Ocala, Florida — In October 2013 Ocala Post reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi had drafted a letter to Chief Justice Polston in an attempt to have the language in an amendment regarding the legalization of medical marijuana discredited, she said, “it is misleading,” however her attempts to failed.
On Monday, January 27, 2014 the State Supreme Court upheld the language in the amendment aimed at legalizing medical marijuana, allowing it to move forward and be placed on the upcoming November ballot.
Most law enforcement agencies are opposed to medical marijuana being legalized, but experts argue that marijuana is safer than alcohol, and acts as a wonder drug for cancer patients.
Legalizing marijuana is on the political agenda for Former Governor Charlie Crist. Crist, an attorney with the Morgan and Morgan Law Firm, plans to run for Governor during the 2016 election. Florida Ag stands firm on their feeling that supporters want to legalize marijuana for more reasons than just that of a medical use. Charlie Crist denies it is for his political agenda.
Tracy Bickford
Tracy Bickford, who lives in Pasco County, Florida, and came to Ocala over the weekend to collect signatures, told Ocala Post she started collecting signatures for medical marijuana to be placed on the November ballot back in October of 2013. She said, “My father is a retired police officer who has bone cancer and is in a great deal of pain, I watch him make frequent trips to the hospital for chemo treatments and blood transfusions, yet he refuses to try marijuana. He looks at it as just a drug.” She went on to say, “Out of all the literature I have read on medical marijuana, I know it will help him, but he won’t listen, so I started collecting signatures in order to help others.”
“I have heard so many amazing stories about how other people have been helped with different illnesses by using marijuana. It has been an experience of a lifetime collecting the signatures, many of which came from Ocala,” said Bickford.
Bickford added, “Ocala has shown great support and I just wanted to say; thanks Ocala, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Bakersfield, California — Adam Christopher Vega, 30, of Bakersfield, was arrested late Friday in Bakersfield after being charged in a seven-count federal indictment alleging that he and four co-conspirators trafficked in methamphetamine and marijuana, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jay Fitzpatrick and United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
The superseding indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in Fresno on January 16, 2014, charges Vega and co-defendants Baltazar Castaneda Garcia, 23; Jesus Manuel Peraza Ruiz, 54; and Robert Anthony Canchola, 26, all of Bakersfield, with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Those four persons and Eduardo Ortega Chavez, 32, of Oakland, are also charged with conspiring to manufacture and distribute marijuana.
According to court documents, Vega was the owner of the California’s Best Cooperative Inc., a medical marijuana dispensary in Bakersfield during the time he was allegedly trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana. Court documents indicate that the defendants trafficked in marijuana and other controlled substances between Kern County and Oakland where defendant Chavez maintained a marijuana grow operation.
In October 2013, Ruiz was stopped in Bakersfield with approximately six pounds of methamphetamine concealed in his vehicle as he was returning from Southern California. Garcia and Canchola are also charged with possession of methamphetamine and manufacturing marijuana in connection with substances that were seized during searches at three residences in Bakersfield on January 8, 2014, including two that contained indoor marijuana grow operations.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Kern County Probation Department. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
Vega will make his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Bakersfield today. Defendant Ruiz was previously ordered detained in this case. Defendants Garcia and Canchola are temporarily detained pending a detention hearing today at 1:30. An arrest warrant has been issued for defendant Chavez.
If convicted, Vega, Garcia, Ruiz and Canchola face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. If convicted, Chavez faces a maximum statutory penalty of five to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Orlando, Florida — There have been more than a dozen hotel robberies in the Orlando area since December of 2013. The latest robbery occurred on January 23, 2014, at approximately 3:30 a.m., at the Red Roof Inn on I-Drive.
While police would not release the total amount of cash that has been stolen, they did say they do not have any suspects or leads. Officials said they do know it is three armed men wearing ski masks and they might be driving a tan SUV.
The men have hit hotels in Orlando, Davenport, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, and Maitland; the men may also be responsible for restaurant robberies in the area.
Hotel clerks are being asked to report anything suspicious, and report anyone that looks suspicious. Officials said it is better to be safe than sorry.
A 10,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the capture of the armed robbery suspects. If you have any information, you are urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
Arthur McDonald [Mugshot]Silver Springs Shores — Much like Marion Oaks, Silver Springs Shores (SSS) has its share of criminals who prey on hard working citizens in the middle of the night.
Silver Springs Shores residents can now rest a “little” easier as a criminal responsible for string of burglaries, is now behind bars.
Detectives Aaron Levy and Brandon Spillman with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating multiple car burglaries in the SSS area since December of 2013.
On January 23, 2014 deputies responded to the area after a neighbor saw someone outside with a flash light and called 911.
When deputies arrived they located Arthur McDonald, 21, of SSS. In the past deputies had not been able to locate McDonald, he would disappear before they arrived, and now deputies know why. McDonald informed deputies that he lives in the area and knows the streets well.
McDonald admitted to at least 17 car break-ins in the area, stealing thousands of dollars in property from victims. He said he started his crime spree around Christmas, which coincided with the time detectives began their investigation.
McDonald was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
He was booked on 17 charges, 12 of them felony charges for Burglary to an Unoccupied Conveyance.
[Updated on January 27, 2014, at 11:43 a.m. to include booking photo]
Ervans Saintclair
West Palm Beach, Florida — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested Greenacres Police Officer, Ervans Saintclair, 37, for intentionally having unprotected sex with multiple females while being infected with HIV.
