Polk County, Florida – Commissioners have strong word’s regarding the leadership or perceived lack of leadership in the Polk County Fire Rescue Department at yesterdays meeting. One commissioner was prompted to say “I think we have a problem, I think we have a management problem in our fire department and Mr. Beasley that starts with you”. Years of overwhelming management complaints have taken a toll on their patience.
The Polk County Commission met for it regular meeting Tuesday morning, but it wasn’t your regular meeting. Shortly after Murphy Handly, Polk County Fire Rescue Chaplain, gave the invocation we started to realize this meeting was not going to be your typical meeting. The forth person to speak during public comments was the Tashana True, a family member to Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Charlie True who was terminated last Friday, who pointed to a past perceived unjustified firing of Polk County Fire Rescue Captain Jerry Riner and the again believed unjust firing of Battalion Chief Charlie True. “They were great bosses with huge hearts. These guys had exemplary records. I’ve heard so many stories of what these men have done to help save people lives. They have given up so much to do the career they chose and for it to be taken away, for what? And who is it actually benefiting? What is the root to all of this? There are questions that we as citizens need to know.” said Tashana in her address to the commission. This immediately prompted board Chairman Bill Braswell to say we have short agenda today and I think we will get thru it quickly and then have an extensive conversation on this later on”.
The past four days have been eye opening for some and same old same old for others. On Friday January 5, Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Charles True was reportedly terminated for insubordination, which is a catch all for recent high profile terminations within the department. His termination and subsequent appeal by the local IAFF3531 fire fighters union is currently in process, so commissioners could not speak directly on the matter. Commissioners did speak about their frustration over the last years. The below video is a clip of some of their comments. Bill Beasley is the Polk County Manager.
Commissioners Comments On Polk County Fire Rescue Management
The end result was the commissioners agree to finding an organization, unbiased third entity, to review the PCFR department from top to bottom.
The entire commission meeting can be found here on Polk County Government website: HERE
We will have more on Battalion Chief Charlie True’s termination in a separate article later on today.
(January 9, 2024 – Bartow, FL) Due to the risk of severe weather, including intense thunderstorms and damaging winds, the City of Bartow will close all City facilities including City Hall, the Public Library, Carver and Polk Street Recreation Centers, the Civic Center, the Bartow Golf Course and Mulligans as well as all parks at 1 p.m. today. Solid Waste service will continue as weather conditions allow. Police, Fire, Public Works, Electric, Water and Wastewater will continue to provide all essential services as directed in the city’s emergency management protocols. City of Bartow Customer Service will suspend working Service Orders such as Service Initiations, Service Terminates, etc., as of noon today. All Service orders received after noon today will be worked on Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a wind advisory in effect through 7 p.m. for west central and southwest Florida. There also is an elevated severe thunderstorm risk, meaning that scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms are possible. A few may be intense. Storms will begin impacting the area early in the afternoon (2 – 6 p.m. in the Bartow area). Damaging winds, tornadoes/waterspouts and heavy rainfall are possible.
Residents are advised to store or secure loose items on their property as soon as possible and to bring pets inside. Questions or requests for non-emergency assistance after 1 p.m. should be directed to 863.534.5034.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force detectives, working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully concluded two drug trafficking investigations involving central Florida-based drug trafficking organizations. Both investigations resulted in the arrest of 10 men and 1 woman who were involved in trafficking multiple kilos of fentanyl and cocaine. A total of 14 kilos of cocaine and 3 ½ kilos of bulk fentanyl and fentanyl pills were seized, along with four firearms, a vehicle, and $12,985 US currency.
The investigations were conducted with the assistance of the State Financial Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E) Florida Program managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2023, the Florida Legislature established state funding for the S.A.F.E program to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking. The grant provides financial support and assistance for approved fentanyl-related investigative costs, such as overtime, travel, investigative supplies and equipment, and training.
The following agencies were involved with the investigations: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.
