Male southern flannel moth– Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida
The southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis, is an attractive small moth that is best-known because of its larva, the puss caterpillar, which is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States.
The Florida Poison Information Center says that the caterpillar was recently responsible for a Florida woman’s trip to a hospital in Dade County, Florida.
Puss Caterpillar — Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida
The southern flannel moth is the most common of the five species of megalopygids found in the southeastern United States and is found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas.
It is common in Florida, however, reaches its greatest abundance in Texas from Dallas southward in the western central part of the state.
The venomous spines of puss caterpillars are hollow and each is equipped with a venom gland.
A sting from a puss caterpillar does not necessarily inspire a trip to the emergency room, but The Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa warns those who have a history of hay fever, asthma, or allergies may be a greater risk. If you are stung and have an allergic reaction, you should “contact a physician immediately” officials say.
According to officials, the puss caterpillar’s sting is “very painful.”
Those who have been stung describe the pain as feeling like “someone drilling into your bones.”
According to The Florida Poison Information Center, one way to decrease pain from a sting is by removing the caterpillar’s venom-filled spines. A person can do this by covering the affected area with tape and then peeling it off.
While there are two generations of puss caterpillars each year — one in the spring and another in the fall — The Florida Poison Information Center said the puss caterpillar spends the winter in a cocoon.
The venomous creatures love citrus trees and oak… if you see one it’s best to stay clear.
A driver is dead after slamming into the rear end of a school bus early Monday morning.
The driver has been identified as 72-year-old Gail P. Puskas.
The Marion County District School Bus, which was headed to Lake Weir High School, was rear-ended at approximately 9 a.m. near Southeast 117th Avenue.
A 2006 GMC Yukon and the school bus were traveling west on CR-42 when the bus driver, Bonnie Brown Sieg, activated the emergency stop lights and stopped at 11671 SE Hwy 42, to pick up a student.
The driver of the Yukon failed to stop and slammed into the rear of the bus. The force of the collision propelled the bus forward and the student who was entering the bus at the time was struck by the side of the bus and flying debris from Yukon.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of GMC Yukon was pronounced dead at the scene. The student who was entering the bus and an aide suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
This article will be updated as more information comes in.
39-year-old Michael Boesenberg and 23-year-old Michael Clemons
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FWC Photo
FWC Photo
FWC Photo
FWC Photo
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has charged two suspects for poaching thousands of Florida’s native turtles from the wild and selling them illegally in multiple counties in Florida, with final destinations in international markets. These charges represent the state’s largest seizure of turtles in recent history.
“The illegal trade of turtles is having a global impact on many turtle species and our ecosystems. We commend our law enforcement’s work to address the crisis of illegal wildlife trafficking,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton.
“Putting a stop to this criminal enterprise is a significant win for conservation,” said Col. Curtis Brown, head of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “Arresting people engaged in illegal wildlife trafficking supports our environment and legal businesses. It is especially positive and rewarding to be able to release many of the turtles back into the wild.”
“We know that the global black market in live animals includes traffickers smuggling protected species of turtles out of the United States, usually for export to the Asian pet market,” said Dr. Craig Stanford, Chairman of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. “This sinister and illegal trade threatens the future of many species of North American animals, and as one of the most threatened animal groups on the planet, turtles are at the forefront of our concern.”
The illegal commercialization of wildlife ranks fourth behind guns, drugs and human smuggling and, in many instances, is connected due to the monetary gain. The International Fund for Animal Welfare estimates illegal wildlife trade in the US at $19 billion annual income.
The FWC launched an undercover investigation after receiving a tip in February 2018. Through surveillance and other investigative tactics, FWC investigators determined that a ring of well-organized wildlife traffickers was illegally catching and selling wild turtles to large-scale reptile dealers and illegal distributors, who shipped most of them overseas on the black market. Michael Boesenberg, of Fort Myers, directed individuals to illegally collect turtles in large numbers; once he had enough turtles on hand he would then sell to a buyer with links to Asian markets.
To fulfill a buyer’s request, these poachers targeted habitats known for the specific species. Over time, they depleted the populations so much that they had to expand into other parts of the state to meet the growing demand. The FWC predicts that turtle populations are most heavily impacted in Lee County, the primary source for the seized turtles, but that the suspects worked with other wildlife traffickers around the state and country. The total negative impacts to wild turtle populations stretch beyond Lee County and Florida.
“Wild turtle populations cannot sustain the level of harvest that took place here,” said Dr. Brooke Talley, the Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Coordinator for the FWC. “This will likely have consequences for the entire ecosystem and is a detriment for our citizens and future generations.”
Depending upon the species, the poached turtles sold wholesale for up to $300 each and retailed for as much as $10,000 each in Asia. Evidence indicated turtles sold within one month totaled an estimated $60,000. The sellers received mostly cash, occasionally trading turtles for marijuana products.
