Ocala, Florida – Ocala Utility Services (OUS) has issued a warning to its customers about a bill payment scam that is targeting utility customers.
The scam targets both business and residential customers.
The scam
Someone calls and states that if the individual or business does not pay their electric bill immediately that the electric would be shut of within hours.
Several customers in the area have already been targeted.
What you should do
Individuals or businesses who receive this type of phone call should hang up and immediately and contact the Ocala Police Department.
OUS said that they would never call its customers and ask for the amount paid on their last bill, or demand payment with a credit or debit card.
If you have concerns regarding your OUS account, call 352-629-2489.
If you have been scammed, call OPD at 352-369-7000.
Ocala Police Officer Sergeant Erica Hay. Top left – Ocala Post file photo. Other photos were shot by TiAnna S. Greene, of Ocala.
Ocala, Florida — Citizens have no way of knowing what types of dangers or monsters a law enforcement officer encounters on a daily basis.
The disrespect toward officers that Ocala Post witnessed following shots being fired from a neighborhood near the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion on July 12 was just one example of what law enforcement endure every day.
As of lately, it seems that the public’s perception of law enforcement across the county is that all law enforcement officers are badge-wearing criminals.
It is also not surprising that some media outlets have played a significant role in helping the public form that perception.
And while recent cases across the country have involved both good and bad officers; one would hope that the average person would be smart enough to know that one bad law enforcement officer does not spoil the whole bunch.
Often times, the good that a law enforcement officer does goes unnoticed.
But not today.
TiAnna S. Greene, of Ocala, said that what she saw an Ocala Police Officer do on Thursday morning made her day.
Greene, who does not know the officer, said she was blessed to witness the officer taking time out of her morning to have breakfast with a homeless man.
“Although I was the only person blessed to witness less than two minutes of her kindness that definitely came from the heart, it truly made my morning,” Greene wrote. “This absolutely wonderful act of kindness seemed to come naturally to [the officer].”
Greene said it appeared that the officer purchased the breakfast for the man and had decided to eat with him.
And as it turns out, Greene was right.
Through previous contact, Ocala Post was able to identify the officer as OPD Officer Sergeant Erica Hay.
At first, Sergeant Hay was very reluctant to speak with Ocala Post because she did not want the attention, and she was extremely humble about the entire situation.
“I absolutely did not do this for attention,” Sergeant Hay said. “I was heading to Dunkin’ Donuts to get breakfast when I saw this man sitting by himself, so, I decided to buy him breakfast. I then went over, sat down, and ate breakfast with him.”
She went on to say, “He turned out to be a very nice man who just has a sad story.” She added, “He is a person.”
She said, “I never met the man until today.”
“He was a very nice man. He appreciated the conversation and the breakfast,” Sergeant Hay said.
Many have expressed their gratitude toward TiAnna S. Greene for taking the time out of her day to shoot this photo, and then share it with the community.
OPD said, “Thank you TiAnna S. Greene, for sharing this example of our officers’ commitment and concern for all of the citizens in our community. We commend Sgt. Hay for serving Ocala with heart.”
Greene said, “I wasn’t expecting this [attention] at all. I just wanted to share because it truly touched me and brightened my day.”
Ocala Post could not locate the man for an interview.
Edward Earl Kelty [left], Angel Nieves [center], and Alfonza SingletonOrlando, Florida — On July 13, 2015, at approximately 2:43 a.m., Orlando Police Officer William Anderson was working extra duty at the McDonald’s located at 5400 S. Kirkman Road when he saw a vehicle that had been seen fleeing the scene of a shooting.
The officer then conducted a traffic stop at Kirkman Road and Vineland Street on the silver four door Nissan Maxima.
As the officer approached the vehicle with his gun drawn, the passenger, later identified as Alfonza Singleton, 17, opened the passenger side door and fled on foot.
The officer then attempted to move around the vehicle in an attempt to stop the passenger. However, as the officer attempted to run around the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Edward Earl Kelty, 17, accelerated towards the officer and struck him with the car.
After striking the officer, Kelty fled the scene without stopping.
The officer was face down on the pavement for approximately 25 seconds before a Good Samaritan blocked the officer with his car to keep other vehicles from running him over. No one exited their vehicle to help the officer during the incident.
The officer did fire his weapon during the incident.
According to reports, the Maxima was later found located at 1859 Lake Pearl Drive. It had been set on fire and the windshield was shattered.
The parents of the teens did not want their names or photos released to the public. Additionally, the parents filed excessive force complaints against the police officer for firing his weapon at Kelty as he attempted to run the officer over.
The Orlando Police Chief John Mina said that the officer was justified in the shooting and that he had the right to defend himself.
Chief John Mina said, “I am sick and tired of people running from law enforcement and not complying with our orders.”
He said, “These individuals used their car as a deadly weapon and there is no excuse for that.”
A third person in the vehicle, Angel Nieves, 17, was also arrested.
Article continued below
Officer Anderson, his wife Jessica, and their 18-month-old girl.
On Thursday, Officer Anderson’s status was escalated from stable to serious condition. He was transported to UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
The Orlando Police Department also released radio transmissions from the morning of the incident on Thursday. During the transmissions, Officer Robinson told dispatch he fired two shots, which suggests the third shot came from inside the car. These details are still being investigated.
Chief John Mina said Kelty was shot by Anderson through the window of the car. He was released from the hospital and transferred to a juvenile detention center Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators said that Nieves drove Kelty to the hospital. He then removed evidence from the car and set it on fire.
Kelty was arrested and charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest With Violence. So far, Nieves has been charged with Tampering with Evidence. Singleton was charged with Resisting Arrest.
State Attorney Spokeswoman Angela Starke said they have not made the determination about whether or not the suspects will be charged as adults. She said it is too early in the investigation to make that decision.
