Ocala, Florida — The booking photo and complete arrest affidavit have been released on a 16-year-old who stabbed his mother last week.
On September 15, deputies responded to South Pine Avenue in reference to a stabbing.
When they arrived, they found a woman who had blood oozing from a head-wound. She told deputies she had been stabbed by her son.
Deputies say Luis C. Ramirez, and his mother, had gone out to dinner earlier in the evening.
Upon returning home, Ramirez told his mother that he needed money so he could go out drinking, but she refused to give it to him.
A short time later, a witness caught Ramirez taking money from his mother’s jacket.
The witness stated that when Ramirez’s mother confronted him, he became “very aggressive”.
According to reports, during the argument Ramirez grabbed a kitchen knife.
Ramirez then stated, “If you don’t give me the money I’m gonna’ stab you.” He then pushed his mother to the ground.
Ramirez began taunting his mother with the knife by waving it back and forth in front of her face. Deputies said Ramirez cut his mother on her forehead while he was waiving the knife.
His mother then jumped to her feet, at which time Ramirez knocked her to the ground again.
It was at that time Ramirez stood over his mother and stabbed her in the head.
He then fled the scene.
A K-9 Deputy was able to track Ramirez to the 2900 block of Southeast 1st Avenue.
While being transported back to the scene of the crime, Ramirez stated, “I didn’t do anything.”
Ramirez refused to cooperate any further.
He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
Ramirez was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
[Last updated on September 17, 2016, at 2:58 p.m.]
Ocala, Florida — Multiple sexual harassment complaints have been filed against Ocala Chief of Police Kenneth Gregory Graham.
The Formal Grievance was filed on September 15, 2016.
The Grievance states, “Simultaneous to the filing of this grievance, an EEOC complaint was also filed.”
In the Grievance filed by the Law Office of Bobi J. Frank, PA, it alleges that two female Ocala police officers, Rachel Mangum, and Casey Walsh, suffered unwelcome sexual advances and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature caused by Chief Graham. Officer Tony J. Watts is also a plaintiff in the complaint.
Additionally, the Grievance outlines the abuse of power toward male and female officers who would not conform to Chief Graham’s ideologies, as well as protecting officers who abused their power. The Grievance is based on events involving Sexual Harassment, Hostile Treatment, Retaliation, and Discrimination.
The complaint states, “Arguably, one of the most abusive incidents occurred while several OPD Officers traveled to participate in the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. The incident occurred on May 14, 2016.”
In one of the allegations, Chief Graham allegedly put another female officer’s head into his lap.
There were also multiple witnesses to the incident(s), which occurred on and off duty.
Timeline of events as stated in the complaint
May 14, 2016, abuse to Officer Casey Walsh:
“While attending the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC a small group of officers went to a bar during evening hours. Chief Graham joined the group and consumed alcohol with his subordinates. During the course of the evening, his behavior became increasingly inappropriate.
At one point, Officer Walsh left the group to use the ladies room. There were two bathrooms, at the establishment, right next to each other. Chief Graham was exiting one as Officer Walsh was entering the vacant one. Officer Walsh, while opening the door to the bathroom, noticed that there was a urinal and a toilet in the room and under her breath made a joke about both. Chief Graham responded by saying that they could use the same room together and further joked that Officer Walsh could use the urinal and he could use the toilet. He made comments about their sexual roles being reversed and that Officer Walsh could stand while Chief Graham while seated.
The group eventually left that establishment and traveled by subway to another pub/brewery. While on the subway, Chief Graham engaged in conversation with several officers about sexual encounters and jokes about the size of Officer Walsh’s penis and how it was probably larger than most males present there.
When the group reached the next location, and continued drinking, Chief Graham engaged in a game with his subordinates called “never have I ever.” In this game, participants give scenarios in which they have or have not been involved. Chief Graham made statements about “getting f***ed in the a*s,” and “s***ing d**k” while playing the game. He also stated that he wanted to know who had “the best tits at the table.” He directed some of these questions to He directed some of these questions to Officer Casey Walsh, Officer Rachel Mangum, Sgt. Casey Eades, and Officer Ashley Stinehour.
At one point, Officer Walsh’s girlfriend called her cell phone. Chief Graham took Officer Walsh’s phone from her hands and began speaking to her girlfriend. Officer Walsh’s girlfriend told her that Chief Graham asked why she wasn’t present and continued to question what she was doing that night, where she was going and when she would be home. Officer Walsh’s girlfriend expressed to her that she never wanted to speak with Chief Graham “like that again” and that she felt that the fact that he even wanted to talk to her at all was highly inappropriate.
