Jonathan A Whatley [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at approximately 3:11 p.m., Ocala Police Department Detectives Michael Bowman and Melissa Buetti arrested the suspect in the Smash and Grab Burglaries that occurred to three Diamond Oil stores in Ocala. During the burglaries, glass windows were smashed out and beer & cigarettes stolen.
The first occurrence was on September 28, 2013 at approximately 11:38 p.m. at the Diamond Oil located at 2375 NE 25th Avenue. The second occurred approximately four and a half hours later at the Diamond Oil located at 3685 SW 20th Street, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on September 29, 2013.
Video surveillance on both was obtained and the suspect appeared to be the same person in both incidents, as well as the same suspect in similar incidents that have taken place throughout Marion County. On October 12, 2013 at approximately 6:40 a.m., the Diamond Oil at 2534 SE 17th Street, was also burglarized by the subject seen in the video stealing a container full of cigarettes and beer. In this third incident, the suspect has a t-shirt over his face that falls down and enables video to capture his face. Video and stills from this incident and the two previous incidents was put out to the public.
On October 23, 2013, Detective Bowman received an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers advising that the subject pictured in the video from the October 12th incident is a subject named “John” who lives at 505 NE Sanchez Avenue in Ocala. Detective Bowman responded to that location and the suspect was identified by management as Jonathan Wade Whatley,44. Detective Bowman also spoke with Whatley’s employer, who identified the hat, long-sleeve shirt, and dust mask worn in the videos of the first two incidents as clothing items worn by Whatley when working. Whatley was called in from a job site to the business’ office where Detectives Bowman and Buetti, along with members of SDU and UDEST, were waiting for him.
Whatley was taken into custody for the three burglaries, but he refused to speak with detectives.
Whatley was charged with three Counts of Burglary Commercial and three Counts of Petit Theft .
Additionally, Whatley was on Probation for previous charges of Burglary and Dealing in Stolen Property, therefore he was also arrested for the Violation of Probation.
The Ocala Police Department thanks the community for it’s assistance in identifying and locating the suspect in these three cases. Without the cooperative efforts of law enforcement and the community, cases such as this would not be able to to be successfully closed so quickly.
Scott Michael Johns [Facebook]Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a call on Monday, October 21, 2013, from an Ocala woman claiming that she had caught her “significant other” molesting her daughter in the child’s bed.
According to reports, the mother told deputies that she woke up around 5:40 a.m., and discovered her significant other, Scott Johns, 31, was not in their bed with her. That’s when she got out of bed to look for him, first checking the bathroom and when he wasn’t in there she turned on the hall light to look in her daughter’s room, according to reports.
When the mother looked into the girl’s room, she found Johns sitting on the bed wearing loose shorts and a t-shirt. The woman said Johns was leaning over top of the 9-year-old and he had her pajama shirt pulled all the way up leaving her chest exposed, according to Deputy Counts.
The mother then confronted Johns, asking him what he was doing. Johns claimed that he was just saying goodbye to the girl before he went off to work. The mother told authorities that Johns does not normally tell the children goodbye before going to work and stated that the children were going to sleep in that day because it was a teacher’s workday, therefore school was out.
According to reports, Johns left the child’s room and returned to his own bedroom.
The mother asked her daughter what had been going on and before getting very upset and beginning to cry, the girl told her mother that Johns had been licking her chest and trying to get her to touch him, but she pulled her hand away.
The girl was then taken to Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection to be forensically interviewed.
According to reports, during the interview the girl disclosed several incidents of sexual abuse by Johns. She told investigators, that Monday morning Johns woke her up by grabbing her hands in an attempt to make her [the victim]touch his “wiener”. She advised that Johns then pulled her shirt up and began licking her “breast”.
The victim told authorities that the sexual abuse occurred at three different locations in Marion County. The girl advised that the abuse began while they were living in the Carlton Arms Apartments, continued when they moved to the Bahia Oaks Subdivision, and then in their current residence.
Authorities say the girl advised that Johns would lay her on her side and force her to have anal sex, in other instances force her to perform masturbation on him, and told her to put his wiener in her mouth “like a lollipop” on multiple occasions.
According to the victim, all incidents took place in her [the child’s] bed.
Scott Michael Johns was arrested and charged with Capital Sexually Battery. If convicted he could face life in prison.
