Tampa, Florida — Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is offering FREE weekday admission to members of the U.S. military (active duty, retirees and veterans) and Florida-based first responders* during the month of August. The military member or first responder will need to register online, print a voucher and present with valid identification at the Zoo’s ticket windows for entrance on any weekday during the month of August. See www.LowryParkZoo.org/Hero.
This promotion will begin August 1, 2014, and end August 29, 2014. Offer available on weekdays only, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* Eligible first responders for this offer include the following Florida-based public safety services: law enforcement officers (state troopers, sheriffs, police officers, homeland security agents and 911 dispatchers), firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Aaron Smith [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man was arrested Monday after he assaulted a mailman for not leaving mail in his mailbox.
Ocala Police Officer Kyle Drawdy, responded to the 1600 block of 17th Street, Ocala, after OPD received a call about a mailman who had been assaulted.
The mailman stated that Aaron Smith, 27, started yelling and then ran towards him(the mailman).
According to reports, Smith approached the driver’s side of the mailman’s vehicle upset over the fact he didn’t put any mail in his mailbox. The mailman stated that he tried to explain, but Smith reached through the window and struck the mailman three times in the arm with the palm of his hand.
The mailman told police that Smith then walked away, picked up a broken stool, and hurled it at the mail truck. The stool struck the truck’s left rear quarter panel.
Smith said, “The mailman tried me, so I had to step up.” When asked what he meant by step up, Smith replied, “You know what I mean.” Officer Drawdy told Smith that he did not know what [he] meant. Smith said, “I had to push the mailman for trying me.”
A witness told police that she saw Smith become “very verbal” with the mailman and then reach through the window and hit him.
The U.S. Postal Service stated that they would be filing federal charges along with the state charges.
Smith is a convicted felon and has been Baker Acted twice for mental health reasons.
Smith was arrested and charged with Burglary-With Assault (for reaching into the vehicle and striking the mailman), Battery, and Criminal Mischief.
Stephanie Ramos [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala woman was arrested after she kicked a deputy in the face and then slipped out of her handcuffs.
Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Simpson, responded to the 2100 block of NE 56th Street in Ocala, after a property owner called about a female trespasser.
The reportee told the deputy that Stephanie Ramos, 22, was causing a disturbance and she was not welcome on his property. He stated that she was a heavy drug user and made suicidal threats.
While on the scene, Ramos stated that she was having a problem and needed to get out of the heat.
Deputy Simpson told her that she could sit in the back of his air-conditioned patrol car.
According to reports, once inside the patrol car she stated she needed to get some belongings from the house. She also told Deputy Simpson that she was under a court order to attend a drug rehabilitation facility.
Deputy Simpson noted that Ramos appeared to be under the influence of something while he was speaking with her.
As the deputy was speaking with Ramos, the reportee produced a phone with a text message from Ramos that said, “I am going to kill myself because no one will return my calls.”
Ramos stated that she sent the message out of anger.
While Deputy Simpson completed the paperwork for the trespass, Ramos became upset.
Deputy Simpson opened the back door to the patrol car and asked her to calm down. He told her she was not free to leave because she may attempt to harm herself.
Ramos then told the deputy she was getting out of the car and that [she] was not going anywhere. She then tried to push past the deputy.
At that point, the deputy attempted to place Ramos in handcuffs. She then lay back in the seat and kicked Deputy Simpson in the center of the face.
The Deputy pulled Ramos from the car and handcuffed her as she continued to kick and flail her arms.
Once the deputy got the cuffs on, he placed her into the back of the patrol vehicle; at which time she pulled one of her hands through the cuffs and began resisting the deputy again.
According to reports, the deputy was able to cuff Ramos’ hands in front of her body. He then called for back-up. Two other officers arrived and had to place Ramos in a T.A.R. before she could be transported to the Marion County Jail.
Ramos was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest.
According to court records, Ramos was Marchman Acted for substance abuse on July 9, 2014.
She is currently being held at the Marion County Jail on $6,000 bond.
Timothy Munford [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — Stolen property ends up being sold to residents at Spring Manor Apartments.
On July 3, 2014, Deputy Abigale Rodriguez responded to Whispering Sands, Ocala, in reference to a battery and grand theft.
The victims told the deputy that they left their residence around 12:45 p.m. and returned around 3:30 p.m. The victims stated that, upon returning home they realized they had been burglarized.
The victims told neighbors about the burglary and what had been taken. A witness told the victims that her roommate, Timothy Munford, 19, had gone to Spring Manor Apartments to sell the stolen items.
The witness did not know Munford had stolen the property from her neighbors until they said they had been burglarized.
Deputies responded to Spring Manor Apartments, but were unable to locate Munford.
One of the victims spotted Munford near Whispering Sands and confronted him, at which time Munford grabbed the victim, lifted him up, and slammed him onto the ground head-first. The victim was treated for a sprained wrist and a concussion.
Munford then fled the area and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On July 27, 2014, Munford was located and arrested by Deputy Tortora. Munford was in possession of marijuana at the time of his arrest.
Munford admitted to stealing several pairs of sneakers, a 32 inch flat-screen TV, a Toshiba Laptop, XBOX gaming system and games, an 18×18 safe (worth $200), and a 14-karat gold bracelet. The property is valued at approximately $3,000.
