Albert Larry Harris- Coleman Federal Correctional Complex
Ocala, Florida — A federal corrections officer was arrested in Ocala Tuesday and charged with Federal Bribery by a Public Official.
Federal agents say, Albert Larry Harris, 27, worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County.
An undercover investigation revealed that Harris received thousands of dollars in bribes and supplied drugs and other contraband to inmates.
The investigation was launched in June after three inmates reported Harris.
According to federal agents, Harris offered to supply two inmates with cigarettes, tobacco, and spice in exchange for money. Harris asked one inmate to help locate a cocaine dealer.
After an inmate reported Harris, the FBI used the inmate to set up a deal with Harris. Harris then met with an undercover FBI agent. Harris presented the agent with Suboxone Sublingual Film, also known as Suboxone strips. Suboxone is a controlled substance used to treat drug addiction.
Harris was arrested and charged after he sold the undercover agent 200 Suboxone strips in exchange for $5,000.
Agents said that they were also able to trace money orders that Harris had received for payment from other inmates.
If convicted, Harris faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man was arrested after he was caught trespassing on school grounds.
Ocala Police Department officers responded to the 2500 block of Northeast 11th Court after a caller reported seeing a man, later identified as Nathan Manypenny, 32, looking in sheds and vehicles throughout the neighborhood.
While in route, the caller told dispatch that the man had jumped a fence at Oakcrest Elementary School.
There were still children on campus at the time of the incident.
When police made contact with Manypenny, he stated that he was allowed to be on campus because he was a student.
The officer detained the suspect and found that he was in possession of a knife.
Oakcrest principal, June Leinenbach, told police that she was concerned because there were still children present on the campus and that, she wanted Manypenny prosecuted for trespassing.
Manypenny, who is a convicted felon with a lengthy arrest record, was arrested and charged with Trespassing on School Grounds.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the bay scallop season off Gulf County remains postponed due to a naturally occurring algae bloom in St. Joseph Bay. The season postponement will continue until scallop samples test safe for human consumption.
According to a press release, the season postponement will continue until scallop samples test safe for human consumption.
The bay scallop season postponement includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County through the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County.
FWC said all other areas currently open for bay scallop recreational harvest remain unaffected, including the popular scalloping areas of St. Marks, Steinhatchee, and Crystal River.
This algae bloom should not impact other recreational activities on St. Joseph Bay.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had also issued a closure for the harvest of all clams (including pen shells), mussels and oysters in St. Joseph Bay.
Pseudo-nitzschia is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that in some cases can produce domoic acid, which can negatively impact marine mammals and seabirds and can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans if contaminated shellfish, including mussels, oysters, clams, and scallops, are consumed. ASP can cause both gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and upset stomach, as well as neurological issues such as short-term memory loss. Domoic acid has been confirmed in seawater and scallop samples from St. Joseph Bay. Domoic acid does not impact finfish directly, but fish should be rinsed well, filleted and skinned prior to being eaten.
The best way to protect yourself is to heed FWC closure warnings and not consume shellfish from the closed areas.
Lakeland PD K-9 Unit – Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Police Department
Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens suspended the department’s K-9 unit in its entirety after an internal investigation revealed they were excessively speeding while on a trip.
Chief Giddens said that witnesses called and reported that they saw multiple officers speeding on the highway.
Dash cam video revealed that the officers sped to and from a competition that took place in Santa Rosa this past weekend. Santa Rosa is approximately seven hours from Lakeland.
According to Lakeland PD, the dash cams start to record when the vehicle reaches 75 mph.
Chief Giddens expressed concern because at least five of the officers tampered with their dash cams. He said the officers filled up the memory before the trip started.
Chief Giddens said, “I’m embarrassed and very disappointed in the conduct of these officers. We hold every member of this department to the highest standard and expect them to represent our agency with the highest level of professional conduct at all times. In this particular incident, these officers have failed and will be held accountable through the use of our disciplinary policies.”
Chief Giddens said the officers have taken responsibility for their actions, but cannot take back the embarrassment they have placed on the agency or their colleagues.
