[Click To Enlarge]Polk County, Florida — Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies received an anonymous tip about possible rooster fights taking place at 4560 Carl Boozer Road Haines City. Deputies responded to the location and discovered a fight in progress with 14 suspects at the scene.
Agriculture Crimes deputies responded and a search warrant was obtained for the property. One suspect, Garcia-Rivera, was in possession of $680.00 in cash, and a large amount of fighting paraphernalia was located inside his vehicle.
Rooster cages found on the property [Click to Enlarge]In addition, two firearms along with a large quantity of rooster fighting paraphernalia were located in three separate vehicles. Inside the barn deputies found two roosters in tied sacks to be weighed prior to a fight. A rooster bath, discarded spur packaging, sparring dummy, mole skin wrapping, syringes, and a variety medicines were also located on the property. There were approximately 200 roosters, hens, and chicks in cages within the barn area.
Weapon found on scene [Click to Enlarge]Arrested were:
1. Noel Garcia Rivera, 40, of 239 Magellan Drive, Kissimmee
2. Mario Antonio Guzman, 41, of 634 Polynesian Court, Kissimmee
3. Gerardo J Ramos-Pamales, 33, of 4503 Ross Lanier Lane, Kissimmee
4. Manuel Figueroa, 78, of 4560 Carl Boozer Road, Haines City
5. Jaime Criado-Colon, 48, of 3309 Baker Road, Haines City
6. Manuel Emil Contreras-Lorenzo, 32, of 721 Euclid Avenue, Lake Wales
7. Rhadames Mora-Burgos, 35, of 1026 Bice Grove Road, Hines City
8. Jose Antonio Ocasio-Ocasio, 57, of 906 Cumberland Drive, Kissimmee
9. Arnold Rodriguez, 58, of 342 Mystery House Road, Davenport (registered sex offender)
10. Jesus Santana-Ramirez, 78, of 707 Fore Lane, Kissimmee
11. Mitchel Santana, 46, of 707 Fore Lane, Kissimmee
12. Nelson A. Cordero-Nunez, 54, of 3237 Fairhaven Avenue, Kissimmee (Dominican Republic entertainer – 1980s)
13. Joaquin Noel Abdon-Fernandez, of 38, 8545 Wichita Place, Orlando
14. Juan Almanzar, 47, of 627 Baldwin Circle, Kissimmee
The 14 suspects were each charged with Fighting and Baiting Animals, and Possession of Fighting Paraphernalia; 13 were booked into the Polk County Jail on Saturday, November 17, 2013. Suspect Arnold Rodriguez complained of chest pains and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Corporal David Woolf makes a 50 yard shot with a pistol.
Marion County, Florida — On November 15, 2013 the 31st Annual SWAT Round-Up International competition comes to an end with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office taking second overall in the team standings – besting 55 other teams from around the world. Plus, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office earned first place in four individual contests:
• Corporal Joshua O’Carroll earned 1st Place in the Florida SWAT Association Challenge – Handgun
• Corporal Joshua O’Carroll earned 1st Place in the Super SWAT Cop competition
• Sergeant Carlton Curtis earned 1st Place in the Super Sniper competition
• Corporal Joshua O’Carroll earned 1st Place in the Florida SWAT Association Challenge – Rifle
Nearly a dozen counties sent teams to Orlando for six days of training seminars and fierce competitions. Organizers say round-up events are “geared for simulation of real life scenarios and are intended to challenge the team as a unit.” Optional events emphasize weapon expertise and physical fitness. The competition included teams from 13 states.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office earned first place in the overall team category in 2012.
Gerod McFero Rawls [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — Detective Jorge Fernandez and fellow detectives from the Ocala Police Department have been continuing to investigate the homicide of Samuel Washington, which occurred on November 14, 2013.
In the course of their investigation they have been able to link the homicide of Washington, to the shooting of Michael Drayton, that occurred on November 7, 2013.
There are two groups that have been having on-going issues with one another. One group originates from the area of the Silver Springs Shores and the other is from the area of Parkside Gardens Apartments.
Both shootings also originated with conflicts that occurred at the club Cloud 9 just prior to the shootings.
Drayton, who is associated with the group out of Silver Springs Shores, was shot as a result of a conflict between the two groups that occurred at Cloud 9 the evening of November 6, 2013.
The shooting homicide of Washington, who was associated with the group from the Parkside Gardens area, is said to have been a retaliation by the group from the Silver Springs Shores area for the shooting of Drayton.
Detective Jamie Buchbinder continues to investigate the shooting of Drayton.
Detective Fernandez has arrested two persons for crimes in relation to the homicide: Howard Lee Hill, and Laquan Ria’Mel Barrow, were both arrested for one count each of Burglary of a Conveyance with a Battery. Detective Fernandez has now obtained warrants for two black male suspects for charges relating to the homicide: Tydree Najee Barrow and Gerod McFero Rawls. The charges on the warrants are for four counts each of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and and count each of Throwing Deadly Missiles into an Occuppied Vehicle. The shooters in each of the incidents have not yet been identified.