On the day of the burglary, Munford had visited with the victims. While he was inside their home, he said he unlocked the back sliding glass door and removed the wooden brace that kept the door from opening. He then returned after the victims left, then robbed them.
Facebook helped capture Munford because he was posting photos that tagged his location.
Munford was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Burglary, Grand Theft, and Battery.
If detectives can prove that Munford sold or attempted to sell the stolen property. Dealing in Stolen Property would be added to his list of charges.
Munford had previously been arrested and charged with Domestic Battery, Brawling, and Petit Theft.
He is currently being held on $37,000 bond at the Marion County jail.
Leonardo Reyes-Ning [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — Leonardo Reyes-Ning, 49, of Miami, was arrested in Marion County today, July 28, 2014, after he led Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high speed chase.
Reyes-Ning was driving a stolen tractor-trailer that was being tracked by GPS. The tractor-trailer was reported stolen out of Port Wentworth, GA.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, when a deputy attempted to stop the truck, Reyes-Ning kept going.
Reports stated that, when a deputy attempted to get in front of the tractor-trailer, Reyes-Ning then swerved, forcing the deputy onto the shoulder of the road.
The Ocala Police Department also joined the chase.
Deputies were eventually able to slow the semi down, but only after Reyes-Ning ran several deputies off the road.
Once stopped, Reyes-Ning jumped from the semi and fled on foot. He ran into a wooded area near the 9700 block of South U.S. 441.
Officer Jessica Nasworth with OPD gave chase and eventually deployed her Taser.
According to reports, the shipping container that was being hauled had more than $50,000 worth of clothing that had been shipped from China to Port Savannah.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office stated that a second tractor-trailer hauling a shipping container was also stolen from Georgia and was recovered in Marion County on State Road 326.
Detectives said Reyes-Ning does have a commercial driver’s license.
Reyes-Ning would not cooperate with law enforcement.
He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He was charged with Larceny-Cargo Theft, Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement at a High Speed, and Resisting Arrest.
K-9 Officer Casey Walsh and K-9 Sergeant Erica Hay park their patrol vehicles in front of the fire-damaged apartments as they walk the perimeter of the complex.
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department now has the dangerous task of protection detail at Spring Manor Apartments following today’s shooting death of 19-year-old Jaire Burgess.
Pulling detail tonight was K-9 Sergeant Erica Hay and K-9 Officer Casey Walsh. Dressed in full tactical uniforms, including bulletproof vests, they were ready to begin their shifts.
Until further notice, OPD officers will be on the scene every day. Any persons who do not belong inside the complex will be trespassed.
“If the situation calls for it, trespassers will be arrested,” said K-9 Sergeant Hay. “We are here to keep the area secure and prevent any further criminal activity from taking place.”
Both Walsh and Hay made their rounds as Ocala Post photographed the scene.
In a neighborhood deemed unsafe by residents, even after dark, large groups of people were scattered throughout and vehicle traffic in-and-out of the complex was quite congested.
Sign displayed at the entrance of Spring Manor Apartments.
More to the story
According to unnamed sources, today’s shooting may have been a continuance of an incident that occurred earlier in the month. Sources said that approximately two weeks ago, Burgess was spotted running from the scene of a shooting that took place in Parkside. All of the individuals that were questioned following the incident, including Burgess, refused to cooperate with police. Burgess was also trespassed from Spring Manor Apartments by the Ocala Police Department on June 30, 2014.
Tear it down
Residents of neighboring homes said they are fed up with the Section 8 apartments. “I pay for my rent, have a full time job, and work hard for what I have. Majority of the people that live in Spring Manor are unemployed and home all day doing God knows what,” said one single mom. “Frankly, I wish the entire place would burn down…or at least tear it down.”
Sources said that a nuisance abatement might be in the works.
A nuisance abatement, as a legal term, is a condition or use of a property that interferes with neighbors’ use or enjoyment of their property, endangers life, health or safety, or is offensive to others. Because of the harm they do to others, Florida law authorizes local governments to use their police powers to compel the owners of nuisance properties to correct those conditions. If the owner fails to do so, the municipality can step in and correct, or abate, the conditions itself.
A nuisance abatement also applies to properties overridden with criminal activity, including high traffic drug and prostitution areas.
In some instances, judges have ordered properties (such as motels and apartment complexes) to cease operation.
Neighborhood organizations and block groups need to understand the nuisance abatement laws, so that they can effectively press city government to take action to address nuisance conditions in their communities.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, “It is the tenants that ‘make’ up a neighborhood. If you have bad tenants, you will most likely have a bad neighborhood.”
The same also applies to property managers they said.
Property management expert, Scott Corbridge, with Sarasota Management & Leasing, said the biggest mistake property managers make is skipping a criminal background check. He said skipping a background check is dangerous and bad business sense. Every property management company should make it a firm policy to do background checks he said.
Additionally, he added, management should have more control over outside visitors that many times turn into unauthorized residents. If a person residing in a leased property does not belong – make them leave – if they refuse to vacate the premises, call law enforcement. Property managers have the legal right to trespass anyone that is not authorized as a tenant; especially if the individual that might be trespassing is involved in illegal activity, or is already a known criminal.