“As law enforcement officers we must always respect the amount of the trust that the public places in us and always lead by example,” said Chief Giddens.
Lakeland PD Public Information Officer Gary Gross, said, “They’re going to have to rebuild their image, and the Lakeland Police Department is going to have to work harder to explain to the public that we don’t have a double standard.”
The officers reached speed in excess of 100 mph, and some were tailgating other drivers.
Hundreds of Verizon customers turned to social media Tuesday to express their frustration with Verizon’s rate increases. Many vowing to “dump” Verizon as their mobile carrier.
Verizon says customers should not be upset.
Verizon said the company is raising the price of its unlimited plan while introducing a slightly cheaper, more limited version.
Beginning August 23, Verizon unlimited is changing into Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited and Business Unlimited. Verizon said this will give customers more choices on the network.
With Go Unlimited, Verizon maintains that customers will get the Verizon network at a better value.
“Beyond Unlimited gives you the best of the best: premium high-speed 4G LTE data so you can stream lots of HD video, mobile hotspot and calling and data to and from Canada and Mexico,” Verizon said.
Verizon said, “These plans give you the best unlimited choices, but you also get what only Verizon can give you: the best network, the best rewards program, the best way to manage your plan with the My Verizon app and the best selection of phones and devices.”
Verizon said for the first time, they are bringing the power of unlimited to business customers without line limitations. Verizon says businesses can get cost-effective flat monthly rates without having to manage voice and data usage by employees who can now use their smartphones, tablets, and jet packs without having to worry about volume overages.
According to Verizon, video on Go Unlimited is DVD-quality (SD on phones (480p) and HD on tablets (720p)), while video on Beyond Unlimited is HD for phones and tablets (720p for phones; 1080p for tablets). Moving forward, HD video on all legacy plans will match Beyond Unlimited’s HD quality. Verizon said they are doing this to ensure all customers have a great experience on the network since there is no significant difference in quality on a smartphone or tablet when video is shown at higher resolutions (than 720p on phones and 1080p on tablets).
Verizon said customers who signed up earlier this year for Verizon unlimited will automatically get 5 GB additional mobile hotspot data – at no additional charge. They said customers can keep their current plan.
Brian Gilbert wrote to Verizon, “I seriously don’t get you Verizon. Two years ago you attempted to make the agreement that you simultaneously couldn’t handle unlimited traffic AND had the best most awesome network. You admitted that this was totally incorrect since, but seem to have missed why people like me left after doing business with you for over a decade. I left because you moved to end my unlimited data, yes. I was infuriated with you because your offer to move me off unlimited data was WORSE than your new customer offers. You can’t have customer loyalty when you as a company aren’t loyal to you customers.”
“Unlimited data is a blatant lie, don’t believe the hype. The more you use the slower it gets. Verizon calls it tower prioritization, but basically, once you hit a monthly cap your connection is shoved to the bottom of the heap. Hence our internet becomes pretty much useless for a third of the month. Download speed will not even open a search page without a lengthy wait. Even at its best 144p video is all it will allow, and not even that after the cap is reached. I have noticed this lack of speed does not apply to receiving Verizon’s $300 mo. bill. That seems to download post haste,” Joel Murphy wrote.
It should be noted that Verizon’s pricing does not include other taxes and fees.
Officials said several students were still on the grounds of Osceola Middle School Friday when they were notified about a suspicious man.
Ocala police said when they arrived, they found Scott Harding Lynn, 38, sitting underneath an overhang with his personal belongings spread out.
Police said they could smell alcohol emitting from Lynn’s breath, who admitted to drinking. Additionally, police said that there were multiple pornographic magazines in plain sight.
Lynn told police that he set up his things because he had planned to sleep at the school.
He was arrested and charged with Trespassing on School Property.
Lynn has previous arrests for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer or EMT, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Violation of Probation, and Unlawful Possession of an Alcohol Container.
He is being held on a $2,500 bond.
Authorities do not believe that Lynn had contact with any of the students.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala police say they arrested an Ocala man after a grandmother reported that her grandson had been physically abused by his father.
The grandmother reported the abuse to the Starke Police Department, who in turn reported it to the Department of Children and Families. DCF then contacted the Ocala Police Department.
