Last night Haines City units from Stations 1 and 2 responded to a reported vehicle fire at a used car lot off of US HWY 17/92 N near SMITH RD. Upon arrival there were multiple vehicles actively engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to keep the fire limited to those vehicles and had the blaze completely under control within 2 hours.
The source of the fire is still under investigation and there were no injuries.
LAKELAND, FL (December 22, 2023) On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Janeria McCutchen, employed as a teacher at Sleepy Hill Middle School, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on an arrest warrant. The charges stemmed from an incident that took place in the 1500 block of Unitah Avenue in June of this year.
On June 11, 2023, Lakeland Police Department officers who responded to the incident location were originally called for a disturbance. According to the victim, witness and corroborating evidence, McCutchen arrived at the victim’s residence, initiated the disturbance and began aggressively knocking on the door. The victim had been friends with McCutchen, so he answered the door to ask her to leave. McCutchen forced the door open, pushed the victim out of the way, and entered the residence. McCutchen began searching the residence for property she believed was hers. The victim began recording her with his cell phone. McCutchen struck the phone with her hand and took $180.00 in cash from the residence. She exited and broke a window at the home before leaving the scene in a vehicle. The victim received a small laceration on his right leg from the forced entry.
McCutchen was not present when officers arrived and could not be located that night. Therefore, Lakeland officers completed a complaint affidavit charging her with Burglary with Battery (F1), Grand Theft from a Dwelling (F3), and Criminal Mischief (M1). A warrant was later issued for these charges.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigates animal neglect hoarder case in Frostproof; 142 cats, 3 dogs, and 164 fowl (ducks, chickens, geese, and a peacock) seized from the property.
On Thursday morning, December 21, 2023, a Polk County deputy sheriff responded to a home on Fazzini Drive, Frostproof to complete a welfare check on a 75 year old woman who was reported to be living there, and that there was a possible “hoarder situation” involving cats at the house. Upon his arrival, the deputy was met by 48-year-old Lisa Lacharite in the front yard of the residence.
The deputy informed Ms. Lacharite that he was there to conduct a wellbeing check on the older woman (Ms. Lacharite’s mother). She told the deputy that she was her mother’s caregiver and that her mother had health issues. Ms. Lacharite asked the deputy to wait outside while she went inside to get her. While waiting, the deputy noticed strong ammonia smells outside the residence. After approximately 15 minutes, Ms. Lacharite exited the residence and informed the deputy he could now enter the home and check on her mother’s wellbeing.
As the deputy entered the enclosed front porch, he observed numerous wire cages that contained approximately 75 chickens, peacocks, and ducks. Some of these animals appeared to be malnourished and sick. When Deputy Mills entered the residence, he noticed an overwhelming ammonia odor and observed approximately 50 cats running around the residence, climbing on furniture, and sitting on the kitchen counters. He also observed dried feces on the floors and walls. Ms. Lacharite told the deputy she rescues cats and cares for numerous chickens and ducks.
When the deputy made contact with the mother, she advised she was okay but the deputy noticed she had glassy eyes and was not easily able to move. After observing the living conditions inside the home, more PCSO staff responded to investigate. Members of Polk County Animal Control, the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, Agricultural Crimes, Crime Scene, and Southeast District patrol responded.
Polk County Fire Rescue responded with an ammonia reader. PCFR collected an air samples inside the residence; the samples read between 70 and 100 parts per million ammonia. PCFR personnel advised anything over 50 parts per million was hazardous to health. Ms. Lacharite’s mother was removed from the residence to prevent further exposure to the air.
Investigating deputies found the following:
multiple chickens, ducks, geese, and a peacock in wire kennels that were stacked 2 and 3 rows high on the front porch of the residence
dirty water in containers in the pens
all of the pens contained large amounts of feces on the bottom of the wire cages
it appeared the cages had not been cleaned for an extended period of time
inadequate clean exchange of air on the porch; inside the home there was a strong odor of ammonia, which immediately caused burning and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
cats running loose in the kitchen, living room, and utility room area
cats were observed lying on the kitchen counters, stove, and inside cabinets
a litter box filled with urine and feces inside the pantry in the kitchen
3 cats in kennels, two of which were nursing kittens
two dogs inside kennels in the living room
feces on the floor throughout the residence, and feces piled up in every litter box
it appeared the litter boxes had not been changed for an extended amount of time
there were approximately 10 litter boxes lined down the hallway, all of which were filled with urine and feces
approximately 50 more cats were located inside the back room of the residence
inside the middle bedroom, deputies found another dog and more chickens and ducks in cages and bins
four cats were observed in another smaller bedroom, which also contained a litter box filled with urine and feces
additional cat litter boxes were observed inside the back room, all of which were filled with urine and feces.