Ongoing investigation
The shooting and suspicious fire are still under investigation. Investigators are still piecing together the puzzle and searching for the suspect(s). Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information about the case can call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using the keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is always guaranteed.
The U.S. Military has been designing an Iron Man-like suit for a few years now. Navy SEAL and Commander of SOCOM, Admiral William McRaven, first announced the Tactical Assault Light Operation Suit (TALOS) at a conference in May 2013.
The goal of TALOS is to provide ballistic protection to Special Operations Forces, along with fire-retardant capability.
“We sometimes refer to it as the Iron Man suit, frankly to attract the attention, imagination, and excitement of industry and academia,” said Michel Fieldson, TALOS lead, SOCOM.
“We’re hoping to take products we’re developing in several technology areas and integrating them into a consolidated suit to provide more protection for the [Special Operations Forces].”
The suit is expected to increase strength (giving the user super human-like strength), advanced full body armor, increased sensory capabilities, smart fabrics that would help stop hemorrhaging, and a situational awareness display.
There are 56 corporations, 16 government agencies, 13 universities, and 10 national laboratories working on this project.
Currently, the biggest challenge is making the suit light and comfortable enough for the wearer.
Future soldier suit
“For every pound the operator has to carry in armor, there’s an additional energy supply,” said Dan Stamm, Battelle research scientist. Battelle is the lead contracting consultant with the TALOS project.
Rini Tech, based out of Orlando, has made a “personal thermal protection system” for the military, which runs off a 3.5-pound battery and uses cold water and tubes to keep the user cool.
Dan Rini, President of Rini Tech, reports his company is trying to adapt his invention for use with TALOS.
“We don’t want that person inside the suit to get overcome by heat stress. He might have to be in it for a long time,” said Rini.
Another innovative part of the suit is its flexible body armor.
Norman Wagner, a chemical engineering professor at University of Delaware, said his team is looking into nanotechnology to create a solution that contains particles smaller than a single blood cell.
“We’re starting with the material that’s almost a liquid ceramic. It transitions when you hit it hard. These particles organize themselves quickly, locally in a way that they can’t flow anymore and they become like a solid,” says Wagner.
What this armor would technically be is a liquid bulletproof vest that transitions to a solid to protect the wearer.
Ocala, Florida — Residence of Spring Manor Apartments say a shooting that happened overnight does not surprise them.
On today’s date, July 25, 2014, at approximately 1:37 a.m., the Ocala Police Department received a call in reference to a subject that had been shot at Spring Manor Apartments, 2851 NE 7th St., Ocala, Florida.
According to Ocala Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Angy Scroble, units arrived in the complex within 30 seconds of being dispatched and found a black male in the grassy area in front of building 2851 receiving first aid from a resident of the complex.
The subject had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by ambulance to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at 2:25 a.m. The victim was identified as Jaire Burgess, 19.
While officers were still on scene in the complex, they heard approximately five gunshots coming from the front of the complex and the sound of cars speeding off. No persons nor evidence of the shots were located.
Preliminary information from the scene is that some sort of an altercation occurred between Burgess and other unknown persons prior to him being shot. Officers and detectives are still on scene at this time looking for witnesses and further information on what took place.
A nearby resident said that she didn’t associate with Burgess, but said he was mostly known for his rapping talents and singing abilities.
In June of 2013, Mervyn Cotton, 20, was booked into the Marion County Jail after he opened fire at Spring Manor Apartments and wounded several people. One of the bullets went through a wall and hit a man in the shoulder as he sat on his couch watching TV.
In March of 2014, Ocala Post reported on a strong-arm robbery in Spring Manor Apartments, in which a victim was severely beaten and then stripped down to his boxers. Police said the suspects took his clothes and all of his personal items.
Additionally, while officers and detectives were still in the complex, smoke started coming out of building 2853, apartment H. By the time officers were able to respond to the building, flames were coming from the roof of the building. Officers evacuated all residents from the building just prior to the apartment becoming fully engulfed in flames.
Ocala Fire Rescue responded and put the fire out; there were no victims found within. According to OFR’s Public Information Officer, Ashley Lopez, the building has now been condemned by the Building Inspector – no residents will be allowed in at this time – and the fire is considered suspicious.
Lopez also advised that the Red Cross had been contacted and would be responding to assist with the displaced residents.
One woman has lived in the Spring Manor Apartment complex for more than five years.
“Unfortunately a young man was shot to death. This place is getting bad…it happens all the time here,” she said, referring to gunshots. “A lot of times no one even reports on it.”
One female resident said that drug deals and gunshots are commonplace and a person tends to get used to it. “If I had more money I would definitely move to a better neighborhood, but if the trash would just stay out it wouldn’t be so bad.” she said.
All of the residents that spoke with Ocala Post had strong opinions about the property manager that lives on-site. They said that the property manager is worthless and she needs to be replaced with someone who will take the job serious. One resident accused the property manager of only taking the job because of the free housing.
None of the female residents wanted to be identified for fear of retaliation. One stated that she was almost to nervous to even say anything at all.
The shooting and suspicious fire are still under investigation. There is no information at this time to link the two incidents; however, both are still actively being investigated. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
While trying to photograph the scene, the Spring Manor Apartment manager forced Ocala Post, WESH, and TV20 off the property.
Sinkhole at Ocala WingHouse is taped off while being investigated.