After dating a woman for nearly a year, and having had sex with her multiple times, Saintclair advised her he had just learned that he had HIV.
Authorities say Saintclair was caught in a lie after another woman told his girlfriend that she had found LabCorp paperwork in the home that she and Saintclair lived in together. The paperwork showed that his blood was drawn years prior to the first woman dating him, and he had already tested positive for HIV.
The woman was unable to press charges due to the Statute of Limitations expiring; however, she provided detectives with a list of names of other women that Saintclair had sex with.
On January 6, 2014, detectives made contact with one of the women, at which time they conducted an interview with her. The woman told detectives that she and Saintclair did have unprotected sex, as well as oral sex numerous times. She said that Saintclair never informed her that he was HIV positive. The woman signed an affidavit and plans to prosecute.
Detectives conducted a recorded phone interview with Saintclair and he denied having HIV, but bragged that he has had sex with multiple women.
On January 9, 2014, Broward County Judge Geoffrey Cohen, approved and signed a search warrant for the medical records of Saintclair. The records were obtained and they did confirm that Saintclair tested positive for HIV in April of 2010. However, on January 13, 2014, another woman came forward and said Saintclair had told her he found out he was HIV positive during his physical examination to be hired on to the Greenacres Police Department in 2007.
On January 15, 2014, Judge Kastrenakes signed a search warrant for Saintclair’s medical records maintained by the City Of Greenacres, and a search warrant was signed on January 16, 2014, for medical records to be obtained from the doctor that performed Saintclair’s physical. City records showed that Saintclair’s blood work was abnormal in April of 2007, but he was cleared by the doctor in a letter that read, “There are no known pathologies that would impede Saintclair’s work as a police officer.”
The warrant was signed on January 16th, and as the investigation continued, detectives found more troubling details.
Detectives said on May 4, 2007, one month after Saintclair was hired, he went to a follow-up appointment with his doctor. It was at that time he was told repeatedly that he was HIV Positive and must take precautions. The doctor noted in her report that Saintclair was told that if he were to have sex with anyone, it had to be protected sex.
Based on those findings, detectives concluded that Saintclair unlawfully had unprotected sex with women knowing he was infected with HIV.
Saintclar was charged with a first-degree felony and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.
Detectives fear there may be more women who Saintclair has infected, and victims are urged to come forward. If you have had sex with Saintclair, you may be at risk. Please call Detective Mike Sclafani at 561-688-4133 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS. Saintclair may have ties with women in multiple cities and counties in Florida, and possibly New Jersey.
This is the second time in three months that a person in Florida has been charged with having unprotected sex while being infected with HIV. Additionally, on January 19, 2014, BuzzFeed reported that a Missouri college student, Michael Johnson, not only had sex with women while he had HIV, but he videotaped it as well.
While there has not been a federal law passed, some states have adopted laws to protect innocent women, as well as men, from sexual partners who feel they do not have to disclose to their partners they have an STD.
In California, if a person has sex with another person and neglects to tell that person they have an STD, it is a misdemeanor; for HIV/AIDS, you could actually be charged with attempted murder or eight years in prison. New York (the first state to actually convict someone) and Florida, as with California’s law, make it a misdemeanor for STDs other than HIV/AIDS, such as HPV and could bring a sentence of up to one year in jail with hefty fines. In Georgia, doctors might actually call the partner to inform them about the other person if they test positive, as state law mandates.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office refused to release Saintclair’s photo.
Ocala, Florida — A private screening for GMO OMG is being held at the Marion Theater in Ocala, Florida. The event is free to the public but seating is limited, so they are asking that people RSVP to (Dana Wyrick) at danablogsit@gmail.com or by calling 417-773-7760. VIP seating is available to anyone who makes a donation of $25.00 or more.
You may be asking yourself: What is GMO? It is actually a very important as well as controversial topic, especially among farmers and those who care about their children and what they put in their body.
Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are created when a gene from one species is transferred to another, creating something that would not be found in nature.
A large percentage of domestic crops (up to 85% of soybean yields) have DNA that was tweaked in a lab, yet it is nearly impossible to know which food items contain these genetically engineered ingredients due to the lack of labels on the foods that contain GMOs.
The Monsanto Company is a leading producer of genetically engineered (GE) seed and of the herbicide glyphosate, which it markets under the Roundup brand. Monsanto has also threatened to sue any organization or person that speaks ill of their practices, and have been very out spoken against the countries in which they have been banned.
In Japan, a modified bacteria created a new amino acid not found in nature; it was used in protein drinks and before it was recalled, it caused severe mental and metabolic damage to hundreds of people as well as several deaths. Japan banned GMOs after the horrific experience. Monarch butterflies have also died after injesting their favorite food, milkweed, after it was cross-pollinated from Bt-Corn (Type of genectically modified corn) which rendered the milkweed toxic to the endangered species.
GMO’s have been ban in dozens of countries, however the Obama administration has embraced GMOs in the United States, refusing to ban it or require food labels to disclose that a product contains GMOs.
If you would like to know more on GMOs and be a part of the private screening for GMO OMG, you can view the flyer below for show times. For all other inquiries please use the information provided above.
Scott Sanders [Mugshot]South Ogden, Utah — Police have now released the dash cam video of a dangerous fugitive that was arrested earlier this month.
According to reports, Sergeant Trent Olsen and Officer Scott Brown pulled over a vehicle and during a conversation with the driver they realized there was a wanted fugitive sitting in the back seat.