He is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
Scott Michael Johns worked for the Florida Department Of Corrections at The Lowell Correctional Institution, he was hired in 2009, he was terminated upon his arrest.
William Clark [Mugshot]Winter Haven, Florida — On Monday, October 21, 2013, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Todd William Clark, 41, of Winter Haven, charging him with Grand Theft and Business Burglary.
On May 19, 2013 Marc’s Auto Repair/Thrift Store was burglarized. Approximately $500.00 in miscellaneous items were stolen to include a child’s bicycle, stuffed animals along with several CD’s and DVD’s. It was also learned several outgoing calls from the business to an unfamiliar number were made during the time of the burglary.
A pair of jeans, a shirt, and a pair of socks were discovered in the bathroom of the business, none of which the business owners could identify. It appeared the unknown suspect had undressed prior to leaving the scene. The discarded clothing was collected as evidence.
The discarded clothing was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for DNA testing. When the results were returned in September 2013, the DNA on the clothing turned out to be a positive match for Clark. Clark’s criminal arrest history includes 21 felony charges, 13 misdemeanor charges and 15 charges with an unknown level, and one failure to appear. His past charges range from Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Petit Theft, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Grand Theft Auto, Battery, Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, multiple Drug related offenses, and Trespassing to Disorderly Intoxication. Clark has been to state prison three times, in 1994, 2001, and 2008.
Detectives located Clark and arranged to meet him at the PCSO Central District office where a post Miranda interview was conducted. Clark told detectives he had consumed a large amount of alcohol, illegal narcotics and controlled substances the night of the burglary telling detectives he did not “remember” committing the burglary, but remembered the clothing he wore the night of the incident which positively matched the clothing found in the business.
Clark told detectives he remembered being completely unclothed (except for boxer shorts) in the area of Lake Howard Drive (Winter Haven) the morning after the incident occurred. Clark was placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Jail without further incident. He has since bonded out of jail.
Rocky Estes [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — On October 19, 2013 Deputy Paul Hahn responded to the 5200 block of SW 21st Place in reference to a disturbance.
According to Deputy Hahn when he arrived he quickly determined that Rocky Estes, 43, had several loaded weapons and Estes had advised his girlfriend he was not going back to jail without a fight.
Estess’ girlfriend advised Deputy Hahn that he [Estes] had been drinking heavily and passed out. When Estess’ girlfriend tried to wake him he punched her in the head then pushed her to the ground.
The girlfriend then called 911 and she says that is when Estes began breaking items in the house and yelling, “I am not going back to jail without a fight.”
After Deputy Patrick Doody arrived on the scene he made telephone contact with Estes. Deputy Doody tried several times to get Estes to drop his weapons, but Estes simply stated, “I am not going back to jail.” Deputy Doody says shortly after Estes made that statement he [Estes] racked his shotgun. Estes then yelled, “I got a gun and so do you. I got something for you.”
Finally after several more orders were given for Estes to exit the residence, he walked out the front door and he was detained.
Several loaded weapons were found in the residence, they were collected and placed in evidence By Deputy Turner.
Estes was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail without further incident. He was charged with Domestic Simple Battery and Assault On A Law Enforcement Officer.
Estes was also arrested in April of 2004 for child abuse.
Tallahassee, Florida — Despite warnings from the Department of Children and Families, Food Stamp recipients continue to break the law by selling the benefits for cash.
There is a growing trend in Florida that affects both Food Stamp recipients and the owners and employees of Food Stamp authorized retail stores . It is called Food Stamp Trafficking. Food Stamp Trafficking occurs when through the use of EBT cards, there is an exchange of Food Stamp benefits with a retail store for cash. Trafficking also includes the buying or selling of EBT cards by citizens and stores. The advent of social networking has given rise to open selling of EBT cards by advertising them on social networking sites such as Facebook or on public listings such as Craigslist and eBay.
Food Stamp Trafficking in Florida is a felony. It is also a cash business that spawns other crimes within a community. Drugs, prostitution, and illegal gambling are all supported in part by Food Stamp Trafficking. It is a growing trend that is being addressed by local, state and federal Law Enforcement agencies.
Food Stamp Trafficking also takes place out in the open and is heavy around areas that have liquor stores, convenient stores, and laundry mats where heavy loitering is present.
