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.
Georgia — Georgia officials are now asking for assistance identifying a truck and trailer involved in a hit-and-run on I-75 in Lamar County, Georgia.
The search is continuing for the vehicle and trailer involved in a fatal accident on Monday that killed a 53-year-old Alpharetta man. After interviewing witnesses Wednesday, investigators now believe that the vehicle and trailer is similar to the one in the attached video and photos.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, 53-year-old Brian Edward Durst was struck about 12:50 p.m. by a tire from a utility trailer that passed him as he worked on his car. The vehicle pulling the trailer did not stop.
Durst and his vehicle were in the emergency lane at mile marker 198.
Investigators are treating this as an accidental death, and believe that the driver may have not known that the incident occurred. The victim was not hit by the trailer.
The pictures and video were taken from the car camera of a Lamar County Sheriff’s Deputy vehicle. One photo shows a dark colored pick-up truck and the other shows the flatbed trailer that was being pulled by the pick-up truck. The tractor trailer is not involved.
The Lamar County Sheriff’s Office said they appreciate any assistance the public can offer.
Anyone with information on the vehicle, trailer, or driver is asked to call the Georgia State Patrol at the Newnan Communications Center at 770-254-7201 or the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office at 770-358-5159
Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Health today confirmed the first cases of locally acquired chikungunya (\chik-en-gun-ye) fever, one in Miami Dade County and the other in Palm Beach County. Chikungunya is a disease spread by bites from infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. If a person is infected and bitten by a mosquito, that mosquito may later spread the infection by biting another person. Chikungunya is not contagious from person-to-person, is typically not life threatening and will likely resolve on its own said health officials.
“The Department has been conducting statewide monitoring for signs of any locally acquired cases of chikungunya.” said Dr. Anna Likos, State Epidemiologist and Disease Control and Health Protection Director. “We encourage everyone to take precautions against mosquitoes to prevent chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases by draining standing water, covering your skin with clothing and repellent and covering doors and windows with screens.”
Aedes mosquitoes are day-biters which can lay eggs in very small water containers. Early detection of the symptoms and preventing mosquitoes from multiplying and biting will help prevent the disease.
Symptoms of chikungunya include sudden onset of high fever (>102⁰F), severe joint pain, mainly in the arms and legs, headache, muscle pain, back pain and rash. Symptoms appear on average three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most patients feel better after a few days or weeks, however, some people may develop long-term effects. Complications are more common in infants younger than a year old; those older than 65; and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
If you experience symptoms of chikungunya fever, consult with your health care provider immediately and protect yourself against further mosquito bites.
A person infected with chikungunya should stay indoors as much as possible until symptoms subside to prevent further transmission. Avoiding mosquito bites while you are sick will help to protect others from getting infected. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two months.
Chikungunya fever does not often result in death; however, some individuals may experience persistent joint pain. There is currently no vaccine or medication to prevent chikungunya fever.
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying:
•Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
•Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
•Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
•Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
•Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent:
•Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves.
•Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
•Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out:
•Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
If you have neighbors that do not maintain their swimming pool, report them. Code Enforcement officials said vacant houses with un-maintained swimming pools are also an issue.
Health officials say that being proactive should be a priority and are encouraging everyone, including city and county leaders, to take this matter serious.
To learn more about the chikungunya virus, visit www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/chikungunya.html
Ocala, Florida — In May of 2014, Ocala Post told you about City of Ocala Councilwoman Mary Rich announcing that she wanted an ordinance put in place that would ban saggy pants in Ocala.
Rich said she – as well as other citizens in Marion County – do not like seeing young men and women walking around with their buttocks exposed.
“I have seen them do it in front of old people. I don’t consider myself old — maybe a little past middle age. They don’t have any respect for anybody when they do that,” Rich said. “It’s disgusting when you see them with their pants all down around their knees almost.”
Submitted photos from the beach town
Well, her wish is now a reality.
The Ocala City Council voted 4-0 on Tuesday to pass the ordinance.
The ordinance will prohibit anyone from wearing pants two inches below their natural waist in a way that exposes underwear or “crack.”
Councilwoman Rich, a black woman herself, said it does not matter what color you are and wishes people would stop trying to turn it into a race issue. “It’s disgusting no matter what color you are,” she said.
Ocala is not the first city in Florida to ban saggy pants. The city of Opa-Locka, Florida was actually first city to enact the ban in 2007. Officials in Opa-Locka said the ordinance has been working great.
Daytona Beach, Florida doesn’t have a ban – as of yet – on saggy pants. However, they were one of the first cities in Florida to ban “thongs” being worn in public.
City officials from, Opa-Locka, Lynwood, West Palm Beach and Cocoa Beach, Florida say they are fed up with the saggy pants culture. They say it’s disgraceful and it is teaching the much younger children that it’s OK to walk around with their underwear hanging out.
