Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

One for the good guys, teen arrested, homeowner takes matters into his own hands

Local News

Ocala Post

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November 4, 2016

9

thief, burglary, armed burglary, ocala news, ocala post — Markis Walters

Ocala, Florida — A Marion County citizen who was tired of a neighborhood thief took matters into his own hands.

Deputies responded to the 7400 block of Northeast 22nd Avenue, after a caller reported a burglary in progress.

Upon arrival, deputies found the victim holding the burglar, later identified as 17-year-old Markis M. Walters, at gunpoint while he was still in the victim’s car.

According to reports, Walters had blood coming from the left side of his head.

The victim told deputies that when he confronted the thief, who had broken into [his] car, the suspect pointed a gun in his face.

The victim said he then “snatched” the handgun from the suspect and “smacked” him in the side of the head with it.

Deputies reported that the victim held Walters at gunpoint with his own gun, which was stolen, until they arrived.

A search of the suspect turned up stolen credit cards, jewelry, and a watch. Additionally, he was in possession of a stolen Mac book, cash, change, the handgun used during the burglary, a camera, and a wallet. These items, including the gun, had been stolen from various vehicles on the same night he was caught.

Furthermore, because some of the items did not belong to the victim, deputies were able to determine that Walters was responsible for previous burglaries in the area.

During the investigation, Walters was linked to at least four other cases.

Over the past few weeks, citizens have taken to social media to express their frustration with criminals not being caught. Many have vowed to take matters into their own hands, citing that police cannot be everywhere all the time.

After he was released from the hospital, Walters was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of Burglary with a firearm (x2), Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, and Grand Theft.

Other charges may be pending.

He is being held on a $57,000 bond.

A Marion County school bus accident left parents fuming

Local News

Ocala Post

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November 4, 2016

31

bus accident, marion oaks, ocala news, school bus accident — File photo (not the actual bus)

[Published on November 4, 2016. Last updated on November 5, 2016, at 6:50 p.m., to include a parent’s statement.]

Marion Oaks — A Marion County school bus accident Friday left parents fuming when they were not immediately notified.

In an e-mail to Ocala Post, a resident wrote, “Parents should rightfully be pissed.”

According to the unnamed source, an accident, which only involved the school bus, that left several elementary school children with either a bloody nose, busted lip, or both. Some children also complained of a headache.

The accident allegedly occurred in the Marion Oaks area.

According to witnesses, the bus, number 3117, ran off the roadway after the driver missed a turn. The driver then “slammed on the brakes,” which propelled several of the children in a forward motion. Those children then struck the back of the seat in front of them.

Many parents said that they were not even notified of the incident. And those who were notified, allegedly were not contacted until five hours later.

“I was contacted by a school nurse five hours after the accident happened,” one parent wrote in an e-mail to Ocala Post.

Another parent wrote, “Paramedics did not even examine my child at the scene.”

Allegedly, paramedics were never notified. Instead, students were driven to school and examined by a school nurse.

Many parents told Ocala Post that they have called the transportation department, but were treated as if they were overreacting to the situation.

“I was told it was not an accident,” one parent said.

Ocala Post reached out to the Marion County Public Schools’ public relation department, as well as the MCPS Transportation department. Ocala Post is waiting on a response.

Ocala Post will continue to get answers for you.

Parents did not want to be named out of fear of retaliation against their children.

We want to hear from you. Do you think the bus driver should have remained at the scene and immediately notified first responders?

Dollar General located at 9440 South Highway 464, robbed

Local News

Ocala Post

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November 2, 2016

1

A second Dollar General was robbed Wednesday night.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Dollar General located at 9440 South Highway 464 was robbed at approximately 10:20 p.m. — just a little over two hours after the Dollar General located at 1111 West Silver Springs Boulevard was robbed.

As with the location on Silver Springs Boulevard, two black males entered the store with guns and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

MSCO stated that during this robbery, the brazen thieves bound the employees with tape and forced them into the break room.

The suspects were wearing masks and gloves.

MCSO stated that they believe the robberies are connected.

MCSO and OPD are working together to bring these criminals to justice.

Information is still coming in.

