Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

Ocala woman’s dog gets a mouth full

Ocala Post

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January 14, 2014

Ocala,Florida — On January 14, 2014, at approximately 1 a.m., a call came into the Ocala Police Department about a suspicious object.

A woman called and said while her dog, Lady, was digging in her backyard she dug up something and had it in her mouth. The dog owner said when she looked closer it looked like a grenade, so she removed it from the dogs mouth, and placed it in the backyard. She says she immediately called police.

Ocala Police arrived on the scene and quickly made the determination that the Marion County Sheriff’s Office should be notified. MCSO’s Bomb Squad responded to the 600 block of SE 40TH Terrace a short time later.

According to reports, the object the dog had dug up and carried around it its mouth, was in fact a WWII era live pineapple grenade.

The bomb squads robot was able to collect the item. The grenade was then taken by bomb squad to the Marion County Baseline Landfill, where they rendered it safe and properly disposed of it without incident.

Paranoid Man Tapes Bullets To Windows

Ocala Post

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January 14, 2014

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Ocala, Florida — On January 12, 2014 the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 9000 block of SE 88th Street in reference to a disturbance.

Upon arrival, Jay C. McBride advised that he and his girlfriend, Gina Celona, were having an argument about her smoking marijuana inside the house, and McBride produced a small tin which contained a very small amount of marijuana to the deputy, according to reports.

The deputy asked McBride if he could separate from his girlfriend for a little bit in order to diffuse the situation, to which McBride responded, “I am a convicted felon and I cannot leave my home.” The deputy advised that he did not have to leave the home, but he did need to separate himself from his girlfriend. McBride then left for his mother’s house.

Deputies remained on the scene and questioned Celona about what had happened. Celona informed deputies that McBride is paranoid and placed cameras in all of the windows, and taped bullets to each window as well. According to deputies, there was ammunition taped to each window inside the home as well as some on the outside.

Deputies then went to question McBride at his moms house about the bullets and cameras. McBride told deputies that he had placed the cameras in the windows because it’s a former drug dealers house. He also said he placed the bullets in the windows to warn off anyone that may come looking to buy drugs.

Deputies confirmed that McBride was a convicted felon with a long criminal history, including seven felony convictions, one of which was for felony battery.

McBride was advised he was being placed under arrest for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon and he began to scream, “I did not tape the bullets on the windows.” McBride was arrested and placed in the back of the patrol car, at which time he became agitated and began striking his head on the glass in the patrol car, and after several strikes with his head he broke the glass, according to reports.

McBride was transported to the Marion County Jail without further incident. He was charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon and Property Damage Over $200.

Bail was set at $10,500.

McBride’s girlfriend was not charged.

21 Horses Rescued From Near Death On Davie Ranch

Ocala Post

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January 13, 2014

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21 Horses Rescued From Near Death On Davie Ranch

davie florida, ocala post, ocala, ocala news, op — One of the many starving horses

Davie, Florida — Twenty-one starving horses were rescued from a ranch in Davie, Florida. The horses were rescued by Peaceful Ridge Rescue Group, and they say unfortunately three of the horses may have to be put down.

Authorities say the horses were standing in more than two feet of their own feces, and there was not any horse food on the property.

The horses have been neglected for years, and are extremely “skiddish” around humans, according to reports.

Police said they could see the ribs, butt bones, and back bones of most of the horses. Some of the horses had lacerations that were oozing blood, and many could not stand because of hoofs being left untrimmed for nearly a year.

The owner of the ranch refused to comment but told police he could not afford to buy food for the horses. Police say instead of the ranch owner asking for help, the horses were basically left to starve and possibly die.

Police say criminal charges have not yet been filed against the ranch owner.

Husband tells wife to refuse sobriety test after hit and run

Local News

Ocala Post

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January 13, 2014

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Husband tells wife to refuse sobriety test after hit and run

Ocala, FLorida — On January 12, 2014, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Ocala Police Officer, Jason Rodriguez, was working a hit and run crash involving an impaired driver.

Officer Rodriguez responded to the call and met with a witness that said a dark colored Lexus fled the scene after hitting several mail boxes and a parked car.

According to reports, Officer Rodriguez located the Lexus in the 4800 block of SW 63RD Loop and made contact with Lacey Manserra,29, who was identified as the driver of the Lexus.

According to reports, Manserra refused to answer any questions. After inspecting the vehicle, Officer Rodriguez discovered fresh damage consistent with the witness’ account of the accident. Officer Rodriguez read Manserra her Miranda warning at which time Manserra consented to answer questions, but Manserra denied knowing what happened.

