Ocala, Florida — A Five Guys Burger employee was arrested and is being held without bond after she failed to appear before the court.
Angel Ann Smothers, 26, was arrested for trafficking in hydrocodone in April of 2013. She was 23 at the time.
In August of 2014, a confidential informant told drug agents that Smothers had been distributing heroin from her apartment.
During the investigation, agents “wired” the informant for video and audio. The informant then arranged a drug deal.
The informant arrived at 805 Northwest 24th Place, Aprt. 3, and purchased $80 worth of heroin.
Smothers was arrested and charged with Distribution of Heroin.
Since that time, Smothers has sold drugs and violated her probation multiple times.
In January of 2016, Smothers was again arrested for selling heroin.
In July of 2016, she was scheduled to go before a judge, but failed to appear. A warrant was then issued for her arrest.
On Sunday, Smothers was located and arrested on [that] warrant.
She has previous arrests for Grand Theft Auto, DUI (x3), Violation of Probation (x32), Trafficking in Hydrocodone (x4), Possession of Xanax without a Prescription, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud (x5), Driving while License Suspended or Revoked (x3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Heroin (x3), and Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement.
Smothers has served several short sentences at the Marion County Jail in between arrests.
An unnamed source stated that Smothers has been known to push heroin on teens and young adults. The source also said that Smothers’ child was born addicted to drugs.
Smothers has a no bond status because she violated probation.
Smothers’ next court date is slated for September 27, 2016.
[Last updated on September 1, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. Video is brought to you by our partners at AccuWeather. Alerts will be updated throughout the day.]
Hermine has strengthened to a hurricane and will deliver heavy rain, gusty winds, flooding and possibly tornadoes into Friday.
This will be the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since 2005, when Wilma hit.
The center of Hermine has made the anticipated northeastward turn and is located about 135 miles south of Apalachicola, Florida, and 180 miles southwest of Cedar Key, Florida.
Marion County is under a Tropical Storm watch for the next 36 hours. A tornado warning is in effect until 11 p.m. Residents can expect winds between 35-48 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Flooding is also possible. These conditions can be expected to continue into Friday.
Thursday night, tropical storm conditions expected with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 75. South wind 22 to 27 mph increasing to 31 to 41 mph. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday morning, rain with the possibly of thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 83. Very windy, with a southwest wind 22 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday night, rain and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Marion County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning as well as a Tornado and Flood Watch.
These threats should diminish by Saturday.
The following counties are also under a Tornado Watch.
Article continued below
This is a closeup live loop of Hermine. (NOAA/Satellite)
Schools closed as of now
On Thursday, officials announced that all Marion County Public Schools will be closed
Citrus County officials announced schools will be closed in that area.
Dixie County Schools are closed on Thursday and Friday. A shelter will open at Old Town Elementary School at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Franklin, and Taylor County Public Schools are closed Thursday and Friday.
Gilchrist County Schools are closed on Thursday and Friday. School events scheduled for Thursday will also be cancelled, those on Friday are pending decision.
Hernando County Schools are closed Thursday. They have not decided on Friday.
Lafayette County Schools are closed on Thursday and Friday.
Levy County Schools are closed Thursday.
Hillsborough County public schools are closed on Thursday. No decision on Friday.
Manatee County District Schools and School District offices will be closed Thursday. No decision has been made for Friday.
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“We expect the storm to become a hurricane before making landfall north of Tampa and perhaps close to Apalachicola, in the Big Bend of Florida during Thursday evening,” according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.
According to AccuWeather, people in the central and northern part of the Florida Peninsula and the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle should be prepared for hurricane conditions with power outages, flooded roads, and airline disruptions.
On Wednesday, a hurricane watch was issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from the Anclote River Indian Pass. A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast west of Indian Pass to the Walton/Bay County line.
Some airlines have announced that they are waving flight change fees in the path of the storm.
Original article continued below
Photo courtesy of the City of Ocala
The City of Ocala will be opening sandbag locations on Tuesday, August 30, and Wednesday, August 31, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Locations:
Corner of 8th Avenue and 14th Street, just north of Tuscawilla Park
Corner of State Road 40 and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. just east of the Hampton Center.
Additionally, Marion County Emergency Management, starting at 9 a.m., Tuesday, will distribute sandbags at four Marion County Sheriff district offices.
Locations:
North Multi District Office – 8311 N Hwy 441, Ocala, FL 34479
South Multi District Office – 3260 SE 80th Street, Ocala, Fl 34480
Forest District Office – 1600 E. Hwy 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Dunnellon District Office – 19995 SW 86th St. Unit 3, Dunnellon, FL 34433
Sandbags will be provided to residents at no charge. The limit is 10 per resident.
