A Davenport woman employed by the Bayskids organization (that contracts with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice) was arrested by deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Friday morning, March 15, 2024, following a domestic violence incident.
41-year old Ieshia Saunders was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Simple Battery (M1). Ms. Saunders serves as a Lead Community Supervision Specialist for Bayskids.
Deputies arrested Ms. Saunders after responding to her residence for a family disturbance, and determined she had battered an adult family member.
“It’s troubling when someone in her position, who works with children, is accused of battery on her own family member. Professionals who work with children have a responsibility to maintain a high standard of behavior.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
LAKELAND, FL (March 14, 2024) – Over the last few days Lakeland Police Department detectives have been able to determine there were three persons in the suspect vehicle (Dodge Challenger). Kevarius Green (age 30) of Lakeland was identified as the suspect firing a rifle during the incident and responsible for the deaths of Jaquez Norton and Kemarius Wilson. Also identified in connection with this incident was Demarius Wilson (age 22), who is the brother of deceased suspect Kemarius Wilson. Demarius Wilson was identified as being in the Challenger before and after the homicide, and the person responsible for attempting to hide the Challenger.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Kevarius Green for two counts of First Degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Demarius Wilson for Tampering With Evidence.
We are seeking the public’s help in locating these two individuals. They are considered armed and dangerous and have ties to the Lakeland, Plant City and Orlando areas. If anyone knows there whereabouts, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for that jurisdiction or the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900.
Persons who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when they send a tip through Crime Stoppers, and they are eligible for a cash reward of $5,000 if their information leads to an arrest.
According to initial information a small plane with two passengers has crashed down near Lake Buffum in Southern Polk County. The crash is in a strawberry field and the plane reportedly is on fire. The nearest intersection is with Murphy Rd.
Both occupants are believed to have survived the crash, but emergency personnel are just arriving.
The call came in at approximately 2:43pm. Units from the Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are arriving on scene now.
We currently have a reporter headed to the scene.
Polk County Fire Rescue Extinguishes Flames From Crashed Plane In Southern Polk County
SEBRING — At approximately 11:26 a.m this morning (March 14), Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to AdventHealth Sebring in reference to an active shooter situation.
From the preliminary investigation, it appears a 66-year-old Sebring man brought his adult son to the hospital. Reportedly, the father was having difficulties with his son, who was being somewhat combative.
The son was placed in a mental health room in the emergency room. While inside the room, the father pulled a handgun and fired shots into a wall in an apparent attempt to get other people out of the room. He then shot his son, who was lying on a bed, and then shot himself. Both men died on the scene. There were no other injuries.
The hospital was placed on lockdown and is currently diverting EMS traffic to nearby facility.
61-year-old John Adams, DOB 12/18/1962, of Dunedin, FL. Adams sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay to perform sex acts on the child. He said he was a gentleman and respectful and that he wanted to “enjoy this experience with her.”
Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and on March 13, 2024, PCSO received a tip that a man matching his description was working at a residence being built in the area of Bayshore and 140th Streets in Madeira Beach. With the help of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, he was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on the Polk County Warrant.
Adams is charged with:
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
LAKELAND, FL (March 12, 2024) – On Monday, March 11, 2024, at approximately 6:34 p.m., officers arrived at the scene of this incident and located four persons on scene with a burgundy 2023 Toyota Rav4. Jaquez Norton (age 3) was found to have sustained injuries from gunfire and was declared deceased at the scene. Robert Einzig (age 23) sustained non-life-threatening injuries from gunfire and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. Yeimarie Baez (age 21) and a 3-month-old female infant were not injured.
Information was received that a white Dodge Challenger was involved with the incident and was seen heading toward the scene, northbound on Kathleen Road just prior to the shooting. The same vehicle was also seen leaving the area southbound on Kathleen Road just after the incident.
Around 7:00 p.m. the Police Department was notified a male named Kemarious Wilson (age 22) was dropped off at Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) a a personal vehicle. Wilson declared deceased by medical professionals and soon identified as the passenger in the white Challenger.
Detectives learned that during the event, Baez, Einzig and the children arrived at Cambridge Cove in the Rav4 to visit a friend. As they were leaving the complex, the Challenger approached and blocked the Rav4 from leaving. At that time, Baez was driving, Einzig was in the front passenger seat, Norton was in the rear passenger seat and the infant was in the middle of the rear seat. Wilson got out of the passenger side of the Challenger, armed with a handgun, and approached Baez. Another unidentified male got out of the driver’s seat of the Challenger and approached Einzig with a rifle. Einzig was also armed with a handgun and rifle inside of the Rav4.
