Ocala Post (Ocala News) - Archive

Women attacked near downtown square, one robbed

Ocala Post

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March 30, 2016

Ocala, Florida — Ocala police are searching for two black females who brutally attacked at least three women near the downtown square on Friday, March 25, 2016. One of the victims was robbed during the attack.

When police arrived on the scene they saw a white female (victim one) lying in the southbound lane of Southwest 1st Avenue, unconscious.

A second victim told police that she and her friends, including victim one, had just left a bachelorette party and were about to enter their vehicle when they were attacked by two black females.

According to reports, a silver Audi that was headed northbound on Southwest 1st Avenue, pulled up and two unknown black females jumped out of the car. One of them then attacked victim one. The victim was repeatedly punched until she fell to the ground. The other black female then stood over the victim and continually kicked her until she was unconscious.

A third victim said she was knocked to the ground, at which time her knee slammed into the pavement. The black female who attacked her then stole her cell phone and wallet. The wallet was later recovered from behind Brother’s Keepers, but all of the victim’s cash had been stolen. The amount of cash was not disclosed.

Investigators said that a witness, who was not identified, recorded a portion of the attack with his cell phone. OPD investigators are currently analyzing that video to see if they can identify any of the suspects.

According to reports, the victims did not know their attackers.

Victim one was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Authorities said she sustained multiple bruises to both sides of her face, around her eyes, and had multiple scrapes and bruises on her arms and back.

Once the victim regained consciousness, due to the beating, she could not remember what had happened to her.

If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

Man arrested for DUI, DCF investigators now involved

Ocala Post

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March 29, 2016

1

ocala news, marion county news, dui, dcf — Denver Patterson

Ocala, Florida — A man arrested for DUI is now facing a Department of Children and Families investigation.

Denver D. Patterson, 29, was stopped by a Marion County sheriff’s deputy after he crossed over the double yellow line while heading eastbound on Northeast 35th Street. Patterson veered into oncoming traffic and nearly struck another vehicle head-on.

When the deputy approached the vehicle he could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle. However, it was who the deputy found as a passenger in the vehicle that had him concerned the most.

According to reports, Patterson had a 6-year-old child in the car with him.

Patterson, who does not have a valid driver’s license, failed all of his roadside sobriety tests. He also refused to take a breathalyzer test.

The license plate that was on the vehicle that Patterson was driving was also invalid.

The deputy reported that Patterson’s speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. When asked how much he had to drink, Patterson replied, “Two beers.”

Patterson was arrested and charged with DUI with a Person Under 18 and Driving without a License. Additionally, he received a citation for Driving without a License Plate.

He was released on a $1,500 bond.

The juvenile was “shaken,” but did not suffer any injuries.

DCF was notified and they are looking into the matter.

Teen dies from gunshot wound, investigation underway

Ocala Post

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March 29, 2016

18

Teen dies from gunshot wound, investigation underway

shooting, ocala news, marion county news, shooting, — Altwan E. Crim [deceased]

Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at Greenfield’s Apartments on Monday.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., 911 operators received a call in reference to shooting at 2950 Southeast 53rd Court, Ocala.

Deputies were the first to arrive on the scene. Upon arrival, they found that Altwan E. Crim, 18, had been shot.

Marion County Fire Rescue arrived a short time later, at which time they pronounced Crim deceased.

Sources indicated that Crim had been shot in the head. MCSO Investigators stated that the shooting is an active investigation and further details surrounding the shooting would not be released at this time.

More information will be released as it comes in.

Ocala police officer arrested; getting “high” and playing video games while on duty

Ocala Post

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March 29, 2016

9

ocala news, marion ocunty news, police officer arrested, opd officer arrested — Former Ocala Police Officer Jeffrey Hall

Ocala, Florida — An Ocala Police Department police officer was arrested after officials received a tip that the officer had been smoking marijuana while on duty.

On March 17, 2016, OPD received information which suggested that, now former police officer, Jeffrey P. Hall, 26, had been smoking marijuana while on duty. The tipster stated that Officer Hall had been smoking marijuana with Christian Cornell, 27, who lives in a travel trailer, located at West SR-40, lot 44.

According to reports, Hall visited the trailer regularly.

