Dunnellon — A 52-year-old man has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl and an 11 year-old-boy.
Authorities say the lascivious behavior took place at a home in Dunnellon.
Robert Belton Cooper is accused of having numerous graphic sexual encounters with the children.
Cooper was charged with four counts of Sexual Assault on a Minor Under 12 and five counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery.
He is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
If you think your child may have been in contact with Cooper, 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.
Ocala, Florida — Rashad Jones, of Ocala, along with Grill Dads, won Food Network’s “Guy’s Big Project,” which stars celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
In a Facebook post, Jones wrote, “I competed on Guy’s Big Project and made it to the finale and won my own TV show on the Food Network!!! Eat Sleep BBQ is a thing Saturday nights at 9 p.m. on the Food Network!”
According to the Food Network, starting December 16, Jones’ show “Eat Sleep BBQ” will air Saturdays at 9 p.m.
Jones is the owner of Big Lees Barbecue in Ocala. Most have visited Big Lee’s food truck on Southeast 45th Court off Maricamp Road.
“I am overjoyed and super grateful for this opportunity!”, Jones wrote.
Jones hopes Ocalians will spread the word and tune in to the show.
An Uber driver faces charges of Kidnapping and Sexual Battery after a passenger said the driver took advantage of her.
The incident happened on May 21, the driver was arrested on December 6.
The victim called for an Uber to get a ride to her hotel and 38-year-old Jorge Alberto Antunez Quintero arrived to pick her up.
The victim stated that she lost consciousness during the ride. At one point, the victim said she felt sick and asked the Uber driver to pull over.
Quintero told police that when the woman got out of the car her dress came up. He said that is when he noticed that the woman was not wearing any underwear and took that as a sign that she wanted him to have sex with her.
Quintero drove to a Red Roof Inn, located at 9922 Hawaiian Court, where he carried the woman into a hotel room and sexually assaulted her while she was drunk.
When the victim woke up, Quintero told her that she had hallucinated and had a bad dream.
The victim arrived at her destination two hours later.
Quintero is married with children.
He is being held without bond.
This is not the first time an Orlando Uber driver has sexually assaulted a drunk female.
According to authorities, Uber remains unregulated and does not follow the same rules as cab companies when it pertains to drivers.
We want to hear from you. What do you think about Uber and the lack of regulations?
A Trinity Catholic High School student was arrested Friday and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery.
According to reports, Widmer Alejandro Reyes, 18, was supposed to drive a 14-year-old girl home Friday, but instead pulled behind the Publix grocery store across from the high school.
The girl told authorities that while she and Reyes were talking, she told him that being in the car with him was awkward. She stated that Reyes told her he could make it less awkward, and then pulled out his penis.
The girl stated that Reyes then grabbed her by the hair and forced her head into his lap. He also touched her breasts.
The girl told police that Reyes ejaculated into napkins. She stated that he also gave her a napkin to wipe her tears.
Following the incident, the girl said Reyes apologized and asked her not to tell anyone.
The girl told authorities that she rode to Publix with Reyes because she knew him.
Reyes was released on a $15,000 bond.
Those closest to Reyes say that the girl embellished the story and left out facts. She has also been accused of deleting incriminating social media posts.
On December 6, Ocala police responded to Berkeley Pointe Apartments in reference to an assault.
When police arrived, they saw a woman, later identified as the victim, standing outside with blood on her shirt.
The victim had blood coming from her face, mouth, and neck.
The victim told police that during an argument, her boyfriend, Keyoski J. Jackson, 25, put his hands around her throat and choked her until she lost consciousness.
According to police, when the victim awoke, Jackson then placed his knees on the victim’s throat, which again caused her to lose consciousness.
Jackson then kicked the victim in the face while she was on the ground.
The victim was eventually able to escape her apartment and fled to a neighbors apartment who then called 9-1-1.
Multiple witnesses told police that the victim was having difficulty walking.
The victim had yelled to one neighbor, “please get my child.” That neighbor stated to police, “I don’t know why she was yelling at me to get her child, we ain’t friends.”
Eventually, a neighbor did rescue the child from Jackson.
He was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.
Jackson has previous arrests for Felony Battery by Strangulation, Driving While License Suspended, Contempt of Court, and Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Female.
According to police, Jackson beat his girlfriend because she worked late.
According to neighbors, Jackson thought the incident was funny.
Police stated that the entire incident took place in front of their small child.
Jackson is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for January 9, 2018.
The annual Ocala Christmas Parade will take place on December 9, 2017.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on 1800 East Silver Spring Boulevard.
