Lake Wales Man Allegedly Strangles His Wife Of 50 Years To Death

Lake Wales

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June 12, 2019

Lake Wales Man Allegedly Strangles His Wife Of 50 Years To Death

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PCSO homicide detectives arrested 73-year-old Ronald Strouse of Harte Drive in Lake Wales and charged him with one count first degree murder in the death of his wife, 72-year-old Susan Strouse. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and will have a first appearance hearing at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon (June 12, 2019).

The PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call around 4:30 p.m. on June 11th from Strouse, who told the call taker that he had been in a physical altercation with his wife and that she was dead. When deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene, they found the victim deceased in the living room with severe bruising. Strouse was sitting on the porch when they arrived.
The following is an excerpt from the affidavit, and is self-explanatory:

The defendant stated during the evening hours on Monday June 10, 2019, the victim informed him she wanted to leave him, take all their money, and move out of their residence. The defendant further stated the victim would not tell him why she wanted to leave him, but that they only argued that night. The defendant advised on Tuesday June 11, 2019 at approximately 1200 hours, the victim made them both sausage sandwiches, though he was not hungry so he did not eat.

After lunch, the defendant stated the victim was lying on the couch watching TV, when he approached her and repeatedly asked her why she wanted to leave him. The defendant then stated the victim would not answer him and tell him why she wanted to leave him, which frustrated him. At that time, the defendant stated he grabbed the victim as she was lying on the couch and pulled her down to the floor, where they began to wrestle on the floor. The defendant further stated he then got on top of the victim and straddled her mid-section, as she was lying on her back. The defendant advised he then proceeded to place both of his hands around the victim’s neck, where he began to choke her. The defendant then advised he knew his action of grabbing the victim by the neck and choking her could have resulted in her death. The defendant further advised as he was choking the victim, the victim was grabbing his arms/hands and digging her fingernails into him.

Once the victim stopped struggling and became motionless, the defendant stopped choking her. The defendant stated he called 911 after a few minutes.

On Tuesday June 11, 2019 at approximately 2023 hours, a search warrant was executed on the above-described residence. The victim’s body was observed lying on the floor of the living room. Severe bruising was observed on the following areas of the victim’s body: right forearm, right wrist, right upper arm, left forearm, left wrist, left upper arm, left side of her neck, front of her neck, right side of her neck, left side of her jaw, right side of her jaw, forehead, and above her left eye. These bruises are consistent with the victim having been battered.

This affiant established probable cause the defendant committed the criminal offense of 1st degree murder, when the defendant willfully and intentionally choked and battered the victim. The defendant made a conscious decision with a premeditated design to choke and strike the victim with his hands until she was deceased.

“This was a particularly brutal murder. We aren’t sure why Ronald Strouse murdered his wife of 50 years, but one thing we are sure of is that he will be held accountable for his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

An autopsy will be conducted this morning.

Leadership Lake Wales Graduates Class 23 During Ceremony At American Legion Post

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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June 11, 2019

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Leadership Lake Wales Graduates Class 23 During Ceremony At American Legion Post

by James Coulter

During a trip to Tallahassee, David Black, Sergeant at the Lake Wales Police Department, and many other local residents had the opportunity to take a tour of the State Capitol. Their tour included the House of Representatives, which included many murals detailing the history of the state.

The very last mural took them especially by surprise. The mural depicted scenes from current Florida and included many landmarks from their home county of Polk, including Cypress Gardens, Bok Tower, Florida Natural, and scenes of the cattle and citrus industry.

Black and his fellow classmates on that trip were awe-inspired by this particular mural, as it revealed that Polk County—and by extension, themselves—played a pivotal role in the state’s culture and history.

“There were so many things there that represented Polk County and how we have a huge influence throughout the whole state,” he said. “Everyone thinks Disney has it all, but we have a lot right here, and it goes right through the entire community.”

That trip to Tallahassee was one of many experiences that Black and his classmates enjoyed during their time in Leadership Lake Wales, a program hosted by the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council to help instill leadership skills and a sense of community among local business owners and residents.