Dunnellon, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is 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.
According to a press release, On August 26, an unnamed person found the remains while hiking through the woods. He told investigators that he tripped over a tree branch, and when he caught himself, he discovered the bones.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives, Evidence Technicians, Filed Force Members, and the Medical Examiner all worked together to collect the human remains.
The Medical Examiner now has the grueling task of trying to identify the remains and cause of death.
After careful consideration, and out of respect, Ocala Post chose not to display photos of the skeletal remains due to the possibility that the deceased may have family.
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.
Marion County — For more than 22 months, the Memphis-based auto parts giant, AutoZone, which is worth more than $20 billion, secretly negotiated with City of Ocala and Marion County leaders to build a 444,000-square-foot distribution center in Ocala.
Commissioner Stan McClain was the driving force behind the deal.
Officials said the company will invest $50 million into the community, but in actuality, the facility itself will cost $50 million, including machinery, to build.
The distribution center will be built on 60 acres, located at the commerce park off of I-75 and U.S. 27.
According to county documents, the City of Ocala and Marion County will each pay $144,000 to draw down funds from Florida’s Qualified Target Industry Refund Program. Marion County will pay the $288,000 up front and the city will pay $144,000 back to the county at a later time.
But the incentives do not end there.
Documents also show that AutoZone will receive $3.75 million from the city and county each over the next 30 years, or $125,000 a year. Plus, the city will pay $554,070 for application, impact, and permit fees.
The project also requires the city to offer AutoZone electricity at an undisclosed reduced rate for the first five years they are in business.
This is concerning to utilities customers who recently were notified of rate increases on their utilities bill.
Additionally, the state is contributing approximately $1.1 million to the project.
AutoZone will be required to create at least 192 jobs in the next few years, with a total of 240 jobs. Salaries will have an average of $38,000 per year.
The city will also be bidding on internet and phone services for the company.
With such a large dollar amount in incentives being handed out to AutoZone, a reasonable person could conclude that the city, county, and state stand to profit greatly from the project.
“I have no worries that the city will get a worthwhile return on its investment,” Ocala City Council President Jim Hilty said.
In an e-mail, Ocala Post asked Mayor Kent Guinn how much the city would profit from the deal. The e-mail was never answered.
Elaine DeIorio McClain, Public Information Officer for the Marion County Office of Public Information, said, “Our industrial development projects are appropriated within the General Fund account. The general fund is a combination of property taxes, state sales tax (not including the 1 cent surtax), fees, balances forward, etc.”
This project, known as “Project Horizon,” was not heavily discussed or advertised to the public. In fact, the first mention of this project in a public meeting was on June 22, 2015.
“On June 22, 2015, the Board approved “Project Horizon,” or AutoZone, as a qualified target industry (QTI) supported by Resolution 15-F-191 with an appropriation of up to $288,000 as the county’s local 20% participation in the QTI Tax Refund Program. The Board opened up public comment, but none was given,” McClain wrote in an e-mail to Ocala Post.
The project was not again mentioned to the public for more than a year.
On August 16, 2016, a second meeting was held and the project was approved. Because it was not heavily promoted or discussed, most citizens in Marion County had no idea that the AutoZone project was on the agenda, therefore no public comment was given and “Project Horizon” was approved.
County Commissioner Kathy Bryant, said, “Such activity (meaning offering incentives at the expense of taxpayers) is an accepted part of the economic development landscape these days. If we don’t do it, someone else will.”
Bryant publicly announced during the August 16 meeting that she does not take to kindly to being accused of breaking the law after two citizens accused the commission of being less than forthcoming on other issues. She stated that she doesn’t have to prove she has not broken any laws.
Marion County citizen Nancy Walsh-Ventre wrote, “If they were going to create so many jobs, why was everything kept purposely quiet?? Why does a $20 billion dollar company need a break on the electric bill? Why so many long term deals using taxpayer dollars without the taxpayer consent?”
Karla Georges wrote, “Public money should NEVER be spent on private businesses! Who profits? This is probably illegal, with kick backs [to] whoever let it happen.”
But not everyone thinks the AutoZone distribution center is a bad idea.
Mike Ponticelli Jr wrote, “It is about damn time that Marion County and the city of Ocala get their s**t together and [brought] in jobs, the baseball stadium would have been nice.”