If anyone in the Orlando or surrounding areas have any information about this case, or witnessed this incident, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and receive a cash reward.
Ocala, Florida — On Wednesday, Ocala Police Department Detective Mary Brewton arrested the mother of the 20-month-old child who drowned in a small above ground pool on April 25, 2015.
According to detectives, the pool contained approximately 30 inches of water.
On April 25, 2015, Ocala Police responded to 244 Northeast 44th Avenue, in reference to a child who was found floating in a pool.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the mother of the child, Brandi Dyal, 32. Dyal stated that her two sons, both under the age of three, came into her bedroom at approximately 7:45 a.m. and awoke her. Dyal told the police that the boys, who shared a room together, were “whiney.”
According to reports, Dyal put the boys back in their room, gave them each a cup of juice, and turned the television on.
Dyal stated that she then went back to bed and fell asleep, and assumed the boys would do the same.
According to police, at approximately 8:40 a.m. Dyal was awakened by her 2-year-old yelling, “Mommy! Mommy!” from the backyard.
Dyal stated that she then ran outside and saw her 20-month-old son, Manuel Wilfredo Mercado Jr., floating on his side with his face down in the water.
Dyal told police she then removed her son from the water, began chest compressions, and had her 13-year-old daughter call 911.
According to reports, the 13-year-old was on her cell phone in her bedroom at the time of the incident. She said she didn’t know the boys had gone into the backyard until she heard her mother screaming. She said that when she ran outside, she saw her brother on the ground with green foam coming from his nose.
Dyal’s other daughter, 10, stated that she was asleep on the couch and woke up when she heard her mother screaming from outside. She said that when she went outside, she saw her mother performing CPR on her brother. The 10-year-old told police that she did not hear her brothers walk past her to get outside.
Police reported that there was a blue Summer Escapes 15-foot quick set above ground ring pool in the southwest corner of the yard. The pool had 30-inches of water in it. Police also found a green milk crate behind the pool.
The boy’s father, Manuel Wilfredo Mercado Sr., 24, was at work at the time of the incident.
In the police report, OPD Officer Russell reported that the door located in the northwest corner of the residence, which led to the backyard, was open. Officer Russell also reported that the latch on the door was broken and did not secure the door.
According to reports, in order for the deadbolt to be locked, the door needed to be lifted up on the hinges so the deadbolt would turn.
Authorities said the house was un-kept, there was no food in the house, and the cabinets were infested with roaches.
According to reports, there was also a hoarding issue in the home.
During the investigation, the Department of Children and Families told police that the siblings of Manuel Jr. had previously been removed from the home.
Detectives also discovered that both Brandi and Manuel Sr. had a drug problem and had tested positive for opiates and marijuana when ordered by DCF.
On May 5, after multiple attempts, detectives were finally successful in making contact with Brandi for an interview.
On May 6, Brandi responded to the OPD and participated in a recorded interview. During the interview, Brandi said her alarm clock “went off” at approximately 6:30 a.m., at which time Manuel Sr. left for work. She said she then changed her children’s diapers, gave them juice, and went back to bed. Brandi said the next time she could recall waking up was when she was being called into the backyard.
When asked about the opiates and marijuana, she said the opiates were prescribed to her by Dr. Jackson from Belleview Express Care. She also admitted to smoking marijuana while taking the opiates.
On May 13, also after numerous attempts, detectives conducted an interview with Manuel Sr.
He told detectives that on the morning of the incident, he left for work at 7 a.m. He said the children usually slept until 11 a.m., but for some reason, the kids got up early on that day.
Manuel stated, “Brandi is a good mother and she takes good care of her kids.” He said when the smaller children go outside, either Brandi or the older kids watch them.
Manuel also told detectives that he didn’t check the doors when he left for work.
On July 15, DCF called Detective Brewton and dropped a bombshell.
According to reports, Brandi had told her children to lie about the incident.
One of the older juveniles told Kimberly’s Cottage that she had not told the truth on the day of the incident. The juvenile stated that her mother told her to tell investigators that she was asleep when the drowning occurred. The mother also told the juvenile not to say anything about her drug habits.
However, the juvenile said that on the night before Manuel Jr. drowned, her mother was up all night with friends snorting heroin.
The juvenile also witnessed her mother chop up pills and snort them. At the same time, Brandi was smoking marijuana and drinking beer.
According to reports, the juvenile stated that on the morning of the incident she heard Manuel Sr. tell Brandi to get up and watch the boys. The juvenile said she then put her headphones on and listened to music.
A family member told detectives that on July 14, Brandi was threatening to take one of the children from the family members home where they had been placed. The family member stated that Manuel Sr. had remnants of white pills in his mouth and they both appeared “high.”
On the day of the incident, Mercado Jr. was transported by EMS to Munroe Regional Center, but later flown to UF Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville.
According to police, Mercado Jr. died at 9:42 a.m. Sunday, April 27, 2015.
Detectives said that one of the most disgusting facts in this case was that on the day Manuel Jr. was taken off life support, both Manuel Sr. and Brandi were outside laughing.
Detectives said due to the facts in this case, Brandi was arrested and charged with Manslaughter.
Manuel Sr., who is also no stranger to jail, has not been charged with any crimes.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala woman who deputies say broke into a house and assaulted her ex-boyfriend’s mother, was released from jail Wednesday morning.
According to reports, deputies responded to the 2000 block of Southeast 88th Street, Ocala, in reference to an occupied residential burglary.
When deputies arrived, the victim stated that she had been sleeping when she heard her dog running down the hallway barking.
The victim said that when she got out of bed she saw her son’s ex-girlfriend, later identified as Carley Wilkinson, 24, standing in her residence.
Deputies reported that Wilkinson entered the garage through a side garage door and then entered the house through the inside garage door.
The victim told deputies that Wilkinson was being belligerent and using profanity.
