This morning, the body of Domarius Simpson, 19, was discovered in an open field after he crashed his Ford pick-up truck. Simpson was in the vehicle alone at the time of the crash.
Simpson, a North Marion High School student, was set to graduate tonight.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Simpson was driving east on Northwest 100th Street when he apparently lost control of his vehicle after his tires met the grassy shoulder – causing him to veer off the roadway – and hit several tees and a Sprint communication box. Skid marks on the roadway indicated that Simpson had attempted an evasive maneuver in an attempt to return to the roadway but was unsuccessful.
Simpson was not wearing his seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle.
Domarius Simpson’s Ford Ranger. [Photo provided by FHP]Simpson had left his home at approximately 9:30 p.m. the night before, his body was not found until 6:30 a.m. the following morning.
On May 29, 2014, Domarius Simpson’s mom , Dominika Simpson , wrote on her Facebook page, “Today my first born is officially crossing over a plateau, I am so proud and sad at the same time it’s been a long time coming THANK YOU LORD.”
According to family and friends on Facebook, Domarius was a loving young man that enjoyed life. He never cursed and was respectful to everyone around him.
Friends of Domarius said he loved his family, friends and most importantly he loved God.
North Marion High School Principal Ben Whitehouse said he plans to have a moment of silence to honor Simpson at Thursday nights graduation.
Jason Pomales [Left] Stacey Pomales [Right]Ocala, Florida — Charges have been dropped against the Ocala couple accused of “resisting arrest” at an alleged open house party that took place on April 5, 2014.
Before the state was able to file its final paperwork, Christopher Dillingham, attorney for Jason and Stacey Pomales, filed three (c)(4)motions to dismiss all counts of “resisting arrest” on behalf of the married couple.
It all started when Corporal Lisa Azure and Deputy Thomas Newbanks responded to the 15600 block of SW 16th Avenue, in reference to a complaint about a large party.
According to Captain Pistarelli of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Azure got on her PA system and announced that people at the party needed to move their vehicles that were obstructing traffic in the roadway, at which time deputies said Jason Pomales, 28, emerged from the crowed and began shouting, “you don’t have to do what they say, you don’t have to move your cars.”
Deputies indicated that Pomales told them (the deputies) to get off of the property – because it is private property – and they didn’t have a lawful right to be there.
Dillingham said Deputy Azure, as seen in the video, replied “I can do what I want when I want.”
“Deputy Azure is grossly mistaken…constitutional law as well as case law prevents her from doing whatever she feels like doing,” said Dillingham.
Dillingham said this is one of the worst cases he has seen for violation of the First Amendment.
“The Marion County Sheriff’s Office clearly does not know constitutional law and allows their deputies to violate Marion County citizens rights,” said Dillingham.
In a previous interview, Gregg Jerald, general counsel for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said, “Neither of the defendants were arrested for video recording as they claim.”Adding, “Both defendants were impeding on an investigation and that’s the bottom line.”
“Jason was exercising his right to freedom of speech, Azure essentially arrested him because he wouldn’t ‘shut-up.’ There was no credible threat of violence, Jason never acted in a violent manner and he certainly did not ‘resist arrest.’ Disagreeing or questioning a law enforcement officer is not resisting arrest,” said Dillingham. “Not one deputy that was on the scene the night Jason and Stacey were arrested reported any violence in their reports.”
After Jason was cuffed and placed in the car, Azure continued to escalate the situation said Dillingham.
Stacey, who was recording the arrest on a cell phone, began asking why her husband was being arrested. After placing Jason in the back of a patrol car, Azure is heard saying “Who’s next? Who’s next? This camera does not scare us. Who’s next to go to jail?”
“The moment Azure re-approached Stacey instead of leaving the scene, she became the aggressor by choosing to escalate instead of de-escalate the situation,” said Dillingham. “More than a handful of witnesses have come forward and will testify that Azure – at one point- was standing in the road daring people to come into the street so she could arrest them, which is not seen in the video.”
According to the arrest affidavit, Stacey was “yelling and screaming” at deputies, however, Dillingham says she did not raise her voice at all. He said Stacey can be heard in the video telling party goers to stay back.
“If anything, Stacey was the voice of reason in the situation,” said Dillingham. “This situation is known as ‘contempt by cop,’ but unfortunately for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office a law enforcement officer cannot not legally arrest someone for ‘resisting arrest’ simply because the officer does not like what the other person has to say or did not stand in a spot approved by deputies.” Adding, “Resisting arrest or obstruction is a charge law enforcement use when they do not have any real evidence, but decide they want to make an arrest just to prove a point.”
Dillingham went on to say, “If the crowd had been cheering for Azure, no one would have been arrested.”
According to reports, 60 percent of all “resisting arrest” cases end in favor of the defendant. Most officers have not provided enough evidence to present their case, and often times the cases are thrown out before they even reach the court room. A South Florida judge said the key is knowing your rights. Also, never accept a plea deal for “resisting arrest,” insist on a jury trial he said.
Dillingham said his clients will be seeking an injunction declaring the Florida law concerning “resisting arrest without violence” unconstitutional because it grants law enforcement officers “unfettered discretion.”
