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Davenport Man Arrested For 200 Counts Possession Of Child Pornography

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Davenport Man Arrested For 200 Counts Possession Of Child Pornography

PCSO Press Release:

On February 13, 2020, PCSO Computer Crimes detectives obtained a warrant for and arrested 27-year-old Joshua Johnson of Davenport charging him with 200 counts possession of child pornography (enhanced) (F-2). The charges are enhanced because the images/videos met one of the following criteria, per FSS 775.0847:

(a) The offender possesses 10 or more images of any form of child pornography regardless of content; and

(b) The content of at least one image contains one or more of the following:

  1. A child who is younger than the age of 5
  2. Sadomasochistic abuse involving a child
  3. Sexual Battery involving a child
  4. Sexual bestiality involving a child
  5. Any movie involving a child, regardless of length and regardless of whether the movie contains sound. 

Upon Johnson’s arrest, he told deputies he’s been viewing child pornography from a young age, ever since he received his first computer, and that he is “addicted” to it.

“Those who upload and share child pornography are victimizing children over and over again. It is especially concerning when we locate a suspect with this many images, most of which depict very small children being sexually abused. At this time we don’t believe Johnson physically abused a child, but the investigation into that is ongoing.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The following is an excerpt from his affidavit, and it is self-explanatory (it is also graphic):

“On 02/04/2020, your Affiant was assigned three NCMEC CyberTipline reports 62436169, 62362547 and 63566499. Affiant reviewed the reports, and the Electronic Service Provider (ESP) was found to be Yahoo and Google.

There was a total of six hundred ninety-six (696) images/videos uploaded/reported, of which your Affiant was able to review. Three hundred fifty-seven (357) of those files depict Black, White and Asian pre-pubescent males and females ranging from approximately 3-13 years of age, who are exposing their genitals in a lewd manner, and/or engaged in sexual conduct with other juveniles and/or adult. These files are child pornography as defined by F.S.S. §827.071. (It should be noted there are approximately twenty (20) duplicate images/videos within this total count)

One video depicts a six (6) minute and forty-nine (49) second color video of a white pre-pubescent male approximately 2-4 years of age with an apparent white adult female who engages the juvenile in fellatio (oral sex).  

The remaining three hundred thirty-nine (339) files depict age difficult, child erotica files.

The following information was provided for the second CyberTipline report 62362547 (Google):

Name:

Josh Johnson

Phone #:

1-863-399-5701 (Verified on 09/24/2017 @ 18:58:23 UTC)

E-mail:

[email protected] (Verified)

[email protected]

There was a total of two (2) images uploaded/reported, of which I was able to review. Both images depict white pre-pubescent females ranging from approximately 2-7 years of age exposing their genitals in a lewd manner, and/or engaged in sexual conduct with an adult. These files are child pornography as defined by F.S.S. §827.071.

From the FB post and comments believed to belong to Joshua Johnson, it was learned the suspect was incarcerated during 2016.

Utilizing the provided Department of Corrections number located on the Facebook page (J49917) your Affiant was able to locate Joshua C Johnson, 04/04/1992. Mr. Johnson was released on 08/01/2017 after serving his sentence for Robbery.

The listed “residence upon release” was:

2006 Hemingway Circle

Haines City, FL 33844

Your Affiant conducted a check via DAVID, for the listed name of “Joshua Johnson” with the date of birth found from the DOC information. The following person was located:

Joshua Charles Johnson

W/M, 04/04/1992

2727 Frontage Road

Davenport, FL 33837

A check of the address history showed a previous address change on 04/24/2017 for the residence 2006 Hemingway Circle, Haines City. Your Affiant noted this address to be the same listed address in the DOC “Residence upon release”.

Your Affiant further noted the CyberTipline reports showed the same phone number 1-863-399-5701 was used during creation for both user accounts. 

On 02/07/2020, your Affiant was conducting surveillance at the suspect residence. Upon arrival, your Affiant noted the address was for the “Theme World RV Resort”. There are currently 282 lots located within this resort. Your Affiant utilized the DAVID database (Driver And Vehicle Information Database), and found there was a single camper which was registered to the suspect. Your Affiant surveyed the entire RV Resort and located only 1 camper within the park which matched the make and model (Rockwood by Forest River). Your Affiant further found there was no tag attached to the camper, making it unavailable to identify the registered owner, however it was found parked around marked Lot #51.

Your Affiant responded to the front office of the RV Resort where he made contact with the office manager. Your Affiant identified himself as Law Enforcement with Polk County Sheriff’s Office and also provided his agency issued badge for identification and requested to know who was currently in lot #51. The office manager advised they wouldn’t be able to provide the information requested without more specifics. Your Affiant provided the last name of “Johnson”, and the park manager confirmed suspect Johnson had moved into lot #51 approximately 6 months ago which correlates with suspect Johnson’s address change.

Joshua Johnson has actively been utilizing his cell phone device, registered with T-Mobile to obtain/save images/videos of child pornography.

Joshua Johnson’s identity has been confirmed and he is currently still utilizing the same phone number linked to the child pornography Yahoo/Google accounts. Johnson is being charged with 200 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography based on the approximately 330 counts observed by your Affiant.” 

Johnson’s criminal history includes 4 previous felonies, including armed robbery and VOP in Jacksonville. He was in state prison from March 2016 until August 2017. He is married and has a child. He will have a first appearance hearing on February 14, 2020.

 

Love Was In The Air During Downtown Lakeland Date Night

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Love Was In The Air During Downtown Lakeland Date Night

Love Was In The Air During Downtown Lakeland Date Night

by James Coulter

Roses are red. The soil is brown. Date night was fun at Lakeland Downtown. Valentine’s Day certainly was great, when all of the stores were open late.

Hundreds of couples and other guests were able to peruse the streets of Downtown Lakeland and visit many of the local establishments during the area’s bi-annual date night.

Twice a year, various local stores and eateries remain open after hours in Downtown Lakeland, allowing visitors to check out their establishments during a special date night.

The first date night this year, poetically enough, was hosted on Valentine’s Day, allowing for an especially romantic evening. Couples and other attendees could ride horse-drawn carriages, take a selfie with cupid, and even receive a free rose.


Many stores offered half-off specials and even free samples, while many resturaunts provided discounted specials, many for meals for two. Another date night is planned for later this summer.

Whenever these date nights are planned, they draw in many curious visitors, many of whom have never frequented these local businesses involved, explained Brittany Melson, Marketing & Events Manager for Downtown Lakeland.

“It is a way for people to explore stores that normally aren’t open late, and it adds a little extra fun for nighttime people in Downtown,” she said.

Previous date nights have incorporated special activities that allow guests to better explore and appreciate the downtown area. The previous date night in July incorporated a scavenger hunt, while another event hosted a runway show with clothing provided by local boutiques.

“If you haven’t checked out Downtown Lakeland, you should. We have resturaunts and some really good retail stores and it is a fun place to be,” Melson said.

One local store participating that evening was Top Buttons, a local boutique that sells used clothing to help raise money for various local non-profit organizations such as PACE Center for Girls and Porchlight.

Last week’s event was the first time that Michelle Sells, a staff member of the store, participated. She saw many young women and even couples visit the store that evening.

“We love being able to visit with people and get to know people, and it is neat for the husband and wife teams come out,” she said. “We usually see many of the women teams come in together with their friends, and so it is neat to see their husbands and wives come in tonight.”

Aaron Mueller, Co-Owner of Lakeland CBD Wellness, also participate that evening with his business. His store offered free samples of their ice cream, infused with CBD isolate.

As the name of their store suggests, CBD Wellness offers many items with cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical extract from hemp that does not contain the addictive and harmful tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana. As such, CBD offers the positive health benefits of marijuana without the high.

Their store sells everything from ice cream and gummy candies to bath bombs and face balms. Mueller had the opportunity to market their products to the public while educating them about the benefits of CBD.

“A lot of people came in either trying ours samples or educating themselves on CBDs in general,” he explained. “It has been pretty good. We have a pretty decent turnout. Everyone else seems to be happy, sharing a lot of time with loved ones.”

LRC Hosts For The Love Of Learning Charity Gala

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LRC Hosts For The Love Of Learning Charity Gala

LRC Hosts For The Love Of Learning Charity Gala

by James Coulter

Kurt & Kimberly Elmhorst have children who have utilized the tutoring and test prep services of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in Lakeland. As such, they both know from firsthand experience how important LRC is to the local community.

“We know the good that LRC does in the community for the students,” Kimberly said. “Both of our children have used LRC, and that is one of the many reasons we wanted to help out.”

“I like being around other like–minded people who also believe in children and education and helping the community,” Kurt said.

As proud parents whose children have benefited from its educational services, the couple decided to help support the LRC by hosting its annual charity fundraiser at their house last Saturday evening.

The Elmhorst’s allowed their elegant home to serve as the venue of “The Love Of Learning Charity Gala”, which included silent auction items provided by local businesses, and gourmet appetizers and cooking provided by Terrie Lobb Catering.

Each year, the annual fundraiser is hosted to raise proceeds for the Learning Resource Center. Founded in 1975 by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, the LRC provided educational services such as test prep classes and tutoring.

“LRC today has over 500 certified teachers who provide countywide services to over 4,000 students ages five through adult,” its website states. “As the premier provider of high quality, customized academic opportunities, LRC will shape educational futures and will be the ultimate model of learning excellence in our region.”

The annual fundraiser is hosted each year at different residences of staff members, volunteers, and other supporters. Each year draws in at least 130 to 170 attendees, explained Mike Carter, President Of The Board of Trustees.

Proceeds from the fundraiser goes towards funding the LRC and its many programs, services, and scholarships. Both this event and Lakeland Pigfest are two major fundraisers, and the support they receive from both ensure that the LRC can, in turn, support the community that supports them, Carter said.

“We provide education services to children and adults to this community, and we appreciate the service we get from our community partners,” he said. “I enjoy seeing the people who come here, the people who support this organization and have for a long time for them. We love to get together with them and see how everybody is doing.”

SyFy Bartow Brings Myths And Magic To Life

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SyFy Bartow Brings Myths And Magic To Life

SyFy Bartow Brings Myths And Magic To Life

by James Coulter

Sam Bork loved playing Spyro The Dragon on her PlayStation as a child. Now that she is all grown up, she wears a costume based on her favorite video game character, wearing a pair of golden horns, a purple wig, and a matching dress with golden scales.

Since 2014, Bork has created such costumes and worn them to various game and comic conventions across the state. Other costumes she has crafted include those based on characters from other games such as Elder Scrolls and Skyrim.

As of last year, Bork turned her hobby into a business with Dovah Designs (https://www.dovahdesign.com/), with costumes, weapons, and other props based on popular video games. The hard part was learning how to create such items, but being able to wear and use it makes that hard work worth it, she said.

“Learning how to do all of it was a challenge, working on yourself is pretty hard,” she said. “The crafting part, physically making it, is what I enjoy the most.”

Bork was one of many costume players, or cosplayers, who showed off their costumes at this year’s SyFy Bartow, the annual sci-fi convention hosted in the Downtown Bartow area, on Saturday.

For more than five blocks, countless vendors were set up showcasing various merchandise based upon popular video games, comics, and movies. Attendees of all ages proudly engaged in their love of all things “geeky” as they perused these vendors and even dressed in costumes as their favorite characters.

Lauren Edinger (nicknamed the WyerWoman) was one such cosplayer. She tended to her own booth and showcased her different costumes, including Poison Ivy from “Batman” and Gadget Hatchwrench from “Rescue Rangers.” Her favorite costume is Princess Buttercup from “Princess Bride.”

For the past 10 years, she has been creating her own costumes based upon her favorite characters. She attended SyFy Bartow last year, and loved it so much, that she attended again this year.

“It has been super busy and everyone is super involved,” she said. “[I love] getting to interact with everyone. I love it when it is busy like this, [and to even] meet different people who are not interested, and it is interesting to talk to them about something new.”

For the past seven years, SyFy Bartow has been drawing in hundreds, even thousands, of fans of comic books, video games, and other forms of “geekdom.”

This year’s theme was “Myths & Magic”, with an emphasis on the fantasy genre. Many fantasy-based showcased everything from magic crystals and props to statues and figurines based dragons and other monsters.

From Harry Potter to Ghostbusters, if you were a fan of it, chances are, it was there downtown for you to see. Not only is this event a great place for people to share their love of their favorite media, but also a great opportunity for downtown businesses to draw in new customers.

“We are dropping close to 30,000 people in this event and keeping Florida Main Street alive,” said event organizer SeanSerdynski. “Each year, I guarantee, there is 5,000 more people each year.”

Next year’s theme will be “Rise Of The Robots.” For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/syfybartow/

Suspect Shot and Killed by SWAT Deputy in Early Morning Standoff

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Suspect Shot and Killed by SWAT Deputy in Early Morning Standoff

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Investigating Poinciana Homicide

Suspect shot and killed by SWAT deputy during standoff early this morning

UPDATE to homicide and attempted homicide investigation, SWAT callout, and deputy-involved shooting

Monday, February 17, 2020

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred on 2-16-20 in Poinciana (commonly known as Kissimmee, but within unincorporated Polk County) which led to a SWAT callout and a deputy-involved shooting (occurred 2-17-20). The homicide suspect is deceased, and no deputies were injured.

Preliminary information and notes from Sheriff Judd’s news briefing (can be found on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page) this morning are as follows:

At 7:23 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2020, the PCSO ECC (Emergency Communications Center) received multiple 911 calls about gunshots and screaming heard in the area of Finch Lane in Poinciana. When deputies arrived on-scene, they located a grey Nissan Altima parked in the roadway, with a deceased male (Orlando Riviera-Vasquez, DOB 3/21/79) in the driver’s seat. Additionally, a female victim inside the car had been shot but was still alive. This victim told deputies that the suspect who shot her and Riviera-Vasquez went by the name of “Shorty,” and that he was a Hispanic male who fled in a silver car. Ultimately, Rudy Arenas (DOB 7/23/79) was positively identified as the suspect, and deputies quickly learned he was in the area of Wood Lane in Poinciana.

Deputies arrived on Wood Lane and observed Arenas run into a house that belongs to one of his relatives, still armed with a handgun (that detectives determined that he had stolen from another person earlier on Sunday), where he barricaded himself and refused to surrender. The PCSO SWAT team responded to the scene to negotiate Arenas’ surrender. Arenas repeatedly told deputies that he would shoot them and/or shoot himself if they approached. The negotiations went on through the evening and into the early morning hours (approximately 4 hours), where deputies observed him on multiple occasions in possession of a handgun and holding the handgun to his head.

Around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2020, the PCSO SWAT team used two different less-lethal weapons – gas canisters and beanbag rounds – to attempt to take Arenas safely into custody for his warrants for first degree murder and attempted murder. Arenas refused to come out of the room with his hands up as instructed  he was observed with his hand in his pocket holding a firearm deputies fired beanbag rounds at Arenas, striking him, and causing him to drop the firearm he had in his hand in his pocket. He then picked up the handgun from the floor and began moving it up to a firing position. At this point three different PCSO SWAT members fired their agency-issued firearms, striking Arenas. He died at the scene.

Detectives recovered the handgun with a round chambered.

Arenas’ criminal history includes 17 previous arrests in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and 2 previous arrests in Florida, including drug possession, drug sales/delivery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, petit theft, felony shoplifting, eluding police, and burglary.

There are several ongoing investigations: two death investigations (Riviera-Vasquez and Arenas) by the PCSO Bureau of Criminal Investigations; an attempted homicide on the female victim by Arenas; an independent internal investigation by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit; an autopsy by the Medical Examiner; and an independent investigation and review by the State Attorney’s Office.

The following are criminal histories of Arenas and Riviera-Vasquez:

Arenas, Rudy (40 years old)

Rhode Island Charges:

12/31/1997 – Woonsocket
Elude PO

02/16/1998 – Woonsocket
Trespass

04/09/2000 – Woonsocket
Poss Cocaine
Poss Firearm w/o License

02/24/2002 – Woonsocket
Poss Marijuana
Driving after Denial, Sus/Revocation-License

08/30/2003 – Woonsocket
Poss of Schedule 1-V

02/04/2004 – Woonsocket
Manuafc/Poss/Deliver/Sch 1/II

03/30/2005 – Woonsocket
Arrest of Escapees and Parole Viol w/o Warrant
Willful Trespass

10/30/2006 – Woonsocket
Obstructing Officer in Execution of Duty

12/21/2006 – Woonsocket
Driving after Denial, Sus/Revocation-License

01/05/2007 – Unknown
Driving after Denial, Sus/Revocation-License

07/28/2007 – Woonsocket
Shoplifting

07/01/2008 – Woonsocket
Poss Of Marijuana- Felony
10/25/2010 – Providence
Failure to Appear/Answer Summons

06/14/2012 – North Smithfield
Shoplifting – Felony

06/11/2013 – Providence
Manufac/Poss/Deliver Sch 1/II

08/16/2014 – Woonsocket
Shoplifting- Felony

03/17/2016 – Woonsocket
Driving after Denial, Sus/Revocation-License

Massachusetts Charges:

02/02/2014 – Milford PD
Shoplifting

Florida Charges:

Total Felony Charges:  02; Total Misdemeanor Charges:  04

06/29/2012 – Tampa PD
Petit Theft
Resisting Arrest or Detention in Retail Theft

07/13/2019 – PCSO
Petit Theft (2 counts)
Unarmed Burglary
Burglary

Riviera-Vasquez, Orlando (40 years old)

Puerto Rico Charges:

01/20/2006 – FBI-San Juan
Domestic Violence

02/14/2008 – FBI-San Juan
Illegal Appropriation of Vehicle

Pennsylvania Charges:

02/28/2004 – Philadelphia
VIO CS/DRUG/DEV AND COSMETIC ACT

03/19/2004 – Philadelphia
Retail Theft

04/05/2004 – Philadelphia
VIO CS/DRUG/DEV AND COSMETIC ACT

04/17/2004 – Philadelphia
VIO CS/DRUG/DEV AND COSMETIC ACT

05/28/2004 – Philadelphia
Retail Theft

CURRENT: Outstanding arrest warrant (in state only) for “Dangerous Drugs” (Possession of narcotics with intent to sell)

Florida Charges:

Total Felony Charges:  05
Florida State Prison:
Date In-Custody         Date Out-Custody
03/08/2011                      11/01/2016

01/06/2010 – Orange CSO
Murder – 1st Degree
Aggravated Battery
Robbery with Weapon
11/24/2010 – Orange CSO
Poss OxyContin
Introduce Contraband into County Facility
Poss Cocaine

Original Release:

According to witnesses in the area of the shooting, they heard gunshots and then a woman screaming. Deputies responded and found a man deceased from a gunshot wound. A woman was injured by gunfire and she was transported to a local hospital. Deputies developed information about a suspect, which led them to Wood Lane in Poinciana. They encountered a suspect who barricaded himself in a residence. PCSO SWAT was called to the residence. During the standoff, the suspect was shot and killed by a SWAT deputy sheriff.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Lake Wales Mardi Gras Kickoff

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Lake Wales Mardi Gras Kickoff
Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!!! Tonight we start our Lake Wales Mardi Gras celebration at The Coop in Babson Park! Join our Mardi Gras Pre-Party from 8pm to 1am with our friends The Broke playing LIVE! 50/50 Raffle and Cooler of Cheer raffle! Come out and support Mardi Gras and have a GREAT TIME! $5.00 cover charge at the door. The Coop – 1475 N Scenic Hwy, Babson Park, FL 33827

Lyft Driver Pulls Gun On Man For Eating In His Car

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Lyft Driver Pulls Gun On Man For Eating In His Car

 

February 7, 2020

At approximately 10:45am Florida Highway Patrol responded to a call on eastbound State Road 400 at mile marker 400. The caller stated that his Lyft driver pulled out a gun and pointed it at him.

On the scene FHP identified the victim as David Bellamy. Mr. Bellamy hired the Lyft so he could go to work at the Florida Mall. Mr. Bellamy hired the Lyft driver to pick him up at the McDonalds in Winter Haven with his final destination being the Florida Mall.

According to the FHP affidavit Mr. Bellamy jumped into his Lyft ride and began eating his lunch in hopes to finish before reaching his destination.

Mr. Bellamy stated that the Lyft driver told him he could not eat in his car. An argument escalated into verbal assaults and the driver stated that if Mr. Bellamy continued to eat that he would kick him out of the vehicle.

Mr. Bellamy stated that as the argument continued the driver pulled onto the left shoulder of eastbound State Road 400 at approximately mile marker 55 and continued arguing.

As the driver reached for the glove box Mr. Bellamy jumped out of the car. Mr. Bellamy stated that as he exited the vehicle the Lyft driver pointed a silver handgun at him and then proceeded to drive off.

When the Florida Highway Patrol arrived at the scene Mr Bellamy showed the officer a picture of his Lyft driver named Serge. The officer ran the tag number and was able to confirm that the Lyft driver listed on the app was indeed a match. According to the report the Lyft drivers full name was Serge Capriotti ad was listed under the emergency contact as the spouse for the registered owner.

Mr Bellamy gave an audio and video recorded statement. Mr Bellamy stated that he was in fear for his life and thought he was going to get shot by Mr. Bellamy.

Serge Capriotti was located in Haines City and arrested on February 7th 2020 for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly weapon without intent to kill.

Serge Capriotti was realeased from Polk County Jail on February 8th 2020 on a $1,000 bond.

 

 

 

60 Victims Scammed, More Than $1.6 Million Stolen

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60 Victims Scammed, More Than $1.6 Million Stolen

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

Winter Haven woman arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office after more than 60 victims scammed out of more than $1.6 million

Detectives from the Identity Theft Strike Force in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Winter Haven woman on Thursday, February 13, 2020, after their investigation concluded that she had stolen or misappropriated approximately $1.6 million. 42-year-old Jaleeann Johnston victimized 64 individuals plus several financial institutions through her position as office manager and travel agent for Cruise Link Travel in Winter Haven.

One of the victims was Johnston’s employer, who was also a relative.

“The biggest victim by far was Johnston’s employer, who was also a close relative, her own flesh and blood. She more or less destroyed the woman’s business, and brought about substantial monetary losses and grief to her customers. Johnston’s scheme was unsustainable, and her greed just kept burying her deeper.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The investigation into Johnston’s fraudulent activity dates back to November 13, 2018, when one of the victims reported that they had put a $339 deposit down on a cruise. The victim never got the cruise, nor a refund. One of the people who was supposed to go on that cruise with the victim then received a credit card charge of approximately $13,000.

From there, detectives uncovered similar cases and the investigation grew. It was found that Johnston used the operational account for Cruise Link Travel for day-to-day business and personal expenditures. She also used other people’s bank information to support her personal lifestyle and to cover costs of other cruises. Johnston would cover her tracks by shifting the blame to other businesses involved in the transactions.

Most of Johnston’s victims incurred losses through fraudulent use of their credit card information.

Most financial institutions were able to complete charge backs which resulted in minimal or no financial losses.

Three institutions: Barclay Bank, Chase Card Services, and IAA Credit Union did sustain losses from Johnston’s fraudulent activity.

Money was also discovered to have been moved around by Johnston, through accounts with Citizens Bank and Trust, CenterState Bank, and TD Bank. Johnston was also transferring money through the accounts of Florida Best Peaches and Cruise Link Travel, companies which were owned by a close relative of Johnston.  That relative was the victim who suffered the bulk of the losses to Johnston’s fraudulent activity, approximately $1.3 million.

A comprehensive review of accounts and a forensic audit of accounts associated with Cruise Link Travel, Florida Best Peaches, and the primary victim, aided the detectives in tracking Johnston’s illegal activity.  A total of 66 forged checks were found, in addition to phone and electronic transfers that documented the theft.

Finances were moved for Johnston’s personal gain, to be used for shopping, dining, spa and nail salons, bars, vehicle expenses, cash withdrawals, and fuel.

Upon Jaleeann Johnston’s arrest, she was transported to the Polk County Jail, and charged with: Grand Theft – $100,000 or More (F1), Aggravated White Collar Crime of 20 or More Persons (F1), Criminal Use of Personal ID of 30 or More Persons (F1), Obtain Property by Fraud $50,000 or More (F1).  Johnston bonded out late last night (02/13/20)

Johnston is also the subject of similar investigations being conducted by Lakeland and Bartow police.

Driver Turns into Oncoming Traffic and Causes Fatal Accident on Hwy 27 at Tower Lakes Boulevard in Lake Wales

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Driver Turns into Oncoming Traffic and Causes Fatal Accident on Hwy 27 at Tower Lakes Boulevard in Lake Wales

On Wednesday February 12, 2020 at approximately 7:15pm emergency personnel responded to a serious traffic crash involving three vehicles on Highway 27 at Tower Lakes Boulevard.

Investigators learned a white 2018 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by Radashia Johnson of Lake Wales was traveling North in the inside lane on Highway 27. A white 2015 Ford F-350 pickup truck being driven by Rene Peralta of Kissimmee was also traveling North in the middle lane of Highway 27 just behind the Malibu. As the Ford and the Malibu reached Tower Lakes Boulevard a third vehicle, a grey 2006 Toyota Scion, was traveling South on Highway 27 at what witnesses described as a higher than normal speed. The driver of the Toyota then attempted to make a left turn at the entrance to Tower Lakes in front of the other two vehicles.

The Malibu struck the Scion on the right rear causing it to turn head on into the Ford where it sustained a second impact. The Toyota traveled North across all three lanes coming to rest on the shoulder of the East side of the roadway.

The Scion had two occupants and at this time it is unknown which of them was the driver. One occupant of the Scion was identified as Natali Jane Moreno a 20 year old Lake Wales resident. She sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to Advent Health in Lake Wales where she was later pronounced deceased. The second occupant was identified as Bryshon Johnson, a 22 year old Winter Haven resident. Bryshon also sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health. He is expected to recover from his injuries.

Radashia Johnson, the driver of the Malibu, is a 27 year old Lake Wales resident along with his two children were transported to Advent Health in Lake Wales with minor injuries.

A passenger in the Ford F-350, identified as Josefa Peralta a 67 year old Kissimmee resident, was transported by ambulance to Celebration Hospital for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The Northbound lanes of Highway 27 were effected for several hours as a result of the crash.

This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information regarding this crash please contact Traffic Officer Sean Robertson or Traffic Officer Andrew Elrod at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223.

 

 

MLK Boulevard Road Feb 18 Construction Update

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MLK Boulevard Road Feb 18 Construction Update

Feb 18 update:

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The east bound lane on Martin Luther King, Blvd. will shift to the adjacent brick paver center lane, from 2nd St. NE to 5th St. NE as construction continues. Residents and businesses will have access to properties. Please contact the City of Winter Haven Streets Division at (863) 291-5852 for more info.
——————
City of Winter Haven Road Construction Update:


MLK Boulevard Road Construction Update! Anticipate eastbound lane closures on MLK Blvd. Sun., Feb. 16 & Mon., Feb. 17. Please use caution and watch for signs, flaggers and detours. Stop by and chat with the Public Works team at the Feb. 15 Heritage Day event at the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center or call the Streets Division with questions at 863-291-5852.

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