Rockin On The River Raises $25,000 For Local Charities

Staff Reporter
-
0
Rockin On The River Raises $25,000 For Local Charities

image

LakeWales , FL – Camp Mack River Resort was close to reaching capacity during the 2nd annual Rockin’ on the River (ROTR) weekend.  ROTR, Inc. is a non profit created to support local organizations who improve the lives for those in the autism spectrum.  This year’s 3-day event included free entertainment by Coastal Acoustics Barefoot, Red Hot Rooster, Hunter Smith and Friends, Next Level Band, B. Haven, and Raisin’ Cain.  Special recognition was given to the Nathan Baldwin Band and BlackWater for donating their time and musical talent for such a great cause!  Through sponsorships, donations and community support, ROTR 2016 raised enough funds to donate almost $25,000 to the local nonprofits. 
Our Children’s Academy (OCA), a special needs school in Lake Wales, received $15,000 as this year’s elite benefactor.  OCA offers a unique educational program where educators, behavior specialists, and therapists work together to achieve the goals set for each individual child.
 
“What a blessing it is to be appreciated and supported by the community.”

Steve Whitaker, Executive Director for OCA, has already earmarked the donation for the new school being built.  OCA plans to open the doors of the new facility in time for the first day of school in August. 
Other benefactors include Central Florida Autism Institute, the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club of Winter Haven, Sidestreet Art Beat, and the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. 
ROTR Board Members also presented On the Edge Children’s Foundation with a donation during their first Adaptive Freedom Festival held in Winter Haven.   On the Edge brings children and others together who would not typically be involved in water sports activities.

One additional recipient, Alliance for Independence, focuses soley on adults with autism. Board Member Tim Kiley accepted the blessing with a smile.  “AFI appreciates the donation and all of the work that went into putting on the event at Camp Mack.  AFI has been empowering adults with disabilities in Polk County for over 60 years.  Without the help and support of our partners and friends in the community, it would not be possible to maintain the level of services our clients have come to expect.  We look forward to continuing to serve the needs of the developmentally disabled in Polk County, and to working with our friends and partners to make life better in our community for all individuals who have special needs.”

Appreciation was given to the countless sponsors who made the weekend a huge success and plans for Rockin’ on the River 2017 are already underway!  Stay tuned as the team behind Rockin’ continue to make a difference for so many uniquely challenged individuals throughout Polk County!

Accident On Hwy 27 Near Home Depot Being Cleared

Staff Reporter
-
0
Accident On Hwy 27 Near Home Depot Being Cleared

image

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department & Lake Wales Fire Department were called out to an accident on Hwy 27 Tuesday afternoon.  The call came in around 3:35pm of an accident in the southbound lanes of Hwy 27 about 2 miles South of Cypress Gardens Blvd.  Two vehicles were involved. No details are available at this time regarding injuries. 

2nd Annual Xtreme Team Fishing For Kix Bass Tournament

Staff Reporter
-
0
2nd Annual Xtreme Team Fishing For Kix Bass Tournament

2nd Annual Fishing Tourney

Lake Wales Public Library will Celebrate National Library Week With Activities Beginning Monday April 11

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lake Wales Public Library will Celebrate National Library Week With Activities Beginning Monday April 11

national library wwwk

National Library Week will be observed April 10-16, 2016 with the theme, “Libraries Transform.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.

The Lake Wales Public Library will celebrate the week with several activities.  Beginning Monday, April 11 the LWPL will conduct Food for Fines.  Our semi-annual Food for Fines program allows customers with overdue fines or materials to ‘pay’ with a donation of at least five non-perishable food items.  All food collected during the April Food for Fines program will be donated to the Lake Wales Care Center’s Food Bank.  This program runs from April 11 through April 23.

The Lake Wales Public Library will host author, Susan Butler at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.  Ms. Butler will discuss her latest book, Roosevelt & Stalin: A Portrait of a Partnership.

The Lake Wales Public Library’s Youth Services division will celebrate the 100th birthday of beloved Children’s author, Beverly Cleary on April 12, during National Library Week.  The party begins at 3:30 p.m. Cleary is the creator of classic children’s characters including Beezus and Ramona. When asked by Today Show’s Jenna Bush Hager about her upcoming birthday, Cleary responded with true Ramona spirit, saying, “Well, I didn’t do it on purpose!” We love her spunk and her books!  Kids and their grownups are invited.

Tuesday is National Library Workers Day.  This day is set aside to recognize the valuable contribution of library workers.  Wednesday, April 13 is National Bookmobile Day.

