aramark.”
Downing is currently being held on $56,000 bond.
Moran was releases on his own recognizance the same day he was arrested.
Hunter was released on $6,000 bond on August 18, 2014.
Andrew Wheeler [Mugshot]Okeechobee, Florida — Earlier this month, a video of an autistic teen being savagely beaten by someone police called a cowardly animal, was posted to Facebook. The video went viral in a matter of minutes.
Aaron Hill, 16, told detectives a girl invited him to a party on SW 9th Street in Okeechobee last Friday where he drank alcohol and was then told to go outside and fight someone.
The teen said when he refused, 18-year-old Andrew Wheeler was called.
After Wheeler arrived, Hill told police Andrew began beating him. In the incident report, he stated Wheeler followed him outside then choked him until he lost consciousness. Hill told police he awoke to find Wheeler standing over him — hitting him in the face — while others stood around and laughed. He added that Wheeler then held a knife to his throat and told him to leave.
A police officer later found Hill lying in the road on Southwest 6th Street after being alerted by a passerby. Hill was then transported to a hospital.
Doctors said Hill suffered a sprained neck, facial and scalp contusions, and a concussion.
After detectives saw the video, Wheeler was arrested.
The Okeechobee City Police Department investigated this case and made the arrest on August 10, 2014. Wheeler was charged with Felony Child Abuse, a third-degree felony.
Okeechobee City Police Chief Denny Davis said his department arrested the suspected attacker within twenty-four hours of getting the video — and the department is upset that the public thinks they are trying to cover something up.
“I think the video is disgusting. It is just as upsetting to myself and my officers as it is to anyone else that viewed it. Absolutely no way would we ever attempt to cover up anything like that. So it’s very disturbing,” the chief said.
Evadean Lydecker Dailey
An adult is also seen in the video. The police report identified the woman as Evadean Lydecker Dailey.
Hill told police that earlier that evening, Dailey had driven them to the gas station and bought them alcohol, then later she was drinking at the home with her friends. Hill told police that he had tried to knock on her door for help, but she would not answer.
Dailey denied giving alcohol to the minors as well as denied witnessing the fight inside her residence.
However, police said Dailey is the woman that is heard in the video telling partygoers to “take it” outside.
Dailey was arrested and charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Holding an Open House Party.
Yesterday, Protesters outside the Okeechobee City Police Department said they didn’t feel as though Felony Child Abuse was a strong enough charge. They also accused the police department of dragging their feet in this investigation due to family members of those in the video working in the law enforcement field. Chief Denny said those allegations are not true.
The girls in the video have been defending Wheeler on Facebook and bragging about the attack on Aaron Hill.
One girl wrote, “Like a girl would ever date that retard…he deserved it.”
On August 15, 2014, the grandmother of Wheeler told the police, “Wheeler is sorry he did it.” She added, ” The family is not bonding him out of jail because we fear someone will kill him. Our entire family has been threatened with death.”
Aaron’s older sister said she does not wish death upon the family but does feel Wheeler’s punishment should be more severe. She also said she felt as though there is corruption in the town. She said law enforcement has been turning a blind eye to drunken house parties and bullying in the town for quite some time.
She said all she could do when she watched the video was cry.
Police said it does appear that Hill was lured to the party by a female with the intention of having him beat up.
Wheeler was booked into the Okeechobee County Jail on a $20,000.00 bond.
Additional charges are pending.
WARNING: Video contains violence and graphic language. Those with high blood pressure should not watch the video.
Residents across America are being warned of possible real life purges (inspired by the movie “The Purge”) rumored to commence over the next few weekends.
In Louisville, police are warning residents of a potential purge after fliers began to pop up around the city.
While authorities are hoping this is a hoax, the FBI and LPD are urging residents to stay in their homes during the scheduled “purge.”
“Due to circumstances that have trended nationally in regards to flash mob violence, in light of what occurred this past spring here, we realize that these things can occur in an instance,” said Louisville Police Sgt. Phil Russell.
A Katy Perry concert is scheduled on Saturday night in Louisville and One Direction will be appearing in Detroit on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Area police are thinking these may be targets.
And Louisville isn’t the only city in America that is being targeted.
Below is a list of cities where fliers have been found:
Las Vegas, Nevada: Saturday, August 16 from 12 a.m. to 6 .a.m
Phoenix, Arizona: Wednesday, August 20 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Jacksonville, Florida: Sunday, August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Louisville, Kentucky: Friday, August 15 from 8:00 p.m. 6:30 a.m.
Detroit, Michigan: Friday, August 15 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Los Angeles, California: Saturday, August 16 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
San Antonio, Texas: Friday, August 15 from 12 a.m. 6 p.m.
Atlanta, Georgia: Sunday, August 31 from 12 a.m.
Vallejo, California: Friday August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
St. Paul, Minnesota: Sunday, August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Interlachen, Florida: Sunday, August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Lake Worth, Florida: Sunday, August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Sunday, August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Houston, Texas: Friday, August 31 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Sunday, August 24 8 p.m.
San Francisco, California: Friday, August 22 5 a.m.
Miami, Florida: Date and Time TBA
Tallahassee, Florida: Date and Time TBA
Bay Area, California: Date and Time TBA
As additional dates are released, the aforementioned list will be updated.
“We are aware of “The Purge” postings (based on the fiction contained in a movie) and are looking into this. Obviously, we will not discuss tactics, but as with any perceived threat, we appreciate the assistance of the public in passing that along to us,” said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford.
Officials say cities that are not on the list should still use caution.
Potential targets would be sporting events, concerts, fairs, and any other places that would have a high person count. If you are traveling, make sure you know your exact route and try to avoid any high crime or high gang areas.
The police and FBI are taking this very seriously.
In July, as “The Purge Anarchy” hit theaters, a social media “purge” began circulating nude photos of teenagers.
One Instagram page, which was eventually reported and taken down, posted “DM [Direct Message] us dirty pictures and messages of people and we’ll tag them.”
The FBI tracked down an online “purge” owner in Miami, Florida.
The FBI said hopefully this is all a hoax, but it is always best to prepare. If you’re observant and careful, everything should be fine.
Below are a few links from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security on what to do in an active shooter situation.
Authorities do not know where the threats originated from, but say they are investigating a group of teenagers.
If citizens see anything suspicious, or know of criminal activity taking place you are asked to contact authorities immediately.
[Last updated on August 17, 2014, at 12:39 a.m.]
“We are investigating a teen for starting ‘the purge’ threats,” said Louisville Police Sgt. Phil Russell. “Despite the fact that nothing happened on the night of the purported purge, we aren’t taking any chances and are increasing security at the state fair over the weekend to offset any potential mischief.”
Authorities said it does appear to be a hoax, but they are not letting their guard down.
Police would not release the teens name to Ocala Post, but provided the following statement that the teen allegedly gave to his school newspaper.
“I was sitting in my house and watching ‘The Purge,’ and I thought of the tweet and picture that started it. But didn’t think it’d get that big from there. I didn’t mean any harm by this at all. I love my city.”
Police said when they visited the teen at his home, he told them he was only kidding. According to police, the teen also stated he thought it would be fun.
There have not been any legitimate threats of a “purge” in Ocala; only speculation.
[Last updated on August 24, 2014, at 12:28 a.m.]
Authorities said based upon the weight of evidence, the fliers appear to represent a series of poorly executed Internet hoaxes, primarily perpetrated by small groups of teenagers that have said, “they though it would be fun.”
The FBI said they will continue investigating the threats and the individuals responsible for making the threats.
At this time, according to the FBI, no charges have been filed against any of the teens involved.
Anthony Howard [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — A man was arrested today, following a traffic stop for speeding.
On August 15, 2014, Anthony Sean Howard, 46, originally from Georgia, was pulled over by Ocala Police for driving 53 mph in a 35 mph zone in the 200 block of U.S. 441.
Ocala Police Officers W. Joedicke and R. Mangum stated that as they approached the vehicle, they could smell a strong odor of alcohol emitting from inside the vehicle and that the driver’s eyes were bloodshot and glassy.
According to reports, Howard was also slurring his words as he spoke.
When officers asked how much he had to drink, Howard laughed and said, “I only had one beer.” Howard was then asked to step out of the vehicle.
As Officer Joedicke stepped toward the driver’s door, Officer Mangum instructed Howard to remove his hands from his pockets, which Howard refused.
Howard then turned toward the camera, shoved a small baggie containing a white substance in [his] mouth, and attempted to swallow it.
Officer Joedicke grabbed Howard by the back of his neck, then using a pinching technique, he placed his right thumb and pointer finger on Howard’s cheeks and applied pressure to prevent him from swallowing the substance.
Howard then began to grab the officer’s arms and hands, at which time the officer put Howard into the hood of his patrol vehicle.
While Officer Joedicke was holding Howard’s cheeks and restraining his arms, Officer Mangum attempted to handcuff Howard’s left wrist.
Howard continued to resist, at which time Officer Mangum announced she was going to deploy her Taser. As Howard relaxed and began to comply, Mangum holstered her Taser.
Upon holstering her Taser, Howard immediately began to fight deputies. Mangum then deployed her Taser and Howard fell to the ground.
As Mangum was dry tasing Howard, in one sudden movement, Howard snatched the Taser and attempted to tase Officer Joedicke — repeatedly pulling the trigger — while the officer was still holding Howard’s cheeks.
Howard then grabbed a-hold of Officer Joedicke’s firearm. Officer Joedicke then released Howard’s cheeks and struck the left side of his face several times until Howard released the officer’s firearm.
Seconds later, additional units arrived and helped restrain Howard while Officer Mangum placed him in handcuffs.
Due to a rapid heart rate (from swallowing a baggie of cocaine), Howard was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center for treatment. While at the hospital, Howard refused treatment and would not allow medical personnel to draw his blood.
Inside Howard’s vehicle, police found Xanax and three open containers of alcohol.
Howard was charged with Destroying Evidence, DUI, Driving While License Suspended, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resting Arrest with Violence (x2), Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (x2), and Depriving a Law Enforcement Officer of a Means of Protection.
He is currently being held at the Marion County Jail on $29,000 bond.
Howard is a felon with a lengthy and violent arrest history in Marion County.
Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham said, “Our officers are faced with these situations on a frequent basis. I am proud that they were able to take him into custody with minimal force and that everyone, including Mr. Howard, ended the night safe. The officers went home after their shift to their families and Mr. Howard will be held accountable through the courts for his actions.”
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign starts this weekend
~ Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign starts this weekend ~
Tallahassee, Florida – (Official Press Release) The Florida Highway Patrol will concentrate its enforcement efforts on drunk driving over the next two weeks as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that begins today and runs through Labor Day on Sept. 1. The Patrol will join law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation to remove impaired drivers from our roadways in an effort to save lives.
“Take a shot at drinking and driving, and we’ll provide the chaser,” said FHP Director Col. David Brierton. “The choice to drink and drive is a bad decision that could have grave consequences. Be responsible, don’t drink and drive.”
To arrive at your destination safely, ALWAYS:
Drive sober, and only sober
Buckle up
Eliminate dist ract ions
If you do drink, plan ahead, and have a designated driver
Observe and obey all speed limits
The campaign coincides with the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend which marks the traditional end of the summer travel season. All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will patrol interstates and other major state roads during the four-day holiday.
FHP Auxiliary troopers also will volunteer to augment the Patrol during the travel period. The Patrols increased presence throughout Florida will deter traffic violations and enhance services to motorists who break down or who need other assistance while traveling.
Call*FHP (*347) if you see an impaired or aggressive driver, or to request roadside assistance.
Ocala, Florida — The Suwannee St. Johns Sierra Chapter, which includes Marion County, will stage a BEE rally on the Ocala Downtown Square on Saturday, August 16, 2014, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Included will be a mock cemetery, which will show 40 of the most popular fruits and vegetables that will be lost if bees are no longer available to pollinate the plants.
Tomatoes, pumpkins, okra, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, apples, and nearly 80 other vegetables will disappear if the current colony collapse disorder kills honeybees across the world.
Sierra will also offer bee gifts, refreshments, and information about the national campaign – “BEES AGAINST MONSANTO.”
The rally will highlight the dire consequences if chemical insecticides and pesticides continue to be manufactured and marketed by Monsanto Chemical Company.
Family Dollar is set to merge with the Dollar Tree in a cash-and-stock deal worth $8.5 billion.
Under the terms of the deal, which was approved by both companies’ boards of directors, Dollar Tree DLTR has agreed to pay $74.50 per share in the cash-and-stock deal to buy Family Dollar. The valuation of that offer is a roughly 23% premium over Family Dollar’s FDO closing price on Friday. Dollar Tree, which expects the deal to close by early next year, will pay $59.60 in cash and the rest in shares. At closing, Family Dollar shareholders will own some shares in the merged company.
This merger puts rival Dollar General in last place. In fact, there has been speculation that Dollar General may be looking to bailout in 2015 if their stock do not rise.
All three chains target lower-income consumers, though Dollar Tree sells everything in its stores for $1 or less, while Family Dollar has multiple price points to court value-conscious shoppers.
Dollar Tree plans to continue to operate both the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar brands. Dollar Tree stores sell all items for $1 or less and CEO Bob Sasser told investors Monday they will continue to do so. Family Dollar stores sells many items for more than $1 and will stay with that pricing policy as well.
Investors said this merger may prevent the closing of more than 300 stores.
Ocala Post asked store clerks how they felt about the merger, however, they said they were unable to speak about it.
Danny Moreno [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man was arrested Wednesday, after the Ocala Police Department was notified he had sex with a 16-year-old female, who is of blood relation.
According to reports, Danny Moreno, 37, picked the girl up from her hotel, then returned to his residence where the two had consensual sex. Moreno’s 14-year-old son was home during the incident.
The girl was visiting from Cape Coral, Florida with her family. When she returned to Cape Coral, she told her family about the incident. They then reported Moreno to Ocala authorities.
The girl told investigators that there had been sexual tension between she and Moreno for quite some time.
She told investigators, “When I was 12, Moreno kissed me and touched me a little bit.”
She stated that on the day in question, the two had sex in the garage of Moreno’s house.
Detective Minucci also downloaded several text messages which were sexual in nature — from Moreno to the girl. In one of the text messages Moreno asked the girl to send nude photos of herself.
There were also text messages from the girl to Moreno indicating that she felt regret and shame, to which Moreno replied, “I should have been the more responsible one, but I got lost in your maturity.” He then went on to tell her “how good” she was.
Due to overwhelming evidence from the girl’s and Moreno’s cell phone, Moreno was arrested and charged with Sexual Assault by a Custodian and Incest.
Wendy Ann Kane [DMV]Ocala, Florida — A suspicious death investigation is underway after the discovery of a decomposing body.
The body of 47-year-old Wendy Ann Kane was found Tuesday after neighbors smelled a foul odor while performing a well-being check and immediately dialed 9-1-1.
The body was found at 5701 SE 33rd Court. She had been dead for five days.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Kane was last seen on Friday, August 8, 2014.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Captain James Pogue reports that Kane moved from New York to Ocala last year and has a sister, a child, and an ex-husband, who lives out of state.
After obtaining a search warrant, detectives searched Kane’s home for evidence, or anything that could have assisted them with the death investigation.
Detectives are asking for family and friends that may have information to come forward. No detail is too small.
No suspects have been named at this time.
Detectives would like to know what you know about Kane. If you have details about Kane’s death, please call (352) 369-6845. You can phone anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP or 368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that the public share this information on social media because someone out of state may have information.
Carlos Gascon [Mugshots]Summerland Key, Florida — Carlos Gascon, 27, of Summerland Key, Florida, was arrested on charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Battery, False Imprisonment, and Animal Cruelty.
Friday morning, Gascon woke up angry and started beating his girlfriend because he had a dream that she cheated on him.
Gascon’s girlfriend said he slashed the back of her leg with a knife, poured hot coffee on her, slammed her into a glass table causing it to shatter, threatened to kill her while holding a knife to her throat, and choked her.
She also said he picked up his dog, slammed it to the ground, and began to choke the dog with his foot.
The victim said at approximately 6:45 p.m., after Gascon passed out, she was able to call for help.
She was not able to find her cell phone or house keys and assumed Gascon threw them into the canal in front of her house.
Gascon has been arrested five times in the past four years.
He has been charged with Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Forgery, 3rd Degree Grand Theft, and Possession of Another Persons ID Without Consent.
Gascon’s total amount of bond reached $23,500 dollars before Friday’s arrest.
Gascon is being held on a $265,000 bond and is held at the Monroe County Jail.
Cara Reaves [Mugshot]Orlando, Florida — When a commissioner’s aide was arrested, she immediately dropped her employer’s name then played the race card.
“I’m handcuffed for being black with a white man. That’s what happened to me. I was on a date with a white man… I was targeted.”
That is what Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill’s assistant, Cara Reaves, 24, said when she was arrested at the Plaza Cinema Cafe in downtown Orlando Friday night.
Reaves immediately obtained an attorney and alleged she was “seriously abused” by Orlando Police in a holding cell. She claimed she was slammed up against the wall.
Reaves’ attorney stated that she plans to file a complaint with the Orlando Police Department.
An Orlando Police station holding cell video camera captured the entire incident.
Officials said despite Reaves being told about the camera (which was also recorded), she was so intoxicated she didn’t remember.
According to reports, in the video, Reaves could be seen throwing a temper tantrum — screaming like a two-year-old-child.
Reaves then struck one of the police officers.
Reaves screamed, “I know I’m here because I’m black… I know I’m here because I’m black. I don’t give a s**t what you say mother f****r. I know I’m here because I’m black.”
Her charges started out as trespassing and disorderly intoxication, which are misdemeanors, but she ended up with additional charges of battery on a law enforcement officer.
Reaves faked an injury, causing the Orlando Police Department to call paramedics. When they arrived, she was lying on the floor tapping her foot and was uncooperative.
One of the paramedics said Reaves was exaggerating and called her a very poor actress.
After seeing the video, Reaves’ attorney refused to comment.
Reaves was charged with Trespassing, Disorderly Intoxication (M), and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F).
Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill
Newly elected Commissioner Regina Hill said she will not be terminating Reaves’ position and allowed her to return to work today.
In March, a formal complaint was filed against Hill after multiple voters came forward and said that Hill had threatened them. In a complaint filed by voter Beverly Burgess, she said that Hill threatened, bullied, and spit in her face because Hill was angry over comments she posted on Facebook.
Wayne Nielsen [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — Wayne Armond Nielsen, vice president of human resources at Ocala Regional Medical Center (ORMC), was arrested yesterday, August 11, 2014, on charges of child pornography. He was taken into custody while he was at work.
The Sheriff’s Office received information that led investigators to believe Nielsen had uploaded child pornography images to a Cox Communications e-mail while he was at work.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, they subpoenaed Cox Communications for information on Nielsen’s account.
After the State Attorney’s Office received information back from Cox, investigators with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office searched Nielsen’s home and retrieved several laptops containing child pornography.
Nielsen’s personal laptop contained a gross amount of child erotica.
Nielsen denied downloading the images and told investigators that he did’t know how the images came to be on his laptop.
During a forensic review of Nielsen’s cell phone, a nude photo of a 10-year-old-girl was also located.
When asked about the photo, Nielsen said, “I don’t consider that child pornography…I consider it art.”
The investigator asked Nielsen how he would feel if it were his daughter, to which Nielsen replied, “It would not be okay.”
Nielsen was charged with nine counts of Possession of Child Pornography (F).
He was released from jail on August 12, 2014, after posting $9,000 bond.
Ocala Regional Medical Center would not comment on the investigation.
Detectives would like to know what you know about Nielsen’s contact with children, if any. If you have details about Nielsen’s, please call (352) 369-6845. You can phone anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP or 368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
The Jacksonville Jaguars finished out the 2013 season at 4-12, awarding them with the number three overall pick which they used on quarterback Blake Bortles. The Jaguars spent their next two picks on targets for Bortles as they drafted wide receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson.
The Jaguars did not have much to brag about on either side of the ball last year. Their weakest point surprisingly being their rushing attack as they only averaged 78.8 yards per game which ranked 31st in the NFL. Before this year, Maurice Jones-Drew was always praised as one of the league’s top running backs, so you could easily say last year was a career worst for Jones-Drew. The Jaguars lost Jones-Drew in free agency to the Oakland Raiders, leaving the running back role in Jacksonville wide-open for newly acquired Toby Gerhart to take.
The Jaguars ranked 22nd in passing yards per game but that should only improve with the newly acquired wide receivers and the drafting of Bortles. Although it is still unknown whether Bortles will be the starter this year, as the Jaguars might try to grow him into the role, like the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers. The arrest of Justin Blackmon opens the door for new receivers Lee and Robinson to start alongside Cecil Shorts.
The Jaguars were horrid on the defensive side of the ball, as they ranked 26th in passing yards allowed and 29th in rushing yards allowed. Defense should only improve for the Jaguars, as head coach Gus Bradley enters his second year with the team. The Jaguars signed free agents Red Bryant and Chris Clemons to help improve a bad Jacksonville front seven. Jacksonville believes that free safety Winston Guy will develop into a play maker and that they can build a good secondary around him.
Expect the Jaguars to finish out this year with another 4-12 record.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office suspended five deputies yesterday for potential excessive use of force on one of the drug dealers arrested in a drug raid that took place on August 7, 2014, shortly after 5 a.m.
Derrick Price, 43; Eddie Perez, 36; K.C. Starks, 42; Marcus Starks, 35; Nicole Radank, 33; and Mary Pressley, 23, were arrested during the raid on a mountain of drug charges involving oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, methadone, cocaine, and weapons. Thousands of dollars in cocaine and oxycodone pills, and more than $39,000 in cash were seized.
Pressley was not named in the warrant, however, she was present at the location due to the fact she is in a relationship with Marcus.
Actual amount:
Agents seized 147 grams of cocaine, valued at $7,000; 815 illegally diverted pharmaceutical drugs of various types, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, valued at $21,000; ten (10) grams of marijuana, valued at $100; cash totaling $39,340 ; drug paraphernalia, including cocaine and pill presses, scales, and distribution packaging materials; one (1) high-powered assault weapon; ten (10) small arms handguns (various makes, models, and calibers); a cache of ammunition (various calibers); a black 2010 Nissan Maxima; a black 2008 BMW 5-Series; a black 2010 GMC Denali; a silver 2007 Mercedes E-Series; a black 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 motorcycle; one (1) 2014 Triple Crown flatbed trailer; two (2) 2010 Sea-Doo Jet Skis; and seven (7) flat screen televisions (various models and sizes).
Very few have shown sympathy for those arrested.
Ron Zupancic wrote, “Excessive? The penalty in at least half the countries in the world for such drug dealing is death. How liberal we have become. Next Emeril will be cooking at the jail.”
Local business owner, Nigel W. Billingsworth wrote, “Oxycodone, cocaine and thousands of dollars in cash? Always a shame to see the constabulary picking on innocent citizens. I’ll bet those fellows were on their way to church when the police decided to hassle them. Happens to me every time I’m minding my own business and just happen to have copious amounts of drugs and cash on hand.”
Kiani Cirilo wrote, “Ignorance still exists wit all these comments…… Everybody has been in some s**t before so don’t be so quick to judge these are good ppl who messed up they INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY…… stop judging ppl by wat you read!!!!!!”
According to court documents, because of the previous arrest history for Price and the Starks brothers, a conviction is more than likely.
In Florida, if convicted, they could potentially be facing ten years in prison.
In comparison to other states, Florida’s penalties for drug offenders are weak and law abiding citizens feel they should be stiffened.
While serving a search warrant on Derrick Price, deputies learned that Price had three (3) outstanding felony warrants for his arrest. Price had been on the run for quite some time.
As units arrived on the scene, Price ran out the rear of his residence in an attempt to flee. Deputy Collins and K-9 “SIG” tracked Price to the 100 block of Marion Oaks Blvd. and was captured by Deputies Terrell, Crawford, Hoppell, and Fitzgerald.
Deputy Amidei arrived on the scene and observed the aforementioned deputies attempting to handcuff Price as [he] resisted arrested. According to reports, Price ignored several orders to stop resisting.
Terrell, Crawford, Hoppell, Fitzgerald, and Amidei were suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.
It was the decision of Sheriff Blair to initiate the investigation in accordance with agency policy.
Official press release from the MCSO:
On Thursday, August 7, 2014, five (5) officers with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the execution of five (5) search warrants and five (5) arrest warrants.
During this time, a use of force was used by these officers to affect an arrest of one of the wanted subjects.
As a result of the agency’s standard use of force review, the Sheriff’s Office discovered that video existed depicting the officers actions which appeared to be potentially excessive. Sheriff Blair and his senior staff were briefed about the circumstances regarding this use of force, as well as reviewing the videotaped evidence.
