Marion County Sheriff’s detectives believe that Dunnellon High School teacher Chester Pacana had inappropriate contact with other juveniles.
The teen came forward with the allegation on February 8, 2016. The incident was reported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on February 10.
Pacana was arrested on February 20 and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He was released a few hours later on a $5,000 bond.
Following multiple interviews with students from Dunnellon High School, detectives said it is more than likely that Pacana had more victims.
Parents are urged to talk to their children if they had Pacana as a teacher, or have been in contact with him.
If you believe your child had inappropriate contact with this teacher, 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. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Dunnellon, Florida — A Dunnellon High School teacher is under arrest after a 15-year-old female said he touched her breast during class.
The teen came forward with the allegation on February 8, 2016. The incident was reported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on February 10.
On February 16, MCSO investigators responded to Kimberly’s Center with the victim to conduct a forensic interview.
The victim told investigators that on February 8, she left her classroom and went to the suspect’s classroom.
She said she sat with the teacher, later identified as Chester Edward Pacana, 35, at his desk. The victim stated that she normally sits near Pacana’s desk so the two of them can have conversations.
According to reports, while the victim was sitting next to Pacana, he began to play with the holes in her jeans. The holes were in the thigh area.
While talking, the victim stated that she leaned forward to “get something” out of Pacana’s desk drawer, at which time he stuck his hand inside the victim’s shirt.
The victim said he was “outlining [her] bra with his finger and rubbing her left breast”. She said “he was trying to feel”. She also said he “squeezed” her breast inside of her shirt.
The victim told investigators that when this happened, she got up and quickly left the room.
There were other students present during the incident.
According to reports, the victim stated that Pacana frequently touched her on her thighs.
On February 17, investigators interviewed other students at Dunnellon High School.
One student told authorities that Pacana and the victim were friends. The student said that she thought that was “weird”.
Another student told investigators that Pacana did put his hands on the victim’s thigh and that, it had happened before.
According to reports, Pacana would sing to the victim and even bought her lunch one time. Students said that Pacana would also inappropriately compliment the victim.
Pacana denied touching the 15-year-old on her breast and thighs. He said he never had any inappropriate contact with the girl.
Pacana was arrested on February 20 and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He was released a few hours later on a $5,000 bond.
Marion County Public Schools Public Information Officer, Kevin Christian, released the following statement, “After passing a background check and personal references checking out, Mr. Pacana joined our district in November 2015 as a teacher at Dunnellon High School. The district removed him from the classroom on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, and placed him on paid administrative leave. This is the same day the allegation was brought forward. Our investigation continues.
Teachers are professionals and subscribe to a Code of Ethics that draws the line when it comes to teacher-student interaction.”
If you believe your child had inappropriate contact with this teacher, 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. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Ocala, Florida — A teen was arrested on a warrant for aggravated battery after he attacked his pregnant girlfriend.
On January 5, 2017, deputies responded to an apartment on Northeast 23rd Circle, Ocala, in reference to a domestic violence call.
The victim stated that she was asleep in her room when her boyfriend, Corey Cohen, 18, woke her up. She said the two of them had a conversation about an appointment she had with her doctor and that there were no issues during that conversation.
According to reports, the conversation changed with the victim asked Cohen about another female she saw commenting on his Facebook page.
The two of them began to argue and Cohen threatened to leave. Deputies said that the victim told Cohen that if he left he was not to return.
Cohen became enraged at the victim’s statement and struck her on the right side of her face with the back of his hand. Then, Cohen grabbed the victim by the throat with both hands and began to strangle her.
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim fell flat on her back and could not breath as Cohen continued to choke her.
The victim stated that Cohen then all of a sudden released her and exited the residence “without saying a word”.
The victim was transported to Monroe Regional Medical Center and treated for her injuries.
A warranted was issued for Cohen’s arrest. He was arrested on February 16.
He was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Female.
Cohen was released on February 18, on a $6,000 bond.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a shooting that happened Monday at approximately 12 a.m.
The shooting took place at Ralph Memorial Park, located at 1690 Pine Road, Ocala.
The victim was taken to a local hospital and is being treated for his injuries. He is listed in stable condition.
Detectives say a 17-year-old male was sitting in his car when he was pulled from his car and shot.
According to reports, several people who were nearby heard the boy screaming for help and called 911.
The victim indicated that there were multiple suspects who pulled him from his car.