Stay tuned for updates.

Silver Springs Boulevard Dollar General robbed

Local News

Ocala Post

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November 2, 2016

0

Ocala, Florida — At approximately 8 p.m., the Dollar General located at 1111 West Silver Springs Boulevard was robbed at gunpoint.

Preliminary reports indicated that two black males entered the store with guns and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

According to the Ocala Police Department, a perimeter was established and police, along with K-9 units, are still searching for the suspects.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office dispatched Air-1 to assist in the search.

No injuries were reported at this time.

Stay tuned for more updates.

35th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off

Events

Ocala Post

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November 2, 2016

1

The 35th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off is slated for November 5.

The cook-off will be held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, Florida 34470.

During that time, the Livestock Pavilion will transform into a festive atmosphere of sensory delight.

Warm, spicy aromas blend together calling all hungry spectators to sample nearly 60 varieties of chili crafted by culinary aficionados from near and far.

Everyone is invited to enjoy live entertainment by local favorites such as The Band 4Play.

Enjoy craft beer tastings from Tri-Eagle, a car show, and vote for who has the best looking booth. Attendees can also make their choice for best chili.

Marion County Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, November 5, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Police respond to domestic disturbance, wife gives up husband’s safe, contained drugs

Local News

Ocala Post

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November 1, 2016

3

Police respond to domestic disturbance, wife gives up husband’s safe, contained drugs

drugs, domestic violence, domestic battery, ocala post, ocala news — Daniel Corrigan

Ocala, Florida — Ocala police responded to a domestic disturbance that led to felony drug charges.

Timeline of events

On October 15, police responded to a call in reference to an altercation between a husband and wife.

The wife told police that her husband, Daniel James Corrigan, 39, was arguing with another person when she decided to “jump in the middle of the two.”

His wife stated that he then became upset because she was “siding with the [other person].”

According to reports, when his wife went inside to grab her purse, Corrigan shoved her from behind and into the front door of the residence. She said that Corrigan then walked passed her and into the house.

The woman told police that she grabbed her purse and put the strap across her body.

Corrigan then grabbed the purse, and as his wife tried to remove the strap, it caught her neck.

Police said Corrigan then grabbed his wife by both of her arms and shoved her against a wall.

According to the arrest affidavit, Corrigan then left the house with another female.

While speaking with the wife at the scene, police said they could smell fresh burnt marijuana.

When asked about it, she stated that her husband had been smoking marijuana just prior to the argument. Additionally, she told police that Corrigan had a safe in the bedroom which contained drugs.

OPD then contacted the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team.

According to reports, she told police that Corrigan kept the key on his person at all times and that, he was the only person allowed to open the safe.

Oddly enough, his wife was able to describe all of the contents contained within the safe. She said that there should have been a quarter pound of marijuana and various pills that were already packaged to be sold. She then gave agents permission to remove the safe.

Corrigan was arrested on October 16, and charged with Misdemeanor Domestic Battery. He was released on a $500 bond.

On October 17, agents obtained a warrant to search the safe.

Upon opening the safe, agents discovered individually packaged marijuana, 14 Oxycodone pills, 31 Xanax, 37 Methylphenidate (Ritalin), valid prescriptions, and a written prescription form.

Agents then obtained a warrant for Corrigan’s arrest.

On October 31, Corrigan was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Xanax, Possession of Oxycodone, and Possession of Methylphenidate.

He was released on a $11,000 bond.

According to an unnamed source, Corrigan has a bad temper and once broke a cat’s neck because it had scratched him. Ocala Post did not find any arrests involving animal abuse.

Corrigan’s wife was not charged.

2 Dollar General stores robbed, thieves took from 15-year-old during armed robbery

Local News

Ocala Post

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November 1, 2016

4

Marion County — Upper management for a Marion Oaks Dollar General store has not taken any extra precautions following three armed robberies.

As of October 30, 2016, the store, located at 896 Marion Oaks Manor and Highway 484, has been robbed three times. The location has not even been in business for a year.

During this last robbery, the armed thieves also robbed two customers — one was robbed of $20 and the other $22.