The FWC documented more than 4,000 turtles illegally taken and sold over a 6-month period, including Florida box turtles, Eastern box turtles, striped mud turtles, Florida mud turtles, chicken turtles, Florida softshell turtles, Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtles, spotted turtles and diamondback terrapins. As a result of a search warrant served on Aug. 12, investigators found the poachers in possession of hundreds of turtles, along with the skull and shell of a protected Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. The turtles seized had an estimated black market value of $200,000.
All seized animals were evaluated for health and species identification by FWC biologists. Over 600 turtles were returned to the wild, two dozen were quarantined and released at a later date, and a handful was retained by a captive wildlife licensee since they were not native to the area. Nearly 300 of the freed turtles are now part of a long-term monitoring project by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
“SCCF has been conducting research on these turtles for nearly two decades. Thanks to FWC for uncovering this illicit activity that has adversely affected wild turtle populations,” said Chris Lechowicz, Wildlife & Habitat Management Program Director at SCCF.
Selling wild-caught freshwater turtles is illegal and harvesting them from the wild is specifically regulated by Florida Administrative Code 68A-25.002 (6). Some turtle species may be kept as captive wildlife with the proper permits.
The public can help by reporting suspected wildlife violations to the FWC. To make a report, call the Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
The suspects and their charges are as follows:
Michael Boesenberg:
•F.S.S. 812.019(2) – Dealing in stolen property as an organizer
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002 (6)(a)1 – 3 counts – Taking over the bag limit of turtles
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002 (6)(a) – Over the possession limit of box turtles
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002 (6)(c) – Sale and offer for sale turtle taken from the wild
•The enabling statute for these violations of F.A.C 68A-6 is F.S. 379.4015(2)(a)1.
•FAC 68A-6.004(4)(q)1(c) – 9 counts – Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife
•F.S.S 379.2431 – Possession of marine turtle parts
•F.A.C 68A-4.004(5) – Possession of black bear parts
•F.S.S. 893.13(6)(a) –Possess cannabis over 20 grams
•F.S.S. 893.13(1)(a)(2) –Possess with intent to sell/deliver
•F.S.S. 893.13(6)(a) –Possess controlled substance (THC oil)
Michael Clemons:
•F.S.S. 812.019(1) –Dealing in stolen property
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002 (6)(a)1 –2 counts –Taking over the bag limit of turtles
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002 (6)(a) – Over the possession limit of box turtles
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002 (6)(c) – Sale and offer for sale turtle taken from the wild
•F.A.C. 68A-25.002(6)(b) – Transporting wild-caught turtles without a permit
A former New Smyrna Beach High School teacher was arrested Thursday and charged with Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor.
The student is a 16-year-old male.
According to reports, Megan Parris, 28, turned herself in after a judge signed a warrant for her arrest. She was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on $25,000 bond.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation began in March after another student reported information about Parris and the victim to school authorities.
The school placed Parris on paid administrative leave, and she has not returned to the classroom.
Over the course of the investigation, through interviews and search warrants for digital and other evidence, detectives established probable cause that Parris had sexual encounters with the 16-year-old off-campus.
On October 14, Ocala police responded to Walmart, located at 4980 E. Silver Springs Blvd. after a woman was reported for stealing merchandise.
Dana Corrigan, 34, stole three purses and each of them had been stuffed with merchandise. She was also wearing a hoodie that she had removed from a clothing rack.
Inside the purses, police found batteries, clothing, candy, watches, and personal hygiene products.
When Dana was caught exiting the store, she told authorities that she was “trying to find her sister so she could pay for her half.” She said she needed the items for her mother who was “in the hospital.”
Dana then stated that she planned to pay for the merchandise and that, since she had not technically exited the threshold of the store, she was not actually stealing.
Police informed her otherwise.
She was told that once she had “passed all points of sales, in an attempt to exit the store, it is, in fact, stealing.”
Dana also made news in November of 2016, when police responded to a call in reference to an altercation between her and her husband, Daniel Corrigan.
The wife told police that her husband, Daniel, then 39, was arguing with another person when she decided to “jump in the middle of the two.”
According to the arrest affidavit, Daniel then left the house with another female.
While speaking with the wife at the scene, police said they could smell freshly burnt marijuana.
When asked about it, she stated that her husband had been smoking marijuana just prior to the argument. Additionally, she told police that Daniel had a safe in the bedroom which contained drugs.
OPD then contacted the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team.
According to reports, she told police that Daniel kept the key on his person at all times and that, he was the only person allowed to open the safe.
Oddly enough, his wife was able to describe all of the contents contained within the safe. She said that there should have been a quarter-pound of marijuana and various pills that were already packaged to be sold. She then gave agents permission to remove the safe.