Ocala, Florida — A ground cover collapse continues to expand in the Ocala WingHouse parking lot that measures approximately 10 feet by 15 feet at the surface, but larger below ground.
A local geotechnical engineering firm (Geo-Tech, Inc.) has confirmed that the drop-out was caused by sinkhole activity.
About two weeks ago, eight cubic yards of concrete were pumped into the sinkhole in an attempt to fill it.
However, heavy rains have since caused the sinkhole to expand.
One section of the sinkhole was at least two to three feet deep.
Secure Foundation Systems, Inc., a local sinkhole repair contractor, will begin filling the sinkhole with grout (concrete product used to fill sinkholes) next week.
Patrons at the establishment did not seem to be concerned while Ocala Post was at the location photographing the sinkhole.
One Patron, whose truck was parked near the sinkhole said, “If the hole ‘swallows’ my truck my insurance will cover it, so I am not worried. I just hope I am not sitting in my truck if it does decide to open.”
“Caution tape has been placed around the affected areas. Patrons and personnel should definitely stay back from the collapsed area until it’s been properly stabilized,” said Ryan Gummer, with Secure Foundation Systems, Inc. “An engineering investigation as to the severity of the below ground conditions is currently taking place. Once completed, repairs will immediately begin. We are hoping to start the stabilization process early next week.”
David Newmeyer – Deceased [June 2014 mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On today’s date, July 23, 2014, at approximately 7:00 a.m, the Ocala Police Department received a report of a stolen 2008 Black Dodge Ram 2500 diesel pickup truck from Too Your Health Spa, 2841 S.W. 20th St., Ocala, Florida. A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) was issued for the vehicle and possible leads were being followed up on by Ocala Police Officer Doug Russell.
Ocala police said someone went into the Too Your Health Spa and stole the keys to the pickup truck.
A short time later, the Ocala Police Department received information that a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office had located the stolen vehicle and a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle failed to stop.
Deputy Lee Sullivan, Watch Commander with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, attempted to join the pursuit; however, according to Captain James Pogue, Public Information Officer with the Marion County sheriff’s Office, the transmission in Deputy Sullivan’s older model patrol car failed.
Officials said in some instances, the driver of the stolen truck exceeded speeds of 100 mph while traveling in the wrong direction on a highway.
As the pursuit entered into Levy County, the driver of the vehicle returned to the proper lanes of travel.
Williston Police Chief Dennis Strow reported that multiple agencies used their vehicles in an attempt to block the driver, but the vehicle just slammed into the patrol vehicles. Strow said there was no stopping the stolen truck.
Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair said the driver spun out at one point then literally “ran over’’ the front end of Deputy Rich Peter’s patrol vehicle. The driver in the stolen truck then continued on. Deputy Peters was not injured.
In addition to the vehicle that “blew” a transmission and the other that was “run over,” two other Marion County Sheriff’s patrol cars were also damaged. Deputies Sue VanWeelden and Beth Billings also received damage to their patrol vehicles; neither deputy was injured.
Patrol vehicle driven by Deputy Beth Billings [Click photo to enlarge]In the city of Chiefland, the driver also reached speeds of 100 mph said Chiefland Police Chief Robert Douglas. Douglas said when the driver approached the city limits, officers put out stop sticks, but the driver went around them.
Douglas said the driver of the vehicle had no regard for the safety of citizens and showed absolutely no regard for law enforcement.
“He was driving “crazy,” he ran red lights…….just no regard at all,” said Douglas.
Patrol vehicle driven by Deputy Sue VanWeelden [Click photo to enlarge]According to the Ocala Police Department’s Public Information Officer Angy Scroble, Dixie County Sheriff Dewey Hatcher responded when he was notified the pursuit was entering his county.
Sheriff Hatcher, not wanting the chase to go any further, used his department issued vehicle to ram the stolen truck in an attempt to force the driver off the road.
Authorities said the truck then flipped in the southbound lanes on U.S. 19.
Sheriff Hatcher was not injured during the crash.
The driver of the stolen truck, David Newmeyer, 17, was killed. Two other occupants, a 19-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl were transported to the hospital. They were treated and released.
“This individual was a danger to civilians as well as law enforcement officers involved in the chase,” said Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, a .380 semi-automatic handgun was found during a search of the vehicle.
Sheriff Chris Blair said that one of his deputies discharged their weapon at some point during the pursuit.
“I don’t want to speculate without all of the facts, but I will say we are conducting a review into one of our deputies discharging his weapon, in accordance with our policies,” said Sheriff Blair.
In regards to the crash, Captain James Pogue said the investigation was now in the hands of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The totality of all damages that occurred during the chases has yet to be determined. However, the damage to the Marion County Patrol vehicles was estimated to be well over $15,000.
Newmeyer had a history of drug use. His arrest record includes charges for Possession of a Weapon by a Minor (x2), Resisting Arrest, Grand Theft (x2), Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Petit Theft. He had just been released from jail on June 27, 2014, after being arrested on a warrant.
According to court records, Newmeyer had also been baker acted several times. At the time of his death, he had three open felony cases in which he was being tried as an adult.
Newmeyer’s arrest record was not exclusive to Marion County.
The combined Facebook profiles of all three suspects depict a life of guns, sex, drugs, and booze.
The pursuit spanned through Marion, Levy, Gilchrist, and ended in Dixie County.