One of the customers was a 15-year-old boy who had gone to the store with his dad to purchase razors and shaving cream.

The clerk stated that one light-skinned black male and one dark-skinned black male walked into the store wielding handguns.

They pointed the guns at the clerk, at which time she screamed. Her screams then alerted a second clerk who was stocking merchandise.

The second clerk walked to the front of the store where she, too, was held at gunpoint.

According to reports, the armed robbers had the first clerk remove all of the money from the register.

The two suspects then fled the store on foot.

Witnesses outside the store stated that the “men” walked around the building and then took off running down the alley to the south of the store.

The store is located in a poorly lit area and surrounded by woods.

The light-skinned male was wearing khaki pants, a black hoodie’, and a camouflage bandanna around his face.

The second male was wearing grey pants, grey hoodie’, and had a white tank top wrapped around his face.

A store employee, who does not want to be identified, told Ocala Post that store policy prohibits employees from carrying handguns.

Halloween robbery

On Halloween, the Dollar General located at 7120 East Highway 25, Belleview, was also robbed at gunpoint.

The clerk said a black male in his teens, maybe early 20’s, entered the store wearing a black mask with teeth imprinted on it, a blue bandanna around the bottom of his face, a white t-shirt, black pants, black sunglasses, and a black baseball cap.

The clerk stated that when the armed robber entered the store, he stated “give me all your money.”

Initially, the clerk thought it was a prank and told the armed robber to leave.

The robber then jumped over the counter, put a black handgun to her face, and told her to empty the register.

The clerk told the robber that only the manager could open the drawer. The suspect then approached the manager and ordered him to open both registers.

During the robbery, the suspect told a customer to go to the back of the store. The customer then locked herself in storage room until police arrived.

No one was injured during the robberies.

Anyone with information can 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.

Good Samaritan saved 4-year-old child

Ocala Post

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November 1, 2016

3

child neglect, gregory pennington, greg pennington, ocala news, child abuse, — Gregory Pennington

Ocala, Florida — A Good Samaritan saved a 4-year-old child Friday from being hit by a car.

The Good Samaritan was driving in 3100 block of Southeast 95th Street, when she saw the child running in the roadway.

The witness said the child was nearly hit by several vehicles before she stopped her car and rescued the 4-year-old.

According to the arrest affidavit, the child’s mother had left the residence at approximately 7:30 p.m and returned an hour later.

The mother told authorities that she had left Gregory Pennington, 40, at home to care for the child.

Multiple witnesses stated that both the mother and Pennington were known to be heavy drug users.

According to a witness, Pennington was found asleep in a back bedroom of the residence.

The witness found the front door to the residence open and tried to wake [him], but he was “very lethargic”.

The witness said he appeared to be heavily intoxicated or high on drugs.

The mother told a deputy that when she left the child with Pennington she did not suspect he was impaired. She said the last time she knew he had done drugs was a year ago.

Pennington told the deputy that [he] had been addicted to methamphetamine and had only smoked some two days prior to the incident.

Pennington also stated that he remembered someone waking him up to tell him the child was in the street, but went back to sleep.

Due to the fact that there was already an open Department of Children and Families investigation in regards to the child’s safety; DCF responded to the scene and took custody of the child.

According to DCF, Pennington tested positive for methamphetamine.

Pennington has previous arrests for Burglary (3), Petit Theft, Trespassing, Fraud, Grand Theft (x4), Shoplifting, Violation of Probation, Dealing in Stolen Property, Driving while License Suspended, Domestic Battery, Driving off without Paying for Gas, and Contempt of a Domestic Violence Injunction.

Pennington was arrested and charged with Child Neglect. He was released from jail on a $2,000 bond.

While being transported to the Marion County Jail, Pennington stated, “She should have never left me in charge of [the victim.] Man, I would never have trusted me to watch any kids.”

Window masturbator arrested, now in the hands of attorney

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 28, 2016

6

masturbation, masturbate, ocala news, pervert, ocala news papers, man masturbating in windo — Henry Burke

Ocala, Florida — A grandmother quickly covered her granddaughter’s eyes after spotting a naked man in a window Thursday morning.

