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.
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.
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, Florida — Two Marion County sheriff’s deputies resigned following an internal affairs investigation.
On Tuesday, January 19, members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Administration initiated an Internal Affairs Investigation in regards to allegations that former MCSO deputy, Kimberly Bray, was using cocaine.
According to a press release, it was reported by another deputy that Bray had used illegal narcotics while at a party at former MCSO deputy, Beth Billings’, residence in September of 2015.
According to MCSO, an Internal Investigation was immediately launched.
On January 20, Bray was advised of a pending investigation and was then asked to take a drug test.
Upon being asked, Bray immediately resigned from her position as a patrol deputy at the MCSO.
As the Internal Affairs Investigation continued, other MCSO employees were interviewed, including Billings.
On Monday, February 22, the Internal Affairs report was concluded.
It was concluded that while attending the aforementioned party, Bray purchased cocaine and Billings was aware of the purchase. Not only was Billings aware of it, but she did not attempt to stop the transaction. Additionally, investigators were able to confirm that Billing not only did not take action, but she also suggested to Bray that she make the purchase through Billings’ nephew instead of drug dealers.
Billings resigned from her position as a patrol deputy on Monday, February 22.
“This type of behavior is completely unacceptable from individuals who has sworn to uphold the law and to serve and protect the citizens of Marion County,” said Sheriff Chris Blair. “However, we want to make sure that our employees know that if they are struggling with any kind of personal or emotional issues, we encourage you to seek help before your integrity becomes compromised. Our citizens deserve to be served by deputies who have high integrity and values.”
Mallory D. Moton [Deceased]Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police Department detectives are investigating a shooting death that occurred Wednesday night.
According to reports, at approximately 8:09 p.m., on February 17, officers responded to 1307 Northwest 12th Avenue in reference to a shooting.
When officers arrived, they located a black male, later identified as Mallory D. Moton, lying on the ground in front of the residence. He had suffered several gunshot wounds.
Officers on scene administered first aid to Moton until medics arrived.
Moton was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
This is an ongoing investigation.
If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call Detective Shawn Minucci at 352-369-7183, 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.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police Department detectives arrested a teenager after he admitted to shooting a 38-year-old man in the abdomen.
According to a press release, on February 14, officers responded to Laurel Park Apartments, located at 100 Northwest 23rd Place, in reference to a home invasion in which five unknown, armed, black males entered a home through a closed front door.
The suspects’ faces were covered and they attempted to speak with a Jamaican accent as they demanded money.
Police said the suspects fled after taking cash and a watch.
On February 15, Ocala police responded to a shooting at Laurel Park Apartments.
Upon arrival, officers located Christopher Shelton, the victim, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Shelton was transported to the hospital for medical attention.
Detective Hurst then responded to the hospital to interview Shelton.
During questioning, Shelton stated that on February 16, at approximately 5:21 p.m., he heard a knock on the front door. He said he opened the door and observed Brosnan Hart standing on the porch holding a gun.
According to reports, as Shelton attempted to close the door, the suspect fired the weapon, striking Shelton in the lower right portion of his abdomen.
During the investigation, it was reported that during the February 14 home invasion, one of the cloths used to cover the suspect’s face had fallen off.
That suspect was later identified as Brosnan P. Hart, 17.
Ocala Police Major Crimes Investigations and S.W.A.T. located Hart and arrested him without incident.
Detective David Rodriquez arrested Hart and charged him with Attempted Murder and Tampering With Physical Evidence.
Detective Dustin Todd later added the charges of Home Invasion Robbery with Weapon, Grand Theft, and Petit Theft.
Police were able to recover the weapon used during the shooting.
Hart stated that he went to Shelton’s home because he heard that Shelton had put “hit” on him for the February 14 home invasion. Hart wanted to “take out” Shelton first.
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is investigating a traffic crash that occurred at the intersection of Southwest 60th Avenue and Southwest 20th Street.
One person was killed in the crash.
According to a press release, a man slammed into the rear-end of a Chevy van, which then slammed into the back of a Toyota Sienna minivan.
The man driving the car was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released at this time.
Huma Ali, 31, who was driving the Chevy van, and her children, Zahneb Ali, 11, Zareena, 10, and Manahil Huma, 7,were trasported to West Marion Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Sarai V. Esparza, 25, who was driving the Toyota, and her two children, Santiago Lopez, 2, and Itzel Esparza, 3, refused medical treatment.
All occupants of the Chevy and Toyota were wearing their seat belts.
Ocala, Florida — Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash in the vicinity of the U-Haul Self Storage, located at 5555 South Pine Avenue, Ocala.