Black was one of 13 participants within the program who graduated as part of Leadership Lake Wales Class 22 during a graduation ceremony hosted at Lake Wales Memorial Post 71 in Eagle Ridge Mall on Thursday.

Through the activities and lessons they had together, Black developed a strong bond with his fellow participants, to the point where they all became close friends.

“We were more brothers and sisters more than we were a class. We got to know each other better, and we truly became friends not classmates,” he said.

Not only did he have the ability to learn more about the people within his program, but he also learned more about his local community, more so than he had lived here most of his life.

“I have worked with the city for 23 years, and I even learned about things about my own city,” he said.

If there was one word that best described their time together, according to David Vanlerberg

of the Lake Wales Care Center, it was the word “relationships.” Through their program within the past year, not only did they develop relationships with each other, but established connections with local business and community leaders, all of which have better enhanced their appreciation of their local community, he explained.

“Relationships are the glue that holds great communities like this together,” he said. “Relationships [are] the spirit of Class 23. We laughed, we learned, we listened. Relationships are what we should strive to commit to. Relations [are] what made Lake Wales the great city it is today, and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Kat Gate-Skipper, a local veteran and owner of Kat & Son Airport Transportation, has been working and living in the city for the past 20 years. As someone who has been engaged in local politics, to the point of running for office herself, she was especially intrigued by their class trip to Tallahassee.

“Leadership Class 23, we were meant to be,” she said. “The leadership class has been wonderful. I have been honored to be a part of it.”

The graduates for this year’s program were as follows:

Kathy Bangley, City of Lake Wales

David Black, Lake Wales Police Department

Curtis Gibson, City of Lake Wales

Marcos Gianini, Florida’s Natural Growers

Terrance Horne, Green and Gold Foundation

Kat Gate-Skipper, Kat & Son Airport Transportation

Michele Lescard, Lake Wales Care Center

David Vanlerberg, Lake Wales Care Center

Allison Snyder, Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce

Shay Hixenbaugh, Polk Avenue Elementary

Greg Edwards, Lake Wales Medical Center

Warren Brown, Polk State College

Julie Diaz, Vanguard School

Underground Natural Gas Leak Sends Families Out of Homes

Staff Reporter

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June 11, 2019

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Release by Winter Haven Fire Department:

Underground Natural Gas Leak Sends Families Out of Homes

On June 10, 2019 at approximately 8:30 p.m., residents at 1528 Oakview Circle SE in Winter Haven noticed the smell of gas inside of their home. The resident contacted Florida Public Utilities who told the resident to call 9-1-1 and exit the residence immediately.

Winter Haven Fire personnel arrived on scene to assist the utility company at the scene. An adjacent residence was also evacuated after it was found the leak was an underground natural gas leak.

Approximately two hours later the leak was sealed, however it took additional time to ensure the air quality was safe for residents to re-enter their homes. There were no injuries and residents were eventually allowed back into their homes.

“The coordinated training with neighboring agencies including Florida Public Utilities pays huge dividends for a safe and swift response for our citizens, just as it did tonight,” said Public Safety Director Charlie Bird. “We just recently concluded training sessions regarding a natural gas leak which paid off tonight.”

Green Named Employee of the Month at Lake Wales Medical Center

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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June 11, 2019

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GREEN NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Lake Wales, FL – Katina Green, Wound Care Manager, was named Employee of the Month for April at Lake Wales Medical Center. Kat was honored for the exceptional job she does making sure all wound care patients are well cared for.

“She always thinks ahead and anticipates what patients and the doctors will need,” a coworker wrote in nominating her. “She doesn’t hesitate to jump in and do whatever needs to be done to help each patient. She completes everything with a smile on her face. She’s taken her new role to the next level, motivating those around her to be their very best.”

Lake Wales Medical Center is a 160-bed acute care hospital that has been serving the greater Lake Wales community since 1928. The hospital is an Accredited Chest Pain Center with the American College of Cardiology, and is a Primary Stroke Center. The hospital’s Navarro Center for Behavioral Health provides specialized mental health care for adults and for those over the age of 60. Its Wound Healing Center is a multi-year recipient of the Center of Excellence and Center of Distinction awards from Healogics.