The suspect, Scott Sanders, 30, had been on the run for several weeks, and the police department had recently made Sanders a priority. When police realized Sanders was in the vehicle they knew he was considered armed and extremely dangerous, and he could potentially be a threat to them as well as the other passengers in the car. Olsen immediately radioed for backup.
Reports indicate that there were four adults and five children between the ages of two and eight in the car, which made the traffic stop very tense once they realized Sanders was in the vehicle.
During the stop police asked the driver turn off the vehicle and that’s when things turned violent. Police said Sanders became agitated and began telling the driver to take off. Police tried to remove the keys from the ignition at which time Sanders jumped from the backseat to the front seat and grabbed the officer’s arm then returned to the backseat and began reaching for the floorboard.
Officers said they tried to subdue Sanders by using a taser, however the taser didn’t seem to faze him. After officers fired the taser at Sanders he jumped out of the car and a fight ensued. According to reports, police noted that it was quite a fight, and that Sanders continued to fight until he was finally overpowered and handcuffed.
Police can also be heard in the video telling a citizen that had a dog to back up before they get arrested.
The police officer that was most involved in the traffic stop said that his worst fear was that Sanders would initiate a gunfight with those children in the car.
Chief Darin Parke said, “In my 20 years of working with Olsen I have never heard that kind of language come out of his mouth, which tells me he must have been extremely terrified of what could have happened.”
A search of the car turned up a loaded weapon on the floorboard where Sanders had been reaching, a meth pipe and heroin needle.
Officers believe Sanders was under the influence of a narcotic at the time of his arrest.
Sanders was transported to the Weber County Jail and charged with, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstruction, Resisting Arrest With Violence, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Child Endangerment.
The driver of the vehicle was also arrested for aiding a know fugitive. The man seen getting out of the car and walking away is still wanted for questioning as he is believed to have warrants for his arrest.
The children were not physically harmed during the altercation, although counseling was offered.
Julio Garcia [Mugshot]Polk County, Florida — Detectives arrested Polk County Deputy Sheriff Julio Jose Garcia, 26, on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, charging him with Unlawful Compensation/Reward for Official Behavior, Use/Display of a Firearm while Committing a Felony , and Falsifying an Official Record/Document by a Public Servant.
Sheriff Grady Judd said, “We conduct extensive background checks on our deputies prior to hiring and training—including polygraph examinations and psychological testing. Despite our best efforts, on rare occasions an employee will disappoint us and the communities we serve. When they do, we will hold them accountable for their actions. We will not tolerate this kind of outrageous conduct by someone sworn to uphold the law and protect our citizens. When we learned of the first allegation, we immediately initiated an investigation, sought other possible victims, and then conducted undercover surveillance. Garcia is not worthy to wear the Sheriff’s Office uniform and he never will again.”
According to the arrest affidavit, the charges stem from separate allegations made by two women who had been arrested by Garcia. The two women told investigating deputies that Garcia propositioned them to expose their bodies or allow him to touch their bodies in exchange for preferential treatment. The firearm charge is related to Garcia wearing his agency firearm at the time of the alleged conduct.
The first allegation was made on November 4, 2013, during an interview about an unrelated investigation. The woman told the detective that she had been propositioned by Garcia while she was under arrest. Garcia led the women to believe that if she showed him her vagina he would allow her to go free. The woman stated that she pulled her shorts to the side and showed Garcia her vagina. Afterwards Garcia transported her to the jail. When confronted with the first allegation on November 5, 2013, Garcia told deputies that he wanted to have a lawyer present and that he did not want to speak to deputies about the allegations.
Continuing to investigate, detectives began reviewing interactions Garcia had with other women arrested by him. One woman contacted by investigating deputies on January 2, 2014, told a similar story to the one told by the other woman. Garcia asked to look at and touch her in exchange for letting her go. The woman said that Garcia stuck his hands down her pants while he was searching her for contraband and patted her vagina. The woman said he then drove to an abandoned building, removed her from the car, and told her to unbutton her jeans. The woman said as soon as she did, Garcia stuck his hands in her pants and massaged her vagina and anus for about 15 seconds. She said Garcia then told her to button her pants back up, at which time he placed her back in the patrol car and transported her to the jail.
PCSO detectives conducted undercover surveillance of Garcia on January 5, 2014, and January 9, 2014, while he was on duty working in a patrol function. Undercover detectives discovered that Garcia left his assigned area numerous times while on patrol without a request to his supervisor or documenting that he had left his assigned area. Garcia later falsified official records by stating that he had patrolled certain areas at certain times when he was observed by deputies conducting surveillance to be elsewhere.
Garcia was suspended on Friday, January 17, 2014, pending termination procedures. Garcia was given the opportunity to resign, but he refused.
Garcia was hired by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in August, 2011. His salary was $40,252.
Jerome Lamont Hill [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — A man has been released from jail after he was arrested following a high speed chase.
On January 17, 2014 Deputy Porcelli was running radar in the 12500 block of East Highway 40 when he saw a vehicle heading westbound traveling at a high rate of speed. The posted speed limit on that section of road is 55 MPH. Deputy Porcelli activated his radar and it registered the moving vehicle at 70 MPH.
Deputy Porcelli turned his patrol car around, activated his emergency lights, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop on said vehicle.
After Deputy Porcelli stopped the vehicle and exited his patrol car, the stopped vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed. Deputy Porcelli returned to his patrol vehicle and began pursuit of the fleeing vehicle with lights and siren blazing.
During the chase the driver of the fleeing vehicle dangerously began to pass other vehicles on the roadway. Deputy Porcelli reached a maximum speed of 120 MPH, but the fleeing vehicle continued to pull away.