Over the course of the last year, Officer Walsh has had to endure countless attacks of sexual harassment from Chief K. Gregory Graham. Chief Graham is aware of Officer Walsh’s open homosexuality, and almost always intertwines that subject into the conversations that he has with her. It has become commonplace for Chief Graham to make inappropriate comments about the women that Officer Walsh has dated, and has invited as her guest to Ocala Police Department functions. Chief Graham routinely comments on their attractiveness, and inquirers about how she is able to find and date such beautiful women.
Officer Walsh feels as though each time she comes into contact with Chief Graham, the topic of their conversation shifts to her relationship, or her sexual preference, in general.”
Specific encounters as stated in complaint
February 1, 2016:
“At a department awards ceremony, Officer Walsh’s girlfriend attended to watch her accept an award. After the presentation, Chief Graham asked Officer Walsh about her date and made a comment to Officer Walsh about her appearance and implied that he would be interested in trading sexual partners with her. He introduced himself to Officer Walsh’s date, and later, the date expressed to Officer Walsh that Chief Graham made her feel uncomfortable by the way he looked at her and spoke to her. A male officer was present during the interaction between Officer Walsh and Chief Graham. Chief Graham had also made a sexually charged comment about seeing Officer Walsh’s date from behind.”
Roughly six months ago:
“Chief Graham made a statement about how he would love it if Officer Walsh dated his daughter, but would be concerned if Officer Walsh came to his home for fear that she would end up in bed with his wife for a sexual encounter.”
May 13, 2016:
“While conducting K9 training at a location close to the Police Department, Chief Graham pulled up to the area and rolled down his window. Officer Walsh was with Sgt. Lisa Bienko and Officer Kyle Howie. After a few minutes of small talk, Chief Graham told Officer Walsh that he had recently seen a photograph of her from the past in which she was wearing her hair down and it was long and dark. He also commented that she was wearing make-up. Officer Walsh responded by questioning what the point was and he replied that he would just leave it at that as to not say anything inappropriate. He made the sound, yum, yum, yum.”
May 19, 2016:
“At the Fallen Officer Memorial ceremony in Ocala, Officer Walsh was approached by Mrs. Graham, the Chief’s wife. Chief Graham walked up to the women during their conversation. Mrs. Graham was expressing interest in doing a ride along with Officer Walsh, but Chief Graham quickly interjected and implied that Officer Walsh would be likely to act in an unprofessional way with Mrs. Graham in her vehicle by engaging in intimate behavior together.”
May 14, 2016, abuse to officer Rachel Mangum:
“In addition to Officer Walsh’s perspective explained above, Officer Mangum suffered additional unwelcome sexual advances and physical and verbal conduct of a sexual nature during the same incident.
Officer Mangum asserts that a drinking game which required one person to ask an inappropriate, mostly sexual in nature question to another participant ensued requiring one person to ask another if they had engaged in the act mentioned in the past. If they had engaged in the act mentioned, they would take a drink of an alcoholic beverage. Officer Mangum left the table to use the restroom. Disturbingly, upon her return to the table, Chief Graham, shouted (it was a crowded bar) “I have something for you…” pointing at Officer Mangum. She responded in a confused manner, and Chief Graham stated, “Never have I ever had a c**k shoved in my a*s!” Officer Mangum was humiliated, disgusted, and offended at the unwelcome, abusive comment. She tried to redirect the conversation so as not to draw attention to herself or the situation at hand.
Again, during the same incident, Officer Mangum also witnessed Chief Graham initiate a conversation in reference to which female Officer sitting at the table had the best looking breasts. At which time, Officer Matthew Sams heard Chief Graham state Officer Mangum had the “nicest tits at the table.”
Also during this time, Chief Graham was continuously bothering Sgt. Casey Eades for her personal cell phone, attempting to unlock the password. They were at times physically sparring; Sgt. Eades in an attempt to keep her cell phone away from Chief Graham, and Chief Graham in an attempt to obtain the phone. During the tussle, Chief Graham kept stating, “let me see your titty pics.” At one point the phone was in Officer Mangum’s possession. Because she was so uncomfortable with the events she quickly put the cell phone on the side of the table where Sgt. Eades was sitting, and stated that she was not getting involved.