“Keke’s” Boyfriend Charged With Attempted Murder In Lakeland Shooting

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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June 8, 2019

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“Keke’s” Boyfriend Charged With Attempted Murder In Lakeland Shooting

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office have served a warrant and arrested Ira Stafford, DOB 7/28/1994 and charged him with Attempted 1st Degree Murder & Armed Burglary with Assault & Battery. The arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred on 4/3/2019 when a shooting took place at a residence on Arizona Ave. on Lakeland. Stafford was arrested on June 4, 2019.

An excerpt of the arrest affidavit is below:

“On 4/3/2019 at 2038 hours, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a shooting on Arizona Avenue. When deputies arrived, they located a subject with a gunshot wound to his left leg in the doorway of 213 1/2 Arizona Avenue. The victim was identified as Dion West. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. Hospital staff advised the gunshot wound fractured a bone in the victim’s leg and would require surgery.

At approximately 2100 hours, I was directed to respond to Lakeland Regional Health and assume the investigation. I made contact with the victim and obtained a sworn recorded statement. The victim advised between 2000 and 2100 hours, he was watching a show on TV when he heard someone knocking on the door. The victim looked through the window to see who it was. The victim saw that a black male who used to live next to him was knocking on the door. The victim further advised that the black male was “Keke’s” boyfriend, and that they were his neighbors for 2 to 3 years. During those 2 to 3 years, the victim hung out with “Keke’s” boyfriend multiple times, and believed his name sounded like “Isaac”, and he was originally from Jacksonville.

The victim opened the door for “Keke’s” boyfriend and the subject asked the victim if he wanted to smoke. The subject also began telling the victim about issues he was having with “Keke”. The victim then saw two suspects approach the front door, wearing ski masks, and pointing handguns at the victim. The victim tried to close the door, but “Keke’s” boyfriend was not letting him close it. The victim heard the suspects saying “shoot him, shoot him”, and “get him, get him”. The victim advised “Keke’s” boyfriend also brandished a handgun and was pointing it at him. The victim then heard a loud bang and ran inside his house, at which time he noticed he had been shot in his left leg. As the victim tried to hide in his bathroom, he heard another gun shot. The victim hid in the bathroom and when he knew the suspects were gone, he came back out and heard a vehicle speeding southbound on Arizona Avenue. The victim then called 911 to report he had been shot.

The victim advised he had “Keke’s” boyfriend’s phone number saved in his phone. The victim’s phone was left at the scene when he was shot.

The victim provided written consent to search his residence for evidence. At the victim’s residence, one .40 caliber spent casing was located outside, in front of the front door. Two clear baggies with a green leafy substance were located outside on the ground. Several small pieces of a white, rock-like substance were observed on the floor inside the victim’s residence, in front of the door. An additional .40 caliber spent casing was located inside the victim’s residence, in front of the hallway where the bathroom is located. Apparent blood was observed on the floor outside and inside the residence.

The victim advised the green leafy substance and the rock-like substance were not his, and denied that the altercation was drug related. The victim’s cell phone was located at the scene. I took the phone back to the victim at the hospital and he pulled up the contact in his phone “Keke Boyfriend JV” with a phone number of 904-248¬2406. The victim looked up “Keke” on Facebook and found a picture of “Keke” and her boyfriend. The victim then found “Keke’s” boyfriend’s Facebook “West Jax Hardhead”. Detectives learned that the phone number 904-248-2406 was possibly associated to Ira Stafford B/M 7/28/1994. Detectives viewed Ira Stafford’s Florida driver’s license photo and noticed it was the same subject on the picture with “Keke”, and the same subject whose pictures are on the Facebook profile, “West Jax Hardhead”.