According to reports, Wilkinson was also heavily intoxicated.
The victim stated that she asked Wilkinson to leave, but she refused.
According to the victim, when she attempted to call 911 Wilkinson grabbed her and began to shake her. She then attempted to remove the phone from the victim’s hand.
When deputies arrived, Wilkinson was still inside the house.
The victim told deputies that Wilkinson has not been dating her son for at least nine months. She said they all used to live together as a family, but Wilkinson has not lived in the home since she and her boyfriend broke up.
Wilkinson’s stepfather drove her to the home. He told deputies that he did not know she was intoxicated. He also said he didn’t realize she was there to break into the home.
Deputies said they could not question Wilkinson because she was heavily intoxicated and very belligerent.
Subsequently, Wilkinson was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail.
According to reports, on the way to the jail Wilkinson began to hyperventilate. She told the deputy she had a heart condition and could not breathe.
At that time, the deputy immediately pulled over at a BP station. He called for a second deputy and Ocala Fire Rescue.
When Fire Rescue responded, they examined Wilkinson. After checking her vitals and photographing her heart, they determined she was faking.
Fire rescue said she was intentionally causing herself to hyperventilate by breathing in and out very rapidly.
Wilkinson was medically cleared and booked into the jail.
She was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling and Domestic Battery.
Wilkinson has previous arrest for DUI, Possession of Marijuana (x2), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance (x2), Dealing in Stolen Property-Organized (x2), Violation of Probation (x3), and Possession of Synthetic Marijuana.
Marion County – In celebration of Parks and Recreation Month, Marion County Parks and Recreation will be offering free admission to all Marion County user fee parks, excluding KP Hole, from Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31.
Most parks in Marion County are free to visit, but seven of the parks that have boat ramps charge user fees.
During the last week of July, families can explore these parks for free, with the exception of KP Hole.
This would include parks such as Carney Island, Hampton Beach, Gores Landing, Moss Bluff North and South, Ray Wayside, and Horseshoe Lake.
Enjoy a walk on some of the 24 miles of paved and unpaved trails that Parks and Recreation maintains, or cool off at one of Marion’s 16 parks with water access. Reconnect with nature, enjoy a picnic, or let your kids explore the playgrounds and sports fields throughout the county.
For more information, please contact 352-671-8560 or parks@marioncountyfl.org. Visit www.MarionCountyFL.org/Parks to browse the park directory and “like” Marion County Parks and Recreation on Facebook at www.fb.com/MarionCountyParksandRec.
According to police, the alleged shooter came from Ocala Place Apartments and entered the Northroads neighborhood.
The surveillance footage was provided to the OPD by management from the apartment complex.
Other security footage, which was reviewed by Ocala police, does not support the claims of those who live in the neighborhood that the riders had entered their neighborhood from the parade.
However, according to officials, the video does show a man walking through the neighborhood carrying a 12-gauge pump action shotgun.
This is a photo of the suspect taken approximately 15 minutes after the shooting occurred. He was still inside of Northroads Apartments when the photo was taken.
Article continued below
The woman to the left was yelling at police. She was blaming the police and white people for having to live in Northroads Apartments. The man on the right is wanted for questioning in the shooting. OPD is in possession of this photo. [click on photo to enlarge]The man in the video matches the description that was given by a witness at the scene.
Riders who participated in the rally have maintained that no one from the event ever fired shots, or entered the Northroads neighborhood.
Riders who attended the rally, which was escorted by police, said they are pleased that the security footage proves that their ride was peaceful, and they were not the individuals causing trouble.
If you have any information about the suspect in the video, or know of the suspects’ whereabouts, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
You can read the entire story and watch the video from the rally here.
Marion County Solid Waste’s monthly furniture collection events are held at varying recycling centers throughout the county to provide convenient locations for citizens to bring their old furniture. Solid Waste then transports the furniture to the landfill.
Upcoming furniture collection events are as follows:
July 18 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Baseline Recycling Center
(5601 SE 66th St., Ocala)
Aug. 1 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Newton Recycling Center
(1750 NW 100th St., Ocala)
Aug. 8 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Martel Recycling Center
(296 SW 67th Ave. Road, Ocala)
Aug. 15 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Orange Springs Recycling Center
(11095 E. Highway 318, Orange Springs)
Aug. 22 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Davis Recycling Center
(11307 SE 128th Place Road, Ocklawaha)
Solid Waste’s electronics recycling events give residents a chance to recycle household electronics such as televisions, radios, computer monitors and stereos free of charge.
The next electronics recycling opportunities are as follows:
July 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Newton Recycling Center
(1750 NW 100th St., Ocala)
July 25 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Salt Springs Recycling Center
(13580 NE 203rd Ave. Road, Salt Springs)
Aug. 1 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Weirsdale Recycling Center
(13535 SE 164th St., Weirsdale)
Furniture collection and electronics recycling events are open to residents of unincorporated Marion County and the City of Ocala. Residents who live outside the county or within other municipalities can take advantage of these opportunities and use the recycling centers all year long with the purchase of a recycling center permit.
For more information, visit www.marioncountyfl.org/solidwaste or call 352-671-8465.
Ocala, Florida — A motorcycle driver sustained multiple injuries Sunday after a drunk driver pulled out in front of him.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Southwest 32nd Avenue and State Road 200.
When Ocala Police arrived on the scene, they saw multiple people standing around a man, later identified as Christopher Weintraub, lying in the street.
According to police, he was not moving , but was conscious and bleeding from his face.
When Police spoke with Russell Dipesa, 45, who was driving a 2012 Camaro, he stated that the motorcycle, a 2006 Yamaha, “was going way too fast” and that he did not see the motorcycle before turning left in front of it.
The motorcycle struck the rear passenger side of Dipesa’s vehicle.
According to the police report, the motorcycle driver received injuries to his arms, face, and possibly neck.