According to reports, it wasn’t until the fleeing vehicle cleared the Ocklawaha Bridge then slowed down to approximately 70 MPH that Deputy Porcelli was able to gain some ground on the vehicle.
Deputy Porcelli waited for all traffic to clear and once the vehicle had slowed to a safe speed, Deputy Porcelli performed a successful Pit Maneuver on said vehicle, according to reports. By this time Deputy Hunt had caught up to Deputy Porcelli.
According to reports, both Deputies exited their patrol cars and ran up to the vehicle as it continued to roll backwards. Deputies said there was a black male in the front passenger seat, a black female in the rear passenger seat behind the front passenger, and a black male in the rear passenger seat behind the driver’s seat. The driver’s seat was empty.
After several verbal commands with no response from the suspects, deputy Porcelli was forced to use his baton and break out the driver’s side windows of the vehicle. Deputy Hunt then put the car in park to prevent it from rolling backwards.
After the vehicle and passengers were secured, the female passenger told deputies that during the Pit Maneuver the Driver, Identified as Jerome Hill, 32, jumped into the back seat. Video play back confirmed the passengers story as you can see the man with the Yellow shirt appear in the back seat during the Pit Maneuver.
The front seat passenger refused to answer any questions.
Deputies found a plastic baggie containing Methamphetamine and a white pill, and a plastic baggie containing Marijuana. The drugs were found in the exact location where Deputy Porcelli initiated the Pit Maneuver.
It was determined that Hill did not have a valid driver’s license. Records show that Hill has had his license suspended 11 times, and has several unpaid fines.
Hill complained of neck and back pain during his arrest, he was taken to MRMC where he was cleared with no injuries.
Hill was transported to the Marion County Jail, but was released after posting a $10,500 bond.
Ocala, Florida — On January 22, 2014, at approximately 3:56 p.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 3900 block of Southeast Lake Weir Avenue, after CSX train operators called and said they believe they had struck a person on the tracks.
After arriving on the scene, it was determined that the train had hit 21-year-old Anton J. Burden of Ocala.
Detectives said Burden was walking on the tracks with his headphones in his ears. The train operator told detectives that he saw the man and blew the train whistle, rang bells, and attempted to brake. All attempts to warn Burden were unsuccessful and the train collided with him.
Burden was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives said that according to people they spoke with, it was Burdens’ normal routine to walk home along the tracks.
Officials warn that it is never a good idea to walk on or near railroad tracks, and it is especially dangerous if you are wearing headphones.
CSX has extended their deepest sympathies for the family.
Trevin Jackson [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — A high speed chase that put deputies and Marion County residents in danger ended with one arrested and two on the run.
Trevin Shaquille Jackson, 21, is still behind bars after he led deputies on a high speed chase on January 15, 2014.
K-9 Deputy Collins attempted to stop a grey Dodge after noticing the tint on the vehicle was extremely dark. After Collins activated his emergency lights, Jackson refused to pull over and continued traveling north on SW 12th Avenue.
During the pursuit Jackson stopped his vehicle for a brief moment, allowing two passengers out of the vehicle, at which time the pair fled on foot. Jackson then continued to recklessly flee from Deputy Collins at a high rate of speed. With sirens and lights blazing, Collins maintained the pursuit.
Jackson finally stopped his vehicle, opened the driver’s side door and bailed out of the car, fleeing on foot.
Deputy Collins began to yell K-9 warnings to Jackson, however Jackson continued to run. Collins then released K-9, Sig, and Sig was able to apprehend Jackson approximately one block from where Jackson had stopped his vehicle.
A search of Jackson’s car turned up several baggies that tested positive for cocaine. Additionally, razor blades that had cocaine residue on them were also found.
Jackson is a six time convicted felon. Jackson first had a run in with the law at the age of 19 (2012) when he was arrested and convicted of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. In 2013 he was convicted of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill. His other charges include Possession of Cocaine (multiple), Battery, Resisting Arrest (multiple), Fleeing and Eluding (multiple), and Driving while License are Suspended or Revoked (multiple).
Jackson is currently being held without bond. He received eight stitches for his dog bite wounds.
The tint on Jackson’s car tested darker than the legal limit, he was issued a warning for the tint.
Information on the two suspects that fled on foot is not available at this time.
Deputy Tortora’s patrol car towed in after the engine stopped and would not restart.
Ocala, Florida — Oblivious, outrageous, insane, out of their minds– Just a few words that were recently used to describe Marion County, Florida, Board Of County Commissioners (BCC) after public safety was portrayed as a joke by the BCC.
After being denied a budget increase for new patrol vehicles by the BCC, the Marion County Sheriff’s office turned to Facebook, posting pictures of their worn driving range, worn vehicles, and vehicles that have broken down during calls for service. According to the Sheriff’s Office, in the past six months, 57 vehicles have been towed back to the Sheriff’s Office. In one instance a deputy was stranded and out of service for more than an hour, therefore increasing response time.
Many of the departments patrol vehicles have close to 200k miles of actual drive time on them, the mileage does not account for idle time. According to Ford Motor Company, and the EPA, 10 minutes of idle time is equivalent to five miles.
Terrain also has to be taken into consideration. Many of the rural areas in Marion County contain lime rock and dirt roads, all of which play a part in wearing down a vehicles suspension as well as the engine.