Dan Neumann wrote, “Well as much as I hate all the subsidies we are giving these companies to build here and bring jobs, we need the jobs. It’s been no secret the problem is Marion County has always let the big money horse farms dictate who can come into this county and for that reason we had one of the highest unemployment rates around when the economy was in the tank. Now they are having to entice anyone they can to bring jobs here. They should have thought of that several years ago and they wouldn’t have to give out so many subsidies to entice them here now. Walmart wanted here, Bass Pro Shops wanted here, etc, etc. Just my O2.”
Allowing for public comment on such projects is required by law under Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes, especially when it involves public money.
Technically, county commissioners followed the law and allowed for public comment. However, keeping a project secret for 22 months is a sure way to make sure residents did not show up for the meetings.
Kirk Allen and John Kraft — two military veterans who established a group called the Edgar County Watchdogs, say it is reasons like this that the two made history in 2014, when they had an entire county board arrested.
Ed Dean [left] and Billy WoodsMarion County — Ocala Post reached out to the four candidates competing in the Marion County Sheriff’s race.
Only two responded—former sheriff Ed Dean (D) and 26 year Ocala police veteran Lieutenant Billy Woods (R).
Candidates Dennis McFatten (D) and Kerry Crawford (R) did not respond.
This article will not address crime rate statistics for no other reason than the fact that over the past few years, it was proven how statistics can be manipulated. Crime rate statistics, as stated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, are only as good as the agency reporting them.
Questions directed to the candidates were compiled from a series of more than 100 e-mails sent to Ocala Post from readers.
1.) Are you a supporter of the Second Amendment, including ownership of semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15, sometimes inaccurately referred to as an assault rifle?
2.) If elected, what will you do about the Sheriff’s Office operating their own “media outlet”? Also known as “law enforcement run media,” which is greatly frowned upon by the public because it is usually biased and leaves out important information.
3.) What is your outlook on double dipping and the huge salaries being paid to those who have retired and then returned to the sheriff’s office?
Some of these high-paid associates do not even hold a degree, only a GED.
4.) Will you diligently push for body cameras and transparency?
5.) Would you push for the decriminalization of marijuana, as many counties have?
Marion County has one of the highest incarceration rates per capita in the state. Marion County commissioners have stated that they do not have any plans on adding the decriminalization of marijuana to their agenda.
6.) Would you be diligent in making sure deputies do not abuse their powers by arresting individuals for the sole charge of resisting arrest when it does not follow another charge? In other words, a law abiding citizen is pulled over and disagrees with a deputy, that deputy then arrests that person for resisting. Typically, a separate charge would precede resisting arrest. However, it appears that many Florida Law enforcement agencies have a history of not following protocol when it comes to someone being arrested for truly “resisting arrest.”
Dean was appointed sheriff in 1998, following the arrest of then-sheriff Ken Ergle, who stole more than $170,000 from an investment fund. Dean retired in 2012.
Education:
BA – Michigan State University, with Honors – 1967
JD – University of Florida, College of Law, with Honors – 1970
Graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Executive Institute – 1999
Graduate of the FBI Academy Executive Program – 2000
Graduate of Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Program entitled “Driving Government Performance” – 2012
Received Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from St. Leo University in 2010
“Unfortunately, due to the recent, extreme negativity surrounding the Sheriff’s Office, now is not a time for any celebration. Rather, it is a time for determined resolve to overcome the difficulties of the agency. However, in the future there will again be a time for celebration when the agency is able to resume its rightful place as a four-star, accredited, premier Sheriff’s Office, which is recognized for its innovative community policing, public safety effectiveness, fairness, reliability and for its performance excellence,” Dean said.
Dean went on to say, “I believe my experience as the former elected Sheriff of Marion County is necessary to complete the job of turning the agency around. I have a genuine desire to not only serve the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, but also, together, to again be able to serve the people of Marion County.”
Deans’ answers
First, I support the Second Amendment right of law abiding citizens to bear arms, including semi-automatic weapons.
Second, I believe in Sheriff’s Office full transparency when it comes to the media, except in cases of a pending criminal investigation. I believe that the withholding of, or timed release of, information to the media is not being transparent. If elected, I will review press release protocols to ensure Sheriff’s Office transparency, which is essential to building trust.
Third, I do not believe in double dipping for Sheriff’s Office administrators who retire, and then wish to return to an administrative position. Starting with myself if I am elected, I will only accept as my salary an amount equal to the difference between my current law enforcement retirement pay and the stated salary for the Sheriff’s position. If I determine that any retired administrator’s help is still needed at the Sheriff’s Office, the same “One job-one salary” rule will apply to them as well.