An official with the Black Mental Health Alliance out of Massachusetts said, “My children and I visited a theme park in Florida and we were disgusted. My children were subjected to a lot of indecency involving saggy pants. Some were young girls and others were young men, two of which were not wearing underwear….exposing their ‘cracks’.”
He said youth today should have more respect for themselves, especially girls. He went on to say, it is no secret that this type of culture is linked to drugs, gangs and other criminal activity. Our misguided youth call it “Profiling,” while I call it a statistical fact. And it is a gross misconception that the “Saggy Pants” culture is just a “black thing.” Additionally, he said, the “Penguin” walk also causes hip and other joint problems.
The fine for wearing saggy pants that show a person’s “crack” or underwear range from $25.00 to $500.00, depending on where you are, for first time offenders. Habitual offenders could actually be arrested and charged with indecent exposure.
Officials say the law is not just limited to “saggy pants” per-say, but also to those that wear “skinny jeans” far below the waist line. Officials say men that wear “skinny jeans” below the waist line tend to show more of an “inappropriate area” than women do.
In Wildwood, New Jersey saggy pants have been ban on the boardwalk. And the ordinance doesn’t just apply to saggy pants; it also applies to women that walk around it cut up jeans, skinny jeans that do not fit (revealing “crack”) or bathing suits that practically leave nothing to the imagination. While most men consider women that wear pants that show their “crack” sexy, residents say they are sick and tired of the young youth literally showing their a**es.
Outfits ban on New Jersey Boardwalks
Sondra, a long time resident of New Jersey said, “They (officials) do make a good point. After all, not everyone on the beach or boardwalk will have a beautiful body type. How would you like to stare at muffin tops and plumber cracks while trying to enjoy your day off?”
New Jersey Mayor Ernest Troiano said, “Some visitors (who I imagine to be old and still upset about Elvis’ hip thrusts) have complained about looking at people’s rear ends ‘hanging out’ while walking the boardwalk.”
Local New Jersey Pizzeria, Guilio’s Pizza has also put a sign in their window regarding sagging pants.
Multiple McDonalds locations in Texas have also ban saggy pants from being worn in their establishments. Most have posted signs in their windows.
Ocala Post reached out to McDonalds Corporate to inquire about the policy:
They told Ocala Post that corporate does not have any comment, but said, “Owner-operated franchises can customize the experience for their customers as they deem necessary.”
The Houston health department said, “It’s a health issue. Why would you want to touch a counter or sit in a seat where someone else’s underwear or “crack” has been?”
One customer that was denied service at a Houston , Texas restaurant tried to sue the establishment, but lost. The Houston judge said indecent exposure is not a new law, and saggy pants that show a persons butt or underwear is not protected under Freedom of Speech or Freedom of Expression. It is simply disrespectful he said.
Many officials across multiple states do agree on one thing; criminals that wear saggy pants and try to run from a crime scene often trip and fall, getting themselves caught.
In Orlando, Florida, a robbery was foiled after Anthony Garcia, 31, tripped over his baggy pants as he was attempting to flee after snatching a cash drawer from a church gift shop. Orlando Police said it made their job a lot easier.
Bank robber in Ohio trips over his pants
In Columbus, Ohio, an armed bank robber was caught after his saggy pants caused him trip and fall on the dye pack, setting it off. Security footage showed the robber dropping the money bag and fleeing the scene waddling like a penguin. He was later caught with his pants down, literally. Columbus Police said saggy pants are a criminals “kryptonite.”
Billboards are beginning to pop up in cities across the U.S in an attempt to promote the saggy pants ban.
However not everyone is in support of the ban. The NAACP says the ban targets the black community and hinders their development.
Eric Adams, a black senator from New York, said he is tired of the NAACP making everything about race. He said the ban is about instilling moral principles into our children, children of all races.
Adams said, “I am fed up with today’s youth walking around with “low slung” or saggy pants that exposes their underwear and often times their butt crack. It is offensive and represents a serious lack of respect from our youth today.” Adams said that today’s youth needs to realize that the trend of wearing saggy pants originated from inside prisons in the late ’80s early ’90s. Adding, “I hope one day there will be a nationwide ban on saggy pants.”
Earlier this year, Jamale Lamar Whitaker, 22, realizing he couldn’t shake Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Crawford during a high speed chase, jumped out of [his] car and attempted to flee on foot. However, K-9 “Cadet” – anxiously waiting to get out of the car – was hot on Whitaker’s “tail.” Whitaker made the foot chase a little easier for K-9 “Cadet” because Whitaker’s pants were hanging of his rear, making it difficult for [him] to run. K-9 “Cadet” was able to secure Whitaker without incident. The incident was captured on dash cam video.
Some in Ocala are worried that the two inch rule will be difficult for officers to enforce.
Ocala City Attorney Patrick Gilligan said, “We are not looking to charge people, but if they don’t comply, I think the chief will tell police officers to take your phone out and take a picture.”
With the picture, a judge would be able to make a decision, he added.