After receiving the information, OPD Lieutenant Greg Martin made the decision to install hidden cameras near the RV park where the trailer was located. Investigators stated that Hall was recorded visiting the trailer 13 times.

Each time Hall visited the trailer, he arrived in his marked patrol vehicle and was dressed in full uniform.

Investigators reported that the travel trailer had aluminum foil covering the windows which prevented them from seeing inside. However, on one occasion, Hall arrived with a woman, later identified as Allie Smith, 23, at which time the front door to the trailer was left open. Investigators said that they could see inside and that it appeared Hall was playing video games with Cornell. Hall was on duty and actively working calls for service.

While conducting surveillance, investigators made the decision to move in on the trailer.

Lieutenant Martin stated that when he approached the trailer he could smell burning marijuana emitting from inside. Major Michael Balken made contact with Officer Hall as he was attempting to leave in his patrol car. After Hall exited his vehicle, Major Balken relinquished him of his car keys. Hall was then suspended and driven home.

A search of Hall’s Patrol car turned up a plastic container in the center console that contained a black canvas bag. Inside the canvas bag was an electrical smoking device and a small white piece of paper with a brown crystal-like substance on it. That substance later tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) in a non-plant form. Investigators also found a plastic bin that contained a bag of marijuana, rolling papers, and loose marijuana. A separate black bag also contained an additional bag of marijuana and roach clips. A loose burned marijuana cigarette was found in a plastic container inside the trunk.

Hall was arrested and charged with Possession of a Scheduled 1 Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Hall was released from jail on a $2,750 bond.

Wife shoots and kills her husband during domestic dispute

Ocala Post

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March 23, 2016

9

domestic disturbance, ocala news, marion county news, shooting — Mark Penland [left] and Michelle Dinkins-Penland.

Ocala, Florida — A man who was shot by his wife Tuesday night died at a local hospital.

The man has been identified as Mark Penland, 53.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Mark’s wife, Michelle Dinkins-Penland, 44, shot her husband Tuesday just after 9 p.m.

The call had originally been dispatched as a domestic disturbance involving battery, but while deputies were en route, the call was upgraded to a shooting.

The shooting took place at 8311 Southeast 16th Terrace, Ocala.

Mark was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

Major crimes detectives stated that the two were arguing and then shots were fired. According to investigators, Michelle showed signs of bruising that would suggest a physical fight had taken place between the two. However, the specifics of the argument have not been released.

According to the sheriff’s office, there was also a juvenile inside the home at the time of the shooting. That juvenile was not injured.

“Upon completion of the investigation, this case will go to the State Attorney’s Office for review,” said Marion County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Public Information Officer, Lauren Lettelier.

No charges have been filed against the wife at this time.

Wanted fugitive captured in Ocala

Local News

Ocala Post

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March 22, 2016

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ocala news, marion county news, Pennsylvania, wanted — William Wyland

Ocala, Florida — A wanted fugitive from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was arrested after Ocala police found him sleeping behind a business located on South Magnolia Avenue.

According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, William H. Wyland, 34, was wanted on charges of Aggravated Assault, Retail Theft, and Violation of Parole.

On May 4, 2015, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole made the decision to recommit Wyland. He was scheduled to serve an additional six months in prison for parole violations.

Officials said that he changed his residence without permission and failed report to his parole officer after he was released from prison.

According to reports, Wyland fled to Florida before he could be apprehended and had been on the run for several months.

Wyland was extradited back to Pennsylvania on March 22.

Temporary lane closure, expect delays

Ocala Post

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March 22, 2016

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Ocala, Florida – on March 23, motorists traveling along Southeast 36th Avenue — between the intersections of Southeast Highway 484 and Southeast 95th Street — will experience a temporary lane closure from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The closure is due to utility work.

Motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible.

Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the work schedule. For more information, contact the Office of the County Engineer at 352-671-8686.

Man found dead; police say death was a homicide

Ocala Post

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March 22, 2016

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suspicios death, ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, man found dead — Quilla Donerson [Deceased]

[Last updated on March 22, 2016, at 7:24 p.m.]

Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is still asking for the public’s help with a suspicious death investigation.

Detectives say that on March 20, at approximately 10:17 a.m., officers responded to 1982 Northwest 22nd Street in reference to a dead body.