Police reported that there was extensive damage to both vehicles.
OPD Officer David Morehead reported that he could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from Dipesa’s breath. Officer Moorehead also stated that Dipesa’s speech was impaired.
According to reports, when Officer Moorehead asked Dipesa to follow him to his patrol car, he immediately “lawyered up.”
Dipesa also refused to submit to field sobriety exercises.
A witness told Officer Moorhead that he saw Dipesa accelerate in an attempt to avoid the motorcycle, but his tires began to spin because the roads were wet. He said the motorcycle then crashed into the side of the Camaro. The witness’ statement contradicted what Dipesa had told police.
Weintraub told the officer that he had a green light and that Dipesa had pulled out in front of him. He said there was not enough time for him to react.
Dipesa, who is the owner of Bulldog Bail Bonds, was arrested and transported to the Marion county Jail. He was charged with DUI-Crash Resulting in Injury to Another.
While at the jail, he refused to participate in a breathalyzer test.
In addition to the DUI charge, he was also cited for Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test and Failure to Yield While Making a Left Turn.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala made history today as more than 1,000 people attended the Florida Southern Pride Ride rally on Sunday, July 12 in support of the Confederate flag. An Ocala police officer told Ocala Post that he believes the number of vehicles and motorcycles that attended was actually closer to 2,000, which means the number of people was even greater.
Some vehicles had as many as eight people per vehicle arrive at the event.
The theme of the Florida Southern Pride Ride rally was, “Heritage Not Hate.”
Even though the rally, which was organized by David Stone, of Ocala, was not scheduled to start until 1 p.m., riders began arriving at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion around 10 a.m. By 11:20 a.m., the Pavilion was packed with people.
Stone also paid for eight Ocala Police Officers, who provided security for the event.
People from all over Florida and other states attended the event.
Ocala Post spoke with individuals from Jacksonville, Miami, Gainesville, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Everyone was very respectful toward Ocala Post staff, and as staff made their way through the event, everyone seemed to be respectful toward one another as well.
There was no arguing, fighting, or hate speech. In fact, four staff members from Ocala Post covered the event, and not one of them reported hearing abusive or foul language. However, the word “love” was heard quite a few times, which people were usually directing toward each other.
This event came about after Marion County Interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman made the decision to remove the Third National Confederate flag from the McPherson Governmental Complex grounds in June. The flag has since been returned.
Marion County Spokeswoman Barbra Hernandez said, “With the direct responsibility to oversee county-managed facilities such as the Fallen Officers Memorial, our interim county administrator instructed staff to properly remove it last Wednesday. It was replaced with one of the Marion County government seal.” Adding, “Marion County is respectful of the flag’s historical meaning, but also aware of the perceived connotations and heightened public sentiment since the recent church tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina.”
The Board voted to return the flag known as the “Third National Confederate Flag” to a historical display of the flags of Florida located on the McPherson Governmental Complex grounds. The flag has been there (along with four others shown in the attached documents and a POW/MIA flag) since the historical display of flags was established in the 1990s.
On Saturday, a protester took down the flagpole and Confederate flag. Although protesters said the flag “fell,” authorities said they believe the flag was intentionally taken down.
The flag was later replaced, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Board had requested Historic Commission and staff feedback by September. The Historic Commission will meet again in August, as there is no meeting scheduled for the month of July. The committee’s recommendations will come before the Board for consideration at a regular Board meeting.
Multiple people who attended the rally Sunday pointed out that they had the American flag flying higher than the Confederate flag out of respect.
Ocala Post spoke with one man who was extremely passionate about the Confederate flag.
Raymond Williams Jr, who is black, said he does “not believe the flag stands for racism at all.” Williams said he has heard the black community associating the flag with the KKK, but he said there were more members of the KKK flying the American flag than the Confederate flag.
He said, “If you are going to hate the Confederate flag you might as well hate the American flag.”
“People need to educate themselves on the true meaning of the Confederate flag,” Williams said. “I support the flag, and if anyone has a problem with that, I’m sorry, but it’s not racist. I am from the south and it is my southern heritage.”
“I take it for what it is…hard working, good folk, country folk,” Williams said. “I have many Confederate flags, and there is nothing wrong with it.”
All of the black people who attended the event told Ocala Post that they, too, feel the flag is about heritage. One woman said that to her, it means heritage and love for one another.
Joshua Warren, who was wearing a Florida Southern Pride Ride T-shirt, said, “I am here representing the flag because I don’t want anyone to take it [down], just because some irresponsible person made bad choices.”
Warren’s good friend, Ron Brooks, said he also came to the rally in defense of the flag.
Flo Gray, 78, of Ocala, said she was very happy that it was a peaceful ride. “I am enjoying being out here today,” Gray said. She went on to say, “I think everyone needs to stand up for their rights.”
Gray said (the flag) is not just about war.
Also in attendance was Marion County Commissioner Earl Arnett. He addressed the enormous crowd and asked everyone to represent themselves in a peaceful, respectful manner when driving through the town. Arnett also vowed to keep the Confederate flag as a part of history in Marion County, at which time the crowd expressed their appreciation and let out a loud cheer.
Ocala Post only observed two people who were not in favor of the flag.
Laila Abdelaziz, 23, who came from Tampa, but was born in Palestine, said she thinks the flag represents white supremacy. She said people should care more about gun control rather than the Confederate flag.
The parade of vehicles began to exit the Pavilion around 1 p.m., and it took approximately 35 minutes before every vehicle was through the gates.
The parade was lead out by the General Lee and Boss Hog from the 80s hit TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
As the last of the vehicles passed thought the gates, Ocala Post observed OPD Sergeant Erica Hay locking the gates.