National Bookmobile Day recognizes the contributions of our nation’s bookmobiles – mobile branch libraries and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities.  The Lake Wales Public Library is proud to administer the Polk County Library Cooperative’s Bookmobile – Mobile Branch Library services.  The PCLC Bookmobile – Mobile Branch Library will visit two new stops on April 13, the Lake Hamilton City Hall, 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and the Dundee Care Center Thrift Store, 2 until 4:30 p.m.  Visit either location and wish the Bookmobile staff a Happy National Bookmobile Day.

Visit any Polk County Library Cooperative site.  There are 18 locations throughout the county, including the PCLC Bookmobile – Mobile Branch Library.  PCLC also provide BMail, our materials by mail service available to all Polk County residents.

For details visit www.mypclc.org or www.cityoflakewales.com/library.

Cooking on The Ridge: The Ultimate Paella

Staff Reporter
-
0
Cooking on The Ridge: The Ultimate Paella

The Ultimate Paella

 

theultimatepaella

Ingredients
Spice Mix for chicken, recipe follows
1 (3-pound) frying chicken, cut into 10 pieces
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Spanish chorizo sausages, thickly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Spanish onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, crushed
Bunch flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped, reserve some for garnish
1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and hand-crushed
4 cups short grain Spanish rice
6 cups water, warm
Generous pinch saffron threads
1 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
2 lobster tails
1/2 cup sweet peas, frozen and thawed
Lemon wedges, for serving
Special equipment:
Large paella pan or wide shallow skillet
Spice Mix for chicken:
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
ADD CHECKED ITEMS TO GROCERY LIST
\Directions
Watch how to make this recipe.
Special equipment:
Rub the spice mix all over the chicken and marinate chicken for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Heat oil in a paella pan over medium-high heat. Saute the chorizo until browned, remove and reserve. Add chicken skin-side down and brown on all sides, turning with tongs. Add salt and freshly ground pepper. Remove from pan and reserve.

In the same pan, make a sofrito by sauteing the onions, garlic, and parsley. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes on a medium heat. Then, add tomatoes and cook until the mixture caramelizes a bit and the flavors meld. Fold in the rice and stir-fry to coat the grains. Pour in water and simmer for 10 minutes, gently moving the pan around so the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid. Add chicken, chorizo, and saffron. Add the clams and shrimp, tucking them into the rice. The shrimp will take about 8 minutes to cook. Give the paella a good shake and let it simmer, without stirring, until the rice is al dente, for about 15 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, when the rice is filling the pan, add the lobster tails. When the paella is cooked and the rice looks fluffy and moist, turn the heat up for 40 seconds until you can smell the rice toast at the bottom, then it’s perfect.

Cook’s note: The ideal paella has a toasted rice bottom called socarrat.

Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with peas, parsley and lemon wedges.

Spice Mix for chicken:
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken; marinate for 1 hour, covered

Courtesy of Tyler Florence

A Winter Haven Detective Who Learned of a PlayStation 4 Threat to Shoot up a School in Kansas Went Above and Beyond to Protect Innocent Lives

Staff Reporter
-
0
A Winter Haven Detective Who Learned of a PlayStation 4 Threat to Shoot up a School in Kansas Went Above and Beyond to Protect Innocent Lives

PS4

A relentless Winter Haven Detective who learned of a PlayStation 4 threat to shoot up a school in Kansas didn’t stop until it was determined that the threat was made by a 16 year-old Kansas boy who said it was just a joke.
On March 31, 2016, a friend of a Winter Haven Detective contacted him regarding a report of someone seeing a post while playing a PS4 game online. The post seen by a Port Richey resident who was online with their private PS4 involved photos of two guns and the post of, “shooting up my school tomorrow.”
When the detective received the information, he immediately contacted the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in order to make contact with the user who saw the threatening post. He also contacted the PlayStation Network in order to attempt to locate the address of the threatening post utilizing the user’s screen name. PlayStation relayed that a history would be made of the account name to determine if there was any complaint history. They also stated that they would need a subpoena in order to obtain information regarding the IP address or any other information that would identify the poster.
A short time later, PlayStation contacted the detective and confirmed that there were multiple complaints lodged against the PlayStation poster within the past hour. Due to the urgency of the post and the immediate threat to the safety of a school, information was received that the poster was 16 year-old Jan Paul Cintron of Leavenworth Kansas.
Immediate contact was made with the law enforcement agency in Leavenworth Kansas and an officer was dispatched to the residence listed through the IP address of the PlayStation poster. Leavenworth officers responded and reportedly encountered the two occupants inside of the residence. The officer who responded was able to see a PlayStation screen through the open door along with a long-barreled weapon that was described in the report. The officer, who did not enter the residence, requested the parent or guardian of the juvenile who answered the door to respond, to which she did. Once she arrived, it was determined she was the mother of Cintron and gave permission for the Leavenworth officer to enter the residence.
When the officer entered, he located two weapons, ultimately determined to be a “black ops” pellet gun, which looked like a very large revolver and a Crossman BB gun with a scope on it. Both weapons were the same as depicted in the PlayStation post included with the threat.