Additionally, while all the officers were sitting at the table, Officer Mangum observed Chief Graham take Sgt. Eades by the top of her head, and pull her head onto his lap, in an attempt to simulate the action of performing oral sex on Chief Graham.”
***
The report also states that phone records prove that Chief Graham has engaged in inappropriate conduct with female officers, namely Sgt. Casey Eades.
The complaint states, “It is a commonly held belief, for various reasons, that Chief Graham is engaging in sexual relations with his subordinate officer, Sgt. Casey Eades.”
***
In the same complaint, Chief Graham is accused of manipulating complaints against officers by purging them out of the system every five years. The complaint states that this is only done for certain officers and that, other officers remain in the system, especially if they are not on Chief Grahams “nice list.”
Additionally, Sgt. Dustin Keuntjes and Chief Graham are accused of being racist.
The complaint states, “It’s a known fact that there is a black side and white side at OPD.”
Sgt. Keuntjes is also accused of endangering Officer Tony J. Watts’ life during a meth lab bust. Watts, who is black, is still recovering from his injuries and may have permanent damage.
Watts has stated that Sgt. Keuntjes has made racial remarks on many occasions and that, Chief Graham overlooks the problem.
According to more than a dozen OPD officers, Sgt. Keuntjes and Chief Graham are close friends.
***
This type behavior seems to be commonplace at OPD.
Ocala Post is also investigating Officers Jessica Nasworth and Richard Tuck.
Both of these officers have been accused of meddling in civil matters that are not the concern of law enforcement and allegedly abusing their power as officers during those situations.
According to reports, Officer Nasworth, who has been dubbed the “man hater”, has a habit of trying to coerce women into filing unnecessary injunctions when responding to non-violent domestic calls.
For example, a nosy neighbor called police when a husband and wife were having a verbal argument about their divorce. Knowing the argument was not physical, Officer Nasworth tried, on several occasions, to convince the wife that her husband was dangerous. She did this by making false statements about the husband.
In one case, Officer Nasworth berated the husband. She stuck out her chest and got in his face as if she were trying to antagonize the husband to strike her. The more polite the husband became, the more aggressive Officer Nasworth acted.
During that same situation, Officer Tuck transported the heavily intoxicated female to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and forced her to file injunction papers. The Sheriff’s Office refused, citing it was only a verbal argument over the phone and that an injunction was not warranted. However, Officer Tuck insisted. Officer Tuck told the female that she did not have a choice in the matter. While intoxicated, he forced her to sign the papers. Two days later, when the judge learned of the circumstances in the case, the injunction was immediately dismissed. The judge stated that signing a legal document while impaired is illegal in all 50 states.
Oddly enough, Officer Tuck was recently promoted to Detective. According to an unnamed source, there were not any open detective positions available at the time of his promotion. The position was allegedly wrongfully created for Officer Tuck.
Earlier this year, Officer Nasworth was investigated after her husband informed Chief Graham that she had been having a sexual affair with several other OPD officers. Although some media outlets reported that she had been demoted, Chief Graham confirmed to Ocala Post that he had “talked” to her about her actions, but she maintained her position within the agency.
Nasworth does however have a suspension on her record after she failed to report an off-duty bar fight.
***
Complaint Conclusion
“This document reflects a mere fraction of the incidents that have occurred under Chief Graham’s direction, influence, insistence, and upon his own action. A thorough investigation, conducted by an unbiased, independent third-party will substantiate all of these assertions, and more.
Unfortunately, Chief K. Gregory Graham has decided to wield his position of power to terrorize and abuse women, minorities, and anyone that disagrees with his decisions and orders. At minimum, many good police officers have suffered significant blows to their employee files at the hands of Chief Graham, at worst many have lost the opportunity to be Law Enforcement Officers.
His discriminatory practices must be stopped. Undersigned Counsel can’t imagine a world where the Chief of a Police Department is authorized and supported by his superiors to ask a female “never have I ever had a c**k shoved in my a*s….”; Or allowed to prey on an openly gay female Officer in an attempt to feed his misogynistic, sexually deviant appetite; Or to engage in late night trysts with his subordinates; Or allowed to cause a nine (9) year highly respected Police Officer, never written up prior to his employment with OPD, to be targeted, treated unfairly and all around harassed, bullied, and retaliated against because he is black; Or to be able to use subordinate supervisors to do his bidding creating a clear and distinct divide amongst the Department at large. There is not a world that exists in which those actions would be tolerated. Clearly, Ocala, Florida can’t be any different.”
