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Q&A With Lake Wales Mayoral Candidate Curtis Gibson

Staff Reporter
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Q&A With Lake Wales Mayoral Candidate Curtis Gibson

Q&A With LW Mayoral Candidate Curtis Gibson

by James Coulter

With more than four years of experience serving on the Lake Wales City Commission, Curtis Gibson seeks to go one step beyond his previous position as a city commissioner and hopefully serve his city as its mayor.

Gibson, 37, was first elected to the Lake Wales City Commission in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 with more than 63 percent of the vote, as reported by Lakewalesnews.net. He stepped down from his position last year to attend to his family and prepare for his mayoral run.

During his two terms as commissioner, Gibson has assisted the city with infrastructure, economic growth, and airport expansion. He has worked closely with the Dover Kohl Lake Wales Connected Plan, an initiative to help revitalize the downtown and northwest business districts.

Gibson first moved to Lake Wales at age 13. Upon graduating from Lake Wales High School in 2003, he went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Keiser University, his associate’s from Bryant and Stratton College, and complete police academy at South Florida State College.

Currently, Gibson works as an insurance adjuster with Geico. He and wife, Danielle, have five children. Curtis is a charter member of Rotary on the Ridge and has been active in other community groups and coaching youth sports.

We recently sat down with Mr. Gibson to ask him some key questions about local issues and concerns and to inquire about his positions. Here is what he had to say.

Q: The City of Lake Wales is predicted to triple in size in the next 10 years with 8,500 new homes approved in the city limits. What are your plans for the city to facilitate this growth?

A: Positive growth will expand our tax base and bring in new business, but we need to make sure it is well-planned, reasonable and reflects the culture and history of our community. Planned communities should follow the “Lake Ashton model” and incorporate decorative lighting and signage, green space, lower density housing and winding roads.

Q: Concerns have been raised about waiving impact fees, especially in light of the approval of new development. These fees are necessary to fund any potential infrastructure. How do you think the city should address this issue?

A: By annexing property, the city can place more stringent requirements on a developer. If developers can’t afford utilities and quality enhancements, they should either not develop or reduce the scale of their projects. The city needs to require that developers bear the full cost of bringing sewer water and other amenities to their property I oppose expanding use of septic tanks, something Mr. Hilligoss voted for, which can cause environmental problems and if developers cannot afford utilities in quality enhancements, they should either not develop or reduce the scale of their projects.

Q: Another prescient concern is education, especially about potential overcrowding and understaffing. How will overcrowding be addressed? Will developers be required to set aside “so much” land for schools? Will you put pressure on the Polk County School Board to allocate funds to the Lake Wales Charter Schools?

A: To be clear the expansion of schools is not in the scope of the mayor’s office. However, we can sit at the table and have a discussion about working in partnership we must ask new businesses and developers to buy into our city it should not always be the other way around we must create an environment for them to succeed while holding them accountable. With respect to pay, organizations attract and retain talent when employees feel valued and respected. Competitive pay and benefits allow employees to live, work, and raise their families with dignity.

Q: Finally, there’s infrastructure. Many citizens have voiced concerns about Chalet Suzanne Road and their desire to see a sidewalk there. Others want existing streets to be repaved such as the road in front of Spook Hill Elementary. What plans and priorities towards infrastructure do you want the city to implement?

A: Maintaining our roads, trails, and sidewalks may seem mundane until you feel the wear and tear every day on your way to work. We’ll stay on top of it with the help of the people and our dedicated staff. That’s how we ensure we are focusing on all areas of need, not just downtown. Trees, benches, lighting improvements, and new road configurations will draw people in and keep them safe. We’ll finish that work together. The next mayor and commission needs to work to get the city back on track with its six-year repaving plan, which was understandably delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

44 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash

Staff Reporter
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44 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit investigated a motorcycle crash in unincorporated Lake Wales last night, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 that resulted in the death of 44-year-old William Jason Babington of Lake Wales. The crash occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Buck Moore Road North and Oakland Park Drive. Preliminary details are as follows:

 

Mr. Babington was driving his red 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Buck Moore Road North and failed to negotiate the curve just south of Oakland Park Drive. His motorcycle crossed the southbound lane, exited the west edge of the road, and traveled down an embankment where it struck a fence. 

 

Mr. Babington was ejected from the motorcycle and died at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet or protective gear at the time of the crash.