Manserra was slurring her speech and smelled of alcohol, according to reports. Officer Rodriguez asked Manserra if she had been drinking and she said she had stopped drinking around 10:30 p.m., and had not had anything to drink since she arrived home.

Moments later, Officer Joedicke arrived on the scene to conduct a DUI investigation. Officer Joedicke reported that Manserra was slurring her words, smelled of alcohol, and had glossy eyes.

Manserra was advised that she would have to perform some field sobriety exercises, and it was at that time Manserra’s Husband yelled across the yard, “don’t do it.” Officer Joedicke explained that if she did not perform the exercises they (the officers) would have to go off their observations of her behavior, smell of alcohol on her, and the physical damage to the car described by witnesses.

Manserra still refused, she was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail.

Photos of the damage to the Lexus were place into evidence.

Manserra was charged with DUI and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage.

No innocent victims were hurt during the hit and run.

Woman Found Stabbed To Death In Gainesville Hospital Parking Garage

Ocala Post

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January 13, 2014

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Woman Found Stabbed To Death In Gainesville Hospital Parking Garage

Casey Renee Wilsey, ocala post, ocala news, ocala, op, gainesville — Casey Renee Wilsey -Deceased

ocala post, ocala news, gainesville, op — Walker Gage Wilsey, 46

Gainesville, Florida — The Gainesville Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that occurred early Monday morning on the third floor of a Parking Garage at North Florida Regional Medical Center.

GPD received a call at 8:58 a.m. on January 13, 2014 that reported a female was found dead in a vehicle parked on the third floor of the parking garage near the Women’s Center entrance.

GPD officers responded and found Casey Renee Wilsey, 37, lying in the vehicle deceased. The preliminary investigation revealed that Casey likely died as a result of a stab wound to her torso.

GPD investigators received information from family members that the likely suspect is Casey’s estranged husband, Walker Gage Wilsey, 46. Walker is a white male, 6’1” 140lbs.

Casey Wilsey worked in the NFRMC complex and normally parked in the garage. It appears that Walker waited for Casey to arrive at work, then attacked her in the parking garage while she was still inside of her vehicle. Investigators believe the incident occurred sometime between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. Walker then fled the area driving a white F-350 diesel pickup truck with a camo-style bottom “wrap.”

GPD investigators had asked multiple agencies, including Daytona Beach, Florida Police Department to check possible addresses for Walker. When Daytona Beach PD arrived at one of the locations, Walker had already committed suicide around 3:30 p.m.

Walker was also convicted on two counts of Child Rape in 1988.

Orlando medical alert company scammed seniors out of millions

Ocala Post

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January 13, 2014

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Orlando medical alert company scammed seniors out of millions

Orlando, Florida — At the request of the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the Florida Attorney General, a U.S. district court has temporarily halted and frozen the assets of an Orlando-based operation that used pre-recorded telephone calls, commonly known as ‘robocalls’, to pitch purportedly “free” medical alert devices to senior citizens by false representing that the devices had been purchased for them by a relative or friend. The defendants also allegedly led consumers to believe that the devices were endorsed by various health organizations and that they would not be charged anything before the devices were activated.

The agencies are seeking a court order permanently banning the defendants from engaging in the allegedly fraudulent and illegal conduct, and providing restitution to consumers who were victimized.

“We will not tolerate unscrupulous individuals targeting the elderly. This company received more than $13 million in commissions since March 2012, and we will do everything in our power to compensate consumers who lost money due to the fraudulent medical alert scheme,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I thank the Federal Trade Commission for its partnership in this effort, which involved thousands of affected consumers, and the numerous other agencies who joined in the effort to stop these business practices.”

“These telemarketers used illegal ‘robocalls’ to make a sales pitch that was 100 percent false,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “They lied about the product, about whether health organizations had endorsed it, and about its cost. And all the while, their M.O. was to take advantage of older people’s concerns about their health. We’re so glad to work with our partners in Florida to stop this fraud.”

According to the joint agency complaint, the defendants violated the FTC Act, the Commission’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), and Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) by blasting ‘robocalls’ to senior citizens falsely stating that they were eligible to receive a free medical alert system that was bought for them by a friend, family member, or acquaintance. Many of the consumers who received the defendants’ calls were elderly, live alone, and have limited or fixed incomes.

Consumers who pressed one (1) on their phones for more information were transferred to a live representative who allegedly continued the deception by saying that the medical alert systems are recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the National Institute on Aging (NIA). In addition, the telemarketers falsely stated that the monthly monitoring fee for the system will be charged only once the medical alert system has been installed and activated. In reality, the defendants started charging consumers who agreed to receive the system immediately, regardless of whether the system had been activated or not.