Cintron ultimately admitted to the officer that he did in fact send the messages and pictures as a joke.
Cintron was arrested and charged with (F) Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption (Kansas Statute 21-5415(a)(1). He was taken to the Juvenile Detention facility.
“I am extremely proud of our Detective as he took this case much further than our jurisdiction,” said Chief Charlie Bird.  The seriousness of this type of threat causes immediate concern and he did a fantastic job to run down the threat and have local officials intervene.”

Polk Clerk of Courts & Comptroller Provides Strategic Update to the Community

Staff Reporter
-
0
Polk Clerk of Courts & Comptroller Provides Strategic Update to the Community
Polk Clerk of Courts & Comptroller Provides Strategic Update to the Community
 
Bartow, Fla. (April 4, 2016) – Stacy Butterfield, Polk County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, has released her 2015 Strategic Update, a report that provides residents with an update on the work and development of the Clerk’s office.
 
Notable accomplishments in 2015 include:
·         Accreditation of the Clerk Department of Inspector General.
·         Expanded services for jurors by providing the ability to confirm jury service and request excusals and postponements online. The office also formed a partnership with the Arts Ensemble Education Foundation to feature art exhibits in the Jury Assembly Room.
·         Launched Property Alert Service to help customers with fraud detection by providing registered users with notification when documents are filed in the Clerk’s office using their personal information.
·         Collected $170,000 in outstanding fines during the onetime Operation Green Light event.
·         Clerk employees donated nearly $20,000 to community causes.
 
The report details the advancements of the Clerk’s 2013 – 2016 strategic plan. The plan focuses on five key strategies, which include enhanced customer access, greater transparency and accountability in county government, excellence in financial reporting, exceptional customer service, and community engagement.
 
“I revere the magnitude of responsibility delegated to the Clerk’s office and remain committed to providing the highest standard of service,” Butterfield said. “I believe a strategic plan is essential to the success of any organization as it provides clear direction so that all deputy clerks are empowered to help advance the office. Our plan ensures we serve our customers’ current needs while also preparing to meet future demands and challenges.”
 
Access the report online to discover more or request a printed copy by calling 863-534-2530. The report is available at www.polkcountyclerk.netunder the “information & other services” section.
 
Contact the Polk County Clerk of Courts office at 863-534-4000. Visit the Clerk’s office online at www.polkcountyclerk.net or like the Polk County Clerk Facebook page. 
IG Group
 
Photo caption: Clerk of Courts & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield and the Clerk Department of Inspector General staff are presented with the department’s first accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation on February 26, 2015. The accreditation is one of the Clerk’s notable accomplishments from 2015.
 

PCSO Undercover Detectives Charge 18 Suspects During “Operation April’s Fools”