Deputies and staff had to wear respirator masks to investigate the conditions of the home. Five cats were found to have severe eye/nasal discharge and respiratory issues, which are common signs of cats that have been exposed to high levels of ammonia for an extended period of time. The investigation determined there was a lack of clean exchange of air that has caused severe and repeated infliction of pain and suffering in at least five cats inside the residence.
During an interview, Ms. Lacharite admitted she knew the conditions inside the residence were not good for them or the animals. She stated that she has been overwhelmed by the amount of animals she has, and that it has become too much for her to handle. She agreed to surrender all of the animals, except for her three dogs and her mother’s three cats.
In total, there were 142 cats, 3 dogs, and 164 fowl (ducks, chickens, geese, and a peacock) seized from the property (all from within the residence) pending a forfeiture hearing.
Based on the investigation, detectives determined the owner Lisa Lacharite has neglected to provide the legal obligations to care and support her animals. Lacharite confined 304 of her animals to the residence, and smaller rooms inside the residence without an exchange of air. The ammonia levels inside the residence can be lethal to humans and animals over a period of time. These environmental factors caused at least 5 of her cats to repeatedly suffer eye/nasal discharge and significant respiratory problems in the form of coughing and wheezing. Lacharite was arrested for felony animal cruelty (5 counts), animal neglect (304 counts), and one count of elder neglect. Lacharite was transported to the Polk County Jail without incident,
All of the animals have been removed from the residence were transported to Animal Control. The animals will be evaluated by veterinarians. Polk County Animal Control will work with the general public, the SPCA, and animal rescue organizations to find forever homes for animals. Polk County Animal Control is asking the public who are interested in adopting the animals (cats, dogs) to stop by Animal Control today (Friday) or tomorrow (Saturday) at 7115 De Castro Rd, Winter Haven, FL. People can also email [email protected] and provide your name, address, email, and telephone number and how you would like to help.
Sheriff Grady Judd was with the PCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit on the scene of an animal cruelty investigation in Frostproof Thursday evening. Preliminary information: there are approximately 100 cats and 100 chickens and ducks inside a mobile home where two women live, in a hoarder situation.
The arrest came from a residence on Fazzini Dr. In Frostproof.
More information to be released later this morning.
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On December 18, 2023 The Polk County Sheriff’s Office took into custody a man they claim defrauded over 20 Polk families in elaborate Fence Installation scam. A warrant was issued back in March of 2021. The suspect also has outstanding warrants in Lake, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola County for similar charges. The suspect Adam Cronenwett, DOB 11/12/1974, allegedly stole someone’s identity, set up bank accounts, cashed checks and other forms of deception. Below is an excerpt of the arrests affidavit:
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.
“During the month of June and July, 2020, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by residents of Davenport and Haines City in regards to possible fraudinvolving acompany named “Family Fence”. The victims reside at different new home developments in the area, and reported they learned about the company after locating flyers advertising the company. The flyers were being placed on the front doors, for homeowners to easily locate them.
The flyer listed the company’s name and telephone number: (407) 755-7693. The telephone number wasregistered July 4, 2019 through Verizon, and information received via subpoena revealed the account was opened under subscriber name, Jeffery Cox.
The homeowners reported when they contacted the telephone number, a male subject identifying himself as “Jeff’ or “Jeff Cox” would answer the telephone call and would make the negotiations with the homeowners.
The homeowners were advised prior to be given aquote, arepresentative from the company would respond to takemeasurements of the area to be fenced. Days later, different employees would be sent tothe residents to complete the cask.
The homeowners would later receive emails from email addresses listing the company’s name, containing a quote and adown payment request. The homeowners would be instructed to complete the payments via Zelle using receiver telephone number, 407-558-8780.
Subpoena response from Verizon revealed the telephone number was a prepaid telephone registered to “Family Fence’
Homeowners not able to pay via Zelle, were offered other payment options such as checks, money orders, cash, or credit card. Those payments were collected at a later time by other employees.