OcalaPost.com didn’t have to search very hard to find Food Stamp for cash ads. A quick search of Craigslist list revealed two ads:
Food Stamps For Cash [Click To Enlarge]Food Stamps For Cash [Click To Enlarge]If you are aware of retail stores or citizens that exchange Food Stamp benefits for cash, buy EBT cards, or are receiving benefits under false pretenses (The recipient has claimed he or she is unemployed but actually has employment) you can provide a Tip to the Department of Financial Services by emailing: ReportRetailFraud@myfloridacfo.com
You can also call the number listed below in the event you do not have email.
850-413-4040.
The Brazilian, Mexican, and French Government have recently lashed out against the U.S. Government for its continual use of illegal spying techniques. President Obama was at the brunt of most of the conversations.
According to reports leaked by Snowden, NSA illegally hacked former Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s e-mail account which was also used by cabinet members.
Mexico’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday October 21, 2013, “This practice is unacceptable, illegitimate, and against Mexican and international law.” Adding they will push for a speedy investigation.
The ministry also said, “In a relationship between neighbors and partners, there is no room for the practices alleged to have taken place.”
A Brazilian journalist by the name of Glenn Greenwald, obtained documents from Snowden and were released in a Brazilian news report.
The Brazilian and Mexican Governments was concerned the NSA and Obama were currently spying on their Presidents, but the Brazilian Government says the documents given to Greenwald by Snowden are very clear that the NSA had already carried out the spying and they were clearly bragging about it.
In other leaked documents it shows that the NSA intercepted over 70,000 phones calls from the French in a 30 day period.
Ambassador Charles Rivkin was summoned to the French Foreign Ministry in Paris after the details of the documents and spying tactics were printed in a French newspaper.
“These kinds of practices between partners, that violate privacy, are totally unacceptable,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told reporters at an EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. “We must quickly assure that these practices aren’t repeated.”
President Obama tried denying the accusations, however the ministry says the documents are all the proof they need and the documents are clear proof of what kind of President, Obama really is.
Obama blamed the media, citing they twisted the facts, however Obama later said he would speak with the other governments, but this came only after Mexico, Brazil, and France reached out to Obama first.
U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande spoke Monday, according to a White House spokesperson.
Mexico and Brazil are expected to speak with the U.S. via diplomatic channels sometime in the future according to reports.
French citizens have greatly expressed their concerns about the NSA’s spying tactics and want the spying to stop.
U.S. citizens have also expressed concerns, concerns that Obama and the NSA may cause a war over their spying tactics, and most praise Edward Snowden for blowing the whistle on the NSA.
Snowden’s father released a statement saying he feels his son should get a Nobel Prize for doing what is right.
AMC Entertainment says texting rumor is completely false.
As is if people rudely talking during a movie wasn’t enough, AMC Theaters are going to create isles just for texting.
True, or just another media rumor?
You may have recently seen reports on many news stations and on-line media outlets claiming AMC Theaters is creating texting isles specifically for individuals that refuse to shut their phones off.
Ocala Post put that absurd claim to the test.
On October 21, 2013 Ocala Post contacted Ryan Noonan, the Director of Public Relations for AMC Theaters, to see just how true the claims were.
Noonan told Ocala Post, “The story is not true. We would not disrupt our guests’ movie experience by allowing texting during a movie and we will not be installing ‘texting rows’.”
This is a rumor that could have potentially cost AMC Theaters to lose business.
Just another example of poor reporting without actually having the facts before rushing to release the story.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Ocala Police Department, and in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), will participate in the National Pill Take Back Day planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2013.
A uniformed officer will be stationed at the following “no questions asked” collection sites:
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Southwest District Office located at, 9048 SW HWY 200, Ocala
Marion County Sheriff’s Office South District Office located at, 8230 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, Villages
Ocala Police Department located at, 402 South Pine Avenue, Ocala
The purpose of this event is to give citizens who have a surplus of outdated prescription pills, pills citizens don’t have a prescription for, or pills they have obtained illegally, an opportunity to turn the drugs in without facing criminal charges or repercussions.
Please remember it is illegal to flush any type of drug down the toilet. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “The improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them or pouring them down the drain may be harmful to fish, wildlife and their habitats.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has prescription pills they would like or need to get rid of, to take advantage of this National Pill Take Back Day. Citizens can visit www.dea.gov to enter their zip code and locate the drop-off site closest to them.
Arizona — A man and two women have been arrested in Arizona after authorities found videos in the man’s house that contained footage of the three individuals having sex with a dog.