Based on this alleged conduct, the joint complaint charges the defendants with misrepresenting a range of facts, including that someone the consumer knows already purchased the system for them, that the defendants’ medical alert system is endorsed by the AHA, ADA, and NIA, and that consumers will not be charged until the system has been activated. The complaint also charges the defendants with violating the TSR by making illegal ‘robocalls’, including to consumers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and by failing to disclose the caller’s telephone number or identity.

The Commission vote approving the complaint was 4-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, on January 6, 2014. The following day, the court entered a temporary restraining order that froze the defendants’ assets and appointed a temporary receiver over their business. A preliminary injunction hearing in the case is scheduled for January 16, 2014.

The defendants include: 1) Worldwide Info Services, Inc., also doing business as (d/b/a) The Credit Voice; 2) Elite Information Solutions Inc., also d/b/a The Credit Voice; 3) Absolute Solutions Group Inc, also d/b/a The Credit Voice; 4) Global Interactive Technologies, Inc., also d/b/a The Credit Voice Inc.; 5) Global Service Providers, Inc.; 6) The Credit Voice, Inc, also d/b/a TCV; 7) Live Agent Response 1 LLC, also d/b/a LAR; 8) Arcagen, Inc., also d/b/a ARI; 9) American Innovative Concepts, Inc.; 10) Unique Information Services Inc.; 11) Michael Hilgar; 12) Gary Martin; and 13) Joseph Settecase.

The FTC appreciates the assistance of the following agencies, offices, and organizations in helping to investigate and bring this case: 1) the Indiana Office of the Attorney General; 2) the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General; 3) the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; 4) the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois; 5) the American Heart Association; 6) the American Diabetes Association; 7) the National Institute on Aging; 8) the United States Postal Inspection Service, including its Atlanta, Boston, and Houston divisions; and 9) the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Financial Crimes Task Force.

Information for Consumers

The FTC has tips for consumers, as well as two consumer education videos explaining robocalls and describing what consumers should do when they receive one. See ftc.gov/robocalls for more information. In addition, the FTC has a new consumer blog post on deceptive medical alert robocalls, which can be found on the agency’s website.

NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendant has actually violated the law. The case will be decided by the court.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

Accused Killer Richard Barnes Captured

Ocala Post

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January 10, 2014

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richard barnes, mcgee bryant, ocala news, ocala post, op — Richard Barnes [Mugshot]

Sanford, Florida — Wanted suspected murderer Richard Barnes has been arrested for the shooting death of Cynthia McGee Bryant.

On January 6, 2014 shortly after noon, Sanford Police were dispatched to McGee Insurance Company located at 400 West 25th Street, Sanford, Florida in reference to a Homicide.

When police arrived on the scene they found McGee slumped over in her chair with a broken cell phone still in her hand.

Investigators along with the medical examiners office were able to determine that McGee had been shot four times. The fatal shot was to the chest with three other shots to her body.

Barnes was taken into custody shortly after 4 p.m. on January 8, 2014.

Witnesses were able to identify Barnes in a line up. Barnes has multiple felony convictions and has been arrested multiple times on charges ranging from Cocaine Distribution to Obstruction of Justice.

Barnes denies that he is the person that shot McGee.

Barnes is charged with Premeditated First Degree Murder.

Deltona Firefighter Faces Additional Charges For Rape

Ocala Post

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January 10, 2014

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Deltona Firefighter Faces Additional Charges For Rape

Firefighter Terry Freeman, ocala post, ocala news, op, deltona — Firefighter Terry Freeman [Mugshot]

Deltona, Florida — Already in jail on accusations of date rape, a 32-year-old Deltona firefighter is now facing additional charges after three more women came forward following news coverage of Terry Freeman’s arrest to report that Freeman had done the same thing to them. In addition, an investigation into a sexual assault allegation against Freeman from 2011 has been re-opened, and Volusia County Sheriff’s investigators are concerned that there may be additional victims who haven’t yet come forward.

Freeman was initially arrested on December 31, 2013, less than a week after a 25-year-old Altamonte Springs woman accused him of sexually assaulting her during a date. The two had met at the victim’s workplace in Altamonte Springs on December 27, 2013, and Freeman convinced her to go out with him later that night. The two met at a café for drinks and then went to Freeman’s home near Orange City. When things turned romantic, the victim said she told Freeman that she didn’t want to have sex. The victim said Freeman became increasingly aggressive and eventually overpowered her and had sex with her against her will. After the attack, the victim went home to Altamonte Springs and reported the incident to the police there.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office was brought in when it was determined that the incident had occurred near Orange City. On December 31, 2013 Sheriff’s investigators took Freeman into custody after obtaining an arrest warrant charging him with sexual battery.