In a previous interview, Chief Fred LaTorre with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said, “There are some things that Deputy Azure, as well as other deputies said in the video that were not appropriate and those issues are being addressed. If one of our deputies does something wrong we will correct it.”
“This case goes far beyond Azure’s actions in the video. After the Pomales’ were arrested, Azure changed her Facebook profile picture to their mug shots and called them monsters. Not only did Azure’s actions violate law enforcement code of ethics – it shows malice on her part,” said Dillingham.
On Tuesday, June 10, 2014, Dillingham filed two separate civil rights lawsuits against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as well as the deputies involved. He said there is far more damaging evidence against Azure and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that will come out in trial.
“I have requested all dash cam videos and any other evidence related to this case. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has until June 15, 2014 to comply with my request,”Dillingham said.
“Arresting citizens for the ‘cover all’ charge of resisting arrest or obstruction is “coming to a head” in Florida. Marion County residents need to know their rights and hold law enforcement accountable,” said Dillingham. “I am sure Marion County Residents do not appreciate their constitutional rights being violated. They are being violated on a large scale, and not just the rights of those with criminal records, but also law abiding citizens.”
Dillingham said, “Law enforcement officers need to realize they work for the people and they are not above the law. I completely understand the job is stressful and dangerous, however, we do not live in a police state. We are protected by the constitution and all citizens have the legal right to question law enforcement, video record law enforcement, refuse to answer questions and even throw them off of your property if you are not suspected of committing a crime.”
“I am not happy with the way the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has handled this case and residents of Marion County should not be either,” said Dillingham. “I did not want it to come to this. In the beginning the Pomales’ just wanted an apology, but now, in light of all the evidence, this is the only way law enforcement will be exposed.”
Adding, “The Marion County Sheriff’s Office had their chance to speak, now my clients will have theirs.”
Ocala, Florida — Marion County Sheriff’s Office Detectives – working with other counties – have identified a retail theft ring responsible for large scale thefts of household products, personal hygiene products, and clothing items such as socks, underwear, and T-shirts.
This is a well-organized multi-level operation including low-level professional thieves -with lookouts – entering a retail store and snatching enough merchandise to fill a car trunk and the backseat. That merchandise is then “sold” to a mule who might pay with pills or cash. The mule takes it to a “booster” who in turn takes it to a fence, who might sell it on Ebay, Amazon, at yard sales, flea markets, online yard sales or through Facebook.
Detectives said it all started when Deputies Snodgrass and Wilkes responded to the CVS located at 17817 SE 109th Avenue, Summerfield in reference to a theft.
According to reports, when deputies arrived on the scene they observed Charlie Pitts, 65, and Willie Willis, 61, both of Orange County, in the parking lot. Deputies said once Pitts and Willis knew they (deputies) were there the pair began removing bottles from under their shirts and tossing them under vehicles in an attempt to conceal the evidence.
Surveillance video obtained from CVS revealed that both suspects were involved in the thefts that had been reported by the store manager.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed that the trunk and backseat were filled with stolen products.
Trunk filled with goods stolen from different businesses.
Lieutenant Brian Dotten with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said this operation could potentially be a multi-million dollar operation. He said that somebody “at the top” is making a lot of money from this operation.
Lieutenant Dotten says the low-level thieves steal small ticket items because it makes it easier for the “fence” to “unload” and the items are much harder to trace, making for a clean get-away.
Products found in suspects car.
The low-level thieves are usually given a list of products to steal, along with an address of a business to steal from.
Lieutenant Dotten said consumers pay the ultimate price when someone commits retail theft. The more a business takes a loss, the higher prices become.
A short list of retail stores that have been targeted include: Publix, Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
The theft ring spans from Central Florida to South Georgia.
“I have recently created a new position, a crime prevention officer, so he will be working with businesses in Marion County – establishing a partnership – so the business will know they can contact him if they have a problem,” said Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair. “We must protect our businesses…I mean they are the ones suffering the loss.“
Both Pitts and Willis admitted to being part of a larger crime organization and have extensive criminals records dating as far back as the 1970’s.
They are currently being held in the Marion County Jail on charges of Tampering With Evidence, Violation of Probation, and Felony Theft From a Retailer.
If you know of or suspect anyone of selling similar items on a large scale, you are asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP or 368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368STOP. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
Ocala, Florida — The Florida Highway Patrol trooper, Raul J. Umana, 20, that caused a serious crash on the night of May 18, 2014, after making a U-turn, has not yet provided a statement regarding his accounts of the accident. He also has not indicated why he was making a U-turn that night.
A 2014 Nissan Altima, driven by Christeia T. Jones, 28, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the inside lane. Jones’ three children, Logan Grant, 2, Lanard Maybin, 5, and Denard Maybin Jr.,7, were also in the vehicle.
Also traveling southbound on I-75 in the center lane was a 2011 Mercedes driven by Terry Scanes, 50, and a 1997 Peterbilt semi-tractor trailer driven by William Richmond, 73. Scanes was driving in front of Richmond.