Christopher Lynn Jackson, 47, Josephine Erikson, 61, and Mary Kanitz, 48, have all been indicted by an Arizona grand jury on charges of bestiality. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said that a search warrant performed on Jackson’s home uncovered homemade videos that show the trio “performing various sex acts with a male German Shepherd.”
While those charges alone are quite sick, the event that transpired and ultimately led police to search Jackson’s home in the first place is downright disturbing.
According to authorities, a woman who is an ex-girlfriend of Jackson’s reported that she and Jackson had attended a baseball game together back in May 2013. After the game was over, Jackson wanted to go dancing, but the woman told Jackson that she was too tired for that.
He offered her a pill to “energize her,” according to reports. She told police that after taking the pill, she was still tired, so Jackson gave her two more pills. Not long after taking the additional two pills, she passed out, said police.
When the woman awoke sometime later, she was in Jackson’s bed and in severe pain, according to reports. The woman told police that she saw Jackson holding a branding tool and a butane torch, and then she discovered the source of the severe pain she was in.
According to reports, Jackson had taken the branding tools and burned a “C” and “J” on the woman’s vagina. She said he then “bragged” to her about other women he had done that to in the past and explained the reason he did the same thing to her was that “her vagina was his.”
It’s not clear as to why the victim waited so long to report the incident, but authorities said a physical examination performed on the woman clearly showed a visible “C” and “J” branded onto her.
A statement released by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said, “The pain this suspect must have caused when burning his initials onto their genitals is incomprehensible.” He added, “To treat women like property and then to encourage them to participate in acts of bestiality is disgusting.”
Jackson was initially charged with Aggravated Assault with Serious Physical Injury, but after investigators discovered the videos in his home he was then rebooked into the Maricopa County Jail on Bestiality charges.
New Smyrna, Florida — On Saturday, October 19, 2013, Sergeant MacDonald was advised that a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle was driving north on SR 415 in a very erratic manner. MacDonald was also advised that the marked patrol unit was being followed and recorded by a witness.
During the course of the phone conversation with Central Dispatch, the witness provided a VCSO car number 174166 and tag number 47364. Sergeant MacDonald checked RMS and determined that the VCSO car was assigned to Deputy Stephanie LeClerc, 37 . Based on the information provided by the witness, Sergeant MacDonald advised Central dispatch to give out a BOLO to units that were in the area.
Deputies Chris Higgins and Jose Ramos first observed the VCSO patrol vehicle in question. After following the vehicle to 3526 Disera Way, New Smyrna Beach, Deputy Higgins and Ramos approached the vehicle and recognized the driver as Stephanie LeClerc, a Volusia County Deputy.
Higgins and Ramos also discovered that LeClerc was not alone in the vehicle, LeClerc had a 7-year-old girl in the front passenger seat of her patrol car.
Suspecting possible impairment, Higgins and Ramos contacted Sergeant MacDonald to advise him of the situation. Sergeant Keith Peck was then requested he be at the scene to conduct a DUI investigation. Peck was nearby at an event working Special Events DUI Enforcement.
Upon arrival Peck made contact with LeClerc who was sitting in her patrol vehicle. Peck also observed that LeClerc had a child in the front seat of her patrol vehicle.
Peck advised LeClerc he was conducting a DUI investigation and she said she understood. Peck asked if she would perform a field sobriety test and she said she would.
As deputy LeClerc stepped out of the vehicle Peck noted that she could barely keep her balance.
The following tests were performed:
Walk and turn
LeClerc was instructed on how to proceed with the exercise by Sergeant Peck.
LeClerc lost balance during the instruction phase Eight times, stopped walking six times, did not touch heel to toe on any of the steps, stepped off the line six times, and used arms for balance and turned.
Reports indicate during the Walk and Turn test, LeClerc almost fell to the ground after losing her balance.
One Leg Stand
LeClerc was instructed on how to proceed with the exercise by Sergeant Peck.
LeClerc was swaying while balancing, used her arms for balance, and put her foot down nine times during the test.
The child was not harmed and was released to Deputy LeClerc’s sister. It is not clear at this time what Deputy LeCerc’s relationship is to the child.
LeClerc was placed under lawful arrest for DUI and transported to District five for DUI processing where she refused to submit to a breath test even after she was read complete implied consent warnings. She has been charged with DUI and Child Neglect. She was booked into the Volusia County jail and released on bond several hours later.