According to reports, when police arrived they found Quilla Donerson, 33, deceased.

Major crimes detectives originally said that Donerson’s death was considered suspicious, but on March 22, investigators upgraded the suspicious death to a homicide

An autopsy was completed, but the cause of death has not been released.

If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call Detective D. Todd at 352-789-8949, the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

Human remains identified as Silver Springs Shores man

Ocala Post

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March 17, 2016

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ocala news, human remains, skeletal remains, marion county news — Jeffery Keith [Deceased]

Ocala, Florida — Human remains found on March 7, 2016, near Silver Springs Shores have been identified.

The Medical Examiners officer confirmed that the remains are that of Jeffery Keith, 46. Authorities say Keith went missing on April 4, 2015.

Before Keith went missing, he made statements to his family that had them concerned for his well-being.

When Keith went missing, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified. Members from MCSO Patrol, MCSO’s Field Force team, MCSO’s Aviation Unit, MCSO’s Underwater Recovery team, the Department of Corrections, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Emergency Management, Marion County Search, and Rescue and other departments/agencies participated in the search for Keith.

Reports indicated that 86 individuals were involved in the search and 467 hours were spent searching for Keith.

The Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Keith’s cause of death was suicide.

Keith’s remains were found in a heavily wooded area, a little over two miles from the residence he was last seen.

Quick-thinking family keeps boy from bringing rifle to school

Ocala Post

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March 17, 2016

11

Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is still investigating an incident in which a 13-year-old boy attempted to bring an AR-15 assault rifle to school.

Officials say that the boy was confronted by his father when he noticed that his son was “acting strange” while getting ready for school.

According to the boy’s grandfather, the boy was walking around the house with an “awkward form.”

The grandfather stated that he and the father had a feeling that the boy was trying to conceal something large under his clothes.

According to reports, when the father and grandfather confronted the boy, they discovered that he was hiding the AR-15. The father then searched the boy’s backpack and found a single loaded magazine.

Officials stated that the boy had planned on taking the assault rifle to Howard Middle school. The boy stated that several students at the school were bothering him and he wanted to take care of it.

The father took immediate action and transported the boy to a local mental health facility.

The boy’s name has not been released at this time and nor charges have been filed.

The investigation is ongoing.

Woman arrested for sudden snatching

Ocala Post

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March 14, 2016

2

ocala news, marion county news, sudden snatching, grand theft — Tyeshia Swain

Ocala, Florida — A woman was arrested after she snatched a necklace from a victim while she was shopping in a CD store, located at 1943 West Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite A.

Police said that Tyeshia Swain, 30, approached the victim, struck her in the chest, and snatched a gold ruby necklace from the victim’s neck. The necklace was valued at approximately $1,000.

According to reports, Swain then jumped in a car and fled the area. The victim, who also left the store, followed Swain.

Police made contact with Swain, but she immediately requested a lawyer and refused to cooperate.

Police stated that witnesses were able to corroborate the victim’s story.

Police said the necklace was not recovered.

Swain was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Simple Battery. She was released on a $3,000 bond.

If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

Woman arrested for hitting juveniles with a cooking pot

Ocala Post

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March 14, 2016

12

child abuse, ocala news, marion county news, — Monica Emanuel

Ocala, Florida — Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an Ocala woman after an anonymous caller reported that two children had been hit with a cooking pot.

Authorities responded to Northwest Gainesville Road and made contact with the two juvenile victims.

According to reports, the juveniles stated that, Monica Emanuel, 37, was on the couch and had instructed them to clean the house.

An eye witness stated that when the juveniles refused, Emanuel instructed the witness to retrieve a cooking pot from the kitchen. Emanuel then took the cooking pot and struck one of the juveniles on the hand and the other on the head.

Emanuel told deputies that she was on the couch and had told the juveniles to clean. She said she became angry when they refused and struck them with a cooking pot.

“I will not have them disrespect me when I tell them to clean the house,” Emanuel told deputies.

Emanuel was charged with two counts of Domestic Child Abuse. She is being held on a $2,000 bond.

She has previous arrests for Battery and Domestic Violence.

Woman, 69, injured in house fire

Ocala Post

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March 10, 2016

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Ocklawha, Florida — An Ocklawaha woman was transported to a hospital Thursday after she was injured in a mobile home fire.

