Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 17 Suspects During Undercover Heroin Trafficking Investigation

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April 20, 2017

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 17 Suspects During Undercover Heroin Trafficking Investigation

Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives, working with the Lakeland Police Department, and the Office of the State Attorney, 10^th Judicial Circuit, Brian Haas, arrested 17 people during a three-month-long investigation into heroin trafficking, some of whom detectives are seeking a federal indictment against in heroin overdose-related deaths (see infomation at end of news release).

Of the 17 suspects arrested, there are 51 felony and 27 misdemeanor charges filed. Over 600 grams of heroin was seized (street value $72,000); over 5 pounds of marijuana was seized; 6 firearms were seized; $23,000 cash was seized for forfeiture; and 5 suspected heroin deaths are related to this investigation.

“There has been a disturbing rise nationwide in deaths associated with heroin and fentanyl. Our deputies are working hard to put these heroin dealers behind bars through proactive investigations. It is also our mission to hold those accountable for each and every heroin overdose death that we can link back to the sale of heroin.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

In February 2017:

PCSO undercover detectives responded to suspect heroin dealer 28-year-old Antonorio Nelson’s house, at 1124 Innwood Lane in Lakeland, and found 74 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 – .1 grams each), hydrocodone pills, MDMA (ecstasy) pills, a loaded “38 special” revolver, and a digital scale. Nelson was on house arrest for sale/manufacture of MDMA, and not scheduled to be released until May 2018. His girlfriend, 21-year-old Termarald Redding, lives in the house with him and a small child. The drugs and loaded gun were easily available for the child to access.

Detectives arrested:

Antonorio Nelson, DOB 12/19/1988, charged with:
- o Armed trafficking in heroin (F-L)
- o Armed trafficking in MDMA (F-L)
- o Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)
- o Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F-2)
- o Use or display of firearm during felony (F-2)
- o Possession of MDMA (F-3)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)
- o Violation of probation (orginal charge sale of MDMA) (F-2)
- o Violation of community control (M-1)

Nelson’s criminal history includes: trafficking in heroin, trafficking in meth, sale of meth, possession of meth with intent to sell, possession of MDMA with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, resisting arrest, trespassing, giving false name to LEO, DWLSR, FTA, and VOP.

Termarald Redding, DOB 12/9/1995, charged with:
- o Armed trafficking in heroin (F-L)
- o Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)
- o Use or display of firearm during felony (F-2)
- o Possession of MDMA (F-3)
- o Possession of marijuana (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

In March 2017:

PCSO undercover detectives responded to suspected heroin dealer 26-year-old Trenard Butler’s house, at 218 Fox Drive in Lakeland, and observed Butler leaving the house with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Brittany McCormick. Butler had four active Polk County warrants for his arrest at the time. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle they were in, and observed 4.9 grams of Heroin sitting in plain view on the center console. During a search of the residence, detectives found 20 MDMA (ecstasy) pills, marijuana, and paraphernalia (scale, Ziploc baggies, glass pipe). The following people were arrested at this house:

Trenard Butler, DOB 5/31/1990, charged with:
- o Trafficking in heroin over 4 grams (F-1)
- o Possession of vehicle to traffic drugs (F-2)
- o Possession with intent to sell MDMA (F-2)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia WARRANT (M-1)
- o Possession of heroin with intent to sell WARRANT (F-2)
- o Child abuse WARRANT(F-1)
- o Failure to appear WARRANT (original charge – domestic violence) (F-3)

Butler’s criminal history includes: possession of heroin with intent to sell, possession of meth, possession of structure for drug trafficking, paraphernalia, battery, battery domestic violence, fleeing to elude, resisting arrest, child neglect, disorderly conduct, no valid DL, DWLSR, FTA, and VOP. He’s been to state prison twice.

Brittany McCormick, DOB 3/21/1987, charged with:
- o Trafficking in heroin over 4 grams (F-1)
- o Possession of vehicle to traffic drugs (F-2)
- o Possession with intent to sell MDMA (F-2)
- o Possession of marijuana (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

McCormick’s criminal history includes: DWLSR, and FTA.

PCSO undercover detectives identified 28-year-old Christopher Walton as a heroin dealer. They responded to his home, located at 2242 Bordeau Court #1 in Lakeland and served a search warrant, during which they found over 50 grams of heroin (packaged in individual bags for sale – street value approximately $10,000), two semi-automatic pistols, an AR-15 assault rifle with two fully-loaded magazines, paraphernalia (grinder with cocaine residue), and $2,570.00 in cash. Walton told detectives that although he is a convicted felon, he keeps firearms in the house for protection against being robbed. Another couple who have a small child also live in the home, and also had drugs and a firearm in their bedroom. The following people were arrested at this house:

Christopher Walton, DOB 2/27/1989, charged with:
- o Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F-2)
- o Possession of cocaine (F-3)
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Walton’s criminal history includes: possession of MDMA, oxycodone, marijuana, heroin trafficking, meth trafficking, possession of paraphernalia, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharge firearm in a public place, open carry firearm, battery on LEO, resisting arrest, DWLSR habitual, FTA, and VOP. He’s been to state prison once.

Dante Williams, DOB 10/6/1997, charged with:
- o Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F-2)
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of vehicle used to traffic drugs (F-2)
- o Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Williams’ criminal history includes: possession of MDMA, possession of paraphernalia, aggravated battery, possession of firearm by convicted felon, shooting into dwelling, carrying concealed weapon, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, assault, disturbing the peace, burglary, grand theft, corruption, battery on LEO, trespassing, hit and run, no valid DL, FTA and VOP. He’s been to state prison once.

Anira Lecount (Dante Williams’ girlfriend), DOB 11/27/1998, charged with:
- o Possession of structure to manufacture drugs w/children present (F-1)
- o Possession of marijuana less than 20 grams (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

PCSO undercover detectives identified 31-year-old Tonyo Evans as a known heroin supplier, and purchased 500 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 – .1 grams each) for $4,000.00. Detectives also served a search warrant at his home where he lives with his girlfriend, 27-year-old Kayla Jenkins, located at 3929 K-Ville Avenue in Auburndale, and found oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, and grinders and bags with heroin residue. Horace Martinwas with Evans during the drug sales. The following people were arrested at this house:

Tonyo Evans, DOB 7/17/1985, charged with:
- o Possession of structure to sell controlled substance (F-2)
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)
- o Knowingly DLWSR (M-2)

Evans’ criminal history includes: possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, fleeing to elude, tampering with evidence, gambling, aggravated battery, possession of firearm/ammo by convicted felon, remove serial number from firearm, resisting arrest, giving false ID to LEO, DWLSR, FTA and VOP. He’s been to state prison twice.

Kayla Jenkins, DOB 1/1/1990, charged with:
- o Possession of structure to sell controlled substance (F-2)
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)
- o Possession of oxycodone (F-3)
- o Possession of hydrocodone (F-3)

Horace Martin, DOB 1/31/1986, charged with:
- o Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)

Martin’s criminal history includes: possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, shooting into dwelling, violation of injunction for protection, battery domestic violence, criminal mischief, DWLSR, and FTA.

In April 2017:

PCSO undercover detectives identified 31-year-old Naboris Lampkin and 22-year-old Ladarius Oglesby as known heroin suppliers, and purchased 500 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 – .1 grams each) from Lampkin, and 89 bags from Oglesby. Detectives arrested:

Ladarius Oglesby, DOB 10/11/1994, charged with:
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Conspiracy to traffic in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Oglesby’s criminal history includes: aggravated assault, shooting into dwelling/vehicle, armed trespassing, grand theft of motor vehicle, battery, possession of controlled substance, FTA, and VOP.

Detectives have a warrant for:

Naboris Lampkin, DOB 9/24/1985, charged with:
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of vehicle known to traffic drugs (F-2)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Lampkin’s criminal history includes: possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, fleeing to elude, resisting arrest, battery on LEO, grand theft of motor vehicle, reckless driving, DWLSR, and VOP.

While searching for Lampkin to serve his arrest warrant, detectives responded to the Emma Street / Swindell Road area of Lakeland and met with three people at a storage facility. While there, they detected the strong odor of raw marijuana. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant, and seized three pounds of marijuana within the storage unit, and $10,955.00 cash, along with a Kevlar vest. Detectives arrested three suspects -25-year-old Jeffry Negula of Tampa, 28-year-old Hocesly Leger of Port St. Lucie, and Obed Edmond of Tallahassee. Negula was charged with: possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of paraphernalia, maintaining structure for drug sales; Leger & Edmond were charged with: possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of paraphernalia.