Trooper Umana was attempting to make a U-turn in the center median when he lost control of his patrol car and struck the guardrail, causing his vehicle to be redirected into the inside, southbound lane, of I-75. Jones’ Altima then slammed into the front-end of Trooper Umana’s patrol car with the front of her vehicle. Jones’ Altima was then redirected and collided with Scanes’ Mercedes, causing Scanes to be propelled into the center median. Scanes smashed into the center guardrail prior to coming to final rest.
Jones’ Altima then continued into Richmond’s lane of travel. The front-end of Richmond’s tractor trailer then slammed into the rear of Jones’ Altima, which caused Both Jones and Richmond to veer off the roadway and onto the west shoulder where they both came to final rest.
The engine compartment of Jones’ vehicle caught fire and was subsequently extinguished prior to entering the occupant area of the vehicle.
All three children were airlifted to U.F. Health Shands via life flight, where they were listed in critical condition. Two of the children, Lanard and Denard, were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, according to reports.
Investigators are now saying that two other drivers contributed to the accident by driving too fast. Trooper Umana has not been ticketed and remains on duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
One of the children is recovering and has been released, while two of them remain in the hospital in critical condition.
Drivers of the involved vehicles have refused to comment pending legal action against the FHP.
Wisconsin – Prosecutors say two 12-year-old southeastern Wisconsin girls stabbed their 12-year-old friend nearly to death in the woods to please a faceless mythological creature called Slender Man from a horror game, and stories they learned about from a website named creepypasta.com.
Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier were charged as adults with First-Degree Attempted Homicide Monday in Waukesha County Circuit Court; they each face up to 60 years in prison if convicted. A court commissioner set bail at $500,000 cash per child.
According to police, the girls had been planning to kill their friend for months and finally made the attempt in a park on Saturday morning, after a slumber party.
One of the girls told detectives they were trying to become “proxies” of Slender Man. They planned to run away to the demon’s forest mansion after the slaying, police said.
“I recognize their young ages but it’s still unbelievable,” Court Commissioner Thomas Pieper said during one of the girls’ initial court appearances Monday.
One girl held the 12-year-old victim down while the other stabbed her repeatedly in her arms, legs and torso. The victim was viciously and brutally stabbed 19 times; she sustained wounds to her heart, liver, pancreas, and stomach. One stab wound missed a major artery near her heart by a millimeter, doctors told police.
According to authorities, the girl is in serious but stable condition.
According to the criminal complaint, one of the girls told an investigator they began planning to kill their friend in December. The other girl told police they decided to kill her so they could become proxies of Slender Man, who would accept them and let them live with him in his mansion in the Nicolet National Forest.
Slender Man
The other girl said she sees Slender Man in her dreams. She said he watches her and can read her mind and teleport.
“It’s extremely disturbing as a parent and as chief of police,” Waukesha Police Chief Russell Jack said at a news conference ahead of the court appearances Monday.
According to the criminal complaint, the girls invited their friend to a slumber party on Friday evening, They planned to kill her during the night so they wouldn’t have to look into her eyes, one girl told police, and then run away. They decided to put it off, but the next day, during a hide-and-seek game in a wooded park, they attacked their friend with a knife. One girl told the other to “go ballistic, go crazy,” according to the complaint.
The victim began to cry and scream that she hated them as she stumbled away, one of the girls told police.
The girls left the victim lying in the woods because they thought she would be dead by morning. Amazingly, she was able to muster up enough strength and crawl to a road where a bicyclist found her lying on the sidewalk and called 9-1-1.
When police arrived she was able to give them the name of one of the girls who attacked her.
She was immediately rushed into surgery, police said.
One of the girl’s attorneys, Donna Kuchler, asked Pieper to remove reporters from the courtroom because she planned to get her client waived into juvenile court, however, Pieper refused.
Police say Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier have not shown any remorse and at times seemed to find the entire situation amusing.
The family of one of the girls reportedly sat “stone faced” during the court proceedings.
Police, whom say they are familiar with Slender Man, do not believe the game nor the stories found on creepypasta.com had anything to do with the pure hatred the girls displayed in the brutal stabbing.
A full statement from creepypasta.com was released on the front page of their website.
Both girls are due back in court on June 11 for a status conference.
Tyrannosaurus re-assembled – Photo provided by U.S Attorney Office for the Southern District of New York
Eric Prokopi, 39, a former Gainesville, Florida fossil dealer whom pleaded guilty in 2012 to smuggling Tyrannosaurus bones found in Mongolia into the United States was sentenced Tuesday in New York.
The charges that Prokopi faced actually carried a 17 year prison sentence, however, he will only actually serve three months.
Prokopi was living in Gainesville at the time he was charged.
Prokopi imported an entire Tyrannosaurus skeleton between 2010 and 2012.
Once completely assembled, the skeleton was sold for more than $1 million, the skeleton was eventually seized by the U.S. government and returned to Mongolia.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, also ordered Prokopi to serve three months’ community confinement and 100 hours of community service.
Hellerstein did not hand down the 17 year prison sentence because Prokopi agreed to meet with agents and representatives of the Department of Homeland Security as well as prosecutors in four offices, and provide information crucial to law enforcement that would assist in catching other dinosaur bone importers.
Prokopi’s defense attorney says the man power and tax dollars that are being used to track dinosaur fossil importers is absurd.
Since the investigation began, Prokopi has lost his wife (to a divorce), business, home and vehicle.