Investigative reports and dash cam video of the incident are now in the hands of Internal Affairs.
Deputy LeClerc has been placed on administrative leave with pay, and although she was driving her patrol car she was off duty at the time of her arrest.
LeClerc has worked for the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office since 1999.
Food Stamp [EBT] recipient benefits will decrease on November 1,2013. Food Assistant benefits will decrease due to the ending of SNAP increases from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also known as the Stimulus Plan).
Although federal funds have been cut, there will still be programs funded for illegal immigrants or as DCF calls it “Refugee Programs”. Federal funds will be given to illegals who seek cover in the U.S., funding will be provided for education [including college], child care, employment skills, and health care. According to DCF documents, the “Refugee Program” not only applies to Mexican immigrants but also Haitians, Cubans, and special immigrants of Iraqi or Afghan nationality.
Criminal records among immigrants who flee to the U.S. are high, and according to authorities the criminal activity doesn’t usually cease just because they cross into the U.S., and illegals tend to ride the government system. Six out of every ten Mexican immigrants have some sort of criminal record and four out of ten are violent criminal offenders, not to mention being illegal is a crime all on its own. In July of 2013 the U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning for Americans considering vacationing in Mexico. They warned that U.S. citizens have fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery. Between 2011 and 2012, 174 U.S. citizens were murdered in Mexico.
According to Haiti authorities, eight out of every ten Haitians have violent criminal records. In August 2013 the U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a travel warning for U.S. Citizens that were considering visiting Haiti. The Embassy warned that Americans should arrange to be greeted at the airport, be aware of their surroundings, and never wonder off alone due to the growing increase of robbery, rape, murder, and kidnapping for ransom.
It makes perfect sense why Americans are angry at the fact that illegal immigrants take advantage of benefits and take away from U.S. Citizens. Not to mention U.S. tax payers are paying the bill.
An EBT recipient who does not wish to use her name says she moved to Florida from Puerto Rico three years ago and has seen it all. She said, “This is the United States and our federal funds should be used for U.S. citizens, not immigrants so it takes away from hard working American families. Some of us work two jobs and still can’t get ahead. Two jobs and I still qualify for food stamps, what is wrong with this country? I see drug dealers driving new BMWs, a mouth full of gold teeth, three cell phones, and in line in front of me at the store using an EBT card. ” Adding, I see some of these people in my neighborhood and they never seem to leave the house for work, but traffic is in and out of their house all day. No job, but 12 kids and three BMW’s parked in the driveway. It doesn’t seem right“
On top of the decrease in benefits, citizens still face ‘Obamacare’, another poorly thought out government program. The word “poorly” is chosen for reasons that are evident to any American that has attempted to sign up. From network crashes to passwords lost, the failures of the ‘Obamacare’ exchanges have been a complete failure. Even if a person is able to gain access most say it is so confusing you almost need a degree just to navigate through the website. A clinic in Miami said out of 260 people they tried to sign up only one of those sign-ups actually completed successfully.
Jon Stewart with The Daily Show actually joked that he could download every movie on the internet before a single person could sign up for ‘Obamacare’, a joke that does not seem far from the truth.
‘Obamacare’ is a government forced insurance exchange, if you do not get insurance you will be fined. Americans are being forced to take on another monthly bill, adding to the paycheck-to-paycheck status most households already face, something Americans say Obama just does not understand.
Unemployment at an all time high, thousands of veterans homeless, and thousands of children starving; yet Millions in federal funds being distributed for programs that do not benefit U.S. citizens.
According to EBT recipients, they were not notified of benefit decreases in advance.
Ocala Post reached out to DCF via an e-mail supposed to be for media outlets, the e-mails were returned with the following message:
Thank you for contacting the Florida Department of Children and Families Communications Office. This inbox is not monitored.
Ocala Post did locate a direct e-mail address for the DCF spokeswoman; Ocala Post is waiting for her response.
[UPDATE October 21, 2013 at 9:07 a.m.]
Statement from DCF is as follows.
“On Nov. 1, SNAP recipients will see a decrease in benefits due to the expiration of SNAP increases provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Current Florida SNAP customers can log into their My ACCESS account at MyFlorida.com/accessflorida to view their benefit information for the month of November. The amount of SNAP benefits each eligible household receives depends on many factors, such as income, household size and expenses. On Nov. 1, a family of four with no income and no other changes to their case will see a decrease in their monthly benefits of $36.
