Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

U.S Citizens Hold Feds At Gunpoint Over Cattle Ranch

Ocala Post

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April 15, 2014

[Warning: Contains mild language and violence, viewer discretion is advised.]

Nevada — The truth behind the seizure of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s cattle is now crystal clear to some local officials.

The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) claimed that the use of 200 or more armed agents was because they were trying to protect turtles. However released documents revealed that the seizure was actually over a deal that Senator Harry Reid had secretly made with the Chinese in regards to solar development on the land that is valued at an estimated $43 million dollars.

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (R) criticized the BLM for its use of force and intimidation. He said the BLM stole 400 of Bundy’s cattle and herded them into corals.

Sandoval said, “The BLM then tried to coral protesters like cattle- it’s laughable.”

“This land belongs to the state, not the federal government, this situation reeks of corruption.”

When Utah residents announced they were going to travel to Nevada to stand by Bundy and help protect his ranch and cattle, Commissioner Tom Collins had a mouthful to say.

Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins then released this statement during a press conference,” All of you people from Utah are a bunch of inbred bastards. People coming from Utah to stand against the fed’s better have funeral plans. You should all turn your asses around and mind your own f***ing business.”

Collins’ statement sparked massive controversy throughout the state of Utah as well as across the country.

Piute County, Utah Commissioner Darien Bushman responded by saying, “Now there is some classy leadership for you.”

Bushman also said that Clark County Sheriff Douglas Gillespie was too spineless to exercise his jurisdiction and arrest the feds on charges of trespassing and grand theft.

Americans from all over armed themselves, united and stood their ground against the feds.

Feds had snipers on protesters and threatened to shoot anyone if they crossed the fence. Protesters and real life cowboys then called their bluff. Cowboys armed themselves and had snipers looking through their scopes at other snipers.

Bundy said,” This is America and we are no longer going to take the abuse from the federal government. We are going to arm ourselves to protect our land and our rights.”

A Clark County Judge said that citizens have every right to protect themselves from corruption and against the use of intimidation from the federal government. He went on to say that in reality, the BLM should not even be armed and the Sheriff could have actually disarmed them.

Ranchers asked,“How can the federal government justify the use of 200 armed men and all of the resources that were used to try and intimidate us when we have illegal’s crossing our borders all the time?” They went on to say that it is a sad day when the threat to shoot legal citizens over “turtles” takes precedence over keeping our borders safe.

Many have described the standoff as a scene from the movie ‘V For Vendetta.’ While others were calling it another Waco.

Ranchers said, “The corruption runs from the county commissioner’s all the way up to the Senator, and we have had enough. If the fed’s want to use violence and bring guns, we can speak that language too.”

“There were police sneaking up behind people and slamming them on the ground for no reason then laughing. It was not until police aggressively approached citizens and tasered someone from behind that things got out of control. The entire situation was recorded from beginning to end, this was done so police could not say it was only a ‘partial video,’ everything was recorded by Channel 8 News, infowars.com as well as many other media outlets.”

In a press conference on April 14, 2014, Bundy confirmed that several of his cattle had actually died as a result of the BLM’s actions.

Ocala Post attempted to reach Collins via phone, however, his office refused to comment.

The BLM also refused to comment and has since deleted material from its website that describes the land deal between the senator and the Chinese. A land deal that Senator Reid now denies.

Ocala Post was however able to obtain some raw video footage.

IRS Seizing Tax Refunds Of Children Of Deceased Parents

Ocala Post

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April 15, 2014

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IRS Seizing Tax Refunds Of Children Of Deceased Parents

Woodlawn, Maryland — The Social Security Administration announced Monday it is suspending a controversial program that goes after adult children of deceased taxpayers who the government claims were recipients of over-payments more than a decade ago.

Experts say that the agency overstepped its boundaries in a very large way and they should be punished, if not shut down entirely.

The program is three-years -old, and has now been halted while the program is reviewed, said Acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin.

The controversial program seized tax refunds in an effort to recoup the funds.

“While this policy of seizing tax refunds to repay decades-old Social Security over-payments might be allowed under the law, it is entirely unjust,” Democratic Senators Barbara Boxer of California and Barbara Mikulski of Maryland said in a letter to Colvin.

“On the eve of Tax Day, families preparing their budgets across Maryland and our nation are counting on refunds they are owed. Garnishing these refunds to collect over-payments incurred through no fault of their own and based on decades-old errors is a policy that must not continue,” said Mikulski.

“Just because the SSA and the IRS say it is legal, doesn’t make it so.”

The Social Security Administration says it has identified about 400,000 people with old debts. They owe a total of $714 million.

The agency said in a press releases that they have collected $55 million from family members of the deceased, children that are now adults and the disabled.

Many of the debts are more than 10 years old and a large portion of the money that has been collected is over-payments that were made to children more than a decade ago.

“We want to assure the public that we do not seek restitution through tax refund offset in cases when the debt in question was established prior to the debtor turning 18 years of age,” Social Security spokesman Mark Hinkle said. “Also, we do not use tax refund offset to collect the debt of a person’s relative — we only use it to collect the overpaid benefits the person received for himself or herself.”

Analysts say Hinkle’s statement is completely misleading and that the IRS has seized tax refunds for debts stemming from a parent that is now deceased by means of a child that is now grown.

For now the program is suspended, but The People want to know; when is enough, enough.

Open house party gets 5 arrested; couple claim they were arrested for a video

Ocala Post

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April 14, 2014

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Open house party gets 5 arrested; couple claim they were arrested for a video

[Warning: Video contains mild language, viewer discretion is advised.]