Staff Reporter
-
0
PCSO Undercover Detectives Charge 18 Suspects During “Operation April’s Fools”
PCSO Undercover Detectives Charge 18 Suspects During “Operation April’s Fools”
operation april fools
In an undisclosed location in Polk County, beginning on Tuesday, March 29, through Monday, April 4, 2016, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives, along with detectives and investigators from other agencies, conducted a week-long undercover investigation targeting online child predators and charged 18suspects – 17 were arrested, and one had a warrant issued for his arrest.
“Operation April’s Fools” included detectives and agents from the following agencies: Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); Osceola County S.O.; Seminole County S.O.; Pinellas County S.O.; Manatee County S.O.; Orange County S.O.; Lee County S.O.; Lakeland P.D.; Sanford P.D.; Bradenton P.D.; Sarasota P.D.; Orlando P.D.; working in conjunction with members of the State Attorney’s Office along with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as children, or as custodians of children. Despite the repeated warnings and media coverage of past operations, numerous men responded to the ads and then proceeded to chat online, email, text, and talk on the phone with the undercover detectives who posed as children or custodians of children online. Some of the detectives responded to profiles and online ads. The suspects solicited who they thought were children as young as 13 years old for sex acts; two suspects solicited who they thought was the father of a 10-year-old girl to have sex with her. Some suspects sent pornographic pictures of themselves, and some asked for nude photos of the children to be sent to them. Several of the men drove to the house to follow through with the promises made online to engage in sexual activity with the juveniles.
The 18 suspects face a total of 103 charges (97 felonies, 6 misdemeanors) which range from: Attempted Lewd Battery, Use of Computer to Seduce a Child, Transmission of Harmful Material to Minor, Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Commit a Felony, Traveling to Meet Minor, Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony, Drug Possession, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. More charges are pending further investigation of these suspects’ phones, computers, etc.
Most of the suspects traveled to the undercover location or to another meeting place. Six suspects were from Polk County (Auburndale, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Alfred, and Lakeland). Other locations the suspects traveled from were:
1 traveled from Collier County (Naples);
1 traveled from Lake County (Clermont);
1 traveled from Osceola County (Celebration);
4 traveled from Orange County (Orlando, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Apopka);
1 traveled from St. Johns County (Ponte Vedra);
1 traveled from Seminole County (Lake Mary);
2 traveled from Volusia County (Deltona, Daytona Beach);
1 lives in Alaska (he was visiting Polk).
Nine (9) suspects brought condoms, some brought candy, and some brought illegal narcotics to the undercover location. Five (5) told detectives they were married. The youngest suspect arrested was 19 years old, and the oldest suspect arrested was 60 years old – the average age of the suspects is 28 years old. Including the charges they face in this investigation, the suspects have acombined arrest history of 24 previous felonies and 24 previous misdemeanors.
Those arrested, in order of arrest, are:

1.    22-year-old Christopher John Smith, of Deltona; on March 29, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl in the 8th grade. While chatting online, Smith told the undercover detective he would show or teach her sex acts during each visit with her. He purchased condoms on the way to the undercover location. After his arrest, Smith told detectives “this was a stupid decision.”  He told detectives he is single and works at Superior Lawn Care. His criminal history includes 6 prior felonies and 1 prior misdemeanor, including arrests for Burglary, and Petit Theft.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)

2.    19-year-old Arthur Joseph Nelson, of Orlando; on March 30, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He sent her pictures of his genitals, and he bought condoms on the way to the undercover location. After his arrest, Nelson told detectives he knew the girl was 14 years old, he stopped at Walmart to buy condoms, he chatted with underage girls but this was the first time he has “done something like this” and he was “high” and “horny” and thought it seemed like a good idea. He told detectives he is single and works as a janitor at Discovery Cove theme park. During a search of his car, detectives found a glass pipe with marijuana residue in it. His criminal history includes 1 prior misdemeanor arrest Retail Theft.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)
  • One count Transmit Harmful Materials to Minor (F-3)
  • One count Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

3.    26-year-old Jeffrey Erich Binder, of Winter Garden; on March 30, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. While chatting online and texting, Binder told the undercover detective he wanted to do “everything” sexual with her. He purchased and brought condoms to the undercover location. After his arrest, Binder told detectives “now I gotta tell my work and family that I got arrested for soliciting a 14-year-old for sex.”  He told detectives he is single and works as a security guard at Walt Disney World – his uniform was in his car. His criminal history includes 1 prior misdemeanor arrest for Battery – Domestic Violence.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)

4.    21-year-old Michael Fernandez, of Ocoee; on March 30, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 10-year-old girl. He communicated with an undercover detective who was posing as a 10-year-old girl’s father and said, “I like em young” and “I have a sis she 8 but haven’t done nothing yet.” After his arrest, Fernandez told detectives he met the father on Craigslist and communicated with him on a computer at the library and on his iPhone, and arranged to meet him and the daughter, who he claimed he thought was 16 years old despite the chat conversations between the two that clearly stated the girl was 10 years old. He said he wanted to act out sexual fantasies with the juvenile. He told detectives he is single and a self-employed car washer. During a search of his car, detectives found marijuana. His criminal history includes 1 prior misdemeanor arrest for Resisting Arrest.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)
  • One count Possession of Marijuana (M-1)