This change has been communicated through the ACCESS Florida homepage, call center on hold message, posters in service centers and provided to community partners, social media and a news release will go out this morning.”
We want to hear from you. What do you think about funds being cut for U.S. citizens, but funds still being offered for “Refugee Programs”?
Panama City, Florida — Citizens can sleep a little better tonight knowing two killers are back behind bars. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says Charles Walker and Joseph Jenkins, were captured around 6:40 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013, at the Coconut Grove Motor Inn on Front Beach Road. The two were taken into custody without incident.
FDLE and the U.S. Marshals Service made the arrests.
Reports show that Joseph Ivan Jenkins was sentenced to life in prison back in May of 2000 for First Degree Murder in Orange County. Charles B. Walker was sentenced to life in prison for Second Degree Murder in Orange County back in 2001.
The two were accidentally released after fraudulent documents with forged signatures were presents to Franklin Correctional Facility.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings originally thought the two were still in Orange County.
At this time it is unclear as to how FDLE and The U.S. Marshals Service gained knowledge of Jenkins and Walker’s whereabouts.
The investigation in regards to the forged documents and how the documents made its way through the court system, is still ongoing.
Chief Rolando Banasco far right [Click to Enlarge]Mascotte, Florida — Mascotte Police Department located in Mascotte, Florida has had it’s share of news headlines. In 1984 the city hall burst into flames and burnt to the ground, the police department was the center of that investigation, no one was ever charged with the fire. However then-Chief Gary Birman was later arrested and charged with other unrelated arson’s and went to prison. In 1988 a Mascotte Police Officer was arrested, and now sits on death row for raping and killing an 11-year-old girl. 10 years later nearly the entire police department was left empty when officers walked off the job.
Now in October of 2013 the Mascotte Police Department has a different head line; extreme racism against white officers.
Chief Rolando Banasco was promoted from sergeant to chief in January. After Banasco was promoted, officers say he immediately made it known he wanted an all Hispanic staff. Banasco told the officers as he was holding up his arm, “I will flex my Hispanic muscle to pave the way for Hispanic officers to be hired.” More than 50 percent of Mascotte residents are Hispanic, majority of them Mexican.
According to officers, Banasco has gone as far as to fabricate disciplinary write ups for officers, completely falsifying charges against officers.
City manager Jim Gleason says the accusations are not true and he does not tolerate racism, however officers say Gleason is a liar.
Four officers have been fired, all white. Banasco hired four officers to replace the four that were terminated, two Hispanic ,one black, and one white.
Reports show that two weeks after Banasco was promoted to chief, he immediately put officers on a performance improvement plan. However the officers didn’t have any previous disciplinary actions in their files to prompt such actions.
A Federal discrimination lawsuit has been filed against the city. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission refused to investigate at first, due to the fact the officers are white. However they have agreed to look into the accusations.
The four officers that were fired are now struggling to make ends meet. Two of the families of the fired officers have moved in together just to be able to survive as they continue to seek employment.
One of the officers, who is also an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps says he is filing for unemployment. He went on to say, “The only thing I know is wearing a uniform, and I’ve worn one for 34 years serving the community and the country, and this is how I get treated.
“I’m 54 years old — who is going to hire me?”
Officers have stated that the racism they endured was extreme. So bad in fact, one officer had to see a psychiatrist after suffering extreme abuse from Banasco.
The City and Banasco continue to deny all charges.
According to reports, Chief Rolando Banasco constantly brags about being the first Hispanic chief and how he is perfect for the job, however Rolando Banasco left his previous agency during an investigation for misconduct against him.
One unnamed person said, “Maybe the chief should be less worried about race and more worried about his weight and the image he brings to the city.”
Ocala Post investigated further and found disciplinary actions that had been taken against the four officers involving previous agencies they have worked for. One of the officers that was terminated from Mascotte PD was investigated for serious charges while he worked for a different agency, but cleared of those charges. Once Ocala Post confirms the disciplinary actions are true and correct the information will be released.
At this point it is a he said she said investigation and hard facts have not been presented from either side.
Ocala Post tried to get more details, however due to the lawsuit most lips are sealed.
Ocala Post will continue to follow this story.
We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this situation? Leave your comments below.
Current Photos Of Two Killers Wanted By Authorities.
Orange County, Florida — In the past month, two killers have mistakenly been released from the Franklin Correctional Institution in the Florida Panhandle.