Ocala, Florida — On April 5, 2014, Deputy Lisa Azure and Deputy Newbanks responded to the 15600 block of SW 16th Avenue, in reference to a complaint about a large party.

According to the sheriff’s office, there were between 100-125 people at the party and a large bonfire was blazing in the back of the house near a structure. The fire department was also dispatched to the area, according to Captain Pistarelli of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

According to deputies, when they first arrived on scene they observed three people sitting in a car, all of whom were juveniles. All three juveniles were sitting in the vehicle rolling a “joint” and had cups that contained alcohol residue in their possession.

When asked where they got the alcohol, the juveniles replied, “You can pay $2.00 and get it from the house party,” according to deputies. All three juveniles were arrested and later released into the custody of their parents.

Captain Pistarelli said the road was very poorly lit and there were vehicles in the roadway that most certainly were a safety hazard to thru traffic.

According to Captain Pistarelli, 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 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 stated that Pomales was getting the crowd “revved” up.

Deputies indicated that Pomales also 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.

The deputies explained to Pomales that they were investigating a complaint of an open house party in which a cover charge was being collected, but Pomales insisted on arguing with deputies, according to reports.

Deputy Azure stated that she told Pomales several times to back away from deputies or he would be arrested, however Pomales would not listen.

Deputies said a large crowd began to form around the deputies. Deputies also indicated that several individuals in the crowd were screaming at the deputies. The crowd remained, despite deputies giving verbal commands for them to disburse.

According to Captain Pogue with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Pomales, prior to being approached and arrested, emptied his pockets then turned to his wife, Stacey Pomales, 26, handed her his wallet and phone and said, “record this.” Captain Pogue said it was as if he was planning on being arrested with the intention of having his wife record it.

At the time Pomales was being placed in handcuffs is when the video starts, therefore everything that happened prior to the recording cannot be seen.

Stacey continued to record as she yelled at Deputy Azure, demanding her badge number even though Stacey was not the person being arrested at that time.

Law Enforcement officials are not required to stop during an arrest or investigation to answer questions of bystanders or family members, especially if there is a potential threat of violence to law enforcement.

According to the Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission, 21′-25′ is the minimum safe distance a law enforcement officer should, at all times, maintain between a suspect and themselves in order to effectively and safely be able to respond to a threat. This minimum distance is referred to as the Reactionary Gap.

During the investigation deputies gave verbal commands to Stacey several times both on and off video, telling her to stand back, according to reports.

Captain Pistarelli said that Stacey kept leaning up against one of the deputies patrol cars even after being asked to stand back.

As Stacey was being arrested, in the video it seems as though she was just standing there, however, Captain Pistarelli said that was not the case.

“At the moment that Stacey was arrested in the video, she was actually leaning up against one of the patrol cars, even after being asked to disburse,” said Captain Pistarelli. “She was leaning on the patrol car and recording– completely ignoring the deputy’s directions.”

Stacey also jerked her arm away from Deputy Azure as she was being handcuffed, according to reports.

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.”

Ocala Post asked the Marion County Sheriff’s Office if the deputies prevented anyone from leaving the party; to which Captain Pistarelli replied, “Pomales indicated that deputies had stopped people from leaving the party but that is also a fabrication of the truth.”

“Deputies did not conduct any traffic stops while at the scene of the party nor did they prevent motorist from leaving. The only motorist that was spoken to, was simply asked to buckle up and then sent on their way,” said Captain Pistarelli. “At no time did deputies question any passerby’s about the house party or their involvement.”

During a recorded interview with Pomales, he indicated that he was left in the back of a patrol car with the windows up and the air-conditioning off. Pomales said he was sweating profusely. Gregg Jerald said the accusations are completely false.

Captain Pistarelli said, “The patrol vehicles emergency lights were activated, therefore the car would have been running and the A/C was on. If the car was not running and all lights were activated, the battery would have run dead very quickly, therefore deputies leave the cars running while emergency lights are activated.”

Ocala Post also asked the Marion County Sheriff’s Office if they felt that Pomales’ actions were financially motivated or if they feel [he] intentionally antagonized deputies.

Caption Pogue said, “It does appear that Pomales is a member of a group whose sole purpose is to antagonize and record law enforcement officials.”

Gregg Jerald said that during a recorded jail house phone conversation between Pomales and his friend, that money was mentioned.

[Jail Conversation]

When asked how the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to deputies in regards to the video; 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.”

Captain Pistarelli said, “We are taking this video, addressing the issues and making sure it is used as a training video.” Adding, “If you watch the video you will see that at no time did any of the deputies curse, or become verbally or physically abusive to anyone at the party.”

Gregg Jerald said, “The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has absolutely no qualms with any citizen recording one of our deputies so as long as it is done from a safe distance, does not interfere with a deputies ability to perform his or her duties to the best of their ability and does not interfere with an investigation.”

Captain Pistarelli said his best advice to the citizens of Marion County is that when a deputy is conducting an investigation, do not let someone in the crowd provoke the situation or influence your decision making. Interfering with an investigation is a quick way to get a charge for obstruction as well as it posing a safety concern for all parties involved, he said

Stacey Pomales was arrested and charged with Resisting an Officer/Obstruction Without Violence, she was released on $1,000 bond.

Jason Pomales was charged with Resisting Arrest, he was released on $500.00 bond.

The investigation in regards to the open house party in relation to alcohol being served to minors is ongoing. It is unclear at this time how the minors came to be in possession of the marijuana.

Father arrested for protecting his daughter speaks out

Ocala Post

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April 10, 2014

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Father arrested for protecting his daughter speaks out

Ocala, Florida — Daniel Pedalino, 48, of Ocala is now speaking out after being arrested on April 9, 2014 for allegedly threatening students at Hammett Bowen Elementary for bullying his daughter.