All park programs and onsite facilities will be closed until further notice.
This investigation is ongoing.
If anyone has any information about this incident, please call Inspector Erik Dice at 352-368-3545. You can also 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. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
A prescribed burn in the Florida Highlands got out of control Friday and began to burn toward Marion Oaks.
The fire is in the area of Southwest 155th Street and Southwest 75th Avenue — everything southwest of that intersection is in harm’s way.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, they are evacuating residents who are in the path of the fire.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marion County Fire Rescue, and the U.S Forestry Service are currently setting up a command center.
MCSO said, “Marion County Fire Rescue and the US Forestry Service is currently fighting the fire and attempting to get it under control. Reverse 911 messages and Alert Marion messages will be sent out to our residents.”
As of 5:11 p.m., 60 percent of the fire had been contained and 60 acres had been burned.
The fire was originally reported as a controlled burn that got out of control. Later, it was reported as a “wildfire” that is now under investigation. Officials claim a pile of tires being burned caused the fire.
Manchester, New Hampshire – A woman is accused of stabbing her 16-month-old daughter late Wednesday night because the toddler “was crying and would not stop”.
According to reports, the toddler’s father woke up and found his daughter bleeding.
His wife did not seem to have any emotion about the incident.
When the father realized that his daughter had been stabbed, he called police.
When police arrived, Evansgina Audy, 29, was arrested.
The toddler was taken to Elliot Hospital. She suffered a serious stab wound to her back. The child was stabbed with a utility knife.
Police said Audy’s story changed multiple times.
At one point, Audy told authorities that she saw a shadow, overreacted, and dropped a knife on her daughter.
During questioning, Audy smirked, chuckled, and laughed uncontrollably.
She was described as having an evil look on her face.
Audy was charged with Second-Degree Assault.
The toddler was transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital where she is expected to make a full recovery.
Audy’s defense attorney plans to use “insanity” as a defense.
Marion Oaks — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred in Marion Oaks, 3814 Southwest 143rd Lane Road, Wednesday morning.
Authorities say a woman was shot while she was sitting inside her Chrysler Town & County minivan, which was parked in the driveway at at the aforementioned location.
The Individual(s) who shot the woman have been identified, but MCSO is not releasing any names at this time.
MCSO also said that the victim’s name could not be released due to an ongoing investigation.
The victim is currently being treated at a local hospital.
An Ocala woman was arrested after detectives were provided with video evidence which showed the woman had sex with juvenile boys.
According to the arrest affidavit, Maria Lynn Baker, 28, called the Ocala Police Department to report crimes that two juvenile boys had allegedly committed. When an OPD officer arrived at Baker’s location, the officer found her arguing with another woman. The officer also reported that there was a large group of black males, all juveniles, standing around the area.
Police said baker was angry because the cousins of one of the juveniles had recorded her having sex.
The woman provided the officer with a video that showed Baker having sex with a 12-year-old boy. The video showed Baker straddling a juvenile. Police said the juvenile was also talking dirty to Baker — telling her to do explicit “things” to him.
During the investigation, investigators learned that Baker had been having sex with the 12-year-old and a 14-year old.
In a second video, which was on a phone that belonged to one of the juveniles, it showed Baker performing oral sex on one of the juveniles. A third video showed similar circumstances.
According to reports, she would have sex with the boys in the public bathroom located at the War Memorial on West Silver Springs Boulevard.
Baker was arrested and charged with two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Child. She is being held on a $20,000 bond.
This is not Baker’s first run-in with law enforcement. In November 2016, Ocala Post did a story on Baker after she was arrested by an OPD officer for Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Littering. When the arresting officer told Baker that she would have to pick up her belongings that she had tossed in the street, baker replied, “No, I am not going to pick it up. Arrest me, you f*cking cracker.”
Investigators said Baker could have more juvenile victims.
If you have any information, please 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 man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in the 2000 block of Northeast 3rd Street.
The Ocala Police Department told Ocala Post that they are not identifying the man at this time.
Ocala police surrounded the area and a nearby school was placed on lockdown.
Investigators said that the shooting was over a debt that was owed, and that the debt was paid with counterfeit bills. Investigators said two men argued and got into a physical altercation.
Both men were armed and apparently exchanged gunfire.
Investigators told Ocala Post that they believe between five to ten shots were fired.
No injuries have been reported.