When asked why, Sergeant Hay said that multiple threats by individuals who live in the Northroads Apartments next to the pavilion had been made. She said that a group of people had made threats to shoot at people attending the rally. Therefore, the gates had to be locked and any remaining people were evacuated from the area.
The rally goers were not allowed to return to the Pavilion.
Shortly after every vehicle had left and the gates were locked, several shots were fired from the neighborhood of single story apartments beside the Pavilion. Several black males were seen running and “ducking” behind the buildings.
Moments later, several more shots were fired. Police said the second series of shots were clearly from a larger caliber gun than the first series of shots.
Dozens of black people in the neighborhood were screaming, at reporters and police, “F**k all of you people.” One woman shouted, “Ya’ll cops don’t care about black people.” Another said, “It’s white people’s fault we have to live in here.”
A man took off his shirt and yelled out, “I will kill all you crackas’.” He then stuck up both middle fingers.
A woman, who was shouting profanities at a police officer, said she had video evidence of the shooter(s). However, she refused to let police look at the video. She said, “You cops don’t ever care when we call you out here. You don’t care about our children.”
Police told Ocala Post that one of the women, who was screaming “f**k the police and white people,” had previously been arrested on drug charges.
Oddly enough, one of the women who was screaming “f**k white people,” was white herself.
According to records, police have responded to the area multiple times in reference to shootings, drugs, and beatings.
A large crowd of people gathered outside their apartments and began yelling at police. People were screaming, “You white people started it.” Another person yelled out, “I dare you to cross the fence you cracka’.”
OPD called out the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the shooting. Deputies entered the neighborhood armed with assault rifles, but the crowd would not cooperate.
When they arrived, people who lived in the complex were throwing up the “bird” and shouting “f**k you.”
One woman tried to tell the officer someone had driven through her neighborhood waving a flag, but the parade had gone in the opposite direction. Additionally, the street she lives on is a dead end road.
Residents in the neighborhood stated that motorcycle riders were riding down their street throwing beer bottles, and that is was the riders that were firing the shots. However, those statements were also false.
Ocala Post, Chanel 2 News, and Ocala police were on the scene and heard the shots. In addition to hearing gun fire, police said that the shots undoubtedly came from within the apartment complex.
Since everyone in the complex refused to cooperate with deputies and police, no arrests were made in the shooting.
In an e-mail, OPD Public Information Officer Angy Scroble said that the case is closed.
Authorities remained at the scene until after 3 p.m. to make sure the area was safe.
Thankfully, no one was injured during the shooting.
The rally itself was a very peaceful gathering of individuals who stand by their beliefs of “Heritage Not Hate.”
And even though it was nearly 100 degrees outside, the heat did not stop the crowd from coming.
“The bottom of my flip flops actually melted to the road. I had to move to a grassy area,” said Shelley, who only wanted Ocala Post to use her first name.
With a smile on his face, Stone said he did not expect such a large group of people to show up, but was glad that they did.
Ocala, Florida — Saturday, an Ocala man who was at the anti-Confederate flag protest at the McPherson Governmental Complex, removed the flagpole with the Confederate flag.
Protesters said “it just fell.” However, Confederate flag supporters are not “buying” the story that it “fell.”
Witnesses said that the man took the flagpole and flag over to the Property Appraisers office and dropped it off.
A county employee later took possession of them for safe keeping.
In a message to Ocala Post, a witness said, “I think the man that walked off with the flag was trying to protect it.”
It is not clear if the man was actually protesting against the flag.
The flag was returned to the flagpole on July 7, after it had been removed by Interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman.
Article continued below
File photo [BOCC]The Board voted to return the flag known as the “Third National Confederate Flag” to a historical display of the flags of Florida that is located on the McPherson Governmental Complex grounds. The flag has been there, along with four others, since the historical display of flags was established in the 1990s.
Commissioners said the flag was returned to the display strictly in the context of being part of a historical flags display. County leaders said Marion County is a community that is proud to serve all of its nearly 340,000 residents, as well as all of its visitors.
The Board has tasked the community’s Historic Commission and county staff on recommendations for its future display. This effort will help the Board determine the most adequate future location of the flags of Florida display.
UPDATE
The flag has been returned to the McPherson Governmental Complex and is flying again.
Ocala, Florida — Heroin (smack) use has increased across the United States among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels.
According to the latest Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the greatest increases have occurred in groups with historically lower rates of heroin use, including women and people with private insurance and higher incomes. In addition, nearly all people who use heroin also use multiple other substances. The report also states that the strongest risk factor for a heroin addict is a prescription opioid addiction.
As heroin use increases, more people are dying from heroin overdoses. Heroin-involved overdose deaths nearly doubled between 2011 and 2013, and more than 8,200 people died in 2013 alone. Data is not yet available for 2014.
“Heroin use is increasing at an alarming rate in many parts of society, driven by both the prescription opioid epidemic and cheaper, more available heroin,” CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. said. “To reverse this trend we need an all-of-society response – to improve opioid prescribing practices to prevent addiction, expand access to effective treatment for those who are addicted, increase use of naloxone to reverse overdoses, and work with law enforcement partners like the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to reduce the supply of heroin.”
For this Vital Signs report, the FDA and CDC analyzed data from the 2002-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Vital Statistics System. Heroin trends among demographic and substance-using groups were compared for 2002- 2004, 2005-2007, 2008-2010, and 2011-2013.
Results of the study
The study showed that 96 percent of people who reported heroin use also reported using at least one other drug in the past year, with more than half (61 percent) using at least three other drugs.
The people most at-risk of heroin abuse or dependence include non-Hispanic whites, men, 18-to-25 year-olds, people with an annual household income less than $20,000, Medicaid recipients, and the uninsured.
According to the study, significant increases in heroin use were found in groups with historically low rates of heroin use, including women and people with private insurance and higher incomes. The gaps between men and women, low and higher incomes, and people with Medicaid and private insurance have narrowed in the past decade.