In nearly a two hour interview with Pedalino, he told Ocala Post that he is extremely grateful from the bottom of his heart for all of the support he has received from Marion County residents and some media outlets.

However, Pedalino said he is not impressed with the way this case has been handled by the arresting deputy, Deputy Simpson of the Marion county Sheriff’s Office, the state attorney’s office and school officials.

According to Pedalino, his encounter with the children at Hammett Bowen was incorrectly described in the arrest affidavit.

Pedalino said he went to the school as he has done in the past to have lunch with his daughter, and it was at her request. He said he sat and ate lunch with her and while he was eating he could see kids at the regular lunch table pointing and laughing.

The students were pointing and laughing because Pedalino has a deformity. He said he was born with a deformed right hand and he only has two fingers on that hand, which he barely has use of. He said during the entire lunch certain kids were standing up, pointing and clearly making fun of him as well as his daughter.

“Completely having no respect,” he said.

Pedalino said, “After lunch I exited the stage with my daughter and walked her over to her class. I was then approached by someone whom knows me and jokes with me when I visit the school, and told I could not be in that area. I said I was sorry and then I turned and addressed the children. I did not just get up, leave the stage and address the kids as Deputy Simpson claims in his report.”

“The public should also know that one of the bullies is the son of a law enforcement officer. The main bully at the table in fact. He is the one that was standing up and making hand gestures while I was eating with my daughter. School staff eventually walked over to him and said something to him,” said Pedalino.

According to Pedalino, when Deputy Simpson arrived at his home on the day of the incident he (Pedalino) greeted the deputy at the end of the driveway. Pedalino said the deputies demeanor was very rude and he clearly had a predetermined notion of what he wanted the outcome of the situation to be before he even arrived at his home.

Pedalino said that while Deputy Simpson was questioning him, he attempted to “trick” him (Pedalino) into stating his sole intention of going to the school was to harass and threaten the children. Pedalino said the deputy would ask the same question but in a different way, and he did that multiple times. Pedalino said he finally told the deputy, “Do not misinterpret the fact that my daughter asked my wife and I to have lunch with her at the school as we have done in the past…that’s it, period.”

Pedalino said, “I told the deputy ‘off the record’ that he was acting like my daughter was not the victim.” To which the deputy replied, “I am not your friend and I am not on your side.” Pedalino said the deputy also told him that nothing was “off the record” with him (the deputy). Pedalino said that the deputy made these statements less than 20 feet from his daughter.

“I also had to e-mail the sheriff’s office and ask for statements that were left out of the arrested affidavit to be included, because Deputy Simpson refused to include them. I had sent an e-mail that I wanted included as well, all of which I wanted as public record. Deputy Simpson was less than honest in his report,” said Pedalino

“During a phone conversation with Deputy Simpson he kept interrupting me and wouldn’t let me explain myself or get a word in. He kept talking over me as if I wasn’t even on the phone. Finally I told him to quit interrupting me and let me finish a sentence. Deputy Simpson then hung up on me.”

In a follow up report written by Deputy Simpson, he wrote, “He was getting upset, and during the conversation, I was trying to correct misinformation he had when he told me not to interrupt him again. Fearing the conversation was going to continue to be hostile in nature, I terminated the phone call.”

Pedalino said when he arrived at the jail after being arrested, the staff treated him like he should have known the routine. He said he was told, “You know the drill.” Pedalino said he told them he didn’t “know the drill” and would appreciate them not acting like he did. He said one of the corrections officers then told him that he “looked” like he “knew the drill” and “looked” like someone that is in jail often.

Pedalino does not have an arrest record, according the the Marion County Sheriff’s data base.

Pedalino told Ocala Post that this entire situation has opened his eyes into how the justice system treats people, all the way down to important facts intentionally being left out of police reports.

Pedalino’s daughter in an Honor Roll student and has never been in trouble at school. She has a perfect record.

Pedalino said after reporting the bullying he was contacted by Ms. Clifford, the school dean, via e-mail and told that she would address all parties involved. “However, instead of taking care of the situation, our daughter was ridiculed and accused of lying,” said Pedalino.

“I actually feared for my daughters safety after the e-mail,” he said.

Since his arrest, Pedalino has hired a private attorney.

Pedalino said, “I am very encouraged after the conversation I had with my attorney today, and I will be pleading not guilty; there is just too much dishonesty in this case.”

He said, “I keep excellent records, notes and have every e-mail that I need.”

“I have attended every single one of my children’s award ceremonies, and now, because of this situation I can no longer attend. I cannot go within 1000 feet of any school. I will fight this to the very end,” he said.

Pedalino said that his daughter is traumatized over the entire situation, but he is showing her support and assuring her that being bullied is not her fault nor is it her fault that he was arrested.

In a school that was named after Hammett Bowen Jr., a hero that threw himself on a grenade to save his own men, there is disgrace.

“Hammett Bowen Jr. is an American hero, and his name deserves better, it deserves to be on a school that will actually protect children from bullies, not allow it,” Said Pedalino.

Ocala Father Arrested After Trying To Protect His Daughter From Bullies

Ocala Post

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April 9, 2014

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Ocala Father Arrested After Trying To Protect His Daughter From Bullies

Ocala, Florida — On April 4, 2014 Deputy Simpson responded to Hammett Bowen Elementary school in reference to a disturbance on campus created by a parent of one of the students.

The principal of the school, Leanna Dixon, told Deputy Simpson that suspect Daniel Pedalino was at the school to have lunch with his daughter.