Convicted Felon, Gerod Rawls, may have ties to Volusia County. Rawls has been arrested two separate times: once in 2011 and again in 2012, both arrests were for Trafficking Cocaine.
Currently there isn’t any information available on Tydree Barrow, however he is believed to be in the Ocala area.
Residents in the areas of Silver Springs Shores and Parkside Apartments should be on the lookout for the two suspects. If you see something, say something.
Anyone with further information on either, or both, of these cases is asked to contact either Det. Jamie Buchbinder at 352-369-7141 or Det. Jorge Fernandez at 352-369-7145, or to submit tips through the OPD mobile app, MyPD, in which the tipster has the option to remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867), going to their website at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com or by texting to 274637 using keyword 368STOP.
Volusia County, Florida — A Volusia County cold case homicide has remained stubbornly unsolved for four decades. Few, if any, useful clues have survived the passing years. Today’s investigators don’t even have a name to label the thin case folders. John Doe, 1972, has to suffice. All the evidence that could possibly move the case a step forward has been buried with the victim in a plot on the far edge of a Daytona Beach cemetery. But on a cold and blustery November day the search for John Doe’s real name and the hunt for his killer got a fresh start. The first exhumation order requested by the Sheriff’s Office in about 15 years allowed determined investigators to open the victim’s grave in search of locked away secrets. It was time to meet John Doe.
In early 1972, President Richard Nixon visited China, a gallon of gas cost about 30 cents, and the sitcom All in the Family was one of the most popular shows on television. But for one young man, 1972 was the year his short life ended. His body was found May 3 in a pond near Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach. The victim had been stabbed several times. Investigators did what they could to learn the victim’s identity, including removing his fingers and shipping the preserved digits to an FBI lab for fingerprint analysis, which was standard practice in such cases at the time.
Today there are no surviving documents related to the fingerprints or any other identification attempts. With little to work with, Cold Case Unit investigators took the rare step of requesting that a judge approve an order to exhume the victim’s remains from his grave at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Investigators were assisted by Victor Lohman and Scott Seegert from Lohman Funeral Homes who located the burial records and then participated in the exhumation. Investigators also asked for help from the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory at the University of Florida. Director Dr. Michael Warren agreed to work with the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office in the exhumation and subsequent analysis of the remains. With all the pieces of the new investigation coming together, the date of November 13, 2013 was set for the exhumation.
Dr. Warren and a few of his eager graduate students got started early Wednesday morning and spent several hours digging into the sandy Florida soil. Crime scene investigators from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office and other local agencies were on hand to assist and learn. Dr. Rick Snow, who came from Atlanta as a representative of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, also was on hand to help. The first objects encountered a few feet down were several small jars. Many were broken, but at least one still contained a preserved severed finger that had been returned by the FBI and buried in the grave. Dr. Warren and his students did most of the excavation work, especially when the collapsed burial container was uncovered. It took a lot of careful chipping away at the rusted metal to finally reveal the victim, still enveloped in a rubber body bag. Once the bag was finally pried free of its surroundings, the graduate students lifted it out to the surface.
The bag was opened and the forensic anthropologists and Cold Case investigators got their first look at the victim. Evidence of his wounds was still apparent to the trained eye. Dr. Warren also made the first new discovery: the victim may have been younger than originally thought. It was believed that the victim was in his late teens or early twenties. However, Dr. Warren saw evidence that the victim may have actually been in his early teens, but his observations will be verified during a more thorough examination at a later date.
The remains were then sealed in a new body bag and transported to the C.A. Pound Laboratory to be stored. It’s hoped that DNA that will be extracted from the remains can shed some light on this old case. The DNA work will be done by the University of North Texas, which participates in the President’s DNA Initiative. Also, the C.A. Pound Laboratory will do a CT scan of the victim’s skull. That scan will then be given to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Forensic Imaging Unit where a facial reconstruction will be done. It will likely take a few months to complete all of this work. Nonetheless, John Doe’s decades-old secrets are finally on their way to being revealed.
Ocala, Florida — The holidays can be a very stressful and financially difficult time for many families; the Ocala Post understands!
That is why this holiday season Ocala Post hopes to ease the financial burden just a little.
Ocala Post and Symphony Healthcare, Inc. have teamed up to provide a Thanksgiving meal to two separate families. To be considered for this giveaway, you must “like” BOTH Ocala Post & Symphony Healthcare’s Facebook pages and then private message either page with your name, telephone number, and email address. One winner will be chosen from each page (but remember, in order to enter, you must like both pages!)
The drawing will take place Thursday November 21, 2013.
Entries must be received by Noon on November 21, 2013
Employees of Ocala Post and Symphony Healthcare, Inc. are not eligible to participate.
You must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Good luck & Happy Thanksgiving! Please remember to share this article by clicking the link below. Thank you for your continued support.
New Jersey — Thugs and ignorance, a combinations authorities say can be a deadly mixture.
A new real life “game” is sweeping America, a game that was invented by a group of black teens in New Jersey, It is called KnockOut AKA Point’em Out Knock’em Out.