This year the theme is a ‘Home for the Holidays’.
VIP bleacher seating may still be available. Tickets are available for $10 and must be presented at the parade.
The tickets can be purchased online. Just fill in your information, and your tickets will be e-mailed to you for your convenience. All you have to do is print them out and present them on the day of the parade.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today approved a new Critical Wildlife Area in Volusia County.
The small island, known as Port Orange Colony and now approved as a CWA, shelters hundreds of brown pelicans during nesting season. It is less than 2 acres but is one of the largest breeding sites for brown pelicans along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Other vulnerable shorebirds documented to nest there include the tricolored heron and American oystercatcher. Also breeding and sheltering on the island are snowy egrets, great egrets, double-crested cormorants and great blue herons.
“Protecting Florida’s birds is what gave rise to the conservation movement in the United States,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “This is a legacy moment that we leave for the ages as a Commission,”
In November 2016, the FWC significantly increased the number and range of Critical Wildlife Areas, created by the agency to protect critical wildlife in its most vulnerable stages from human disturbance. At that time, 13 new CWAs were added and five existing CWAs were expanded. The proposal to establish the Port Orange CWA was postponed because of questions about ownership of the property that has since been resolved.
Once the Port Orange CWA is established, it will be closed to public access from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31. The protected area includes a water buffer around the island of anywhere from 10 to 150 feet. Signs will be posted in the water to alert the public to stay out of the CWA during the closed dates.
In 2016, before establishing and expanding CWAs, the FWC conducted a statewide effort to present the proposals and obtain public input. More than 400 people attended 14 CWA workshops throughout the state. The agency then used the public feedback to improve the CWA proposals.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division today announced Operation Faux Pharmacy, a multi-pronged initiative aimed at attacking the opioid epidemic by targeting rogue pharmacies throughout Southern California, Hawaii, and Nevada. DEA investigations over the last year identified as many as 26 pharmacies in these areas that may have operated outside the bounds of legitimate medicine.
The United States has been increasingly devastated by opioid abuse, created in large part by the over-prescribing of potent opioids. Across the country, approximately 11.8 million Americans misuse prescription opioids each year, which contributes to the estimated 65,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States. A majority of these deaths were related to opioids, including heroin, illicit fentanyl, and prescription drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.
“DEA is fighting the opioid crisis on multiple levels, using every resource available to identify reckless doctors and rogue businesses that fuel addiction in our neighborhoods and communities,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “We will continue to identify and hold accountable the most significant drug threats, using every tool at our disposal – administrative, civil and criminal – to fight the diversion of controlled substances.”
DEA and other law enforcement partners utilize a host of tools and resources available to identify some of the most egregious violators of the Controlled Substances Act. As part of this initiative, DEA special agents, diversion investigators, and intelligence analysts examined data that manufacturers and distributors report to DEA, Prescription Drug Monitoring Program information, and Health and Human Services data to determine those most likely to be operating as drug traffickers disguised as legitimate pharmacies.
As part of Operation Faux Pharmacy, 26 pharmacies were identified as potential violators of the Controlled Substances Act as a result of investigations triggered by data that was exhaustively compared and analyzed with previous administrative or criminal violations from previous, similar cases. Common indicators include pharmacies that had filled exceptionally high numbers of oxycodone prescriptions, excessive or frequent opioid purchases, multiple customers with identical addresses, or customers traveling extreme distances to specific pharmacies despite access to more convenient options.
DEA partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners as part of this initiative. To date, Operation Faux Pharmacy has seized close to 600,000 dosage units of scheduled drugs. The investigation is ongoing and violators of the Controlled Substances Act may face administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.
The Florida Department of Transportation is currently working on a project to mill and resurface State Road (S.R.) 40 (Fort Brooks Road) from east of NE 10th Street Road to the east of NE 145th Avenue Road.
The cost for this project will be an estimated $414,000. The project is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2018.
Officials with FDOT said motorists should not experience any lane closures during the road work.
Officials ask that all drivers remember to yield to roadside workers and obey posted speed limits. Speeding fines are doubled in a construction zone.
A 21-year-old man remained behind bars Monday on a $ 21,000 bond after he was accused of molesting a 10-year-old girl.
The victim told her family that while Jibreel R. Lopez was at their house, he had picked her up and kissed her on the mouth.
The victim stated that as he was kissing her, Lopez took her into the bathroom, pulled down his pants, and exposed his penis.
Ocala police reported that Lopez then attempted to pull down the victim’s pants, but she told him to stop.
The girl told police that when Lopez kissed her, he also touched her on her private area.