Upon opening the safe, agents discovered individually packaged marijuana, 14 Oxycodone pills, 31 Xanax, 37 Methylphenidate (Ritalin), valid prescriptions, and a written prescription form.
Daniel was arrested a short time later.
As of October 17, Dana was still being held at the Marion County Jail.
The Texas Roadhouse, located at 3015 SW 32nd Ave., Ocala, has opened its doors.
The more than 7,000 square foot restaurant, which sits in the Paddock Mall parking lot, is open Monday through Sunday and does call ahead seating.
They offer hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread.
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Texas Roadhouse says they are also committed to giving back to local communities and helping schools, non-profit organizations, and charities with their fundraising efforts. They have partnered with FlipGive to offer groups an easy online fundraising tool.
The restaurant is also giving back 10 percent of gift card purchases to Homes For Our Troops.
The Ocala location opened on October 14.
Want a free appetizer? Click here to find out how.
Hunters now have an online option to comply with new deer harvest reporting requirements. You can log (Step 1) your harvest using a paper deer harvest log and report (Step 2) online. Hunters still have the option to log and report harvested deer using the FWC Deer Harvest Reporting App or a paper deer harvest log and Deer Harvest Reporting Hotline.
All hunters – including those under 16 years of age, resident hunters 65 years old and older, military personnel on leave for 30 days or less, and those hunting on their homestead in their county of residence – must log their harvested deer prior to moving it from the point where they located it and report the harvested deer within 24 hours. Learn more about how to log and report harvested deer.
In addition, the FWC wants to remind all hunters (including those who are exempt from hunting license/permit requirements) about the new annual statewide bag limit, which is 5 deer per hunter of which no more than 2 deer can be antlerless. Antlerless deer (any deer, except a spotted fawn, without antlers or whose antlers are less than five inches in length) may still only be harvested: 1) during seasons when they are legal to take, such as during archery season, 2) on antlerless deer days and 3) under permit i.e., antlerless deer permit issued on land in the wildlife management area system, Antlerless Deer Program permit, or Private Lands Deer Management Program permit. Learn more about bag limits and other new hunting rules taking effect during the 2019-2020 seasons.
Lastly, FWC is in the beginning stage of rule development for the 2020-2021 hunting season and is seeking input on a package of hunting-related draft rule changes. If you haven’t given your feedback yet, please view the proposed rule changes and provide your thoughts using the online commenting tool.
Fat Boys’ Bar-B-Q Restaurant, located at 4132 NE Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, was immediately shut down after an emergency order was issued on October 8, following a routine inspection. The restaurant was reinspected and allowed to reopen on October 9 but will need a follow-up inspection after a time extension was given.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation cites violations of Florida’s sanitation and safety laws, which are based on the standards of U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code. High Priority violations are those which could contribute directly to a food-borne illness or injury and include items such as cooking, reheating, cooling and hand-washing.
Many of the offenses were repeat violations. This is the second time this year that the restaurant has been temporarily shut down.
Violations:
Dead roaches on-premises. Four dead roaches on a shelf under cooking equipment on cookline.
Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach-in cooler, tomatoes from 10/6 46°. Stop sale issued.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 22 live roaches in wood shelves under cooking equipment on cookline.
Roach excrement and/or droppings present. In several areas in wooden shelving under cooking equipment on cookline.
Stop Sale issued on potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food due to temperature abuse. Tomatoes 46° in reach-in cooler.
Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food left at room temperature to cool. Two pans of ribs and one pan of chicken. All moved to walk-in cooler.
Blessed Trinity School will host its annual Winter Carnival, celebrating its 70th anniversary, from October 24 to October 27. It’s being held at a new location, which is at Trinity Catholic High School, located at 2600 SW 42nd Street Ocala, FL 34471.
This is a family-friendly fundraiser and will feature Dreamland Amusements midway rides for all ages. From whimsical kiddie rides to state-of-the-art thrill rides, carnival games and favorite fair food, this carnival has it all including raffles for a variety of prizes and a $10,000 cash prize.
Admission is free except after 6 p.m. on Saturday, Family Night when there is a $5 entrance fee unless guests have a ride wristband voucher or are families with children.
Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36 inches and taller) are $35 on-site or $25 at the Blessed Trinity School office until 3 pm Thurs., Oct. 24.
Ride tickets are $1.50 each, $30 for 20 tickets, or $60 for 50 tickets plus 1 free ride. (Rides take 2 or more tickets each.)
Marquise J. Woolbright, 26, made a plea deal and received a sentence of three years probation after committing several violent crimes.
In 2017, Woodlright’s girlfriend had driven to visit him and caught him red-handed cheating with another woman.
As his girlfriend was leaving, the other woman’s vehicle was parked outside so the girlfriend decided to scratch it. She then drove away.