According to reports, while at the school, Pedalino’s daughter pointed out several students that had been bullying her to her father.

A witness said she saw Pedalino exit the stage where parents eat lunch with their children and approach the table where the other children were sitting.

The witness said Pedalino then said to the kids, “If you mess with my daughter, I will hunt you down.” The witness said she then approached Pedalino and told him he had to leave immediately, and that he could not talk to the children that way.

The witness said Pedalino then apologized to her and then turned to the children sitting at the table and said, “I will fu**ing hunt you down,” and then left the school.

According to reports, one of the children told Deputy Simpson that Pedalino’s daughter was being bullied. The child said that students always tell the girl she is fat and call her a monkey. The child said he did not hear what Pedalino said to the other children at the table.

Other children had different versions of what Pedalino actually said while addressing the table, according to reports.

Deputy Simpson met up with Pedalino at his home after leaving the school.

Pedalino told the deputy that his daughter as well as several other girls at the school are being bullied by the same group of boys.

Pedalino admitted to speaking with the children at the table and telling them to leave his daughter and the other girls alone, but denies that he ever said he was going to “hunt them down.”

Ocala Post was contacted by two parents whose child formally attended Hammett Bowen. Both parents told Ocala Post that they do not want their names released.

They told Ocala Post that their son was being bullied at Hammett Bownen to the point of being physically ill and not wanting to attend school in the mornings.

“He was being bullied by a large group of black kids,” they said. “The kids would spit in his food, put their fingers in it, call him a white fat fag and often times they called him a d**k sucker.”

“Many times he went without eating lunch,” they said.

They said that they went to the school as well as e-mailed teachers, but nothing was ever done about the situation. They said that when their son became withdrawn and un-focused in school, the school actually started placing blame on their son.

“We eventually pulled our son out of the school,” they said. “When he began to stop eating breakfast and cry in the morning we knew enough was enough.”

According to the parents, they began to home school their son. They said approximately 10 days after they withdrew him from public school two school officials from Hammett Bowen showed up at their doorstep. They said the school officials told them that they didn’t have the right to remove their son from school and home school him. They also said that the school officials demanded to speak with their son, but they refused.

“We told the officials why we were home schooling and about all of the bullying…but they didn’t seem to care,” they said. “We told them that while we were in car line at the school we had actually witnessed a horrible bullying incident.. but again, they didn’t care.”

“After about 10 to 15 minutes of arguing, I threw them off of my property, “the father said. “Our son has been in private school ever since.”

Ocala Post is awaiting an interview with Pedalino, however, we were able to speak his wife, Annemarie Pedalino.

Annemarie said, “We did go to the school about my daughter being bullied and the school acted as if it was just kids being kids.”

“My husband has been very active in anti-bullying and it is sad that it came to this.”

Annemarie said that her daughter was being called fat, monkey, as well as other names on a daily basis. She also said that there was an incident in which one of the bullies spit on her daughters desk.

Annemarie said she in no way feels it is a racial issue, but said it is a group of black kids that has been bullying her daughter. “I feel it is a lack of parenting on the other parents part, “she said. Adding, “My daughter is traumatized after being bullied non-stop, and the school is responsible for protecting her.”

“The school clearly mishandled this entire situation,” Annemarie said. “My husband was just a father being a father, and the situation got out of hand.”

Pedalino was charged with Disturbing Peace-Interfere with School Administration Functions and Simple Assault-Intent Threat to do Violence (X4).

Ocala Post reached out to the school board via e-mail, but a response was not immediately received.

Pilot Theodore Weiss and his plane, still missing

Ocala Post

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April 9, 2014

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missing plane, ocala news, marion county — Theodore Weiss and his plane

Citrus County, Florida — The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, along with assisting agencies, is searching for a missing plane that possibly went down in the Withlacoochee Forest on April 5, 2014.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the plane departed from the Dunnellon Airport in Marion County on this date. The pilot, Theodore Weiss, 74, of Zephyrhills has not been seen since.

Weiss was reported as not reaching his destination to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Monday afternoon, April 7.

Weiss was reported to be the pilot of an experimental fixed wing single engine plane.

16 hours ago, ground units for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office concluded their search for the day, however, aviation units continued looking for Weiss throughout the night.

Today, April 9, 2014, a full ground search for Weiss involving multiple agencies resumed.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and a myriad of other agencies will spend the day combing the area for the 74-year-old missing pilot.

citrus county, ocala news, missing plane — Commander Buddy Grant, along with Colonel Maurer with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office are talking to the media about the search efforts underway to find the missing man/plane out of Hernando County.

The Civil Air Patrol attempted to track Weiss’ flight after he was reported missing on April 7, 2014, and provided last known coordinates near Trail 10 in a portion of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Citrus County. Based on information provided by the Civil Air Patrol, Citrus and Hernando Counties began their search Monday evening over 40,000+ acres.

“This is an extremely difficult search,” CCSO’s Undersheriff Buddy Grant said Tuesday. “The terrain is rough and very dense and we have a very broad search area. Thanks to other agencies, we have assembled a huge team to help find Mr. Weiss. We’re in the air, on the ground utilizing ATVs, horses and foot patrol. We’re searching grid by grid and thankfully, the weather is on our side right now.”

More than 125 people reported to the command post at 4400 S. Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto this morning to receive assignments.

missing plane, ocala news, citrus county — Search party getting ready to head out.

The search includes 30 ATVs with Florida Wildlife Commission, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Sumter, Levy and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices, Posse members from Citrus and Hernando, helicopters from Citrus and Hernando and a fixed wing aircraft from both the Civil Air Patrol and the Florida Forest Service. Community Emergency Response Team members from Citrus and Hernando also joined the search.