Fourth, I fully support the use of body cameras by patrol deputies. It is critical that the right decisions be made regarding the selection of the body cameras and the IT necessary to support the storage and retrieval of all body camera video.
Fifth, I believe that marijuana is a gateway drug which is harmful. The DEA still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. I do not think it is wise to decriminalize marijuana, which is used for recreational purposes.
Sixth, if elected, I will swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida. All Sheriff’s Office deputies and corrections officers will take the same oath. Under the Constitution, citizens have a right to free speech when being stopped for a traffic infraction, except if that speech amounts to “fighting words.” Deputies should always try to deescalate situations involving any tense interactions with the public, especially in cases of non-criminal traffic stops. Resisting arrest charges should never be used just for the sole purpose to quell protected speech.
If you would like to read more about Ed Dean, visit his website at http://www.electeddeanforsheriff.com/
Billy Woods
Woods has lived in Ocala his entire life. He has been with the Ocala Police Department for 26 years and gained knowledge through various units and supervisory positions he has held.
Education:
Graduated high school from Ocala Christian Academy in 1986
Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, from 1986-1989
Finished [my] degree at Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Areas of study
Two years of Accounting
Principles of Management
Mathematical Finance
Employment Law
Collective Bargaining
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Theory and Practice of Corrections
Race & Ethnic Relations
Criminal Justice Organization and Administration
Woods said, “Looking to the future, I ensured that my education had two foundations. First, a detailed understanding of Criminal Justice Administration. And second, the fundamentals of Business Management. As sheriff, you are the CEO of a large corporation and a business mindset is essential.”
Woods went on to say, “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.”
Woods’ answers
First, I believe that my primary mission is to protect our citizens and preserve their individual rights and freedoms afforded by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. With that in mind, I believe and support the premise that law abiding citizens have the right to acquire, own, possess, use, keep, and bear firearms. This includes concealed and open carry with the understanding that such carrying comes with great responsibility and there should be hands-on training with education in order to open carry just like the concealed carry.
Second, [MCSO] has too many [Public Information Officers]. Now, I do not oppose civilian based PIOs, and running a media show has its budgetary issues and it’s not a necessity. As for releasing information, the public record law needs to be followed and given when asked for.
Third, there are so many issues with double dipping that we do not have time to talk about it. The large salaries attached with retirement salary needs to stop.
Fourth, absolutely on the body cameras. [Body cameras] should have been put in place years ago. I started the body camera program at the Ocala Police Department for the motor unit.
Fifth, I would not push for decriminalization of marijuana, but I would not oppose it either. I see both sides. I also feel decriminalization could help decrease the overcrowding at the Marion County Jail.
Sixth, the last question is difficult to answer because it cannot be applied to every scenario. It should not be the norm, though; it should be the exception.
If you wish to read more about Billy Woods you can visit his website at http://billywoodsforsheriff.com/
In speaking with both candidates, they appear to be passionate about their communities.
Ocala Post strongly urges everyone to vote to make a difference.
The most important aspect of voting is knowing the candidates. Visiting each of their websites is a great way to do that.
Ocklawaha, Florida — On August 21, 2016, Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to Gator Joe’s, located at 12431 Southeast 135th Avenue, in reference to a disturbance.
One victim told police that the suspect, later identified as Holly Pomeroy, 24, had struck him in the head with her fist.
A second victim stated that Pomeroy had entered her vehicle without permission.
According to reports, Pomeroy removed multiple items from the vehicle and slammed them on the ground, including the victim’s Ralph Lauren prescription glasses.
A nearby witness told deputies that he did see Pomeroy hit the man in the head, and then enter a vehicle.
According to the arrest affidavit, a Gator Joe’s employee broke up the altercation.
Witnesses stated that before Pomeroy fled the scene, she kicked the side of the vehicle, which left a dent.
Pomeroy was arrested and charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief with Property Damage, Battery, and Violation of Probation.
Pomeroy has previous arrests for Burglary-Home Invasion and Contempt of Court-Violation of a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
Pomeroy told deputies that she attacked the victim in self-defense, but her story was not consistent with what witnesses reported.
The arrest affidavit was not clear as to why the altercation took place.
She is currently being held at the Marion County Jail.
Photo courtesy of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Dunnellon, Florida — An investigation is underway after the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Field Force Unit discovered a body in Dunnellon.
According to a press release, the body was discovered in a wooded area north of Southwest 162nd Terrace and Southwest 36th Street.
The body was found on August 20, while members of Field Force were searching for Eric Danzell Humbert, 25, who had been reported missing.