The grandmother said that she and a friend were walking [her] granddaughter to school in the 1100 block of Northeast 12th Street, Ocala, when she saw a man standing in front of his window with the curtains open.

The grandmother told police that he “was completely naked…not wearing any clothing.”

According to reports, the man, later identified as Henry James Burke, 49, was standing at the window facing the street while masturbating.

The grandmother said he was standing there staring at them as they walked by.

“I quickly covered my granddaughter’s eyes so she could not see what he was doing,” the grandmother told police.

When Police responded to Burke’s house, they found him sitting on the front steps fully clothed.

When asked about the incident, Burke stated, “I was standing in the living room in front of the window, masturbating.”

He did not say who he was staring at.

It’s now in the hands of his attorney. He is not sure it will stand up in court.

Burke was arrested and charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs. He was released on a $500 bond.

Man, wife arrested following more child abuse allegations, treated child like animal

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 28, 2016

7

child abuse, child neglect, ocala news, ocala post — Joshua R. Hoff and Shayla Ryan

[Last updated on October 28, 2016, at 10:24 p.m.]

Marion Oaks — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a former MCSO patrol volunteer on accusation of child abuse for the second time in 45 days.

Ocala Post first reported that Joshua R. Hoff, 34, had been arrested and charged with Cruelty Toward a Child.

MCSO immediately dismissed Hoff as a volunteer after learning of his arrest.

MCSO Assistant Public Information Officer, Lauren Lettelier, said, “Mr. Hoff began his time as a volunteer with the Sheriff’s Office on March 24, 2014. Upon receiving knowledge of his arrest on September 13, 2016, Mr. Hoff was immediately dismissed from his position as a volunteer with MCSO.”

In September, Ocala Post reported that the juvenile victim was dragging the dog while she was walking it. When the girl returned home, Hoff heard that she had been dragging the dog and became enraged.

Deputies say Hoff then grabbed the girl, took her into a bedroom, closed the door, and began beating her.

A witness in the home stated that while Hoff was beating the juvenile, she could hear her screaming for help.

According to the arrest affidavit, when the child exited the room she had multiple bruises on her face.

When the witness asked Hoff what had happened, he said that “she kept slamming into my fist with her face.” (read full story)

Hoff was released from jail on September 15.

October 27, investigators learned of more child abuse at the hands of Hoff.

His wife, Shayla Ryan, 28, was also arrested.

In September, Ryan contacted Ocala Post and stated that the story about her husband contained incorrect information.

” Yes he was charged with child abuse. yes [sic] he disciplined the child but it was nowhere near how [the witness] described,” Ryan wrote.

According to investigators, the information within the original story was correct.

According to the October 27 arrest affidavit, Hoff had punished the child like an animal.

The juvenile had apparently been misbehaving, and as punishment, Hoff hit her and then locked the child in a dog cage.

Hoff then retreated outside to smoke a cigarette.

The reports states that when Ryan came home and saw the child still in the cage — on her hands and knees and crying — Ryan began to laugh.

Against [their] wishes, a witness eventually let the child out of the cage. The witness stated that 15 minutes had passed from the time Ryan returned home.

According to the arrest affidavit, a Department of Children and Families investigator conducted a recorded interview with the child.

During that interview, the DCF investigator learned that not only was the child locked in the cage, but her hands were also tied.

The girl stated, “When Shayla came home she looked down at me and asked what I did and laughed.”

Initially, Ryan told investigators that the child was only in the cage to “fix it”. She later changed her story.

Ryan said that she came home and saw the juvenile locked in the cage with her hands tied with a scarf. She said Hoff told her that if “she is going to act like an animal, she is going to be caged like one.”

Hoff, too, lied at first, but later confessed.

Hoff was arrested and charged with Cruelty Toward a Child-Aggravated Child Abuse.

Ryan was charged with Child Neglect.

Hoff, once again, was released on a $10,000 bond. Ryan is being held on a $2,000 bond.

Three drug dealers did not know how guns and drugs came to be in their apartment

Ocala Post

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October 28, 2016

5

Three drug dealers did not know how guns and drugs came to be in their apartment

[Last updated on October 28, 2016, at 2:35 p.m. to include a third person who was arrested during the drug raid.]