Since word of Freeman’s arrest was reported in the news, three more victim have come forward with similar stories of meeting Freeman for a date and then being sexually assaulted by force. On Thursday, Sheriff’s investigators filed charges on two of those cases. The third is still under investigation. One case involves a 39-year-old Orange City woman who also reported meeting Freeman at her workplace. The victim said Freeman had asked her out on a date before, but she initially declined because she was already in a relationship. However, after the relationship ended, the woman said she agreed to go out with Freeman last month. The two ended up at Freeman’s house, but not before the victim said she sent Freeman a text message letting him know that she wasn’t interested in a casual sexual encounter. Initially, things got flirtatious. But then, the victim said Freeman became aggressive and he eventually pushed himself on her and forced her to have sex. The victim said she tried to resist, but eventually gave up for fear that Freeman might hurt her. “You hear stories where women have fought back and were beaten or killed,” the victim told investigators. “You hear stories where women who don’t fight back are able to walk away. I just wanted to walk away safely.”

On Thursday, the victim said she decided to come forward after seeing news coverage of Freeman’s arrest. Based on the results of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant on Thursday charging Freeman with sexual battery. He was served with the warrant at the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach just before he was about to be released on the previous charge. He’s now being held at the jail without bond.

Sheriff’s investigators also charged Freeman on Thursday with sexual battery in connection to another case, this one dating back to 2011. The victim, a 38-year-old Lake Mary woman, contacted the Sheriff’s Office earlier this week after hearing about Freeman’s arrest and reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Freeman and had never reported it to law enforcement until now. She said she met Freeman at a club in Sanford where she worked. After they had been texting back and forth for a while, Freeman invited the woman to his home. She said that when she got there, Freeman offered her a glass of wine and then almost immediately forced himself on her, overpowered her, stripped off her clothes and sexually assaulted her.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating another incident recently reported by a victim who also came forward after hearing of Freeman’s arrest. Meanwhile, back in 2011, while Freeman was living in the city limits of Orange City, an 18-year-old woman filed a complaint with the Orange City Police Department accusing Freeman of sexually assaulting her. The case was closed after the woman recanted. However, in light of the new allegations against Freeman, the Orange City Police Department re-opened its investigation and has filed charges with the State Attorney’s Office and is seeking the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Often women that have been victims of an sexual assault will not come forward. Reasons can be: The woman was abused as a child, therefore she may feel the abuse is acceptable, the woman is afraid of retaliation, or she is embarrassed.

If you were sexually assaulted you are urged to come forward.

Sheriff’s investigators worry that there could be additional incidents with Freeman that have gone unreported and additional victims who haven’t come forward. If there are other victims or anyone with additional information regarding Freeman, they’re urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (386) 860-7030.

Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory Lifted

Ocala Post

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January 10, 2014

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Places Mosquitoes Breed - Ocala Post — Places Mosquitoes Breed [ventura.org]

Ocala, Florida—The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has lifted the mosquito-borne illness advisory that was established in July 2013. Officials say, even though the advisory has been lifted you should still take precautions when outdoors. Residence should also continue to be proactive in eliminating standing water as well as moist areas where mosquitoes can breed.

Marion County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory in July after horses in the Micanopy area of northwestern Marion County tested positive for the eastern equine encephalitis virus.

“With the decrease in mosquito-borne illnesses across the state and the recent lower temperatures, we are confident that it is safe to lift the advisory,” said Dan Dooley, Environmental Health administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. “However, we want our residents to continue to take precautions so they can avoid these serious illnesses.”

Mosquito-borne infections can occur at any time in Florida. The Department encourages everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquitoes. The Department is also recommending that horse and livestock owners contact their veterinarian about vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases.

New Senate Bill Will Reduce Vehicle Registration Fees

Ocala Post

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January 9, 2014

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New Senate Bill Will Reduce Vehicle Registration Fees

Tallahassee–The Florida Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations, chaired by Senator Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando), today unanimously passed Senate Bill 156, Motor Vehicle License Taxes, sponsored by Senate Appropriations Chair, Senator Joe Negron (R-Stuart).

“This legislation provides a recurring reduction in fees paid annually by every Floridian who registers a car,” said Senator Negron. “As our economy continues to recover, exploring ways for government to take less money from the pockets of hardworking Florida families is the right thing to do and I appreciate my colleagues supporting this legislation over the last two years.”

Senate Bill 156 reduces certain annual fees paid to register a motor vehicle to the amount paid prior to 2009. In total, the bill reduces fees by over $236 million.