The rules are simple: an innocent victim is targeted by a cowardly teen and when the victim is not expecting it, the teen slams the victim in the face as hard as they can. The goal: to knock the victim out with one punch.
Authorities say several victims have died as a result of the game including one homeless man, and several arrests have been made. Three teens that have been arrested were charged as adults and are facing serious prison time, according to reports.
Parents of the accused teens claim it is just “kids being kids,” a harmless prank. However prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office are not laughing, they say if parents are caught encouraging the “game” then parents will be arrested as well.
Authorities say the ignorance of the teens playing this game is jaw dropping. “It is a clear reflection of how they were raised, they are acting like wild animals in the jungle preying on the wounded and the weak,” said one report.
Other groups are blaming video games such as Grand Theft Auto, whatever the blame one thing is for sure, this is definitely a game where there are no winners.
Be warned the video you are about to watch contains violence.
Renita Rayner [ Mugshot]Ocala, Florida – At approximately 11:00 a.m. on November 13, 2013 an Ocala Post staff member noticed a booking photo taken by the Hillsborough County Jail matched the name and description of wanted felon, Renita Rayner. Ocala Post contacted Hillsborough County and spoke with a public information officer who seemed a little surprised when an Ocala bank robbery was mentioned. Ocala Post was then directed to the arresting agency, Tampa PD.
Rayner was pulled over by Tampa Police at approximately 1 a.m. on November 13, 2013. At that time the Marion County warrant was not known to Tampa Police. Rayner was actually arrested for Driving While License Suspended-Canceled-Revoked, and had outstanding warrants for seven counts of Obtaining Property with a Worthless Check. Rayner was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail at 3:18 a.m.
Ocala Post again contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and confirmed the charges, at that time it was learned that Marion County had been notified of the arrest.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are on the way to Hillsborough County, Florida. Marion County Sheriff’s Office Detectives plan to interview Renita Mount Rayner of St. Petersburg, Florida, about the events that occurred just before 1 p.m., on Tuesday, November 12, when Rayner allegedly walked into the Alarion Bank at 7605 S.W. State Road 200 in Ocala.
Security cameras showed Rayner wearing a brown wig and a solid blue dress. Witnesses say Rayner showed a bank teller a note and allowed the teller to see the handle of a handgun. Rayner got away with an undetermined amount of cash.
There was a Marion County felony warrant issued for the arrest of Rayner following the bank robbery. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office stated that there is no timeline indicating when Rayner will return to face charges filed in Marion County.
Five individuals have been added to the FBI’s Cyber Most Wanted list for their roles in domestic and international hacking and fraud crimes collectively involving hundreds of thousands of victims and tens of millions of dollars in losses, according to FBI officials.
The new fugitives on the FBI’s Cyber Most Wanted list are:
Pakistani nationals Farhan Arshad and Noor Aziz Uddin, wanted for their alleged involvement in an international telecommunications hacking scheme. Between 2008 and 2012, the pair gained unauthorized access to business telephone systems, resulting in losses exceeding $50 million. Arshad and Uddin are part of an international criminal ring that the FBI believes extends into Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Spain, Singapore, Italy, Malaysia and elsewhere.
Carlos Perez-Melara, wanted for a variety of cyber crimes—including running a fraudulent website in 2003 that offered customers a way to “catch a cheating lover.” Those who took the bait downloaded spyware that secretly installed a program on their computers that allowed scammers to steal the victims’ identities and personal information.
Syrian national Andrey Nabilevich Taame, wanted for his alleged role in Operation Ghost Click, a malware scheme that compromised more than four million computers in more than 100 countries between 2007 and October 2011. According to reports, there were at least 500,000 victims in the United States alone.
Russian national Alexsey Belan, wanted for allegedly remotely accessing the computer networks of three U.S.-based companies in 2012 and 2013 and stealing sensitive data as well as employees’ identities.
In announcing the new fugitive list, Executive Assistant Director of our Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch Richard McFeely said, “Throughout its history, the FBI has depended on the public’s help and support to bring criminals to justice. That was true in the gangster era, and it’s just as true in the cyber era.” He added, “We need the public’s help to catch these individuals who have made it their mission to spy on and steal from our nation and our citizens.”
The FBI’s Most Wanted program is best known for its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The Top Ten list was established more than six decades ago and has become a symbol of the Bureau’s crime-fighting ability around the world. The FBI also highlights other wanted fugitives such as serial killers, terrorists, white-collar criminals, and increasingly, those who commit cyber crimes. The FBI leads the national effort to investigate high-tech crimes, including cyber-based terrorism, espionage, computer intrusions, and major cyber fraud.
The expansion of the Cyber’s Most Wanted list is a reflection of the FBI’s increased efforts in this area, said Mcfeely.
“The cyber fugitives we seek have caused significant losses to individuals and to our economy,” Mcfeely explained. “And cyber crime continues to pose a significant threat to our national security.”