Ocala, Florida — Three drug dealers were arrested after agents with The Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team received numerous tips about drugs being sold from an apartment in Citrus Park.

The suspects also had a home located at 17315 Northeast 18th Avenue, Citra.

Two warrants were executed on the same individuals at two separate locations.

On Thursday, agents executed the first warrant on 18th Avenue.

Kristopher Milligan, 39, was located in inside the residence and arrested.

The second warrant was executed at Citrus Park 3990 Southeast 19th Avenue, Unit A, Ocala.

Derrick R. James, 33, and Qinobea Gray, 25, were inside the apartment at the time agents raided it.

Agents read the warrant to both felons as they were being handcuffed.

What was located (in total)

135 grams of cocaine
55 grams of heroin
76 oxycodone pills
2 foiled packages of methamphetamine
583 grams of marijuana (1 mason jar filled with marijuana under a side table and a baggie)
1 pill bottle filled with crack cocaine
1 bag of crack cocaine behind a speak
1 bag of crack cocaine behind a TV (each totaled 45 grams)
5 digital scales
Dozens a small baggies
5 Xanax pills
$4,694.00 in cash ($3,057 at first location, $1637 at second)
1 Glock 26

Agents also located a set of keys, which belonged to Gray’s Honda.

The vehicle was parked in front of the apartment.

Located in the trunk of the car

(1) 12 gauge shotgun
(1) 38 special
1 Para Ordinance pistol
1 Norinco SKS
Unknown revolver

When questioned, James admitted to smoking and selling marijuana.

However, James stated that he did not know how the guns and other drugs came to be in his apartment.

He also denied any knowledge of the weapons that were located in the trunk of the car.

Gray told agents that the key to the car belonged to her. She stated that she did not know what was in the car because she had never opened the car before.

“I never opened the doors because I did not even know what the key belonged to. I just found it and put it on the key ring.”

Several minutes into the interview, she refused to answer any more questions because her “stomach was hurting.”

James is a career criminal with multiple felony convictions. He has been in and out of prison his entire life.

James was arrested and charged with Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, Trafficking Heroin and Oxycodone, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Gray faces the same charges minus Possession of a Weapon.

Milligan, who is also a career criminal, was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, Selling Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Trafficking Heroin, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Hydrocodone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

James is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $71,000 bond.

Gray’s bond was set at $62,500.

Milligan’s bond was set at $107,500. He was released on Friday.

Nearby residence described the trio as “scum who have even sold drugs to little kids.”

Their next court date is slated for November 29.

Teen, arrested, was tired of being yelled at

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 28, 2016

4

domestic battery, ocala news, ocala post, newspaper — Reyvic Paz

Ocala, Florida — An 18-year-old woman was arrested after she assaulted a 13-year-old.

A Marion County sheriff’s deputy responded to the 100 block of Southeast 81st Place, Ocala, after a caller reported an assault.

The victim told the deputy that she was in the shower when Reyvic Paz came home.

The victim said that when she got out of the shower she went into the living room, at which time Paz began screaming at her.

According to reports, when Paz would not stop yelling, the 13-year-old yelled and told her that she should leave.

Paz then “became irate” and threw a bottle of lotion at the victim, which hit her in the forehead.

Paz then grabbed the victim, slammed her onto a small table, and bit her on the left arm.

A witness stated that Paz continued to punch the victim in the head after she bit [her].

The witness told the deputy that he was screaming at Paz to stop, at which time she got off of the victim and fled the house.

The witness stated that Paz had come home to retrieve some of her belongings, and was mad at the entire family.

Paz told the deputy that when the victim told her to leave, she decided “she had enough of [the victim] yelling at her.

“So I hit her in the head,” Paz told the deputy.

Paz was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery.

Man arrested for molesting multiple children

Ocala Post

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October 28, 2016

0

pedophile, ocala news, ocala newspaper, child molester, marion county — Andrew Davila

Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man was arrested Thursday after Ocala police were notified by Homeland Security that he had been exchanging nude photos with a 13-year-old boy in New Jersey.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Andrew Antonio Davila, 20, had multiple pornographic photographs depicting young children in his possession.