“I’m proud of our detectives and partner agencies who worked hard to remove 17 ½ kilos of destructive drugs off the streets. We are all working together to fight fentanyl, which is killing people by the thousands in the US because of drug overdoses. These drug traffickers are destroying lives, families and communities. These drugs go hand-in-hand with violence and misery in our communities.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
Espinosa & Romero Central Florida Drug Trafficking Organization; 5 arrests
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force detectives, working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully concluded a drug trafficking investigation involving a central Florida-based drug trafficking organization. Undercover detectives identified 56-year-old Pedro Luis “Bemba” Romero of Kissimmee. Romero was believed to be involved in the sale of multiple kilos of cocaine. Romero has a criminal history that included robbery, trafficking in cocaine, other narcotics violations related to MDMA and cocaine, and federal narcotic violations that resulted in Romero being incarcerated in federal prison for 80 months.
Detectives arranged to buy a kilo of cocaine from Romero in Haines City in November of 2023. Romero brought his drug supplier, 44-year-old Maximo Espinosa of Kissimmee, with him to the drug transaction.
Further investigation revealed that Espinosa was operating a Drug Trafficking Organization operating between the northeast United States, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Mexico trafficking kilo amounts of cocaine and fentanyl. Espinosa had previously been arrested federally for armed trafficking in Heroin.
Two other meetings were arranged in December where the undercover detective received a sample of fentanyl and then purchased a kilo of fentanyl from Espinosa. Another transaction for larger amounts of both cocaine and fentanyl was arranged with Espinosa and Romero to take place on January 2, 2024 at a location in Haines City.
On that date, detectives learned that Espinosa’s contacts would travel to Polk County to provide the fentanyl. During the evening hours of January 2, 2024, an undercover detective met with Espinosa; he showed the detective ten kilos of cocaine and two kilos of fentanyl in the trunk of his car.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies, working with other agencies, took Espinosa into custody. A separate vehicle involved in the drug transaction contained 35-year-old Pedro Mejia of West Palm Beach, and 22-year-old Pedro Olivares of Wimauma (the fentanyl suppliers). During the arrests, a white BMW fled the area, physically striking one of the undercover deputy’s leg (the deputy was later transported to the hospital, was treated and cleared with no serious injury). The fleeing BMW was tracked visually through the use of aerial surveillance, which directed law enforcement vehicles and members to unincorporated Winter Haven, where law enforcement strategically moved vehicles into position. The fleeing BMW was immobilized with minimal damage. The driver, 34-year-old Omar Veloz of West Palm Beach, was taken into custody without further incident. Detectives later determined that Veloz and Mejia are on federal probation for trafficking narcotics.
Detectives believe Romero was in the area of the drug transaction and fled the area undetected. Romero was later arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and booked into the Polk County Jail.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation are: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations, US Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.
Maximo Espinosa was taken into Federal custody where he faces drug trafficking charges. Veloz, Mejia, and Olivares were charged and booked into the Polk County Jail. Romero was later arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.
As a result of the investigation, detectives seized: 12 kilograms of cocaine, 3 ½ kilograms fentanyl powder and fentanyl pills, 2 firearms, a vehicle, and $4,450 in US currency.
Those arrested are:
*Maximo Espinosa, 1727 King Phillip Dr.,Kissimmee, FL, 44
Federal drug trafficking charges expected; please direct questions to the office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.
Criminal History: Assault with intent to commit physical injury to officer (Felony), disorderly conduct (Misdemeanor), menacing- (Felony) (1996, New York); criminal possession of a narcotic (Felony), criminal sale of a narcotic (Felony); intent to sell narcotic (Felony) (1997, New York); – criminal use of facility (Felony), drug conspiracy (Felony), possession of a firearm (Felony), dealing/receiving stolen property (Felony) (2001/2007, Pennsylvania); possession with intent to distribute heroin (Felony), possession of firearm/trafficking in heroin (FELONY), convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Felony), narcotic violation x11 (Misdemeanors) (2009- Pennsylvania) *Charged Federally and On Federal Probation* A total of 14 Felonies 12 Misdemeanors.
Omar Veloz, Jr., 5345 Bonky Ct., West Palm Beach, FL 33415, 34
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Aggravated battery on LEO
Resisting officer with violence
Resisting officer without violence
Fleeing to elude
Criminal History: Battery (Misdemeanor), Carrying Concealed weapon x3 (Felony), Possession of drug paraphernalia x6 (Misdemeanor), Possession of cannabis x8 (Misdemeanor), Possession of cocaine x3 (Felony), Possession of Short barrelled shotgun/rifle (Felony), Possession of cannabis over 20 grams (Felony), Possession of cocaine with intent to sell (Felony), Possession of cannabis with intent to sell (Felony), Resist officer with violence (Felony), DUI (Misdemeanor), Driving .15 or higher with person under age of 18 (Misdemeanor), Driving while license suspended x2 (Misdemeanor), Opium Delivery 4 grams to under 30 kilograms (Felony), Sale of oxycodone (Felony), Sale of hallucinogen (Felony), Conspiracy to traffic Heroin. Total of 18 Felonies 19 Misdemeanors. *On Federal Probation*
Pedro Mejia, 4868 Carefree Trail, West Palm Beach, FL, 35
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Criminal History: Grand Theft over 100K+ (Felony), Burglary Unarmed (Felony) (Probation 2 years), Vehicle Theft (Felony), Unoccupied Burglary (Felony), Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor), Burglary of Dwelling/Conveyance armed (Felony), Burglary of structure (Felony), Grand Theft over 300 (Felony) (State Prison 1.2 years), Possession of weapon (Felony), Possess ammunition by convicted felon (Felony), Utter False Instrument (Felony), Grand Theft X3 (Felony) (State Prison 5 Years), Utter false bad check (Felony), Possess Forged Bills 10 or more (Felony), Carrying Concealed weapon (Felony), Possession of Cannabis (Misdemeanor), Driving While License Suspended (Misdemeanor), Trespassing with posted notice (Misdemeanor) (2005/2015-Broward/Palm Beach/Martin County), *Arrested for Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine (Crack)*; *On Federal Probation* Total of 17 Felonies and 5 Misdemeanors.
Ruben Olivares, 3307 River Road, Wimauma, FL, 22
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Criminal History: possession of marijuana (M)
Pedro Luis Romero, 1797 Lisa Ln, Kissimmee, 56
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Trafficking in cocaine (over 400 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Criminal History: Obstruct Without Violence (Misdemeanor)- Multiple Charges, Resist officer without violation (Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor), Robbery with Firearm (Felony) (Felony Probation 5 years), Grand Theft 100K+ (Felony)- Multiple Charges, Battery Domestic (Misdemeanor)- Multiple Charges, Fraud-Insufficient Check (Felony), Obtain goods for $150+ (Felony), Bank deposit with intent to defraud (Felony), Domestic Battery with strangulation (Felony) (Probation 1.5 years), Harassing a witness or victim (Misdemeanor), Petit Theft (Misdemeanor)- Multiple charges, Violation of Injunction (Misdemeanor), Employee not getting workmans comp (Felony), Engage in contracting without License 1st offense (Misdemeanor) and repeat offense (Felony), Larceny Grand Theft (Felony), Falsely Identifying as a contractor (Felony), Fraud/Impersonating Contractor (Felony), Fraud/Contractor during state of emergency (Felony), (1991/2015- West Palm Beach/Port St. Lucie/Hillsborough County/Pasco County), *Previously Arrested Federally for Trafficking in cocaine in Panama- Went to Federal Prison* Total of 16 felonies and 18 misdemeanors.
Colon-Colon Drug Trafficking Organization
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working as a part of the Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, arrested six suspects on December 17, 2023 who were a part of a drug trafficking organization known to sell trafficking amounts of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Investigators learned in August of 2023 that a man named Luis Salcedo-Rodriguez aka “Flaco” was linked with drug trafficking in Polk County. Detectives met with Salcedo-Rodriguez who offered to sell kilos of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to undercover detectives.
During the investigation, detectives learned the source of supply of the cocaine offered by Salcedo-Rodriguez was Roosevelt Colon-Colon of Poinciana.
Detectives first arranged for the purchase of 1 kilo of cocaine. In December, detectives arranged a second purchase for additional cocaine. An undercover detective initially met Luis Salcedo and 29-year-old Miguel Berdecia who arrived in a BMW sedan. While they were talking, a pickup truck arrived containing Roosevelt Colon-Colon and Julio Arroyo Rodriguez—they were in possession of 1 kilo of cocaine. During the conversation, another vehicle arrived. That vehicle contained 44-year-old Jazmine Colon, 47-year-old Omar Medina and a 7-year-old girl who was in Jazmine Colon’s custody.
Sheriff’s deputies stopped all of the vehicles and arrested all involved (except for the 7-year-old). Julio Arroyo Rodriguez had a loaded 9mm handgun on him as he was taken into custody and Colon-Colon threw a 9mm handgun from his waistband on the floorboard of the truck just prior to being taken into custody.
A total of 2+ kilos of cocaine were obtained during the investigation (2,198.91 grams). $8,535 in US currency and two firearms were seized during the arrest in December.
Those arrested are:
Luis “Flaco” Salcedo-Rodriguez, 45, Auburndale
Charges: trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (F1), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Criminal history: battery, dealing in stolen property, engage in pawnbroker business without a license, false info and pawn items less than $300, fraud, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, burglary unoccupied structure no assault or battery, burglary occupied of dwelling unarmed, grand theft, nuisance structure for drug activity, maintain a structure for drug use, possession of heroin with intent to sell, possession of a hallucinogen, possession of heroin, possession of oxycodone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alprazolam, knowingly driving with suspended license, 0perate vehicle without valid license, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in heroin over 4 grams, maintain a residence for drug trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of synthetic cannabinoid 28 grams. (20 felonies, 10 misdemeanors, sentenced to a total of 12 years in Florida state prison serving 3 separate sentences.) His most recent release from state prison was on 12/18/2021.
Roosevelt Colon Colon, 29, Poinciana
Charges: armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (FL), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Criminal history: driving with a suspended license (2014), driving with a suspended license (2015), criminal mischief, aggravated assault w intent to kill, shooting into a building or vehicle (Resulted in 5 years state prison), unlawful racing on highway, and driving while license suspended habitual (Felony).
Julio Arroyo Rodriguez, 38, Poinciana
Charges: Armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (FL) and possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Criminal history: Possession of cocaine and operating a motorcycle without a license.
Omar Medina, 47, Tampa
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (F1), negligent child abuse (F3)
Criminal history: Carry concealed weapons; attack to commit murder, attempt to kill police, resistance to public officer, criminal act, mayhem (Puerto Rico charges); dangerous drugs money laundering, conspiracy to traffic at least 1 kilogram of heroin (2007 federal arrest; DEA Puerto Rico)—convicted 11 years federal bureau of prisons; conspiracy to traffic cocaine- (2010 federal arrest, DEA Puerto Rico)—convicted in plea bargain to 15 years to the federal bureau of prisons; dangerous drugs money laundering. Placed on Federal probation in 2022; federal probation was set to end in 2030.
Miguel Berdecia, 29, Bartow
Charges: Trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams- (F1)
Jazmine Colon, 44, Tampa
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 400 grams of cocaine (F1), child neglect without bodily harm (F3).
Criminal history: petit theft
*Information provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is directly related to information and public arrest documents filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit related to the two above described investigations. This information and all photos provided are distinct and apart from any federal prosecution.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will be joined by Roger B. Handberg, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Department of Justice, and Lee Massie, Assistant Commissioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement tomorrow morning, Tuesday, January 9 @10:30 a.m. at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven.