Woolbright then chased his girlfriend down in another vehicle and fired multiple shots at her. Several of the rounds struck his girlfriend’s vehicle.
When Woolbright was arrested, officers discovered that he had an outstanding arrest warrant for Domestic Battery by Strangulation, which involved the same woman he fired shots at.
Following the shooting, Woolbright was arrested and ordered to stay away from his girlfriend. He violated the order a few days later. He made contact with the woman and they argued about him cheating and he was trying to convince her not to testify. During the argument, he punched her in the mouth while she was holding her toddler son. Police said he attempted to punch her a second time, but instead, struck the child in the face with a closed fist.
Woolbright was arrested and charged with Violating Pretrial Conditions, Tampering with a Witness, Domestic Battery, and Cruelty Toward a Child.
In a separate incident, Woolbright chased down a woman who was on the phone with 911 to report that he had just assaulted her. As the woman attempted to pull into the Ocala Police Department parking lot, Woolbright slammed into the side of the woman’s vehicle. He then jumped out of his car and punched her in the face and mouth while holding her by her hair.
According to the arrest affidavit, he also threatened to kill the woman.
In 2012, Woolbright was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Child Under 16.
A man was arrested on a warrant after he violated an injunction order in which he was to stay away from a residence where his mother resides.
The order was issued in August of 2018.
Anthony Scott, 37, went to his mother’s residence on August 25, 2019, in an attempt to steal a vehicle.
A witness on the property informed Scott that he could not take the car.
According to reports, Scott became enraged and told the witness that he would come back at night and slash all of the tires on their vehicles.
He then fled the scene.
One year earlier, on August 24, 2018, Scott was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
In the 2018 case, Scott asked the victim for money. When the victim refused, Scott pulled a handgun, racked the slide, and threatened to shoot the victim.
An injunction was filed a few days later.
On October 7, Scott was located and arrested on the outstanding warrant.
Scott, who has multiple arrests, is being held without bond.
A Florida man wanted for the murder of Peggy Schiering, 80, and sexually assaulting and kidnapping an 18-year-old, has been captured.
Peggy Schiering, 80
On Saturday, October 12, 2019, the Atlanta Police Department arrested 30-year-old Taiwan Blandin of Frostproof for Carjacking, Escape, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Fleeing to Elude, and other charges.
He was booked into the Fulton County Jail.
According to reports, Blandin committed a carjacking at approximately 2:30 a.m. at an Atlanta convenience store.
Atlanta Police officers spotted the stolen vehicle (a Honda) shortly after a BOLO was issued in the area. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Blandin fled.
He was apprehended after he crashed the stolen car and fled on foot.
Blandin resisted arrested and was Tased and escorted to the ground.
There was a white female passenger in the car with Blandin who was also arrested.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered gloves and a handgun.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified of Blandin’s arrest, and homicide detectives responded to Fulton County to interview Blandin. He refused to cooperate and would not answer any questions.
Blandin will be extradited back to Polk at a later date.
Blandin’s Polk County warrants are for: first-degree murder, first-degree arson, armed kidnapping, sexual battery with a deadly weapon, armed burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, tampering with physical evidence. Additionally, he has warrants from Wauchula P.D.
In a Wednesday, October 2 news conference, PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd said a “bizarre” and “tragic” chain of events started early Tuesday morning in Fort Meade and ended with an elderly woman being murdered.
It started when Blandin broke into a home where an 18-year-old girl was asleep inside.
According to the victim, she was awakened to find Blandin standing naked in front of her, at which time she said he told her he was going to rape her. Blandin then put a knife to the girl’s throat and forced her to perform oral sex on him.
Judd said that Blandin then hogtied the girl, wrapped her in a blanket, and put her in his car.
He also robbed the house of several firearms.
Blandin left the scene and drove to a mobile home on a secluded dirt road.
Authorities said, once at the mobile home, “Blandin exited the vehicle, knocked on the door, and an elderly lady opened the door. Blandin then entered the residence.”
According to reports, while inside the mobile home, the girl freed herself and took off in Blandin’s car. The girl drove to a neighbors house and called 911. A short time later, Blandin pulled up in a van he had stolen from the residence of the mobile home and started shooting. He then jumped back into his car and fled the scene.
During the investigation, deputies went to the mobile home where Blandin had stopped. Inside, deputies found that Schiering had been executed.
Judd said, “After he executed her, he piled plastic bottles and some kind of cloth on top of the stove and turned the stove on in an effort to set the mobile home on fire.”
Judd went on to say, “As we arrived at the scene, we saw a blood trail coming out of the house and we saw a big patch of blood on the ground. What we discovered through our investigation is he not only shot and murdered this 80-year-old woman in her home, she was holding her baby…her 10-year-old dog Kelly.”