The investigation is ongoing.
Dash cam video is not being released at this time.
Elissa Alvarez [Left] and Jose “Benny” CaballeroBradenton Beach, Florida — A Florida couple who turned a normal day at the beach into a porn fest, was charged with Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition (F), after a grandmother filmed the couple having sex on Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, Florida.
Emily Hall told Bradenton Beach Police that Jose Caballero, 39, and Elissa Alvarez, 20, began fondling each other on the beach, then had sex for 25 minutes in front of children.
According to police, the couple didn’t even attempt to cover themselves while having sex.
Hall stated that beach goers were in shock and didn’t know how to react. She said that was when she started recording the couple.
Hall said she was extremely angry because her 4-year-old granddaughter was present and began to ask questions about what the couple was doing.
According to police, when the couple finished, they took a quick dip in the ocean. Reports stated that the couple then returned to their towel and passed out. When the couple awoke, witnesses told police they started to “go at it” again, at which time another witness called police and confronted the couple.
The witness walked over to the couple and said, “What do you think you are doing?”
According to reports, Caballero jumped up from his towel and “flexed” his muscles as if he wanted to fight the female witness. Thankfully, witnesses said police arrived very quickly.
Police said that Caballero was very mouthy and tried to intimidate them with his “size.”
Caballero was hauled off to jail wearing nothing more than a Speedo.
Jose “Benny” Caballero being handcuffed in his Speedo.
More than six witnesses filed complaints against the couple.
According to Alvarez’ Facebook page, she really enjoys sex, but apparently in all the wrong places.
Jason New [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man told a police officer that [he] knows what hell is like just before he was arrested.
On July 11, 2014, Ocala Police Officer Ramjit, while conducting a security check made contact with a man, later identified as Jason New, 29, in the area of North Magnolia Avenue and State Road 40, as [he] stood in the median yelling.
According to reports, Officer Ramjit pulled alongside New and asked if anything was wrong. Without saying a word, New began running eastbound on foot.
After several minutes, New was located behind Parramore Music on Silver Springs Boulevard.
Officer Ramjit again made contact with New and asked why he was yelling in the middle of the street earlier. New stated that he was yelling at the people on the Square and asked Officer Ramjit not to take him to jail.
Officer Ramjit told New that he didn’t have any reason to take him to jail, to which New replied, “Your red and blue lights make purple and I know what hell is like.”
New was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and was arrested. He was released from jail on July 13, 2014.
On July 20, 2014, New was arrested on a warrant after Wal-Mart security cameras captured him returning items that were previously stolen by accomplice, Benjamin Rosemark, 21, on July 18, 2014. Rosemark would select items from within the store, steal them, and pass them on to New. New would then return the stolen items to the store in exchange for gift cards.
Since January 2014, New has been arrested six times for various offenses. He began his adult criminal history just a few months after turning 18, when he was arrested and charged with Burglary of an Occupied Conveyance.
New has been arrested more than 20 times, not including his juvenile record.
He is currently being held at the Marion County Jail.
Raiza Bonet [Mugshot]Dunnellon, Florida — A Dunnellon woman was released from jail on $2,500 bond after she was charged with Child Abuse – Cruelty Toward a Child (F), earlier this week.
It all started when Deputy Richard Peters responded to the 13900 block of SW 95th Street, Dunnellon, in reference to a domestic battery.
Upon arrival on the scene, Deputy Peters made contact with Raiza Bonet, 33, who immediately stated that a witness had made a false report to 9-1-1. Bonet told Deputy Peters that [she] was merely disciplining her child because the child was disrespectful to her.
According to reports, an eyewitness told Deputy Peters that Bonet had recently become violent with the 6-year-old child and that she feared for the child’s life.
During the most recent incident, the witness stated that Bonet took the 6-year-old into a back bedroom and locked the door. The witness told the deputy she then heard a commotion in the back room, so she peeked through a gap in the door. She told Deputy Peters that she could see Bonet holding the child face down into a pillow and her hands were on the back of the child’s head and neck; pinning him down so he couldn’t breathe. The witness stated that the child was being held down with enough force to prevent movement.
The witness attempted to make entry into the room and began yelling for help. The witness was begging Bonet to let the child go, but she refused. According to reports, it wasn’t until Bonet was aware that the witness had dialed 9-1-1 that she released her grip from the child.
The witness also told Deputy Peters that this was not the first incident and handed the deputy a photograph that was taken on July 8, 2014, which showed a large bruise covering the entire left side of the child’s face – from scalp to jaw line.
Deputy Peters then questioned the victim.
The juvenile victim showed Deputy Peters exactly what Bonet had done to him and stated that he could not breathe. When asked if the victim knew the difference between being punished and battered, the victim stated, “She was trying to kill me.” When asked about the bruise on his face, he stated that Bonet had punched him in the face with a closed fist.
Bonet was again questioned, but she denied battering the child. Bonet stated that the child was confused and misunderstood what had happened. According to reports, Bonet told Deputy Peters that she never held the child down and that the door to the bedroom was open the entire time.
When Bonet was questioned about the bruise on the child face, she placed blame on the witness. She later recanted her story and said the child had “fallen.”
Due to having photographic evidence and more than one witness, Bonet was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
Department of Children and Families was also notified.