Daniel Rossell [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On June 1, 2014, Ocala Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call from an anonymous caller in regards to a man having approached her asking for help.
The caller told dispatch that the man had exited the woods in the area of the 300 block of NW 10th street, at the railroad crossing, and requested the caller dial 911. The man did not provide the caller with any other details.
Officers J. Forsyth and J.P. Hall were dispatched to the area, along with EMS.
Upon arriving on the scene, officers made contact with an individual that led them to a transient camp within the woods.
K-9 Officer G. King along with his K-9 partner “Kilo” arrived on the scene shortly thereafter.
While on the scene, Officer King was approached by a man, later identified as Daniel Rosselle, 60, of Ocala. As Rosselle approached K-9 Officer “Kilo”, he began chanting “puppy, puppy, puppy,” and appeared as if he was going to pet “Kilo.” Officer King advised Rosselle that “Kilo” was working and not allowed to be pet. Rosselle then took several steps backwards and acknowledged the officers statement.
Moments later, Rosselle started screaming, “puppy, puppy, puppy,” and leaned in to pet K-9 “Kilo,” which caused “Kilo” to begin barking aggressively as well as trying to pull away from K-9 Officer King. Rosselle was again warned not to approach k-9 Officer King or “Kilo” while they were investigating the 911 call.
Shortly after, it was determined that someone at the transient camp had suffered a heart attack.
While Officer King was speaking with EMS, Officer Hall observed Rosselle quickly approach Officer King and “Kilo” from behind.
According to reports, before Officer Hall could say anything, Rosselle reach out and grabbed “Kilo’s” tail and abruptly “jerked” it. Instantly, “Kilo” turned and lunged at Rosselle in an attempt to bite him. Officer King had to restrain “Kilo” to keep him from doing so. “Kilo” continued barking aggressively while trying to pull away from Officer King in an attempt to pull toward Rosselle.
Officer Hall immediately placed Rosselle In handcuffs. Rosselle told officers that [he] has “played with all kinds of puppies” and “he is not afraid of any dog.”
He was transported to the Marion County Jail and charged with Obstruction/Offenses Against a Police Dog.
Ocala, Florida — On Monday, June 2, 2014, at approximately 1:20 p.m., a three vehicle crash occurred in the 3200 block of E. SR 40 that ended in the death of one of the drivers.
Wallace Earl Wenzel, 78, of Ocala, was driving a 2004 silver Buick LeSabre when he pulled out onto E. SR 40 from the north side of the roadway – in front of the McDonald’s area – and into the path of another vehicle.
The vehicle travelling westbound, a 1997 Chevrolet Van driven by Gavin Horst, 30, of Ocala, “t-boned” the Buick.
Both vehicles went into the grass median in the center of the roadway; the Buick spun and continued out into the pass-through area between the grass medians and struck a 2014 black Mitsubishi Gallant, driven by Misty Guinn, 30, of Ocala, in the left rear.
Wenzel was trauma alerted and transported by ambulance to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he passed away later the same evening.
According to police, all drivers were wearing their seat belts when the crash occurred.
Horst and Guinn were not injured during the crash.
Ocala, Florida — On May 14, 2014, Ocala Post wrote about the deplorable conditions of the historical Evergreen Cemetery in Ocala, Florida.
The cemetery is Ocala’s first cemetery and a large part of history for Ocala.
According to the Historic Ocala Preservation Society, 10 years ago they arranged for volunteers to clean up and restore the cemetery even though it was and still is the responsibility of the city. The cemetery has not had any upkeep since that time.
Now, 10 years later, a group of volunteers have once again bailed out the city and taken on the responsibility of cleaning up the grossly neglected cemetery.
John Linnell, of Ocala, said he arranged the first clean up of the cemetery on May 26, 2014, after reading the story on Ocala Post that had been shared on another Facebook page. Also involved in organizing the clean up was Kristy Lennon and Catherine Wendell.
Volunteers came from all over Florida and sources told Ocala Post only three of the volunteers were from Ocala.
Click on photo to enlarge
“It is important because it is a part of Ocala’s history. Without some of the people that have been laid to rest at the cemetery, there may not be an Ocala,” said Linnell “After people read the story we all started to talk back-and-forth, by the next day the ball was rolling and volunteers were signing up.”
While the first clean up produced great results, there is still much to be done. The goal is to restore the cemetery to its former glory and show respect for those buried.
Click on photo to enlarge
Linnell says the next clean up is scheduled for June 8, 2014. Anyone willing to lend a hand is welcome to come out and participate, he said.
If you own a landscaping, fencing, grave marker, or lawn service business and would like to donate materials and or your time in restoring the cemetery, please contact John Linnell at linnell35@gmail.com or Catherine Wendell – also one of the organizers – at ocalaghostwalks@gmail.com or 352-690-7933.
Ocala Post did reach out to city officials including Mayor Guinn; however, Ocala Post did not receive a response.
Williston, Florida — Readers are urged to read the update on this story at http://bit.ly/1Rfg5em.
Dustin Heathman, 35, will face ten (10) counts of attempted murder on law enforcement officers.