***
Multiple officers stated to Ocala Post that, “unless an officer is good friends with Graham or his supervisor buddies, an honest officer does not stand a chance within the agency.” One officer told Ocala Post that other officers have quit the agency because of the hostile work environment.
City’s response
City of Ocala Mayor Kent Quinn said that an investigation into the allegations has been launched.
The city has obtained an attorney from Tallahassee to handle the case.
The Mayor did not wish to comment about the allegations at this time.
As for Chief Graham, he will remain on active duty while the allegations are investigated.
In an e-mail to Ocala Post, Chief Graham wrote, “I deny the allegations. My position and defense will be presented by my attorney.”
The Law Office of Bobi J. Frank, PA, requested that an independent, third-party be enlisted to conduct the investigation into these matters.
Ocala, Florida — Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) agents seized $25,000 in Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, better known as the sex drug, Rolex, or Ecstasy.
Agents said they intercepted the package from the Netherlands, which was addressed to a local business located in the Jasmine Shopping Plaza, Ocala. The package allegedly contained 1,000 pills.
Agents also recovered a second packed, which was from Germany. That package contained 256 pills.
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Ecstasy pills
According to reports, agents conducted a controlled delivery of the package and waited for someone to pick it up.
Agents said that at approximately 5:30 p.m., a suspect, later identified as Brandon Paul McConnell, 30, drove up on his motorcycle and picked up the package.
As McConnell tried to leave, agents surrounded him.
He was then arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
McConnell was charged with Trafficking MDMA.
Agents did not say how they obtained information about the shipment.
Ocala Post is waiting on detailed information in regards to McConnell’s arrest.
Ocala, Florida — A Marion County Sheriff’s Office patrol volunteer was arrested after he repeatedly struck a female child in the face.
On September 13, deputies responded to the Marion Oaks Subdivision in reference to a battery on a child.
The incident began on September 12, after the young girl had walked the family’s dog.
According to reports, the juvenile was dragging the dog while she was walking it. When the girl returned home, the suspect, later identified as Joshua Ray Hoff, 34, 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.”
Hoff then returned to the room with the girl and she again began to scream.
Fearing for her life, the witness told Hoff she had to leave the house to buy cigarettes. While she was gone, Hoff called her and told her that she “better not call the cops.” He then told her to come home.
The witness called authorities and told them that she was “deathly afraid” of Hoff and was worried about the child’s well-being. She also told them that this is not the first time that Hoff had been physically abusive.
According to reports, there had been an instance where Hoff beat the child so badly that she could not attend school until the bruises had completely healed.
When questioned about the most recent bruising, Hoff stated that the Juvenile had done it to herself.
Hoff stated, “She kept pinching her jaw line to make those bruises.”
The witness told deputies that when Hoff was not looking, she was able to take photos of the juvenile’s face with her cell phone. The images were viewed by deputies and placed into evidence.
Deputies reported that, “The juvenile showed a lot of purple bruising on the left side of her face — from her jaw line, back to her ear, and up to her eyebrow. It was clear that she had been hit several times.”
According to the arrest affidavit, the juvenile also had severe bruising on her butt. [That] bruising was also consistent with having been hit several times.
The juvenile was examined by paramedics, at which time it was determined that the injuries were severe enough that a doctor needed to evaluated her for permanent damage.
Following his arrest, Hoff admitted to hitting the girl with his hand and a slipper.
He was charged with Child Abuse-Cruelty Toward a Child.
Hoff is being held without bond.
MCSO 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.”
The victim and his friend met the “seller” at the Wal-Mart on East State Road 40.
Detectives said that when a silver Honda Civic pulled up, the buyer approached the vehicle, handed the “seller” the money, and asked to see the television. His friend then attempted to remove the television from the vehicle, however the “seller” pulled out a gun and told them to leave the television in the car.
Oswalt the fled the scene, but was later captured.
Oswalt’s passenger was described as a black male with long dreadlocks. This is the only description that was immediately available.
OPD said that citizens should be cautious when engaging in online purchases where meeting the seller/buyer is required, especially if the seller/buyer requests to meet after dark.
OPD urges citizens to utilize the E-commerce Exchange Zone they have created for individuals who buy and sell goods online.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Dustin Todd at 352-369-7101, 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.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Legal Support Association is now accepting applications for the Mary Sullivan Scholarship Award in the amount of $500.00 for students interested in obtaining a degree in the legal field.
Deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 1, 2016.
No application fee.
For scholarship information and/or application packet, please contact Scholarship Chair, Lisa M. Wilson, FRP, at lisa@deananddean.net or 352-368-2800 x 108.
According to the Ocala Police Department, the victim (buyer) made a deal to purchase a 60-inch television for $200. The television was being sold on Craigslist.
The buyer had originally planned to meet at the Lindale Mobile Home Park at 11 p.m., but changed his mind when he realized the area was too dark, So, instead, the victim met the “seller” at the Wal-Mart on East State Road 40. For safety reasons, the buyer had also brought a friend along.
Detectives said that when a car pulled up, the buyer approached the vehicle, handed the “seller” the money, and asked to see the television. His friend then attempted to remove the television from the vehicle, however the “seller” pulled out a gun and told them to leave the television in the car.
The suspect then drove off.
The suspect, Thomas C. Oswalt, 26, was later seen walking on Baseline Road by a detective.
Oswalt was identified as the person who had pulled the gun on the buyer and his friend.
Detectives stated that they were also able to locate the car that Oswalt was driving. Inside the car was the cash he had stolen and the TV.
Oswalt also had a passenger, who was described as a black male with dreadlocks.
According to detectives, Oswalt refused to cooperate and immediately requested an attorney.
OPD urges citizens to utilize the E-commerce Exchange Zone they have created for individuals who sell goods online.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact 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.
Ocala, Florida — A teen was robbed and stabbed Saturday after he attempted to sell a watch through Snapchat.
The 17-year-old victim told Ocala police that he had agreed to meet with someone who was supposed to purchase a $150 watch he had listed on Snapchat.
According to reports, the victim met up with the would-be buyer(s) at the K-Mart on Silver Springs Boulevard and Northeast 36th Avenue.
The victim stated that when the vehicle arrived, a Hispanic and three black males exited the car.
The men then attempted to rob the teen of the watch, at which time the teen tried to fight off his attackers. During the scuffle, the teen was stabbed.
The thieves also got away with the watch.
OPD urges citizens to utilize the E-commerce Exchange Zone they have created for individuals who sell goods online.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact 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.
Ocala, Florida — The hunt is on for two black females who brazenly stole several credit cards and wallets from an Ocala dental office.
Dr. Jamie Amir, with Ocala Periodontics & Dental Implants, said that two females, possibly in their 20s, came into his office on Friday and stated that their grandmother was having problems with her dental implants.
Dr. Amir stated that while one of the women asked questions, the other woman went to use the patient restroom…or so he thought. Instead, the woman took a detour to the break room area, which is reserved for employees only.
The break room area is where the employees kept their personal belongings.
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Unidentified Thief
Once inside the break room area, the unidentified woman stole several wallets and credits cards.
According to Dr. Amir, the theft happened at 10:13 a.m. By 10:37 a.m., the thieves had already racked up several hundred dollars in unauthorized transactions at Best Buy, Ocala.
The illegal transactions emptied out the bank accounts of several employees.
According to Dr. Amir, he and his staff did not discover the thefts until 1 p.m.
One of the office’s cameras was disconnected, but a Nest Cam, which was in the break room, captured the video and images.
If you recognize this woman, contact your local law enforcement immediately.
You can also call Dr. Amir at 352-229-8686.
There is a $1,000 reward being offered by Dr. Amir for the arrest and conviction of the unidentified woman.
Kendall Corey Dustin Blyden, [mugshot] and Baby Jayden Green [deceased]Ocala, Florida — A killer was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after being convicted of First-Degree Murder.
Kendall Corey Dustin Blyden, 29, was originally charged with Aggravated Child Abuse, but once Jayden was removed from life support, his charges will be upgraded.
Kendall is the father of Journee Blyden, who was allegedly killed by her 10-yearold cousin, Berhaun Blyden, on June 21, 2016.
On Wednesday, September 7, Berhaun was arrested and charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child. He is currently being held at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center.
Kendall claimed he was innocent of all charges and that, the blunt force trauma that Jayden sustained to his head was caused by a simple fall.
According to the Medical Examiner, the injuries were consistent with being slammed in the head with a blow from an elbow strike. It also appears that the baby was erratically shaken.
John William Smith [deceased]Marion County — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a baby.
In an e-mail, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Public Information Officer, Lauren Lettelier, wrote, “Due to the sensitive nature of the case, we cannot release [all of the details.]
John William Smith, not even one, arrived at Munroe Regional Medical Center Monday in critical condition.
According to MCSO, detectives were notified a short time later to investigate.
According to reports, the baby, due to his injuries, was transferred to UF Health Shands.
He died on Tuesday.
While detectives would not discuss specific details in this case, it was made known that the death was allegedly due to head trauma.
The Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but those results are not yet available.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information can call Detective Zach Hughes at 369-6805, 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.
Berhaun Blyden [left] and Journee Blyden [deceased]Silver Springs Shores – A 10-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday and charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child.
Marion County sheriff’s detectives say they arrested Berhaun Blyden for the death of his 2-year-old cousin, Journee Blyden.
Timeline of the events
On June 21, 2016, Journees’s aunt, Brea Blyden, called 911 and stated that her niece was not breathing.
When medics arrived at 68 Hemlock Course Run, Ocala, Journee’s Grandmother, Melina Blyden, was performing CPR on the child.
Journee was then transported to the hospital where she died from her injuries.
The family insisted that Journee had fallen from her playpen.
However, the Medical Examiner concluded that the toddler died from blunt force head trauma and ruled the child’s death a homicide.
Berhaun, and his sister, Brianne Blyden, were removed from the home and forensically interviewed. Following the interviews, they were both placed into foster care and had not returned to the home during the investigation.
On June 27, 2016, a follow up interview was conducted with Brianne.
During the interview, Brianne was asked about her brother, Berhaun.
Brianne then told the investigator, in great detail, about the anger her brother displayed on a daily basis.
Brianne stated that she and her brother would play and that, she would tease him sometimes. She stated that her brother would get mad and hit her a lot. She said he would also hit Journee and make her cry.
According to the arrest affidavit, Brianne once told Journee to call her brother “beaver teeth.” Brianne said he got mad and started hitting “people.”
Brianne told investigators that her brother would hit Journee in the arms and make her cry and that, he would also put his hands around Journee’s throat and choke her.
She said she yelled at her brother and told him to stop because she didn’t want to be “taken away.”
Brianne then asked, “If I tell you what happened, do you tell somebody?”
Brianne then stated, “My mother left with my two younger brothers to take them to daycare.”
She said that she was left home alone with her brother.
Brianne told the investigator that when her mother came back home, Journee was fine.
Then, she said, her mother left the home again to go pick up her grandmother.
While she was out the second time, Berhaun removed his cousin from her crib.
Brianne said, “He throwed [sic] her down on the floor.”
She told investigators that her brother had also pushed Journee off the counter and onto the floor.
Brianne said that when she saw Journee she “had a big hold in her lip.”
Brianne then told the investigator that she no longer wished to talk about it and the interview was ended.
Same day
The investigator then interviewed Berhaun.
At first, Berhaun was untruthful, but as the interview progressed, he began to tell a different story than what he had originally told investigators.
Berhaun said that on the day of the incident, he was running through the house while holding Journee. He stated that while running he tripped and fell on top of her. He said that is when her head slammed into the kitchen floor.
Berhaun stated, “I then put her on the counter to get her some water and I accidentally pushed her off the counter.”
He said his mother was sleeping when it happened.
The interview was then ended.
On the same day, the investigator attended an autopsy of Journee.
The Medical examiner found the following:
Dr. Lavezzi advised that the victim had a hematoma on the forehead, a torn and bruised lower frenulum (lower lip), a hematoma behind the left ear, and bruising on her chin and right ear.
Dr. Lavezzi stated that while she was performing the autopsy, she found that the victim had multiple bilateral skull fractures, diffuse subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage, a right basilar skull fracture, bilateral optic nerve sheath hemorrhages, and small hemorrhages around the pancreas.
Dr. Lavezzi said, “The injuries that the victim sustained were not consistent with falling out of a playpen and would have taken excessive force to create the injuries.”
Jayden Green [deceased]Like Journee’s death, Kendall claimed that Jayden had fallen from his crib and hit his head.
It was later determined that Kendall had severely beaten the one-year-old. In fact, the Medical Examiner said that the child was so badly injured from the strikes to his head inflicted by Blyden, that Baby Jayden’s brain could not recover due to lack of blood flow.
According to reports, the injuries were consistent with being slammed in the head with a blow from an elbow strike. It also appeared that Jayden was erratically shaken.
It should be clear that Kendall was in jail for the death of the one-year-old at the time of his daughter’s death.
Berhaun is currently being held at the Marion County Jail Juvenile Detention Center. His first appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning.
No other charges have been filed against the family at this time. However, that portion of the investigation is still ongoing.
As a reminder, per Florida State Statute 119, information about and photos of juveniles charged with a felony (or three or more misdemeanors) is public record.
Ocala, Florida — A man was arrested after Marion County sheriff’s deputies say he fired several shotgun rounds into an occupied home.
The incident happened on Northeast 172nd Place, Ocala.
The victim told deputies that he and the suspect, Kevin Cornelius Mitchell, 30, had been working on a fence earlier in the day.
According to reports, Mitchell had also been drinking heavily.
After working on the fence, Mitchell and his girlfriend left the victim’s house.
For unknown reasons, Mitchell later returned to the victim’s home. The victim said he knew Mitchell had returned because he could hear the car stereo as he pulled up into the driveway.
The victim then opened the front door to his house and saw Mitchell standing in the front yard.
When the victim asked Mitchell what he was doing, Mitchell raised a shotgun, pointed it at the victim, and fired.
The round struck the side of the front door where the victim was standing.
Deputies reported that the victim then closed the front door and ran toward his bedroom. Mitchell then fired another round directly into the front door.
The victim stated that he looked out the window to see if Mitchell had left, and that’s when Mitchell fired a third round at the window.
According to the arrest affidavit, Mitchell then fired a fourth round, returned to his vehicle, and fled the scene.
The victim then retreated to his bedroom and called 911.
At the scene, deputies found four spent 12 gauge shell casings and observed four holes in the home that were consistent with a shot from a shotgun.
Mitchell was later found at his house, located at 4329 Northwest 22nd Avenue, Ocala, and arrested. He would not give a statement and refused to cooperate with the deputies.
He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Use of a Firearm during a Felony, and Firing a Weapon into an Occupied Dwelling.
His bond was set at $45,000.
Mitchell has previous arrests for Grand Theft Auto (x2), Burglary (x2), Grand Theft (x2), Flee and Elude Law Enforcement (x2), Violation of Probation (x2), and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle.
Investigators do not know why Mitchell fired into the home.
Dunnellon, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating a case involving human skeletal remains.
The remains were discovered in a wooded area, located near 9587 Southwest 151st Place, in the Florida Highlands in Dunnellon, on August 26, 2016.
MCSO is now asking for the public’s help in the case.
Investigators have released two images of clothing that were found at the scene.
According to MCSO, the shirt has light blue stripes, is a size Large and was made by the brand “Zoo York.” Also found with the remains were a pair of shorts made by “No Boundaries,”size 36.
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The tag on the inside of the shorts indicates that they were “Artic White” in color. Like the shirt, the pants appear to have stripes.
Anyone with information can call Detective Bradley Bartlett at 352-438-5932, 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.
Bryan Robinson [deceased][Last updated on September 6, 2016, at 3:16 p.m. A previous version of this article stated that the men searched for two hours. Investigators have since corrected that time to 30 minutes.]
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the death of an Ocala man who jumped from a moving truck Saturday.
Deputies say three co-workers from Ocala drove to Volusia County to go fishing and get a group tattoo.
According to reports, two of the men stated that after their tattoos were finished they were waiting on their friend, Bryan Robinson, 34.
The two men told investigators that Robinson’s tattoo was taking much longer than anticipated due to the intricate design and that, they did not want to wait the additional three hours.
The men told Robinson he could either come back to Ocala with them or stay behind.
Investigators said that Robinson was upset with his friends as they left the tattoo parlor to head home.
The two men told investigators that during the drive home, as time passed, Robinson became increasingly angry.
As the three of them drove through Pierson, Robinson opened the door to the truck and jumped out.
The driver told investigators he was traveling at a speed of approximately 40 mph when Robinson jumped.
The two men stated that they pulled over and searched for Robinson for approximately 30 minutes before calling 911.
The VCSO utilized deputies and a helicopter to search for Robinson, but they could not locate him.
Robinson’s body was discovered on Sunday as the VCSO helicopter crew, who was doing a flyover, spotted [his] body on the grassy shoulder along the north side of West S.R. 40, just east of Bert Royal Road.
An autopsy is expected to be performed this week.
Investigators said Tuesday morning that the investigation is ongoing.
[Left to to right] 26 year Ocala police veteran Lieutenant Billy Woods (R) and Dennis McFatten (D)Marion County — Retired MCSO captain Dennis McFatten (D) and 26 year Ocala police veteran Lieutenant Billy Woods (R) will face off for sheriff in the 2016 election.