Bonet has claimed indigent and was appointed a public defender.
The conditions of Bonet’s release state that she cannot be within 500 feet of the premises where the victim lives nor go to places where the victim may be present.
Her next court appearance is set for August 19, 2014.
Greg Mitchell Hughes [Mugshot]Polk County — A preliminary investigation shows that 54-year-old Greg Mitchell Hughes, of Lakeland, Florida, who was arrested on July 17, 2014, on charges of Burglary w/Assault or Battery, Robbery w/Weapon, Burglary of Unoccupied Structure Unarmed, Aggravated Battery with Deadly Weapon, and Trespassing, died during his sleep.
Hughes was being held on no bond since his arrest and was being housed at the South County Jail.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., on Saturday, July 19, 2014, Hughes’ and two cellmates’ armbands were scanned and the three went to sleep. At approximately 4:20 a.m., detention deputies attempted to wake Hughes for breakfast and found him unresponsive.
Detention deputies attempted to perform CPR and administered an AED, which advised no shock and to continue CPR. Jail medical staff responded and assisted with life saving measures until emergency medical services arrived and declared Hughes deceased.
Hughes had a history of congestive heart failure. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, no foul play is suspected.
This is an ongoing death investigation. It is standard Polk County Sheriff’s Office policy for mandated, independent investigations to be conducted when an inmate dies. The PCSO Administrative Investigations Section is conducting an internal review. The PCSO Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting the death investigation. The Polk County Medical Examiner will conduct the autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. The PCSO has notified the State Attorney’s Office about this investigation, and upon its completion, PCSO will forward all paperwork to the State Attorney’s Office for their review.
Hughes’ criminal arrest history includes seven prior prison convictions and more than 20 arrests.
Herando County Sheriff’s Deputy watches over sinkhole in Spring Hill
Spring Hill – On July 19, 2014,at approximately 5:20 p.m., the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a call from a citizen reporting a possible sinkhole in or near the roadway at the intersection of Eldridge Road and Van Allen Way in Spring Hill.
Sinkhole in Spring Hill
Deputies arrived to find a depression in the roadway that measured approximately 25×25 yards and 30 feet deep.
Since that time, the depression has grown to approximately 40×40 yards, remaining at approximately 30 feet deep.
At this time one home has been evacuated. Three other homes were temporarily evacuated; however, the residents were later permitted to return to their homes.
There have been no injuries reported.
Notifications have been made to Hernando County Emergency Management, WREC, Hernando County Utilities, and Hernando County Fire/Rescue.
The intersection will be closed until further notice.
The call has been redacted to protect the victims.
Raymond Frolander [Mugshot]Holly Hill, Florida — “I got him in a bloody puddle for you officer. He is knocked out on the floor for you.” That is what a father told a 911 operator after he beat a man unconscious that he caught molesting his 11-year-old son.
According to the police report, the father walked in on Raymond L. Frolander, 18, sexually molesting his son and just lost it.
When officers arrived, they found Frolander laying motionless on the living room floor with several knots, abrasions and bruises on his face. Police said he was also bleeding from the mouth and his eyes were nearly swollen shut.
The father stated that he took physical action towards Frolander to prevent him from leaving the scene. He told the 911 operator that he used his fists and feet as weapons. The father said, “Send and ambulance because he’s going to need one.”
After Frolander was arrested, EVAC personnel transported him to Halifax Medical Center.
According to police, Frolander is a family member of the victim and was babysitting while the parents were at work.
Detectives met with the victim, who told them he was playing video games in the apartment with some friends. After his friends left, the boy stated that he was alone in the apartment with Frolander.
The child told investigators that Frolander asked him to sit on his lap, and a short time later, took the boy into the back room of the apartment.
Frolander disrobed the child, and began sexually molesting the victim. That is when the boys father walked in and saw Frolander’s exposed penis. The father then beat Frolander unconscious and drug him into the living room of the home.
The boy told investigators that Frolander had sexually abused him before. The boy stated that Frolander had been abusing him since he (the victim) was eight years old.
After being released from the Halifax Hospital, detectives interviewed Frolander, who admitted to having a sexual relationship with the child. Detectives stated that Frolander blurted out, “I’m guilty” during the interview.
Police said as far as they are concerned, the father did not commit a crime.
“Dad was acting like a dad. I don’t see anything we should charge him with,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood. “When you’re 8 years old, you’re supposed to be out running around the street riding your bike, playing ball, playing video games. Not worrying when a 15, 16, 17, 18-year-old comes near you, you know what’s going to happen when he comes near you and touches you. You know what’s going to happen when you’re alone with him.”
He added, “The father walked in and found his son being sexually abused in his own home…the father did what the father had to do.”
Frolander is charged with sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. The judge denied Frolander’s bond.
The Daytona Beach Police Department wants to know what the public knows about Frolander and his possible contact with other children. If you have any information, you are asked to call the Daytona Beach Police at 386-671-5202.
Alexander Stathas [Mugshot]Citrus County, Florida — The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office responded to the SunTrust Bank on Forest Ridge Boulevard around 12:30 p.m. on July 18, 2014, after a 911 call came in about an armed robbery in progress. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a man crouching behind the lobby chairs clutching cash.