Ocala Post spoke with several independent mechanics of whom all agreed that when a vehicle spends more time in the repair shop, racking up parts bills and man hours, it becomes more cost effective to replace that car. Two of the mechanics, who wish to remain undisclosed, told Ocala Post that the average car is not driven nearly as hard as a patrol vehicle, therefore 200k miles on a vehicle driven with the intensity of a patrol car could easily meet the equivalent of 300k-400k miles, including idle time. Adding, patrol cars are not driven like grandma would drive the family sedan.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office maintains that by continuing to force deputies to drive unsafe vehicles, it is a tragedy waiting to happen. Citing, vehicles cannot remain in the shop on a daily basis, patrol vehicles must remain on the roads.
Marion County Commissioner, Earl Arnett, said if the Sheriff’s Department wants more money for vehicles they should shut down the jail and turn it over to a privatized company. Corrections Corporation of America is who Arnette is referring too.
Corrections Corporation of America is a company that preys on county jails and prisons when budget issues become a concern. CCA has been accused of mistreating inmates, mistreating employees, falsifying internal investigations, violating civil rights, falsifying hours that are reported to the state in which they are running a prison or jail, and have been the center of a major FBI investigation. Many of the allegations against CCA have proven to be true, yet the company remains in business. Corrections Corporation of America has been referred to many times as, “The New World Order.”
The Marion County Jail just scored 100 percent on a recent inspection and is rated as having one of the lowest food costs of any jail due to the operation of the inmate work farm; something that officials say privatization of the jail would undermine. Additionally, Arnette’s theory of closing down the jail in order to use the funds for new vehicles would not work. As Commissioner Kathy Bryant has bluntly pointed out in the past, funds cannot be taken from one side and used for another; sort of like robbing Peter to pay Paul. In other words, county jail funds cannot be used to fund shortages in other areas of the Sheriff’s Office, such as for new vehicles.
County Commissioner Carl Zalak said, “If they are so worried about deputies breaking down on the way to a call, or getting injured during a pursuit, then maybe the deputy should take five minutes and meet at a jiffy store to switch cars with a deputy that has a newer vehicle.”
Zalak’s theory could work if deputies were on an assembly line in a factory. Deputies do not punch out at shift end, if a deputy is in the middle of a call or in pursuit at the end of their shift, they wouldn’t just turn off the emergency lights and call it a day. Deputies finish the last call including paperwork prior to going home to get sleep, just to start their 12 hour shift all over again. Essentially a patrol car is a deputies office. It does not seem likely that Zalak would pack up and switch his office every day.
Liz Walker wrote, “Five minutes at the Jiffy store to switch cars during an emergency or hot pursuit, really? Mr. Zalak, that’s a joke right? If you are serious I’d love to know how you would personally feel or react if there was a home invasion happening at your house with your wife and five kids.”
David Snyder wrote, “This makes it very clear that it is time to change these commissioners. It is time to make them unemployed. I have seen brain dead in my life but to make asinine statements like switching cars takes the cake. What a joke, but the joke is on we the people who rely on the protection of our Sheriff Department and to the brave men and woman who deal with the county trash day in and out. It makes you wonder whose interest this Commission is serving because it is not the law abiding people of this county.”
Chief Latorre, with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office told Ocala Post, Zalak fails to realize that patrol cars are driven for 12 hours straight. Even if vehicles were able to be shared, that would mean a vehicle would be driven for 24 hours straight; doubling the mileage and the wear and tear.
Ocala Post spoke with MCSO’s Fleet Management Director, Bill Boss, and he said, “A duty vehicle will easily wear out at 150,000 miles. People do not realize that law enforcement vehicles must be overhauled and not just repaired in order to keep them safely on the road. This includes transmissions, rear ends, cooling systems, not to mention suspension and tires.”
“When one thing is fixed something else breaks. Say the radiator and hoses are replaced, then the next day the water pump seizes up, or the heater core is replaced then the manifold begins to leak.” He added, “Light bars and sirens are also an essential part of a patrol car. It is not just a warning for someone to pull over, but also to alert other drivers and pedestrians, and many times the lights and sirens stop working because they are so old.”
Last year the MCSO spent $47,386.82 just on transmission repairs and $500,486.12 on auto parts alone. These numbers do not reflect the dollar amount spent on man hours. $500,000 in repairs that could have been used to purchase new vehicles, outweighing repair costs.
Records show that the BCC allows county non-emergency fleet vehicles to be replaced as soon as they show signs of wear, and rarely force county workers to drive non-emergency vehicles with over 150k miles. The county uses a point system to replace non-emergency fleet vehicles; the same point system that is used nationwide by most law enforcement agencies. According to a national study, a vast majority of law enforcement agencies take their patrol cars out of service between 90K and 120K miles, with an average of 103K miles. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office requested that the BCC show the Sheriff’s Department the same courtesy in allowing them to use the same point system, but the BCC denied their request. According to the Sheriff’s Office, If they were entitled to use the same point system that Commissioners use to gauge replacement status on non-emergency county vehicles, the Marion County Sheriff’s office would be replacing around 150 patrol cars.
70 percent of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars have over 100k miles, many well over 150k; the highest percentage in comparison with Osceola, Lake, and Volusia counties.
Marion County residents have turned to Facebook by the hundreds expressing their disappointment in the BCC, many proclaiming they will not vote for the same group that currently hold the positions. And many stating the BCC clearly cares more about land development than that of public safety.
While it is unclear if the BCC has a personal vendetta against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, or if public safety is just not a concern of the BCC, one thing is clear; the future of the current commissioners is not looking good for re-election while they continue to put the lives of Deputies and Marion County residents at risk.