Anyone with information about any of the five individuals mentioned above, or the other fugitives on the Cyber Most Wanted list is urged to contact your local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Ocala, Florida — Despite more than a dozen complaints from parents and employees, former Polliwog owner Michael Tarver was approved by the Board of Dentistry to have his Dentistry License reinstated.
Complaints were made to the Ocala Police Department as early as 2012, but it wasn’t until the middle of 2013 that the Department of Children and Families and the DOH were notified by the police.
In a police report filed with OPD, one victim told investigators that she was crying, scared and ran down the hallway in an attempt to get to her mom. The victim said Tarver chased her down the hallway, picked her up like a baby, and while wearing gloves, covered her mouth and nose. The victim stated she had trouble breathing and Tarver asked her “Are you done?” then placed her back into the dentistry chair. Later, after being released, the mom noticed her child’s lip had been busted. An employee of Polliwog confirmed the victims’ allegations, according to police. OPD questioned Tarver and he said, “He remembered the patient because she was so badly misbehaved. She ran down the hallway kicking and screaming at the dental staff. I didn’t put my hands over her mouth. The child had to be sedated due to her extremely poor behavior.” Tarver was not charged, according to OPD he didn’t commit any criminal offenses.
Parents whose children suffered abuse by Tarver are appalled and in disbelief.
Tarver has been very outspoken about badly behaved children and openly admitted to police and DOH investigators that he sedated children because of their behavior. Tarver also blamed the behavior of those children on the parents and the fact that most of his patients were on Medicaid.
Tarver sedated children for procedures that did warrant sedation, according to DOH investigators.
Tarver is blaming the public for “Mob Mentality,” however, Parents told Ocala Post that his Facebook posts and private messages threatening lawsuits as well as messages telling parents how misbehaved their “Medicaid children” were, shows his true arrogance.
Susan Waldron said, “Someone apparently is willing to use his services, not my family! And no one else should but he didn’t get it [license] back on luck.“
Stephanie Kenyon Marsh said, “Neglectful on the boards part. I will never believe one person tried to destroy his practice. The police reports and paper trail doesn’t lie!”
Michael Tarver hired attorney Edwin A. Bayo´of whom used to provide advice and representation to regulatory boards under the umbrella of the Department of Health.
Ivy Castillo, whose child was a reported victim of Tarver said, “Obviously the welfare and safety of children are not in the best interest of the board.”
Ocala residents are not likely to forgive and forget. Parents say the black and white paperwork speaks for itself.
One parent who was verbally threatened by a lawsuit, said, “Next time a child may not be so lucky. Tarver’s arrogance and the lack of diligence from the Board Of Dentistry are going to cost some poor innocent child their life. In my opinion, allowing an attorney that used to give advice to the DOH in any matter is a conflict of interest.”
Ocala Post contacted the State Attorney’s Office and asked; has the State Attorney’s Office read over the charges from the DOH or just the allegations filed with OPD?
State Attorney Bill Gladson said, “This office was asked by detectives to review three separate incidents concerning potential child abuse. Some of these allegations had already been reported to the Department of Children and Families months prior to being referred to the Ocala Police Department.”
“Each case was reviewed to determine whether, if true, the allegation would constitute the crime of child abuse. To prove the crime of child abuse beyond a reasonable doubt, the State would have to prove that a defendant knowingly or willfully, and intentionally, inflicted physical injury, or committed an act that could reasonably result in physical injury, to a child. At the time, physical injury was defined as ‘death, permanent or temporary disfigurement or impairment of any body part.’ During their investigation, the Detectives with the Ocala Police Department conducted numerous interviews of staff members, reviewed surveillance video, photographs, medical records, physical evidence as well as interviewed the complainants in the cases.”
“Based on the evidence available, it was decided that no single allegation, if proven as alleged, would constitute the crime of child abuse such that any conviction could be sustained on appeal. This office did not review, and was not asked to review, any matter being investigated by the Department of Health or the Board of Dentistry,” Said Gladson.
In addition to child abuse charges, there have been allegations that Tarver overbilled Medicaid for multiple procedures performed by his office.
Ocala Post reached out to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to find out if Tarver is being investigated for Medicaid fraud in addition to the child abuse allegations. Press Secretary Shelisha Coleman wrote, “We cannot confirm or deny whether we have an open audit or investigation on a particular provider.”
There is currently an open investigation that is being conducted by the DEA.
As for now, Marion County residents will have to wait and see what Tarver’s next move will be.
Michael Boyce [Mugshot]Orlando, Florida — On Thursday November 14, 2013, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located at 4524 Nikki Court in Orlando, after someone reported a gun shot.
When deputies arrived at the address they observed a pregnant black female, who was identified as Alexis Boyce, sitting in a chair inside the living room area. She had a single gunshot wound to the head, according to deputies.
She was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased. Alexis was pregnant with twins.
The initial deputy on scene said that when he walked in the house, Alexis was sitting in a chair with her hands on her lap. The deputies made contact with the Alexis’ husband, Michael Boyce and her parents, Leon and Fannie Huntley, who were all inside the home at the time the shot was fired.
In a sworn written statement to deputies, Michael Boyce stated that his wife had previously been depressed.