While completing the investigation, I also learned Haines City Police Department and Davemport Police Department were also receiving reports for similar incidents involving the company. I communicated with Det. Francisco (HCPD) and Det. Luna (DPD)a n d their investigations were forwarded to me for follow up as a countywide incident.
During that time, I also received emails and telephone calls from other homeowners who became aware oft h e investigation. I obtained bank records for the homeowners who paid by check, credit card, and Zelle. I also obtained records for the money order used as payments.
I evaluated the information obtained and learned the checks and Zelle payments were deposited/disbursed into two different Chase Bank accounts, one Regions Bank account, and one SuncoastCredit Unionaccount. Several money orders were cashed.
Chase Bank account number REDACTED received the bulk of the payments. Such account was opened on August 21, 2019 under the name “Family Fence LL”. Donald Joseph Tomko and Jeffery W. Cox were the authorized signer on the account.
Regions Bank account number REDACTED was opened on April 2, 2020 under the name “Family Fence LLC”. Donald J. Tomko was the only authorized signer on the account.
Chase Bank account number REDACTED was used to receive a Zelle payment. Such account belongs to Katie Ellen Hayes-Osborn.
Suncoast Credit Union account number REDACTED used to receive two money orders. The account belongs to Alyssa Demaris.
Several money orders were cashed at ACE Cash Express by Donald Tomko. It should be noted, during a review of the company’s bank records, several recurring payments made to different subjects were noted. I identifiedchecks recipients, Maria Jose Chacon Carrero and Kilany Paola Cruz as employees for the company. Other subjects were also receiving payments from the company’s bank records. The bank records also revealed numerous transactions pertaining to transfers for Katie Hayes-Osborn via Zelle.
Using investigative sources, I completed various researches of the names developed throughout the course of this investigation. During the research, I noticed Katie Hayes-Osborn has been previously linked to a subject named “Adam Cronenwett, who has several warrants issued for his arrests for similar incidents. Based on the reports, it appears that Katie and Adam are/were involved i nan intimate relationship.
During the research, I located a report from Ocoee Police Department (OCPD200FF002415) indicating on June 20, 2020, Officer Kelly responded to a call for service in reference to a disturbance. Once on scene, Officer Kelly identified the involved subjects as Katie Ellen Hayes-Osborn and Jeffery Wesley Cox via Florida Driver License.
The report indicates there is body camera footage of this incident.
I contacted Ococe PD Records Section and requested a copy of the body camera footage. Upon receiving the footage, it was noticed the subjects involved matched Katie Hayes-Osborn and Adam Cronenwett physical appearance. I also noticed Adam provided the officer a Florida Driver License to Jeffery Cox. During such incident, I was able to listen to the officer reading the license number. At that time, I conducted a search of the license numberand discovered it matchesthe number for Jeffery Wesley Cox’s driver license.
I met with Alyssa Ann Demaris, who advised she is Ms. Hayes-Osborn’s sister. Ms. Demaris advised the two money orders deposited into her account were given by Ms. Hayes-Osborn for Ms. Demaris to cash it and use the cash to pay for Ms. Hayes-Osborn’s rent. According to Ms. Demaris, she agreed to assist Ms. Hayes-Osborn with the help given that she was not in town at the time. According to Ms. Demaris, she believed the money orders were purchased by Ms. Hayes-Osborn, and did not know the money orders were associated with payments for the company. Ms. Demaris advised she knows Adam Cronenwett as being Ms. Hayes-Osborn’s boyfriend. Ms. Demaris also knows Mr.Cronenwett has an extensive criminal background due to his drug habits and fraudulent history. Ms. Demaris advised Mr. Cronenwett is known for committing the same crimes in different counties using different fence companies. Ms. Demaris advised she has heard Ms. Hayes-Osborn commenting about Mr. Cronenwett’s alias “Jeff Cox”. Ms. Demaris advised she believes both Ms. Haves-Osborn and Mr. Cronenwett operated the fraudulent businesses together.
I presented Ms. Demaris the footages obtained from Ocoee PD and she identified the subject using Jeffery Wesley Cox identification card as Adam Cronenwett. Ms. Demaris advised without a doubt, Mr. Cronenwett is the person seen on video and the identification card does not belong to him.
On December 4, 2020, contact was made with Kilany Paola Cruz, who based on the company’s bank records, received payments during themonth of June, 2020. Ms. Cruz positively identified Mr. Cronenwett as the person using “Jeff Cox”.