During the investigation, detectives learned that this was not the first time that Lopez had touched the victim. Additionally, detectives learned that Lopez had forced the girl to watch pornographic videos on his cell phone.
The girl told police that when she was six, Lopez forced himself on her and “humped” her while they were fully clothed. The girl stated that she told Lopez to stop.
Lopez was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 12 and Prohibition of Certain Acts in Connection with Obscene Material.
The incident was reported on November 7. Lopez was arrested on November 30.
Ocala, Florida — A pregnant, domestic violence victim found herself acting nicely toward her abuser in order to give herself a chance to escape.
The victim stated that on November 16, she woke her boyfriend, Christopher John Smith, 24, up for work and he became angry.
According to reports, Smith began to shout at the victim when all of a sudden he snatched the victim by her hair and dragged her into the living room.
The victim told Ocala police that she ran into the kitchen to get away, but Smith followed her. She said she kept apologizing to Smith hoping he would leave her alone.
Ocala police stated that during the argument, the victim told Smith that she wanted out of the relationship.
Smith then grabbed a knife, pressed it against the victim’s belly, and threatened to kill her, the baby, and the victim’s entire family if she left him.
The victim stated that she then began to be cordial toward Smith until he left for work.
When Smith left, the victim fled the residence.
Police stated that the victim had severe bruising all over her arms and legs from where she had been previously beaten.
Smith was located and arrested on November 16. He denied striking his girlfriend.
Smith was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Female and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He was released from the Marion County Jail on November 19, on a $20,000 bond.
On December 2, Smith made contact with his girlfriend and attempted to strangle her to death.
Smith’s bond was revoked and he was charged with Contempt of a Domestic Violence Injunction Protection Order and Domestic Battery by Strangulation.
Smith is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
His next court date is slated for December 19.
Smith has previous arrests for Tampering with Evidence, Dating Violence, and Possession of Marijuana.
After much discussion, deliberation, contemplation, etc we have realized that our children have other interests than taking over the family business and we would like more time to spend with them pursuing their other interests. We have enjoyed this business since 1995 and with this last run of ten years have met and made friends with a lot of awesome people. We sincerely appreciate and feel honored to have enjoyed your support all this time. We feel it is time to offer the opportunity of carrying on this playground that is The Gamers Edge first to our supporters and followers. Contact us via messenger or direct via email at TheGamersEdgeInc@gmail.com with why you feel you would be a good candidate to forge forward along with an offer (open to purchase or trades) We are not looking for necessarily the highest offer, but the one that we feel will allow the traditions and atmosphere of the store to carry on.
Ocala, Florida — A violent, career criminal was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s deputies Tuesday and charged with Sexual Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Victim 12 or Under.
The victim told police that Michael Dangelo Mike, 33, came into her bedroom around 1 a.m. and asked her to help him look for a television to help surprise someone.
Mike then exited the house with the girl.
According to reports, as the two were walking, Mike put a knife to the girl’s throat and forced her to walk to a daycare. There, Mike forced the girl to remove her clothes. The victim stated that once she had removed her clothes, Mike raped her at knifepoint.
The girl later told her mother, who then called the authorities.
Mike has been in an out of jail since he was a minor. He has been arrested more than 15 times just in Marion County alone and had served prison time. Mike has also been arrested in other counties.
In fact, Mike had just been released from prison in June after serving a sentence for Felony Battery and False Imprisonment.
He has been arrested multiple time on charges of Domestic Battery.
Mike is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
On November 25, a Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a trash can on a wooded lot near American Avocet PT., Homosassa.
Upon inspecting the trash can, the deputy determined that it contained human remains.
Neighbors told the deputy that the trash can had been discarded on the vacant lot during Hurricane Irma.
The human remains were then sent to the 5th District Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy was performed.
The Medical Examiner’s Office, through the use of dental records, was able to positively identify the skeletal remains as those of Ryan Michael McClellan.
According to the CCSO, McClellan, 33, had been reported missing from Homosassa on September 20.
CCSO Major Crime Detectives said that the case is now an active homicide investigation.
If anyone in Citrus County or surrounding areas knew this man or has any information about this case, you are urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 352-726-1121. Or, to remain anonymous, contact CRIME STOPPERS at 1-888-any-tips.
Ocala police are searching for multiple suspects who burglarized a video game store and a Rent-A-Center.
According to reports, on November 26, Officer Jason Rodriguez responded to an alarm at The Gamers Edge, located at 3131 Southwest College Road, at approximately 2:37 a.m.
Upon arrival, Officer Rodriguez reviewed video surveillance which showed five or six suspects pull up in a black four-door car, at which time they exited the vehicle.