“I commend Senator Negron for championing this necessary and welcome reduction in vehicle fees for the second time in two years,” said Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville). “As we did last year, the Senate stands with Senator Negron in advocating for tax and fee reductions that will leave more money with the Floridians who earn it.”

“The Senate, House and Governor’s Office have outlined tax and fee reductions as a top priority for the 2014 Session, and I am grateful to Senator Negron for taking the first step by sponsoring this fee reduction again this year,” said Senator Gardiner. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature and with Governor Scott as this bill and other tax and fee reduction proposals move through the process. I am confident our final package will provide meaningful tax relief for Florida families.”

Senate Bill 156 was previously passed by the Senate Committee on Transportation. The legislation will now be heard in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, its final committee stop prior to the Senate Floor.

Mother whose baby was rolled over on and died arrested; grandmother blames probation officers

Ocala Post

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January 9, 2014

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Mother whose baby was rolled over on and died arrested; grandmother blames probation officers

Ocala, Florida — On January 6, 2014, deputies were dispatched to the 10800 block of Southeast 45th Avenue in Belleview at 6:35 a.m.

Upon arrival, Deputy Jeremiah Jones spoke with a man who claimed that his daughter had fallen asleep an rolled over on his girlfriends 5-week-old baby, Keegan Alexander Ericson.

Ericson told investigators that she found Keegan under the girl and that Keegan had been smashed in between the couch cushions.

Paramedics arrived on the scene and pronounced Keegan dead at approximately 6:46 a.m.

Jaclyn Corin Ericson, 20, was arrested January 8, 2014, but not for the baby’s death.

According to reports, Ericson was on felony probation for armed robbery that she committed in January of 2012. Then in December of 2012 Ericson violated her felony probation and was arrested and charged with another robbery as well as battery. Her felony probation was not set to terminate until March of 2015.

During the visit to her home on January 6, 2014, alcohol was seen in her residence. In accordance with her probation, Ericson is not allowed to be in possession of weapons, ammunition, drugs or alcohol.

Ericson’s probation officer arrested her not just for the alcohol that was found out in the open at her residence, but also because she tested positive for cocaine at the time of 5-week-old Keegan’s death. Authorities said the cocaine was in her blood stream while she was caring for her child.

Joann Ericson, Jaclyn Ericson’s mom, is placing blame on the probation system and wants the probation system to be held accountable. Joann says if the probation officer had arrested her daughter the first three times she failed a drug test, the baby would still be alive.

Ocala Post spoke with Department of Corrections Deputy Communications Director Misty Cash, and she said, “The offender was not a drug offender and was given random drug tests which complied with her supervision. Those tests, each time they were given, were negative. Those tests were given three times.” Cash went on to say,”Our officers ensure the offender abides by the stipulations of the Court and of course require offenders to abide by Florida law. We have to be sure that any violation is willful and substantial, and would be something that the officer could have held up in court.”

Captain James Pogue, with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office told Ocala Post that 5-week-old Keegan’s death is still under investigation and investigators are looking into criminal charges against Ericson.

Ericson admitted drinking Jägermeister and Corona beer.

Ericson is being held at the Marion County Jail; bail has not been set.

[Updated January 11, 2014 at 5:06 a.m.]

India says Diplomat Devyani Khobragade should not answer for laws broken in the U.S.

Ocala Post

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January 9, 2014

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India says Diplomat Devyani Khobragade should not answer for laws broken in the U.S.

New York — An Indian diplomat by the name of Devyani Khobragade, who has caused tension between the U.S. and India was denied a request by a U.S. judge to delay her case.

Khobragade, who was Deputy Consul-General in New York, was arrested on December 12, 2013, and charged with committing visa fraud by filing false documents to obtain a work visa. She is also charged with defrauding the IRS by paying her full time maid slave wages, and then lying about it. Khobragade had filed documents claiming she was paying her maid $4,500 a month, when she was actually paying her $573 a month.

Her arrest has infuriated India as a whole, and the government in India says all charges should be dropped. India officials do not feel as though Khobragade should be held accountable for laws broken in the United States, they are now requesting Khobragade be moved to the United Nations and want her to be given diplomatic immunity.

The India government says Khobragade should have never been strip searched by another female and placed in a jail with the general population, which they referred to as United States scum. India has made reference to retaliation against the U.S.

In an order issued on Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Sarah Netburn, in Manhattan, refused to extend the January 13, 2014, deadline by which a preliminary hearing must be held or an indictment filed in the case.

Khobragade’s attorney, Daniel Arshack, told the judge that not delaying her case would be interfering with negotiations with the government. Judge Netburn told Arshack he had only wanted to delay the case in an attempt to delay the indictment.

Arshack says he will explore “other options.”

After Khobragade was arrested she was released on $250,000 bail.

Kendra Vandyke Arrested For Splitting Knee With Pot

Ocala Post

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January 8, 2014

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Kendra Vandyke Arrested For Splitting Knee With Pot

Ocala, Florida — On January 7, 2014 Officer Friedman responded to the 2600 block of NW 1st Avenue in response to a domestic battery that had occurred the day before.

Officer Friedman spoke with a man that said on January 6, 2014 he went to the house of Kendra L. Vandyke,31, to have sex with her; Vandyke is the mother of one of the man’s children.

The man stated while he was at Vandyke’s house one of his other children’s mother arrived and an argument ensued between Vandyke and the mother.

According to reports, Vandyke took the man’s clothes and car keys and ran outside, leaving him in the house naked. The man said Vandyke came back into the house shortly after but refused to return his clothes.

The man stated that Vandyke grabbed a two steel pots from the kitchen and threw them one at a time. One of the pots struck the man in the knee, splitting it open. As he stood there bleeding, Vandyke still refused to return his clothes. The man drove himself to the hospital after Vandyke gave him his clothes back. He received 10 staples to close the laceration.

Reports show that the man did not report the incident right away because Vandyke was holding several sets of car keys belonging to customers of his automotive business for ransom. The man said once he was able to retrieve the keys, he immediately called police.

Vandyke admitted to throwing the pots, but denies that they hit the man.

Vandyke tried to have the man arrested by claiming he punched her in the head, and she was having her friends harass and threaten the man. Vandyke did have a knot on her head. Police investigated and were able to determine that the knot was actually a cyst that Vandyke has had for years, and not a knot.

Vandyke has had multiple arrests for battery, and injunctions for violence filed against her from other relationships, however many were thrown out for lack of evidence and or witness testimony.

It is unclear if the children were home at the time of the incident.

Kendra Vandyke was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.

She was charged with Felony Domestic Aggravated Battery.

Red riding lawn mower man arrested

Ocala Post

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January 8, 2014

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Ocala, Florida — On January 5, 2014 at approximately 7 p.m. Deputies Franco Porcelli and Jason Hunt responded to a traffic accident that happened on East Highway 40 and SE 162 Terrace.

Deputy Porcelli was in the parking lot of Maries Famliy Diner when a man later identified as Michael Lakosky approached Deputy Hunt on a red riding lawn mower. Lakosky asked Deputy Hunt what was going on, due to all of the emergency vehicles. Deputy Hunt responded, “there was a car accident.”

According to reports, Deputy Hunt asked Lakosky where he was headed riding a lawn mower. Lakosky responded, “to the bar to have a few beers.” Lakosky said, “my license are suspended, and since I have a headlamp on my head to light up the ground, you guys (law enforcement) cannot touch me.” Lakosky then proceeded to the bar.

After the accident scene was cleared, Deputy Porcelli was sitting stationary at the 15900 block of East Highway 40 running radar. At approximately 8 p.m., Deputy Porcelli saw a man with a head lamp driving a red riding lawn mower down Highway 40, according to reports.

The driver of the lawn mower was Lakosky.

Lakosky rode the lawn mower in the direction of Deputy Porcelli’s marked patrol car, at that time Deputy Porcelli conducted a “lawn mower stop.” According to reports, Lakosky immediately began to make excuses as to why he was driving the lawn mower and told Deputy Porcelli he had the right to drive it.

Deputy Porcelli ran Lakosky’s name and quickly learned he did not have a valid driver’s license and was on inmate release status from Dixie County for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Female Under 12.

In the state of Florida it is illegal to operate any gas powered vehicle or electric motorized vehicle on a highway if the drive does not possess a valid driver’s license.

Lakosky was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, he was issued a criminal traffic citation for Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License.

Lakosky was not charged with DUI. The riding lawn mower was towed away by Mom’s Towing.

Lakosky was released from jail on January 6, 2014 on a $500 bond.

Government Urges Teachers To Go Easy On Misbehaved Children

Ocala Post

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January 8, 2014

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Government Urges Teachers To Go Easy On Misbehaved Children

eric holder, al sharpton, ocala news, ocala post, op, washington — Eric Holder [Left] Al Sharpton [Right]

Washington — Obama and his administration are now telling American schools that their discipline tactics are too hard on black and Hispanic students.

The recommendations from the Obama administration came today with Reverand Al Sharpton side-by-side with Eric Holder.