People who abuse or are dependent on:
prescription opioid painkillers are 40 times more likely to abuse or be dependent on heroin.
cocaine are 15 times more likely to abuse or be dependent on heroin.
marijuana are 3 times more likely to abuse or be dependent on heroin.
alcohol are 2 times more likely to abuse or be dependent on heroin.
In the United States, New Jersey and New York have the highest rate of heroin abuse and overdoses. In fact, both New York and New Jersey have a needle exchange program. Experts say that while the program might decrease the chances of a person contracting AIDS, it absolutely increases the number of heroin addicts and overdoses in the states.
Russia has the highest number of heroin addicts and deaths outside the U.S.
But unfortunately, according to the DEA, heroin abuse in Florida has made an unwelcome comeback.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Lauren Lettelier said that the United Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) has opened 36 heroin cases from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015, which is an average of six cases per month.
UDEST has seized 788.7 grams, or 28 ounces, of heroin with a total street value of approximately $117,600, or $4,200 an ounce.
In addition to the UDEST cases, the Ocala Police Department has also seen an increase in heroin cases.
OPD Public Information Officer Sergeant Angy Scroble said that OPD has had 22 heroin cases since January 1. Thirteen of those cases resulted in arrest. Police have seized 318.5 grams in various forms, including liquid, powder, and solid.
A supervisor with UDEST said, “Heroin has definitely made a comeback.”
Several local doctors, who do not wish to be identified, said they have seen an increase in heroin use since the DEA put a “squeeze” on painkillers. Doctors say that since the DEA has made it harder for patients to obtain prescription pain medications, many have turned to heroin.
This is because heroin is much cheaper than purchasing prescription pain killers on the black market.
DEA agents said that dealers have found new cheaper and extremely dangerous ways to make heroin, which in turn increases the dealers’ profits. Agents said dealers sometimes “cut” heroin with dangerous chemicals such as gas, paint thinner, and sometimes powdered septic additives or liquid drain openers.
In 2013, Ocala Post investigated a cheaper form of heroin that DEA agents say makes users look like they belong in a zombie apocalypse movie. The cheaper form of the heroin actually rots flesh right off the bone, and oftentimes the symptoms are mistaken for cases of untreated diabetes.
This form of heroin is more addicting and more destructive than methamphetamine.
It is definitely something the public should be made aware of, agents said. You can read more about that here. (Flesh eating form of heroin) WARNING: Visual content within the article may be disturbing to some.
Caleb Clayton [left] and Kadrene ClaytonOcala, Florida — On Friday, Ocala Police Department Public Information Officer Angy Scroble said Caleb Clayton, 17, who was arrested Thursday for armed robbery of a Family Dollar located at 2370 Northwest 45th Terrace, has been charged with two more armed robberies.
In addition to the charges of Armed Robbery (x2), Grand Theft Auto (x2), and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Caleb has also been charged with Armed Robbery of the Dollar General located at 2195 Northwest Blitchton Road on June 2, and the Dollar General located at 1111 West State Road 40, on March 26.
The March 26 robbery was the beginning of a string of robberies that have occurred over the past few months.
Caleb, and his twin brother, Kadrene Clayton, who was also arrested for Thursday’s robbery, are currently being questioned by the OPD and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in regards to several other robberies.
Ocala, Florida — Marion County teens will learn how to turn ideas into movies and gain hands-on experience with professional filmmakers at the Teen Filmmaker’s Workshop to be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, located at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
Bronson Mosley and the crew from Day Break Studios, Inc., will share tips on their creative filmmaking endeavors. Workshop participants will create book trailers from start to finish, including creating the concept, writing a script, filming, acting and editing.
The registration deadline for this free event open to teens ages 13-18 is Thursday, July 16. Seating is limited, so call 352-671-8551 today. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ocala Public Library.
For more information about this or other programs and services offered by the Marion County Public Library System, visit library.marioncountyfl.org or call 352-671-8551.
Caleb Clayton [left] and Kadrene ClaytonSuspects crashed into a fuel tanker after fleeing from an armed robbery Thursday
Ocala, Florida — “I will not tolerate this type of violent criminal behavior, which puts Marion County citizens at risk,” Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair said during a press meeting Thursday. “This agency will be very proactive to stop the violent criminals before they seriously hurt someone.”
This message comes after twin brothers Caleb and Kadrene Clayton, 17, were arrested earlier the same day for robbing a Family Dollar located at 2370 Northwest 45th Terrace.
The two suspects fled the scene, but crashed their vehicle into a RaceTrac fuel tanker while trying to enter an I-75 on-ramp.
This robbery was just one of 14 others that have occurred since March. Most of the robberies have taken place within the city limits.
However, on July 2, a Dollar General located at 2040 Northeast 35th Street was robbed inside the county.
Blair said, “Once the robberies extended outside the city limits, I immediately began looking at the data for all of the robberies that had taken place over the recent months.”
Blair also had a team analyze the data. Analysts factored in the time and locations of each robbery that had occurred, which provided the sheriff’s office with information on which locations to patrol.
Armed with this information, Blair said he met with MCSO Lieutenant Brian Dotten, who has been with the agency for 18 years, and came up with a plan.
On Monday, Blair told Lieutenant Dotten that he could have all the resources necessary to catch the robbers as soon as possible; essentially, he would have all hands on deck.
Utilizing multiple divisions from within the agency, Lieutenant Dotten put together a team in hopes of catching the robbers in the act.
On July 8, using the information provided by the analysts, more than 50 team members from the sheriff’s office set out to patrol areas that could have been possible robbery targets.
Everyone had one goal in mind: to catch a thief.
On the morning of July 9, more than 20 team members were deployed to patrol certain areas. And on this day, Lieutenant Dotten said the proactive undercover work paid off.