I showed the victim the driver’s license photo for Ira Stafford B/M 7/28/1994, and he positively identified him as the suspect who knocked on the door and spoke with him, who later pointed a gun at him when two additional suspects showed up. The victim was not able to tell which one of the three suspects fired the rounds at him. Ira Stafford was not wearing anything on his face when he knocked on the door and spoke to the victim.”

Stafford is currently in Polk County Jail. This is not Stafford’s first time being arrested. He was arrested in 2016 for domestic violence against his girlfriend “Keke”. At that time he had an outstanding warrant for possession of a weapon and ammunition by a delinquent adult felon in Duval County.

Frostproof Man On Motor Scooter Struck & Killed Near Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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June 7, 2019

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Frostproof Man On Motor Scooter Struck & Killed Near Lake Wales

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash between a car and a motor scooter which occurred Thursday night, June 6, 2019, on State Road 60 near Lake Wales.

Deputies were dispatched to the scene, about one-and-a-half miles west of West Lake Wales Road, just after 11:00 p.m.

The injured driver of the motor scooter, 32-year-old Chad Andrews, of Frostproof, suffered a severe head injury. He was flown to Lakeland Regional Health where he was pronounced deceased.

The car, a white 2015 Cadillac CTS, was driven by Georgianne Rivero-Quigg, 57, of Okeechobee. Her passenger was 28-year-old Kathyayaria Aponte of Frostproof. Neither suffered any injuries.

Both women told deputies that they were travelling east on SR 60, and neither believed that scooter had any lights on.

The scooter had been driving in the middle of the outside lane when it was struck.

No criminal charges are anticipated at this time, but final determination will be made at the conclusion of the investigation.

Eastbound and westbound lanes were closed for Aeromed’s response. The eastbound lanes remained close for approximately four hours during the investigation.

Another Winter Haven Home Catches Fire

Staff Reporter

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June 6, 2019

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Release by Winter Haven Fire Department:

Winter Haven Firefighters responded to 1744 2nd St NE on June 4 to find heavy smoke coming from the roof of the residence.

Once entry was made, the unoccupied structure was found to have fire and smoke coming from the attic and crawl space in the ceiling. It took approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries and nobody was displaced since the residence was vacant.
An investigation to determine the cause of the fire is underway.

While on scene, firefighter Nicole Barnes took the opportunity to educate neighborhood children on the profession of being a firefighter.

Empanada Heaven Serves Up Authentic Cuban Cuisine In Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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June 6, 2019

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Empanada Heaven Serves Up Authentic Cuban Cuisine In Winter Haven

by James Coulter

If you’re hungry for authentic Cuban food, whether it’s a freshly-pressed Cuban sandwich or a piping-hot beef empanada, you can always take a trip to Cuba; but even though America lifted travel restrictions there, the country is still several hundred miles away. Rather than booking a cruise or flight to Havana, why not instead take a short drive over to Winter Haven to visit its newest Cuban eatery, Empanada Heaven.

Located along Cypress Garden Road off of Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Empanada Heaven is the newest and hottest place to stop by for lunch or dinner in Winter Haven if you’re craving authentic Cuban cuisine.

While you won’t find the traditional beans and rice there, you will find a diverse assortment of empanadas, whether you prefer meat such as beef, pork, or chicken, seafood such as tuna, tilapia, or shrimp, or fruit such as apple, guava, or cherry. These small pastries pack huge flavor and make for a great treat to take and eat on the go.

Of course, what self-respecting Cuban restaurant could call itself such if it didn’t serve the traditional Cuban sandwich? Even if you’re not in the mood for a sandwich freshly-pressed with pulled pork, ham, and cheese, you can opt for an ordinary pulled pork sandwich instead, or another specialty such as a stuffed fried potato ball or a shrimp stuffed plantain cup.

If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to savor all this good food with, then order one of their specialty shakes, whether you prefer all-American selections like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, or if you’d like to try something more “tropical” such as papaya, mango, or wheat puff (which tastes just like cereal!).