Tallahassee, Florida — The Agency for Health Care Administration’s proposed regional implementation schedule for Managed Medical Assistance (MMA), part of Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program, was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Implementation for MMA will begin May 1—on the heels of the Long-term Care program rollout, which will go live in the final regions on March 1, 2014.
“The Agency deliberately created a timeline that would not overwhelm our systems and ability to assist recipients with choosing the plan they want while still being rapid enough to ensure continuity of care and sufficient network access as the discontinued plans wind down,” said Agency Secretary Liz Dudek. “Having our Managed Medical Assistance schedule affirmed is a welcome advancement toward our goal of implementing all of SMMC by the end of 2014.”
In general, the rollout will happen in a sequential manner, with 2-3 Medicaid regions going live each month from May to August. The schedule will have the MMA program active statewide by August 1, 2014. Once complete, the transition to MMA will result in more than 83% of Florida’s 3.5 million Medicaid recipients being enrolled in a managed care plan for acute care.
Approved MMA Implementation Schedule
Regions
2, 3, 4
5, 6, 8
10, 11
1, 7, 9
Go-Live Date
5/1/2014
6/1/2014
7/1/2014
8/1/2014
The SMMC program was designed to:
emphasize patient-centered care, personal responsibility and active patient participation;
provide for fully integrated care through alternative delivery models with access to a broader range of providers and services through a uniform statewide program; and
allow for innovation in reimbursement methodologies that can increase predictability and generate cost savings.
For more information about Statewide Medicaid Managed Medical Assistance Care you can view and print this PDF.
For the Medicaid Long-Term Care Program you can view and print this PDF.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for a disturbance that began in the Marion Oaks Subdivision on January 16, 2014.
The victim says he picked up his live-in girlfriend and mother of his two children, Renee M Briggs, 23, at a residence inside of Marion Oaks. Once inside the vehicle she began yelling and screaming various rants at him. The yelling and screaming continued once they arrived at the victim’s home.
According to reports, while inside the residence Briggs and the victim continued to yell at each other. During the verbal argument, Briggs began slapping and punching the victim in the face and chest repeatedly, and grabbed him by his neck and tried to choke him. Reports indicate at one point Briggs lunged at the victim and latched onto his chest with her teeth, biting down hard.
The victim stated that he was able to retreat to the kitchen at which point Briggs followed, grabbed a cooking pan, and hit the victim in the head with it.
The victim told deputies he then pushed Briggs away from him and she fell to the floor.
After she fell, the victim said he left the house and called 911.
Deputy Azure noted that the victim did have fresh scratches and bruising around his neck, chest, and hands. Reports also show the victim had a bite mark on the right side of his chest.
A witness that had entered the house after she heard yelling and screaming, witnessed the victim backed into a corner and being hit in the head with a frying pan by Briggs.
Briggs fled and hitched a ride with a neighbor. The neighbor stated that Briggs did not have any marks on her but she was crying.
Briggs later called the MCSO and said that the victim had hit her repeatedly and she had witnesses to back up her story.
Upon arrival at her Marion Oaks residence, Briggs told Deputy Azure that the victim had hit her in the head with his hands repeatedly but never made mention of the frying pan. Deputy Azure interviewed the witness who stated that he did see Briggs get into the car but the victim was not hitting Briggs. Briggs said, “That’s not true, he is changing his story because he said he saw him hit me.” The witness replied, “No, I told you to get off my property, and I closed and locked my door.”
Deputy Azure then asked Briggs what happened with the frying pan, at which time Briggs changed her story and said the victim hit her with a frying pan not his hands. Reports indicate that Briggs did not have any marks on her body, neck, or hands.
Deputy Azure noted that Briggs appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic at the time she interviewed her. Deputy Azure also noted that Briggs could not sit still, had erratic behavior, and was very fidgety.
Briggs stated that she only called law enforcement after she heard that the victim had called. Briggs was arrested on January 17, 2014 and charged with Domestic Aggravated Battery(Felony). As of January 21, 2013, Briggs was still being held at the Marion County Jail.
Reports did not indicate if the children were home at the time of the incident.
Briggs was also arrested in 2012 for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Central Florida — Bright House Networks announced that it has begun working to transition to an all-digital format in its Central Florida service area.
With all-digital delivery, Bright House Networks said its customers will enjoy enhanced digital picture, sound quality, and access to even more great programming choices at no additional charge.
Starting February 2014, Bright House Networks will enhance their network by transitioning analog channels to an all-digital TV signal.
In order to view Bright House Networks programming in the new all-digital format, customers will be required to have either a Digital Box or a Digital Adapter installed on each television in their household. To make this transition easier, Bright House Networks will offer its Central Florida customers up to two Digital Adapters at no additional charge until January 2015.
The Bright House Networks Digital Adapter is a small device that connects directly to the television and allows customers to view all the channels they currently enjoy, plus gives them access to channels and features that are not accessible without a device, including more High Definition (HD) channels.
Bright House Networks said the digital transition is part of the company’s commitment to providing its customers great value, high quality service and innovative products, while meeting the technology demands associated with expanding its network. Central Florida is the first Bright House Networks service area to undergo the transition.
All TVs will need some type of digital device. If you have a digital device such as a cable box, Digital Adapter or cable card connected to your TV, you don’t need to take any action for that TV. If not, you will require a Digital Adapter or a cable box.
Bright House Networks said to avoid unnecessary interruption, customers are urged to order the digital equipment as soon as possible.