When Rescue 531 arrived on scene, crews found that a Honda had been involved in a collision with a farm tractor and its trailer.
The driver of the passenger vehicle was pinned in the wreckage and had to be extricated. Engine 16 and Engine 33 crews worked feverishly to perform the extrication, freeing the driver from the wreckage.
The driver was immediately transported to a local hospital as a “trauma alert.”
The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
More details will be released as they become available.
Ocala, Florida — On Tuesday, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Jose Rene Marrero, 42, for Aggravated Domestic Battery with the Use of a Deadly Weapon, Kidnapping/False Imprisonment and Resisting an Officer without Violence.
According to reports, MCSO deputies were dispatched to 5478 Northwest 62nd Place, in Ocala Park Estates in reference to a verbal disturbance.
The victim had called 911 and stated that Marrero was trying to kill her. The victim stated that he had attempted to stab her, but then left the residence. Marrero returned a short time later and made entry to the residence after he kicked the front door off the hinges.
When deputies arrived, Marrero was inside the residence holding a knife to a female victim’s throat.
Marrero made statements to deputies that he was going to kill the victim and took the victim into a bathroom located within the residence.
Deputies were able to breach the door and confirm the victim was alive, at which time began a dialogue with Marrero.
MCSO’s SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were then called to the location.
According to reports, MCSO Crisis Negotiators spoke with Marrero for approximately two hours and were eventually able to convince Marrero to release the victim.
Marrero surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.
In addition to the aforementioned charges, Marrero was also charged with Violation of Probation in for a prior domestic altercation.
Marrero wanted to kill the woman after she had asked him to leave her residence because he was abusive.
Marrero is being held without bond.
“Hostage situations are one of the toughest circumstances for law enforcement to handle. Many hours of training are put in by our dedicated employees to prepare for moments like this,” said Sheriff Chris Blair. “I am proud of the men and women of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in ensuring this incident had a peaceful resolution. I know that our citizens appreciate the great level of professionalism their deputies demonstrate each and every day.”
According to state records, Marrero plead guilty on February 3, to Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, but was not sentenced to jail time. Instead, he was sentenced to five years probation.
Ocala, Florida — A 33-year-old woman was arrested after she pushed someone down a flight of stairs and kicked police officers.
The Ocala Police Department was dispatched to the 900 block of 6th Terrace, in reference to someone that had possibly fallen and needed help.
Upon arrival, police learned that the victim had actually been pushed by Jesheare N. Davis.
According to reports, when police made contact with Davis she was both verbally and physically aggressive toward them.
Police stated that as they attempted to separate Davis from the victim, Davis pushed one of the police officers. Davis then attempted to go around police and advance toward the victim.
Due to Davis being so aggressive, she had to be handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car. After she spat at police, Davis stated that if they came near her she would kick them.
A short time later, Davis kicked one of the officers three times. Police attempted to secure Davis in a hobble restraint to prevent her from harming herself or someone else, but she was too aggressive.
According to reports, while Davis was in the back of the patrol car she attempted to kick out the windows. The decision was then made to transport her to the Marion County Jail.
Once at the jail, it took several officers to remove her from the patrol car. During the struggle, she kicked an officer in the stomach.
Davis was finally subdued and booked into the jail.
She was charged with Battery, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (x2), Resisting Arrest with Violence, and Simple Battery (x2).
Ocala, Florida — A Marion County sheriff’s deputy and an unidentified suspect were injured Wednesday night during a shooting at the Marathon gas station, located at 1940 SE 58th Ave, also known as Baseline Road.
At approximately 7:00 p.m., MCSO deputies were dispatched to the Marathon /Kanagroo Gas station in reference to an armed man.
According to a press release, when units arrived, a white male, later identified as Cristiaan Oliver Dubrino, 31, was observed getting in and out of a vehicle with two handguns in his possession.
When deputies made contact with Dubrino, he raised one of the handguns to his head. Deputies then began to negotiate with Dubrino, giving him multiple commands to put down his weapons, but he would not comply.
Dubrino then pointed the other handgun towards deputies and began firing as he was walking toward them. Deputies returned fire, and during the exchange, MCSO Patrol Sergeant Daniel Trammell sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Dubrino also suffered gunshot wounds. Both Sergeant Trammell and the man were transported to a local hospital.
According to MCSO, Sgt. Trammell was listed stable condition, and has since been released.
Dubrino, who was listed in critical condition, later died at the hospital.
At the request of Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair, this investigation has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Sheriff Blair said, “Our hearts all stopped when we heard that one of our own had been shot while on duty tonight. It’s never a phone call I ever want to receive.” Blair went on to say, “Sgt. Trammell is an outstanding member of our agency and we ask our community to send him their prayers and healing thoughts as he recovers. We will continue to work with the FDLE to ensure that a thorough, independent investigation is completed in regards to this incident.”