This incident started around noon, Sunday, June 01, 2014, when Heathman’s father notified law enforcement that Heathman was living at a residence, located at 17161 N.W. 162 Terrace, Williston, Florida (Marion County).
According to the Marion county Sheriff’s Office, Heathman’s father told law enforcement there were warrants for Heathman’s arrest, and that Heathman was violent and had numerous weapons inside the residence.
MCSO units arrived and soon learned that a vehicle parked in the yard was stolen and a female was most likely inside the home with Heathman.
According to MCSO, a female exited the residence, but Heathman refused to do so. SWAT was summoned to the area shortly after.
Sheriff Blair said that as SWAT approached the home in an armored vehicle, Heathman fired an automatic weapon, hitting the vehicle at least eight times – striking both the driver and passenger side – and firing at least four times at SWAT members that were not in the vehicle.
Photos of SWAT vehicle that was struck by bullets after Heathman opened fire.
Law enforcement then exchanged gunfire. Heathman was injured by glass fragments, but he was not struck by any bullets. He was finally taken into custody after surrendering.
According to MCSO, Heathman’s injuries were not life threatening.
Additional charges are expected as detectives continue to collect evidence.
The female has been identified as Jennifer Brown, she will face a charge of Grand Theft Auto.
Heathman has previously been arrested and charged with: Felony Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Battery (multiple), Trespassing, Resisting Arrest, Public Brawling and Violation of Probation.
Law enforcement was not injured during the standoff.
Ocala, Florida — A civil jury has awarded $2.25 million to the family of Joshua Salvato in the wrongful death case against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Salvato was 21-years-old when he was shot and killed by Deputies Lauren Miley and Norman Brown on July 6, 2012.
Deputies had responded to the area of Sunset Harbor Road, Summerfield, Florida in response to a complaint about a man on the side of the road being loud and causing a disturbance. Antomio Romanucci, the attorney for Salvato’s family, says he does not believe that Salvato even matched the description of the suspect that was initially given to deputies.
Deputy Miley was the first on the scene, followed by Deputy Brown.
Salvato was shot following a short altercation with deputies.
The family says Salvato acted out of reflex after Deputy Brown punched Salvato in the face while [he] was getting up off the ground to run.
Romanucci says that Salvato was actually backing away from deputies when Deputy Miley pulled out her weapon and shot Salvato in the torso. Romanucci says after Salvato was shot, he was handcuffed and then tazed more than a dozen times by Deputy Brown while Salvato was lying on the ground bleeding to death.
Romanucci also says that the dashcam video does not match statements given by the deputies. He says Deputy Miley falsified reports in regards to what happened off camera in order to save her job and avoid criminal charges.
“In a situation like this, the best witness is a dead witness to a law enforcement officer,” said Romanucci.
Romanucci said, “Not only did the deputies use excessive and unreasonable force that caused the death of Salvato, they also violated his constitutional rights.”
According to Deputy Miley’s attorney, Walter Ketcham, Salvato eluded deputies by running away, and since he was still at the scene, Deputy Miley was afraid Salvato would come back – so she shot him. Ketcham said it is logical that Deputy Miley thought Salvato would come back to harm her.
Salvato was unarmed and did not have a criminal record when he was shot and killed.
Attorneys for the deputies fell short of calling Salvato a criminal, citing he had dropped out of high school and could not hold down a job.
Romanucci says this type of behavior should not be tolerated in today’s society. He says it is not OK for law enforcement to act as the judge and executioner; and [that] is exactly what Deputy Brown demonstrated when he continually tazed a man after he was on the ground handcuffed and bleeding to death.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office would not comment, but released the following statement:
“I have received the verdict handed down by the jury this afternoon and am currently reviewing the verdict in consultation with legal counsel. Given the potential for further legal proceedings involving this case, which events took place prior to my administration, it would be premature for me to comment on the verdict at this point. That being said, I thank both the judge and the jurors for their time and the professional manner in which they served in this matter,” Said Sheriff Chris Blair of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Ed Dean was the elected sheriff at the time the incident occurred. According to the family’s attorney, the sheriff’s office, while under the direction of Dean, did not investigate the shooting death of Salvato.
The jury said blame should be placed on the Sheriff’s Office for failing to do its job by not investigating this case.
During the trial it was also proven that Salvato most likely endured a lot of pain and suffering as he was being tazed while on the ground bleeding to death.
Vincent Salvato, father to Joshua Salvato, said the only thing he credits the Marion County Sheriff’s Office with is having the video that showed the truth as to how his son died. He said this case is just one of many reasons Marion County Residents no longer trust local law enforcement.
Family attorney Ted Leopold said officers take an oath to protect and preserve life, not take it and abuse the communities trust.
In 2012 a grand jury refused to indict Miley and Brown. Both deputies are currently on jail duty.
Leopold said this win is a huge victory for Salvato’s family as well as Marion County residents.
Polk County, Florida — At the conclusion of a four-day-long human trafficking/prostitution investigation, targeting online e-commerce sites related to men and women who were advertising to commit prostitution and who were soliciting others for prostitution, 98 suspects were arrested. Their charges ranged from Offering to Commit Lewdness in which the suspects either posted online ads, or answered online ads; to Aiding and Abetting Prostitution; Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution; Possession of Illegal Drugs; Child Abuse by Neglect; Felony Battery; Resisting; Traffic Offenses; and Violation of Probation.