At approximately 7:13 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue units responded to a residential fire, located at 7550 Southeast 183rd Avenue Road, Ocklawaha.

Engine 4, Rescue 4, and District Captain 2 arrived on scene at 7:22 a.m. to find the double-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames.

Article continued below

The 69-year-old occupant had already escaped the flames by the time units arrived.

She was treated on scene for her injuries and immediately transported to a local hospital as a “trauma alert”.

Fire crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

The mobile home, which had additional structures built on with an additional roof over the entire structure, was a complete loss.

According to a press release, 15 units and 30 firefighters were dedicated to this fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Units on Scene included E4, R4, DC2, E6, E27, R27, T6, T27, T15, D101, STFM, G27, A104, E26, and T626.

No firefighters were injured while extinguishing the fire.

Attempted abduction in Davenport

Florida

Ocala Post

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March 9, 2016

1

At approximately 4:10 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2016, an 11-year-old girl got off her bus at her bus stop, located at Thousand Oaks Blvd and Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport, and began walking eastbound on the sidewalk along Ronald Reagan Parkway towards her neighborhood.

A short time later, a car traveling westbound pulled up alongside her.

The car is described as a 2000-model white four-door with tinted windows, black rims, and a black back bumper.

The passenger in the car is described as a white male in his late 40s to early 50s, with short hair and a salt-and-pepper goatee, and a sunburned or red complexion, wearing a dark green T-shirt with orange lettering on the front.

According to reports, the passenger said, “Your mom is in the hospital, and she sent us to get you.”

The girl immediately began running down the sidewalk.

The car made a U-turn and fled westbound on Ronald Reagan Parkway.

The girl reported the incident to her mother, who called the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

If anyone has information about this incident, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200, or to remain anonymous, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

The investigation is ongoing.

Marion County sales tax initiative

Ocala Post

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March 9, 2016

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Ocala, Florida — Official Press Release – On March 10, Marion County residents will have another opportunity to learn about the county’s sales tax initiative before casting their vote during the upcoming presidential primary. County Commission Chairman Kathy Bryant will host two informational sessions, as follows:

Sales Tax Informational Meetings

March 10
Morning session: 10 a.m.
Evening session: 6 p.m.

Location: McPherson Governmental Complex – Commission Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.

All registered Marion County voters, regardless of party/no party affiliation, will be able to vote in the March 15 presidential preference primary. If passed, the temporary tax would be levied over a period of four years, starting on Jan. 1, 2017 and ending on Dec. 31, 2020. Revenue would only fund specified public safety equipment needs for law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services, as well as transportation capital and road rehabilitation projects. Per state statute, revenue cannot fund staff salaries and operational expenses. Municipalities (Belleview, Dunnellon, Ocala, McIntosh and Reddick) would receive a portion of the revenue according to a state formula based on population. It is estimated that visitors to Marion County would contribute about 30 percent of the sales tax revenue.

On December 1, 2015, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved putting the sales tax option before county voters in the March ballot. The decision came on the heels of a lengthy economic recession that left many in our community unemployed or with reduced income. In a span of just six years, property values had dropped by 38 percent. With this decline in property values, county government also saw a decrease in property tax revenue, which is what funds much of the budget for county services.

For more information about the sales tax informational meetings, please call 352-438-2300 or visit www.MarionCountyFL.org/SalesTaxInitiative. An informational packet about the sales tax is available here: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=9710.

How will you vote?

Human remains identified

Ocala Post

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March 9, 2016

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body identified, body found, human remains, ocala national forest, ocala news, marion county news — Thomas Lombardo [Deceased]

Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the human remains found in a shallow grave on Friday, March 4, were identified as a man who was reported missing in January.

The body was found in the Ocala National Forest off of Forrest Road 50.

According to a press release, Thomas Lombardo, 44, was reported missing to the Ocala Police Department by his mother, Christine Stern, on January 25. She told police that she had last seen him on January 14.

According to Stern, she had arranged for Lombardo to move from Melbourne to Ocala. He was scheduled to arrive on January 18.

Stern told authorities that she had texted him on January 17, but he never wrote her back.

Lombardo was identified through fingerprint examination.

His death has been classified as suspicious.