Sheriff Grady Judd will discuss multi-agency investigations of two central Florida-based drug trafficking organizations in December and January; Multi kilos of fentanyl and cocaine were seized and 11 people were arrested.
Those involved in the investigations are: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg), Department of Justice. Representatives of the above organizations will be at the new conference.
The investigations were conducted with the assistance of the State Financial Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E) Florida Program managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2023, the Florida Legislature established state funding for the S.A.F.E program to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking. The grant provides financial support and assistance for approved fentanyl-related investigative costs, such as overtime, travel, investigative supplies and equipment, and training.
“I’m proud of our detectives and partner agencies who worked hard to remove kilos of destructive drugs off the streets. We are all working together to fight fentanyl, which is killing people by the thousands in the US as a result of drug overdoses. These drug traffickers are destroying lives, families and communities.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
We all know the story of the Christmas nativity. Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Angels announced his birth. Shepherds visited him by night. Then the Three Wise Men visited bearing gifts.
According to tradition, the Three Wise Men visited Baby Jesus twelve days after his birth. That day is known as Epiphany (or Three Kings Day), and it is the reason why there are 12 days of Christmas.
While most Christians and other people who observe Christmas celebrate only one day on Dec. 25, many other people, especially in the Hispanic community, celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6 with gift-giving for children.
More than 100 children in Bartow received gifts during the Three Kings Festival hosted on Sunday in Mosaic Park. The event also included live musical entertainment, food and craft vendors, and plenty of other fun and games for local families, especially in the Hispanic community.
The Three Kings Festival was hosted by the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County, a local organization that facilitates the local Hispanic community.
Ana Riviera, President and founder of the Hispanic Chamber, especially loves Epiphany, not only because it gives her an extra day to celebrate Christmas, but because the day falls on her birthday.
Riviera has been hosting the event over the past few years in other cities like Winter Haven and Lakeland. Last year’s event collected and distributed 65 toys for participating children. This year received more than 100, Riviera said.
Originally, this year’s Three Kings Festival was to be hosted on Dec. 10; however, the event was postponed to Jan. 7 due to inclement weather. Even with that Sunday being cold and rainy in the morning, attendance proved more than exceptional, Riviera said.
“The community gets together, there is a lot of food, we give away toys, and people get to know about one another and become part of a greater community,” she said.
Many local representatives even attended the event to promote their campaign and become more involved with their communities. Octavio Hernando, running for state representative, is a teacher who wants to see more people like him represent the people he teaches.
“We are the fastest growing district in Florida, we have to become more involved in our communities,” he said. “I love being among my people. I wish it were more in December with Christmas vibes…[otherwise] It is a great way to bring out the community, bring everybody together.”
Winter Haven, Florida – The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a crash that occurred Friday afternoon (1:12pm). According to Sargent Gaskins , public information officer with the FHP, a sedan was traveling southbound on US-17, near 6th Street NW, when the driver (74 Yr Old Winter Haven man) suffered a medical emergency. The driver lost control of the vehicle which entered the opposing lane and collided with with an SUV nearly head-on. The driver of the SUV is a 58 Yr Old Lake Wales man. Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were transporting to an area hospital where the Winter Haven man later expired from injuries suffered during the collision.
It should be noted that the Florida Highway Patrol does not release names of accident victims pursuant to Marsy’s Law.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives have arrested and charged 33-year-old Brandon Adams of Lakeland, a Kathleen High School teacher, with sex offense on a student by an authority figure (F2) after investigation revealed he had an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student during the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.
The victim disclosed that she moved in with Adams in June of 2021, when she was 18 years old, and had a consensual sexual relationship with Adams while he was still teaching at Kathleen High and during her senior year of high school (2021-2022).
“This suspect used his position of authority over one of his students in the most egregious way. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
FROM POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Brandon Adams has worked for PCPS since August 2018. He has been on leave since November — PCPS has been investigating an incident that is separate from the PCSO case that led to Adams’ arrest.
In response to the allegations that led to his arrest, we are moving forward with Adams’ termination. He had no prior disciplinary incidents in his time with PCPS and passed a background check before hiring.
Superintendent Fred Heid has issued the following statement:
“I’m disgusted by the behavior described in this investigation. It is unacceptable for an educator to abuse their trust and authority by having a relationship with a student. We appreciate the work of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to help protect students, and ensure that people who commit these violations are punished and brought to justice.”
Winter Haven Detectives have made an arrest in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old at Publix on November 9, 2023. .
Because of the extensive investigation by detectives into the November 2023 stabbing at Publix (1395 6th St NW) and working in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Teville Xavier Burgess (DOB 8-7-04, LNA Lake Wales), was obtained charging him with Manslaughter (F1).
On January 4, 2024 at approximately 4:45 p.m., Winter Haven Detectives located Burgess in the area of Second Ave. in Waverly. Assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Burgess was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
Burgess had initially told detectives that he was jumped by unknown subjects inside of the business resulting in the stabbing. However, evidence from the scene including witness statements and video footage tell a story conflicting with Burgess’s statements. “The non-stop commitment of our detectives to find closure for the victim’s family shows how dedicated they are to finding the truth,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “We can’t always take cases at face value because there can be elements that are overlooked. As in this case, the truth was in the many details that were uncovered.”
An excerpt from the affidavit is below: (Names other that the defendant are redacted as per F.S.S. 119.071(2)(c)1: (c)1.Active criminal intelligence information and active criminal investigative information are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.) “Burgess stated that words were exchanged in the parking lot of Publix with “unknown subjects.” Burgess stated that he went to Publix to obtain a phone charger and in doing so asked several people to use their phone; however, never asked for help or for anyone to call 911. Burgess then purchased a can of soup, that can be easily opened without a knife due to having a pop top. Burgess then picked up a frying pan, momentarily walks through Publix with the frying pan before selecting a paring knife with a 3.5-inch blade. Burgess then began to purchase the paring knife and before the purchase was completed, took the paring knife out of its packaging and armed himself by placing it in his front right pants pocket, which made it readily accessible, as he watched the “unknown subjects” approach the front doors of Publix. Burgess stated that the “unknown subjects” approached non-aggressively and said: “yo.” Burgess started the fight by picking up the soup can and swinging it at (redacted) face. After a physical altercation ensued, Burgess stated that he heard someone say: “he’s got a knife” and everyone began to disperse. Burgess stated that he began to run down the aisle as (redacted) was running in front of him, who eventually fell to the ground. Burgess confirmed that he still had the knife in his hand and when he turned around he stabbed The Victim. Burgess then stated that he took the knife and hid it, but then after being convinced by Witness #1, found it and placed it back into his pocket until Officers asked for it. Burgess armed himself and began the physical altercation by hitting (redacted) first with the soup can. Burgess stabbed (redacted) in the left chest during the physical altercation. Burgess chased (redacted) with a knife after the physical altercation ended and everyone dispersed. Burgess then fatally stabbed The Victim in the left chest, as The Victim was attempting to protect (redacted) from any serious injury or death. Burgess killed the Victim without legal justification and by doing so, Burgess is being charged with one count Manslaughter (Other Than Motor Vehicle) with Weapon F.S.S. 782.07(1).”
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit detectives have arrested and charged 51-year-old Tamesha Knighten of North Davis Avenue in Lakeland, who is a licensed practical nurse working for United Health Care at Wellmed in Lakeland, with three counts felony animal cruelty and one count depositing poison in a public area, after she purposely poisoned a neighbors’ two pet cats and their pregnant Chihuahua, which also killed the 8 puppies in the dog’s womb.
The investigation began when the couple’s two cats, Luna and Pancake, died within hours of each other, both exhibiting the following symptoms: choking, unable to breathe, foaming from the mouth, and in obvious significant pain. Approximately four hours later, they could not find their pregnant Chihuahua named Daisy and began looking around the house for her. When they found Daisy, she was obviously deceased, along with her puppies which were still in her womb.