The investigation was conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation was; Operation: “When Will You Learn.”
Of the 98 suspects arrested: (some suspects may fall into multiple categories)
24 were married
15 are on public assistance
16 suspects were arrested when they brought prostitutes to the undercover location;
28 suspects arrested were prostitutes;
52 suspects arrested were “johns” or those who wished to pay for sex from prostitutes.
2 other suspects were charged with other crimes — one was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia — the second was charged with No Valid Driver’s License and Violation of Probation.
And 64 of those arrested have been arrested over 448 times before.
Polk County has a zero tolerance for human trafficking. It is during undercover prostitution investigations that victims of human trafficking are identified.
On May 14, 2014, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the conviction of human trafficker 22-year-old Montavious Rakeem Postell of Orlando. Postell was identified during a 2013 PCSO undercover prostitution investigation in which a 15-year-old girl was arrested for prostitution.
After her arrest, PCSO detectives established a rapport with the juvenile and learned she had been given drugs, physically beaten and sexually abused. Detectives learned Postell had prostituted the young girl to adult men, forcing her to commit lewd acts for his financial gain.
Postell was sentenced to nine years in prison followed by five years of supervised sex offender probation.
During this last investigation, which began on Thursday, May 22, 2014, and ended on Sunday, May 25, 2014, two potential cases of human trafficking were identified. Due to the sensitive nature of these investigations, no additional information about the victims will be released.
Out of the 28 prostitutes arrested, 20 had criminal records that included 233 arrests comprising of 112 felonies and 165 misdemeanors. Of the 16 people who brought prostitutes to the undercover location, 15 had criminal records that included 92 total arrests comprising of 72 felonies and 67 misdemeanors.
“We’ve seen firsthand the negative social costs of how prostitution hurts families, children, and communities, including the spreading of infectious diseases. And more often than not, there is a high correlation between crime—illegal drugs, violent crime and property crime—and prostitution, and we see repeat criminal offenders engaging in sex for money,” said Sheriff Grady Judd of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Some of those arrested include:
44-year-old Michael Johnson of Orlando, a former police officer whom worked for the Orlando Police Department in the mid 1990’s. He attempted to recruit a female undercover officer to engage in prostitution with clients he would locate and take her to for 25% of the proceeds. He told the detective she could keep more if she had sex with him. He was charged with Deriving Support/Proceeds of Prostitution and Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Commit a Felony.
20-year-old Deanna Elimon of Jacksonville went to the undercover location to engage in sexual intercourse in exchange for $300. Elimon was driven to the location by John Alexander. In the car with Elimon and Alexander were two children Elimon had access to – a five year old and a one year old. Shortly after Elimon made contact with the undercover detective, Alexander left the children, who were sleeping in the unlocked vehicle and came to the undercover room and began to knock. Alexander was arrested. Detectives took custody of the children and discovered the one year old child was soaked in urine. Department of Children and Families was notified and the children were turned over to them. Elimon was charged with Soliciting Another for Lewdness, 2 counts of Child Abuse by Neglect, Possession of Cannabis, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Alexander was charged with Violation of Driver’s License Restrictions, Aiding and Abetting Prostitution, 2 counts of Child Abuse by Neglect, six counts of Violation of Probation (cocaine/sale/manufacture/delivery). On his Facebook page, Alexander listed his work as: “works at: staying out of jail.”
56-year-old Frank Portlock of Winter Haven, solicited an undercover female detective to have sexual intercourse for $100. Portlock listed his employment as a co-owner of the Chevrolet Center in Winter Haven. He was charged with Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution.
30-year-old Amber Gonzalez of Cape Coral, arrived at the undercover location with a 15-year-old girl from Miami to engage in sexual intercourse as a couple with a male undercover detective. The two were driven to the location by 31-year-old Ghassan Gonzalez. Ghassan Gonzalez told detectives that he works for “Girly Girls Escorts” as a driver and gets paid to drive girls to appointments. Amber Gonzalez and the 15-year-old girl was charged with Soliciting Another for Lewdness and Ghassan Gonzalez was charged with Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution.
25-year-old Jalil Hayes of Davenport, was at the undercover location completing an employment application when he made contact with an undercover female detective as she entered the location. Hayes asked the detective what she was doing there and when she advised she was working, Hayes requested her phone number and told her he would call after completing the application. After completing the employment application, Hayes solicited the undercover detective to pay her $40 in exchange for sex. Hayes advised he is currently enlisted in the National Guard stationed in Griffin, Georgia. He was charged with Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution.