5.    20-year-old Michael Dean Thompson, of Ponte Vedra; on March 30, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He told the girl he was 18 years old, and he would make sure her first time was the best. After his arrest, Thompson told detectives he did not think she was really 14 but admitted she did tell him her age on multiple occasions. He told detectives he is single and works at Publix.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child & Misrepresent Age (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)

6.    28-year-old Jerin Jolly James, of Celebration; on March 30, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. James brought condoms to the undercover location. After his arrest, he told detectives he wanted to talk to the girl in person and tell her how wrong talking with men online about sex was, and that he uses condoms with his wife. He told his wife he was going to 7-Eleven and instead drove to the undercover location. He told detectives he is married and works as a technician at Florida Hospital in Orlando.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child & Misrepresent Age (F-2)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)

7.    26-year-old Alejandro Pineda, of Haines City; on March 30, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Pineda sent the girl a photo of male genitalia, and brought condoms to the undercover location. After his arrest, he told detectives he was embarrassed and disgusted by what he did, admitted that he should have stopped talking to her, and that he told her he would bring condoms so she wouldn’t get pregnant. He told detectives he is married and works in pool construction..

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child & Misrepresent Age (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-2)

8.    60-year-old Howard Bishop III, of Lake Alfred; on March 31, 2016, he arranged to meet with who he thought was the father of a 10-year-old girl. Bishop chatted online with the undercover detective posing as the girl’s father, and told the detective he was “very much into nudism and quality family fun; I am very open minded and up for anything.” He went into detail about the sexual activities in which he wanted to participate with the 10-year-old, and implied he had done sexual things with a 10-year-old girl prior to these conversations. After his arrest, Bishop told detectives the charges wouldn’t stick because the detective told him during the chats that he was not a law enforcement officer. He had a bag of candy in his car that he brought for the “girl.” Detectives continue to investigate any prior sexual abuse against juveniles with whom he had contact. He told detectives he is single.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child & Misrepresent Age (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Solicit Parent or Guardian (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-1)

9.    20-year-old Robert Michael Gordon, of Clermont; on April 1, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Gordon brought two condoms to the undercover location. He told detectives he is single and is a football coach at Central Florida Christian Academy, and a produce clerk at Publix.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)

10.  32-year-old Mahesh Radhakrishnan, of Lake Mary; on April 1, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. During conversations with the undercover detective, Radhakrishnan asked the “girl” to take a shower and have her hair wet before he arrived. He also told her that since she was 14 years old and too young to drive, he would come pick her up and take her to a hotel or to his house. More than once, he told her to delete the text messages between them. He had a bag containing condoms and sex toys in his vehicle. He told detectives he is married, and his wife and newborn baby are in India. He told detectives he is a computer program director.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)

11.  28-year-old Preston Lee Bousquet, of Daytona Beach; on April 1, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. During conversations with the undercover detective, Bousquet told the “girl” about the different sexual positions he wanted to teach her. He purchased condoms on the way to the undercover location. During a search of his vehicle, detectives found marijuana. He told detectives he is married, and his wife is out of the country.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)
  • One count Possession of Marijuana (M-1)
  • One count Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

12.  26-year-old Tyler James Knight, of Davenport; on April 2, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. During conversations with the undercover detective, Knight asked the “boy” if he could sneak out and meet him after his parents go to bed. He told detectives he is single, and he receives $733/month in Social Security benefits, and $150/month food stamps. His criminal history includes 2 prior felonies and 2 prior misdemeanors, including out-of-state arrests for Assault, Domestic Abuse, False Imprisonment, and False Report of a Crime.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)

13.  24-year-old Pedro Emilio Portillo, of Apopka; on April 2, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. During conversations with the undercover detective, Portillo asked the “girl” if he could sneak into her room, and said he would bring condoms. On the way to the undercover location, Portillo stopped at the store and bought condoms and Skittles for the “girl.” He told detectives he is single and works at Mullinax Ford as a manager.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)

14.  22-year-old Samuel Orlin Hightower, of Anchorage, Alaska; on April 3, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old boy. During conversations with the undercover detective, in addition to discussing sex, Hightower asked the “boy” if he smoked cigarettes or did “coke” and asked if he wanted to try it. He sent three photos of his genitalia to the “boy.” Hightower walked to Cracker Barrel near his hotel in Davenport to meet with the “boy.” Detectives found cocaine and a hallucinogen in his wallet. He told detectives he is single and works as a customer service manager at Alaska Airlines. His criminal history includes 4 prior misdemeanors.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • Three counts Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-3)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)
  • One count Possession Cocaine (F-3)
  • One count Possession of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (F-3)
  • Two counts Possession Paraphernalia (M-1)

15.  19-year-old Joshua Dean Southerland, of Davenport; on April 3, 2016, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. Southerland told the “girl” what he wanted to do to her and what he wanted her to do to him. He told detectives he is single.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two -Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Attempted Lewd Battery (F-3)

16.  33-year-old Larry Alfred Treharn, Jr., of Naples; on April 3, 2016, he arrived near the undercover location to meet with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Treharn chatted with several other undercover personas during the operation. Detectives found a loaded handgun in his car. He told detectives he is married and works as an electrician’s apprentice. His criminal history includes 5 prior felonies and 2 prior misdemeanors, including arrests for Attempted First Degree Murder, Arson, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Destructive Device, DWLSR (Habitual), and FTA.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • One count Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
  • One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
  • One count Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-3)
  • One count Lewd/Lascivious Conduct (F-2)
  • One count Use of Firearm During Felony (F-2)
  • One count DWLSR (M-2)
  • One count Loitering/Prowling (M-2)

17.  59-year-old Keith Hartford Ingles, of Lakeland; on April 4, 2016, detectives issued a warrant for his arrest. He has been chatting online since January 2016 with an undercover detective who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Ingles instructed the “girl” on how to commit lewd acts and solicited her several times. He told her nearly every day to delete their text messages so she wouldn’t get caught by her mother. He was taken into custody without incident. He told detectives he was a firefighter for Polk County Fire Rescue for eight years. He currently is a mechanic.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
  • Four counts Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • Four counts Use of Computer to Seduce Child (F-3)
A WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR:

 

18.  24-year-old Brantley Ashton Thompson, of Auburndale; on April 4, 2016, detectives issued a warrant for his arrest. During the operation, he chatted with two different undercover detectives, both of whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girls. Thompson sent both “girls” photos of his genitalia. His criminal history includes 11 previous felonies and 13 previous misdemeanors.

His warrant charges him with:
  • Seven counts Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
  • Seven counts Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-3)

PCSO Detectives Seeking Information On Whereabouts of Attempted Murder Suspect Dontavious Grant

Staff Reporter
-
0
PCSO Detectives Seeking Information On Whereabouts of Attempted Murder Suspect Dontavious Grant
PCSO Detectives Seeking Information On Whereabouts of Attempted Murder Suspect Dontavious Grant
 
grant
PCSO Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 22-year-old Dontavious Grant, whose last known address is 1831 3rd Street NW in Winter Haven. 
Grant has a Polk County Warrant for his arrest for Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, Armed Kidnapping, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
In May 2014, Grant was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for armed robbery, which occurred in Polk County in March 2011. He was released from state prison in June 2015.
Dontavious Grant is 5’10” tall, 180 lbs., and has the following tattoos:
  • LEFT ARM: “TB,” dice, flames, man with a gun
  • RIGHT ARM: “?,” crosses, “love”
  • OTHER: “Armesha,” “Drama,” and a mask with money
Anyone with information on Dontavious Grant’s whereabouts is urged to contact the PCSO at 863.298.6200. He is to be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. Attached is his 2015 Dept. of Corrections mugshot.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED! iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visitwww.tipsoft.com.

19 Year Old Tricail Mack Was Arrested In Seminole County

Staff Reporter
-
0
19 Year Old Tricail Mack Was Arrested In Seminole County

19-year-old Tricail Mack, who has a Polk County warrant for his arrest for Armed Robbery and Attempted Murder, was arrested in Seminole County.

mack

Preliminary information is as follows:

On Friday, April 1, 2016, the PCSO Robbery Unit requested assistance from the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force to locate Mack. Members from both entities responded to the Longwood area of Orlando, where they believed Mack was hiding. Detectives spotted Mack walking, at which time he fled on foot into a neighborhood. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Longwood P.D., and Lake Mary P.D., responded to assist, setting up a perimeter. Mack was subsequently apprehended hiding in a shed on Hillcrest Drive. He was booked into the Seminole County Jail, and will later be transferred to Polk.

Mack’s Polk County charges are related to an incident that occurred on February 17, 2016. Mack and accomplice met with the two victims at the Chevron station located at 3235 Dundee Road in Winter Haven, to purchase a half-pound of marijuana. During the transaction, Mack robbed and shot one of the victims in the leg, then fled the scene. He was positively identified and PCSO detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Mack’s Seminole County mugshot is attached. He has an extensive criminal history.

1...701702703...725Page 702 of 725