Earlier this month, Ocala Post asked McFatten and Woods tough questions, which readers wanted to know the answers to.
Even though the questions were important to voters, McFatten chose not to respond.
Woods, however, answered every question.
Now, come November, voters will have to decide who is better qualified to be the next sheriff of Marion County.
Woods, who did not come up in the ranks at the sheriff’s office, said, “It is time for an infusion of new ideas, eliminating the internal politics, and supporting the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office who are on the front lines serving our community.”
Citra — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday arrested 16-year-old Scott S. Gray, for bringing a .22 caliber rifle on to the campus of North Marion High School.
The rifle was inside the student’s Dodge Ram truck.
According to the arrest affidavit, a female, who had knowledge of the rifle being inside the truck, called MCSO and reported the student.
“Our school is in a rural area, and guns in vehicles are not unusual. However, in every instance, it’s never appropriate to have a gun on campus – be it in a truck, backpack, or wherever,” said North Marion Principal Ben Whitehouse.
The dean of students Eric Ostanik found the rifle under the backseat of the truck. The rifle was covered with a copy of the United States Constitution. Additionally, Ostanik found (15) 410 shotgun shells.
In a press release, Marion County Sheriff Emery Gainey said, “Although there was no evidence in this situation that the student showed intentions to cause harm to others at school today, a decision like this could ultimately affect the student for a long period of time.” He went on to say, “There is a no tolerance policy for weapons being brought to our schools that could be used or be accessible to potentially harm our children or school staff. We will continue to encourage our parents and guardians to speak to their youth on the consequences of having firearms on school campuses and on firearm safety.”
Gray was transported to the Marion County Juvenile Detention Facility, where he was placed on a juvenile hold until first appearance on Wednesday.
Gray told officials that he forgot the rifle was in his truck.
Washington– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tuesday announced its intention to place the active materials in the kratom tree into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
The DEA claims they are doing it to “avoid an imminent hazard to public safety.”
Kratom is a tropical tree indigenous to Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and other areas of Southeast Asia.
Though not an opiate itself, kratom is thought to behave similarly to a μ-opioid receptor agonist like morphine. It is not deemed to have any legitimate medical uses. However, some people reportedly use it for managing chronic pain and depression, as well as recreationally. The effects of kratom last between two and five hours.
Kratom use is not detected by typical drug screening tests, but its metabolites can be detected by more specialized testing.
Despite the fact that kratom’s efficacy and safety are not well-studied, the DEA alleges it is widely abused as a legal alternative to controlled substances.
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Former President George W. Bush planting a Kratom tree.
The DEA also alleges that law enforcement nationwide has seized more kratom in the first half of 2016 than any previous year and easily accounts for millions of dosages intended for the recreational market.
Yet, many law enforcement agencies have never heard of the plant, nor have most officers ever seen one.
The DEA said, “Kratom has a high potential for abuse, has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and has a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. These three factors constitute a Schedule I controlled substance according to the Controlled Substances Act passed by Congress in 1970.”
Kratom has not been deemed illegal yet, but the DEA openly admits kratom has been illegally seized in various forms.
“Kratom has been seized by law enforcement in various forms, including powder, plant, capsules, tablets, liquids, gum/resin, and drug patch. Because the identity, purity levels, and quantity of these substances are uncertain and inconsistent, they pose significant adverse health risks to users,” the DEA said.
Now, the FDA and DEA are warning the public that the plant might be toxic.
The FDA has issued an updated two import alerts related to kratom products. Kratom has been on DEA’s list of drugs and chemicals of concern for several years.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers identified two exposures to kratom between 2000 and 2005. Between 2010 and 2015, U.S. poison centers received 660 calls related to kratom exposure. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that kratom abuse leads to agitation, irritability, tachycardia, nausea, drowsiness, and hypertension. Health risks found in kratom abusers include hepatotoxicity, psychosis, seizure, weight loss, insomnia, tachycardia, vomiting, poor concentration, hallucinations, and death. DEA is aware of 15 kratom-related deaths between 2104 and 2016.
Although alcohol is still the most abused substance in the world, the DEA maintains that these type of plants are more dangerous.
Consequently, if plants like the kratom tree were to remain legal and were marketed, pharmaceutical companies would most likely suffer a huge loss.
We want to hear from you. Do you think the government should have the right to make the possession and or use of a plant illegal?