 

Impairment appears to be a factor in the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. Buck Moore Road was closed in the area of the crash for approximately three hours during the investigation.

*** Editors note: Family is asking for no calls, textor visits at this time ***

30 Yr Old Auburndale Man Charged With Murdering Elderly Man

Carl Fish
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0
30 Yr Old Auburndale Man Charged With Murdering Elderly Man

On March 11, 2022, PCSO Homicide detectives charged 30-year-old David Jesse Williams of Auburndale via warrant with first degree murder and other charges for murdering an 81-year-old Auburndale man who had been reported missing to the Auburndale Police Department. Williams was taken into custody in Georgia, where he fled after committing the crimes.

The investigation began on Wednesday, March 9th, when an 81-year-old Auburndale man (the victim) was reported missing to the Auburndale Police Department. The witness told APD officers that she had not heard from the victim since March 3, 2022. She also stated that Williams had been violent in the past and she was concerned for the victim’s safety. 

During the investigation, APD detectives learned that Williams might be at a residence in Hinesville, Georgia and traveled to Georgia to investigate.

APD detectives contacted Georgia law enforcement officers who assisted with locating Williams at the suspected residence. When located by Georgia law enforcement, Williams was wearing gloves and was cleaning the inside of the victim’s truck. Detectives observed blood inside the cab of the truck and a shovel in the bed of the truck. 

Williams told detectives that he used a black rope to choke the victim to death in rural Polk County in the Polk City area, and that he moved the victim’s body to the rear floor of the truck and then drove to Georgia where he buried him. The victim’s body was located in a shallow grave exactly where Williams told detectives it would be. A black rope was around the victim’s neck. 

Due to the murder occurring in the Polk City area, PCSO Homicide detectives traveled to Georgia and assumed the investigation.

“Partnerships with our fellow law enforcement agencies are vital to the safety of our communities. Auburndale police department officers did an outstanding job investigating the missing person case—their work led directly to the discovery of Williams as the man who killed our victim. Georgia law enforcement did an outstanding job monitoring the suspect’s movements and finding key evidence in the case, including the location of our victim’s body. By combining our resources, we were able to take a violent criminal off the streets.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

“Our members responded initially to a missing and endangered 81-year-old resident of Auburndale. They worked tirelessly over the next three days, during which they found out the victim had been killed in an area north of Polk City, taken to a wooded area in Long County, Georgia, and buried. We worked with the Liberty County (GA) Sheriff’s Office and the Worthville Police Department to locate and interview the suspect. They obtained a confession and were led to the buried body of the victim by the suspect. We also coordinated our investigation with Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, who are among the best in the business, demonstrating again the value of teamwork and cooperation.” – Andy Ray, Police Chief, Auburndale

Williams was charged with:

·        First Degree Murder (FC)

·        Tampering with Evidence (F3)

·        Grand Theft Auto (F3)

The Auburndale Police Department also charged Williams with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (F2). Williams is currently in the Liberty County Jail in Georgia and will be transferred to Polk County at a later date.

Two Men Fighting On Roadway In Auburndale Struck & Killed

Carl Fish
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0
Two Men Fighting On Roadway In Auburndale Struck & Killed

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated a crash in Auburndale this morning, Wednesday, March 16, 2022, that resulted in the death of two pedestrians: 25-year-old Brian Burgess II and 27-year-old Kanean Parrish both of Auburndale. Preliminary details are as follows: 

 

At around 4 a.m. this morning, a black 2008 Pontiac G6, driven by 68-year-old Willie Leach of Eagle Lake, was heading eastbound on Recker Highway when he struck Mr. Burgess and Mr. Parrish, who were in the roadway.

 

According to witnesses, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Parrish are roommates and live in a mobile home on Recker Highway.  The two were engaged in a physical altercation that moved into the roadway where they were struck. They both died at the scene.

 

Mr. Leach was uninjured. 

 

It was dark at the time of the crash and the roadway was wet. Recker Highway in the area of the crash was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing. I do not have a photo from the scene.

Polk County Parks & Recreation Recruiting Teen Volunteers To Assist With Spring Special Events And Programs 

Allison
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Polk County Parks & Recreation Recruiting Teen Volunteers To Assist With Spring Special Events And Programs 

Want to get involved in Polk County? Polk County Parks & Recreation is recruiting teen volunteers to assist us with Spring special events and programs. Teens may earn volunteer hours for graduation and scholarships.

If you have any questions, please e-mail [email protected].

Requirements:

  • Must be 14 years old or older
  • We do not accept court-ordered volunteers.
  • April 16 from 9-2:45 in Kissimmee-

Volunteers will help with kid activities, arts & crafts, and a large egg hunt during the event. This is the first year for this event after a very successful on last year. Egg-A-Palooza brings people form all around to participate in egg hunts, carnival games, contest, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and more!

Volunteers may bring their own drinks and snacks if they would like

April 23 from 11-4:30 in Homeland-

Volunteers are wanted for the Good Ol’ Days Festival – an event in a historic venue celebrating Polk’s Pioneer Past! Volunteers will assist with craft activities, check in areas, and more. This is a really fun and easy event!

Volunteers may bring their own drinks and snacks if they would like. We will provide waters and POSSIBLY snacks or other beverages.

May 7 from 11-4:45 in Dundee-

Polk County Zest Fest is a citrus themed festival for everyone to enjoy. Florida is known for its agriculture and citrus is a huge part of it, so why not have a festival revolved around it. This event will feature games, music, prizes, food, and much more. In total we would need around 75 volunteers to help make this event possible.

Water and possibly snacks will provided for volunteers but feel free to bring your own if you would like

Spring Is Here- Perfect Time For a Polk County Park Picnic

Allison
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Spring Is Here- Perfect Time For a Polk County Park Picnic

Polk County Parks & Rec:

Pack a lunch for the family and enjoy the outdoors at one of Polk County’s great locations.

Polk County Parks and Recreation maintains over 50 park facilities, with various amenities, that provide the perfect picnic location.

With more than 50 park sites and 11 mini-parks that include athletic facilities, picnic areas, a historical-oriented park, resource centers, five campgrounds and ATV park. Your biggest challenge will be deciding what to do. Parks and Recreation also maintains 40 boat launching sites, produces special events and conducts a summer program.

Youth athletic leagues and events also are a big draw here. Parks and Recreation oversees more than 120 sports fields and is responsible for 27 youth athletic leagues with more than 12,000 participants.

Parks and Recreation is divided into three sections:

  • Administration – Works with cities to develop grants and agreements for park development and improvements, along with planning the future of the county’s parks system
  • Parks Maintenance Unit – Builds and maintains Polk’s parks
  • Recreation Unit – Plans and develops recreation programming and special events, conducts training courses for coaches and operates the summer recreation program

The restrooms and parking lots in Polk’s park areas are ADA compliant.

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of your home and into the great outdoors, Polk County’s Parks and Recreation has it covered.

Hazardous Condition at Sleep Inn & Suites Lakeland

Staff Reporter
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Hazardous Condition at Sleep Inn & Suites Lakeland

Hazardous Condition at Sleep Inn & Suites Lakeland

Lakeland, FL – Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) was dispatched to a call Sunday, March 13 at approximately 11:00 AM for a Hazardous Condition at Sleep Inn & Suites Lakeland located at 4321 Lakeland Park Drive. While in route, crews were advised there were multiple patients. LFD firefighters directed dispatch to contact the hotel to evacuate all guests from the property. Upon arrival, the first responding units observed several individuals outside needing assistance.

LFD firefighters immediately established a triage area and treated patients who had advised the hotel manager they were not feeling well and stated their hotel rooms had a strange odor. Simultaneously, additional crews began an investigation of the property.

Hotel rooms belonging to the patients on the second floor produced carbon monoxide (CO) readings of approximately 160 PPM. The CO source was discovered within a riser room containing commercial water heaters. The venting pipe system was disconnected, and the reported CO level was 550 PPM.

After testing subsequent floors and other areas of the hotel, LFD crews opened all windows and doors, ventilated the property, and released the scene back to hotel management once a reading level of 0 PPM was obtained.

A total of eight patients were transported by Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) medic units to local hospitals for carbon monoxide poisoning. Patients comprised of four adults and four pediatrics. Lakeland Fire Department’s Rescue Division has reached out for an update on patient status; however, no update is available at this time.

Additional information and resources regarding fire safety can be found on our website www.lakelandgov.net/lfd and social media sites @LakelandFD.

Do Dreams Come True? Local Songwriter Answers Age-Old Question With “Maybe”

Staff Reporter
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Do Dreams Come True? Local Songwriter Answers Age-Old Question With “Maybe”

Do Dreams Come True? Local Songwriter Answers Age-Old Question With “Maybe”

by James Coulter

Many songs are about making your dreams come true by wishing on a star or following the rainbow. But do dreams really come true? And what does it mean for a dream to come true? One local songwriter answers those questions in her new song, “Maybe.”

Emily E. Finke utilizes her rich, mezzo-soprano voice and extraordinary songwriting talent in her latest song which she recorded in November and recently released earlier this month. Her song explores the subject of dreams and what it really means for them to come true. The song takes the listener on an emotional journey of discovery to a place where “…dreams aren’t always what they seem.”

“‘Maybe’ is a song about whether or not dreams come true,” Finke said. “When we look at our dreams, do we really see them clearly? The song puts things in perspective to recognize when our dreams come true.”

As with many of her songs, her inspiration derives not from one specific place or thing, but rather, from the many random thoughts she has in her head at any given time. Writing music allows her to better focus her thoughts and narrow them down into one coherent message, she explained.

“My mind is very active, and I am constantly thinking about things and making connections,” she said. “So even with this new song, it was not one thing that inspired it. It was many things that sort of conglomerated with this feeling and these thoughts that I was having about the subject of the song. That is the song that I wrote because it is what I felt on my heart at the time. There were things that happened in my own life, but it was many different things that resulted in deep thoughts and feelings I had.”

Finke was born and raised in Lake Placid. She has lived in the same house her whole life with her parents and older sister who were both homeschooled from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Her interest in music began at age six when she started playing the violin and guitar. She started singing at age 16, and she eventually went on to learn to write and perform her own music. She even performed fiddle in a country band.

“Honestly, looking back, [my love of music] was something that God put on my heart,” she said. “Since then, it has been my entire life and I would not have it any other way….Whether or not it is as a hobby or I am doing it for work or pleasure, I am constantly involved in music, and it has always been a part of me.”

Following her high school graduation in 2017, Finke decided not to pursue a college education. Instead, she has focused her time and energy on her music. The free time she has because of her decision has afforded her many opportunities she otherwise would not have balancing her interests with studying.

Currently, she is a lyric coloratura mezzo-soprano who has performed at many venues including Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House. Her favorite classical genre to perform is Baroque where her voice feels most comfortable performing at the vocal range.

As for her songwriting, Finke has self-taught herself not only to write music, but to arrange, record, and mix it all by herself. Being able to combine so many disparate elements of her music together in a single song feels like quite the accomplishment to her.

“I really enjoy being able to write music and express myself,” she said, “and I would not have had the freedom to do all of that if I had been going to college. And on top of that, I still get vocal coaching. I train very seriously in singing opera, and that is something I do full time.”

Finke considers herself a “classical” woman. Her musical inspirations derive from early 20th Century musicians like Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Glenn Miller. Many of her own songs were heavily-inspired by their styles, but they still maintain a modern sound and feel that allows her to release them as pop songs.

“I have not come across another artist that makes music that sounds like mine,” she said. “That is why I started writing my music to begin with: I had a sound in my head musically that I wanted to get out. So I started writing out the parts of the different instruments just to get that sound out of my head.”

Like most musicians, Finke wants nothing more than to make a living off of her music. However, while she has lofty dreams and aspirations about her musical career, she humbly follows wherever the Lord leads her through life. In the end, she performs not merely for herself, but to accomplish the will of God.

“I have always been very sensitive about following God’s will in my life and sort of allow Him to lead me down the path that He wants me to take to do the things He wants me to do,” she said. “So that is how I view success. I would be absolutely thrilled if He grants me an audience that will listen to my music, but even if it is only one person and it makes a difference in their life, I would consider that successful.”

“Maybe” is available on most music streaming and download services. For more information, visit her website at: https://www.emilyefinke.com/

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 108 During Six-Day Human Trafficking Campaign, “Operation March Sadness 2”

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 108 During Six-Day Human Trafficking Campaign, “Operation March Sadness 2”

108 people were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit during a six-day undercover human trafficking operation, “Operation March Sadness 2,” which began on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. PCSO was assisted in the effort by police departments from Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales, and Auburndale, as well as the Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Court, members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and anti-human trafficking organizations: One More Child, Heartland for Children, and Selah Freedom of Sarasota.