Anyone with information can call Detective Felix Rodriguez at 369-3508, 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.

Former game show host, Bob Barker, helps local animal sanctuary

Ocala Post

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March 8, 2016

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Former game show host, Bob Barker, helps local animal sanctuary

bob barker, DJ&T foundation, ocala news, marion county news, Forest Animal Rescue — Zulu, the tiger that inspired us to start the sanctuary in 1998 [bottom left] and Bob Barker with his dog Federico

Ocala, Florida — Forest Animal Rescue will immediately start construction on the Bob Barker Animal Care Building, thanks to a generous $100,000 grant from the former game show host himself. The grant comes from Barker through the DJ&T foundation. The DJ&T Foundation was named after Barker’s late wife, Dorothy Jo, and his mother, Tilly.

The building will cost approximately $250,000 and Barker’s grant will set the project in motion.

The construction of this building will ensure that the high standards of veterinary and nutritional care for the animals at the sanctuary continue.

Forest Animal Rescue is making substantial progress toward completion of a state-of-the-art animal sanctuary in the Ocala National Forest. Now, in addition to providing lifetime care for over 100 non-releasable wild animals, that would have otherwise been euthanized, Forest Animal Rescue is also rehabilitating orphaned black bear cubs for release into the wild.

Barker is helping to take Forest Animal Rescue’s newest program to the next level.

Forest Animal Rescue successfully launched their black bear cub rehabilitation and release program in 2015. Working with wildlife officials in Louisiana and Florida, they started the program to assist with the nurturing of orphaned black bear cubs until they are ready to be released back into their native habitat.

However, while congratulations is in order, the $100,000 will only start the project. Forest Animal Rescue is seeking community support to raise the balance of the funding needed for the Animal Care Building.

If you would like to help with the remaining $150,000, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Forest Animal Rescue, 640 Northeast 170th Court, Silver Springs, FL, 34488, or made online at http://ForestAnimalRescue.org .

Guided tours are available for up to four people at a time, twice a month, and can be reserved on the website. For more information, call 352-625-7377, or email info@forestanimalrescue.org.

Human remains identified as a male

Ocala Post

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March 7, 2016

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Ocala, Florida — The Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that the human remains found in the Ocala National Forest on Thursday, March 3, are that of a male.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, they received a tip on Thursday that a body was buried in the Ocala National Forest in an area off of Forest Road 50.

Major Crimes detectives, evidence technicians, the Ocala Police Department, and the Medical Examiner’s Office, responded to the area on Friday. It was at that time officials discovered a body in a shallow grave.

The identity of the male has not been determined and the cause of death is still under investigation.

Suspects kidnapped, beat, and raped a female juvenile

Ocala Post

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March 3, 2016

16

Suspects kidnapped, beat, and raped a female juvenile

rape, aggravated assault, ocala news, marion county news, sexual assault, beating — Brian Constant [left], Thomas Fort [Center], and Raeqwon Munnerlyn [Corrected photos]

[Last updated on March 3, 2016, at 9:28 p.m.]

Ocklawaha, Florida — Three suspects have now been arrested after a female juvenile victim reported that she was raped and “stuffed” into the trunk of a car.

On January 18, 2016, Marion County sheriff’s investigators responded to UF Health Shands Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to meet with the juvenile victim in regards to a possible rape.

The juvenile stated that she and another victim were picked up in a car by Thomas Lamont Fort, 19, along with at least three other males.

According to reports, the victims were then driven to a residence located in Silver Springs Shores. Once there, Lamont had the victims walk with him. The victims stated that she recognized the residence as “Raeqwon’s residence” and they both returned to the vehicle because they did not want to be there.

A short time later, a group of males approached the victims with guns and asked “if they thought it was a game.”

“Raeqwon” then began to beat the juvenile victim and instructed the other males to “do what they wanted with her.” The suspects then began to beat both victims.

According to reports, the juvenile victim ran, but was followed by a masked suspect. The suspect ordered her to return to the vehicle or she would be shot. The juvenile victim was then beaten and forced into the trunk of the car. The juvenile told investigators that she was “smashed over the head with a drinking glass” and that the suspects poured bleach onto her body. The trunk was then slammed shut.