Customers who need to obtain Digital Adapters can do so by calling 1-855-877-4911 for home delivery by mail at no additional charge. Bright House Networks Digital Box includes additional features and channels and is also available for an additional charge.
Volusia County, Florida — A robbery suspect is now under arrest in Volusia County after firing shots at Deputy John Vedder of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
On January 15, 2014 the Kangaroo Express located at 1701 N. Volusia Avenue, in Orange City was robbed and Dominic Jorgensen-Cloutier,16, was the main suspect in the robbery.
During the investigation it was learned that Cloutier frequented the 800 block of W. Lansdowne Avenue due to his girlfriend living in the area. According to reports, Orange City Police received a tip that Cloutier may be hiding at his girlfriends house, which is in the Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction. It was also relayed to investigators that Cloutier had made the statement, “he would not be taken by cops without a fight.”
The Sheriff’s Office and Police coordinated with one another and moved on the house around 9 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2014. When authorities arrived on the scene Cloutier ran and hid behind a shed in the backyard. Deputy John Vedder along with his K-9 partner, Rudo went into the backyard in an attempt to track the teen. Vedder saw a shadow near the shed , at which time he said, “Come out with your hands up.”
Instead, Cloutier came out with a revolver in his hands and Vedder immediately released the K-9 as Cloutier fired several shots at Vedder, hitting him in his bulletproof vest.
K-9 Rudo grabbed Cloutier biting him on his hands and wrists, forcing Cloutier to yell out, “I give up.”
Vedder, whom did not sustain any injuries, has been with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for almost 14 years.
Orange City police are charging Cloutier with Armed Robbery and Theft. The Sheriff’s Office is charging him with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Spanish Fork, Utah — On January 17, 2014 at approximately 11 p.m., Spanish Fork Police made a heart wrenching and gruesome discovery when five bodies were found inside a home.
The discovery was made after a co-worker reported that Joshua Boren, 34, of Spanish Fork didn’t show up for his night shift with the Lindon Police Department.
According to reports, Joshua Boren was a newly hired police officer with the Lindon Police Department, but and undisclosed source told Ocala Post that he had previously worked with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office for a little over seven years. The source said that no one saw it coming.
Spanish Fork Police say when they arrived at the 2-stroy-home they saw bloody carpet through a window along with shell casings, giving them probable cause to gain entry to the home. Boren had shot his wife Kelly Boren, 32, his two children; Joshua Boren, 7, Haley Boren, 5, and his mother-in-law Marie King, 55. Joshua Boren then turned the gun on himself.
The mother-in-law was found dead in her bedroom and the remaining family in the bedroom next door to hers. Police say the shooting happened sometime on Thursday, January 16, 2014.
Police say that the couple were having marital problems for a few months but no one in their right mind ever expected this. They said the incident has left a lot of unanswered questions and the community shattered.
According to reports, Kelly Boren was the finance director for the city of Bluffdale and was loved by everyone.
Spanish Fork Lieutenant Matthew Johnson said, “There were no warning signs, It was a shock to everyone.”
According to police reports, they did not find a suicide not on the scene.
Spanish Fork Police department refused to release any further information on the tragedy.
Florida — Florida currently has the highest refuge rate for sex offenders, and all too often sexually violent predators slip through the cracks of our criminal justice and civil commitment systems; they are arrested and released, just to commit the same crime. It’s about time the government protects law abiding citizens and not the criminals.
This week, an aggressive legislative package regarding sexually violent predators sailed through its first two committees. These bills, which include Senate Bills 522, 524, 526, and 528, aim to keep Florida’s families and children safe.
On Monday, January 13, 2014, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed SB 526, sponsored by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park), which seeks to increase the length of sentences, prohibit incentive gain-time for offenders and extend monitoring after release for a number of adult-on-minor offenses. The committee also passed SB 528, sponsored by Senator Greg Evers (R-Baker), by a unanimous vote. This bill aims to better inform communities, law enforcement and families by requiring individuals registered in the sexually violent predator database to provide more information such as vehicle information, palm prints, and volunteer work at higher education institutions.
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs passed SB 522, sponsored by Senator Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring), which would require a state attorney, law enforcement officer and victim’s advocate be included as advisory members of a team that evaluates offenders who are considered for civil confinement. Senate Bill 524, sponsored by Senator Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood), was also passed through committee and would increase the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Families for sexually violent predators by ensuring specific criteria is met for the advisory members of the multidisciplinary team.
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice took an additional step to ensure Florida’s families feel safe and secure in their communities by unanimously voting to eliminate the current 3-year statutory time limitation for prosecuting certain lewd, adult-on-minor offenses. Senate Bill 494, sponsored by Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto (R-Ft. Myers), aims to put protections into place that favor children rather than give predators the benefit of running out a clock to avoid prosecution.
Senator Don Gaetz said, “While government is limited in its ability to prevent all horrific crimes, the Florida Senate is determined to make Florida the most unfriendly state for those who seek to harm our children.”
Additionally, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 242, which aims to help protect more than 50,000 children who fall victim to identity theft every year. The bill, also known as the “Keeping I.D. Safe (KIDS) Act,” gives parents and guardians the authority to establish a security freeze on a child’s consumer report or record. Sponsored by Senator Nancy Detert (R-Venice), the KIDS Act also prohibits a consumer reporting agency from stating or implying that a security freeze reflects a negative credit history or rating.
Bryan Blalock [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On January 3, 2014, authorities were called to Ocala Regional Medical Center (ORMC) in reference to two-year-old Kayne Williams, a baby boy that had severe head trauma, reportedly from a fall at home.