OPD took over the investigation because the incident occurred while the boy was visiting his father, Therious McCloud, 35, who lives in Ocala.
Investigators said that the boy had multiple injuries on his body.
According to reports, the boy was choked and beaten while handcuffed. The boy suffered injuries to his back, legs, abdomen, arms, and head.
The boy told investigators that the beatings happened more than one time.
During one of the incidents, the boy said he was stripped of his clothing, hung from a closet-type piece of furniture with handcuffs, and repeatedly struck with a belt.
State records show that the child had been living with his grandmother because his mother had been abusing him as well.
The grandmother described the father as “too bossy” and a “bully.” At one point, she said that she had allowed McCloud to live with her, but feared for her grandson’s safety. She said that she eventually forced McCloud to move out, but she retained custody of her grandson.
When arrested, McCloud told investigators that he was only disciplining his son because he believed that his son had stolen something from his grandmother.
McCloud was charged with Felony Child Abuse-Domestic Violence. He was released from the Marion County jail on a $2,500 bond.
His next court date is slated for September 19, 2017.
Many want to know if they can use their front facing camera (selfie’ mode) to video or take photos of the solar eclipse. This means the sun would be behind you.
NASA says that there is no valid reason why a person would want to point a smartphone at an un-eclipsed sun without the proper filter over the lens. However, during totality, you don’t need a filter.
Some say that a smartphone camera sensor is too small to be damaged.
If you wish to use the “selfie’ mode,” you should do so at your own risk, but avoid looking at the sun with your eyes.
2:48 p.m. is the peak time for Ocala. The time varies from 2:47 p.m. to 2:51 p.m., depending on where in Central Florida you are.
The further northwest you are, the sooner the peak time.
The eclipse starts at approximately 1:19 p.m.
NASA TV public channel. Best if viewed in Firefox or Internet Explorer. Google Chrome seems to have trouble loading the live streams and sometimes crashes. Here is more NASA live stream information.
Remember, do not look directly at the sun without proper eyewear.
Don’t worry, the world is not going to end and your pets will not burst into flames.
[Video of King being dropped off at Ocala Health Summerfield Emergency Room]
Summerfield, Florida — A man who was shot and killed Monday after he forced entry into an occupied residence in Summerfield, has been identified as Shawn M. King, 32.
The suspect, armed with a gun, entered a home, located at 10420 Southeast 158th Place, Summerfield, and began firing when he saw the family pit bull coming toward him.
King then fired shots in the direction of the victim.
The victim stated that he locked himself inside his bedroom, and when the intruder attempted to gain entry to the room, the victim shot through the door with his shotgun as his girlfriend hid in the closet.
The suspect fled the residence and was dropped off at a local emergency room by an unknown person.
King died from a shotgun wound to his upper torso and facial area.
The dog is expected to make a full recovery.
The victim was not harmed.
Officials are still seeking information about who dropped King at the hospital.
If you have information about this case, call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Michael Thomas, owner of Xtreme Diesel Performance
Ocala, Florida — The State Attorney’s Office is still looking other victims who might have been scammed by a local shop owner.
36-year-old Michael Thomas was arrested on an outstanding warrant issued by the SAO, on July 11, 2017. He was taken into custody at his shop, located at 3621 Northeast 36th Avenue.
Thomas is listed as the owner of Xtreme Diesel Performance, LLC. He is accused of defrauding customers of more than $50,000 for work he never performed on their vehicles.
Statement from the owner of the true XDP company:
Please be advised that the company and person named in this report is in no way affiliated with a company of the same name headquartered in Wall, NJ. The NJ company is the rightful owner of the federally trademarked and registered name(s), however, the company from Ocala, Fl has been using it without their permission. The unauthorized use by the Florida company has led to multiple counts of confusion regarding sales, ownership, quality of service and reputation. A further search of these two companies may reveal the court documents surrounding the attempt of the NJ company to get the Florida company to stop using its federally registered name.
In an e-mail to Ocala Post, a former employee stated that Thomas would extract money from customers for custom jobs, but never order parts or complete the work customers had paid for. He said that Thomas would threaten customers if they complained. Thomas allegedly told customers that he would place a lien on their vehicle and seize it if they continued to call the shop.