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Kelly the dog
Just described Blandin as a violent animal and cold-blooded murder.
“We are grateful that this violent, armed, and dangerous suspect is in custody and his crime spree has come to an end. The Atlanta Police Department did an awesome job. Based on the felonies he’s racked up, he likely won’t spend another day on the street. He’s behind bars where he belongs.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
OKLAHOMA CITY – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Antonio Ulises Perez, a 38-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador charged with first-degree rape, Wednesday after the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) failed to honor an ICE detainer and released him from custody.
According to ICE documents, almost immediately following his release from the Oklahoma County Jail on October 9, Ulises Perez went to the home of the woman and raped her.
Under federal law, ICE has the authority to lodge immigration detainers with law enforcement agencies who have custody of individuals arrested on criminal charges and who ICE has probable cause to believe are removable aliens. The detainer form advises law enforcement agencies to notify ICE in advance of release and to maintain custody of the alien for a brief period of time so that ICE can take custody of that person in a safe and secure setting.
Under this authority, ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the OCSO on October 8, requesting that they transfer custody of Ulises Perez to ICE in the event he was scheduled to be released from OCSO custody. However, OCSO refused to honor the immigration detainer in direct contravention of federal immigration law and released Ulises Perez from their custody.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. A few months ago, Oklahoma County decided to no longer honor ICE detainers and began releasing criminal illegal immigrants back into the local community at the expense of law-abiding citizens.
“It is unconscionable that someone who is sworn to uphold the law would find it acceptable to release an alleged rapist who is illegally present in the U.S. back into the community when there are other options available under federal immigration law,” said Marc Moore, field office director for ICE Dallas. “Within a few hours of being released, this illegal alien was back at the home of the rape victim where he was free to re-victimize her and harm other members of the community. Fortunately, ICE deportation officers were able to quickly locate this individual and safely take him back into custody.”
On September 30, Ulises Perez was arrested by the OCSO and charged with first-degree rape. On October 8, ICE interviewed Perez in person, and lodged an immigration detainer with the OCSO, advising them to transfer custody of Ulises Perez to ICE in the event that he was scheduled to be released from local custody. On October 9, at approximately 3 a.m., the active detainer was not honored, and the OCSO released Ulises Perez on bond from the Oklahoma County Jail. On October 9, ICE deportation officers arrested Ulises Perez in Oklahoma City. He remains in ICE custody pending disposition of his immigration proceedings.
ICE says they are focused on removing public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges. Nationally, approximately 90 percent of all people arrested by ICE during the fiscal year 2019 either had a criminal conviction, a pending criminal charge, had illegally re-entered the United States after being previously removed (a federal felony) or were an immigration fugitive subject to a final order of removal.
Approximately 70 percent of the arrests ICE makes happen after ICE is notified about an alien being released from local jails or state prisons. In the fiscal year 2019, ICE has lodged more than 160,000 detainers with local law enforcement agencies.
About Detainers
ICE lodges detainers on individuals who have been arrested on criminal charges and who ICE has probable cause to believe are removable aliens. The detainer asks the other law enforcement agency to notify ICE in advance of release and to maintain custody of the alien for a brief period of time so that ICE can take custody of that person in a safe and secure setting upon release from that custody. When law enforcement agencies fail to honor immigration detainers and release serious criminal offenders onto the streets, it undermines ICE’s ability to protect public safety and carry out its mission.
Congress has established no process, requirement, or expectation directing ICE to seek a judicial warrant from already overburdened federal courts before taking custody of an alien on civil immigration violations. This idea is simply a figment created by those who wish to undermine immigration enforcement and excuse the ill-conceived practices of sanctuary jurisdictions that put politics before public safety.
When law enforcement agencies fail to honor immigration detainers and release a criminal alien onto the streets, this negatively impacts public safety and ICE’s efficiency in the apprehension of criminal illegal immigrants.
Federal immigration laws authorize DHS to issue detainers and provide ICE broad authority to detain removable aliens.
ICE officials say that any official within a law enforcement agency who refuses to enforce detainer requests should be held accountable to the highest penalty…without the protection of sovereign immunity.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A Southeast Texas businessman was convicted in federal court Tuesday of sex trafficking of a minor female and other related charges.
This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Brownsville (Texas) Police Department and the Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI.
David Wills, 67, the founder and part-owner of Global Blue Technologies in Taft, Texas, was convicted Oct. 8 of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, seven counts of sex trafficking, seven counts of coercion/enticement, one count of attempted coercion/enticement and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The jury heard that from 2012 to 2015, the aquaculture company owner conspired with Maria Losoya and trafficked a young girl beginning when she was only 10 years of age. Losoya and Wills used their cell phones to arrange meetings at several different locations where Wills would sexually assault the victim. These included multiple Wills’ residences as well as Losoya’s in Brownsville and hotels and motels in the greater Corpus Christi area.