Reports show that Joseph Ivan Jenkins, 34, was sentenced to life in prison back in May of 2000 for First Degree Murder in Orange County.
Charles B. Walker was sentenced to life in prison for Second Degree Murder in Orange County back in 2001.
Both men were released from Franklin CI just days apart from one another after authorities say prison officials received fraudulent court documents containing fake motions for reduced sentences and a forged judge’s signature.
It’s still unclear as to who made these documents, but officials are saying that they had the same forged signature of Chief Circuit Judge Belvin Perry and both called for the life sentences to be reduced to 15 year sentences with credit for time served by the same prosecutor’s office.
Jenkins was released on September 27, 2013 and Walker was released on October 8, 2013. One of the men was taken to a bus station and the other walked out of the prison gate to his awaiting family members.
Judge Perry said there were several red flags that should have alerted the corrections department or the clerk of courts office, considering that it’s very rare for a judge to sign off on a sentence reduction and even more rare for a prosecutor to suggest it.
Perry said, “One of the things we have never taken a close look at is the verification of a particular document to make sure it’s the real McCoy.” Adding, “I knew that, that was always a possibility, but you never want that possibility occurring in the way it did.”
Misty Cash, spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said, “This is an instance where the department received documents from the court. We initiated our typical procedure for an inmate release.” She added, “The department followed our procedures and protocols to the letter, so in this instance, the department didn’t do anything wrong.”
The DOC is going back and looking at all documents to make sure that there isn’t anything that would raise red flags, and to be sure no other inmates have or will be released by mistake.
Both men showed up to the Orange County Jail three days after being released from prison and registered as felons. Allen Moore, spokesperson for the jail said that the men filled out paperwork and were finger printed there at the jail, which is not far from the sheriff’s office.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not become aware of the mistake until October 15, 2013, after State Attorney Jeffrey Ashton was contacted by family members of the man who was murdered by Jenkins.
Today, October 18, 2013, during a press conference Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said his office has good reason to believe both of the killers are still on Orange county.
Judge Belvin Perry says he is sure Jenkins and Walker had outside help with the creation of the fraudulent documents.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation leaving no stone unturned. They are not leaving out the possibility of inside help.
Both Walker and Jenkins are still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of these men should contact their local law enforcement agency or the Department of Corrections at (850) 922-6867.
Vivian Vosburg [Mugshot]Polk County, Florida — Vivian Vosburg, 30, of 3143 Crystal Hills Drive, has been arrested.
Vosburg is the mother of Guadalupe Shaw, the 14-year-old charged with Felony Aggravated Stalking after the suicide of 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick.
Vosburg has been charged with two counts of Child Abuse with Bodily Harm, and four counts of Child Neglect.
Ocala Post has learned from Donna Wood, a spokesperson with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, that the charges are not related to the October 14, 2013, arrest of Vosburg’s daughter, 14-year-old Guadalupe Shaw.
This story is developing, more information will be available after 5:30 p.m., and Ocala Post will bring it to you as fast as it is received.
[Updated October 18, 2013 at 6:09 p.m.]
According to the Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, October 17, 2013, they received several tips from residents about a video posted on the social media site Facebook. The video was of two juvenile subjects fighting, an adult female punching the fighting juveniles, screaming profanities, and several other juveniles shouting profanities and moving around in what appears to be a bedroom of a residence. A total of six juveniles ranging in ages from 9 – 14 are in the video.
The adult was identified as Vivian Vosburg, Vosburg is Guadalupe Shaw’s mother. Shaw was arrested on Monday, October 14, 2013, charged with Aggravated Stalking in an unrelated investigation.
Vosburg has access to all six of the juveniles seen in the video. The video was posted on Facebook early in July 2013, by one of the juveniles Vosburg has access to, and who was in the room at the time of the incident.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives contacted the Department of Children and Families and contact was made with each child in the video to determine their well-being. The children were located at their schools. Safety plans were implemented by a DCF Child Protective Investigator.
After ensuring the children’s safety, detectives contacted Vosburg. On late Thursday afternoon, October 17th, Vosburg agreed to a non-custodial interview and told detectives the video was of her breaking up a fight. Vosburg admitted that she is the woman in the video, and admitted to punching one of the juveniles in the face with a closed fist, and punching the second juvenile several times on the back of the head and between his shoulders. She stated she continued to hit one juvenile, after the other fell to the floor, because he was attempting get up from the bed. Vosburg stated she knew she should not have hit the juveniles with her fists.