At some point gunshots were exchanged and Einzig returned fire with his handgun while Baez fled from the vehicle with the 3-month-old infant. Wilson and the unidentified male fled back to the Challenger and left the scene southbound on Kathleen Road. The Challenger then drove to the 800 block of West 14th Street to a relative’s residence. Wilson was placed in another vehicle and transported to Lakeland Regional Health.
The 2014 Challenger bearing Florida license plate number PXPF93 was located at a residence in the 800 block of West Crawford Street. It was being concealed with a black covering. The resident was cooperative with the investigation. The Challenger, the Rav4 and the vehicle used to transport Wilson to LRH were all impounded to be processed for evidence. Multiple cell phones were seized for processing and multiple locations are being canvassed for surveillance video. In all, nine search warrants were obtained in the pursuit of evidence. Recovered at the incident scene were nineteen .223 caliber spent casings and nine 9mm spent casings. The parties involved appeared to have known each other and the reason for the conflict is yet to be defined.
Detectives continue to search for information to identify and locate the driver of the Challenger. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cory Lawson at [email protected] or at 863-834-8975.
Persons who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when they send a tip through Crime Stoppers, and they are eligible for a cash reward of $5,000 if their information leads to an arrest.
Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a bank robbery at the Bank of America in Lake Wales. The bank is located near the intersection of Highway 60 and 11th St.
This is an ongoing situation, but appears around 11 AM a suspect entered the Bank of America and demanded money and may have referenced a weapon. It is unknown. If the suspect had a weapon details of the theft are currently not available, however, the suspect did flee the scene. The suspect fled West on foot. Lake Wales Police canine unit caught up with the suspect on Palmetto Avenue.
We do not believe anyone was injured in the incident.
This is developing story and we will have more information as it is released.
During an 8-day-long undercover investigation from February 22-29, 2024, named “Operation Child Predator V,” Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, along with the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, charged eight suspects with crimes related to those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity.
The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or adults who had access to children online. Five suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children. Those five wanted to pay an adult hundreds of dollars to have sex with who they thought was a child – they were charged with human trafficking, a life felony.
Detectives obtained arrest warrants for three other suspects who committed crimes against who they thought were children online; two of those suspects are in custody, and one is still at large.
“We conduct proactive operations like this to help keep our children safe. I’m so thankful for our detectives and partnering agencies for their hard work to keep our children safe from predators who sexually abuse, groom, and corrupt our children. Parents need to be ‘all up in their child’s business’ when it comes to electronic devices that give them access to online gaming, mobile applications, texting, or the internet. Check their devices regularly, and ensure parental controls are enabled to keep predators like these away from your kids.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
In all, detectives filed 27 felony charges against these 8 suspects.
SUSPECTS ARRESTED:
1. 41-year-old Larry William Hayes, DOB 12/10/1982, of Plant City, FL. Hayes sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. Hayes communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $250.00 to perform sex acts on the child. Hayes also sent several explicit images of his genitalia to the undercover detective. Hayes traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He told detectives that he is retired from the U.S. Army, and is married with three children.
Hayes was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
· Human trafficking (FL)
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
2. 37-year-old Edmundo Dasilva, DOB 02/07/1987, of Holly Springs, NC. Dasilva sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $60.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He said that he would be traveling through Florida and would like to meet, and that he had just turned 18 years old. Dasilva traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He had two condoms in his pocket. He told detectives that he is married and that he works for Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Officer.
Dasilva was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
· Human trafficking (FL)
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
3. 29-year-old Nelson Louis, DOB 09/06/1994, of Tampa, FL. Louis sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and said he “just wanted to have fun before he went to work.” He agreed to pay $100.00 for a half hour of sex with the child. He traveled to the undercover location and was arrested.
Louis was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
· Human trafficking (FL)
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
4. 27-year-old Hasan Abu Halemeh, DOB 07/15/1996, of Brandon, FL. Abu Halemeh sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $225.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He asked if the girl was a virgin and if he would be “her first.” He traveled to the undercover location and was arrested.
Abu Halemeh was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
· Human trafficking (FL)
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
5. 45-year-old Willie Merrill, DOB 03/14/1978, of Plant City, FL. Merrill sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $80.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He traveled to the location with the cash and a condom in his pockets. After being arrested, detectives learned he is a registered sex offender for a 2005 conviction of statutory rape in Georgia. He was previously arrested by PCSO in 2017 during an undercover prostitution investigation, for which he spent 364 days in jail.
Merrill was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
· Human trafficking (FL)
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Traveling to meet a minor (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
· Attempted traveling to meet a minor (F3)
· Attempted use of computer to solicit guardian (M1)
6. 34-year-old Brandon Ray, DOB 03/28/1989, of Mulberry, FL. Ray sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $100.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He repeatedly asked for photos of the child and also said, “I’ve watched enough to catch a predator show on TV” and also said, “Grady don’t play.” Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and took him into custody on March 7, 2024. He told detectives he is a bus mechanic employed by Polk County Public Schools.
Ray was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
7. 45-year-old Manuel Canasi, DOB 07/27/1978, of Land O’ Lakes, FL. Canasi sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $100 for a half hour alone with the child. He sent the undercover detective a screenshot of Sheriff Judd holding a news conference, saying, “That Sheriff out there is a hard a** and doesn’t play.” The suspect tried several times to travel to the undercover location but was unable due to his job and other family obligations (he is married and has a son and two teenaged daughters). Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and he was taken into custody in Pasco County.
Canasi is charged with:
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
Wanted John Adams
WANTED:
61-year-old John Adams, DOB 12/18/1962, of Dunedin, FL. Adams sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay to perform sex acts on the child. He said he was a gentleman and respectful and that he wanted to “enjoy this experience with her.” Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and he is still at large.
Adams is charged with:
· Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)
· Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)
If you have information regarding Adams’ whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
· DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Response Team conducted an initiative during the month of February 2024, aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435)* within Polk County. Detectives charged 16 suspects with failure to comply with registration laws and/or violation of probation.
There are 1,256 sexual offenders and 153 sexual predators registered in Polk County. Registered offenders and predators are checked every quarter by Polk County law enforcement officers to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws, although the state requirement is for only predators to be checked quarterly, and offenders once a year. During the initiative Polk County Sheriff’s Office SVRT detectives arrested 16 offenders and predators – each of these suspects have prior sex offenses involving a child.
“Our detectives work hard year-round to keep track of convicted sexual offenders and predators who reside in Polk County to ensure they remain compliant with the law. It is our mission to keep our community – especially the children within our community – safe. That is why we conduct initiatives like this one. These 16 suspects learned the hard way that we take every one of the requirements seriously, and failure to comply will result in an arrest.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The following is a list of those arrested (16) during this initiative, and a summary of their offenses:
Robert Miranda, 32, of Titusville, FL.Miranda is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction of lewd and lascivious battery on a child 12-15 years old. He was recently arrested in Brevard County on a Polk County warrant for attempted kidnapping (of a child), indecent exposure, and lewd and lascivious exhibition (click here to read the news release: https://tinyurl.com/yckn6c5f). During that investigation detectives found he had violated three different sex offender registration laws, regarding his vehicles and address. He was charged with 3 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Rodney Van David Williams, 47, of Plant City, FL. Williams is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He has 2016 and 2018 convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws. He was arrested again for failing to register his address with PCSO and the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Kevin Hairston, 31, of 4284 Old Dixie Hwy, Auburndale. Hairston is a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for possession of child pornography. He is on probation until 2027. He was arrested for failing to report Internet use (he has a Plenty of Fish account); he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws, and Violation of Probation.
Vondale Barnes, 45, of 1409 Dawn Heights Drive, Lakeland. Barnes is a sexual predator based on a 2012 conviction of sexual battery on a child. He is on probation until 2035. He was arrested for failing to update his address and maintain a valid license with the Florida DHSMV. Barnes was charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Predator Registration laws, and Violation of Probation.
Juanel Mikulak, 36, of 1378 Merrimack Place in Davenport. Mikulak is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for 2 counts criminal sexual conduct, in Minnesota. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle and maintain a valid license with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Edwin Pagan Gonzalez, 47, of 72 Suburban Drive in Lake Alfred. Gonzalez is a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for use of a computer to seduce a child. He was arrested in Orange County on a Polk Warrant for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Joseph Coppins, 57, of 2117 Cabernet Court in Eagle Lake. Coppins is a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Brenda Kay Barton, 56, of 9400 US Hwy 192 #221 in Clermont. Barton is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for procurement of a child for prostitution, in Colorado. She was arrested for failing to update her Florida license with the Florida DHSMV; she’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Timothy Demoura, 39, of 3020 Mar Lisa Cove Road in Lake Wales. Demoura is a sexual offender based on a 2018 conviction for possession of child pornography. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Mitchell Leo Thurston, 39, of 329 Andover Drive in Davenport. Thurston is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for sexual battery by an adult on a victim under 12. He was arrested for failing to update his Florida license with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Barbara Bernice Griffith, 49, of 24 Tennessee Lane in Auburndale. Griffith is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a minor between 16-17 years old. She was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; she’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Homer Dewayne Rudd, 71, of 4710 Hunt Road in Bartow. Rudd is a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction for possession of child pornography. He was arrested for failing to register within a required month; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Mark Osgood, 24, of 4780 New Tampa Hwy in Lakeland. Osgood is a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 16. He was arrested for failing to register his address and update his license; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
John Camarena, 34, of 666 Lake Dexter Circle in Winter Haven. Camarena is a sexual offender based on a 2009 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old, in California. He was arrested for failing to update his license; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
WANTED:
James Macarthur Johnson, 39, at large.Johnson is a sexual offender based on a 2019 conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He has failed to report his residence to PCSO and the Florida DHSMV; he has a warrant for his arrest for 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
Antone Renar Starks, 48, at large. Starks is a sexual offender based on a 2000 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16. He has failed to update his license with the Florida DHSMV; he has a warrant for his arrest for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.
If you have information regarding Johnson’s or Starks’ whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
As you know the City received a complaint from the Poor Minority Justice Association asserting that recent lieutenant promotional decisions were impermissibly motivated by race and that at least one candidate was ineligible for promotion at the time of his interview. I tasked Sandra Davis, Human Resources Director, with interviewing all relevant witnesses and gathering facts related to the promotional process. The investigation determined that there was no supporting evidence establishing that promotional decisions were based on any candidate’s race. During the course of the investigation an appearance of unfairness in the process was evident as a result of deviations from past promotional practices and the amendment of minimum qualification requirements in the position announcement. In light of the controversy surrounding the promotion of Dale Hampton, I am forced to consider re-opening the Lieutenant position in which Dale Hampton was appointed. All applicants may reapply after a promotional process is defined and adopted. During my time as City Manager, I have heard repeated public concerns in two critical areas:
Appearance of nepotism within the department
Perception of a lack of transparency The issues related to the recent Lieutenant promotions are consistent with public concerns in these two areas, specifically. Furthermore, several officers within the department have expressed these same concerns as it relates to the recent promotions. You also recently requested approval to hire one of your Sergeant’s daughters in a position in your department. The mere appearance of nepotism or favoritism causes low morale among the department personnel and erodes public confidence. In response to the promotional process I am giving you three days off without pay, beginning, March 18, 2024. I have been too involved in the administration of the Police department during my tenure as City Manager in an effort to find solutions to concerns raised by the community. Our environment demands proactive, adaptive, and creative leadership. I acknowledge your contributions and dedication to the department during your time as Police Chief, however, in the best interest of the department and the community, it is time for new leadership to address the challenges we face.
On April, 2024, I will advertise a search for a new police chief. You may remain in your current position until a new chief has been appointed. If you desire, you have the right to appear and make a statement at the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting on 3/19/2024. That opportunity is not a vehicle to appeal this decision, but rather is solely to enable you to publicly respond to the decision, if you choose to do so. If you choose to make a public statement, please let me know prior to the agenda deadline of 3/15/2024.
On Monday, March 11, 2024, at approximately 6:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 1850 Cambridge Cove Circle for a shooting which just occurred. Officers arrived within two minutes to find two persons were struck by gunfire. Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. One of the victims was a three-year-old child who was declared deceased at the scene. A second victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with non-life-threatening injuries. A third person with gunshot wounds was dropped off at Lakeland Regional Health by a personal vehicle and was later declared deceased.
Over 25 officers and detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation. It appears at this time that all parties are familiar with each other. Details are limited at this time as we are early in the investigation.