Deputies said Alexander Stathas, 44, of Homosassa, walked into the bank just before 12:30 p.m. and passed the teller a note that stated he had a weapon and demanded “the money.” Witnesses said once Stathas received an undisclosed amount of cash, he turned around, knelt down behind the lobby chairs and waited for deputies to arrive on scene.
Deputies found Stathas, who matched the description of the suspect, behind the chairs with the cash and arrested him within two minutes of their arrival without incident. Upon arrest, Stathas was found to be unarmed.
Stathas being placed into a patrol car
“I applaud the bravery of the tellers,” said Captain Dave DeCarlo. “With the suspect remaining in the bank this could have turned bad very quickly. They kept us up-to-date with the suspect’s actions during the response of our patrol deputies making it possible to take him into custody without incident.”
Stathas stated that he had a low self-esteem and wanted to end his life or be punished for carrying out the robbery.
Stathas has been placed on suicide watch at the Citrus County Jail.
Ocala, Florida — Three suspects wanted for questioning in the suspicious death of Robert Hiles, 64, of Citra, have been captured.
The trio was arrested in Alabama late Thursday evening.
Angel Crystal Faith Long, 22, Dillon Gresham, 23, and Timothy Charles Mayhew, 20, are now off the streets and behind bars.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, an anonymous caller told Detective Ollue Myers that the trio had shown up at an apartment while the caller was visiting a friend. The caller stated that Mayhew bragged about tying a man up with an extension cord and setting fire to his house while he was still inside.
Authorities also said that Mayhew forged Hiles’ signature to the car title and was planning to sell the car while in Alabama.
MCSO contacted authorities in Alabama, who located the trio.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, is still investigating the suspicious mobile home fire that happened on NE 18th Avenue in Citra. Hiles was found just inside the entrance of the home by firefighters. The victim was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he died.
Today, Marion County Sheriff’s detectives left for Alabama, where they will interview the three suspects.
Charges, in regards to Hiles’ death, are still pending, however, Mayhew, Long and Gresham have been charged with grand theft auto.
According to investigators, the trio responded to a craigslist ad that Hiles had placed looking for roommates.
According to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office press release, kiosks recently installed in high traffic locations, played a role in identifying the suspects.
The cause of Hiles’ death has not yet been released.
San Francisco, California — A federal grand jury in San Francisco indicted FedEx Corporation, FedEx Express, Inc., and FedEx Corporate Services, Inc., on July 17, 2014, with conspiracies to traffic in controlled substances and mis-branded prescription drugs for its role in distributing controlled substances and prescription drugs for illegal Internet pharmacies, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Jay Fitzpatrick, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Acting Director of the Office of Criminal Investigations Philip J. Walsky.
According to the indictment, beginning in approximately 1998, Internet pharmacies began offering consumers prescription drugs, including controlled substances, based on the provision of information over the Internet. While some Internet pharmacies were managed by well-known pharmacy chains that required valid prescriptions and visits to the patient’s personal physician, others failed to require a prescription before filling orders for controlled substances and prescription drugs. Rather, these Internet pharmacies filled orders based solely on the completion of an online questionnaire, without a physical examination, diagnosis, or face-to-face meeting with a physician. Such practices violated federal and state laws governing the distribution of prescription drugs and controlled substances.
According to the indictment, from at least as early as 2004, DEA, FDA and members of Congress and their staff informed FedEx that illegal Internet pharmacies were using its shipping services to distribute controlled substances and prescription drugs in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), and numerous state laws. In 2004, FedEx established an Online Pharmacy Credit Policy requiring that all online pharmacy shippers be approved by the Credit Department prior to opening a new account. The stated reason for this policy was that many Internet pharmacies operated outside federal and state regulations over the sale of controlled drugs and many sites had been shut down by the government without warning, leaving a large balance owed to FedEx. According to the indictment, FedEx also established a Sales policy in which all online pharmacies were assigned to a “catchall” classification to protect the commission-based compensation of its sales professionals from the volatility caused by online pharmacies moving shipping locations often to avoid detection by the DEA.
As early as 2004, FedEx knew that it was delivering drugs to dealers and addicts. FedEx’s couriers in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia expressed safety concerns that were circulated to FedEx Senior management, including that FedEx trucks were stopped on the road by online pharmacy customers demanding packages of pills, that the delivery address was a parking lot, school, or vacant home where several car loads of people were waiting for the FedEx driver to arrive with their drugs, that customers were jumping on the FedEx trucks and demanding online pharmacy packages, and that FedEx drivers were threatened if they insisted on delivering packages to the addresses instead of giving the packages to customers who demanded them. In response to these concerns, FedEx adopted a procedure whereby Internet pharmacy packages from problematic shippers were held for pick up at specific stations, rather than delivered to the recipient’s address.
FedEx is charged in the indictment with conspiring with two separate but related Internet pharmacy organizations: the Chhabra-Smoley Organization, from 2000 through 2008, and Superior Drugs, from 2002 through 2010. In each case, FedEx is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute controlled substances and prescription drugs, including Phendimetrazine (Schedule III); Ambien, Phentermine, Diazepam, and Alprazolam (Schedule IV), to customers who had no legitimate medical need for them based on invalid prescriptions issued by doctors who were acting outside the usual course of professional practice. The indictment charges that FedEx conspired with these organizations to violate the CSA, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846, and the FDCA, 21 U.S.C. §§ 331, et seq.