During the investigation, the victims told detectives that Knighten had repeatedly threatened to poison their pets if the pets came into her yard. On the day that the pets died, they noticed Knighten pacing in her yard along the shared fence line. She had also yelled at the victims’ children that day, who were outside playing ball. The victims asked her not to yell at their kids. They said Knighten was also outside when they noticed their cat acting strangely in the yard, foaming at the mouth, and that Knighten said the cat must be choking on a frog.
When detectives interviewed Knighten, she told them that she had placed ant bait outside on the ground around her air conditioning unit due to ants getting into the unit. When they looked in the victims’ yard, they found a white Styrofoam bowl on the ground, with a white meaty substance mixed with a dark colored material. Knighten claimed to not own any white Styrofoam bowls, until detectives found a package of them in her pantry, at which point she said, “Oh, I guess I do have them.” She also had canned chicken in her pantry, after denying that she had any. Detectives noted there are video cameras in her yard, and asked to see the video from that day. She showed them the video, which showed her wearing a blue glove, holding a white Styrofoam bowl containing a white and brown substance. In the video she’s also talking to a relative and pointing at the neighbors’ yard.
Detectives asked her what she was doing with the bowl and she told them that she didn’t know what was in it, or why she was holding it. They asked her why she was wearing a blue glove and she said she was picking up papers in her yard – but when detectives looked in her trash can there were no papers to be found. They told her the bowl looked like it contained tuna, to which she replied, “It wasn’t tuna, it was chicken.” When asked what the chicken had on it, she called it her “special seasoning” and said she put the bowl of food outside to “feed animals in the area.”
Samples from the white Styrofoam bowl of chicken laced with what Knighted described as her “special seasoning,” of the pets’ tissues taken during their necropsies, and of the ant bait, were sent to the University of Florida and analyzed by that school’s veterinary pathology department, as well as labs at Texas A&M University and Michigan State University. The chemical analysis confirmed that the pets had ingested Phorate, a pesticide found in insecticides, which matched the sample from the laced canned chicken in the bowl, and doctors stated that Phorate would have caused the animals to suffer. The ant bait was not present in any of the animals.
“This suspect, despite all evidence to the contrary, repeatedly denied killing her neighbor’s pets, even telling our detectives that she’s a nurse and had too much to lose. Well guess what? These people lost their beloved pets in a most horrific way, and she lost her freedom by going to jail. It takes a cold-hearted person to poison and kill two cats and a pregnant dog—it’s hard to imagine how a person in the medical field could do such a thing.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Tamesha Knighten’s criminal history includes an arrest in September 2013 for aggravated battery (domestic) with a deadly weapon. She has been booked into the Polk County Jail.
The Traffic Homicide Investigations of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred near Mulberry on Monday, January 1, 2024—it’s the third straight day the unit has responded to a fatal crash.
PCSO deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 6:00 pm to State Road 60 at Coronet Road, about four miles west of Mulberry, in response to a two-vehicle crash.
39-year old Audrey Hills of Mulberry suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, but she was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The 29-year old driver of the second vehicle and a passenger in Ms. Hills’ vehicle were also transported to the hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
The Florida Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control while westbound SR 60 was closed for about three hours.
From evidence and witness statements, detectives determined that Ms. Hills had been driving a black 2016 Kia sedan with a 40-year old male passenger from Mulberry.
The other involved vehicle was a blue 2016 Ford F150 pickup truck which was occupied by a 29-year old Dundee man who was the driver, and a 26-year old woman from Gibsonton.
Just prior to the crash, Ms. Hills’ Kia had been stopped on southbound Coronet Road at the intersection with SR 60, while the Ford pickup truck was traveling west on SR 60.
Ms. Hills attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound SR 60, and in doing so, crossed into the path of the oncoming Ford pickup, and the vehicles collided.