33-year-old Justin Link of Davenport, responded to the undercover location after telling the female undercover detective that he was going to put her to work with his friends for sex in exchange for drugs as payment for her work. When Link arrived at the undercover location, he produced three small baggies of cocaine, dumping two bags into a line on the table and requesting the undercover detective to “snort a line” with him. Link brought a backpack that contained rope, duct tape, female lingerie, high heels, a mesh top, lace body stockings, camcorder, a red thong, two chain dog collars, and a vibrator. He was charged with Possession of Cannabis, Soliciting Another to Commit Prostitution, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Deliver, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
34-year-old Margaret Obasi of Rio Pinar Lakes Blvd., Orlando, travelled to the undercover location to commit prostitution with an undercover detective. She told detectives her husband (31-year-old Jamohn Mack of the same address in Orlando) brought her to the undercover location and knew about the prostitution. Mack told detectives he took photographs of Obasi so she could create an advertisement on Backpage.com. Mack also told detectives he took her to the undercover location so she could commit prostitution and that he would receive half the money Obasi would make. Obasi was charged with Soliciting Another for Lewdness (offering to commit prostitution), and Mack was charged with Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution, Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription.
36-year-old Yuval Barak of Nanuet, New York was arrested after he responded to the undercover location to engage in sexual intercourse with a female undercover detective in exchange for $80. Barak is a registered sex offender resulting from a New York arrest for statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl.
“Prostitution is not a victimless crime. We have found a direct nexus between prostitution and human trafficking – forcing a juvenile to commit lewd acts with adult men for financial gain is something we will not tolerate. One of our best tools to find, arrest, and prosecute traffickers is to conduct undercover prostitution investigations. Whether it is on the street or online, prostitution, and the crimes it attempts to disguise, is illegal and we will continue to investigate and arrest those involved,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.
Ocala, Florida — Five pit bull puppies that were stolen from an Ocala home and away from their mom last week, are still missing.
On May 21, 2014, Matthew Layfield and Ashley Ann left their home at approximately 1:30 p.m. When they returned at approximately 4:30 p.m., they found their home had been burglarized. The incident occurred in the 5700 block of SE 2nd Street, Ocala.
Thieves stole a Vizio flat-screen TV and five – two week old – pit bull puppies. The puppies are UKC registered and are valued at $6,000 ($1,200 each). The registration papers were also taken.
The suspect(s) may be someone that had recently expressed interest in the puppies.
A reward is being offered for the safe return of the newborn pups.
Anyone with information can call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP or submit a tip at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com
Remember to share, social media is a very powerful tool.
According to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, most of the people who reach for gluten-free products don’t have celiac disease and or even a sensitivity to wheat.
“The market for gluten-free products is exploding. Why? Because many people have bought into the hype that a gluten-free diet is healthier,” said Peter H.R. Green, MD.
In fact, it isn’t healthier. For people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is essential. But for others, “Unless people are very careful, a gluten-free diet can lack vitamins, minerals, and fiber that is essential to a persons health,” says Green.
Green says that it seems like just about everyone you “run” into claims to be gluten intolerant. However, only one percent of the U.S population suffers from celiac disease.
A gluten-free diet is nothing more than a fad diet and food retailers have made billions by capitalizing on the weakness of those so eager to shed a few pounds.
“While eating gluten-free is extremely important for those with celiac disease, it should be noted it is not an actual weight loss diet. Sure, going gluten free has its benefits of lowering inflammation and bloating, which by proxy will reduce a few pounds. However, many overweight people without a gluten sensitivity, should really consider a different approach to get results,” said Debora Donahue, ARNP-BC, CHT, owner of Symphony Healthcare in Ocala, Florida.
No one should be discouraged from trying a gluten-free diet, because many people say they have never felt better after doing so; but if you desire weight loss results, clinically, gluten-free is not the method that should be used.
Holes left in the window after SWAT deployed tear gas.
David E. Smith [DMV photo]Lakeland, Florida — On May 27, 2014, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive man-hunt for a suspect that killed three people earlier in the week.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2014, a 14-year-old girl arrived home from a weekend ROTC trip to find her mother, Danyala Smith 31, her moms partner, Miranda Mims, 28, and family friend Nikosi Williams, 25, shot to death inside the home. She told one of the chaperones, her ROTC Sergeant Major, what she found, and emergency responders were contacted.
The suspect was later identified as David E. Smith, 27, of Lakeland, Florida.
Detectives were told that Smith referred to himself as “Prince David” and was described as being delusional. Detectives were also warned that Smith should be considered dangerous due to the training that he had allegedly received in the military.
Detectives say that all three victims were shot sometime after 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
At approximately 2 p.m., May 27, 2014, Smith was located at a motel in Knox County, Tennessee by Knox County Sheriff’s deputies after Smith called 911 and confessed to the murders.
When deputies arrived, Smith refused to come out of the motel room. SWAT was then called to the area.
During the stand-off with SWAT, Smith stated that he wanted to commit “suicide by cop” and he fired two shots from inside the motel room, according to reports.
SWAT then deployed tear gas into the room and Smith eventually exited with a self inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Smith was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital where he died from his injuries.
Smith’s family says he was suffering from a severe case of PTSD due to serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, Smith had been previously committed for treatment of a mental illness.
The 14-year-old girl is now staying with other family members.
Jacob Fritz [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — The United Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) recently conducted a “Prostitution/John Reverse” Operation for the sole purpose identifying any person attempting to solicit prostitution.
During the operation, an undercover agent was approached by a male, later identified as Jacob Fritz, 22, in the 2300 block of South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida.
When Fritz approached the undercover agent, he told her that he was willing to pay $40 for a “blow job.”