In the video it shows one juvenile lying on the floor not moving and his back bright red. Vosburg also states in the video, she kicked him in the f*****g mouth.
After reviewing the video, detectives conferred with the State Attorney’s Office of the 10th Judicial Circuit regarding potential charges against Vosburg. A warrant was issued for Vosburg’s arrest on Friday, October 18, 2013.
A neighbor of Vosburg said, “the actions of the mother in the video is exactly how Guadalupe Shaw treats others, for the parents to claim Guadalupe is an angel is completely absurd.”
Sheriff Grady Judd said, “This video was easily located on the juvenile’s public social media page as recently as 9:00 a.m., today, Friday, October 18, 2013. It is clear, not only has Vosburg demonstrated she cannot control the behavior of children she has access to without using violence, but she is obviously not monitoring the social media sites of children she has access to either.
Vosburg was booked into the Polk County Jail, where she will be held on no bond until a first appearance hearing around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013.
Vivian Vosburg was also arrested in May of 2002 for Battery and Operating a Vehicle Without a License.
Volusia County, Florida — A convicted sex offender is facing new charges in Volusia County after authorities discovered he was having sex with an underage girl.
An investigation began after a family member of the underage girl called the probation officer of Anthony Williams, 36, to report that the teenage girl was living with Williams and was also pregnant.
Williams was convicted of Sexual Battery back in 1994 in Duval County. He has been living in Deltona, at 1062 Gerona Avenue and was on probation for failing to comply with Florida sex offender laws.
According to reports, when Williams’ probation officer arrived at his residence to investigate the report, she observed Williams and the teenage girl lying in bed together. The probation officer then contacted the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators with the sheriff’s office, along with the probation officer, went to Williams’ house on October 16, 2013, but Williams was not home. According to the sheriff’s office, the probation officer then sent a message to Williams’ GPS device advising him to return to his residence.
When Williams returned home, investigators entered the residence and observed a girl inside who appeared to be around six to seven months pregnant. During an interview, Williams and the girl, who was only 17-years-old, informed authorities that she had been living at the residence and that Williams was also the father of her unborn child.
Williams was charged with Sexual Activity with a Minor and booked into the Volusia County Jail.
According to reports, Andrea Nanni, 42, also of Deltona, was charged with Child Neglect after investigators determined she was aware of the sexual relationship between Williams and the girl. She also knew Williams was a sex offender, but allowed the teen to live with him.
The relationship between Nanni and the 17-year-old girl has not been released by authorities.
Nanni was later charged with a second count of Child Neglect for allowing a 12-year-old boy to spend the night with Williams.
When Bryson Lovett, an avid bird watcher invented the Bird Photo Booth, he had no idea how fascinated people would become with it.
Lovett wanted to create something that would enable bird lovers to have a great time and get in the action, so to speak. Well, he did just that.
The high tech Bird Photo Booth allows a person to get up close and personal without scaring away that perfect photo opportunity. The Bird Photo Booth also allows photographers to watch birds in real time.
One of the features that many nature lovers think is incredible is the fact that it can be used with the GoPro insert or an iPhone, and can be watched remotely, in real time, using AirBeam. AirBeam is an iOS app. that turns your camera equipped iDevices into a flexible remote monitoring system. It streams live video and audio from the cameras and microphones of any number of iPhones, iPods or iPads. You can watch nature live streams on any other internet connected device, by entering the custom URL into the Web browser and even on multiple screens simultaneously. It also features motion and audio detection to detect when a bird lands and alerts you that birds have arrived at Bird Photo Booth.
Inserting iPhone [Click to Enlarge]Lovett says the Bird Photo Booth is a more affordable way of recording, and photographing birds. He says his professional Canon DSLR set up cost him over $4,000; that price tag was just one more incentive for his invention.
Because it is water resistant it can be placed near a stream [Click to Enlarge]Lovett plans to make the Bird Photo Booth compatible with Android systems in the near future.
For now iPhone fanatics can have all the fun. Although those who do not have an iPhone can still enjoy spectacular bird watching, recording, and photography by using the GoPro insert.
Those who have used the Bird Photo Booth say, for any person that is passionate about nature, the Bird Photo Booth is a must have tech gadget.
For information on this fascinating tech gadget visit Bird Photo Booth.
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