MCSO Sergeant Steve Osborne, who has been with the agency for 21 years, was in the area of the Family Dollar when it was robbed on Thursday. Sergeant Osborne said that at approximately 9:40 a.m., he saw two black males running from a Family Dollar store, one of whom was carrying a weapon.
The suspects ran to their vehicle, at which time Sergeant Osborne began pursuit.
Sergeant Osborne said the pursuit only lasted a few minutes before the suspects crashed into the fuel tanker while trying to get on the interstate.
It was at that time that one of the suspects bailed from the white 1997 Nissan Maxima on foot.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol worked together to set up a perimeter to keep the suspect from eluding capture.
Caleb, the suspect who ran from the crash, was captured at the scene. His brother, Kadrene, who was trapped in the car, is in serious but stable condition at a local hospital.
While processing the crash site, Ocala police found a pump-action shotgun in the getaway vehicle.
Lieutenant Dotten said, “We are not 100 percent positive that the two teens who were apprehended today are responsible for other burglaries, but there are certainly close similarities in this case that relate to other cases.”
Lieutenant Dotten said that the suspects needed to be caught because they were getting brazen and extremely dangerous. He said that in the Thursday morning robbery, one of the brothers pointed a gun at citizens who were standing outside of the Family Dollar and herded them into the store.
Blair said that the MCSO and the OPD have partnered up on this investigation, and that the investigation is ongoing.
“If I have to use all of the manpower available to me to keep these violent criminals from harming a citizen of this county, I will,” Blair said.
For this case, Caleb is facing two counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Grand Theft Auto, and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.
Some believe they should be free and have already begun to threaten with protests.
Ocala Post will publish Kadrene’s booking photo once he is released from the hospital.
[OPD]Caleb Clayton [left] and Kadrene ClaytonOcala, Florida — Two criminals are now in custody following a Family Dollar robbery Thursday morning.
Ocala Police said two men robbed the Family Dollar, located at 2370 Northwest 45th Terrace, at approximately 9:40 a.m.
Police said the men fled the scene in a Nissan Maxima, and as they were entering an I-75 on-ramp, they crashed into a RaceTrac gas tanker.
One of the suspects was seriously injured in the crash and was transported to a local hospital. A second suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot. He was later captured by Ocala police and Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
One of the suspects was armed, and a pump-action shotgun was recovered from inside the vehicle.
Detectives from both law enforcement agencies now have the task of determining whether or not these suspects have committed other robberies that have occurred over the past few months.
Wylie David Chambers [Deceased][Last updated on July 9, 2015 at 9:03 a.m. to include precise information about Chambers’ plea deal offer.]
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department, assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the Marion County Judicial Center in reference to an apparent suicide Wednesday afternoon.
According to reports, the deceased was identified as Wylie David Chambers, 57.
Chambers was on trial for two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Discharge. He was also facing charges for Kidnapping-False Imprisonment and Use of a Firearm while Intoxicated, but earlier in the case those charges were dropped.
If convicted of possession and discharge of the firearm during the aggravated assault, he could have been sentenced to 20 years (as a mandatory minimum) up to 40 years (for both counts), if the court determined it could “stack” the sentences.
Assistant State Attorney Tim McCourt said, “I believe the court would have been required to stack the sentences had Mr. Chambers been convicted of Aggravated Assault with Discharge of a Firearm, but I expect this would have required a hearing and extensive legal argument.”
If the court did not “stack” the sentences, his maximum exposure would have been 20 years in prison.
According to McCourt, if Chambers had been convicted of simply Aggravated Assault with Possession of a Firearm, his exposure would have been 10 years with a three-year mandatory minimum for possession of the firearm. McCourt said stacking the mandatory minimums in this instance, after a jury verdict, would have been unlikely.
Prior to recessing for lunch, Chambers was offered a plea deal wherein he would be sentence to eight years in the department of correction with a three-year mandatory minimum on count one, plus another three-year mandatory minimum, plus two years non-mandatory minimum on count two, with a term of two years of probation to follow if the court elected to impose it.
Entering into the plea would have brought the case to an end, with no chance of appeal for Chambers.
This was a case that involved extended family members, who were the victims, and they did not want to have this matter continue to wind its way through the courts for possibly three to four more years through the appeals and post-conviction process. McCourt said everyone was hoping he would take the plea deal.
“Chambers considered the offer with his attorney and his girlfriend/fiancee, but ultimately declined the plea offer,” McCourt said.
One juror said that it seemed like Chambers did not even want to serve one day in prison.
Moments before Chambers rejected the offer, there was discussion about a delayed sentencing date. In other words, he would plea and be sentenced later. However, the State would not consent to this, and neither would the trial court, as deferred sentencing is not permissible on a 10-20-Life offense. McCourt told Chambers and his attorney that the State did not want to see anybody harmed during the interim, including the victims or Chambers, as individuals have sometimes committed suicide prior to sentencing after having entered pleas. Chambers was informed of this.
Chambers’ attorney told Judge Stancil that he was concerned about Chambers’ mental stability and asked that Chambers be remanded. However, Judge Stancil said he could not because Chambers was out on bond.
The jury was then excused for a lunch break.
According to witnesses, Chambers went out to the parking garage and shot himself in the head. Witnesses said his body was leaning against a wall next to a car.
Authorities said he retrieved the gun from his car.
Bradenton Beach, Florida — A man who was filmed having sex on a Florida beach was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison on Monday.
Jose Caballero, 40, and Elissa Alvarez, 21, were arrested in July 2014, for having sex on Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, Florida. The couple was charged with Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition (F).
During the trial, Caballero told the jury that he and his girlfriend were not having sex. He said the video and witnesses were mistaken. Caballero said, “She was just dancing.”
But witnesses said there was no mistake about it. Witnesses testified that the couple had sex for approximately 25 minutes in front of children. Witnesses said that Alvarez was riding Caballero hard and that the two were not shy or quiet about it.