At this time, it is unclear if Dubrino had planned to rob the store.
Belleview, Florida — The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on U.S 301.
The crash involved a semi and GMC pick-up truck.
FHP said that , the driver of the GMC, Joseph Grzeca, 56, of Beverly Hills, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Marion County Fire Rescue HAZMAT team responded to the scene to contain fuel and hydraulic fluid that was spilling from the semi.
According to FHP, witnesses said the semi driver, Yordys Yanes Matos, 40, ran a red light and T-boned the GMC. The semi then overturned and caused the southbound lanes of 301 to be blocked due to wood chips that spilled onto the roadway.
FHP said northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 301 were closed for several hours.
Ocala, Florida — On Tuesday, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Marion County Airport in regards to a hang gliding accident.
According to reports, Tomas Banevicius, 40, was pronounced dead on the scene.
Banevicius was participating in a training session with U.S. Hang-Gliding Inc., a New York based company which was training in central Florida for the winter season.
Detectives with the Bureau of Special Investigations responded to the scene and conducted a death investigation and are actively working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to complete a thorough investigation into the incident.
Preliminary information indicates Banevicius was flying a hang glider being assisted by a power tow line system to build altitude. During Banevicius’ take off, witnesses advised Banevicius’ hang glider rotated right and then turned downwards, causing the hang glider to make impact into the ground.
Ocala, Florida — At approximately 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 30, Marion County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call referencing a strong armed robbery that had just occurred in the parking lot of the Walmart, located at 9570 SW Highway 200, Ocala.
According to a press release, A 79-year-old female victim stated she was putting items in the trunk of her car when the suspect, later identified as Antonette Florido, 44, approached her and suddenly snatched her purse from her shoulder.
After a short struggle, Florido was able to take the purse, which contained the victim’s wallet, cash, credit cards, and cell phone for a total loss of $500.
The victim said that she chased Florido and screamed for help.
Florido attempted to get into a white car and flee the parking lot when several bystanders intervened and attempted to get Florido out of the car.
Two citizens were struck by Florido’s vehicle when she backed up in an attempt to escape.
Florido eventually fled the scene, but citizens were able to get a description and a license plate number before she fled.
During the investigation, detectives obtained store surveillance video showing Florido filing her taxes at the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service kiosk located inside the Walmart.
The Jackson Hewitt employee said that Florido left after she found out she wasn’t getting any money back on her taxes. The employee was able to provide Florido’s identification and address for the investigation.
Detectives then responded to the area of Florido’s residence and located her nearby, cleaning out the car she used to commit the robbery.
Florido was positively identified by the witnesses on the scene. She was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
The victim’s purse and cell phone were found near the 7700th block of Southwest Highway 484. However, her credit cards and cash were not found.
Crack cocaine and several pipes were located in Florido’s purse.
Florido was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, two counts of Aggravated
Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of Cocaine and use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Florido denied being at the Walmart to file her taxes.
She told detectives that she had allowed a friend to borrow her car and when it was returned she found the cocaine and drug paraphernalia in her vehicle.
Ocala, Florida — A federal grand jury has indicted former Marion County Sheriff’s deputy, Jesse Alan Terrell, 33, who is accused of beating Derrick Price, 44, during an arrest that took place in 2014 in Marion Oaks.
Terrell is the fifth deputy to face charges in this case. Former Deputies Trevor Wade Fitzgerald, 32, James Louis Amidei, 32, and Adam Crawford, 31, pleaded guilty in July of 2015. Former MCSO deputy and SWAT Team member, Cody Hoppel, pleaded guilty on October 27, 2015.
Terrell refused to plead guilty and had to be fired from the agency, unlike his colleagues who resigned from the MCSO. Terrell also refused to take a plea deal because he does not feel as though he did anything wrong.
Terrell was charged with violating Derrick Price’s civil rights by using excessive force during the arrest.
According to the indictment, Terrell “repeatedly struck, kicked, and kneed Price in the head, neck, and shoulder area, causing bodily injury.”
If convicted, Terrell faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
In a press conference, Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair said that this is an isolated incident.
In a video statement Sheriff Blair said the following:
“Hello, I’m Chris Blair, and I proudly serve you as the Sheriff of Marion County.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has focused on being transparent with our community since I took office almost three years ago. We have been open about personnel issues and have addressed them swiftly, professionally and appropriately. Our goal is to maintain YOUR trust, which comes from an honest and positive relationship. So, I would like to talk to you about the video that you may soon see in the news… the video that shocked me to my core when I saw it.