The jury heard testimony that Wills promised to pay for the victim’s college tuition if Losoya allowed him to sexually assault the young girl. Wills also reimbursed Losoya for gifts to the victim and expenditures she would otherwise not have been able to afford. These included an iPad, Bose headphones, a flat-screen TV, an Apple laptop, a trampoline, a swimming pool, and a school trip to Washington D.C.
Wills sexually assaulted the minor female multiple times until she reported it in April 2015.
Losoya pleaded guilty in 2017 and testified at Wills’ trial.
The jury also heard from the forensic interviewer who first interviewed the victim about the sexual assaults, the nurse who first examined her, several state and federal law enforcement officers and an expert witness who testified about Wills’ and Losoya’s cell-site information. An eyewitness also described seeing the victim at a Portland hotel where Wills and Losoya met on March 2014.
In addition, the jury heard from Wills’ former personal assistant who testified he asked her to hand over a personal computer on the day of the victim’s outcry. He later admitted it was destroyed to prevent law enforcement from seizing and reviewing it.
Wills, who had a total of 12 attorneys representing him at trial, attempted to convince the jury that Losoya only wanted more money and tried to refute cell-site location data as well as the nurse’s testimony. They also criticized the victim’s previous statements. Wills took the stand and admitted having an affair with Losoya, but denied any sexual involvement with the victim.
The jury heard from multiple defense witnesses attesting to the defendant’s character and successes while attempting to contradict testimony Losoya and the victim gave.
Wills was taken into custody, having previously been released on bond, following the verdict where he will remain pending sentencing, which will be set at a later date. Wills faces up to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Jesse Holden Otero, 32, was arrested Tuesday after officials say he molested a 4-year-old girl.
According to reports, the mother had dropped off her two children — her son, 2, and daughter, 4 — at Otero’s home so she could attend court.
While at the home, Otero put the children in the bathtub.
When the mother arrived back home, she said she noticed that her daughter’s hair was wet.
The girl told the mother that while she was in the bathtub, Otero used his finger to touch her in her private area and buttocks. The girl also told the mother that she was bleeding.
That is when the mother checked her daughter’s underwear and found blood.
During an interview, Otero stated that the girl asked to be bathed. He said after he bathed her he tickled her and that, his finger may have slipped and touched her butt. Otero said it was “only for a second.”
While being questioned, Otero uttered the statement, “I have frequent urges that I have never acted on until today.”
When the girl was examined, doctors reported that the girl had a tear-like injury to her private area.
Otero admitted that the girl was bleeding and he took her to the bathroom so she could clean herself.
Otero was arrested and charged with Sexual Assualt/Battery on a Child Under the Age of 12. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.
He has a previous arrest for Aggravated Domestic Battery.
It was not made clear what the woman’s relationship is with the man.
If you feel your child may have been a victim or have information about this case, please call Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Lionfish [Photo by Ocala Post]The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be honoring the first place winners in each category at its December meeting in Panama City Beach.
Winners
• Recreational Category
• First place Lionfish King: Ken Ayers, Bay County, 1,194 removed.
• Second place: John McCain, Gilchrist County, 983 removed.
• Third place: Shea Lowe, Escambia County, 942 removed.
• Commercial Category
• First place Commercial Champion: Joshua Livingston, Okaloosa County, 3,192.8 lbs. removed.
• Second place: Ron Surrency, Duval County, 1,720 lbs. removed.
• Third place: Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County, 1,210.5 lbs. removed.
• Largest Lionfish
• First place: Ron Surrency, Duval County, 433 mm.
• Second place: Joshua Livingston, Okaloosa County, 420 mm.
• Third place: Koa Viravong, Pinellas County, 414 mm.
• Smallest Lionfish
• First place: Nikkie Cox, Franklin County, 37 mm.
• Second place: Ken Ayers, Bay County, 45 mm.
• Third place: Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County, 52 mm.
Final Stats
• 23,451 lionfish removed.
• 349 people registered.
• 148 people submitted lionfish (134 recreational, 14 commercial).
• The Lionfish Challenge ran from May 18-Sept. 2.
Background
The Lionfish Challenge rewards harvesters with prizes for their lionfish removals. This year, participants who submitted the largest and smallest lionfish were eligible to receive up to $3,000 in cash prizes thanks to support from sponsors: American Sportfishing Association, Yamaha Motor Company, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and National Marine Manufacturers Association. Thanks to these and the Lionfish Challenge Raffle sponsors including Florida Underwater Sports, Toothless Life, Lionator Pole Spears, Neritic Diving, Stream2Sea, ZooKeeper and Customatic Optics.