On January 29, 2021, I interviewed Ms. Cruz and she advised she did not know M r .Cronenwett’s true identity. Ms. Cruz advised her friend, Wilson Xavier Rodriguez Talavera, offered to assist her obtaining a job with Family Fence. During that time, Mr. Rodriguez was employed by the company. Ms. Cruz agreed to work for FamilyFence, and she was later hired to complete surveys of the client’s properties and collect payments. Ms. Cruz was responsible for providing the information to the installers and providing the payments to who she believed was “Jeff Cox”. Ms. Cruz advised on several instances, she travelled to the Tampa area and met with Mr.Tomko, who on some occasions would receive the client’s checks, cash them, and send “Jeff Cox” the cash. Ms. Cruz stated she did not know the company was involved in fraudulent activities however, towards the end of her employment she became suspicious given that several employees were complaining about not being paid and several clients were complaining about their fences not being installed.
Ms. Cruz stated she does not know Mr. ‘Tomko’s involvement in the company however, “Jeff Cox” was the person responsible for the daily operations and was known to be the company’s owner.
On February 3, 2021, contact was made with Maria Chacon Carrero, who based on the company’s bank records received payments during the months of May and June, 2020. Ms. Chacon positively identified Mr. Cronenwett as the person using “Jeff Cox” I interviewed Ms. Chacon and she advised she did not know Mr. Cronenwett’s true identity. Ms. Chacon advised she never met Mr. Tomko in person and she never met Ms. Hayes-Osborn either. Ms. Chacon advised she was employed with the company as a secretary, and was responsible for scheduling the client’s appointments with the
company and the installation dates. Ms. Chacon stated she did not know the company was involved in fraudulent activitics however, she did noticed numerous clients were complaining about their fence not being installed. Ms. Chacon advised the contracts and internet operation for the company was handled by Helder Ames, who resides
in Venezuela. According to Ms. Chacon, Helder was employed as a freelancer to work remotely. Ms. Chacon advised she worked from her residence using a VolP to communicate with the clients.
Throughout the course of this investigation, and after reviewing the company’s bank record thoroughly, I identified additional victims outside of Polk County. I met with those victim and obtained their statements.
I obtained reports from Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Winter Garden Police Department involving incidents in their area.
I inspected the ID number for Jeffery W. Cox listed on Family Fence LLC’s J.P. Morgan Chase Bank account signer form (signed by suspect on August 26,2019) and noticed it matched the license number given to Ocoee PD. Using investigative sources, I obtain a telephone number for Mr. Cox, who was immediately contacted.
During a meeting with Mr. Cox, he denied ever having any affiliation with Family Fence LLC, and he has never heard of the company. Mr. Cox denied being added to the bank account held by the company. Mr. Cox acknowledge the identification card number listed on the signer form matches his license number however, he advised such form was not signed by him and he did not authorized anyone to sign on his behalf. Mr. Cox advised he works as a truck driver and he recalls several years ago, he lost his wallet containing his driver license. Mr. Coz was unable to recall all the details surrounding the loss of his wallet. Mr. Cox advised he does not know who signed the form and used his name to operate the business. Mr. Cox stated he was not aware of the situation until I contacted him. Mr. Cox reviewed the video provided by Ocoee PD and advised he does not know who are the subjects seen on the videos. Mr. Cox was able to see when the suspect on the video provides the officer an identification card, at which time, he recognized the photograph on the identification card as a previous photograph he had on an old driver license. Mr. Cox does not know how the subject took possession of the driver license. Mr. Cox stated he wish to pursue criminal charges against the subject who used his personal identification information to operate the business.
On March 22,2021, I made contact with Mr. Tomko, who was able to identify Mr. Cronenwett and Ms. Hayes- Osborn from a photo lineup presented by an independent administrator.
During my interview with Mr. Tomko, he advised he knows Mr.Cronensett’s sister, and she introduced them. Mr. ‘Tomko was advised Mr. Cronenwett was an expert in fence installation and putting teams together and he knew the business. According to Mr. Tomko, Mr. Cronenwett had a bad credit history and numerous legal issues therefore, he was unable to sustain initiating the business himself. Mr. Tomko stated he was good with finances and customer service.