The undercover agent then walked toward room #128 at the Shangri-La Motel, followed by Fritz. He was then placed under arrest.
According to reports, as Fritz was being handcuffed he stated that he had “weed” in his right pocket. Fritz stated that he intended to “smoke” it himself.
Fritz stated that he was driving home when he passed the undercover agent. After passing the undercover agent he decided that he wanted a “blow job,” so he approached her and asked if she wanted to “chill,” according to reports.
Fritz then drove to an ATM and later returned with $40.00 cash. That is when he approached the undercover agent and solicited her.
Fritz was transported to the Marion County Jail and booked on charges of Solicit for Prostitution and Possession of Marijuana.
Thomas Roberts [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — The United Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) recently conducted a “Prostitution/John Reverse” Operation for the sole purpose identifying any person attempting to solicit prostitution.
During the operation, an undercover officer/deputy was approached by a male, later identified as Thomas Roberts, 21, in the 2300 block of South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida.
Roberts and the undercover officer/deputy engaged in a conversation in which Roberts agreed to pay $25.00 for “p***y action.”
The undercover officer/deputy then directed Roberts to a pre-determined location where [he] was placed under arrest.
Roberts immediately admitted to being in possession of marijuana while being arrested.
During an interview, Roberts stated that he had passed the undercover officer several times before finally approaching her.
Roberts stated that he wanted to make sure that she was a “whore” because he has friends that are looking for “whores.”
It is unclear if Roberts was looking to recruit as a “pimp.”
Roberts was transported to the Marion County Jail and booked on charges of Solicit for Prostitution and Possession of Marijuana.
Kim Blanchette [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — Former Ocala daycare operator, Kim Blanchette, 46, was arrested on a warrant and booked into the Marion County Jail on May 27, 2014.
It all started on March 22, 2013, when Marion County Sheriff’s Detective Erik Dice responded to 21 NE 50th Avenue, Ocala, in reference to a child that had been transported to UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville with life threatening injuries.
When Detective Dice arrived on the scene, he learned that Blanchette was operating an unlicensed family daycare from her home.
Blanchette told Detective Dice that 20-month-old Ellis Padgett had fallen from a chair and hit his head on the floor.
Padgett later died from his injuries.
According to reports, Blanchette told authorities that she had operated the daycare for approximately 21 years. She stated that she failed to renew her license in 2010 due to health reasons. Blanchette told authorities that on the day of the accident she was caring for six children in her home.
During the investigation, Detective Dice learned that Blanchette could not renew her daycare license in 2010 because her husband, whom resided at the residence, had previous felony convictions.
On April 25, 2013, Department of Children and Families obtained a permanent injunction against Blanchette, prohibiting her from ever operating a family daycare.
A medical examiner determined that Blanchette was telling the truth about the 20-month-old’s fall, therefore the State Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges.
Blanchette was released on a $1,000 bond shortly after being booked on Tuesday.
She was charged with Public Order Crimes/Operating a Family Daycare Without a License (M).
Blanchette relocated to Beverly Hills, Citrus County, Florida shortly after the incident took place in her home where she was operating the unlicensed daycare.
Just a few examples of the many items available for pick-up.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, through the Evidence Division, is planning to reunite owners with their property.
The event is planned for 1-4 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2014 on the main campus of the sheriff’s office at the multi-purpose building, 3300 N.W. 10th Street, Ocala.
There will be more than 200 items on display. Most of the items are from burglaries. But, there is one case – with more than dozen pieces of property – that involved a citizen simply turning in found property.
Most of the 200 items were taken from homes and cars located in the southern portion of the county within the last twelve (12) months, however, one case is from 2012.
“We know some victims have simply given up hope of getting their property back,” said Judge Cochran, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer. “This is an opportunity to look through a huge collection of items to see if your property is there and you can take it home.”
All victims are asked to bring some paperwork that provides proof of ownership: photos, receipts, model and serial numbers. Detectives will be on location to help victims.
Cochran adds that some people have simply said “Oh Well,” upon finding out their property was stolen.
“We’ve made arrests in these cases and at this event, we are trying to return the property to rightful owners,” Cochran said.
Cosmic Event — Attention families, space geeks and insomniacs alike, the Earth is set to intercept a new meteor shower late Friday into Saturday.
Many forecasts show 200 to 1,000 meteors per hour between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday.
“We expect these meteors to radiate from a point in Camelopardalis, also known as ‘the giraffe,’ a faint constellation near the North Star,” according to Bill Cooke, who heads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office. “New meteor showers don’t come along that often. It will be the first time in a generation that a new meteor shower will show up.”
The shower would be spawned by debris from Comet 209P/LINEAR, which was discovered in 2004. It orbits the Sun once every five years, shuttling roughly between the orbits of Earth and Jupiter. A relatively close encounter with Jupiter in 2012 pushed the comet’s path closer to Earth.
If you’re having trouble seeing it, or if you want to join other amateur astronomers across the country as it happens, NASA’s website will host a live chat from 11 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. EDT Saturday, as well as offering a live view of the skies over Huntsville, Alabama.
NASA says the best viewing advice they can give is…look up.
Photo provided by AccuWeather, our partner in weather forecast.