Detectives said that Davila had actually been caring for the children as a babysitter.

According to OPD, all of the children were males younger than 12.

Detectives said that when they confronted Davila at his home, located in the 2700 block of Southwest 17th Circle, Ocala, he confessed to molesting the children.

Davila was arrested and charged with Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 12 Years of Age (x4).

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

If you think your child may have been in contact with Davila, 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.

Lake Weir High School falls victim to hoax

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 28, 2016

0

[Last updated on October 28, 2016, at 12:39 p.m. After breaking this story, the hoax post was removed from the website.]

Marion County – Parents panicked Friday after a website known for spreading rumors posted that Lake Weir High School had been closed due to a sinkhole. By 9:30 a.m., the hoax had been shared more than 50,000 times on social media.

The post read:

“A High School in Marion County has been shut down this afternoon as county officials discovered a massive sinkhole just below the surface of the school. Marion County officials have declared the School “unsafe” and “unfit” to be an operable learning environment. Parents will be contacted for an immediate town hall meeting in reguards [sic] to relocation and possible withdrawals. School is no longer enforced until further notice.” (See post)

Ocala Post reached out to officials and confirmed the information was in fact a hoax.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Public Information Officer, Lauren Lettelier, said, “We made contact with LWHS and they have advised that that is a rumor.”

Marion County Public Schools Public Relations Officer, Kevin Christian, said, “There is absolutely no truth to this at all.”

Sorry kids, does not look like there is a chance the earth will “swallow” your school work after all.

The school is perfectly safe.

Officials want the rumor debunked as quickly as possible.

Infamous ‘Ma’ Barker house crossed Lake Weir via barge

Ocala Post

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October 27, 2016

1

Infamous ‘Ma’ Barker house crossed Lake Weir via barge

Ocklawaha, Florida — On Thursday, the house of infamous gangster Arizona Donnie Barker, better known as ‘Ma’ Barker, slowly made its way across Lake Weir by barge.

Dozens of people came to watch the historic, once in a lifetime event.

Arizona, the mother of those who ran the Barker-Karpis gang, along with her son Fred Barker, were killed in a shootout with FBI agents on January 16, 1935.

According to historians, J. Edgar Hoover once described ‘Ma’ as “the most vicious, dangerous and resourceful criminal brain of [that] decade.”

In the midst their crime spree, the Barker-Karpis gang was nearly captured in 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, the gang had the protection of local police chief, Thomas Brown. When a resident of the town recognized the gang and called police, the chief quickly tipped off the gangsters and they eluded capture. The chief was later demoted, and then fired.

Between 1930 and 1933 the gang had stolen nearly 3 million dollars during various robberies, but their greed is what sealed their fate.

In 1933 Barker-Karpis gang kidnapped wealthy businessman, William Humm. They collected $100,000 in ransom from that kidnapping.

Due to the fact that the kidnapping went smoothly, the gang kidnapped a second wealthy business man named Edward Bremer, in which they successfully collected $200,000 in ransom.

In 1935, Ma’s son Author Barker was arrested in Chicago. During his arrest, FBI agents found a map that led them to the location in Ocklawaha.

At that time, FBI agents said that “Gator Joe” was mentioned on the map, and that is how they located the house.

Soon after, FBI agents surrounded the ‘Ma’ Barker house. Most of the gang members had left three days earlier. Only ‘Ma’ and her son Fred had stayed behind.

FBI agents said that Fred fired the first shot, which led to the shootout. The house was riddled with hundreds of bullets.

After the shooting, FBI agents were too scared to go into the house. Instead, FBI agents ordered a local handyman to enter the house. After fitting the man with a bulletproof vest, he entered the house and confirmed that there were two dead bodies inside.

The FBI alleged that ‘Ma’ died with a Tommy gun in her hand; however, it was later stated that the gun was between she and her son’s body.

It was later speculated that the FBI made up the story about ‘Ma’ actually having participated in the shootout to cover up the fact they had killed an unarmed old lady.