I want you to know that the video of this incident involving five former deputies and Mr. Derrick Price was discovered by us during a standard use of force investigation. As soon as I saw this video, all five individuals were suspended— without pay. I personally felt that their actions were egregious enough that they should never receive another dime from Marion County taxpayers. My command staff and I immediately called the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and brought this video to their attention so they could begin an independent investigation.
All five individuals have either resigned or been terminated from our agency. They have now all either plead guilty or been indicted as a result of their actions.
My challenge now as your Sheriff is to do everything humanly possible to prevent this from happening again. We have implemented new civil rights training, combined with several weeks of communications training, for all of our deputies. Additionally, training for our new deputies has been extended by four weeks to further educate them on how to handle potential incidents they may face while on the road. We have also initiated a body camera pilot program to further enhance the transparency of our agency and investigate if such a program would meet our needs. We hold regular town hall meetings and have met with community leaders— especially about this issue—to get their advice and council on how we can best serve the citizens of Marion County.
I ask of you: May not the actions of a few define the actions of all. We have more than 250,000 citizens contacts each year and hundreds of employees here at our agency that serve our county with pride each and every day and it would break my heart to see them suffer the consequences of these individuals’ improper actions. I would like to ask for our citizen’s patience as we go through this process.
I can promise you this as your Sheriff: We will not accept any deviant or dishonest behavior from those who wear our uniform and bear a star on their chest. Without our integrity, we have nothing.
I’d like to say to our employees that I am honored to serve alongside you and I’d like to thank you for dedicating yourself to making Marion County a safer place to live. All of us here at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office promise you that we will continue to serve our citizens with honor and protect with pride as we move forward from this issue.
Thank you and may God Bless you and your families.”
In October, Hoppel, the fourth deputy to plead guilty, dropped a bombshell and also pleaded guilty to the beating of Dustin Heathman, 36, of Williston, in an unrelated case.
According to the plea agreement, Heathman exited his residence and was given verbal commands by a member of the SWAT Team to walk to the rear of the BearCat, which was parked in front of the residence. At one point, Heathman was ordered to stop, remove his shirt, and drop his shorts down to his ankles. Heathman complied with all of the orders.
The U.S Attorney’s Office stated that Heathman was fully compliant and continued to obey verbal commands and walked slowly with his hands up to the rear of the BearCat. At no time did Heathman pose a threat to anyone at the scene.
The court documents state, “As soon as Heathman made it to the rear of the vehicle, and before he was given any verbal commands, he was grabbed from behind by Hoppel in a bear hug and slammed to the ground face-first for the sole purpose of inflicting injury to [Heathman].”
The report states that this was done despite the fact that force was not necessary to subdue Heathman.
Hoppel testified that while he was punching Heathman in the face, two other SWAT Team members were standing next to him. Hoppel stated that at least one of the two SWAT members participated in the beating. At that time, Heathman was fully compliant and subdued and did not pose a threat to the SWAT Team.
Not one of the SWAT Team members came forward to report the incident. Moreover, the arrest affidavit makes no mention of Heathman engaging in a physical altercation, resisting arrest, or how Heathman’s face sustained injury, other than to say his ear was hit by “flying” glass.
However, Heathman’s booking photo tells a different story, which was not immediately available after his arrest.
In a previous statement released to Ocala Post, Sheriff Chris Blair said, “The news of former Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) employee Cody Hoppel pleading guilty to use of excessive force and civil rights violations against Dustin Heathman came to light during Hoppel’s plea hearing on Tuesday in federal court. After the shooting incident occurred between MCSO’s SWAT Team and Heathman on June 1, 2014, an extensive agency shooting review was immediately conducted by the MCSO. All Sheriff’s Office employees involved, including Hoppel, were sworn in to give their testimony of the events. At no time during his sworn testimony to the MCSO detective did Hoppel give any indication, or make any claim, of wrongdoing or violation of any law related to the Heathman arrest. To that end, his statements to federal authorities on Tuesday are in direct conflict with the statement he gave under oath to the MCSO detective during the agency review of this incident. As an agency, we will continue to be transparent to best serve the citizens of Marion County. This type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable, and we will not condone this type of activity.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not one law enforcement officer or SWAT Team member was wearing a body camera, nor were there any dash cam recordings at the time of the incident.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office will be executing a search warrant at 4125 Northwest U.S. Highway 225A, Ocala, on January 26, in reference to the homicide of Tamara Bedenbaugh, 57.
Her body was discovered by her husband, Kirk Bedenbaugh, on January 25.