Mr. Tomko stated he agreed to join Mr. Cronenwett in the business and claims he believed Mr. Cronenwett was called “Jeff Cox”. According to Mr. Tomko, he obtain a personal credit card for the business. Such credit card was for a pickup truck weekly rental, a trailer for materials,worker’s compensation,licenses, and have flyers delivered door-to-door. The company had a material supplier, and Mr.Tomko claims he obtained another line of credit at Home Depot for materials and supplies. All installers and administrative personnel were considered independent contractors. Mr. Cronenwett maintained a spreadsheet on jobs, payroll, and other expenses.
Mr. Tomko then proceeded to explain the company’s operational process. According to Mr. Tomko, during the first months, Mr. Tomko discovered the permit process could take several weeks and approval was needed from the different homeowner’s associations. The process was to collect half the money up front from the customers and the balance was due upon completion of the job. When customers called for an estimate, Mr. Tomko advised he was the one who would do the estimate and Mr. Cronenwett would put together the proposal and email it to the customers. If the customers agreed, Mr. Tomko would pick up the check and have them take a picture of his ID to show as the one retrieving the funds. According to Mr. Tomko, be would then give Mr. Cronenwett all the funds collected for deposit or he would deposit them via ATM. Jobs were being completed
but money was-put back into the business.
Mr.Tomko explained to get jobs and reputation in the Orlando area, the prices they gave were always the lowest price in the market. Between June and September of 2019, the company successfully installed between 15 and 20 fences. Mr. Tomko also claimed when he noticed Mr. Cronenwett was behind in payroll, Mr. Tomko gave him $5,000.00 of his personal funds to the company. Mr. Tomko claims he then began having issues covering his personal expenses such as rent, while spending ample time working for the company. For such reason, Mr. Tomko and Mr. Cronenwett agreed for Mr. Tomko to receive $500.00 a month from the company’s funds. After several months, Mr. Tomko was struggling to maintain his personal expenses and therefore he advised Mr. Cronenwett he would no longer be “hands-on” with the company any longer. Mr. Tomko initially continued to pick up checks on occasions and help with paper work every other week however, he was not involved daily any longer.
Mr.Tomko stated he knew that it would be difficult to replace his services given that he was the one with experience with finances as well as customer service. Mr.Tomko claimed he repeatedly advised Mr. Cronenwett he needed to make sure that he completed all of the installs that were scheduled or give a refund.
Mr. Tomko claims after not being involved with the company’s daily operation, he began to receive complaints from customer and began noticing Mr. Cronenwett did not appear to be using the funds to cover personal expenses such as lodging and rent.
Mr. Tomko was shown the bank records and he was unable to explain the numerous ATM withdrawals completed with the debit card assigned to Mr. Cronenwett.
Between December 19, 2019 and July 22,2020, the Chase account belong to Family Fence received deposits totaling $110,571.21. The deposits were made in the form of remote onlinedeposits, Zelle payments, Square, Inc. payments, ATM deposits, and cash deposits.
During that same time,the suspect’s debit card associated with the account under-the name of “Jeffery Wesley Cox” was used to complete ATM cash withdrawals and transactions not consistent with the act of installing fences totaling $21,713.99.
It should be noted a total of $55,868.43 were electronically withdrawn from the account. Due to the lack of information documented on the account’s monthly statements, I am unable to determine how much of those funds were not used for business purposes.
Between April and August of 2020, the Regions account belonging to Family Fence received deposits totaling $39,604.58. During that same time, the debit cards associated with the account were used to complete ATM cash withdrawals and transactions not consistent with the act of installing fences totaling $8,490.38.
It should be noted, during conversations with Mr. Tomko, it was learned Mr. Cronenwett was in possession of the debit cards.
Throughout the course ofthisinvestigation,I also learnedMr. Cronenwett has previously operated businesses under the names: Metro Fences LIC and Heartland Fences LLC. Mr. Cronenwett also has active warrants for his arrest from Polk County forScheme to Defraud and Grand Theft, Polk County for Grand theft, Pinellas Countyfor GrandTheft and Unlicensed Contracting, Hernando County for Organized Fraud and Grand Theft, Pasco County for Scheme to Defraud, and Manatee County for Scheme to Defraud.