[All photos courtesy of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.]

Anthony Woman Arrested For Aggravated Animal Cruelty

Ocala Post

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April 8, 2014

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Anthony Woman Arrested For Aggravated Animal Cruelty

Anthony, Florida — On April 7, 2014 the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a man in reference to his neighbor, Sherry Spears Wilemon, 66, shooting and killing his cat with a pellet rifle.

The man told Deputy Calvin Batts that he had not seen [his] cat “Smokey” since early Sunday Morning.

According to reports, the man ran into one of his other neighbors at the grocery store, at which time he learned that his neighbor had witnessed Wilemon shoot his cat.

Deputy Batts spoke with the witness, who stated that he was outside working on his boat when he heard what sounded like a pellet rifle “go off.”

The witness said that when he heard the shot he walked out of his shed to investigate and saw a grey cat in Wilemon’s driveway flopping around like it was injured.

The witness also told Deputy Batts that he saw Wilemon hiding behind a tree.

The witness said he was infuriated and was getting ready to approach Wilemon because he thought it was his cat. However he later found his cat in his shed unharmed.

According to reports, Wilemon left the cat suffering in her driveway for nearly 10 minutes as it flopped around meowing in pain.

The witness said approximately 10 minutes later he heard a second shot, and when he went to investigate he saw the neighbors son scoop up the cat with a shovel and carry it to the backyard.

Deputy Batts made contact with Wilemon’s son whom told the deputy that his mom had called him and said she shot something big and it was still alive. The son, whom lives next door to him mother, said he walked to her house and removed the cat which was still alive, to the backyard. Once in the backyard he said he “put the cat down” then buried it.

Wilemon said she shot the cat because she thought it may have been getting into her trash but didn’t mean to hurt it.

According to neighbors, this is not the first time that a cat in the neighborhood has sustained serious injuries.

Deputy Batts observed an injury that had already began to heal on another cat belonging to the man that was consistent with it being shot with a pellet gun. Wilemon said she did not recall shooting the mans other cat.

Due to the excessive suffering and cruel death that the cat endured, Wilemon was arrested and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty.

Abortion Bill Passes Second Senate Committee

Ocala Post

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April 8, 2014

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Abortion Bill Passes Second Senate Committee

Tallahassee, Florida – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Tom Lee (R- Brandon), passed Senate Bill 918, which advances Florida’s protection of the unborn.

“Florida’s laws must keep pace with changes in medical technology,” said President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “As a matter of public policy, I believe the bar should be set high for elective abortions involving viable unborn children.”

Sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R- Miami), Senate Bill 918 maintains Florida’s current prohibition on third trimester (24 weeks) elective abortions, but requires that a physician, prior to 24 weeks, using his/her medical judgment, determine the viability of the child prior to an abortion procedure. SB 918 also provides medical exceptions to protect the mother if the termination of pregnancy is medically necessary during viability. The bill requires medically necessary abortions during viability be performed in hospital to protect both the mother and unborn child.

The United States and Florida Supreme Courts have ruled regulation of elective abortions constitutional when the child has achieved viability. Representative Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach) has filed the companion bill, HB 1047, in the House.

1st Annual Kids With Cancer Benefit Golf Tournament

Ocala Post

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April 7, 2014

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1st Annual Kids With Cancer Benefit Golf Tournament

Teco Gas Employee Threatened With Knife

Ocala Post

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April 7, 2014

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Ocala, Florida — A Teco gas employee was checking a gas line at an unoccupied building in Berkshire Oaks where he parked his Teco truck at the rear of the building when he was threaten with a knife.

According the Ocala Police Department, he walked to the front of the building to get the address and when he returned to his truck there were two black males and one white male waiting for him.

One of the black males asked for money and when the Teco employee said he didn’t have any, the other black male pulled out a tiny folding knife, pointed it at the employee and said, “you better find some money.”

The Teco employee then pulled out a much larger knife and said, “I will defend myself,” at which time the suspects fled on foot.

Reportedly, the white male did not speak during the encounter.

The black male that brandished the knife is described as 5′ 09″, short hair, black shirt and black shorts, wearing an Oakland Raiders ball cap with sunglasses.

The second black male was described as 5′ 09″ with dreads to his shoulder, white T-shirt and blue shorts with sunglasses.

The white male is described as 5′ 10″ with short brown hair, white T-shirt with baggy jean shorts, gold teeth, “half sleeved” arm tattoos and wearing sunglasses.

If you have any information you can call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368stop. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

All tips can be completely anonymous.

Homeless guy murdered mom

Ocala Post

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April 7, 2014

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Crystal River, Florida — On April 5, 2014, shortly after 3 p.m., Citrus County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an area behind Farmer’s Furniture in Crystal River, which is a known homeless camp, in regards to a domestic incident.

Deputies were searching for Benjamin Dick, 23, in reference to an aggravated battery where his brother was stabbed. Deputies had been actively searching for Dick since the previous evening after the incident was reported to law enforcement.

While at the homeless camp, deputies received a tip about a murder that had recently occurred. When detectives arrived on scene a witness told detectives the defendant, Dick, killed his mother and buried her in a shallow grave. Deputies searched the area surrounding the homeless camp and found what appeared to be a grave.

Based on several witness statements, detectives say the night before, Dick, along with Shannon Parker, 28, also a homeless man, were drinking with Dick’s mother, along with other witnesses at the camp site. Dick and his girlfriend had an argument and Dick began choking his girlfriend. Detectives say Dick’s mother then made some derogatory statements towards his girlfriend. Dick then started to attack his mother and the struggle led to an area behind a tent and then into a ravine. Dick strangled and also stabbed his mother several times, killing her.