Boyce, who is currently an armed security guard and was a military police officer for five years, told deputies that his wife had asked to see his security duty handgun. Boyce stated that he retrieved his Glock 9 mm from its black gun case and handed it to his wife.
According to deputies, Boyce stated the handgun did not have a round in the chamber, but says there was a loaded magazine in the firearm.
Boyce stated that he was sitting at the computer, which was located in the same room as his wife when he heard a gunshot. After hearing the gunshot he rushed over to his wife and noticed blood coming from her nose, according to deputies. Boyce told deputies that’s when he removed the handgun from her right hand.
Leon Huntley told deputies that when he and his wife heard the gunshot they immediately emerged from their bedroom. Leon stated that he observed Michael Boyce standing in the living room holding the gun in his hand. Leon said that he was eventually able to get Boyce to hand over the firearm, according to reports.
Michael Boyce was taken to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to be interviewed. According to reports, Deputy Willie Robinson and Detective Eric Debose conducted the interview with Michael Boyce.
Officials say Boyce was advised that he was not under arrest and was free to leave at anytime. During the interview Boyce stated that his wife had been depressed over money and said that she really didn’t want the children. Reports say that Boyce continued to insinuate that his wife committed suicide.
Boyce explained that his wife wanted to see his handgun and even though he knew she was depressed, he gave it to her. During the interview Boyce stated that his wife had committed suicide with the gun in her left hand, which according to deputies, contradicts what Boyce told the on-scene deputies.
Investigators say that Alexis Boyce was right handed, but the entrance wound of the gunshot was to the left side of her head and it appeared that Boyce was trying to account for the discrepancies in his story.
As Boyce continued to explain his account of events, he was confronted with the evidence from the scene, according to reports. Boyce eventually admitted to investigators that he was the one who shot Alexis Boyce in the head, but could not explain why he pointed the handgun and killed his wife, said investigators.
Michael Boyce was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder with a Firearm, and is being held without bond.
After Alexis Boyce was pronounced deceased, the medical personnel at Orlando Regional Medical Center attempted to save her unborn children. One of the children is in intensive care and the second was pronounced deceased.
Pending testimony from the medical doctor concerning the viability of the fetus, Michael Boyce may face an additional count of homicide, according to investigators.
Ocala, Florida — On September 13, 2013, Ocala Post broke the story about a trio of men terrorizing residents who lived in Silver Springs Shores.
On November 13, 2013, Ocala Post released a public warning about Howard Hill, a thug and career criminal who was released from jail on November 12, 2013, after the state attorney announced that they did not have sufficient information on the case due to the lack of witnesses coming forward.
Two of the men who were involved in a series of serious and dangerous crimes in Silver Springs Shores were released from jail on more than one occasion. Today, it seems as though both the recent release of Howard Hill and last month’s release of Laquan Barrow have cost someone their life during a shooting that took place at Parkside Apartments on November 14, 2013.
Howard Hill has been arrested five times. His criminal record has charges ranging from Torture and Mutilation of Animals to multiple Aggravated Assaults with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Cause Bodily Harm. Laquan Barrow has been arrested 10 times and has multiple charges for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Firing into an Occupied Vehicle.
Tami Wyckoff wrote, “Parkside Apts. needs to be burned to the ground. That place is just a drug-infested nightmare. I feel bad for the good people that live there and have to deal with that mess. OPD needs to have a cop on duty that just sits there to monitor all the activity that goes on at that place.”
Jennifer Shamp wrote, “Parkside and Spring Manor both , all you ever here about is gun fights , gangs, and drugs out there. And that’s our low income and section 8 housing .Evidently someones not doing [their] job right to keep those kinds of people out of what should be a safe place for the elderly and parents with children who are on low incomes.”
Residents can only hope these two men stay behind bars this time.
Ocala Police say on 11-14-13, three victims along with victim Samuel Washington, 28, who is now deceased, left Cloud 9 Club after midnight, located in the 1900 block of South Pine Avenue in a 2007 Saturn. They proceeded to a block party located in the 1900 block of NW 1st Street.
According to reports, all three victims pulled over just east of 19th Avenue on SW 1st Street. They told police that within minutes, a black male, later identified by victim one as Laquan Barrow, 22, opened his driver’s door, punched him in the face several times, and attempted to pull him out of the vehicle. Victim one resisted by holding on to the steering wheel and pushing the suspect away, to no avail. Victim one stated that a second black male, later identified as Howard Lee Hill, 20, also punched him in the face several times and attempted to pull him out of the car. He stated that a third black male, later identified as Tydree Najee also 20, came to his vehicle with the other two suspects. Victim one stated that it was at that moment that he heard a gunshot.
Victim one stated he then drove off and fled the area while shots were fired at his vehicle. Victim one received a small cut on his lower lip and inflammation to his left side of his face due to the multiple punches he received.
Police say that victim three, who was the front passenger, described the first suspect as a dark black large heavy male. He stated to police that the suspect opened the driver’s door, punched several times, and attempted to pull victim one out of the vehicle. He stated that a second suspect, approximately 5’8” or 5’9” was next to the first suspect. The second suspect also threw several punches and attempted to pull victim one out of the vehicle.
He said that an unknown black male opened the back door and yelled, “What’s up Nigga.” The victim then heard a gunshot. He heard the victim, Samuel Washington, who was in the back seat behind the driver, state that he had been hit. They drove to the 400 block of Northwest 9th Avenue looking for help. At that time, a dark vehicle and a lighter color vehicle drove by and shot at them several times, striking their vehicle. They hit the ground and were unable to identify the shooters.
Victim two, who was sitting next to Samuel Washington, stated the same scenario and indicated that the third suspect opened the back door and shot Samuel Washington. He said Washington stated to the shooter that he had no part of it before he was shot. Victim two stated that the shooter was slender and tall.
Washington was pronounced dead at Munroe Regional Medical Center. Washington had only lived in Ocala for a year before his life was taken by criminals, who residents say belong behind bars.
During the investigation, one of the victims told police that he had “heard on the street that Tydree was the one that shot Samuel Washington.”
Although detectives are continuing the investigation into identifying the shooter who killed Washington, the two suspects, Hill and Barrow, have been arrested for charges unrelated to the case.
Detectives located Hill and Barrow and Detective Jorge Fernandez was able to charge them both.
Currently, the two are charged with Burglary of a Conveyance and Battery. Both Hill and Barrow are being held on a $500,000 bond.
Ocala, Florida — As if Ocala residents would not notice, Polliwog Dental has changed its name; Polliwog is now Churchill Dentistry.
Michael Tarver is not the registered owner of Churchill Dentistry. A quick search of “Churchill Dentistry” reveals it is registered to a Wendy Churchill. However, Ocala Post realized that “Churchill Dentistry” has been registered since 2001. Further investigation revealed that the actual registered name of the former Polliwog Pediatric Dentistry is CHURCHILL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, LLC., registered to Michael Tarver’s wife, Rebecca Tarver. Wendy Churchill is not associated with the Tarver’s.
The new business was registered on October 08, 2013.
Michael Tarver, the former owner of Polliwog had his licensed suspended on September 4, 2013, the suspension came after Tarver’s office was raided by the DEA on August 30, 2013.
Tarver has been accused of nearly killing a four-year-old when he overdosed the child using the combination of Versed, Demerol, and laughing gas. Tarver defends his actions by claiming the children were extremely misbehaved, therefore they needed to be sedated. Tarver admitted to sedating kids for bad behavior to Ocala Police, however, the State Attorney’s Office said there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest Tarver for child abuse.
Polliwog Owner Michael Tarver denies the allegations and originally denied being investigated by the DEA.
Stephanie Kenyon Marsh wrote, “Polliwog or Churchill…I’m not taking my kids! MCNA dropped polliwog the day it happened.” Kristina Allen wrote, “Still won’t take mine [Kids] either.”
Tarver quickly became known as the “Facebook Tough Guy.” Threatening to sue parents if they continued to spread the word about the abuse children had suffered at his hand.
Facebook user SandraRenee Seales St Denis told Ocala Post she had posted a message on Ocala’s Word of Mouth’s facebook page about how dangerous pain medications are for small children. Tarver then sent her a message threatening to sue her for slander if she “Kept This Up.”
Marcia Proctor told Ocala Post that Tarver wrote to her after she expressed her concerns as well. Tarver wrote, “I am suing you Monday morning if you continue to slander me.”
It is only slander or defamation of character if the statements made are not true. In this case, all facts are true and correct as clearly shown in court documents.
After Tarver tried to defend his practice by lashing out at parents on Ocala’s Word Of Mouth Facebook page, the allegations slowly surfaced, exposing the ill practices of Tarver’s Dentistry formally known as Polliwog Dental.
A hearing is being held tomorrow November 15, 2013, with the Board Of Dentistry, at which time a determination will be made in regards to Tarver having his license reinstated.
We want to hear from you. Would you as a parent take your child to the Dentistry that is now owned by Tarver’s wife? Leave your comments below.
Brooklyn, New York — Angel Gregorio Liriano Cruz was arraigned yesterday afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, on heroin and cocaine trafficking charges. Liriano Cruz is alleged to be the leader of an international drug organization responsible for shipping more than 200 kilograms of heroin and 35 kilograms of cocaine to the United States between 2002 and 2007. Liriano Cruz was arrested on an extradition request issued from the Eastern District of New York and extradited from Spain to the United States on November 8, 2013.
The extradition and charges were announced by Brian Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division and Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The investigation was conducted by the DEA JFK Airport Office, with assistance provided by law enforcement authorities in Spain and the Dominican Republic.
As detailed in the indictment and other court filings by the government, Liriano Cruz’s regular heroin and cocaine supply route during part of the course of the conspiracy originated in the Dominican Republic, continued to Puerto Rico, and concluded in the New York City metropolitan area.