The baby was later transported to Shands Hospital due to the head trauma being so severe. According to medical records, the baby had bruising around his right eye, nose, and both sides of his face. The baby also had a handprint bruise on his groin and lower abdomen. The handprint was of the left hand with the fingers pointing towards the head and the palm toward the feet.
An interview was conducted with the mother, Melissa Williams, who stated she had left the children in the care of her boyfriend, Bryan Blalock, 25. Melissa said they had been dating for one year, and has never had any problems with him.
Blalock told authorities he dropped Melissa off at work then returned home after paying the electric bill. Blalock said that he watched T.V. while the baby and his sister played in the bedroom. At approximately 7:30 p.m. Blalock said he put Kayne in the bathtub. Blalock said he exited the bathroom and as he returned he saw that Kayne was standing up in the tub and slipped backwards, hitting his head on the wall of the bathtub.
Blalock told authorities that Kayne cried but seemed okay. He dried him off and dressed him. Blalock said he put Kayne on the floor in a standing position after dressing him, and he fell on his face. Blalock then picked him up and realized Kayne was unconscious so he sat in a recliner with him and tried to wake him. When he couldn’t wake him he went to a neighbors and called 911.
On January 4, 2014, authorities were contacted by DCF at which time they advised that Kayne had been released from surgery but was in critical condition. Authorities drove to Shands to meet with the social worker and with permission from Melissa, they went over Kayne’s medical file. Dr. Marcus Renno told investigators that Kayne suffered a traumatic brain injury, specifically, a left subdural hematoma with malignant intracranial hyper-fusion, seizures and respiratory failure. The doctor noted a small bruised area on the left temple and a severely bruised right ear. The doctor said the injuries were not consistent with the slip and fall story that Blalock told detectives. Bite marks were also found on Kayne’s buttocks and right thigh.
At 10:20 a.m. on January 5th, Blalock called and said he wanted to speak with detectives. Blalock told detectives he lied about what had happened. Blalock said he was spinning the child around by his feet in the air and lost his grip, causing the baby to go airborne and hit a support beam in the house. After careful investigation and DNA testing on the support beam, investigators determined he was still being deceitful.
On January 8, 2014, investigators confronted Blalock who finally admitted the horrifying truth. Blalock told detectives that after he gave Kayne a bath they were in the living room when Kayne began to jump on his back and hit him. Blalock said he became angry and grabbed Kayne off his back and began to violently shake him a half a dozen times hitting the ottoman. Blalock said the ottoman moved and he then continued to shake the child hitting him on the floor. Blalock said Kayne’s head slammed into the floor several times until he passed out. He said Kayne’s eyes began to roll back in his head and he had a seizure. He said he tried to wake Kayne by slapping him around and that is how he got the full size hand print on his body. He did not admit to the bite marks.
Blalock was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.
On January 15, 2014, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received notification from UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville, that two-year-old baby boy Kayne Williams died from the head injuries inflicted by Blalock, who is not the child’s father.
The State Attorney’s Office said they are looking into upping the charges against Blalock.
Records show that Blalock is also a felon who was convicted of having sex with a 15-year-old in 2007.
Blalock remains behind bars at the Marion County Jail.
Duane Adams [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, Detective Jorge Fernandez arrested Duane Ernest Adams,54, a school teacher with Francis Marion Military Academy who served in the Army for 20 years, for one count of Interference with Child Custody. Adams had lied to the parents of a 15-year-old runaway, to officers and detectives at the Ocala Police Department in reference to having any information on the whereabouts of the missing girl.
The child was located Monday at a local restaurant on SR 200 and returned to her parents. On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, interviews were conducted with the child, her parents, and Adams. The interviews resulted in Adams’ arrest. At that time, both the child and Adams denied any relationship and/or contact of a sexual nature. Due to the circumstances of the case, however, Detective Fernandez continued to look in to this incident and the relationship between the 15-year-old girl and Adams.
On January 14, 2014, Detective Fernandez made contact with the girl — for the second time that day — at a local hospital where she disclosed to having had a sexual relationship with Adams. The girl told Detective Fernandez that she had sex and performed oral sex on Adams at his apartment on SW 27th Avenue. She said that Adams would always walk in front of her naked and never covered himself with a towel.
On today’s date, January 15, 2014, Adams went into OPD to speak with Sergeant Young. During the course of the interview, Adams advised to having a sexual relationship with the 15-year-old girl. Adams advised that the two were in love, had actually exchanged vows and wedding rings in private, and considered themselves married in the eyes of God. According to Adams, they have been making plans to run away together once she turned 16.
The relationship has been going on over the last month and a half at Adams’ residence. Adams told Detective Fernandez that he and the girl had sex at his apartment on SW 27th Avenue on more than five occasions, and over this past weekend, while at a motel in Daytona, they also engaged in sexual activity. The investigation into those incidents has been turned over to the agency with jurisdiction.
Detective Fernandez arrested Adams and he is charged with eight counts of Sexual Battery by a Person in a Position of Familial or Custodial Authority – 1st Degree Felony, eight counts of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation – 2nd Degree Felony, and eight counts of Lewd & Lascivious Exhibition – 2nd Degree Felony.
He was delivered to the Marion County Jail; his bond was set at $176,000.00.
West Palm Beach, Florida — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested Greenacres Police Officer, Ervans Saintclair, 37, for intentionally having unprotected sex with multiple females while being infected with HIV.