Marion County Public Schools Public Information Officer, Kevin Christian, said, “Fort King Middle was placed into Code Red lockdown early this afternoon as a precaution due to law enforcement activity in the area. They remained in lockdown for about 20 minutes.”
Ocala Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Cynthia Barnes said the investigation is ongoing.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded to Southeast 112th Lane, just west of County Road 25A, after a caller reported a road rage incident.
Troopers say two victims were riding their bicycles northbound on County Road 25A in the northbound travel lane close to the white line, when a pickup truck, driven by Michael A. Izzo, 39, almost hit the bicyclists.
Witnesses stated that the pickup truck was traveling southbound when it entered the northbound lane and nearly collided with the two victims.
One victim then gave the driver of the pickup truck “the bird”. That’s when Izzo made a U-turn and began to follow [them].
The victims turned left onto Southeast 74th Avenue in an attempt to “lose” the pickup. However, Izzo caught up to the victims, swerved toward them with his truck, and intentionally struck one of the victims.
Three witnesses told troopers that they saw the driver of the pickup swerve toward the victims and intentionally run one of them over.
According to Troopers, Izzo had his 12-year-old son in the truck with him at the time of the incident.
Izzo refused to cooperate with investigators.
Izzo was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery and Cruelty Toward a Child. He was released from jail on a $7,000 bond.
The Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident.
Both victims are expected to make a full recovery.
(Official FWC Press Release) At its February meeting in Crystal River, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed the current status of bay scallops in St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County; approved regional changes to the bay scallop season dates in Gulf County and areas surrounding Gulf County; and discussed potential season dates in Dixie County and parts of Taylor County. These changes are for 2017 only and are an opportunity to explore regionally-specific bay scallop seasons.
A prolonged red tide event in late 2015 negatively impacted the scallop population in St. Joseph Bay, which led to modified local scallop regulations for 2016 that included a shortened season and reduced bag limits. FWC researchers conducted a scallop restoration project last year within St. Joseph Bay to help speed the recovery of the scallop population. These efforts have been going well and the scallop population has shown signs of improvement. Staff will conduct similar restoration efforts in 2017.
“Staff and the community should be commended for their communication, management and restoration efforts in St. Joe Bay,” said Commissioner Chuck Roberts. “They were presented with a challenging situation and came through with a plan that balanced the needs of the resource with the economic and social needs of the community.”
At the request of stakeholders, the Commission approved a July 25 through Sept. 10 recreational bay scallop season off Gulf County, including all waters in St. Joseph Bay and those west of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County through the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.
Staff also have been looking into scallop regulations as a whole across the harvest area and proposed potential future changes in Dixie and parts of Taylor counties. The Commission directed staff to work with leadership in Dixie and Taylor counties on gaining consensus on potential season dates for 2017 and to adopt those changes in Dixie County and parts of Taylor County by executive order. A press release will be issued once a season is selected for this area.
Bag and vessel limits throughout the entire bay scallop harvest zone will be two gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat per person with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or a 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
At the December 2017 Commission meeting, staff will review public feedback on these changes and make a recommendation for future management. To submit your feedback on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.
Former Deputies Trevor Wade Fitzgerald, 32, James Louis Amidei, 32, and Adam Crawford, 31, pleaded guilty in July of 2015. Former MCSO deputy and SWAT Team member, Cody Hoppel, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2015.
Terrell was the only deputy to take the case to trial. Terrell refused to plead guilty and would not take a plea deal because he did not feel as though he had done anything wrong.
The five deputies repeatedly punched, kicked, and kneed Price in the head, neck, and shoulder area while he was face down on the ground. Prosecutors said that the deputies caused bodily injury to Price.
In the video, deputies can be heard yelling “stop resisting”, however, the video shows price on the ground as he was beaten. The police academy trains law enforcement officers to use the term “stop resisting” when arresting suspects, but the term is used loosely. Often times, out of the view of a camera. More than 90 percent of resisting arrest cases are thrown out due to lack of evidence.
The other four deputies involved in the case were sentenced to one year in jail.
In October 2015, Hoppel was the fourth deputy to plead guilty. During the investigation, Hoppel dropped a bombshell and also pleaded guilty to the beating of Dustin Heathman, of Williston, in an unrelated case. Heathman was 36 at the time. Heathman is serving life in prison for allegedly shooting at MCSO deputies and SWAT members who were serving a warrant for driving on a suspended driver’s license from another county. The Heathman case ultimately lead to former Sheriff Blair’s indictment. Heathman was sentenced to life in a case that was based on fabrications and false testimony. Furthermore, there was no dash or body cam video to back up the charges against Heathman.