According to the FBI, the gang’s second most notorious member, Alvin Karpis, later said that:

“The most ridiculous story in the annals of crime is that Ma Barker was the mastermind behind the Karpis-Barker gang… She wasn’t a leader of criminals or even a criminal herself. There is not one police photograph of her or set of fingerprints taken while she was alive … she knew we were criminals but her participation in our careers was limited to one function: when we traveled together, we moved as a mother and her sons. What could look more innocent?”

He blamed Hoover and federal agents for demonizing ‘Ma’. (FBI file)

Plans for the house

For preservation reasons, the historic home was relocated to the Carney Island Recreation and Conservation area, located at 13275 Southeast 115th Avenue, Ocklawaha.

Once situated on Carney Island, the county will begin its plan to restore and preserve the house as a public museum.

Read the 126 page FBI file here.

Home of infamous gangster ‘Ma’ Barker to move across lake

Ocala Post

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October 26, 2016

1

Home of infamous gangster ‘Ma’ Barker to move across lake

Ocklawaha, Florida — On Thursday, the house of infamous Arizona Donnie Barker, better known as ‘Ma’ Barker, will slowly float its way across Lake Weir by barge.

Arizona, the mother of those who ran the Barker gang, along with her son Fred Barker, were killed in a shoot-out with FBI agents on January 16, 1935.

According to historians, J. Edgar Hoover once described Arizona as “the most vicious, dangerous and resourceful criminal brain of [that] decade.”

For preservation reasons, the historic home is being relocated to the Carney Island Recreation and Conservation area, located at 13275 Southeast 115th Avenue, Ocklawaha.

Once there, the county will begin its plan to restore and preserve the house as a public museum.

Marion County officials said, “Opening the house to the public will showcase the 1935 triumph of good versus evil deemed the ‘Battle of Ocklawaha.’ Visitors will walk through the life-sized time capsule and see firsthand the bullet holes still peppering the furniture and walls after a four-hour stand-off with the FBI and local law enforcement.”

In a press release, officials said that the house currently sits on private property and is not open to the public. Therefore, motorists should expect pedestrian and traffic congestion along East Highway 25, where the home is currently located.

Officials said that Carney Island user fees have been waived to allow the public to watch from the beach, but the $7 fee for launching boats will remain in effect.

All boaters are warned to stay at least 500 feet from the barge and to treat the route as a no wake zone.

The trip should take approximately 30 minutes, providing everything goes as planned.

The barge is excepted to begin its short “voyage” at approximately 9 a.m.

Habitat for Humanity to host 4th Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival

Ocala Post

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October 26, 2016

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Habitat for Humanity to host 4th Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival

Ocala, Florida — Habitat for Humanity will host its 4th Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2017.

This is Habitat for Humanity’s signature event.

All proceeds will benefit the construction of a new home for a deserving, qualified family.

Last year, 30,000 people attended the event. Development Director Joanne Black said the organization is anticipating even more for 2017.

Festival activities include; a Kids Zone, pet contest, lip sync competition, pie eating contest, Cote will perform as Elvis, One Flite Up Band will perform, car show, Burnyzz Dragster will be on display, BMX tricksters will perform three shows, and the Marion County Beekeepers will educate the public on bees. Also, a volunteer will wear a bee beard.

Festival hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the McPherson Complex, located at 601 Southeast 25th Avenue, Ocala.

For more information, or to register as a vendor, call 352-351-4663.

Video: Firefighters contain blaze in 11 minutes

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 26, 2016

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Video: Firefighters contain blaze in 11 minutes

Belleview, Florida — Firefighters from Marion County Fire Rescue Belleview Station 18, Summerfield Station 30, and the Villages Station 10, worked diligently to extinguish a house fire early Wednesday morning.

At approximately 2:29 a.m, MCFR units received a call about a fire at Woodside Apartments, located at 3745 Southeast 107th Street, Belleview.

According to a press release, the caller reported seeing smoke and flames emitting from the middle of the apartment.

MCFR Public Information Officer James P. Lucas was the first to arrive on the scene.

Lucas said, “I arrived to find flames venting through the roof of the center apartment and immediately began evacuation of the adjacent apartments.”