According to records obtained from the Marion County Clerk of the Court, seven victims have come forward.
Dozens of complaints have been filed online.
Thomas was charged with one count of Organized Fraud-$50,000 or more. He has since been released on a $10,000 bond.
Ironically, sources close to Thomas say that he is married to a Marion County Sheriff’s detective.
If you were a victim, call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Several victims have been scammed out of money by a Marion Oaks man who claims to be a mobile master mechanic.
Joseph Rosario, 34, who goes by the name Joey, has scammed thousands of dollars from his victims.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has told victims that it is a civil matter and that there is nothing they can do.
According to victims, Rosario would charge a $30 diagnostic fee, tell the victim what was wrong with the vehicle, then promise to fix it for a predetermined amount of money.
After tuning a vehicle over to Rosario, he would call a few days later and ask for money to purchase additional parts.
Victims said that Rosario had “a book of excuses” when a vehicle was not repaired on time.
One victim said that Rosario stated that there had been a family emergency and that [he] needed more money to complete the job.
One victim wrote, “He told me that his business phone was going to be disconnected because he had so many customers that had not paid him. He talked a good game and made me feel sorry for him so I gave him extra cash up front for the repairs. A month later and $500 out of my pocket, my car still had not been fixed. I called MCSO and they told me it was a civil matter.”
In another instance, Rosario took a car into his possession and promised to complete repairs within three days. The victim said that the car would stall, was shifting roughly, and the cruise control had all of a sudden stopped working. Rosario told the victim that the car needed a new catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and a top and bottom radiator hose assembly. The victim dished out $1,000, and nearly two months later the car had not been fixed.
Rosario would not return the vehicle to the owner and demanded more money for repairs.
The victim called MCSO and they responded to Rosario’s residence. MCSO told the victim that it was a civil matter, but they had ordered Rosario to turn over the vehicle. When the deputy left, Rosario exited out of the back of his house, got in a car, and drove off.
The deputy was notified and returned to the residence, at which time he called Rosario on his cell phone. The deputy told Rosario that he would be charged with grand theft if he did not release the car.
The car had to be towed from the yard and was not fully assembled.
The victim then transported the car to Firestone where mechanics replaced the transmission speed sensor and a vacuum line.
On several occasions, Rosario told customers that he owned Best Offer Auto Sales. The owner of the now shuttered business told Ocala Post that Rosario was an as needed mechanic and not an owner of the business. The owner said he stopped using Rosario’s services when he discovered that he had been stealing parts off of cars.
Victims say that because the matter is being considered civil, they want to warn others about how Rosario conducts business.
Ocala, Florida — A man who was just released from jail on March 3, 2017, after being charged with Battery, was arrested for the 13th time in Marion County.
Ocala police said that on August 12, the girlfriend of David Denyke, 42, filed a police report after Denyke hit her.
Later that same day, Denyke returned to the residence, confronted the victim, and started an argument that again turned physical.
During the argument, Denyke pushed the victim to the ground.
Police stated that while the victim was on the ground Denyke kicked her in the face and lower back area.
According to the arrest affidavit, when Denkye kicked the victim he struck her in the right eye, which caused her eye to immediately swell up and bruise.
The victim also had red marks and swelling on her back.
Denyke was arrested and charged with Felony Battery. He stated that he only argued with the victim and denied striking her while she was on the ground.
State records show that Denyke has multiple convictions for Child Abuse, Domestic Battery, Child Neglect, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Violation of Probation, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Summerfield — A man was shot and killed Monday after he forced entry into an occupied residence in Summerfield.
The suspect, armed with a gun, entered a home, located at 10420 Southeast 158th Place, Summerfield, and injured the victim’s dog.
The victim stated that he locked himself inside a room in the house, and when the intruder attempted to gain entry to the room, the victim shot the suspect.
The suspect fled the residence and was dropped off at a local emergency room by an unknown person.
The suspect died from his injuries.
The dog is expected to recover.
The identity of the suspect has not been released.
This is an ongoing investigation.