Howard Gunn, a former Marion county Teacher, does care for the ordinance. He said he feels it will target black boys.
“Most of these kids you are dealing with are ones that have probably been in jail or are going to jail,” Gunn said. “A lot of times they are going through things. And we slap this on them, they are going to go further.”
“The kids are going to say something to you because they don’t know the law,” Gunn said about the police. “And then, there you go. Escalation. Now you have an assault on a police officer.”
Rich said it is common sense and youth should not be wearing their pants sagging to the ground in the first place. She went on to say that the ordinance is not profiling.
It’s disrespectful, referring to saggy pants. “If you pull them up, you might be a better citizen because you may be able to find a job, J.O.B,” Rich said.
If the ordinance is broken, a person could face up to sixty days in jail and/or a $500 fine. The city indicated six months in jail, however the offense would be a second degree misdemeanor. And as described in Florida Statutes 775 – 896, a second degree misdemeanor is only punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $500.
“Plumbers crack” is no exception to the rule.
Gilligan said that service professionals will receive a warning on the first offense just like everyone else if it becomes an issue.
Officials said that a reasonable person can tell the difference between a service professional doing their job and someone just walking around with their pants to their knees.
We want to hear from you. What do you think about the new ordinance? Comments are open below. Sign in with Facebook, or your preferred method.
Treasure Island, Florida — A recent investigation into the Jefferson Motel in Treasure Island, Florida, following tips sent to Ocala Post, has guests scratching their heads.
The Ocala residents that recently stayed at the motel asked to remain unnamed.
The Jefferson Motel website promises a stay like no other and at reasonable rates. They even brag about receiving the “1998 City of Treasure Beautification Award.” The pictures make the rooms look fresh, inviting, and clean. However, they do not mention the photos were taken when the motel was under different ownership. The city indicated that the “1998 City of Treasure Beautification Award” was given to the motel under the previous owners as well.
The pictures are quite deceiving and even more disturbing, is the rave reviews on tripadvisor.com.
The motel is currently being advertised as “Motel Apartments.”
Guests told Ocala Post that the manager, of whom lives in the motel, allowed [her] family to “have the run” of the motel during their recent stay. The guest told Ocala Post that the manager’s family consisted of at least 30 people.
Ocala Post traveled to the area and found that the manager does in fact allow her family and friends to “have the run” of the motel. During Ocala Post’s visit, a fist fight nearly broke out after non-guests of the motel were taking over parking spaces belonging to the owners of surrounding vacation homes. Alcohol seemed to play a big role in the situation.
There was a complete lack of respect from the family of the manager toward paying motel guests.
While Ocala Post was at the establishment, two families actually left the premises after checking in and seeing the condition of their rooms.
Further investigation revealed that the reviews on tripadvisor.com are completely false. Not one aspect of the positive reviews match up with the motel. It would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the reviews were written by the family of the manager, or owner.
The motel is registered to Pankaj Patel, previous owner of ASAP Hospitality Inc. and current owner of K & P Hospitality Inc. , “AKA” Jefferson Motel Inc. Our investigation revealed that ASAP Hospitality Inc. was involved in the foreclosure of a six million dollar hotel in 2010. The lender for the hotel was writing high risk loans for business owners. Patel stopped paying the note on the hotel he owned at the time, even though he was still collecting money for nightly rates. The lender was eventually bought out by Stearns Bank, who then initiated foreclosure proceedings on multiple businesses totaling $21.2 million.
The Jefferson Motel has changed its fictitious name multiple times, as well as the registered owner address information.
The motel itself is visibly not being well maintained.
According to the guests, the smell of urine was so strong in the room, they had to buy of a can of Lysol and purchase candles to cover up the odor. Additionally, the guests stated that the presence of mildew and mold was so overpowering that they cut their stay short to avoid getting sick.
The guests stated that they made multiple attempts to have the room cleaned prior to leaving, but the housekeeper didn’t speak English and the manager would never answer the office door.
The motel only has one house keeper on staff.
“Some of the electrical work in the room also looked like it was done by an unlicensed handyman,” said the guest. “It actually seemed like a fire waiting to happen.”
The guest went on to say that the plumbing would also back-up when the toilet was flushed.
Since Ocala Post’s visit, the motel has been reported to the Florida Department of Health for the unsanitary conditions inside the rooms. A guest also indicated that they reported the motel to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for false and misleading advertisements, which is against the law in the state of Florida.
The front office of the motel is always locked. A sign hanging on the door reads, “Ring the bell and the manager will be with you in a moment.” Ocala Post rang the bell several times, but no one ever answered the door.
Ocala Post has sent numerous e-mails and left multiple voice-mail messages with no results.
The guest told Ocala Post that the manager of the motel refused to work out the situation, so their financial institution is working with them to have more than $300 in charges reversed.
The guest said, “I would not recommend this motel to anyone and from now on it will be hard to trust the reviews I read for any hotel I am unfamiliar with.”