According to detectives, the two have been married for 30 years, but had recently separated.
Mr. Bedenbaugh told detectives that he last saw his wife on the evening of January 21.
Detectives said, “We will continue to interview Mr. Bedenbaugh and other family members, but we are not naming any potential suspects at this time.”
It is believed that Ms. Bedenbaugh passed away sometime between late Sunday night and early Monday morning.
A cause and or manner of death has not yet been determined, but evidence collected at the scene suggested that her death was a homicide.
The Bedenbaugh’s house faces Highway 225A. It’s a well-traveled road and detectives would like to encourage anyone who witnessed anything, especially if anyone came in or out of the driveway in the late hours of Sunday and early morning hours of Monday, to come forward.
If you have any information, please call Detective Thomas Newbanks at 352-369-6806,or call the Marion County Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently on scene of a homicide in Silver Springs that occurred Tuesday morning.
It happened at 322 Northeast 167th Court, Silver Springs.
According to MCSO, the call came is at approximately 9 a.m. When deputies arrived on scene, they found Richard Allen Hutchinson, Jr., 33, dead inside the home.
Detectives said that Hutchinson had been shot to death.
Individuals inside the home told detectives that Hutchinson had a weapon. They indicated that there had been a verbal altercation and that they felt Hutchinson posed a threat . Details regarding the altercation were not immediately available.
No charges have been filed at this time.
This is a developing story. Ocala Post will update the information as it comes in.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a homicide that occurred on Monday.
According to a press release, at approximately 4:00 p.m., MCSO deputies responded to 4125 Northwest U.S. Highway 225A, Ocala, in reference to a homicide.
When deputies arrived on scene, they learned that a family member had discovered the victim, Tamara Bedenbaugh, 57, deceased inside her residence.
A short time later, MCSO major crimes detectives and evidence technicians arrived and began their investigation.
Detectives said they will be collecting evidence and interviewing those closest to the victim.
Detectives are still in the preliminary stages of their investigation and any and all information could help solve this case.
If you have any information, please call Detective Thomas Newbanks at 352-369-6806,or call the Marion County Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP.
Ocala, Florida — LabCorp, located at 2100 Southeast 17th Street, Suite 902 (inside the Laurel Run Professional Center) is temporarily closed after someone shattered eight double pane windows out of the front of the business.
Here is the timeline of events:
On January 22, the Ocala Police Department responded to LabCorp in reference to a bomb threat.
When the bomb threat was called in, all employees were immediately evacuated.
According to reports, the caller contacted Lab Corp via phone, and stated, “Get out of the building, I am going to blow it up.”
A Marion County Sheriff’s Office Bomb K-9 was brought to the scene and no suspicious packages were found.
Then, On January 25, Ocala police responded to the same business after the supervisor reported that several windows of the business had been broken.
Officers searched the business as well as the perimeter of the business, but did not locate any suspects.
The cost of the damage is not known at this time.
No one was injured during the incident.
If you have any information about the aforementioned cases, 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.
Ocala, Florida — A four-vehicle accident involving three semis and a mini-van left lumber scattered across Interstate 75 near Mile Marker 338, Thursday morning.
The accident shut down all three southbound lanes of I-75 for nearly four hours while traffic was re-routed onto the County Road 484 exit.
Marion County Fire Rescue received the call shortly after 6 a.m. Units E24, DC4, R24, and R32 responded to the scene.
According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, all four vehicles were traveling southbound on I-75.
One of the tractor-trailers, driven by Anthony Jefferson, 35, was traveling south in the right lane. The other two tractor-trailers, one driven by Sean Carithers, 46, and the other by Danny Schetter, 57, were traveling south into the Wildwood Scales entrance ramp. The mini-van was traveling south in the center lane, adjacent to and behind the semi being driven by Jefferson.
According to reports, tractor-trailers were backed up on the ramp to the scales. Carithers was in the right lane of I-75 waiting to exit the roadway to enter the scales ramp. As Jefferson approached, he tried to swerve, but could not avoid hitting Carithers’ semi.
Jefferson’s semi slammed into the left rear of Carithers’ trailer, which caused the load of lumber he was transporting to break loose and scatter across I-75.
Jefferson then entered into the lane of the mini-van, driven by Kodi Coles, 34, and struck the right rear of the vehicle. This caused the driver to lose control, rotate clockwise, and overturn. While overturning, the van struck Jefferson’s trailer. The van continued to flip in a southwesterly direction and then slammed into the front section of Schetter’s trailer.
The van came to a rest on its left side facing north in the center lane. Both occupants were transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office provided correctional inmates to help clear the lumber from the roadway.