“As alleged, Angel Liriano Cruz ran a pipeline of poison, flooding the U.S. with millions of dollars’ worth of heroin and cocaine sent through Caribbean locales. His alleged drug distribution organization was not limited by international boundaries, but neither is the reach of U.S. law enforcement with the assistance of its partners abroad,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “We are steadfast in our commitment to bringing drug sources to justice and stemming the flow of illegal narcotics into this country and the streets of our communities.” Ms. Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the agencies that conducted the government’s investigation, including the DEA JFK Airport Office, comprising the New York City Police Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. She also thanked the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs, for its significant assistance in this case.
“Liriano Cruz is the alleged leader of a drug distribution organization responsible for shipping more than 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of heroin and 35 kilograms (77 pounds) of cocaine into our neighborhoods. This organization fueled the ongoing heroin threat our communities face, and we estimate this international drug network earned $13 million selling this poison. On Friday, November 8th, Liriano Cruz arrived in New York to face federal narcotics charges based on the diligent work of the DEA, NYPD, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York. I commend their dogged pursuit of this key heroin trafficker,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Crowell.
As part of the investigation, in May 2007, DEA agents seized approximately 36 kilograms or 79 pounds of heroin hidden in furniture that was allegedly modified for the organization to transport the narcotics. That furniture was en route to be forwarded by common carrier to the Bronx, New York, with a return address in Puerto Rico. Several days later, law enforcement agents, disguised as shipping company personnel, delivered in New York the furniture that had contained the heroin and arrested three members of the organization. Further investigation revealed that the seized shipment was the last of approximately 10 narcotics shipments that were sent in a similar fashion. The narcotics from this and other sources were allegedly distributed in the New York City area by members of the defendant’s organization and are valued by the DEA at more than 13 million dollars. Liriano Cruz also allegedly supplied heroin for internal couriers to bring kilo-quantities from the Dominican Republic to the United States. The couriers often smuggled the narcotics through JFK International Airport.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sylvia Shweder and Douglas Pravda.
Ocala, Florida — Today, November 14, 2013, at approximately 2:36 a.m., OPD officers responded to calls of shots fired.
The calls indicated that shots were fired in the 1900 block of NW 1st Avenue and also in the area of Parkside Gardens Apartments, 621 NW 2nd Street.
While officers were investigating the calls at these locations, a victim of a gunshot wound arrived at a local hospital at approximately 2:55 a.m. At 3:45 a.m., the subject was pronounced dead.
Next of kin, located out of state, has been notified. The victim is identified as a black male, Samuel Lee Washington, 28. He is from Georgia and has only resided in Ocala approximately one year. Detectives are currently investigating and further information will be released as it becomes available.
Felicia Scott [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On November 11, 2013 Officer Rossi with the Ocala Police Department responded to the area of 1644 NW 4th Street in Ocala in response to a call about teenagers fighting.
According to reports when Officer Rossi arrived only the victim and the witnesses were still on the scene. The victim, a black female age 12, told Officer Rossi that she was walking home from Howard Middle School when a maroon four door car pulled up next to her. An adult female later identified as Felecia R. Scott, 34, exited the vehicle with her children and began fighting with the victim.
Multiple Witnesses on the scene were able to provide the tag number of Scott’s vehicle and confirm the statements of the victim. The witnesses confirmed that Scott struck the 12-year-old victim as well as allowed her children to attack the victim.
Officer Rossi used the provided tag number to track Scott to her residence at Parkside Apartments. Officer Rossi made contact with Scott and her children. According to reports, Scott told Officer Rossi she was on her way to talk to the victims’ mother when she spotted her [The victim] walking along NW 4th Street. She turned her vehicle around and confronted the victim about “threatening” her children, telling the victim if she wanted to fight she could do it right now. Scotts said she called her two daughters and then they began fighting. Witnesses stated that Scott struck the child in the face. Scott and her daughters fled the scene after they were finished beating up the 12-year-old victim.
According to reports, after Officer Rossi asked Scott about striking the victim she became agitated and got loud with the officer. Scott denied striking the child.
Officer Rossi place all three suspects under arrest and they were transported to the Marion County Jail. The children were taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.
Scott was charged with Child Abuse and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.
Tampa, Florida — Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Immanuel Lee Williams (28) and Cara Lee Williams (28), both of Tampa, have been arrested by the FBI and charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery. If convicted on all charges, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws.
According to the criminal complaint, from December 5, 2012 to date, Immanuel Williams and Cara Williams conspired to rob 13 federally insured banks in the Middle District of Florida and two federally insured banks in Alabama. To carry out the robberies, both are alleged to have worn disguises and used notes demanding money from the banks.
One of the robberies was at the Compass Bank at 2620 SW 19th Avenue Road, Ocala, on October 15, 2013 and within a hour, the CenterState Bank at 114 West Belt Avenue in Bushnell was also robbed by a suspect wearing the same disguise as in the Ocala bank robbery, according to reports.
Both individuals made their initial appearances in Tampa on November 12, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli. A bond hearing is set for Cara Williams on November 14, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. Immanuel Williams reserved on the matter of bond and is being held without bail.