The civil rights advocates are claiming that the “school-to-prison” trend is due to overzealous school discipline policies that are targeting blacks and Hispanics.

Attorney General Eric Holder said the problem often stems from “zero-tolerance” policies that too often inject the criminal justice system into the resolution of problems. Zero tolerance policies often spell out uniform and swift punishment for offenses such as truancy, smoking or carrying a weapon. Violators can lose classroom time or become saddled with a criminal record.

“Ordinary trouble making can sometimes provoke responses that are overly severe, including out of school suspensions, expulsions and even referral to law enforcement and then you end up with kids that end up in police precincts instead of the principal’s office,” Holder said.

Holder is claiming that more than half of students involved in school-related arrests or incidents that involved law enforcement were Hispanic or black. The government and civil rights advocates are also accusing school resource officers of being too hard on blacks and Hispanics.

Hold says he wants schools to ensure that school officers have a good relationship with the students, and wants teachers to use “conflict resolution” instead of involving police.

Holder fell short of saying blacks and Hispanics should be allowed to skip school, bring weapons to school, disrespect teachers, and if they are caught, slap them on the wrist.

Al Sharpton says blacks are clearly disciplined for their actions more than whites. Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan were guests on Al Sharpton’s radio show on January 7, 2013, in an attempt to promote the “recommendations” to school districts.

No mention was ever made during Holders “recommendations” in regards to parents in the black and Hispanic communities taking a more active role in their child’s life in order to teach them respect for teachers and others around them. Holder seemed to solely place the blame on police officers and teachers, not holding parents accountable for the upbringing of their children. Holder also failed to mention data that shows that “more than half” of student arrested for behavioral problems stemmed from family members, namely parents, that are also in the prison system.

The Obama administration says the recommendations are nonbinding, but, the federal government is being very clear in telling school districts around the United States that they should adhere to the principles of fairness and equity in student discipline or face strong action if they don’t; thus giving problem children more ammunition to fight teachers and increasing the potential for bullying toward other innocents students.

Desert Tech Refuses To Sell Weapons To Pakistan

Ocala Post

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January 8, 2014

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Desert Tech Refuses To Sell Weapons To Pakistan

Desert Tech, an Utah gun manufacturing company, said they have refused to supply weapons to Pakistan.

The company recently walked away from a $15 million deal to sell precision rifles to Pakistan, the dollar amount is equal to one year in sales for the company.

Nick Young, of whom is president of Desert Tech, did not want the weapons to fall into the wrong hands. He was afraid the weapons would be used against U.S. troops. Young said that the Pakistan Government is angry at their refusal to sell, and Pakistan is now refusing to communicate with the company.

Response has been very positive from current and former military personnel, the company said. President Obama, who has a strong opinion on weapons in the U.S., has not commented on the decision.

The U.S. does have an Arms Deal with Pakistan, however companies are free to make their own decisions.

Desert Tech’s Sales Manager Mike Davis said it was a hard decision because $15 million is a lot of money for any company.

Desert Tech’s mission statement reads:

“Desert Tactical Arms was founded in May of 2007, the company was created to protect the freedom of the United States of America, our allies and people by providing the most compact, accurate, and reliable precision weapon systems in the world. Desert Tactical Arms strongly supports civil rights, especially the right of every individual to own firearms to protect themself, their family, and their property and the use of firearms in defense, hunting, and shooting sports.”

Davis said, ” Basically it was just our company’s stance and we are sticking with our founding principles, and that is to keep the American troops safe, that’s all the decision really was about.”

UCF Graduate And Her Ex-Husband Murdered

Ocala Post

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January 7, 2014

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monica spear and thomas berry — Monica Spear and Thomas Berry

Venezuela, a country with one of the world’s highest murder rates has claimed the life of a University of Central Florida graduate, according to Venezuela authorities.

Monica Spear,29, a former Miss Venezuela beauty queen and current soap actress along with her ex-husband Thomas Berry,39, business owner, were both murdered on January 6, 2014 as they sat in their broke-down car, police said. Both were shot to death as their five-year-old daughter watched. The daughter sustained injuries during the shooting as well, she was treated and released from the hospital.

According to reports, Spear and Berry locked their car doors during an attempted robbery after their car broke down, the robbers shot them both for resisting the robbery.

Spear and Berry were murdered near Puerto Cabello which is the country’s main port.

Reports indicate the car hit a sharp object that had been placed in the road and that is what caused the car to break down. Investigators said the road was purposely “booby trapped.”

Witnesses stated that their car had already been lifted onto the tow truck and when the family saw the thugs coming, they locked themselves in the car thinking they would be protected.