FWC made several changes at a June 18, 2014, meeting in Fort Myers in order to help combat the Lionfish invasion in Florida waters.
Lionfish are an invasive species that have a negative impact on native wildlife and habitat.
Approved changes in regards to the Lionfish went into effect August 1, 2014, and include:
Prohibiting the importation of live Lionfish;
Allowing the harvest of lionfish when diving with a rebreather, a device that recycles air and allows divers to remain in the water for longer periods of time; and
Allowing participants in approved tournaments and other organized events to spear Lionfish or other invasive species in areas where spearfishing is not allowed. This will be done through a permitting system.
“Changes like these will make it easier for divers to remove Lionfish from Florida waters and will help prevent additional introductions of Lionfish into marine habitats,” said State Rep. Holly Raschein, who has been proactive in the Lionfish-control efforts.
From outreach and education to regulatory changes, controlling the Lionfish population has been a priority for FWC staff. In 2013, they hosted the first-ever Lionfish Summit, which brought together various stakeholders from the public as well as management and research fields to discuss the issues and brainstorm solutions. These changes were inspired in part by discussions at the Lionfish Summit.
FWC officials say the fish are venomous and they need to be kept under control or they will kill off other native fish and marine life. FWC encourages fishermen to kill the fish and discard them.
Lionfish can, in fact, be harmful to reefs and endanger other marine life because they are considered to be at the top of the food chain.
Poisonous Myth – Versus – Venomous
There is a difference between poisonous and venomous. Lionfish are not poisonous, but in fact venomous. Lionfish have venomous spines in their dorsal fins, pelvic, and anal areas that can inject venom through a puncture wound they inflict on their prey. Lionfish are not poisonous – for the fact that – poison from a poisonous fish is delivered by ingesting it or secretion through the skin of its prey. Researchers for National Geographic say there is a clear difference between the two.
Lionfish are Edible
Lionfish are in fact edible; despite what the public has been lead to believe. The meat of a Lionfish is white and extremely delicious said, researchers. Unlike poisonous fish that cannot be ingested, Lionfish are just the opposite. The spines must be cut off prior to eating, thus completely removing the venom. It is the same theory behind eating rattlesnake meat. Many restaurants throughout the U.S. have started listing Lionfish on their menus to promote public awareness while at the same time satisfying its customers. Lionfish have been deemed so tasty that they boast a price tag of $16 per pound, much higher than that of Red Snapper. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Center for Coastal Ocean Science, there have not been any reported cases in the U.S. from anyone being sick after eating a Lionfish that has been filleted and served up. If you have ever dined in a Caribbean restaurant and ordered seafood, chances are you may have eaten it and not even known.
Limit on Lionfish
“The FWC does not have any set legal-size or bag limits for Lionfish,” said FWC Officer Lenny Salberg.
How Can Lionfish Be Caught
Lionfish grow to be 15-16 inches long and usually hang out around reefs and in shallow water but can be found up to 1,000 feet deep. Because Lionfish are considered to be invasive to Florida reefs and other marine life, Lionfish can be caught by any means, says FWC Officer Lenny Salberg.
Hook
Spear
Net
Trap
Hands [Wearing proper protective gear]
In 2012, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched a campaign in order to try and get the population of Lionfish under control and at the same time educate the public.
The slogan for that campaign is “You have to Eat’Em to Beat’Em.”
For more information visit the non-profit organization for Lionfish.
Three felons were arrested Wednesday during a traffic stop in Marion County.
According to reports, the driver was stopped because of an expired tag.
The driver, Ricky Deeley, 34, a violent criminal who has multiple felony convictions, including possession of cocaine as a minor, was driving the vehicle on a suspended driver’s license. He was all ears during the traffic stop and complied with every lawful order.
It was also discovered that the front-seat passenger, who initially lied about his name, was identified as Logan Tindale, 20, and had a felony warrant for his arrest for Violation of Probation/Dealing in Stolen Property and Grand Theft.
Katlyn Spruill, 20, who was also a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be in possession of bag which contained 23 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, 20 Methylin Oral Solution pills (used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)), a digital scale, and a handgun.
The charges are as follows:
Deeley, charged with Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.
Tindale, charged with Violation of Probation, Giving a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer, and Possession of Drug Equipment.
Spruill, charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Use/Display of a Firearm During a Felony, Cocaine Possession, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Equipment.
All three are being held at the Marion County Jail.
On October 8, 2019, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Amtrak that one of their trains had collided with a vehicle at Fletcher Fish Camp Rd., Haines City.
When emergency responders arrived, they found that the driver, 62-year-old Thomas Anthony Henry, of Haines City, had been ejected from the vehicle.
Henry was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Fletcher Fish Camp Road is a small private gravel road that runs north off of Old Haines City/Lake Alfred Road, approximately 1 mile west of Haines City. Fletcher Fish Camp Road allows entry into the Natures Cove subdivision. The road crosses CSX railroad tracks approximately 50 yards north of Old Haines City/Lake Alfred Road. The railroad crossing is equipped with both a railroad crossing sign, as well as a stop sign.
Evidence and witness statements indicate that a 2013 blue Chevrolet Spark, driven by Henry, was traveling northbound on Fletcher Fish Camp Road.
According to reports, Henry failed to stop for the stop sign posted at the railroad tracks and into the path of the oncoming Amtrak passenger train.
The train slammed into the rear of the vehicle, which was traveling westbound at approximately 73 mph.
The vehicle rotated multiple times and Henry was ejected.
The train crew stated they saw the vehicle travel across the tracks at approximately 20 mph without stopping. They were blowing the train’s horn and began emergency braking, but were unable to avoid the vehicle. The train came to a stop with the lead engine approximately a mile west of the crossing. The train was composed of 2 engines, 9 cars, 99 passengers and 15 crew on board.
The train suffered minimal front-end damage and was able to continue its trip after release.
Fletcher Fish Camp Road was closed at the railroad crossing for approximately three hours during the investigation. The train was delayed for several hours.
No one on the train was injured as a result of the crash.
Since Sony originally unveiled their next-generation console in April, they know that there’s been a lot of excitement and interest in hearing more about what the future of games will bring.
On Tuesday, President & CEO, SIE, Jim Ryan, said, “I’m proud to share that our next-generation console will be called PlayStation 5, and we’ll be launching in time for Holiday 2020.”
These updates may not be a huge surprise, but Ryan wanted to confirm them for the PlayStation fans, as they start to reveal additional details about the vision for the next generation. WIRED magazine covered these updates and more in a story that posted this morning.
“The “more” refers to something I’m quite excited about – a preview of the new controller that will ship with PlayStation 5. One of our goals with the next generation is to deepen the feeling of immersion when you play games, and we had the opportunity with our new controller to reimagine how the sense of touch can add to that immersion,” said Ryan.
To that end, there are two key innovations with the PlayStation 5’s new controller. First, they are adopting haptic feedback to replace the “rumble” technology found in controllers since the 5th generation of consoles. With haptics, a player truly feels a broader range of feedback, so crashing into a wall in a race car feels much different than making a tackle on the football field. A player can even get a sense of a variety of textures when running through fields of grass or plodding through mud.
The second innovation is something they call adaptive triggers, which have been incorporated into the trigger buttons (L2/R2). Developers can program the resistance of the triggers so that a player feels the tactile sensation of drawing a bow and arrow or accelerating an off-road vehicle through rocky terrain. In combination with the haptics, this can produce a powerful experience that better simulates various actions. Game creators have started to receive early versions of the new controller, and Ryan said they can’t wait to see where their imagination goes with these new features at their disposal.
While there’s much more to share about PlayStation 5 in the year ahead, they have plenty of blockbuster experiences coming to users way on PS4, including Death Stranding, The Last of Us Part II, and Ghost of Tsushima. I’d like to thank all PlayStation fans for continuing the journey with us, as we embark on the future of games.
Summerfield, Florida — New information shows that Michael Jones, 38, murdered his wife at their home, located at 14680 SE 68th Ter., Summerfield, and killed the children at a later time.
Casie Jones, 32, was murdered by her husband on July 10. Sources say the two were arguing when Casie grabbed a baseball bat. Michael reportedly snatched the bat from her and bludgeoned her to death with it.
The Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed that Casie died from blunt force trauma.
On July 11, Michael strangled his two oldest children to death.
According to investigators, two weeks later, Michael drowned his two youngest children.
Michael left all four bodies in the Summerfield home for several weeks. Two weeks before he was captured, he had transferred the bodies to his van and drove to Brantley County, Georgia.
Michael drove around with the bodies in his vehicle for weeks before dumping the bodies of the children.
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Michael Jones
Casie was reported missing by her family on September 14. They said they had not seen her for six weeks.
According to reports, when officials went to Casie’s Summerfield home to perform a well-being check, they could smell decomposition in the house. However, the house was empty.
Investigators quickly named Micheal as the number one suspect.
An arrest warrant was issued for Michael a short time later. He was located after he was involved in a traffic crash in Brantley County, Georgia.
At the scene of the crash, it was determined that Michael had his wife’s body in his vehicle.
Sources say that Michael led investigators to where he had dumped the bodies of the children; Cameron, 10, Preston, 5, Mercallie, 2, and Aiyana, 1.
On Monday, October 7, Michael was charged with four counts of First-Degree Homicide/Murder for the deaths of the children.
Michael was previously charged with one count of Second-Degree Homicide/Murder for the death of his wife.