In September 2016, State Attorney Ric Ridgway said, “There is not a single record or photograph that gives a count of the number of shots fired. However, I can tell you that based on a composite of photographs and evidence logs, there were 12 7.63 x 39mm shell casings (consistent with an AK-47) found near the window where the shots were [allegedly] being fired by Heathman. There were about a dozen impact points on the Bearcat. There were numerous other shell casings found in the bedroom and other parts of the house, but no evidence that they were the result of shooting at the Bearcat.”
As for the Price case, Terrell was facing up to 10 years in prison had he been convicted.
Ridgway told Ocala Post that the body cam video was not used during the trial, therefore jurors never reviewed the footage.
Ridgway said that law enforcement officers do not have carte blanche to do whatever they want.
A Citra man remained in critical condition Tuesday after he was involved in a car crash Monday afternoon.
Ocala Police Department traffic crash investigators said Antonio James Turner, 38, who was driving a 2004 Toyota Solara, was traveling eastbound in the 2700 block of North U.S. 27 in the outside lane when the vehicle swerved and slammed into the back of a semi.
The 2006 semi, driven by Jennifer Sullivan, 44, was also traveling eastbound and was stopped for traffic in the inside lane.
Crash investigators said it did not appear that the man attempted to brake prior to slamming into the back of the semi.
According to reports, Turner was not wearing his seat belt. Investigators said that they do not believe speed was a factor in the accident.
Ocala, Florida — A teen who stole a Ford F-150 pickup truck was caught after he passed out behind the wheel.
Ocala police say they responded to 1909 Northeast 25th Avenue, when a victim reported that his truck had been stolen from the parking lot where he works.
A short time later, someone called 911 and reported that a man was passed out behind the wheel of a Ford F-150 in the parking lot of a Shell gas station, located at 917 North Pine Avenue.
Police responded to the gas station and found the suspect, later identified as Timothy Minniti, 19, passed out behind the wheel.
Minniti said he could not remember stealing the truck.
He was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto and Violation of Probation.
Minniti has previous arrests for Auto Burglary (x2), Armed Burglary Auto, Gand Theft (x2), Dealing in Stolen Property, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, and Petit Theft.
Minniti is currently being held at the Marion County Jail.
Danzell Humbert, Jr [deceased]The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, through DNA analysis, identified humans remains found in Dunnellon.
On August 20, 2016, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes unit were notified after the human remains were found in a wooded area just north of the intersection of Southwest 162nd Terrace and Southwest 36th Street.
The remains were identified as being Danzell Humbert, Jr., 26.
Humbert’s family reported him missing on August 14, 2016.
According to MCSO, the cause of death is still unknown at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Larry McArdle at 352-368-3535. You can also 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. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
A man told a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy that he hit a juvenile several times with a belt because he had “reached his boiling point”.
A MCSO deputy and a Department of Children and Families investigator responded to the 1900 block of Northeast 50th Place after someone reported that a juvenile had been physically abused.
David “Q Ball” Dunn, 47, said he hit the child five to six times with a belt because he had left the street without permission. Dunn said it had been several years since he hit the child, but he had “reached his boiling point” because the juvenile would not listen or follow rules.
The juvenile told investigators that Dunn would hit him on his back and butt with a belt.
The grandmother told the deputy that the boy had to stay home from school on January 26 and 27, because of the marks.
DCF investigators found bruising on the juvenile’s jaw, right ear, back, butt, and face. Investigators said that there were clear outlines from a belt on the juvenile’s back.
Dunn said, “He did not go to school because he ‘runs’ his mouth.”
Dunn said he knew that if the juvenile told anyone at school that DCF would show up at his house.
Dunn was arrested and charged with Child Abuse-Cruelty Toward a Child.
Dunn has previous arrests for Domestic Battery, Assault, Criminal Mischief, and Child Abuse (x3).
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department arrested a High Springs man Wednesday following a road rage incident.
Upon arrival, Officer Derek Vitale saw the rear-end of a silver Ford F-150 sitting on top of a brown Toyota Camry.