Police say they have arrested five suspects, most under the age of 18.

Reports say the couple had an excellent relationship despite being divorced.

The family, who split their time between the U.S. (Florida) and Venezuela were on vacation at the time of their murders.

Manhunt Underway – Richard Barnes Main Suspect

Ocala Post

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January 7, 2014

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Manhunt Underway – Richard Barnes Main Suspect

richard barnes, ocala post, ocala news, op, op — Richard Barnes

Sanford, Florida — On January 6, 2014 shortly after noon, Sanford Police were dispatched to McGee Insurance Company located at 400 West 25th Street, Sanford, Florida in reference to a Homicide.

According to eyewitnesses, Cynthia McGee Bryant’s boyfriend, Richard Lawrence Barnes,46, was walking toward the location of the incident and shortly after he arrived several gunshots were fired; Barnes was seen fleeing the area. Barnes’ clothing at the time of the shooting is described as a grayish/blue hoodie sweatshirt with blue work pants, and glasses.

Shortly after the shooting occurred a customer arrived at the location to pay her insurance bill and found McGee Bryant dead, she immediately called 911.

According to investigators, Barnes has been identified as the prime suspect and Probable Cause for his arrest does exist.

Barnes has multiple felony convictions and has been arrested multiple times on charges ranging from Cocaine Distribution to Obstruction of Justice.

Barnes may have ties to other cities throughout Central Florida.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Richard Barnes you are asked to call 911. Do not take any personal action, or approach Barnes, as he is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

This investigation is ongoing and no further information can be released at this time.

[Updated January 8, 2014 at 6:26 p.m.]

Barnes was caught and arrested this evening.

USF Follows Court Ruling For Guns On Campus

Ocala Post

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January 7, 2014

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USF Follows Court Ruling For Guns On Campus

Tampa, Florida — The University of South Florida (USF) will now allow guns on campus, however they have to remain in a persons vehicle in accordance with new state laws.

Like most colleges and universities across Florida, USF has never allowed weapons on campus. However a new court ruling states that colleges and universities do not have the right or the authority to prohibit weapons, namely guns, from being stored in vehicles.

Ocala Post reached out to USF and media spokeswoman Lara Wade said, “In response to a court ruling last month, USF placed policy 6-009 ‘Weapons on USF System Property’ under review shortly after. As of Friday January 3, 2014, the policy has been amended to comply with Florida statutes. Additional amendments were made January 6, 2014.”

However Wade did state that the policy remains under review.

USF has in fact amended “Weapons on USF System Property”on their website under “Regulations and Policies,” to include Florida Statutes 790.115, 790.251 and 790.25(5).

The University of North Florida and Florida State University are also making changes to its weapon policies in order to conform to the new court ruling.

The changes across Florida came after colleges and universities were threatened with a law suit by gun owners, citing the colleges and universities were now breaking the law by not allowing guns to be carried in cars on campus.

Temperatures Lowest In Decades – Freeze Warning

Ocala Post

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January 6, 2014

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Temperatures Lowest In Decades – Freeze Warning

Meteorologists are calling it a “Polar Vortex.” Most residents across the U.S. are just calling it “Way Too Cold.”

The temperature predictions are startling: 25 below zero in Fargo, N.D., minus 31 in International Falls, Minn., and 15 below in Indianapolis and Chicago. At those temperatures, exposed skin can get frostbitten within minutes and hypothermia can quickly set in because wind chills could hit 50, 60 or even 70 below zero in some areas.

Several schools across the U.S. have suspended class, and not because of the snow. School officials are scared children that walk or ride their bikes to school will literally freeze to death or get frostbite before they make it to class. Temperatures are hitting record lows, and we want to be safe, said one school official.

While Florida certainly will not be 70 below zero, and classes will not be canceled,with the windchill it may feel like 13 degrees in some areas such as Tallahassee.

Marion county is under a hard freeze warning. With windchill, meteorologists say it may feel like 19 degrees.

If you have pets you will want to bring them in. If a resident is reported for leaving an animal in the freezing cold, that person could be charged with Animal Cruelty. Also, remember to cover plants, pipes, and wrap your well pump if you have one, and the best way to keep your water from freezing is to leave a faucet on drip or steady stream; this will keep the water flowing.

Antifreeze in your radiator is a must, expert mechanics say a radiator will crack if it freezes and is suddenly heated once a car is started.

The elderly are extremely susceptible to bitter cold, so be sure to bundle grandma and grandpa up with a warm blanket. If you know someone that unfortunately cannot afford heat, lend them a blanket as well; especially if they have children.

Be safe, stay warm, and use extreme caution if using a space heater.

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