Article continued below
Jose Caballero, 40, and Elissa Alvarez, 21, were arrested in July 2014, for having sex on Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach, Florida.
Ronald Kurpiers, the defense attorney for Caballero, also denied the couple was having sex. Kurpiers said, “It was just a movement.”
Emily Hall, the grandmother who filmed the mini porn fest, said she was angry because her 4-year-old granddaughter was present and began to ask questions.
Hall told Bradenton Beach Police that Caballero and Alvarez began fondling each other on the beach, then had sex for 25 minutes.
She said beachgoers were in complete shock.
According to records, the couple did not even attempt to cover up while “going at it.”
According to police, when the couple finished, they took a quick dip in the ocean.
Reports stated that the couple then returned to their towel and passed out. When the couple awoke, witnesses told police they started to “go at it” again, at which time another witness called the police and confronted the couple.
The witness walked over to the couple and said, “What do you think you are doing?”
According to reports, Caballero jumped up from his towel and “flexed” his muscles as if he wanted to fight the female witness. Thankfully, witnesses said police arrived very quickly.
Police said that Caballero was very mouthy and tried to intimidate them with his “size.”
Caballero was hauled off to jail wearing nothing more than a Speedo.
Article continued below
More than six witnesses filed complaints against the couple.
Alvarez was sentenced to time already served.
Prosecutors said they were “stiff” with Cabellero because he had previously served eight years for trafficking cocaine. Initially, the couple was facing 15 years in prison.
“It is important for the public to understand that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” prosecutors said.
In addition to their sentence, they were required to register as sex offenders.
The judge stated that people need to learn they cannot act like this.
According to Alvarez’ Facebook page, she really enjoys sex, but apparently in all the wrong places.
Sorry readers, Ocala Post cannot publish the uncut video.
Summerfield, Florida — A Summerfield man remained behind bars Tuesday after he hit and threatened to kill a juvenile.
On Monday, Deputy Tevyn Gadson responded to Southeast 131st Place, Summerfield, in reference to a disturbance.
When Gadson arrived on the scene, witnesses stated that Ronald James Beabout Jr., became verbally aggressive toward his father. Witnesses told the deputy that during an argument, Beabout Jr. told his father that he was going to kill him.
However, by the time the deputy arrived Beabout Jr. had already fled the scene.
A few hours later, Deputy Gadson was dispatched to the same location.
This time, he met with a juvenile victim who stated Beabout Jr. had struck him with a large metal antenna pole. Beabout then stated, “You are dead.”
According to the juvenile victim, Beabout Jr. had knocked on his bedroom window, and when he went outside to see who it was, Beabout Jr. struck him in his lower back with the metal pole and threatened to kill him.
Beabout Jr. continued to strike the juvenile multiple times with the pole and then fled the scene.
According to reports, the victim and eyewitnesses told the deputy that Beabout Jr. frequently abused drugs and alcohol. Witnesses stated that he was under the influence of both at the time of the incident.
Deputy Gadson located Beabout Jr. in a vacant field with the metal pole still in his hand.
As the deputy was reading Beabout Jr. his Miranda warning, he blurted out, “I just tickled his butt with the pole.”
Beabout Jr. then stated that he told the juvenile he was dead because “he is a p***y.”
He said he also threatened to kill his father because “he was an old useless piece of s**t.”
Beabout Jr. told the deputy that he had been drinking and smoking marijuana before the altercation took place. He did not admit to taking any other drugs.
He was arrested and charged with Cruelty Toward a Child. His bond was set at $5,000.
De’Andre Johnson #14 of the Gold team runs to the sideline following a rushing touchdown against the Garnet team during Florida State’s Garnet and Gold spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium on April 11, 2015. (Photo by: Stacy Revere
Jimbo Fisher and the Florida State Seminoles dismissed freshman quarterback De’Andre Johnson Monday night, after the State Attorney’s Office released a video that showed Johnson punching a woman in the face at a Tallahassee bar in June.
Fisher made the announcement during a short statement released by FSU on Monday night, just hours after the video was made public.
Johnson was named Florida’s “Mr. Football” during his senior year at First Coast High School in Jacksonville. Johnson was competing for the starting quarter back role this spring. In June, he was indefinitely suspended from the team when he was charged with misdemeanor battery for striking a woman during an argument. Johnson surrendered to Tallahassee police on June 30, and was released on $500 bond.
Florida State president John Thrasher, said he fully supports the actions that head coach Jimbo Fisher took when he dismissed Johnson from the program.
“While it is always important to adhere to due process, having now seen the physical altercation captured on video, there is no question in my mind that Coach Fisher made the correct decisions,” Thrasher said. “I expect all students at Florida State University, including student-athletes, to adhere to the highest level of conduct. I have no tolerance for the kind of behavior exhibited in this case. Florida State University was forged from an outstanding college for women and has a long tradition of being a caring community that demands students be treated with dignity and respect.”
According to the Tallahassee Police Department incident reports, the woman, who is also a student at FSU, suffered bruising near her left eye, swelling to her upper lip and left cheek, and also suffered a small cut near the bridge of her nose.
On July 2, Johnson’s criminal defense and trial attorney Jose Baez, entered a written plea of not guilty on Johnson’s behalf.
“While it is clear from the video that De’Andre Johnson was not the initial aggressor, his family wants to take the lead in helping him learn and grow from this experience,” Baez said Monday in a statement. “He is currently participating in community service and faith-based programs focused on battered women, substance abuse and the empowerment of children.
“De’Andre is extremely embarrassed by this situation and would like to express his heartfelt apologies to everyone, including those who were directly affected, Coach Fisher and his teammates, the entire Florida State University community, as well as his family and friends.”
Johnson’s first court appearance is scheduled in Leon County Court on July 22.