According to the indictment, FedEx began delivering controlled substances and prescription drugs for Internet pharmacies run by Vincent Chhabra, including RxNetwork and USA Prescription, in 2000. When Chhabra was arrested in December of 2003 for illegally distributing controlled substances based on a doctor’s review of an on-line questionnaire, Robert Smoley took over the organization and continued the illegal distribution of controlled substances and prescription drugs through FedEx.
FedEx began delivering controlled substances and prescription drugs for Superior Drugs in 2002. FedEx’s employees knew that Superior Drugs filled orders for online pharmacies that sold controlled substances and prescription drugs to consumers without the need for a face-to-face meeting with, or physical examination or laboratory tests by, a physician.
According to the indictment, FedEx’s employees knew that online pharmacies and fulfillment pharmacies affiliated with both the Chhabra-Smoley organization and Superior Drugs were closed down by state and federal law enforcement agencies and that their owners, operators, pharmacists, and doctors were indicted, arrested and convicted of illegally distributing drugs. Nevertheless, FedEx continued to deliver controlled substances and prescription drugs for the Chhabra-Smoley organization and Superior Drugs.
“The advent of Internet pharmacies allowed the cheap and easy distribution of massive amounts of illegal prescription drugs to every corner of the United States, while allowing perpetrators to conceal their identities through the anonymity the Internet provides,” said U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag. “This indictment highlights the importance of holding corporations that knowingly enable illegal activity responsible for their role in aiding criminal behavior.”
“Pharmaceutical drug abuse is a serious problem affecting millions of consumers in the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jay Fitzpatrick. “While DEA is committed to ensuring patients receive legitimate prescriptions, today’s action should send a strong message that corporations that participate in illegal activity risk investigation and prosecution.”
“Illegal Internet pharmacies rely on illicit Internet shipping and distribution practices. Without intermediaries, the online pharmacies that sell counterfeit and other illegal drugs are limited in the harm they can do to consumers,” said Philip J. Walsky, Acting Director, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “The FDA is hopeful that today’s action will continue to reinforce the message that the public’s health takes priority over a company’s profits.”
Ocala Post contacted FedEx and Patrick Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications released the following statement:
FedEx is innocent of the charges brought today by the Department of Justice. We will plead not guilty. We will defend against this attack on the integrity and good name of FedEx and its employees.
FedEx has a 42-year history of close cooperation with law enforcement agencies. We’re proud to say that we have partnered with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, DEA, and other federal, state and local law enforcement teams around the world to help stop illegal drug activity and bring criminals to justice. These efforts include providing assistance to the DEA in combatting rogue internet pharmacies. We have repeatedly requested that the government provide us a list of online pharmacies engaging in illegal activity. Whenever DEA provides us a list of pharmacies engaging in illegal activity, we will turn off shipping for those companies immediately. So far the government has declined to provide such a list.
FedEx transports more than 10 million packages a day. The privacy of our customers is essential to the core of our business. This privacy is now at risk, based on the charges by the Department of Justice related to the transportation of prescription medications.
We want to be clear what’s at stake here: the government is suggesting that FedEx assume criminal responsibility for the legality of the contents of the millions of packages that we pick up and deliver every day. We are a transportation company – we are not law enforcement. We have no interest in violating the privacy of our customers. We continue to stand ready and willing to support and assist law enforcement. We cannot, however, do the job of law enforcement ourselves.
Investors say they fully support FedEx and believe that the DEA has overstepped its boundaries. Since the announcement of the indictment, FedEx stock has risen by .02 percent.
FedEx has been summoned to appear in federal court in San Francisco on July 29, 2014.
Citra, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is looking for three people of interest following the suspicious death of a Citra man.
They may be driving a silver in color 1999 four-door Oldsmobile bearing Florida tag number 535XQS and VIN number 1G3NB52M3X6305433. According to MCSO, the vehicle’s rear reflector is missing.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, is investigating the suspicious mobile home fire that happened on NE 18th Avenue in Citra. The 64-year-old victim, whose identity is being withheld, was found just inside the entrance of the home by firefighters. The victim was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he died.
The actual cause of death has not yet been released.
Investigators said that Crystal Faith Long, 22, a person only known as Charles and Dillon Gresham, 23, lived in the rented mobile home. The three of them are the main persons of interest in this case.
Gressham has a criminal history for burglary and dealing in stolen property and In 2013 he was Baker Acted for unknown reasons. Gressham may become violent if he feels cornered. If you see him, call 911 immediately.
Charles is a white male between 220 and 240 pounds, possibly in his early to mid 20’s. Detectives said he may be a cell phone tower technician.
Ocala Post could not obtain any information on Long and the inmate database does not show she has an arrest record inside of Marion County.
The 1999 Oldsmobile may be a crime scene, if you see it call authorities immediately.
Anyone with information can call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime stoppers at 352-368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-stop. You can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
Tampa, Florida — Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is offering FREE weekday admission to members of the U.S. military (active duty, retirees and veterans) and Florida-based first responders* during the month of August. The military member or first responder will need to register online, print a voucher and present with valid identification at the Zoo’s ticket windows for entrance on any weekday during the month of August. See www.LowryParkZoo.org/Hero.