One of the suspects, who was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, then shattered the glass front door.
The suspects then shattered the front door of Rent-A-Center.
According to Rodriguez, the suspects stole a money drawer from Gamers Edge, which was empty.
An Xbox One S and a Sony PS4 were stolen from Rent-A-Center.
All of the suspects were wearing gloves and had their faces covered.
Two of the suspects were reportedly wearing Adidas pants.
This is not the first time The Gamers Edge has been burglarized this year.
If you recognize the pants or underwear in the photos, 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.
December 1, is World AIDS Day and the Florida Department of Health in Marion County will recognize the day by providing residents with the opportunity to receive free rapid HIV testing.
Where and when
Frank Deluca YMCA (3200 SE 17th Street, Ocala) from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Department Registered Nurse Anne Gerard is helping lead the fight against HIV in Ocala.
“HIV happens here, and what you don’t know can hurt you and others. Sometimes people don’t think they are at risk, but engaging in unprotected sex of any kind, having multiple partners, or having a sexually transmitted infection increases the risk of getting HIV,” Gerard said. “Abstinence is the best prevention, but correct, consistent condom use can prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”
The department encourages everyone who is sexually active to get tested. Florida has a comprehensive program for preventing the transmission of HIV and for providing care and treatment to those already infected. The state aims to reduce the incidence of HIV so more Floridians will live longer, healthier lives.
“It’s crucial to know your status so you can get on appropriate medicine if needed,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Health Officer Mark Lander. “Getting the right prescriptions early on (and staying on them) can help prevent the disease from progressing.”
For more information on opportunities to be tested for HIV/AIDS, contact the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-629-0137.
A man was charged with Criminal Mischief, which is a misdemeanor, Sunday after a pastor discovered that he had burned two American flags outside the Congregational Church, located at 15421 South Highway 301.
The flags had been put on display for Veteran’s Day and were later burned.
Joseph Michael Allegretto, 50, was identified as the suspect after the pastor reviewed the church’s security footage.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has issued a final order terminating its agreement with Key Power Driving School, Inc., a third-party commercial driver license (CDL) testing company with locations in Miami and Labelle. During an investigation into third-party CDL testing sites in Florida, the department found that Key Power Driving School’s practices posed an immediate, serious danger to public health, safety, and welfare.
“Driving a commercial vehicle is a tremendous responsibility and privilege, and the proper administration of knowledge and skills testing for drivers is critical to maintaining safety on Florida roads,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “The revocation of DHSMV’s agreement with Key Power demonstrates our commitment to ensuring appropriate testing standards are maintained in the pursuit of A Safer Florida.”
During the investigation, conducted in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the department learned that Key Power violated its agreement with the state and conducted fraudulent testing activities such as omitting vital portions of the required three-part skills test and manipulating testing data on CDL skills test score sheets. With department representatives on-site, the pass rate for tests dropped significantly, from 60 to just 11 percent, which is a key indicator that Key Power may have given passing scores to individuals who had not taken the test, not completed mandatory portions of the test or had not performed required driving maneuvers.
“The correlation between DHSMV presence at testing sites and extreme pass-rate fluctuation indicates rampant manipulation of information and data,” stated Robert Kynoch, Director of Motorist Services. “The department is committed to ensuring that Florida’s commercial drivers are properly trained and tested and will not tolerate any disregard for public safety.”
Many individuals from all over the state attended the facility simply because they knew they could pass.
Individuals tested by Key Power on or after January 1, 2017, will be notified by the department that they must be retested by a compliant third-party CDL testing administrator. If individuals fail to be retested within 60 days of receiving the notification, their CDL will be canceled.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved a medication in the form of a pill that will have a built-in tracking device.
The FDA claims the pill will only be used for patients who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
A pill with a tracking device that will be used treat a disease in which the patient is already paranoid that they are being watched by the government. Smart? Many do not think so.
The medication, Abilify MyCite, is the only medication of its kind. The tracker records when the medication is taken. Developers of the medication claim the tracker will increase a patients compliance.
The tracker sends a message from the pill’s sensor to a patch worn on the patient’s skin. This sensor is the “size of a grain of sand. When the sensor comes into contact with fluids in the stomach, the sensor is then activated and communicates this to the MyCite Patch.
The patch detects and records when the tracker was detected in the stomach in addition to physiological data, such as the patient’s activity level. The patch sends all data to the MyCite App on a compatible mobile device.
The patch was developed by California-based Proteus Digital Health. The system is also heavily supported by liberal officials from Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
We want to hear from you. What do you think of a pill with a tracking device?