Upon reviewing this information, immediate action was taken by Sheriff Blair to suspend all five (5) officers involved in this arrest without pay. And at the request of Sheriff Blair, contact was made with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct an investigation of the incident who will work in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office.
Sheriff Blair has taken swift action concerning these allegations of misconduct and does not and will not condone inappropriate conduct.
The agency is unable to comment further concerning the investigation other than the investigation is on-going by FDLE.
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Price, along with the Starks brothers have more than 20 years of felony arrest history with more than 100 charges combined.
The States Attorney’s Office has categorized them as career criminals.
Ocala, Florida — On August 11, 2014, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a 69-year-old white female resident of Ocala was kidnapped at knife-point while volunteering with her church group.
The group was providing meals to those in need in the area of NW 3rd St. and N. Magnolia Avenue. After all were fed, the victim loaded her equipment into her 2008 Mazda Tribute and got in the driver’s seat to go home.
An unknown male subject appeared from the backseat, put a knife to the victim’s neck and told her to drive.
The victim, at the direction of the suspect, drove east on SR 40 toward the Ocala National Forest. Upon arriving at the intersection of SR 40 and 314A, he told her to pull over to the side of the road, where he then put a rope around her neck and dragged her from the vehicle. He then brandished a weapon known as a “slapjack” (the slapjack (also commonly known as a “slap” or “monkey fist”) is a batting weapon which may be used in self-defense or other forms of hand-to-hand combat. It typically consists of a flat profile outer skin containing a hard weight material that may be swung at any part of an opponent’s body in order to inflict injury) and began to beat her with it.
Example: Not the actual weapon used.
While beating her he stated, “You rich b*****s think we need your help!?”
Following this, he put her back in the car and demanded her money.
While again holding the knife to the victim’s throat, the suspect ordered her to drive back into the City of Ocala. According to the victim, he then put his other hand over her mouth and she tried to bite him; this resulted in him removing her dentures and throwing them out of the car.
The suspect directed the victim to pull into the parking lot of the Kmart, 3711 E. SR40. At that time, he beat her again with the “slapjack” until she lost consciousness. Upon waking a short time later, she found the suspect gone and made her way to a Metro PCS store at 1616 S. Pine Ave., where police and medical personnel were contacted.
Police said the suspect left the woman for dead.
Ocala Police Officer Tevyn B. Barry stated that the woman had several contusions on her face and arms, and multiple bruises on her abdominal area, with some of the bruises measuring about three inches long. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
The suspect is unknown at this time. The description from the victim is that it was a white male, approximately 5’9″ in height, wearing a dark shirt, gloves, and a mask.
Anyone with information on the identity and/or location of this suspect is asked to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or to send tips via our mobile MYPD app. Additionally, tips can be sent through Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP, www.ocalacrimestoppers.com or by texting to 274637 using keyword 368STOP.
Besides JJ Watt and the secondary, the Houston Texans did not have much going for them in 2013, as they finished with a league worst record of 2-14. The Texans used the number one overall pick in the draft on Jadeveon Clowney, a player well deserving of that high of a pick. Watt and Clowney will combine to make the most feared tag team in the NFL. Putting these two together will surely upgrade a run defense that ranked 23rd in the league.
Texans’ fans have no reason to worry when it comes to the secondary. The Texans ranked 3rd in passing yards allowed per game and this secondary should have no problem repeating this in 2014.
Injuries to Arian Foster and Ben Tate were the leading causes to a Houston rushing attack that ranked 20th in the league. Hopefully, Foster can stay healthy all year and play a full 16 game season, something he has only done two times in the five years he has been in the league. If Foster can stay healthy all year, the Houston Texans should be one of the league’s top rushing attacks.
Even though Houston ranked 15th in passing yards per game, their issues at quarterback last year were the main factor in their 2-14. Quarterback Matt Schaub, who left for Oakland in free agency, has a career worst year. After having lead Houston on two game winning comebacks to begin the season, Schaub threw a pick-six in an NFL record four straight games. The Texans quarterbacks combine for 22 interceptions in the 2013 campaign. The Texans signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to hopefully fix their quarterback issues.
Wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson still give Houston a dangerous receiving core. These wide receivers can make things happen in open space. If the Texans’ quarterbacks can get these receivers the ball, Houston should have no problem improving its passing game.
Expect the Texans to finish out the year with a record of 5-11.