PCSO undercover detectives identified 31-year-old Timothy Brooks as a known heroin supplier, and purchased 500 individual bags of heroin ready for sale (approximately .08 – .1 grams each). He had an active Polk County warrant for his arrest, for trafficking in heroin. During a previous drug transaction, Brooks had a 5-year-old boy in the car. During this most recent transaction, he arrived at the prearranged meeting place with his girlfriend, 18-year-old Tatiana Rodman, in her car, where they made two drug sales with undercover detectives. During a search of their vehicle, detectives seized 700 baggies of heroin totaling 171 grams. Detectives arrested:

Timothy Brooks, DOB 3/20/1986, charged with:
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)
- o Trafficking in heroin WARRANT (F-1)
- o Possession of vehicle known to traffic drugs WARRANT (F-2)
- o Unlawful use of two-way communication device WARRANT (F-2)
- o Possession of paraphernalia WARRANT (M-1)

Brooks’ criminal history includes: heroin trafficking, cocaine possession, possession of oxycodone, paraphernalia, possession of vehicle for drug trafficking, possession of short-barreled shotgun, possession of weapon/ammo by convicted felon, marijuana with intent to sell, resisting arrest, attempt to destroy evidence, giving false ID to LEO, DWLSR, petit theft, FTA, and VOP. He’s been to state prison twice.

Tatiana Rodman, DOB 8/6/1998, charged with:
- o Trafficking in heroin (F-1)
- o Possession of vehicle known to traffic drugs (F-2)

PCSO undercover detectives served a search warrant at 2490 Chestnut Woods Drive in Lakeland, occupied by 31-year-old Christopher Barnes, and 20-year-old Ke’Yhana Odom. During a search of the home, detectives found marijuana in Barnes’ bedroom, and several bags of heroin in Odom’s bedroom. Detectives arrested:

Ke’Yhana Odom, DOB 5/30/1996, charged with:
- o Possession of heroin (F-3)
- o Maintaining structure for drug use (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Christopher Barnes, DOB 4/27/1986, charged with:
- o Maintaining structure for drug use (M-1)
- o Possession of marijuana (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Barnes’ criminal history includes: possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, resisting arrest, DUI, giving false info to LEO, DWLSR, FTA, and VOP.

PCSO undercover detectives served a search warrant at 2482 Chestnut Woods Drive in Lakeland, occupied by 26-year-old Julius Dixon. During a search of the home, detectives found two semi-automatic firearms (one of which had the serial number removed), a bag of heroin, marijuana, a digital scale, and hydrocodone pills. Detectives arrested:

Julius Dixon, DOB 12/7/1990, charged with:
- o Possession of firearm with altered serial number (F-3)
- o Possession of heroin (F-3)
- o Possession of hydrocodone (F-3)
- o Possession of marijuana less than 20 grams (M-1)
- o Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Dixon’s criminal history includes: battery domestic violence, burglary, larceny, grand theft, and VOP.

DEATHS:

So far in 2017, there have been eight (8) deaths in unincorporated Polk County, suspected of being caused by heroin overdoses – all of those autopsies are pending toxicology. Of those eight deaths, PCSO detective believe five (5) are directly related to the aforementioned people arrested during this investigation. Detectives believe Ladarius Oglesby, Trenard Butler, and Antonorio Nelson sold heroin to these five people who died from suspected heroin overdoses: Justiss Arrington, Yusuf Ali Chaudhry, Tammy Crum, Blanca Jimenez, and Rodney Sewell.

Preliminary information about those 5 deaths (in order of date of death) are as follows:

63-year-old Rodney Sewell, 6231 Sweetwater Drive, Lakeland

On April 19, 2017, PCSO responded to a well-being check at the residence
Rodney’s mother called PCSO from Ormond Beach because she hadn’t heard from him in a week & she was concerned
The mailbox was overflowing & the power was off
Deputies made entry into the home and found Rodney lying dead on the living room floor surrounded by syringes and bundles of heroin
Detectives found syringes and spoons with heroin residue in his duffel bag
His mother said he started using heroin several years ago to “manage his back pain”
Autopsy pending toxicology

22-year-old Justiss Arrington, 2127 Dillie Street, Lakeland

On April 2, 2017, PCSO deputies were dispatched to Dillie Street and Wabash Avenue in reference to a suspicious person
EMS was also requested to respond to the scene, as the person was unresponsive
The victim was located in the back yard of the residence at 2127 Dillie Street in Lakeland, face down on the ground
There were no obvious signs of trauma located on the victim
A small pack of wax was located near the victim and foam had excreted from his mouth
Autopsy pending toxicology

31-year-old Yusuf Chaudhry, 1937 High Glen Ct, Lakeland

On March 22, 2017, PCSO received a call in reference to a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway on Andrea Drive in Lakeland
Deputies responded to the scene and located a 2014 GMC Sierra pick-up truck parked in the reportee’s driveway
Two males were located in the vehicle and both were found to be unresponsive. Yusuf Chaudhry was in the driver’s seat with his window down, and Hasun Chaudhry (Yusuf’s twin brother), was in the front passenger’s seat
Yusuf stopped breathing and was pulled out of the vehicle by deputies who then began CPR. EMS responded and pronounced Yusuf deceased. Hasun is expected to recover.
There were no obvious signs of injury or trauma to either victim
Parents said they do not know what could have happened, but did advise that in 2015 Yusuf suffered an overdose and was hospitalized
Autopsy pending toxicology

55-year-old Blanca Jimenez, 2635 Crutchfield Road, Lakeland

On March 6, 2017, PCSO deputies responded to 1227 Plant Ave for an AED assist for EMS. Upon EMS’ arrival, they pronounced Blanca Jimenez deceased
Jimenez was last seen sleeping in a chair located in the bedroom. The reportee said he walked by Jimenez throughout the night and did not notice her being unresponsive until this morning.
The reportee advised he attempted to wake Jimenez just before summoning EMS due to her being cold and unresponsive; he has only known the deceased for a short time and she does not reside at this residence.
Autopsy pending toxicology

35-year-old Tammy Crum, 210 Snively Ave, Lakeland

On February 4, 2017, PCSO deputies responded to Snively Ave in reference to an unresponsive female (Tammy Crum), who was found by her girlfriend Michelle Gray.
Tammy was laying on the floor next to the bed, did not appear to be breathing, and had vomited on herself. EMS arrived on scene and initiated CPR. She was transported to LRHMC.
She was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
According to witnesses, she used heroin three times on February 3, 2017.
Michelle advised on February 3, 2017, she rode with Tammy while she (Tammy) purchased three bags of heroin from a residence on Innwood Lane. Michelle recalled a black male being at this location in the past (later identified as Antonorio Nelson).
Tammy has been known to abuse opiates since the age of 16 and has been using heroin for 6-7 years.
Autopsy pending toxicology

UPDATE: Frostproof Suspect Arrested Yesterday After Fleeing

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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April 20, 2017

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UPDATE: Frostproof Suspect Arrested Yesterday After Fleeing

Atta boy, Winton! Yesterday in Frostproof, Jimmie Balfour decided to flee on foot from a traffic crash. Jimmie must not be a fan of our FB page, because everyone here knows that our K9s find people.

Master Deputy Ard let Winton take a whiff of the driver’s seat, and then Winton started to track! His nose led him through an orange grove, and into a neighborhood, across Stewart, then North Ave, then Harrell. Winton went right to a house on Harrell Ave and told Ard, “He’s in here.”

Sure enough, Jimmie was in there, hiding. He came out and was taken to jail, for driving while license suspended, fleeing the scene, and resisting arrest.

Lake Wales Police Need Help Identifying This Suspect

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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April 20, 2017

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Lake Wales Police Need Help Identifying This Suspect

On February 16, 2017 an unidentified white male entered Lowes, located at 23227 HWY 27 in Lake Wales. The suspect selected a Troy Built self-propelled lawn mower, placed it in a shopping cart, and attempted to return the item for a refund. When the clerk would not complete the exchange the suspect took the lawn mower out of the store and loaded it into his vehicle without paying for it.

The suspect then came back into Lowe’s, selected a pressure cleaner, and left without paying for it. The suspect was seen leaving the parking lot in a dark colored SUV or pickup. The total value of the stolen property is $420.98.

The attached photos are of the suspect with the lawn mower which was stolen.

Anyone who has information about this theft or is able to identify the suspect is asked to contact Detective Jonathan Fletcher at (863) 678-4223 extension 264 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at

(800) 226-8477.

Bad Boy Outlaw Mower Sparks Brush Fire

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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April 20, 2017

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Bad Boy Outlaw Mower Sparks Brush Fire

Bartow, Fla. (April 19, 2017) — A Bad Boy Outlaw mower started a brush fire just before noon in a retention pond. Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the southeast corner of Highway 540 W and Recker Highway in Winter Haven, to extinguish the fire.

The fire grew to approximately a half acre and was near homes in the Normandy Heights subdivision. “Thankfully the wind was blowing in the opposite direction of the homes. This kept the fire away from the residential structures,” Battalion Chief Kevin Shireman said. “It appears the heat from the mower sparked the fire.”

The Bad Boy Outlaw mower, worth close to $10,000, was a total lost. A drain also was damaged by the fire.

No on was injured.

Family and Friends Gather at Brock’s Smokehouse to Cheer Chris Blue’s Performance on The Voice

Staff Reporter

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April 20, 2017

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Family and Friends Gather at Brock’s Smokehouse to Cheer Chris Blue’s Performance on The Voice

Cheers filled the restaurant at Brock’s Smokehouse in the Eagle Ridge Mall Monday night as The Voice contestant Chris Blue took the stage to compete against 23 other artists to move forward to the next phase in the first of the Season 12 Live Playoffs.

Chris’s mom, Janice Blue-Williams along with family members and friends were on hand to celebrate as Brock’s Smokehouse hosted a gathering to watch the live broadcast from their big screen TV’s.

Chris Blue took the stage just before 9pm EST and wowed the audience with his vibrant and soulful rendition of ”Love on the Brain” by Rihanna.

Once the voting started, everyone was on the edge of their seats until finally Chris and two of his teammates were voted to move forward in the contest. Screams and cheers filled the restaurant!

According to his mother Janice who herself grew up in a musical family, Chris started singing at the age of three.

He is the youngest of seven children with four brothers and two sisters. All were talented and loved singing so mom Janice formed a family gospel singing and musical group that performed as The Blue Family, later as Little Chris and the Blue Family and most recently the Blue Brothers.

They have toured doing shows, competed in competitions and also appeared on an episode of the Bobby Jones Gospel Show on the BET Network.

Chris’s mother recalls an inspirational moment in Chris’s life when he was young that she believes was pivotal to his love of singing.

“I’ll never forget; we were at my mom’s house one Christmas (Chris’s Grandmother’s house) and someone had bought my mom a video of this (gospel) group call the Canton Spirituals out of Mississippi. Instead of going outside to play with his Christmas toys, Chris was so in tune to that video that he sat there for hours and hours just playing that video. I think that was when he really grabbed hold of his love for music”…..”I knew that if he stayed on the path he was on, it would lead to something bigger”.

The future looks bright for this talented young performer as he advances in Season 12 of The Voice. He is currently engaged to Stephanie Dunkley. She lives in London, and they have had a long distance relationship since they met in Knoxville Tennessee in the summer of 2014. After almost losing her during an operation for cancer, he proposed to her saying that he didn’t want to chance losing her. A wedding is planned for June of this year at a church in London, England where her father is a pastor. We at the Daily Ridge wish the best to both of them!

So make sure to show your support and vote for Polk County’s hometown favorite Chris Blue as he advances in Season 12 of The Voice!

Suspect in Custody in Frostpoof

Frostproof

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April 19, 2017

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We have had a few reports of law enforcement presence on the south end of town in Frostproof.

PCSO were searching for a suspect who fled.

Master Deputiy Mike Ard and K9 Officer Winton have brought the suspect into custody.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Update on School Bus Service Related to This Morning’s Fire in Haines City

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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April 19, 2017

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Update on School Bus Service Related to This Morning’s Fire in Haines City

Please be advised that our buses have been impacted this morning due to a commercial structure fire along Highway 17/92 in Haines City.

The closure of the road has delayed some students from being picked up for school.

However, we anticipate that the road will be reopened shortly. Once the road is safe for travel, we will be picking up students at their bus stops who have not yet been transported to their schools. We are using our automated calling system to update parents about this situation.

We apologize for the inconvenience, and appreciate everyone’s patience.

Local Fire Fighters Battle Massive Blaze At Haines City Pallet Company Overnight

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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April 19, 2017

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Local Fire Fighters Battle Massive Blaze At Haines City Pallet Company Overnight

Haines City – The Polk County Fire Rescue is assisting Haines City Fire Department with a large fire at Monison Pallets, located at 3100 US-17 in Haines City. Several homes in the area have been evacuated.

US Highway 17/92 in the area is closed in both directions. Firefighters were alerted to the blaze just before 2:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 19.

This is a developing story and we will update as more information is available.

Polk School Superintendent Byrd Recommending Immediate Termination For Davenport School Janitor

Davenport

Staff Reporter

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April 19, 2017

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Polk School Superintendent Byrd Recommending Immediate Termination For Davenport School Janitor

Polk County School Board Press Release

Statement Regarding Arrest of Jose Baez-Ortiz, Custodian from Davenport School of the Arts

(LINK TO ARREST INFORMATION HERE – CLICK)

Jose Baez-Ortiz, a custodian with Polk County Public Schools who worked at Davenport School of the Arts, has been arrested today by the
Polk County Sheriff’s Office on charges of inappropriately touching a student.

“The charges against this employee are disturbing,” said Superintendent Jacqueline M. Byrd. “This type of behavior is totally unacceptable
and will not be tolerated. I have reviewed information from the Sheriff’s Office. I am immediately suspending this employee without pay and will recommend to the School Board that his employment be terminated. Our students’ wellbeing and safety is our primary
concern. We are cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Office in its investigation and urge anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.”

Jose Baez-Ortiz’s annual salary is $18,799. His hire date is 1/18/2011. There is no prior disciplinary action in his personnel file.

Please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for information about the ongoing criminal investigation.

An automated telephone call is being sent to the parents and guardians of students at Davenport School of the Arts to make them aware of
his arrest and this investigation:

Dear parents and family members,

This message is being sent on behalf of Davenport School of the Arts. We want to notify you that one of our custodial employees, Jose Baez-Ortiz, was arrested today by the Polk County
Sheriff’s Office on allegations of inappropriate touching of a student. We have notified the proper authorities and are cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Office as they continue their investigation. If you have any information to report, please contact
Lieutenant Ian Rylott at 863-298-6327. We take these allegations very seriously and will work to ensure the safety of our students. Thank you.

Davenport Janitor Arrested & Accused Of Lewd Conduct Against 6 Year Old

Davenport

Staff Reporter

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April 19, 2017

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Davenport Janitor Arrested & Accused Of Lewd Conduct Against 6 Year Old

Press Release Polk County Sheriffs Office

On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, PCSO Deputies arrested a Polk County School Board employee for one count lewd conduct (F-2). The suspect,
49-year-old Jose Baez-Ortiz of Davenport, inappropriately touched a 6-year-old girl at Davenport School of the Arts, where the suspect works as a janitor.
The following is an excerpt from the probable cause portion of the affidavit, and is self-explanatory:

On 04-17-2017 at 1046 hours, the suspect, Jose Baez-Ortiz (49 years of age) approaches the victim, REDACTED (6 years of age) as she is eating lunch in the school cafeteria. The victim discloses during a forensic interview that the suspect sat next to her and
placed his hand up her skirt. The victim says the suspect’s hand went up her skirt and was touching her thigh. The victim said the suspect’s fingers were “scratching me” but it did not hurt. The victim was wearing her school uniform which is a skirt but has
shorts underneath.

At 1048 hours, the witness was working in the cafeteria as a lunch room aid. The witness said she observed the suspect sitting next to the victim and became suspicious. The witness stated she knew the suspect was not to be sitting with children. The witness
is seen on video observing the suspect from behind. The witness stated she observed the suspect rubbing the victim’s leg and placing his hand inside the victim’s skirt on her inner thigh. The suspect leaves the victim’s table and the witness goes and reports
what she just witnessed.

On 04-18-2017 at 1341 hours, detectives conducted a Post-Miranda interview with the suspect at his residence. The suspect stated he knew he was accused of inappropriate behavior with a student. The suspect denied touching any of the students. The suspect then
claimed he accidentally touched the victim’s leg while trying to stand up. The suspect then claimed he touched the victim’s leg after his hand accidentally slipped off the table. The suspect then admits to rubbing the victim’s leg but said it was over the
clothing. The suspect said he thought the victim was beautiful and wanted to touch her. The suspect stated he “wanted to touch her like a woman”. The suspect said he was having trouble dealing with an ill family member and wanted to touch the victim to make
himself feel better. The suspect then admitted the victim was telling the truth and he did place his hand up the victim’s skirt. The suspect said he was not trying to do anything sexual with the victim and knew the cafeteria had cameras. The suspect stated
he knew he was not to touch the children but desired to touch only the victim. The suspect said he knew it was wrong to touch the victim.

The suspect, Jose Baez-Ortiz was arrested for violating:

F.S.S. 800.04(6)(B) for Lewd Conduct when the suspect intentionally and unlawfully touched the victim on her thigh by reaching under her skirt in a lewd and lascivious manner. The victim is 6 years of age and the suspect is 49 years of age.

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