The driver of the F-150 told Officer Vitale that the Camry, driven by Adalberto Aponte, 53, had been driving recklessly behind his truck. The driver stated that Aponte nearly caused several car accidents due to his driving.
According to reports, when the driver of the F-150 stopped at the red -light at Southwest 42 Street, Aponte pulled behind him.
Aponte then exited his vehicle, approached the victim’s driver side window, and struck him in the face several times
The victim’s girlfriend then shouted “there is a gun in the truck” hoping that Aponte would retreat.
Police said Aponte then sprinted back to his vehicle and shouted “I’ll show you a real gun”.
The victim said at that time, because his new born and girlfriend were in the vehicle, he feared for their lives.
The victim told police that his only option was to throw his truck in reverse and run over Aponte’s car. The victim said he was hoping that his actions would keep Aponte from retrieving a gun.
Police said that the victim could not move his truck forward because the light was red and would have put his family and others in danger.
Despite police having witnesses, Aponte denied punching the victim in the face.
Aponte was arrested and charged with Burglary of an Occupied Vehicle, Battery, Driving while License Suspended, and Criminal Mischief.
No charges were filed against the driver of the F-150.
Marion County — A Silver Springs man was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation after he choked a mother while her children were home.
The victim told deputies that Steven Pruchniak, 26, was in the living room of the house that they share when he began to tell her children about their biological father who is currently incarcerated.
Pruchniak was also belittling the children and apparently called them several “bad names”.
The mother stated that she told Pruchniak not to speak to her children about their father because “they did not need to know what happened”.
According to reports, Pruchniak became enraged with the mother and attempted to kick her, but she blocked it.
Pruchniak then grabbed the victim by the throat with both hands, threw her on the couch, and tried to strangle her.
The victim said that the more she struggled, the “tighter [his] grip would get”.
A witness stated that when she saw Pruchniak kick the victim she quickly moved the children to another room.
Pruchniak was removed from the victim before she lost consciousness.
Pruchniak has previous arrests for Battery, Failure to Appear, Retail Theft, Driving without a Valid License, and Possession of Marijuana.
He is being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
A Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Monday on numerous felony charges.
Deputy Frankie Eugene Bybee, 46, is accused of befriending an elderly woman and then trying to kill her.
Bybee befriended the 79-year-old after he responded to a call for service at her house on October 21, 2016.
Bybee frequently visited the woman following the incident.
Later, while the woman was in the hospital getting medical treatment after she had fallen ill, Bybee told the woman he would care for her dog.
He took a check from the woman in the amount of $1,000 to care for the dog, but then listed the dog on Craigslist. Additionally, Bybee cashed four checks that had been written out to he and his children. The checks totaled $65,000,
The woman later reported that the checks had been stolen.
During the investigation, detectives found Bybee’s finger prints on the checks, at which time he was placed on administrative leave. This made Bybee angry.
According to reports, three days later, Bybee paid the woman a visit and broke into her house.
The woman said she was sitting in her living room when the deputy entered her house “agitated and angry” about the suspension.
Bybee then grabbed the woman by her face, shoved some sort of pill down her throat, and then attempted to force several sleeping pills down her throat.
After the 79-year-old lost consciousness, Bybee attempted to stage the woman’s suicide. He reportedly opened interior garage door and left her car running. However, the victim woke up and was able to escape.
Bybee had worked with the sheriff’s office for 18 years.
SCSO said that they are investigating to see if the deputy had other victims.
Unlike some agencies, the SCSO did not attempt to conceal the deputies identity by not releasing his booking photo after he broke the law.
Sheriff Thomas Knight said Bybee is a disgrace to the agency.
So far, Bybe has been charged with Attempted Murder. Other felony charges are pending.
The Florida Highway Patrol said they are conducting an investigation after a Sunday crash left three people dead and one seriously injured.
The crash occurred on State Road 326 and Northeast 25th Avenue.
Troopers say Travis Lee Johnson, 31, was driving his 2015 Ford tow truck westbound on State Road 326 when he veered off the roadway and onto the south shoulder.
Travis was able to steer his tow truck back onto the roadway, however, he overcorrected and the front-end of his tow truck slammed head-on into a 2004 GMC Envoy, which was driven by William H. McCullough, 61.
William, his wife Renee H. McCullough, 56, and their son, Ryan M. McCullough, 31, were all pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers said they were both passengers in the Envoy.
Travis was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he remains in serious condition.
Troopers said charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