Based on the information gathered throughout the course of this investigation, I have probable cause to believe the suspect, Adam Andrew Cronenwett willfully and without authorization fraudulently used, and possessed withintent to fraudulently use, personal identification information concerning Jeffery Wesley Cox, without first obtaining that person’s consent on two occasions violating FSS. 817.568(2)(A). The suspect submitted a signed Chase Bank Business Account Signers Form and deposited fraudulent checks violating FSS. 831.02. The suspect engaged on a systematic, ongoing course of conduct with intent to obtain property (funds) from homeowners by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises or willful misrepresentations of a future act over $50,000.00 violating FSS. 817.034(4)(A)I. Mr. Cronenwett also victimized more than 20 persons, and thereby obtained more than $50,000.00 violating FSS. 775.0844(5)(B). The suspect knowingly obtained funds from the following victims, exceeding $20,000.00 with intent to appropriate the property to his own use of use of any person not entitled to the use of the property violating FSS. 812.014(2)(C)I:
The crimes involved activities in multiple jurisdiction including Polk, Lake, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola County. “
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the shooting death of 33-year-old Harold Omar Sepulveda-Cruz (Cruz) of Davenport that occurred in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel located at 43420 Hwy 27, Davenport, Florida just before midnight on Tuesday, December 19th.
Deputies were called to the scene by 44-year-old Christian MacDonald of Davenport, who admitted to shooting and killing Cruz. He told deputies the shooting was in self-defense. MacDonald told deputies that Cruz entered into the back seat of the car that MacDonald and, 31-year-old Robert Rafael Pementel-Cruceta Jr.(Cruceta), were sitting in. MacDonald said Cruz immediately began demanding money and drugs from both of them while threatening to kill them if they did not comply.
MacDonald told deputies that Cruz’s demands continued to get more aggressive. MacDonald told deputies he retrieved a firearm from his jacket pocket, and fired several rounds toward the back seat and the suspect. Cruz was struck in the upper torso. He was deceased when deputies arrived at the scene.
Upon further investigation by deputies, based on interviews and evidence recovered, it became clear that the shooting was a result of an illegal drug transaction that was taking place inside the car and a planned robbery between Cruz and Cruceta.
Earlier in the evening, MacDonald communicated by phone with Cruceta about buying a marijuana from Cruceta. They agreed to meet in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel to conduct the drug transaction. MacDonald was the buyer, and Cruceta was the drug dealer/seller.
On the way to the drug transaction, Cruceta picked up his friend, Cruz. Cruceta told deputies that Cruz told him he wanted to get some quick cash and that he wanted to “hit a lick,” meaning commit a robbery. Cruceta dropped him off near the hotel and then met MacDonald. MacDonald drove to the location, parked, walked over to Cruceta’s car (2017 white Kia) and got inside the front passenger side. Shortly thereafter, Cruz entered into the back passenger seat of the Kia and attempted to commit a robbery using a makeshift simulated firearm, hitting MacDonald in the back several times. He was then shot and killed by MacDonald.
After the shooting, Cruceta is seen on motel surveillance video rummaging in the back seat of the Kia, collecting evidence, taking it, and throwing it over a high fence into a brushy area. Detectives later recovered Cruz’s identification, keys, and cellphone on the other side of the fence.
Based on interviews and evidence collected in the investigation, deputies arrested, 31-year-old Robert Rafael Cruceta-Pimentel on the following charges:
– Felony Murder (2nd Degree)
– conspiracy to commit robbery
– possession of cannabis with intent to sell
– possession of heroin
– possession of drug paraphernalia
– possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
– Maintaining a vehicle for drug use / sales
– Tampering with physical evidence (x2)
– Provide false information to LEO during investigation
– unlawful use of two-way communication device
“This is another example of how dangerous illegal drug transactions can be. The drug dealer conspired with his friend to commit a robbery that resulted in his friend’s death. Now the drug dealer is going to prison. How did that work out for him?” Grady Judd, Sheriff
The investigation is open and continuing.
Woman charged in connection with deputy-involved shooting
SEBRING — The girlfriend of a man who was shot and killed after attacking Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputies with a metal rod yesterday is facing several criminal charges for involvement in that confrontation and the events that led up to the shooting.
Lakenya Lavonn Phillips, 30, is in the Highlands County Jail on charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and cruelty toward a child.
At Phillips’ first appearance today, she was ordered to be held without bond. Additionally, prosecutors told the judge that the state will be seeking a felony murder charge in relation to her actions in that contributed to the death of 39-year-old Richard Myron Ham.
Deputies and Highlands County Fire-Rescue were called to the intersection of Bay Blossom Drive and U.S. 98 in Sebring at 4:07 p.m. yesterday (Dec. 19) about a several people burning debris — including live ammunition — on the side of the road.
When deputies arrived, they found Ham armed with two metal rods. Ham refused to follow deputies’ orders and a taser was deployed. The taser did not appear to have an effect on Ham, who dropped the metal rods and pulled the taser probes from his body. At that point, Phillips picked up one of the rods and handed it to Ham, who used it to strike a deputy in the head.
At that point, which was 4:22 p.m., one of the deputies fired his agency-issued firearm at Ham. Ham was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The injured deputy was taken to another hospital, where he was treated and released.
Immediately after the shooting, Phillips began to push deputies as they tried to secure Ham and render aid. She was taken into custody at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that Ham and Phillips were burning the possessions of Phillips’ 9-year-old son because they believed he was possessed by a demon. At one point, witnesses said, Ham put the child into the fire and covered him with a blanket that was also on fire. The child was able to escape serious injury and is currently in DCF custody.
According to the child, he had not bathed or brushed his teeth in at least 10 days as they traveled to Florida and had not been fed for at least 24 hours. He said that both Ham and Phillips had regularly been using drugs and that Ham had earlier threatened him with a large knife, as well as claiming he had used that knife to kill someone. Investigators are working with law enforcement in several states to follow up on that statement.
Phillips and the child were listed as missing and endangered out of Wichita, Kansas on Dec. 6. It still has not been determined exactly when or why they came to Highlands County. Multiple firearms and drugs were found in the vehicle Ham and Phillips were driving at the time.
The deputies involved in the incident have 16 years and 8 years of service and both have been trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. They have been placed on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit’s Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
Note: Not all arrests lead to convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigating overnight shooting death in Davenport
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the shooting death of a Davenport man that occurred in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel located at 43420 Hwy 27, Davenport, Florida just before midnight on Tuesday, December 19th.
Next of kin of the deceased has not been made yet.
We have arrested another Daveport man, 31-year-old Robert Rafael Cruceta Pimentel on the following charges:
– Felony Murder (2nd Degree)
– conspiracy to commit robbery
– possession of cannabis with intent to sell
– possession of heroin
– possession of drug paraphernalia
– possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
– Maintaining a vehicle for drug use / sales
– Tampering with physical evidence (x2)
– Provide false information to LEO during investigation
– unlawful use of two-way communication device
We will update this article as more information becomes available.
UPDATED ARTICLE HERE: MARIJUANA DRUG DEAL GOES BAD, SUSPECTED ROBBER DEAD & HIS ACCOMPLICE CHARGED IN HIS DEATH
** We updated our earlier headline. We incorrectly call the 9 Yr old boy, Ham’s son. This has not been confirmed. We apologize for the error.**
SEBRING — At 4:07 p.m. yesterday, a call was received about several people burning a pile of debris on the side of Bay Blossom Drive at the intersection of US 98 in Sebring.
Highlands County Fire-Rescue units from Station 19 on George Blvd. were dispatched to the scene, and due to the suspicious nature of the incident, law enforcement was also requested to respond. Fire-Rescue units were first on scene and were confronted by 39-year-old Richard Myron Ham.
Two Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly arrived on scene and found Ham armed with two metal rods. Ham refused to follow deputies’ orders and a taser was deployed. The taser did not appear to have an effect on Ham, who pulled the taser probes from his body and re-armed himself with one of the bars. He then swung the bar and struck a deputy in the head.
At that point, which was 4:22 p.m., the one of the deputies fired his agency issued firearm at Ham. Ham was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The injured deputy was taken to another hospital, where he was treated and released.
The initial investigation revealed that Ham and 30-year-old Lakenya Phillips were burning the possessions of Phillips’ 9-year-old son because they believed he was possessed by a demon. At one point, witnesses said, Ham put the child into the fire and covered him with a blanket that was also on fire. The child was able to escape serious injury.
Phillips and the child were listed as missing and endangered out of Wichita, Kansas on Dec. 6. It still has not been determined when or why they came to Highlands County. Multiple firearms and drugs were found in the vehicle Ham and Phillips were driving at the time.
Ham’s criminal history includes convictions for armed felonies and drug possession and multiple arrests in Arkansas, South Carolina and Georgia.
This incident will be investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
NOTE: This information is preliminary and may change as the investigation continues.
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