A short time later, District Captain 3 arrived on the scene, established command, and completed a 360 inspection of the fire.

Firefighters then quickly made entry to the structure. As a team, they tirelessly worked together to extinguish the blaze.

According to Lucas, because of their dedication and persistence, the firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the middle apartment.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire within 11 minutes.

Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters executed primary and secondary searches of the apartments. All residents made it out without injury.

However, five residents have been displaced due to the fire.

Firefighters placed salvage covers over the residents’ belongings. This aides to prevent their valuables from being destroyed.

On the scene, displaced residents were assisted by MCFR Chaplain Joe LaCognata and Fire Rescue Support, Inc.

According to Lucas, 18 firefighters and eight units were dedicated to this structure fire.

Unites on the scene included; A103, R18, DC3, E18, L30, R518, E10, Chap100, Chap3, E17, Air25, Rehab25, and STFM.

No injuries were reported.

The fire is under investigation.

Deputy witnesses woman attack another female, children present

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 25, 2016

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domestic battery, ocala news, ocala newspaper, mother of the year — Jessica Kellie

Ocala, Florida — A Marion County sheriff’s deputy witnessed a domestic battery after he spotted a Chevy Tahoe stopped on the shoulder of the 11000 block of West Highway 40.

The deputy was patrolling the area when he saw the SUV parked on the side of the road.

According to reports, the deputy pulled behind the SUV and saw four children and three adults in the vehicle.

The suspect, later identified as Jessica Kellie, 26, and two other occupants, immediately exited the vehicle.

The deputy said that Kellie was arguing with a female occupant and moving toward her in an aggressive manner.

With the deputy present, Kellie approached the female and punched her in the face.

The deputy gave verbal commands for Kellie to stop, but she continued to pursue the victim.

According to the arrest affidavit, the deputy had to remove Kellie from the victim.

Reports state that Kellie was heavily intoxicated and uncooperative.

The victim told the deputy that Kellie had been drinking all day and arguing with her boyfriend. The victim said that Kellie had called and asked for a ride for she and her children.

The argument began shortly after Kellie entered the victim’s vehicle.

The victim said that Kellie was belligerent and continued to use foul language in front of the children. That’s when the victim saw the deputy on patrol and pulled over.

Kellie was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery.

After arriving at the Marion County Jail, the deputy was informed that they could not accept Kellie until she was medically cleared.

Kellie’s hand had apparently been broken.

Fetus of pregnant woman being monitored following beating

Local News

Ocala Post

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October 25, 2016

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man beat pregnant woman, domestic battery, ocala news, ocala newspaper, domestic violence, marion county news — Ronald Antasek Jr

Ocala, Florida — An unidentified source from Munroe Regional Medical Center reported that a woman had been battered over the weekend.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says that when the deputy arrived at the hospital, he learned that the female is eight months pregnant.

The victim stated that she and Ronald Antasek Jr, 47, had been arguing when things turned physical.

According to the arrest affidavit, Antasek pushed the female through a wall, which caused significant damage to the drywall.

The victim then fell to the floor, at which time Antasek “cocked” his leg back and kicked the victim in the stomach several times.

Following the altercation, the victim began to pack her suitcase so she could leave the situation and stay with her mother.

According to the victim, Antasek became irate when he saw her packing up her belongings. She said he threw things, and then all of a sudden, punched her in the face two times — with a closed fist.

The victim ran to her car in an attempt to leave, but Antasek pulled his vehicle behind hers and blocked her from leaving.

Deputies said that Antasek then entered the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle, yelled at her, and punched her in the face with a closed fist.

Antasek then exited the victim’s vehicle to move his car. At that time, the victim sped off and drove straight to the hospital.

The victim suffered swelling and bruising to her stomach, face, and her lip, which was lacerated.

Antasek denied that he had attacked the victim. Instead, he said she was the one who had been physical with him.

He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery-Offender Knew/should have Known Victim was Pregnant.

Antasek was released from jail on September 12, just one day after he was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Tampering with a Victim.

He is currently being held without bond.

It was not clear if the September case involved the same victim.

The victim’s fetus is being closely monitored.

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth