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    Armed Robbery and police chase ends with three teens in handcuffs

    Ocala Post
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    Armed Robbery and police chase ends with three teens in handcuffs
    armed robbery, ocala news, ocala post,
    Steak n’ Shake armed robbery

    Ocala, Florida — Three teenage boys — two 16-year-olds and a 17-year old — were arrested early Wednesday morning following an armed robbery.

    According to the arrest affidavit, two armed black males entered the Steak n’ Shake, located at 3800 Southwest College Road, and demanded money from the registers. Police said the third teen stayed in the getaway car.

    Police said the teens told the manager that they would shoot him if he did not turn over the money.

    When the manager handed over the money, the teens fled the store.

    Police were notified of the robbery at approximately 12:10 a.m.

    According to witnesses, the teens fled the parking lot in a silver Toyota Prius.

    A short time later, Ocala police spotted the vehicle in the 1800 block of State Road 200. When units attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the teens fled from police and a chase ensued. The teens fled east on State Road 200 to southwest 16th Avenue, then north on 16th Avenue. During the chase, the teens lost control of the vehicle and flipped the car at Southwest 5th Street.

    Two of the teens were transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center and the third to the Ocala Police Department.

    Two of the teens were charged with Armed Robbery. The third was charged with Armed robbery and Grand Theft Auto.

    All three juveniles refused to cooperate with police.

    Ocala Post will release the names and photos of the juveniles once they become available.

    Ocala firefighter stole personal images, says he’s addicted to porn

    Ocala Post
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    Ocala firefighter stole personal images, says he’s addicted to porn
    firefighter, ocala firefighter, porn
    Eric William Hersh

    Ocala, Florida — Ocala Fire Rescue firefighter Eric William Hersh was arrested charged with Offense Against Users of Electronic Devices after it was discovered he had invaded the privacy of other firefighters by secretly going through their cell phones.

    City officials had previously investigated Hersh for similar accusations but said the complaint against him was not warranted.

    Following his July arrest, Hersh confessed to Ocala Police Department detectives that he had gone through at least six of his colleagues’ phones.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Hersh would search the phone for private images, videos, and other porn-type material.

    Hersh said he would forward photos and videos from the phones to his personal email account to later use for visual sexual stimulation in order to pleasure himself.

    Hersh alleges that he did it because he is addicted to pornography. He says he is currently attending counseling sessions for his addiction.

    According to city officials, Hersh was placed on paid administrative leave, however, he is scheduled to return to work on Wednesday, July 11.

    Hersh has worked for the department since 2009.

    If you believe that Hersh may have accessed your phone, you are urged to call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

    Marion deputy will not face charges for child erotica

    Marsh Rabbit Run Trail at Circle B Bar Reserve, closed

    Ocala Post
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    Marsh Rabbit Run Trail at Circle B Bar Reserve, closed
    alligators
    Ocala Post/File Photo

    Tabitha Biehl, Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator announced that Polk County’s Environmental Lands program has now closed all of Marsh Rabbit Run Trail at Circle B Bar Reserve.

    A portion of the trail was closed last month for safety reasons due to an alligator nesting season. But due to a newly discovered nest along the trail, all of Marsh Rabbit Run Trail is now closed until further notice. Alligators often become territorial and protective of their nests and young during this time of year. A portion of Alligator Alley also remains closed.

    Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division staff will monitor the situation and reopen the trail when it is determined to be safe for visitors.

    Circle B Bar Reserve is a 1,267-acre Polk County and Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Land site located on the northwest shores of Lake Hancock.

    Big Lee’s Barbecue giving away FREE BBQ until the food runs out

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    Big Lee’s Barbecue giving away FREE BBQ until the food runs out

     

    Rashad Jones, the owner of Big Lee’s Serious about Barbecue and winner of Food Network’s “Guy’s Big Project,” announced he will be celebrating the companies 4th anniversary and his 40th birthday by giving away FREE BBQ.

    In a recent post on Facebook, Jones wrote, “This is our way of letting all of our customers, fans and supporters know that we truly appreciate you, the fact that you spread the word about us to everyone you know and for truly being team Big Lee’s! Thursday [July 12] from 11:30 a.m. until we’re out of food we’ll be serving FREE barbecue. I really don’t know of any other way to show you how we feel about you.”

    “We’re not selling anything on this Thursday,” Jones said.

    Big Lee’s is located at 3925 SE 45th Court, Ocala. Patrons might want to get in line early.

     

     

     

    Many law enforcement agencies upset over cellphone tracking ruling

    Ocala Post
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    Many law enforcement agencies upset over cellphone tracking ruling

    cell phone, ocala news, ocala post, illegal search

    In a huge win for Americans, the Supreme Court ruled Friday that police generally need a search warrant if they want to track a person’s movements by collecting information about where that person has used their cell phone.

    A 119-page document released Friday outlines the details of the Court’s ruling.

    Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote, “We decline to grant the [government] unrestricted access to a wireless carrier’s database of physical location information.”

    In general, with the exception of a few emergencies such as a child abduction, law enforcement agencies must now seek a warrant for cell tower location information and, the logic of the decision suggests, other kinds of digital data that provide a detailed look at a person’s private life.

    A warrant provides protection against unjustified government snooping.

    “A phone faithfully follows its owner beyond public thoroughfares and into private residences, doctor’s offices, political headquarters, and other potentially revealing locations,” said Roberts.

    The document states, “A person does not surrender all Fourth Amendment protection by venturing into the public sphere. To the contrary, “what [one] seeks to preserve as private, even in an area accessible to the public, may be constitutionally protected.” Katz, 389 U. S., at 351–352. A majority of this Court has already recognized that individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the whole of their physical movements.”

    The document also states, “The Fourth Amendment protects ‘[t]he right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” The ‘basic purpose of this Amendment,’ our cases have recognized, ‘is to safeguard the privacy and security of individuals against arbitrary invasions by governmental officials.’”

    In a previous ruling, Roberts Jr. wrote that law enforcement must generally obtain a warrant to search the cellphones of people they arrest.

    American Civil Liberties Union leaders and attorneys say that all Americans should know their rights when dealing with law enforcement officers or other government agencies because most law enforcement officers are not fluent in case law or abreast on a citizen’s rights.

    Roberts said the 5-to-4 ruling will protect “deeply revealing” records associated with 400 million devices.

    Many law enforcement agencies say they feel the ruling will hinder future investigations.

    You can read more on the ruling here.

    FedEx driver killed in freak accident after semi malfunction

    Ocala Post
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    FedEx driver killed in freak accident after semi malfunction

    fhp, fedex, turnpike, ocala news, ocala post

    An Ocala FedEx driver was killed Wednesday in what can be described as a “Final Destination” type incident.

    Florida Highway Patrol troopers say 33-year-old Just Brewer was driving a flatbed semi loaded with sod northbound on the Florida Turnpike when the semi had a mechanical malfunction.

    According to reports, the brake drum and a tire separated from the flatbed and hit the roadway. The tread then separated from the drum.

    Troopers said the drum then bounced off the road, went through the windshield of a FedEx truck, driven by Charles Sexton, 61, and struck and killed Sexton. The FedEx truck was traveling behind the flatbed.

    FHP said the incident is still under investigation.

    Residents may soon qualify for homeowners insurance premium reduction

    Ocala Post
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    Residents may soon qualify for homeowners insurance premium reduction
    mcfr, ocala news, ocala post, marion county, homeowners insurance
    Photo courtesy of MCFR

    The Insurance Services Office says a yearlong evaluation of Marion County Fire Rescue’s service, delivery and professionalism rank MCFR among the nation’s top 10 percent of fire departments.

    According to a press release, the Insurance Services Office conducts evaluations of fire departments and their operations nationwide at no cost.

    “The results of these official surveys can be used by residents within five road miles of ranked fire stations to request a review for lower homeowner insurance rates. Marion County Fire Rescue’s focus to improve its rating, commonly known as a public protection class (PPC), resulted in nearly 16 points of improvement from the firm’s 2011 survey,” the press release states.

    Many insurance companies use the PPC rating to evaluate risk and calculate premiums for homeowner insurance policies.

    The press release states, “MCFR’s new PPC classification of 3/3Y, goes into effect on Sept. 1, 2018. This rating serves as a predictive value to insurance companies of the fire suppression capabilities within a community. On an eight-point scale, where one is the best possible rating, MCFR’s achievement of a 3/3Y rating indicates above-average protection to properties within five road miles of a fire station whether or not there is a credible water supply within 1,000 feet”

    Officials said communities with lower PPC ratings typically benefit from premium reductions. Residents who live within five miles of a fire station are encouraged to find out if they qualify for a decrease in their insurance premium.

    MCFR’s new ranking will go into effect on September 1.

    For more information, contact Marion County Fire Rescue’s Prevention Division at 352-291-8000.

    Florida corrections officer hit, killed by driver while supervising inmates

    Ocala Post
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    Florida corrections officer hit, killed by driver while supervising inmates
    doc, fdoc, end of watch
    Florida Department of Corrections Officer Tawanna Marin.

     

    [Last updated on June 19, 2018, at 3:26 p.m.]

    Coconut Creek — Few details were available Monday following the death of Florida Department of Corrections Officer Tawanna Marin.

    According to the FDOC, Marin was supervising a group of inmates on West Sample Road and Lyons Road Monday afternoon when she was killed by a vehicle. She was transported to North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, where she died.

    Article continued below

    Secretary Julie Jones said, “We are absolutely devastated by the tragic passing of Officer Tawanna Marin. For more than nine years, Officer Marin served our state as a corrections officer, and we are forever grateful for her sacrifice and service to our community. Our deepest condolences go out to her loved ones and fellow officers during this extremely difficult time.”

    Coconut Creek Police Department Public Information Officer, Scotty Leamon, told Ocala Post that Marin was a pedestrian.

    “She was standing behind the work truck and got pinned between it and the sedan that hit her,” Officer Leamon said.

    “It’s just senseless. All you have to do is move over and slow down,” said another law enforcement official.

    The “Move Over” law – Florida Statute 316.126 – was enacted in 2002, but some drivers are still failing to obey. The law is designed so motorists give emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road a wide berth in an effort to make it safer for not only emergency response vehicles but tow truck drivers on the side of the road cleaning up after a crash.

    • On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
    • If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
    • If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer.

    Marin had been with the Department since 2009.

    No charges have been filed against the driver at this time, however, Officer Leamon said that may change.

    No further details have been released.

    FHP: Street racing cause of fatal crash, second driver sought

    Ocala Post
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    FHP: Street racing cause of fatal crash, second driver sought

    street-racing, ocala news, ocala post, marion county ,

    The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the driver of a Chevy Blazer they believe was involved in an April 21 street race which claimed the life of a 44-year-old man.

    According to an FHP crash report, Rufus Jim Donely was traveling eastbound on County Road 316 in his 1968 Chevy Camaro at a high rate of speed.

    Troopers say Donely lost control of his car and veered left and off the roadway while rotating in a counter-clockwise motion. Donely’s vehicle went across the westbound lane of CR-316 and onto the north shoulder where he slammed into a tree.

    The impact split the car into two pieces.

    If anyone has any information about the crash or the other person involved in the street race — including photos before or after the race — you are asked to contact Corporal Mark Baker at 352-512-6645, Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP,  or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP.  Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

    FDOH concerned, heightened risk of disease transmission by mosquitoes

    Ocala Post
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    FDOH concerned, heightened risk of disease transmission by mosquitoes
    Mosquito, ocala news, ocala post, marion county
    (Photo/mikadago)

    Marion County — The Florida Department of Health said Thursday that Marion County continues to experience new cases of eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, as additional animals have become sick with the virus.

    Five horses and two emus have died of the virus in Marion County, according to a press release.

    The FDOH recommends that residents take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes due to the heightened risk of disease transmission.

    “If you’re going to spend time outdoors, you need to take preventative actions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Health Officer Mark Lander. “Drain standing water around your home or property, cover your skin with clothing or repellent and work with a veterinarian to have your horses vaccinated for EEE if they are not currently vaccinated. Please consult your veterinarian or the University of Florida College of Large Animal Medicine for information on how to prevent EEE through vaccination in animals such as emus, alpacas, and llamas.”

    The department says that EEE is a typically fatal virus in the equine population and can have severe effects (including death) in humans.

    The FDOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue.

    Lawsuit filed to stop Suncoast Parkway construction

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    Lawsuit filed to stop Suncoast Parkway construction

    According to court documents, Friends of Etna Turpentine Camp filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Ocala Monday against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent the Suncoast Parkway expansion from being built.

    On Wednesday, a motion for a temporary restraining order to stop construction of the Suncoast Parkway 2 was filed and the motion is currently in front of a federal judge.

    The group says that the federal government has not taken into consideration any of the environmental impacts of the expansion.

    The group says not only will the project destroy or permanently alter parts of a historical camp (which is supposed to be federally protected), but it puts protected wildlife in danger.

    The Suncoast Parkway 2 is a four-lane toll facility that extends the existing Suncoast Parkway northward for 13 miles from US 98 to SR 44 in Lecanto.

    The project includes:

    • Constructing full interchanges at US 98 and W. Cardinal Street and a partial interchange at SR 44
      15 new bridges
    • Two all-electronic tolling gantries and equipment buildings
    • Related drainage, lighting, highway signing, traffic signalization, guardrail, and sidewalk
    • The Suncoast Trail, part of Florida’s Statewide Greenways and Trails System, will be extended to SR 44 and a pedestrian overpass constructed over US 98

    Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is constructing the Suncoast Parkway 2. The cost for this project is approximately $134 million. Work began in February 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2022. Funding is entirely based on Turnpike toll and concessions revenue.

    According to the lawsuit, the Suncoast Parkway project includes 1,300 acres of the Withlacoochee State Forest and 925 acres that is habitat to gopher tortoises and indigo snakes.

    The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) without a permit.

    In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises.

    If the temporary restraining order is granted, it will stop the project in its track until the lawsuit is settled.

    What do you think?

    Can you identify this tattoo? Information needed to identify human remains

    Ocala Post
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    Can you identify this tattoo? Information needed to identify human remains

     

    Can you identify this tattoo?

    Ocala National Forest — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s help with identifying human remains found in the Ocala National Forest.

    The remains of a female were found Monday in the area of East State Road 40 near the intersection of 115th Avenue.

    According to MCSO, the tattoo wraps around the woman’s right shoulder and depicts an American Robin bird perched on a branch with red/pink blossoms and a blue background.

    No further information is being released at this time.

    If have any information about this incident, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP,  or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP.  Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

    Woman bound, beaten after she denied man sex

    Ocala Post
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    Woman bound, beaten after she denied man sex
    Shannon Gene Farris, sex, ocala news, ocala post, bound and beaten
    Shannon Gene Farris

    Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man remained behind bars Wednesday after he battered a woman who denied him sex.

    According to reports, 29-year-old Shannon Gene Farris came home from work Sunday and wanted to have sex with his partner.

    The woman, 36, stated that when she told Farris no, he became enraged and an argument ensued.

    During the argument, Farris put his hands around the woman’s throat, pushed her against a wall, and began choking her. The woman then fell on the floor, at which time Farris kicked her in the stomach multiple times.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Farris placed the woman in a chair and tied her up. Farris then began to punch the woman in the head and face.

    The woman lost consciousness and later woke up in the yard.

    The woman stated that Farris attempted to fake her suicide by cutting her forearms. She said Farris believed that if he cut her arms that police would think she had committed suicide when they found her body.

    The woman was taken to a local hospital and treated for her injuries.

    Farris was charged with Aggravated Battery, Kidnapping-False Imprisonment, Battery, and Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

    He is being held on a $55,000 bond.

    Farris has been arrested more than a dozen times and has a criminal history in multiple counties.

    Attempted murder suspect smiles for his booking photo

    Ocala Post
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    Attempted murder suspect smiles for his booking photo
    Keith Crabtree, homicide, ocala post, ocala news,
    Keith Crabtree

    Ocala, Florida — A career criminal, Keith Joseph Crabtree Jr., 26, smiled for his booking photo Friday as he was booked on charges of Attempted Felony Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a New Legend Drug.

    On June 8, Ocala police responded to 710 Southwest 19th Avenue after a caller reported a shooting.

    When police arrived, they found that Leroy C. Wilkerson, 44, had been shot in his buttocks.

    Wilkerson said he did not know the shooter, but described him a heavyset white man with a red beard. Wilkerson also gave a detailed description of what the shooter was wearing, which included a black backpack. He told officers that he had seen the shooter with a female and that, he had asked them if he could have some money.

    Crabtree then asked Wilkerson if he could sell some narcotics or a pair of sunglasses for him.

    According to reports, when Wilkerson could not sell the narcotics, Crabtree shot him.

    A short time later, officers made contact with a person in the 1600 block of Southwest 6th Street who matched the suspect’s description.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Crabtree was with a white female, later identified as Shealyn Marie Largent, 22, who had been shot in the neck.

    Crabtree was positively identified as the shooter.

    According to reports, Crabtree stated that he was walking down Martin Luther King Boulevard with Largent when he heard gunshots and got down on the ground. Crabtree claimed that Largent was struck by a stray bullet. Crabtree denied carrying a firearm and stated that he did not know anything about a black backpack.

    While at the hospital, Largent was questioned by detectives, but she refused to cooperate and would not tell police who had shot her. However, she did tell detectives where they could locate the black backpack.

    When detectives located the backpack, they found a revolver and drugs.

    Wilkerson and Largent were treated for their injuries and released from the hospital.

    Crabtree is currently being held at the Marion County jail on a $155,000 bond. He had just been released from Prison.

    Crabtree denied any wrongdoing.

    Alleged rapist could have other young victims

    Ocala Post
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    Alleged rapist could have other young victims
    rape, rapist, runaway, ocala news, ocala post
    Cor’yon She’monte Gillum

    Ocala, Florida — Detectives with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Cor’yon She’monte Gillum, A.K.A, “Trapboi”.

    Gillum is accused of raping two runaway girls — ages 14 and 15.

    One girl who ran away from home to “hang with Gillum” said she was raped in the backseat of a car. The other girl said she was raped at a party.

    The teenage girls identified Gillum as the alleged rapist.

    Detectives said they have reason to believe that Gillum may have raped other young girls and are asking victims to come forward.

    Gillum was charged with Sexual Battery -Victim Under 18. He is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

    If have any information about this incident, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP,  or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP.  Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

    FHP: Trooper was intentionally targeted

    Ocala Post
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    FHP: Trooper was intentionally targeted
    Raumel Quntero (right) and Trooper Vanessa Franceschi, ocala post, ocala news, fhp
    Raumel Quntero (right) and Trooper Vanessa Franceschi

    The Florida Highway Patrol released a video Wednesday of a chase which started when a trooper’s car was intentionally struck by another driver.

    An FHP trooper chased down and arrested the man who struck her patrol car as she conducted a traffic stop along Florida’s Turnpike after “clocking” that driver at 90 mph.

    According to reports, Trooper Vanessa Franceschi suffered minor injuries on April 24, after Raumel Quntero, 20, slammed his white Honda Civic into the back of her patrol car.

    Authorities said that Quntero admitted to intentionally hitting the trooper’s car.

    The chase reached speeds of more than 100 mph on the car-packed highway.

    The chase ended when Trooper Franceschi performed a pit maneuver.

    Quntero was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Fleeing, and Eluding and Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries.

    “This suspect’s actions were cowardly and Trooper Franceschi’s quick and courageous actions exemplify the best of the Florida Highway Patrol and all law enforcement officers,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “That she was targeted because she is a law enforcement officer is outrageous and we must continue to support our brave heroes by letting them know malicious attacks against law enforcement will not be tolerated in our communities.”

    FHP said no civilians were injured during the chase.

    We want to hear from you. What do you think about the situation?

    Ocklawaha River bridge lane closure

    Ocala Post
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    Ocklawaha River bridge lane closure

    ocklawaha bridge, ocala post, ocala news

    Beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Florida Department of Transportation will close one lane of the Ocklawaha River bridge.

    “The lane closure may cause significant delays in travel time, so motorists may want to seek an alternate route during the construction. Drivers can expect a flagging operation along with off-duty law enforcement officers to help manage and direct traffic,” said DOT.

    The lane should only be closed for 24 hours while workers repair a section of concrete railing damaged during an April car crash.

    Please note construction schedules may change due to weather or other circumstances, and if this happens, the closure may be rescheduled.

    Officials ask that all drivers remember to yield to roadside workers and obey posted speed limits. Speeding fines are doubled in a construction zone.

    Use extra caution during rainy weather.

    2018 red snapper season

    Ocala Post
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    2018 red snapper season
    red snapper, outdoors, fishing, florida fishing, red snapper season
    Photo courtesy of FWC

    Recreational red snapper season starts June 11 in Gulf state and federal waters and remains open through July 20, closing July 21.

    According to FWC, this year and next year are unique compared to previous years in that Florida’s Gulf recreational red snapper season applies to harvest from both state and federal waters.

    Anglers fishing from private recreational boats will need to have their recreational saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) and will need to have Gulf Reef Fish Angler on their license (includes those that are exempt) to target red snapper or other certain reef fish in Gulf state and federal waters (excluding Monroe County). You can get this printed on a license at no cost at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by visiting any location you can purchase a license.

    For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in this 40-day season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in state waters only. These operations must have State Gulf Reef Fish Charter on their license to target red snapper and other reef fish in Gulf state waters (excluding Monroe County). This can be done at no cost at a local tax collector’s office.

    Man arrested after woman’s body found in trunk

    Ocala Post
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    Man arrested after woman’s body found in trunk
    eric todd gay, murder, ocala news, ocala post, west virginia
    Eric Todd Gay

    Silver Springs — A Silver Springs man was arrested Sunday and charged with First-degree Premeditated Murder after his roommate was found stuffed in the trunk of a car.

    Eric Todd Gay, 36, said he woke up early Saturday morning and entered his roommate’s bedroom with the intention of stealing fentanyl patches and $200 from her.

    Gay told authorities that the woman awoke so he put his hands around her neck and choked her unconscious.

    Thinking she was dead, Gay wrapped her in a sleeping bag. However, as Gay was carrying the woman into the living room, she regained consciousness.

    Deputies say that is when Gay picked up a Maglite flashlight and began bashing the woman in the head in an attempt to kill her.

    Gay then stuffed the woman in the trunk of her own car.

    According to reports, Gay stated that he could hear the woman snoring and knew she was still alive after he put her in the trunk. Gay then cut a telephone cord and strangled the woman to death.

    Investigators said Gay robbed the woman of her personal effects in an attempt to conceal the crime.

    Gay admitted to investigators that he is addicted to methamphetamines.

    According to investigators, Gay is from West Virginia and has only been in Florida for a few weeks.

    He is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.

    The woman’s identity has not been released.

    PETA demands all FFA programs be removed from schools after raccoon drowning

    Ocala Post
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    PETA demands all FFA programs be removed from schools after raccoon drowning

    ffa, peta, ocala post, raccoons, ocala news, marion county

    TeachKind, the humane education division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) based in California, is now using the drowning of two raccoons and an opossum at Forest High School earlier this month to push their agenda.

    FHS teacher, Dewie Brewton, was accused of drowning two raccoons and an opossum in an agriculture class.

    The incident was made public after a student showed his mother a video of the animals being drowned.

    Brewton apparently drowned the animals because they had been killing the class’ chickens. Students said that Brewton referred to the animals as a nuisance.

    The graphic video shows students filling up large trash cans with water then submerging the animals while they are in cages. In one clip, the raccoon was thrashing around and tried to come up for air, at which time students used steel poles to push the raccoon under. They also held a water hose over the raccoon’s face.

    Brewton turned in his letter of resignation on May 17. On May 25, the State Attorney’s Office announced that they would not be filing animal cruelty charges against Brewton.

    Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt wrote, “This office had just recently gone to trial on an animal cruelty case where a defendant cut the tails off of four kittens with rusty scissors. A jury of his peers found him not guilty. Based on the totality of the circumstances in this case, Mr. Brewton did not intend to torture or torment these nuisance animals; he was simply attempting to protect his class’s school project in an appropriate manner.”

    TeachKind and PETA now want agricultural science (or FFA) programs removed from Marion County schools.

    In a letter, PETA wrote:

    Dear Principal Carson,

    I’m writing as a fellow educator and on behalf of TeachKind, the humane education division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), regarding disturbing reports that a Forest High School teacher drowned two raccoons and an opossum he suspected of killing a chicken used in the school’s agricultural science program in front of impressionable students. The blatant lack of empathy and disregard for life demonstrated in this alleged senseless act could desensitize students to violence, and they certainly have no place in a school. We applaud the district’s statement condemning the reported incident and urge you to take a further compassionate step.

    In light of that teacher’s retirement, now is the perfect time to implement a commonsense approach to teaching empathy and compassion for all animals. As you may know, the animals in agricultural science (or FFA) programs are typically destined to be sold at auction for slaughter or to be used as “breeders” and likely sent to slaughter later, once they’re no longer profitable. These programs teach teens the dangerous message that it’s acceptable to send animals—whom they’ve likely cared for and bonded with for months—to violent, terrifying deaths at slaughterhouses.

    Agricultural programs that use live animals foster callousness toward living beings and force young people to disconnect emotionally from the very animals they are meant to care for, which is extremely harmful. Although the death of the chicken was no doubt upsetting for the students and apparently the teacher involved in this incident, the bird would ultimately have been condemned to a similar fate in the FFA program—albeit at the hands of humans rather than a natural predator.

    Through this tragic incident, there is a golden opportunity to teach Forest High School students an important lesson. Given the current focus on the national epidemic of bullying and its often tragic results, it’s both vital and timely that a standard of compassion be set and that students understand that violence toward any living being is wrong. So we’re asking you to remove all animals from your agriculture program and to work with us to implement humane education in your school.

    TeachKind is here to help, and we’d love to send you a free anti-violence poster. It encourages students to report cruelty to animals whenever they encounter it—for everyone’s sake—and displaying it in a prominent location could even save a life. Our staff is always available to send free materials, suggest free lesson plans on TeachKind.org, and even host free classroom presentations with your students via Skype. We’re here to assist you in any way that we can in order to ensure that your efforts to teach empathy are successful.

    We’ll be following this developing case closely, and we look forward to hearing from you. On behalf of our more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide, many of whom proudly reside in Florida, we thank you for your consideration.

    Warm regards,

    Samantha Suiter, M.A.

    Senior Science Education Specialist

    PETA

    cc: Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier (Paula.Bundrick@marion.k12.fl.us)

    On May 24, Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier responded back to TeachKind.

    Maier wrote:

    Dear Ms. Suiter,

    Thank you for your undated communication received in my office earlier today regarding animals in our high school agri-science programs.

    Please know the actions of the previous teacher in Forest High School’s agriculture class were completely unacceptable and appalling. I have stated this from the beginning and will continue to do so: Marion County’s education standards – in fact, Florida’s education standards — do not include activities for the destruction of live animals, nuisance or not.

    We are pleased to partner with the Humane Society of Marion County on a brand new initiative involving their impressive mobile unit. This program will help cultivate animal-friendly and supportive behaviors for years to come in the minds of thousands of students. It also fosters positive reading habits to help students improve their literacy skills — a win-win for both the Humane Society of Marion County and our students. We’re excited to kick this new program off immediately, this summer, with some of our elementary students.

    I’m also happy to share our high school agriculture classes will continue with live animals. Our programs work and help students understand the importance of agriculture in rural communities, much like Marion County, as evidenced by the numerous Future Farmers of America clubs and activities and hundreds of students involved in the annual Southeastern Youth Fair.

    Kind Regards,

    Dr. Heidi Maier

    Superintendent

    We want to hear from you. Do you feel agricultural science (or FFA) programs should be removed from all schools?

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