At this time, detectives could not confirm if the remains are that of Humbert.
Anyone with information can call Detective Larry McArdle at 352-368-3535, 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.
The Marion County Health Department confirmed Friday that there is a second case or travel-related Zika in Marion County.
As with the first case, the second resident, who is not being named, had traveled to the Dominican Republic.
State health officials refuse to identify the neighborhoods where the Zika cases have been identified, citing privacy issues.
However, officials did say that they are spraying for mosquitoes in the neighborhoods where the infected individuals live — 150 yards in every direction.
You can read about the first case of Zika in Marion County and see more facts, here.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala police arrived at a residence to assist a female regain entry into her home, and instead, arrested a local neurologist after he battered the female victim while he was heavily intoxicated.
The victim told police that Dr. Alfredo Luis Jacome, 51, threw her and the children out of the house they had shared with him for the past four years.
According to reports, the officer made contact with Jacome via cell phone and confirmed that the female lived at the residence. The officer also verified the address on the victim’s driver’s license.
Jacome told police that he did not want the female to enter the home, but the officer told him he did not have the right to keep her out. Therefore, the victim found an open window, entered the home, and removed her belongings.
After exiting the residence, the victim told police Jacome was an alcoholic and had been abusive to her.
The victim was able to produce a cell phone video that showed Jacome screaming and yelling at her. In the video, Jacome became enraged over the recording, knocked the cell phone from her hand, and grabbed her by the throat and choked her.
Police reported that the victim had visible bruising around her neck and on her arms, consistent with being grabbed.
The mother refused to sign the Domestic Violence Injunction. She stated, “I do not want him arrested because he is a sick man and is an alcoholic.”
The police officer told her that she didn’t have a choice, and that it was not his decision (the officer’s) to make.
At that point, the victim refused to cooperate any further and told the officer that she no longer needed his assistance.
Jacome was arrested and charged with Battery-Domestic Violence.
He has previous arrests for Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, DUI (X2), and Simple Battery-Dating Violence.
Two funeral home employees were arrested after authorities found 16 corpses being mishandled, according to Bay County Sheriff’s Office arrest reports.
Bay County officials said that Gregory Dunphy, 64, and Felicia Boesch, 39, were charged Sunday with 16 counts each of Unlawful Storage of Human Remains.
A tipster called the sheriff’s office and reported the incident on Sunday. The tipster told dispatch that dead bodies were being stored illegally.
According to repots, investigators responded to Brock’s Home Town Funeral Home, located at 5907 FL-22, Panama City, at approximately 5 p.m., Sunday.
When deputies arrived, they found 16 corpses — some in the main part of the funeral home, which were unrefrigerated, and some in refrigerators. Not one of the bodies had been embalmed.
Investigators said “None of the bodies had been embalmed. Those remains whose families requested cremation had not been cremated.”
Both the funeral home and its website have been shut down.
Ocala, Florida — A local locksmith was arrested after a mother discovered that her now 13-year-old daughter had been sexually abused by the 45-year-old.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says that John Henry Rapp, a locksmith from 2 in 1 Locksmith, located at 5555 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, was arrested and charged with 11 counts of pornography.
The abuse was discovered when the victim’s biological father found two fake Facebook accounts that his daughter had been using.
The mother confronted her daughter, who stated that Rapp had created the pages for her. The victim then told her mother about the abuse.
When the mother was questioned by detectives, she stated that the victim had stayed the night with Rapp on several occasions. She also stated that there had been an incident approximately two years ago where Rapp slapped the victim on the butt in a flirtatious manner; however, she stated that she did not think anything of it at the time.
The victim told investigators that it started when Rapp told her he would give her a candy bar if she would do something for him in return.
According to reports, the abuse took place in the Rapp’s home and his warehouse.
The victim stated that Rapp would take her to his warehouse, where she would pose nude in various positions for him. She stated that on one occasion, she sat on Rapp’s lap while he watched pornography on the popular website, PornHub.
According to reports, during the incident, Rapp digitally penetrated the victim.
Detectives stated that Rapp also rubbed his penis on the victim’s vagina.
The victim told detectives that Rapp used a small black camera to take photos of her and that, she believed he kept it in a filing cabinet inside his warehouse.
After obtaining a search warrant, detectives found the camera and multiple thumb drives, which contained images of the victim.
Rapp was charged with Sexual Assault on a Victim Under 18, and Possession of Child Pornography (x 11).
He is being held without bond. Rapp’s next court date is scheduled for September 20, 2016.
Even though detectives found physical evidence that Rapp had sexually abused the victim, he has denied any wrongdoing.
Rapp’s relationship to the mother or the victim was not disclosed.
If you have information about other children Rapp may have been in contact with, contact 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.
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed a travel-related case of Zika in Marion County.
The case was confirmed after the person returned from the Dominican Republic and was seen by a local doctor’s office.
This makes 35 counties in Florida with travel-related Zika cases and Marion County is now considered part of the Declaration of Public Health Emergency.
Officials would not confirm any information about the infected individual.
According to Tallahassee health officials, Florida now has 30 non-travel related and 440 travel-related cases.
Many people infected with Zika virus do not get sick. Among those who do develop symptoms, sickness is usually mild, with symptoms that last for several days to a week. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis for a few weeks to several months. Current CDC research suggests that GBS is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with recent Zika virus infection get GBS. Most people fully recover from GBS, but some have permanent damage.
Researchers say that Zika can also cause a birth defect known as microcephaly. In Florida, there are 59 cases of Zika involving pregnant women.
Even though people infected with Zika virus do not usually feel sick, if a mosquito bites an infected person while the virus is still in that person’s blood, it can still spread the virus by biting another person. Even if a person does not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from other countries should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so that they do not spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes.
Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, so travelers are encouraged to use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection), or do not have sex.
The CDC said, “Individuals who traveled outside the U.S should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after travel to prevent infecting their partner.”
The following list of infected areas was provided by the CDC. This list includes international and U.S territories.
Cape Verde and Mexico
The Caribbean
Currently includes: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a US territory, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.
Central America
Currently includes: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
The Pacific Islands
Currently includes: American Samoa, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga.
South America
Currently includes: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
According to the CDC, there is no vaccine or medications to treat Zika.
Marion County — A woman snapped pictures of a mother bear and her cubs as they played right outside her door.
Charlene D. said that she was inside her home when she heard loud noises outside.
“At first I thought it was an intruder,” Charlene said.
However, the noises were not from an intruder at all.
Charlene said, “When I looked outside, I saw a mama bear and her two cubs playing in a shed that my husband and I are having removed. So, I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few pictures.”
Charlene said that she was not scared and enjoyed seeing the nature in her backyard.
“We recently moved from a congested city and purchased a home in Marion County. Our home backs up to the Ocala National Forest and I welcome the change of scenery,” Charlene said. She went on to say, “The bears were here first and this is their home. I am sure as long as I do not bother them there will not be any problems.”
She said, “The bears played for a while and then went about their business.”
Ocala, Florida — Good news for those who shop at ALDI.
ALDI is opening a new store in Ocala. The new store will be located on State Road 200, near On Top of the World.
Dave Rinaldo, ALDI Haines City Division Vice President, said, “We anticipate that the upcoming ALDI store location in Ocala will open this winter. We’re looking forward to serving the community and will share more details regarding the Grand Opening once available.”
From time to time, ALDI hosts in-person hiring events to hire for its stores.
Scheduled hiring events:
August 18, 2016, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and August 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: College of Central Florida – Ewers Century Center – Klein Center A- 3001 Southwest College Road, 34471.
Job seeking readers can also visit the ALDI website – http://aldistorejobs.com/events – to find out the latest hiring event information near them.
Rinaldo said that ALDI streamlines its approach to staffing, creating cost-saving efficiencies that are passed onto customers.
Customers save an average of 50 percent on their groceries.
Each store employs approximately 10 to 20 people.
“As an employer of choice, ALDI has a strong track record of paying our employees market-leading wages and offering them benefits well above minimum wage requirements. In fact, we offer our employees generous compensation that is higher than other grocery retailers in the market. Part-time staff working at least 25 hours per week also receive full health insurance benefits and dental coverage, and all ALDI employees are invited to participate in our 401(k) program,” said Rinaldo.
Available positions will vary based on the needs of the individual store, and the pay scale is based on the available position itself.
More information will be released as the Grand Opening date approaches.
In order from left to right – Chevy Stanley, 22, Ward Walker, 53, Corey Mills, 26, Adam Burns, 29, Seth Davis, 24, Samantha Kimmins, 23, and Jennifer Evans, 38, and David Brashears, 49.
[Last updated on August 11, 2016, at 11:30 p.m., to include the current booking photo for Corey Mills and a list of his previous charges. The arrest affidavit had Mills’ name spelled as Cory instead of Corey, therefore Mills’ previous charges were not displayed during the initial investigation by OP.]
Ocala, Florida — Eight people were arrested Tuesday after Ocala police responded to a call for service and discovered a meth lab.
Agents with the United Drug Enforcement Strike Team were notified after police responded to 2426 Northeast 14th Street (Blue Skies Estates trailer park), and discovered that the residence was being used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Upon arrival, police found Chevy Stanley, 22, Ward Walker, 53, Corey Mills, 26, Adam Burns, 29, Seth Davis, 24, Samantha Kimmins, 23, and Jennifer Evans, 38, inside the trailer cooking and smoking meth.
According to reports, several officers were exposed to the harmful gases created from the cooking process. The officers had to be evacuated and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Once UDEST agents arrived, they entered and cleared the residence.
During the search, they found a man, later identified as David Brashears, 49, hiding in a back bedroom.
Agents also found uncapped needles, two active HCL generators, Gatorade bottles with meth residue, a bottle of meth oil (214 grams), one bottle of Drano crystals (sodium hydroxide), and three bottles of salt.
Stanley was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Violation of Probation, and Failure to Appear for Driving without a License.
Walker was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He has previous arrests for Possession of Cocaine, Violation of Probation, and Possession of a Narcotic without a Prescription (x3).
Mills was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He has previous arrests for Driving without a Valid License, Battery (x3), Burglary, Petit Theft, Violation of Probation, Possession of Marijuana, Contempt of Court, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Felony Battery, and Domestic Battery by Strangulation.
Burns was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He has previous arrests for Petit Theft, Burglary, and Criminal Mischief.
Davis was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He has previous arrests for Criminal Mischief, Driving while License Revoked (x2), Domestic Kidnapping-False Imprisonment, Domestic Battery, Contempt of Court-Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction, Retail Petit Theft (x2), False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer, Trespassing, Grand Theft Auto, and Violation of Probation.
Kimmins was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Violation of probation for Possession of Heroin. She had previous arrests for Battery, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Heroin, and Failure to Appear.
Evans was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. She has previous arrests for Domestic Aggravated Assault, and Domestic Battery.
Brashears was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He has previous arrests for Possession of Marijuana (x3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x4), Burglary, Organized Fraud, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property (x2), Violation of Probation (x4), Retail Petit Theft (x3), Trespassing, Failure to Appear, Resisting Arrest, Resisting a Merchant (x3), Felony Battery, Resisting Arrest with Violence, and Battery (x2).
As for the police officers, they are expected to make a full recovery.
Marion Oaks — Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Doody, and his trainee, Deputy O’Leary, responded to a Marion Oaks home in reference to a battery.
Corporal Doody met with a female victim who stated that Mackonenn Greenland, 30, had beaten her three children with a phone charger.
When the female told Greenland that she was going to call the police, he tackled her to the ground, took her cell phone, and began fighting with her. Greenland was on the front porch when the mother confronted him.
The mother screamed for help and a witness came to her aid.
Greenland then jumped up, threw the cell phone, and fled the area.
The witness told deputies that Greenland was on top of the victim, fighting her.
According to reports, the three children were playing on a bed, and when they fell off, Greenland became angry and struck the children with a phone charger.
Corporal Doody noted that the children had fresh, visible welts consistent with being hit with a phone charger cord.
The next day, Corporal Doody made contact with the victim, who stated that Greenland had returned to the residence. Corporal Doody then responded to the residence and made contact with the suspect.
Greenland stated, “I’m not going down without a fight. The cops are gonna’ to have to shoot me.”
Greenland was also in possession of a knife.
At that time, all there were three children inside the home with Greenalnd.
Corporal Doody called for backup, and after several attempts, Greenland finally exited the residence.
He was arrested and charged with Cruelty Toward a Child-Aggravated Child Abuse (x3), Domestic Battery, and Obstructing Justice-Intimidating, Threatening a Victim or Witness.
Greenland is being held on a $5,000 bond.
He has a Previous arrest for Failure to Pay Child Support.
Wildwood, Florida – Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Squad conducted an “In-Call” Escort/Prostitution sting at the Sleep Inn Motel, located at 1224 South Main Street.
During the sting, an undercover female officer posed as an escort.
Investigators said they placed an ad with sexually suggestive photos on, www.backpage.com, under the “Adult Escorts” section and that, it was not long before someone responded.
According to reports, Dr. Peter James Mulhern responded to the ad via text message and indicated that he wanted to meet the “escort” at the aforementioned hotel.
When Mulhern arrived, he engaged in conversation with the “escort” and agreed to pay her $300 for sex.
Mulhern had no idea that investigators were monitoring the conversation from the motel room next door.
Once Mulhern agreed on a price, investigators stormed the room and arrested him.