Dick’s girlfriend sustained non-life threatening injuries.

After an extensive excavation, detectives found the body of Jennifer Brooks, 42 years old, mother of Benjamin Dick, in the area near the camp site. Dick was arrested on several charges including 2nd Degree Murder of his mother. Shannon Parker was arrested for his role in disposing of the body and charged with Accessory After the Fact as well as Witness Tampering.

On April 6, 2013, detectives were still processing the scene and conducting more interviews with witnesses. Commander Buddy Grant says he doesn’t know what would drive a son to kill his mother. “Our job now is to put a good case together for the State Attorney’s Office and to make sure we bring justice to this victim.”

Although detectives continue to investigate, if you have any information on this case, call 9-1-1 or you can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.

Man Punches Two Kids In Face At Church

Ocala Post

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April 7, 2014

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Ocala, Florida — On April 6, 2014 multiple deputies responded to chaotic scene at St. Johns Catholic Church in reference to a battery, and were met by a group of people that spoke limited English.

According to a witness, he (the witness) had exited the church and saw Hector Francia, 42, punching two juvenile victims.

Authorities say that Francia was heavily intoxicated and wanted to leave the church, however the juvenile victims wanted to stay.

Reports indicate that after the juveniles expressed to Francia that they wanted to remain at church, [he] became angry and punched the boy victim in the face and then turned and punched the girl victim as well.

According to reports, Francia then entered the church to retrieve his car keys and fled the scene.

A translator was used to verify statements of the victims.

Deputies located Francia and his vehicle at his residence, however he refused to speak with deputies.

Francia was instructed several times by deputies to exit his residence, but he refused.

Francia was eventually placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail.

He was charged with Aggravated Child Abuse and Domestic Battery.

Francia remains booked into the Marion County Jail on a $500 bond.

Summerfield Plane Crash Kills Two During Movie Filming

Ocala Post

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April 7, 2014

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Summerfield Plane Crash Kills Two During Movie Filming

marion county, plane crash, ocala post — Photo provided by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Summerfield, Florida — A plane crash in Summerfield, Florida that killed two people, is now under investigation.

On April 6, 2014 Deputy Jarrett Leedy responded to the 1700 block of SE 145th Street in reference to a plane crash.

Upon arrival, Deputy Leedy located a small single engine plane that had crashed. Upon inspection of the plane Deputy Leedy noted that there were still two people in the plane, both deceased.

The two deceased males were later identified as Pilot Dennis Monroe, 65, of Summerfield and Passenger Joseph Sardinas, 70, of the Villages.

The area was quickly established as a crime scene and the area was taped off with crime scene tape.

Deputies McLain and Roberts arrived on the scene and began assisting in the processing of the crime scene.

According to reports, the plane was being flown by Monroe in the production of a zombie movie being filmed in Marion County. Sardinas (the passenger and cameraman) was on-board to film the pilot.

According to reports, the plane stalled during a banking maneuver then slammed nose first into the ground.

Today, April 7, 2014 a member of the National Safety Board is expected to arrive on the scene in order to examine the wreckage and possibly determine the cause of the wreckage.

The investigation is ongoing.

Ocala Man Wanted; Public’s Help Needed

Ocala Post

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April 4, 2014

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ocala news, ocala post, marion county — Jon H. Wadkins

Ocala, Florida — An arrest warrant has now been issued for an Ocala man on a charge of sexual assault on a child.

18-year-old Jon H. Wadkins is now wanted and on the run after the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office notified the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that Wadkins sexually assaulted a child while she was in Marion County.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Wadkins.

If you have any information about Jon Wadkins please call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-7867. Text tips to 274637 using keyword 368stop. Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

All tips can be completely anonymous.

Facebook has been a very powerful tool in the past, like and share to flush this criminal out.

To the Editor: High Springs Florida city attorney makes threats

Ocala Post

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April 4, 2014

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To the Editor: High Springs Florida city attorney makes threats

High Springs, Florida — The Police Benevolent Association was made aware of new allegations directed at Chief Steve Holley in a press release issued by the High Springs City Manger this morning. It appears that the City has opened an internal investigation into allegations against Chief Holley with regard to conduct associated with the performance of his duties as Chief of Police. The nature of internal investigations into allegations of misconduct is such that preclude public comment, specific to these issues, in an effort to preserve the elements of what should be an unbiased investigation. To that end, the PBA will reserve any comment specific to these allegations until the conclusion of the investigation and the release of its findings are made public pursuant to Florida Statute.

Allegations are just that, and should be treated with unbiased scrutiny until such time as corroborating or exculpatory evidence is uncovered. We would urge the public and the media not to pass judgment regarding these allegations until such time as the investigation is completed and its findings released. Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to the preservation of the rights and due processes afforded to all citizens through the Constitution and state laws. They themselves are also entitled to those same protections.

Additionally, I can also confirm that this morning I personally received a letter, dated March 21, 2014, from the High Springs City Attorney which read, in part, “…This letter is written to you to demand that you immediately cease and desist any further public statements regarding the activities of the City of High Springs, City Manager Ed Booth and City Attorney S. Scott Walker, Esq.”. Additionally, the letter claimed that my previous press release statements regarding the termination of Chief Steve Holley were “an attempt to disparage or otherwise defame [Mr. Walker], this office, and the City Manager.”, and was signed “Govern yourself accordingly”. Given the threatening tone and content of the aforementioned letter, I personally find the timing of the City’s most recent press release suspect at best.

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Brandon C. Kutner, President

North-Central Chapter

Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

300 E Brevard St

Tallahassee, FL 32301

(850) 222-3329 or (352) 317-8263

Increased Punishment For Sex Offenders In Florida Signed Into Law

Ocala Post

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April 4, 2014

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Increased Punishment For Sex Offenders In Florida Signed Into Law

Tallahassee, Florida — On April 1, 2014, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bills 522, 524, 526 and 528, which substantially strengthen protections against sex offenders. Protecting Florida’s most vulnerable from sexual offenders is a joint priority during the 2014 Legislative Session for Florida Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel), who both attended the bill signing ceremony.

“With the stroke of Governor Scott’s pen, our state today sent a strong message – Florida is scorched earth for all those seeking to harm our children,” said President Gaetz. “This bill takes historic steps to better protect the most vulnerable among us. Now prosecutors, police, parents and communities will have the tools to effectively investigate and prosecute sexual offenders, making it less likely these vicious criminals have the opportunity to slip through the side door and re-offend.”

Increasing Protections Against Sex Offenders

Senate Bill 522 by Senator Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring) creates an “arrest notification program” to notify DCF when an offender, previously held at the Florida Civil Commitment Center, is arrested and convicted of either a misdemeanor or felony. The bill further requires the state attorney to refer the rearrested offender for civil commitment. The legislation also allows members of the multidisciplinary team that currently evaluate offenders considered for civil commitment to consult with a state attorney, a law enforcement officer, and victim’s advocate. Additionally, SB 522 expands requirements for DCF release notifications to include the sheriff of the county in which the offender intends to reside as well as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Senate Bill 524 by Senator Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) requires a person be defined as a sexually violent predator and be subject to civil confinement after a finding by two or more members of a multidisciplinary team, and requires higher education institutions to tell students about a sexual predators presence on campus.

Senate Bill 526 by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) increases the length of sentences for certain adult-on-minor sex offenses and also prohibits incentive gain-time for offenders convicted of certain sex offenses. The legislation suspends (tolls) post-release supervision of offenders while in Department of Children and Families (DCF) custody as part of the civil commitment process and requires the court to order community supervision (split sentences) after release from prison for certain sex offenses.

Senate Bill 528 by Senator Greg Evers (R-Baker) makes a number of changes to the sex offender registry requirements. The bill creates a process for relevant agencies to be notified of an order granting a registrant’s name change petition and for informing FDLE and law enforcement agencies when a registrant whose name was legally changed fails to meet requirements for obtaining a replacement driver license or identification card. The bill also requires a registrant to report specified information on vehicles the registrant owns and vehicles owned by a person who resides at the registrant’s permanent residence, Internet identifiers (prior to their use), palm prints, passports, professional license information, immigration status information, and volunteer status at a Florida institution of higher education. SB 528 also requires registrants who are unable to secure or update a driver license or identification card with DHSMV to report any change of residence or change of name within 48 hours after the change. Further, the bill requires registrants to report information regarding their intention to establish a residence in another country.

Now that the bills have been signed, it is up to local government, judges and the state attorney to educate themselves.

Phone Scam Alert For Ocala

Ocala Post

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April 4, 2014

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Ocala, Florida — A new scam warning for Ocala residents that begins with a phone call.

The pitch: “You have just won a new Mercedes and $3.5 million in cash.” The caller will be very convincing and say something like, “In order to collect your money and your car you must first pay the taxes required by law.” The caller may use other techniques to try and convince a victim that a fee has to be paid in order to collect the winnings as well.

A woman in Ocala was recently scammed out of $10,490 when she wired the money to a location in Sunrise, Florida after being notified she had won a contest.

According to reports, by the time the Marion County Sheriff’s received a call from the woman, it was too late.

If you receive any calls from someone requesting money, it is best to simply hang up unless you are 100 percent certain of whom you are giving money to.

If you know a scammer has made contact with you, you can log onto www.ic3.gov and report it. ic3.gov is the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

If you have been the victim of a scam you can contact your local law enforcement agency.

Remember, if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

Florida teachers could soon be armed with guns and open carry

Ocala Post

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April 4, 2014

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Tallahassee, Florida — On Wednesday, April 2, 2014, a bill which would allow Florida teachers to carry loaded guns in classrooms took a huge step forward.

The new bill will allow trained school teachers, principals or volunteers to carry weapons.

According to reports, there have been 44 school shootings in the U.S since the Sandy Hook massacre. Since December of 2012, not including Sandy Hook, 28 people have died, 37 seriously injured, and many others emotionally scarred.

Many Democrats oppose the bill.

Eric Holder and President Obama issued a warning in January, to all U.S schools, citing that they (the Obama administration) want teachers to go easy when disciplining out-of-control children, namely blacks and Hispanics. (click to read this full story)

So here is the question everyone is asking: Would armed teachers in schools really make a difference?

Statistically, the answer proves to be yes.

For instance, Arkansas, where teachers are now known as guards and are permitted to carry 9mm handguns, has had zero incidents since the policy was enacted. While there is strong opposition from the left, Florida teachers say that teachers in Utah have been carrying concealed weapons in schools for more than a decade now. The state has never had a mass shooting in its schools and has never had an accidental shooting or problems with students getting their hands on a teacher’s gun.

“Their schools are the safest and the kids are more behaved than that of students in Florida Schools,” said one Florida school official.

School officials in Utah said that budget cuts do not always permit school resource officers and that, they cannot always count on a reasonable police response time. Therefore, school officials felt it was necessary to require teachers to carry weapons.

Many states feel that “Open Carry” for teachers is the best policy.

The Department Of Justice conducted a massive survey among convicted felons. The survey asked: What deterred criminals more, armed victims or the police? The results were stunning. More than 57 percent of felons polled that criminals are more worried about confronting an armed victim than they are about the police.

Researcher Gary Kleck proved that 92 percent of criminal attacks are deterred when a gun is presented by the victim or in plain sight to criminals, without a shot ever having to be fired. Open carry has been proven time and time again to deter crime. States that have open carry such as Alaska, have an extremely low crime rate.

The gun debate is not anything new. It has been in the spotlight since the early ’80s. In 1982, Atlanta suburb Kennesaw passed an ordinance that required all households to have a gun. The residential burglary rate subsequently dropped 89 percent in Kennesaw, compared to the modest 10.4 percent drop in Georgia as a whole.

Thirty years later, the residential burglary rate in Kennesaw is still 72 percent lower than before the ordinance was passed. Proving that when criminals know a citizen is armed, they will not proceed. It mirrors that old joke, “criminals will never rob a doughnut shop because that’s where all the cops are.”

HB 753 would give school districts the option to appoint one or more people to carry a concealed weapon.

The bill doesn’t just give guns to teachers. Each district would appoint one or more person per school. Any person appointed would need to obtain a concealed weapons permit, pass a federal background check, and complete training classes.

While the bill is not for open carry, many residents say it is a start.

With many parents today not disciplining their children, leaving everything up to a teacher and allowing the Xbox to act as a babysitter, responsible parents say that change is definitely needed.

Experts say that a lack of parenting is a huge factor in the way children act today, but parents fail to see to correlation. School officials said that if more parents would take an active role in their children’s lives instead of leaving everything, including parenting roles up to teachers, then our society would be a much better place.

The next step for this bill is another committee hearing before the bill reaches the House floor.

We want to hear from you.

Do you think armed teachers will help in preventing or detouring school violence? Leave your comments below or visit this topic on Facebook.

Loud Music Gets Two Brothers Arrested

Ocala Post

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April 3, 2014

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ocala news, marion county, ocala post — Eric Brooks (Left) Clifford Brooks (Right)

Ocala, Florida — On April 2, 2014 at approximately 9:15 p.m., Lieutenant Turner and Deputy Terrell were parked in the 5700 block of NW 219 Street Road and could hear extremely loud music.

After approximately 30 minutes Lieutenant Turner and Deputy Terrell responded to the location in which the loud music was coming from.

Eric Brooks, 35, and other persons in the yard were asked to turn the music down that was coming from Brooks’ vehicle. Brooks was explained the laws that concern loud music and were warned to keep the volume down, especially since there is an assisted living facility within the vicinity.

Around 10:30 p.m. the music started again and was equally as loud if not louder than it was when Brooks was warned, according to reports.

Lieutenant Turner and Deputy Terrell again responded and as they pulled up Eric Brooks quickly shut the music off. Brooks was sitting in his vehicle alone.

Eric Brooks was at that time placed in the back of the patrol car.

According to reports, as Deputy Terrell was gathering vehicle information a huge crowd formed and bystanders began shouting and cursing at the deputy.

Clifford Brooks, 32, Eric Brooks’ brother, then approached Lieutenant Turner and got within inches of his (Lieutenant Turner’s) face and began yelling while staying directly in his face.

Eric Brooks was told one time to walk away but he refused.

Clifford Brooks was then arrested and placed in the back of the patrol car with his brother.

Both brothers were heavily intoxicated and reeked of marijuana, according to reports.

Eric is a convicted felon previously charged with Cocaine Possession, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Marijuana and Attempted Robbery.

Clifford Brooks is also a convicted felon previously charged with Aggravated Battery with Intent to Cause Great Bodily Harm, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (firearm), Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm and Grand Theft. Clifford has been arrested in both Marion and Alachua County.

Clifford was charged with Resisting Arrest Without Violence and Eric was charged with Breach of the Peace.

Suspicious Death Of Veterans Now Under Investigation

Ocala Post

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April 3, 2014

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Suspicious Death Of Veterans Now Under Investigation

Tallahassee, Florida — In light of recent reports of injuries and deaths to veterans at federal Veterans Affairs hospitals, earlier this week Governor Rick Scott called for the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to take immediate action to shine a light on the processes of federal Veterans Affairs hospitals in Florida.

The investigation officially began today and the Agency attempted to complete an onsite review this morning at West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.

Liz Dudek, Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration said, “This morning, two surveyors went to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center at 10:15 a.m. and were escorted out around 11:15 after being declined the opportunity to review any records at that time. They were told an official response would be provided from the VA’s national office in Washington D.C.”

The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center was less than cooperative with authorities, a clear indication that the hospital is covering up information that lead to the untimely deaths of multiple patients.

Multiple cancer patients have reportedly died because of delays in diagnosis or treatment through the network and many others hurt. Family members of the deceased have been left with unanswered questions. Many asking why veterans have been neglected and allowed to die after serving the United States of America.

Hospitals in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are under investigation.

Federal officials have refused to say in which hospitals the deaths occurred.

“Florida’s veterans who have so bravely fought to defend and protect our nation deserve quality health care, and I am disappointed in the federal government’s lack of transparency to this point,” said Liz Dudek. “We look forward to hearing back from the VA very soon so we can continue the dialogue about how the Agency can review their processes so any shortcomings can be promptly identified and addressed.”

The investigation comes just days after Senator Don Gaetz marked the signing of the Florida GI Bill, which is aimed at making Florida the most military friendly state in the nation.

The investigation is ongoing.

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth