Winter Haven Police Department
Can you help identify this guy?
The male pictured approached a 12 year-old girl at the community pool in the Whispering Trails subdivision. He asked her if she would be willing to perform a lewd act. When she ran to get her parents, he ran down Overlook Drive as the parents approached.
Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call Det. Chapnick at 863-291-5701.
Update to last week’s Polk County Sheriff’s Office case against the family of three involved in major fraud of Lowe’s stores in eleven Florida counties…
Susan Highlander Bailey was arrested by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office on March 27, 2021, on the Polk County warrant. She has been charged with: Obtaining Property by Fraud, Money Laundering, Gross Fraud, and 2-counts of Organized Retail Theft over $3,000.
Original Release:
A man, his son, and his daughter-in-law have been identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as suspects of wide-spread fraud at numerous Lowe’s Home Improvement stores in Florida.
50-year-old Robert Bailey, and his son 28-year-old Christopher Bailey, are currently in jail in Hernando and Pasco counties respectively, and a warrant for Christopher’s wife, 51-year-old Susan Highlander Bailey, has been issued for her and she is currently being sought.
The Pasco County family was found to have made 65 fraudulent transactions at Lowe’s stores in eleven Florida counties, costing the store $28,801.79 in losses.
Members of the PCSO’s Organized Retail Crime Unit first learned of the trio’s activity last year when they were contacted by a Lowe’s ORC manager about how the suspects had removed items from store shelves then made immediate “returns” at the customer service counter for store credit.
The suspects would then purchase merchandise, usually tools, with the store credit.
The investigation found that the suspects made eight pawn transactions within hours of the fraudulent returns and purchases.
“These three weren’t difficult to track down. They used their Florida driver’s licenses during the transactions, and Robert and Christopher were in jail for other crimes when we charged them. Their scheme, and others like it, not only cost Lowe’s money, but also consumers, due to prices being driven up by the losses.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Their fraudulent thefts are known to have occurred between July 10, 2020 and September 3, 2020.
Seven of the thefts occurred in Lowe’s stores within Polk County. Due to the other thefts occurring in ten other Florida counties covered by five judicial circuits, the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has accepted the case.
Robert Bailey was charged with: 2-counts of Organized Retail Theft over $3,000 (F2), Obtaining Property by Fraud (F2), and Gross Fraud (F3).Robert’s prior criminal history consists of 28 felonies and 9 misdemeanors, to include charges such as: Armed Robberies, Burglaries, numerous Motor Vehicle Thefts, Grand Theft, Frauds, Dealing in Stolen Property, Resisting, and Drug Possessions. He has been to State Prison nine times between 1989 and 2018.
Christopher Bailey was charged with: 2-counts of Organized Retail Theft over $3,000 (F2), Obtaining Property by Fraud (F2), 2-counts of Dealing in Stolen Property (F2), 2-counts of Giving False Verification to Pawn Broker (F3), Fraud-Money Laundering (F3), and Gross Fraud (F3).Christopher’s prior criminal history consists of 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors, to include charges such as Aggravated Battery, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, and Drug Possession.
Susan Highlander Bailey was charged with: 2-counts of Organized Retail Theft over $3,000 (F2), Obtaining Property by Fraud (F2), Fraud-Money Laundering (F3), and Gross Fraud (F3).
If anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of Susan Highland Bailey, they are urged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200, or they can remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800. 226-TIPS (8477).
Motorcycle Crash Results in Fatality
On Wednesday March 24, 2021 at approximately 7:48 PM, emergency personnel including Lake Wales Police, Lake Wales Fire and Polk County Emergency Medical Services responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Burns Avenue in front of Impact Church located at 1201 Burns Avenue.
Witnesses reported seeing a male subject riding an off road style dirt bike motorcycle West on Burns Avenue at a high rate of speed, passing vehicles. In the area of Impact Church the motorcyclist crossed from the South side of the roadway (East bound lanes) to the North side (West bound lanes) and onto the curb of the road. The driver then lost control of the bike and ultimately crashed into a concrete utility pole off the roadway.
The driver, 21 year old Joshua Green of Lake Wales, was severely injured in the collision with the utility pole. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. He was transported to Advent Health in Lake Wales where he was later pronounced deceased.
If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact Detective Michael Waldron at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 extension 530.
PCSO detectives are investigating two incidents of a scam where elderly victims were tricked into believing their family members were arrested and needed money to bond out.
“These scammers are disgusting. They take advantage of parents and grandparents, using fear and appealing to the victims’ in compassion and love for family. They trick people into believing that the victims’ loved ones need help, and know that out of the goodness of their heart, the victim will do whatever it takes to help a family member. My advice is to never send money to someone you do not know. First talk with a trusted family member or friend. The likelihood is that you’ll discover your loved one isn’t in trouble after all.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
On March 13, 2021, an 85-year-old woman reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that she received a phone call from someone claiming to be her son and advising that he had been involved in a traffic crash and was being arrested. He further told the victim she needed to contact his lawyer, “Walter Bennet.”
According to the victim, she called the phone number she was given for “Walter Bennet.” The scammer told the victim her son had been arrested and she had to pay $18,800 to bond him out of jail. When the victim agreed, the scammer sent a courier to the victim’s home to pick up the cash.
Approximately 20 minutes later, a small black SUV with a possibly Hispanic female arrived at the victim’s residence and collected the money.
The victim got another call about an hour later and was told the traffic crash was more serious than first believed and more money was needed to bond out her son. The victim agreed to pay the scammer another $18,800, and about 30 minutes later, a man, possibly Middle-Eastern, arrived at the victim’s residence in a light-colored, 4-door Kia. He collected the money and left.
It wasn’t until several hours later that the victim confirmed her son was never involved in a traffic crash nor had he been arrested. The victim then contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
While detectives were at the victim’s residence, the scammer called the victim telling her the situation with her son was complicated and she needed to send them another $10,000 which she did not pay.
This investigation is still on-going, and no suspects have been identified.
The second incident occurred on March 23, 2021, when the out-of-state daughter of an 83-year-old Winter Haven woman reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that she believed her mother was the victim of a scam. The daughter is the executor of her mother’s finances, and her mother’s bank had contacted her out of concern when her mother withdrew $15,000 from the bank account and then another $15,000 the following day.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the elderly victim was contacted by a scammer claiming to be her grandson’s attorney. The scammer told the victim her grandson had been arrested and needed money in order to be released.
The victim withdrew $15,000 from her bank and a courier (white male in a black car) picked up the money from the victim’s residence. The victim got another call, the next day, instructing her to send another $15,000; this time the courier was a different white male driving a red car.
Each time, the victim was instructed to tell the couriers there were medical records in the envelopes she gave them.
This investigation is also still on-going, and no suspects have been identified.
Preventing Grandparent Scams & Fraud
Don’t be ruled by emotions, and resist the pressure to act quickly.
Contact a trusted family member who can confirm whether the caller’s story is true or not. Even if a story might seem true, verify its accuracy.
Try contacting the real child or grandchild at a number you know is accurate.
Remember, scammers ask for secrecy because they know if you call to verify, you’ll discover the scam.
Ask questions of the caller that would be difficult for them to answer, like what is your mother’s birthday or what is your pet’s name.
One tactic the scammers use is to ask, “Grandma?” at the beginning of the call; when the victim replies with, “Is this you [name of grandchild?]” the scammers answer “Yes,” proving that the scammers don’t even need real family members’ names to get away with this crime.
Be stingy and don’t give the caller any personal information.
Contact a trusted family member or friend before making any rash decisions concerning your money.
Family members: check on your elderly family members regularly.Family members and banking institutions: look for unusual bank transactions or withdrawals of elderly family members and customers. Ask questions and be vigilant for fraud.
Immediately contact your financial institution if you find any unusual or unexpected deposits, transfers, or withdrawals.
If you have detected any criminal or fraudulent activity, notify the company and/or banking institution where it happened. Also, notify the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement. www.ftc.gov
Request a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax).
Order online from www.annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports or call 1-877-322-8228.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies charged 30-year-old Courtney Wright of Winter Haven for vehicular homicide (F2) and driving with a suspended driver’s license (F3) yesterday following a crash caused by Wright when he ran a red light at a high rate of speed. 80-year-old Raymond Hart of Lake Wales was killed when Wright’s 2010 gray Chevrolet Equinox rammed Hart’s 2003 gray Chevrolet Silverado at US Highway 27 and Chalet Suzanne Road. Mr. Hart entered the intersection under a green light. At approximately 10:25 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Lake Wales Police Officer Sean Robertson clocked Wright driving north bound on US 27 at 98 mph in a 60 mph zone south of the Eagle Ridge Mall. The officer activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop.
According to the arrest affidavit: “As the suspect vehicle approached the intersection [U.S. 27 and Chalet Suzanne Road] he began to change lanes in a reckless manner weaving through traffic at a high rate of speed. When the other vehicles separated to yield to Officer Robertson the suspect vehicle crossed two other northbound lanes of travel and entered into the right turn at a high rate speed. The suspect failed to stop at the red light and entered the intersection at a high rate of speed.” Mr. Hart died at the scene from his injuries. Wright was transported to a local hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries. When he is released from the hospital, he will be booked into the Polk County Jail.
Further investigation revealed Wright’s Florida driver’s license was not valid at the time of the crash and that he had numerous suspensions. His license was revoked on 08/31/2015 for being a habitual traffic offender. It was also suspended on the following dates: 09/26/2016, 06/05/2017, 06/29/2017, 03/07/2018, 05/29/2018, 05/30/2018, 07/09/2018, 07/11/2018, 08/08/2018, 08/27/2018, 09/19/2018, and 01/13/2020. Wright is a convicted felon and has an extensive criminal history that includes 12 previous physical arrests in Polk County, 26 total felony charges, 16 misdemeanor charges, 15 re-arrest charges, and one incarceration in state prison. His previous charges include disorderly conduct, burglary (multiple counts), grand theft (multiple counts), petit theft (multiple counts), robbery, dealing in stolen property, aggravated battery (DV), battery, harassing a victim, failure to appear in court (multiple counts), battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, throwing a deadly missile at an occupied vehicle, knowingly driving while license suspended (multiple counts), willful refusal to accept a citation, failure to register a motor vehicle, and violation of probation (multiple counts). “Wright’s horrifically reckless behavior directly led to this terrible tragedy—an innocent man is dead and his friends and family are grieving. Wright shouldn’t have been driving, and frankly, with his criminal history, he should have been in prison. Wright demonstrated zero concern for the lives of others—we will do everything we can to hold him accountable and see that he spends a long time in prison.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
“Mr. Wright’s selfish and criminal actions have negatively impacted the lives of so many people—Mr. Hart’s family is devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We are going to do everything in our power to hold Wright accountable for his actions and make sure that justice is done.” Chris Velasquez, Chief of Police, Lake Wales
The PCSO investigation determined that Wright willfully operated the vehicle he was driving in a reckless manner and should have known that his actions could cause injuries or death to another human being. Wright was charged with vehicular homicide (F2) and felony driving with a suspended driver’s license (F3). Lake Wales Police Department has also charged Wright with fleeing a law enforcement officer (F3).
Bartow Kiwanis Club Celebrating 100th Easter Egg Hunt
by James Coulter
Bartow resident Savannah Cerullo fondly remembers attending her town’s annual Easter egg hunt when she was a child. Her parents would have her dress in her Sunday best and take pictures of her carrying her Easter basket filled with freshly-plucked eggs.
“It was a lot of fun,” Cerullo said. “It was a time where you saw everyone from the town and had a lot of fun outside in the beautiful spring weather. Hopefully, a lot of people will be able to do that this year.”
Now as the president of the Bartow Kiwanis Club, Cerullo is helping organize the annual event. She and her club members are especially excited for this year, which will be the annual Easter egg hunt’s 100th anniversary.
Since 1922, the Bartow Kiwanis Club has been hosting this annual Easter tradition. Generations of Bartow locals have raced across the lush green lawn of Mosaic Park in search of colored eggs and golden eggs filled with special prizes.
“It is something that a lot of us who grew up in Bartow have memories going to as a kid, and it is nice that we can carry on that tradition,” Cerullo said.
While this year will serve as a milestone for the Easter Egg Hunt, it will also prove to be a challenging year with the COVID-19 crisis still ongoing. Nevertheless, special precautions will be taken to ensure the public health and safety of its participants.
All event workers will be spaced out and wearing masks as they set up the Easter egg hunt. Since the event is outdoors, the young children participating will not be required to wear masks, though mask-wearing is more than encouraged.
Past events have experienced overall good weather. Cerullocannot recall the hunt ever being rained out, though she assumes there might have been a time that was the case during the 100 years the event has been hosted.
More than 100 children attend on average each year. The egg hunt itself usually lasts no longer than 10 minutes, as the children participating prove to be fast on their feet and with their fingers picking up the eggs, she said.
The Kiwanis Club is most thankful for one dedicated member, Ken Hall, who has faithfully helped oversee the hunt for many long years. He helps set up the eggs and prizes.
“He has been doing it for us for several years, and it could not happen without Ken,” Cerullo said. “If he didn’t put the Easter egg hunt on, we don’t know what we could do about it because we never host it without Ken.”
Overall, even despite these uncertain times, expectations remain optimistic for the upcoming Easter egg hunt. The annual Easter tradition has been hosted for 100 years, and this year’s event should hopefully go on without a hitch, Cerullo said.
“Our club is very proud of our history, and we are excited to be able to carry on with our 100th anniversary,” she said. “We don’t really know what to expect. There have been two schools of thought of what attendance will be like. One will be that it is low because people are cautious about going to events; the other is that, because there has not been events, it will be very well attended as people are now going out again. So we don’t really know…[but] it is an exciting thing for us.”
The Bartow Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt will be hosted on Sat., Apr. 3 at 10 AM at Mosaic Park, located at 2250 S Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/bartowkiwanis
| On Saturday, March 20, 2021, PCSO Detention Deputy Michaela Butler was arrested in unincorporated Arcadia by the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office for one count DUI (M-1). According to the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office affidavit, around 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning, 25-year-old Michaela Butler was traveling northbound on SE State Road 31 when a DCSO deputy observed her vehicle run off the road and onto the grassy shoulder. The deputy then observed Butler’s vehicle cross the center line of the roadway and into the southbound lane. That’s when the DCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop. According to the affidavit, the DCSO deputy observed Butler to have watery eyes, and he detected the odor of alcohol. Inside Butler’s vehicle the DCSO deputy found “an empty bottle of Corona beer in the center console and a can of Michelob beer, which still contained beer in it.” There was also a cooler with several cans of opened and unopened beer in it. The deputy had Butler perform several Field Sobriety Test exercises, all of which she failed to successfully perform. Her blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.090 and 0.078 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. A person is in violation if their breath sample is more than 0.08 grams per 210L. Butler had three passengers in her vehicle; she told the DCSO deputy they had attended a concert in Fort Meyers. Butler was arrested and booked into the Desoto County Jail on the aforementioned charge, and released after posting $1,000 bond. She is currently suspended pending termination proceedings. Butler was hired as a dual-certified detention deputy sheriff in 2019 and is assigned to the Central County Jail. |
Winter Haven Police Department
Just can’t make this stuff up.
The pair pictured below visited West Marine (1107 3rd St SW) on 3/21 around 11:45 a.m. They walked around the store and selected multiple fuel pump items (to the tune of $1,129) and concealed them. They left the store in an unknown vehicle.
If you recognize either of these two, call Det. Maldonado at 863-291-5676. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward!
Woman Arrested After Asking for Drugs to be Returned
On March 22, 2021 Carmela Thomas, a 43 year old at large resident, came to the Lake Wales Police Department to claim her purse which had been collected during a March 12, 2021 search warrant. The purse had been collected by officers because it was found inside the residence the warrant was being served at and upon a search of the purse it was found to contain .1 gram of heroin and 6.7 grams of methamphetamine. While at the police department Thomas described her purse and its contents, including what she referred to as her “dope”.
With Thomas claiming the “dope” as hers and requesting to have it returned her with her purse she was placed under arrest for Possession of Heroin and Possession of Methamphetamine. Thomas was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged accordingly.
Previous release:
Unrelated Investigation Leads to Large Drug Seizure and Recovery of Stolen Rifle
On March 12, 2021, a victim contacted the Lake Wales Police Department to report a suspicious incident that occurred during a visit with 55 year old Johnny Hamilton, at 219 D Street. The victim reported that she believed she had been sexually battered by Mr. Hamilton at the home he shares with his mother.
The investigation revealed the victim had been drugged, which lead to a search warrant for the residence. Having knowledge of the community, officers knew Mr. Hamilton’s mother was inside; therefore they used a soft approach while maintaining safety. Mr. Hamilton was allowed to leave the residence after officers began the search since there were no current charges against him at the time.
Mr. Hamilton returned a short time later, crossing through the crime scene tape and came at the Officers carrying a bottle of bleach. Police gave numerous commands for him to cease his aggressive behavior and to put down the bleach, yet he continued his aggressive approach toward them. Mr. Hamilton was safely and quickly subdued, then placed under arrest for resisting without violence. Mr. Hamilton told officers at the scene that whatever they find inside the house was his. During the search warrant, detectives did locate evidence related to the initial investigation. Additionally, they located more than half a pound of methamphetamine, a pistol, a stolen rifle and many other illegal items and substances. The rifle had been previously reported stolen to Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the efforts of the Lake Wales Police Officers and Detectives, a known drug location was shut down, illegal narcotics and dangerous weapons were taken off the streets and a victim will have their stolen property returned to them.
Mr. Hamilton is a convicted felon and is not allowed to have any firearms. He is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of MDMA, possession of heroin, possession of crack cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The sexual battery is still under active investigation.
The Lake Wales Police Department appreciates the relationships it has with the members of our community. The residents of this neighborhood can rest more peacefully tonight knowing this dangerous criminal is off the street and behind bars.
Local Rap Artist Terry Bradley Draws More Than 2,000 To His Performances
by James Coulter
Even amidst an ongoing pandemic, Terry Bradley still draws in big crowds for his performances; and especially since COVID-19 restrictions have been slowly lifted, he has seen more and more people flocking to his concerts to hear live music.
His last big show drew in more than 2,000 people. The performance was an all-ages event at a stadium in Auburndale. He has performed other shows at venues big and small from Tampa to Orlando and everywhere else in between in Polk County.
Since the COVID-19 crisis, Bradley has still performed shows, both on-line and in-person. During that time, he has hosted 30 to 40 shows, and they all draw in large crowds eager to listen to anything to keep their spirits uplifted through these uncertain times, he said.
“Since COVID, I still have been able to perform and…[I] still draw in a big crowd, even when COVID is still here,” he said. “I was still able to do all types of venue, not just club scenes. I was still able to gain followers with everything going on.”
Born in Bartow and raised in Lake Wales, this local rap artist originally started dreaming about becoming an athlete. Before he began dropping beats, he was dribbling a ball with high hopes and aspirations of becoming a big-name basketball player.
While he was playing basketball, Bradley discovered another outlet through rap. He started rapping with his cousin, and soon his passion for music grew to the point where it overshadowed his former love for basketball. He then decided to drop the ball on his basketball dream and pick up a mic.
“I found another outlet for rapping,” he said. “I started rapping with my cousin. It was easier for me to catch their [the crowd’s] attention because they always follow me, and it turns out it was perfect for me because I make music and they have adapted to me.”
Bradley started rapping at age 24. Five years later, he’s still going strong writing and performing his own songs. He has released some of his music through videos on YouTube.
His cousin, Arthur Vaan, inspired him to make his career change. Under his rap name, Bone You A Fool, Arthur worked for many other artists as a producer, sometimes even performing with them.
Terry worked along his cousin, helping him to pass out flyers and put up posters for upcoming shows. Terry helped him out however he could, and he eventually received enough nerve and courage to start rapping himself.
“I have been working with him as a manager since he started,” Arthur said. “I have been like a guide, a mentor…We were working, and we are doing this together. [We’re] more like business partners…He was always there to help me out with that, my success around [my own career], [and] it grew traction for his success.”
Terry especially loves performing his music live in front of an audience. He has performed anywhere and everywhere, from wedding and sweet 16 birthday parties to football camps and concerts. He has even performed for Columbia Records and for a local radio station, 94.1 Wild in Tampa.
“The thing that I enjoy the most about the stage, I always bring energy,” he said. “Right now, I am pretty good. I am making more money. I am gaining more followers. Almost every show I have done has sold out.”
Arthur owes his cousin’s success to his ability as a performer. While most other rap artists simply rap, Terry goes above and beyond in his performance, to the point where he more than a rapper, Arthur explained.
“He is a performer,” he said. “Most rap artists are not performers. He actually put on a show as something of his and then going and playing his music. He grows as an artist and as a performer on stage because he is a natural performer. He does not rehearse, he is a natural performer, and I want to see him grow with bigger venues and shows and more money.”
More than simply his music and his performance, Arthur lauds Terry for his vision as an artist. Such bold artistic vision is what draws more than 2,000 adoring fans to his show, and he hopes that such a vision will allow him to peer into an even more prosperous future.
“His vision, he has an energy,” Arthur said. “It is fun making music with him. What makes him unique is his voice. He has a strong voice…He is the label. He is a listener. He cares about my vision and voice. He is easy to work it.”
No matter where he goes, he sees many people flocking to listen to his music and hear the message he has to deliver through it. Especially during these uncertain times, more people now more than ever want to have their spirits uplifted through good music, and musicians like Bradley are more than willing to deliver.
“They wanted me,” he said of his most recent performance in Auburndale. “Before my performance, they were excited. They were screaming and hollering. I feel like I am one of the top dogs who are being looked over.”
For more information about Terry Bradley and his upcoming shows, visit his YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/1BONEBABY, or visit his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BONEBABY
© 2021 WinterHavenDaily.com | All rights reserved.