Mulhern was charged with Procure for Prostitute-Solicit Another for Lewdness.
He was released on a $1,000 bond.
We want to hear from you. Do you think prostitution should be illegal? Should law enforcement agencies be banned from performing this type of entrapment/sting?
Marion County — Former Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair withdrew his candidacy for re-election.
In a letter to Supervisor of Elections, Welsley Wilcox, Blair wrote, “Having duly qualified for election for the office of Sheriff of Marion County, in the Republican Primary and General Elections of 2016, I hereby immediately and irrevocably withdraw my candidacy for the office of Sheriff of Marion County.”
In addition to the letter Blair wrote to Wilcox, he wrote Gov. Rick Scott and stated that he was formally resigning as sheriff.
Dropping out of the race was part of a deal that Blair made with the State Attorney’s Office.
The deal, a Deferred Prosecution Agreement, states that Blair would drop out of the “race” for sheriff if the SAO would agree not to peruse charges against Blair. Additionally, Blair made a deal that would allow him to collect his pension from the state retirement system. Essentially, this deal means that all charges will be dropped and that, Blair will not have to serve any jail time.
On May 20, 2016, the State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial District indicted Sheriff Chris Blair for two counts of Perjury in an official proceeding and one count of Official Misconduct.
In a press release, Sheriff Emery Gainey wrote, “Today the former sheriff made the best decision for the citizens of Marion County and the employees of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office: to resign from the Office of the Sheriff and to withdraw from the upcoming sheriff’s election.”
Blair was also being investigation for the Kiosk program he created. A program which he swore no tax dollars were used.
“The investigation into the Kiosk program has revealed very significant and disturbing information about the procurement process of this product, including the use of public monies and receipt of payment by a former senior staff member from a vendor involved in this venture. I purposefully chose to remain silent when I ordered the removal of these kiosks from various businesses and governmental locations on July 15, to allow sufficient time for the investigation to be concluded. With the release of the findings today, it should be obvious why I took such immediate action on behalf of our business partners and this agency,” Sheriff Gainey said.
Blair said that he does not admit or deny the allegation, but that the agreement with the SAO was in his best interest.
“The agreement is made in my own best interest and enables me to dispose of the charges without risk of conviction and sentence.”
Blair will never be able to run for sheriff in the Fifth Judicial District. Also, he will not be able to have his arrest record expunged.
Read more about the Kiosk investigation, which includes exclusive information that was provided to Ocala Post.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is coming to Ocala and is currently accepting applications for the new store set up. Those hired will be considered for permanent positions once the store is open.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will be located at 3101 Southwest 34th Avenue, #500. The corner of Southwest College Road and 34th Avenue, across from Paddock Mall (the old Publix building).
According to an Ollie’s spokesperson, the store is scheduled to open on September 14, 2016. They said that real estate agents are still working out the details.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is one of America’s largest retailers of closeouts, excess inventory, and salvage merchandise.
The first store opened in Mechanicsburg, PA, on July 29, 1982. In February 2011, Ollie’s opened a new state-of-the-art distribution center in York, PA, followed by a second distribution center in 2014, located in Atlanta, GA.
In 2015 the company became public. Today, Ollie’s has more than 200 stores.
The company is now hiring for all positions:
Full Time Hourly Positions – Department Managers, Head Cashiers
Part Time Hourly Positions – Sales Associates and Cashiers
Ollie’s offers all associates a generous associate discount.
Other benefits, such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and Paid Time Off, is offered based on position.
Ollie’s is a growing company that offers many opportunities for advancement.
A woman arrived home Wednesday to find four Police Officers searching the inside of her house.
The woman said the officers were “acting like lunatics.”
She said she was embarrassed because the officers had even searched through her drawers and saw her Scooby-Doo underwear.
The woman said, “They checked the air conditioner vents, inside the oven, and the bed mattress… tearing it apart.”
The woman said that she asked the officers if they had a search warrant and they just laughed.
One officer asked, “Where did you hide it?”
The woman replied, “hide what?”
Then, all of a sudden an officer looked at his mobile phone and screamed to the other officers, “Stop what you are doing, we are in the wrong house. The Pokémon is next door.”
If we had you going you should probably share. Just a little humor for your day.
This story is for comedic purposes only. If this story offended you, you might have a problem. Ocala Post is sure this story will eventually pop up on the credible website Snopes (insert sarcasm), just to prove to someone it’s a fake story. Ocala Post is NOT a satirical news website, but sometimes it is good to laugh. Please Pokémon responsibly.