According to the FBI, the couple stole $54,740 from the 15 banks that were robbed. The FBI says the duo was using the stolen money to pay bills via Western Union and the couple had far more debt than they did cash. Immannuel Williams was a part time temporary employee with the Unites States Postal Service but had not worked since August. Cara Williams’ employment is unknown and according to surveillance records the two never left their homes for work. Although investigators say Cara would receive a check in the mail every two weeks from a business that was not named in the report.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tampa Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocala Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph W. Swanson.
Howard Hill [Mugshot]Silver Springs Shores, Florida — Residents in the Silver Springs Shores area should be aware that Howard Hill, one of three men arrested for an armed home invasion that occurred in Silver Springs Shores, has been released from jail.
The release came on November 12, 2013, after the state attorney announced that they do not have sufficient information on the case due to the lack of witnesses coming forward. Out of the five subpoenas issued to the victims involved, all five subpoenas were returned not served.
Howard Hill is a dangerous criminal and has had several violent charges involving a firearm dropped due to the State Attorney’s Office not having enough information.
Residents should be alert and report any suspicious activity immediately.
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Charles Messina [Mugshot]Ocala Florida — An arrest was made by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on November 12, 2013, after a man allegedly molested a 91-year-old woman.
According to reports, the staff of Emeritus House at Ocala West, notified authorities stating that Charles W. Messina, 63, was visiting an elderly dementia patient in the Memory Care Unit of the facility and had sexually assaulted her. A staff member told investigators that when they [Staff] were walking passed the victims room, they heard her say “Stop that hurts”, so she entered the room. The employee stated that when she entered the room the lights were off and when she turned them on, Messina was standing on the right of the victims’ bedside with his hand on her vagina, skin to skin.
During a taped interview with investigators, the employee stated that she observed Messina walk into the facility wearing a white t-shirt, black basketball type shorts, and white tennis shoes. She said that he wears the same thing every time he shows up to visit and always comes when the reception desk is closed and never signs in, according to reports.
The employee told authorities that when she walked in and observed Messina touching the victim on her vagina, she asked him what he was doing and he said that he was changing the victim’s depends. Investigators say the employee said that when she checked, there was no depends in the trash can and the one previously worn by the victim was at the foot of the bed, under the blanket and was not soiled.
According to reports, the victim then told the employee not to leave her alone with Messina again and that she did not want him to visit anymore.
When investigators interviewed Messina about the allegations, he stated that he did go visit the victim at the time in question. He also stated that he was trying to change the victims depends because the one she was wearing was soiled. Messina told investigators that after he retrieved a new one from the restroom, he began changing the victim and that’s when the nurses walked in.
When asked about the lights being off, Messina stated that was not true. He advised that the television as well as the bathroom light were both on, according to investigators. Messina also stated that he had changed the victim’s depends in the past and that he placed the soiled one in the trash. Reports show that a search of the victims room did not turn up a soiled depends in any waste basket.
Messina was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail on one count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of an Elderly or Disabled Person.
Polk County, Florida — The Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Section is once again hosting its annual Pet Fest from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the facility, located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven in Winter Haven just off the Polk Parkway near the Polk County landfill.
All adoptions are discounted to $25.00 the day of the event. Adoption Pre-Qualification Questionnaires are available at the counter and on line at www.polkpets.org or on Facebook at Polk-County-Animal-Control. To expedite the adoption process questionnaires will be accepted by e-mail at adoptionprescreening@polksheriff.org or by fax at 863.499.2603 prior to 12:00 on Friday, December 6th. New pet owners will automatically be eligible for our gift basket drawings.
A low cost pet vaccination clinic will be held throughout the day. Pet vaccinations will be $5.00 each. Microchips are $15.00 and include free Home Again pet recovery service registration onsite.
Special celebrity guests Santa and Mrs. Claus (and elves) will chat, sign autographs, and take photos with you and your family, including all human, canine, and feline members.
Area organizations and vendors will be on site with demonstrations, activities and services for both families and their pets and much, much, more fun. This year the Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Section’s specialty vehicles and equipment will also be on display.
All Pet Fest proceeds will be used for the care and comfort of the animals in our shelter.
Don’t miss this opportunity to help a special animal find a home this holiday season. For more information, please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.499.2600.
Ocala, Florida — The hunt is on for a black female who robbed a bank just before 1:00 p.m. on November 12, 2013.
It happened at the Alarion Bank located at 7605 SW State Road 200 in Ocala. Authorities say the woman got away with an undetermined amount of money.
The woman was described by witnesses as about 5’2” and is said to have very bad teeth and appears to be in her 40’s to 50’s. She weighs around 175 pounds and was wearing a brown wig and large gold hoop earrings. She was last seen driving a sun-faded red or maroon 1996 to 1999 4-door Honda Accord.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has identified the bank robbery suspect utilizing various investigative techniques, said public information officer Judge Cochran. A felony warrant has been issued for Renita Mount Rayner of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP or 352-368-7867. Tips can also be texted to 274637 using keyword 368STOP or submit a tip at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
New Jersey — Thugs and ignorance, a combinations authorities say can be a deadly mixture.