According to the juvenile, while she was in the trunk she heard several gunshots. The juvenile stated that she heard one of the suspects say that the other victim had gotten away and asked what they should do.

Investigators said the juvenile victim was able to open the trunk from the inside, but was struck over the head with a glass a second time.

Investigators stated that the juvenile was in the bleach-soaked trunk for approximately 15 minutes before she was able to push out the rear seat of the vehicle in an attempt to breathe in fresh air. The suspects then began to kick the victim in the head and struck her multiple times.

The suspects then transported the juvenile victim to an area located in Ocklawaha.

Once they arrived, the victim, with a gun to her head, was stripped of her clothing. One of the suspects then placed a shirt over her face, at which time three suspects took turns raping the victim.

The victim was also robbed.

On March 1, 2016, MCSO investigators arrested Fort. He was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, False Imprisonment, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and First-Degree Sexual Battery. He is being held on a $130,000 bond.

Brian Constant, 27, and Raeqwon Emmanuel Munnerlyn, 19, were also arrested.

Munnerlyn was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery with a Firearm, Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, False Imprisonment, Battery, and Violation of Probation for Home Invasion Armed Robbery. He is being held without bond

Contanst was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Both Munnerlyn and Constant were arrested in January.

MCSO investigators are waiting on DNA test results to determine if any other suspects were involved.

According to MCSO, other unidentified females could have taken part in beating the two victims.

Deputy resigns, another under investigation, FBI now involved

Ocala Post

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February 25, 2016

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mcos, police corruption, ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, use of force — Eduardo Bustamante [left] and Sergeant Ben Adams

[Last updated on February 25, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.]

Ocala, Florida — The State Attorney’s Office has completed an extensive investigation into cases involving former Marion County sheriff’s deputy Eduardo Bustamante.

The investigation involved multiple use-of-force complaints and falsified arrest reports.

In one of the alleged use-of-force cases, Bustamante was accompanied by Sergeant Ben Adams. MCSO said that Sergeant Adams will now face an Internal Affairs Investigation to determine if he himself did anything wrong. It should be noted that Sergeant Adams is not suspected of any wrongdoing at this time.

According to a document written by State Attorney Brad King, the State Attorney’s Office cannot accept any of Bustamante’s testimony in criminal cases…18 to be exact.

King wrote, “While the vast majority of law enforcement officers are honest, trustworthy individuals who do hard, and often dangerous work, we cannot ignore the fact that there have now been over a dozen Marion County deputy sheriff’s who have been convicted, indicted, fired, demoted, suspended, or are currently under investigation for actions that involve, in part or in whole, false reports or testimony.”

The State Attorney’s Office provided a copy of the findings to MCSO and the FBI.

According to the report, “any cases where Deputy Bustamante’s testimony in not substantiated by independent evidence” will be dropped, and no further cases involving Bustamante will be accepted.

In a press release, Sheriff Chris Blair said, “Of the dozen MCSO employees that have been involved in some form of trouble for providing some sort of false information, it is important to note that nearly all of those cases (9 of the 12) were self discovered by the MCSO through our customary case review process and nearly half of those individuals came from a single case. Moreover, in each of those cases which we discovered any employee misconduct it was the MCSO that brought the matter to the public’s attention and took swift disciplinary action on the deputies involved.

Prosecutors said they are also concerned about the fact that some of the use-of-force complaints, and other problems with Bustamante’s behavior, never made it into the deputy’s personnel file.

MCSO said that they were not aware that Bustamante was being investigated by the FBI, but Chief Assistant State Attorney Ric Ridgway said that the FBI contacted MCSO two separate times and notified them that Bustamante was under investigation for the use of excessive force. Ridgway also said that MCSO was aware that the State Attorney’s Office was reviewing Bustamante’s file.

“We subpoenaed Deputy Bustamante’s personnel file, and all of his videos in November,” Ridgway said.

Blair said, “I am extremely disappointed and disheartened to receive information in reference to former Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Eduardo Bustamante from the State Attorney’s Office. As it was mentioned by State Attorney Brad King in his statement, “the vast majority of law enforcement officers are honest, trustworthy individuals who do hard and
often dangerous work.”

Bustamante has since resigned.

The FBI will now be looking into the cases.

You can view the full report from the State Attorney’s Office here.

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth