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First-Degree Murder Charge Filed Against 18-Year-Old in Bartow

Staff Reporter
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First-Degree Murder Charge Filed Against 18-Year-Old in Bartow
Moses Ojeda

PCSO Release

May 19, 202

Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives have arrested 18-year-old, Moses Ojeda, for the murder of his roommate on Blue Bird Avenue in Bartow on Sunday, May 18th.

The victim, 81 year-old Patrick Benway, was living in a group home managed by “ET Home Care, LLC” along with three other roommates. One of those roommates, Ojeda, had just moved in a day prior after being released from a local hospital. Ojeda told detectives that he did not have any problems with the victim and described him as a good person.

During the investigation, Ojeda confirmed that he entered the victim’s bedroom where he was lying in bed and stabbed him multiple times. The victim did not physically resist but did ask, according to Ojeda, “Why would you want to do this to me?” before succumbing to his injuries. Ojeda stated he has no regrets and he wanted to kill him because he was “already dying.”

Following the attack, Ojeda told deputies that he cleaned the knife used and put it back in the kitchen, then removed his blood-stained clothing and placed it in his laundry basket. All of the evidence gathered by detectives was consistent with the suspect’s statements regarding his stabbing the victim.

The suspect has no prior criminal record.

He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.“This was a senseless and tragic act of violence. Our detectives, forensic investigators, and Bartow Police Department officers worked diligently to take Ojeda into custody and gather evidence to hold him accountable.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Eleven suspects arrested during undercover investigation focusing on those who travel to have sex with minors

Carl Fish
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Eleven suspects arrested during undercover investigation focusing on those who travel to have sex with minors

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint-agency investigation focusing on those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity from May 2nd through 10th, 2025, during which 11 men were arrested for multiple felonies. PCSO detectives were joined by detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police, Davenport Police, Pinellas Park Police, Tampa Police, and St. Petersburg Police detectives assigned to a Homeland Security Investigations task force.

The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or guardians of children online. Nine suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children.Detectives went to one local suspect’s house during the operation and arrested him; and obtained an arrest warrant for another registered sex offender suspect (from Tampa) who committed crimes against who he thought was a child online – the Tampa Police Department took him into custody.

In all, detectives filed 50 felony charges against these 11 suspects.

“It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children. This is why we conduct these types of undercover operations. Keeping children safe is our number one priority, and we appreciate our partnering agencies, without whom we would not be as successful in apprehending these dangerous offenders.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

SUSPECTS ARRESTED:

1. 46-year-old Nicholas Capehart, DOB 3/15/1979, of Riverview, FL. Capehart sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. He told the girl he was looking for a “sex friend.” He asked her if she was home alone and said he wanted to come “teach her sex” and told her that he was falling for her and wanted to make her his permanent girlfriend. He told detectives that he is married, currently a salesman, and previously served 10 years in the Marines. 

Capehart was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious battery on a minor (F3)

·        Resisting arrest (M1)

2. 59-year-old Gregory Ludee Cooper, DOB 9/2/1965, of Wesley Chapel, FL. Cooper sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy. Cooper’s online dating profile says he is a “daddy looking for a younger boy.” He sent explicit sexual messages describing what he wanted to do with the boy, and said that he would be patient. He brought an orange soda and gummy snacks to the undercover location. 

Cooper was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F2)

3. 50-year-old Eric Corliss, DOB 6/3/1974, of Lakeland, FL. Corliss sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a family member who was selling the sexual services of a 15-year-old female (human trafficking). At the same time, Corliss was soliciting undercover detectives who were posing online as prostitutes. He asked the detective “are you with law enforcement” and then asked for the address of where the girl would be offered to him in exchange for money. While Corliss told the detective he was en route, he diverted to another undisclosed location to meet with who he thought was a prostitute, and was taken into custody during that part of the investigation. He told detectives he is a regional executive at Red Cross, and he is married.

Corliss was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Use of a computer to solicit parent/guardian (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Solicit prostitute (M1) – 3 counts

4. 26-year-old Vernen Cunningham, DOB 5/24/1998, of Orlando, FL. Cunningham sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a family member who was selling the sexual services of a 15-year-old female (human trafficking). He repeatedly asked for photos of the girl and asked “you’re not the law, right?” He took an Uber to the undisclosed location, where he was taken into custody. He brought cookies. He told detectives he is from the Bahamas. Detectives confirmed he is in the country illegally. As such, his charges are enhanced, and ICE was notified.

Cunningham was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F1)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit parent/guardian (F2)

5. 54-year-old Arthur Lee Dennard, DOB 8/15/1970), a registered sex offender from Tampa, FL. Dennard sent social media messages to an undercover detective who was posing as a 15-year-old girl. Among his very sexually charged messages, he told her he was going to “make love” to her and that he was going to put a baby in her. Detectives positively identified the suspect and checked his criminal history, which revealed he is a six time convicted felon in Florida, is a designated sexual offender, and has been to state prison twice. His prior arrests are:

·        2007 – Tampa PD arrest – Unlawful sexual activity with a minor (served 6 years in prison)

·        2008 – HCSO arrest – failure to comply with sex offender registration laws

·        2013 – HCSO arrest – failure to comply with sex offender registration laws

·        2014 – HCSO arrest – failure to comply with sex offender registration laws

Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and he was taken into custody by Tampa PD on May 12, 2025. He is charged with: 

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

6. 37-year-old Shaun Russel Hamel, DOB 8/28/1987, of Winter Haven, FL. Hamel sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. He sent her very explicit sexual messages and several photos of his private parts. He repeatedly referred to himself as “daddy.” Detectives responded to his home in Winter Haven and took him into custody without incident. He is charged with:

·        Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3) – 8 counts

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Use of computer to seduce a child (F3)

7. 57-year-old Joseph Lee Jones, Jr., DOB 4/24/1968, of Dover, FL. Jones sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a family member who was selling the sexual services of a 15-year-old female (human trafficking). He stopped to get cash on the way to the undercover location, and brought condoms. He told detectives he is unemployed and receives $1,600 a month in disability benefits. 

Jones was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F1)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit parent/guardian (F2)

8. 43-year-old Matthew Klein, DOB 10/11/1981, of Lakeland, FL. Klein sent social media messages to two difference undercover detectives on two different dating apps, who were both posing as 14-year-old boys. He told the “boys” that he was 40 years old, and described in detail the sex acts he wanted to perform with them. He told detectives that he has met up with a young male under the age of 18 in the past (this is now an ongoing investigation). He also told detectives that he is HIV positive.

Klein was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F1) 

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F2) – 2 counts

·        Use of computer to solicit parent/guardian (F2) – 2 counts

·        Attempted lewd/lascivious conduct by person over 18 (F2) 

·        Misrepresenting age using computer to seduce a child (F2) 

·        Attempted sexual contact by HIV infected person without informing partner (F3) 

9. 35-year-old Aston William Mack, DOB 10/6/1989, of Deltona, FL. Mack sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a family member who was selling the sexual services of a 15-year-old female (human trafficking). He repeatedly asked for photos of the girl and was worried this was a law enforcement operation. 

Mack was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F1)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit parent/guardian (F2)

·        Resisting arrest (M1)

10. 38-year-old V Jay Matos III, DOB 11/24/1986, of Lakeland, FL. Matos sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a family member who was selling the sexual services of a 15-year-old female (human trafficking). He brought cash and condoms to the location. 

Matos was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F1)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit parent/guardian (F2)

11. 40-year-old Domingo Fransisco Miguel,DOB 3/13/1985, of Lakeland, FL. Miguel sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a family member who was selling the sexual services of a 15-year-old female (human trafficking). He repeatedly asked for photos of the girl and made statements that he thought this was a setup by law enforcement. He brought cash and condoms to the location. 

Miguel was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F1)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F2)

·        Use of computer to solicit parent/guardian (F2)

255 Arrested in Polk County Sting Operation “Fool Around and Find Out” — Suspect Allegedly Offered $800 for Sex Act – Press Conference Tomorrow

Carl Fish
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255 Arrested in Polk County Sting Operation “Fool Around and Find Out” — Suspect Allegedly Offered $800 for Sex Act – Press Conference Tomorrow

Winter Haven, Florida – Sheriff Grady Judd will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, located at 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven. He will release full details from a major nine-day undercover operation titled “Fool Around and Find Out”, which led to the arrest of 255 individuals involved in crimes ranging from human trafficking and child exploitation to illegal immigration.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted the operation in partnership with multiple local police departments, fellow sheriff’s offices, Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The results are alarming:

141 people arrested for soliciting prostitutes 93 charged with offering to commit prostitution Four of those were identified as human trafficking victims and were referred to One More Child and Heartland for Children 10 individuals arrested for aiding, abetting, or transporting prostitutes 11 arrested for traveling to meet minors for sex or other child-related sex offenses 36 of those arrested are in the U.S. illegally

Among those arrested is Anthony Cobo, who was charged after arriving at an undercover location and allegedly offering $800 for sex acts. According to the affidavit, Cobo made contact with an undercover detective posing as a sex worker on the website “listcrawler.eu.” He agreed to meet for sex in exchange for cash and communicated with the detective via a phone number registered in the Tampa area.

On the night of the operation, Cobo arrived at the arranged location around 11:17 p.m. The detective confirmed the deal, accepted the $800 in cash, and deputies then took Cobo into custody without incident. He was read his Miranda Rights and reportedly declined to make a statement.

Cobo was charged with offering to commit prostitution and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. His case is one of dozens involving individuals who used escort websites to seek paid sex. Some arrived with drugs, weapons, or children in tow. Several, like Cobo, offered unusually high amounts of money.

“This isn’t just about prostitution,” said one PCSO official. “It’s about the dark web of crime that supports it—human trafficking, exploitation, and predators looking for children. We’re shining a light into that darkness.”

Other suspects included Elizabeth Mendez, who allegedly agreed to a $450 encounter, and Michaela Mchugh, who brought methamphetamine and marijuana along with her to a meeting with an undercover detective. Eric Corliss was arrested after attempting to solicit sex from what he thought was a 15-year-old girl—he now faces multiple felonies.

Sheriff Judd’s office has confirmed that two press releases and all 255 mugshots will be made available shortly after the media briefing begins. The public is encouraged to attend the conference or follow the PCSO’s official channels for more updates.

Daily Ridge will continue to follow this developing story and provide full coverage as new information is released.

Two Injured, One Hospitalized After Suspected Arson in Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Two Injured, One Hospitalized After Suspected Arson in Lakeland

Bartow, Fla. (May 15, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue responded to an early morning structure fire on Dawn Heights Drive in Lakeland. The suspected cause of the fire is arson. 

 

Crews responded at 3:54 a.m. and Engine 35 was first on scene and found a single family home 50% involved. The fire spread to a nearby vehicle.  PCFR members also found two patients outside of the structure. Crews worked quickly getting water on the fire at 4:06 a.m. while others on scene provided medical treatment. 

 

There were several people in the home at the time of the fire. All were outside the home when fire crews arrived.

 

The fire was extinguished at 4:15 a.m. PCFR transported one trauma alert patient to a nearby hospital while the other patient received treatment on scene.

 

The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the fire.

 

PCFR reached out to the Red Cross for aid for the displaced individuals.

Suspects In Double Homicide Arrested By Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies

Carl Fish
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Suspects In Double Homicide Arrested By Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies

Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a total of six people who were involved in the double-murder that occurred in the Secret Cove neighborhood of Lakeland on Monday, May 12, 2025.

Four of the arrested were each charged with two-counts of felony murder and other crimes, the remaining two suspects were charged with various crimes involved with the case. The suspects are:

·      Alexander Zarion Colon-Martinez, 17, Lakeland.

o  Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), and Tampering with Evidence (F3).

·      David Yule, Jr., 15, Lakeland.

o  Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile (F2), and Violation of Probation (M2).

·      Anthony Scott Roush, 18, Lakeland.

o  Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 2-counts), and Violation of Probation (M2).

·      Kristian Xavier Guzman, 23, Lakeland.

o  Charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC, 2-counts), Attempted Armed Robbery (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Negligent Child Abuse (F3, 2-counts), Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 2-counts), and Violation of Probation (M2).

·      Jessica M. Chambers, 19, Lakeland.

o  Charged with: Accessory After the Fact to a Capitol Felony (F1), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), False Information to Law Enforcement in a Felony Investigation (F3), and Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 4-counts).

·      Isabella Brooke Farley, 21, Lakeland.

o  Charged with: Accessory After the Fact to a Capitol Felony (F1), Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (F2), Negligent Child Abuse (F3, 2-counts), False Information to Law Enforcement in a Felony Investigation (F3), and Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (M1, 2-counts).

On Monday, May 12, 2025, at about 1:26 pm, 19-year old Davin Boutwell drove a white Mercedes to the Secret Cove neighborhood in Lakeland to conduct a drug transaction there. Alex met Boutwell at his car, where Ned Engle Blvd meets Pirates Way, as David and Anthony stood nearby, and their co-conspirator Kristian remained in the getaway car.

Lake Wales Man Killed in Crash on Old Polk City Road

During the brief meeting, Boutwell was shot through the chest (from back to front). The Mercedes sped away down the road and fatally struck 38-year old Nathaniel Jones, Jr. on his electric bike, and then crashed into a residence on Pirates Way. Boutwell and Jones were deceased when first responders arrived.

“As usual, my detectives hit the ground running speaking to witnesses, collecting evidence, using their available resources and their excellent skills. What happened on Pirates Way was unusual and tragic. The six suspects we now have locked-up will be held accountable for their role in these murders. This is just another reminder that drugs, guns, and youth is deadly cocktail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Through their investigation, PCSO detectives were able to determine that the robbery of Boutwell was planned by Kristian, David, Alex, and Anthony. Jessica and Isabella rode along in the silver Nissan Altima that was to be used as a getaway vehicle. Also in the Nissan were Kristian’s two very young children.

A shotgun that was taken to the robbery (but not used) was hidden by Alex behind a dumpster at a nearby convenience store. The shotgun was recovered, but the firearm used to murder Boutwell has not yet been recovered. 

Bicyclist in Dark Clothing Fatally Hit By Car Late Monday Night

Carl Fish
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Bicyclist in Dark Clothing Fatally Hit By Car Late Monday Night

A 20-year old man on a bicycle was fatally hit by a black 2014 Dodge Charger northeast of Auburndale Monday night, May 12, 2025.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 10:13 pm to the crash on Old Lake Alfred Road, in the vicinity of Keystone Road.

First responders arrived on scene and determined the bicyclist was deceased. 

The driver of the Charger and his passenger were uninjured and cooperated with the investigation.

According to the preliminary investigation, the bicyclist was traveling on the edge of Old Lake Alfred Road on a black Hover electric bicycle. It is unknown at this time if the bike’s lights were working at the time of the crash; the bicyclist was wearing dark clothing, but no helmet.

The Charger was traveling in the same direction as the bicycle, and struck the bike from behind.

Traffic Homicide detectives do not believe at this time that impairment, speed, or distraction factored in as a cause of the crash, but the investigation is ongoing. 

The identity of the victim has not yet been determined.

Old Lake Alfred Road was closed for approximately three hours overnight.

Man Arrested After Violent Struggle With Deputies and Emergency Personnel in Poinciana

Carl Fish
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Man Arrested After Violent Struggle With Deputies and Emergency Personnel in Poinciana

POINCIANA, Fla. — A man was arrested on multiple charges following a violent altercation with deputies and emergency responders on May 6, 2025, in the area of Bell Tower Crossing West and Sienna Drive, authorities said.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, arrest affidavit, Deputy Sheriff Black responded to a report of a male experiencing a possible seizure on the roadside. Upon arrival, the deputy encountered Elijah Harrison Howard lying on the ground, holding a syringe. When asked to drop the syringe, Howard initially refused but eventually complied after repeated commands.

Deputy Black instructed Howard to place his hands behind his back. While Howard initially appeared to comply, he suddenly turned and charged at the deputy. In response, the deputy deployed his agency-issued Taser, striking Howard in the lower abdomen, but it was ineffective. Howard then allegedly tore the Taser from his body and wrestled it away from the deputy.

Howard reportedly punched Deputy Black in the face, causing a nosebleed, and continued to resist arrest. Additional emergency personnel arrived to assist, during which Howard allegedly attempted to attack them by kicking, scratching, spitting, and trying to bite.

Deputy Sheriff Matos and another deputy arrived shortly after and found Howard still resisting violently. Despite multiple attempts to subdue him, Howard allegedly continued to kick and swing at responders. Due to his aggressive behavior, an emergency sedative was administered. Authorities were eventually able to place him in handcuffs and transport him to Poinciana Medical Center for treatment.

Howard now faces multiple charges, including three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, five counts of battery on a firefighter, three counts of resisting with violence, and three counts of resisting without violence.

Lakeland Tragedy: Driver Shot, Crashes Into Home — Innocent Bystander on Scooter Killed

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Tragedy: Driver Shot, Crashes Into Home — Innocent Bystander on Scooter Killed

A violent and tragic chain of events in Lakeland on Monday, May 12, 2025, claimed two lives — including that of an innocent bystander — after a shooting led to a high-speed crash into a home. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared details during a 5 PM press conference streamed live from the scene.

Around 1:30 PM, 19-year-old Davin Boutwell of Mulberry was driving a white Mercedes through the Secret Cove subdivision off Reynolds Road. Witnesses reported that Boutwell briefly interacted with individuals on Pirates Way before suddenly accelerating at high speed and crashing into a residential home.

When deputies arrived, they found the Mercedes embedded in the structure. Boutwell was pulled from the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tragically, a second victim was found underneath the car. Authorities identified him as 38-year-old Nathaniel Jones of Lakeland, who had been riding a scooter when he was struck by the Mercedes and thrown into the home. He died instantly.

According to Sheriff Judd, Boutwell had distinctive tattoos, including “The world is yours” on his chest and “Life is a gamble” on his hand. Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered two gallon-sized bags of marijuana and a large sum of cash.

Detectives believe one of the individuals who approached Boutwell’s car shortly before the crash is responsible for the shooting. The incident is being investigated as a double homicide.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Moms and Sons Create Super Memories at Haines City’s Hero-Themed Dance Night

Carl Fish
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Moms and Sons Create Super Memories at Haines City’s Hero-Themed Dance Night

BY ANITA TODD

HAINES CITY – More than 50 mother-son pairs filled the dance floor at the Mother and Son Night Out Superhero Dance Party, a heartwarming celebration held in honor of the upcoming Mother’s Day. Hosted by Haines City Parks and Recreation, the event took place on Friday, May 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Eva Event Center.

Among the many attendees was Nicci Tymms, who brought her newborn son, Grayson, to share in the special evening. Nicci learned about the dance from her friend Jessica Goyette, who also joined the festivities with her 6-year-old son, Jackson. Both families traveled from Winter Haven to attend.

“We love to dance and dance at home all the time,” Jessica said. “I thought this would be a great chance for us to spend some fun, quality time together.” Jessica is also a mother to a 10-year-old daughter.

Another mom enjoying the night was Tabitha Glenn from Lakeland, who attended with her 8-year-old son, Kameron.

“I found out about the dance and knew right away I wanted to go,” said Tabitha. “I’ve always wanted to attend a mother-and-son dance.” She’s also the proud mom of a 27-year-old son.

Kameron had such a great time that when asked if he was enjoying himself, he could only flash a big thumbs-up before heading back to the dance floor.

The evening featured food, drinks, and music from a DJ spinning classics like “Y.M.C.A.” as colored lights flashed across the dance floor. The venue was filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

Next up from Haines City Parks and Recreation is the Daddy Daughter Dance: Fairy Garden Party, set for Friday, June 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Eva Event Center, in celebration of Father’s Day. To make reservations for the event, call the City of Haines City at 863-421-3600.

Veterinarians Unable to Save Starving Horse; Lakeland Man Faces Multiple Cruelty Charges

Carl Fish
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Veterinarians Unable to Save Starving Horse; Lakeland Man Faces Multiple Cruelty Charges

Agriculture Crimes Unit detectives arrested 63 year old Carl Edward Olinger of north Lakeland on May 6, 2025, after they responded to his property and discovered multiple malnourished horses. Olinger was the custodian of 6 horses located in his pasture. Upon inspection of the pasture all 6 horses were found to be malnourished with ribs and shoulder bones visibly protruding. No food or water was located anywhere in the pasture accessible to the horses. The pasture was primarily dirt with virtually no edible vegetation for the horses.

One of the 6 horses was laying in the pasture, malnourished, immobile, and visibly in pain and discomfort. A licensed veterinarian was immediately contacted and responded to the scene. The horse was determined to have been laying, and unable to stand, for at least a day. After approximately three hours of veterinary care and attempts at assisting the horse to stand, she succumbed to her neglect and abuse. This was determined to be a cruel act by Olinger causing unnecessary pain, suffering, and ultimately death to the horse.

Olinger told deputies that he had not fed the horses in 2 weeks. He was aware all the horses were malnourished and underweight but did nothing to fix the problem. He confirmed the horses were in his care and custody and their well-being was his responsibility.

Olinger was arrested and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, 5 counts of Animal Cruelty, and Animal Abandonment.

The surviving adult horses were impounded and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office large animal facility for further evaluation and treatment. One foal was transported for custody and care to Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven.

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