If you have information about this case, call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Marion County — A 25-year-old was released on a $6,000 bond after being charged with three counts of Child Neglect.
Marion County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence after a caller reported that three small children had been left alone.
According to the arrest affidavit, the children — 16 months, three, and five years of age — were left alone by William Reed. He is the biological father of two of the children.
Reed’s girlfriend told deputies that she knew he had left the children napping without any supervision.
The girlfriend would not cooperate with deputies when she was asked how they could get in contact with Reed.
The children were left unattended for more than an hour.
The five-year-old told deputies that Reed left because “he needed to run errands.”
Department of Children and Families was also notified.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala woman was arrested Wednesday after she assaulted her ex-boyfriend for not returning her phone calls.
Ocala Police Department officers stated that the victim was watching television when he heard a knock at the door.
The victim answered the door to find his ex-girlfriend, Christy Williams, 32, standing there. The victim told police that when he opened the door Williams immediately began yelling.
According to reports, Williams wanted to know why the victim had not returned any of her phone calls for the past month.
Williams then asked if there was another girl in the house, began hitting the victim on his chest, and pushed him until she was able to gain entry to the house.
The victim stated that he tried to push Williams out of the house, and as he did, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him to the front walkway.
Once the victim’s shirt ripped, he went inside and locked the door.
As Williams was walking away she saw another woman in the house, at which time she punched the living room window and shattered the glass.
The entire incident was captured on home surveillance video.
When Williams was arrested, she told police that she was angry because the victim had stopped responding to her texts and phone calls after a three-year relationship. She said she drove to the victim’s house, and when she arrived, she saw a truck parked in the driveway and decided to knock on the door.
Williams was charged with Burglary with Battery and Criminal Mischief.
According to court records, she is being held without bond.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police Department Detectives are still on the hunt for a man who is accused of shooting another man.
Police said the shooting took place Monday at Oak Wood Mobile Manor, located at 3366 Northwest 4th Street, Ocala.
According to the arrest warrant, Roger D. Lebron Colon, 55, got into an argument with the victim about some money that was owed to [him].
Witnesses told police that the victim tried to retreat back to his residence, but Colon followed the victim and continued to threaten him.
Police said that at some point during the argument, Colon pulled out a gun and shot the victim.
Colon then got into a blue Honda CRV and fled the scene.
Colon is facing charges of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries.
If you have any information about this case, 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.
A 22-year-old thief was arrested Monday and charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Dealing in Stolen Property.
On August 4, the victim told police that she had arranged to meet the suspect, later identified as Emmanuel J. Smith, to sell her iPhone 6s after they made contact through the Letgo application.
The two had arranged to meet at the Wal-Mart, located at 2600 Southwest 19th Avenue Road, Ocala.
According to reports, when the victim attempted to exchange the money for the phone, Smith snatched the phone and ran.
The victim stated that Smith was using the name “Eric Nelson.”
On August 7, someone using the name Eric Nelson listed the iPhone for sale using the Letgo Application and attempted to sell it back to the victim.
The victim then notified OPD and undercover police arranged a meeting with the seller.
OPD Sgt. Hay and Eades dressed in plain clothing and met Smith at a McDonalds, where he attempted to sell the undercover officers two stolen iPhones for $300 each. One of the iPhones belonged to the victim.
At that time, Smith was taken into custody.
The victim was able to identify her phone and Smith.
Smith has previous arrests for Grand Theft (x3), Failure to Appear (x2), Driving on a Suspended License, and Grand Larceny.
Smith is being held on a $12,000 bond.
If you purchased merchandise from this man, 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.
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Investigators are investigating a suspicious death after a septic tank cleaning company discovered human remains.
The human remains were found at 21701 Northwest 52nd Place in Newberry.
According to a press release, the skeletal remains were discovered inside the home’s septic tank while it was being serviced.
Investigators said they are working with the 8th District Medical Examiner’s Office as well as Members of the UF Pound Lab to gather additional evidence.
This is an ongoing investigation.
If you have information about this case you are asked to call ASO Detectives at 352-367-4000 or CrimeStoppers at 352-372-STOP.