Detectives identified prostitutes who posted online advertisements as well as the “johns” who were seeking out the prostitutes via online communications, with the intent to identify and free any victims who were being forced into prostitution (human trafficking), or anyone participating in the trafficking of victims. Detectives also identified and investigated adults who engaged in on-line sexually charged communications with those they believed were children—four men were arrested for preying on children online.

“The arrests of a human trafficker and four child predators alone makes this whole operation worthwhile. The on-line prostitution industry enables traffickers and victimizes those who are being trafficked. Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and find and arrest those who are profiting from the exploitation of human beings. Johns fuel the trafficking and victimization. Where there is prostitution, there is exploitation, disease, dysfunction, and broken families.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Undercover detectives communicated online with the suspects and arranged for a meetup at a location where they were arrested after their arrival.

Members of the anti-trafficking organizations were on hand to speak with the prostitutes to help determine if they were human trafficking victims—they were offered services and counselling.

The oldest person arrested was 67-year old Derek Collins who showed up to the residence drinking Ensure, the youngest was a 17-year old male. Both were arrested for soliciting for a prostitute.

Among the 108 arrests made, there were several which stood out.

Human Trafficking Suspect:

32-year old Tiffany Nash of Orlando was arrested for trafficking another woman in prostitution. The woman, an adult female, arrived at the residence as a prostitute, but an investigation revealed that Nash repeatedly threatened violence against the victim if she didn’t prostitute herself. Nash would take all money derived from the victim’s prostitution. When Nash arrived at the location to check on the victim, she was taken into custody and charged with: Human Trafficking (F1), Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution (F2), Possession of Cocaine (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

Nash’s victim was provided the assistance of one of the anti-trafficking organizations.

Child Predators:

39-year old Timothy Finley of Mulberry began communicating online with an undercover detective, thinking he was chatting with a 13-year old female. Finley traveled to the residence with the intent for sexual conduct with her. He was arrested and charged with: Travel to Meet a Minor/Using Computer to Lure (F2), Attempted Lewd Battery (F3), Transmit Material Harmful to Minor (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Resisting (M1), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

41-year old Shannon Johnson of Orlando believed he was chatting online with a 13-year old female, sent a nude photo, and then travelled to the residence with the intent for sexual conduct with her. He was arrested and charged with: Travel to Meet a Minor/Using Computer to Lure (F2), Attempted Lewd Battery (F3), and Transmit Material Harmful to Minor (F3).

36-year old Jody Rose of Gainesville communicated online and via text with an undercover detective posing as a 13-year old girl. Rose sent sexual images and graphic descriptions of what he wanted to do. A warrant was obtained on Rose for Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (10-counts, F3) and Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3), and he was arrested in Alachua County.

27-year old Xavier Jackson of Kissimmee communicated online and via text with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year old girl. During the communication, Jackson sent sexual images and graphic descriptions of what he wanted to do. A warrant was obtained for Jackson for Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (3-counts, F3) and Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3).

Other notables…

49-year old Seth Phillips of Bradenton arrived with a woman, 34-year old Christina Garite, with the intent of both committing prostitution with two undercover detectives. When a detective tried to cancel the meet-up due to a scheduling conflict, Phillips became angry, and made demands that the undercover detectives would have to give him money for the appointment and for the drugs he was going to sell them. Phillips showed up at the residence, and when detectives opened the door, he pointed a gun at them. Phillips was arrested and charged with: Attempted Armed Robbery with Firearm (F2), Extortion/Threats (F2), Possession of Meth with Intent to Sell (F2), Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon (4-counts, F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), Offering to Commit Prostitution (M2).

42-year old James Compton of Kissimmee told detectives that he is married with eight children, and had left one of his children at a soccer game taking place nearby in order to meet with a prostitute. He was arrested and charged with soliciting a prostitute. Compton was charged with Soliciting a Prostitute (M1).

66-year old Daniel Peters of Palos Hills, Illinois told detectives that he is a retired judge (Cook County 4th Sub Circuit) and a Special Assistant for Legal Affairs at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. He was charged with Soliciting a Prostitute (M1).

Over 100 People Arrested In Polk County “Operation March Sadness” Going After Human Trafficking, Child Predators & Prostitution

Carl Fish
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0
Over 100 People Arrested In Polk County “Operation March Sadness” Going After Human Trafficking, Child Predators & Prostitution

108 people were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit during a six-day undercover human trafficking operation, “Operation March Sadness 2,” which began on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. PCSO was assisted in the effort by police departments from Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales, and Auburndale, as well as the Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Court, members from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and anti-human trafficking organizations: One More Child, Heartland for Children, and Selah Freedom of Sarasota. 

Detectives identified prostitutes who posted online advertisements as well as the “johns” who were seeking out the prostitutes via online communications, with the intent to identify and free any victims who were being forced into prostitution (human trafficking), or anyone participating in the trafficking of victims. Detectives also identified and investigated adults who engaged in on-line sexually charged communications with those they believed were children—four men were arrested for preying on children online.

“The arrests of a human trafficker and four child predators alone makes this whole operation worthwhile. The on-line prostitution industry enables traffickers and victimizes those who are being trafficked. Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and find and arrest those who are profiting from the exploitation of human beings. Johns fuel the trafficking and victimization. Where there is prostitution, there is exploitation, disease, dysfunction, and broken families.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Undercover detectives communicated online with the suspects and arranged for a meetup at a location where they were arrested after their arrival. 

Members of the anti-trafficking organizations were on hand to speak with the prostitutes to help determine if they were human trafficking victims—they were offered services and counselling. 

The oldest person arrested was 67-year old Derek Collins who showed up to the residence drinking Ensure, the youngest was a 17-year old male. Both were arrested for soliciting for a prostitute.

Among the 108 arrests made, there were several which stood out.

Human Trafficking Suspect:

32-year old Tiffany Nash of Orlando was arrested for trafficking another woman in prostitution. The woman, an adult female, arrived at the residence as a prostitute, but an investigation revealed that Nash repeatedly threatened violence against the victim if she didn’t prostitute herself. Nash would take all money derived from the victim’s prostitution. When Nash arrived at the location to check on the victim, she was taken into custody and charged with: Human Trafficking (F1), Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution (F2), Possession of Cocaine (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

Nash’s victim was provided the assistance of one of the anti-trafficking organizations.

Child Predators:

39-year old Timothy Finley of Mulberrybegan communicating online with an undercover detective, thinking he was chatting with a 13-year old female. Finley traveled to the residence with the intent for sexual conduct with her. He was arrested and charged with: Travel to Meet a Minor/Using Computer to Lure (F2), Attempted Lewd Battery (F3), Transmit Material Harmful to Minor (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Resisting (M1), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

41-year old Shannon Johnson of Orlandobelieved he was chatting online with a 13-year old female, sent a nude photo, and then travelled to the residence with the intent for sexual conduct with her. He was arrested and charged with: Travel to Meet a Minor/Using Computer to Lure (F2), Attempted Lewd Battery (F3), and Transmit Material Harmful to Minor (F3).

36-year old Jody Rose of Gainesvillecommunicated online and via text with an undercover detective posing as a 13-year old girl. Rose sent sexual images and graphic descriptions of what he wanted to do. A warrant was obtained on Rose for Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (10-counts, F3) and Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3), and he was arrested in Alachua County.

27-year old Xavier Jackson of Kissimmeecommunicated online and via text with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year old girl. During the communication, Jackson sent sexual images and graphic descriptions of what he wanted to do. A warrant was obtained for Jackson for Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (3-counts, F3) and Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3). 

Other notables…

49-year old Seth Phillips of Bradentonarrived with a woman, 34-year old Christina Garite, with the intent of both committing prostitution with two undercover detectives. When a detective tried to cancel the meet-up due to a scheduling conflict, Phillips became angry, and made demands that the undercover detectives would have to give him money for the appointment and for the drugs he was going to sell them. Phillips showed up at the residence, and when detectives opened the door, he pointed a gun at them. Phillips was arrested and charged with: Attempted Armed Robbery with Firearm (F2), Extortion/Threats (F2), Possession of Meth with Intent to Sell (F2), Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon (4-counts, F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), Offering to Commit Prostitution (M2). 

42-year old James Compton of Kissimmee told detectives that he is married with eight children, and had left one of his children at a soccer game taking place nearby in order to meet with a prostitute. He was arrested and charged with soliciting a prostitute. Compton was charged with Soliciting a Prostitute (M1).

66-year old Daniel Peters of Palos Hills, Illinois told detectives that he is a retired judge (Cook County 4th Sub Circuit) and a Special Assistant for Legal Affairs at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. He was charged with Soliciting a Prostitute (M1).

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