Most everything on the menu is extremely affordable. The empanadas are all under $2 to $3 each, while the Cuban sandwich is the most expensive at $5.90. This is a great place to eat if you’re looking to save on pocket change without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Every week has a new sandwich special, and every day offers specials for seniors and local heroes. For $6, seniors can order three empanadas, chips, and a drink; while veterans, first responders, nurses, doctors, fireman, and other local heroes can order a sandwich, chips, and drink.

“I try to offer affordable prices because everybody is on a budget nowadays, so I try to offer affordable food and prices for everyone,” said owner Mayra Sanchez.

Sanchez arrived with her family from Cuba when she was four years old. She has lived all of her life in America since then, yet she still remains proud of her Cuban roots, especially when it comes to cooking.

Her mother taught her how to cook, and she would often help out with her catering business in Miami for nine years. Sanchez would later serve as a McDonalds manager for a brief time during her younger years.

She visited Central Florida 11 years ago while on vacation to one of the big theme parks. So enthralled was she of the local area that she decided to move there with her family and start a business. And what business would be better for her to start than a Cuban restaurant?

“Just for the mere fact that there is no authentic Cuban food here in this area,” she replied. “I have been to several restaurants that have claimed to be Cuban, and once I taste the food, I know it is not Cuban at all. So I wanted to offer that authentic Cuban food to the neighbors around here in Winter Haven, and I knew that they would like it. I know they would like my cooking.”

Helping her out with her endeavors is her son, Orlando De La Paz. Orlando often helps out with the repairs such as with the sign or the kitchen equipment, while his wife works the front cash register. Both of them love the at-home atmosphere that the workplace has to offer.

Best of all, of course, is the authentic Cuban cuisine. Nowhere else can customers expect better food served up traditional Cuban style than at a restaurant run by a bunch of Cubans such as themselves, Orlando explained.

“It is not imitation stuff,” he said. “It is not any of the fake stuff. It is real empanadas, real flavors that bring out the Cuban in Winter Haven…I have co-workers that have come here once it first opened. They loved it. They said they would come back. A lot of their families have come here too already. I also love that we are growing quickly.”

The eatery has only been open for little less than a week, and yet not only have customers been flocking there in droves, but their reception has been nothing short of excellent, with plenty of five–star reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook.

“I found my new favorite spot,” one Facebook reviewer boasted. “The food is delicious. The prices are affordable and the atmosphere is relaxing. The moment you walk in you are greeted by a friendly staff who demonstrate amazing customer service. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is looking for authentic Cuban food.”

Sanchez not only hopes that her business continues to grow, but she already expects to open up a second location either in Lakeland or Haines City. Her eatery now remains open week long due to popular demand, and she hopes that popular demand will continue on in the near future.

“I try to have the best service that I can with good quality food, and everything is fresh every day, and so far, everyone is liking it,” she said. “The love that I put in it, I cook it with love, and I try to make it perfect.”

Empanada Heaven is located at 3290 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven, Fl 33884. For more information, call 863-280-6260, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/empandaheaven/

2 People Identified In Deadly Lakeland Crash Early Wednesday Morning

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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June 6, 2019

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2 People Identified In Deadly Lakeland Crash Early Wednesday Morning

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, FL – The Lakeland Police Department continues to investigate an early morning traffic crash at the intersection of East Memorial Boulevard (US 92) and Lakeshore Drive that resulted in two fatalities. On June 5, at approximately 12:39 am, Officer Jim Simon observed a tan, 2000 Cadillac sedan, commit a traffic violation in the Lakeshore Neighborhood area. While Simon was attempting to get the tag number of the Cadillac, it sped away for unknown reasons. Officer Simon was unable to catch up to the car to conduct a traffic stop before it ran a red light and struck another vehicle in the Memorial Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive intersection.

The Cadillac, driven by Cleon Truedell, crashed into the front passenger side of a blue 2017 Mitsubishi sedan driven by Linel Marie Vega-Ortiz. Vega-Ortiz was traveling westbound on Memorial Boulevard. The force of the impact caused the Mitsubishi to slide into a utility pole. The Cadillac hit a utility pole guide wire and cross-walk sign before rolling over just south of the intersection, landing in the roadway on Lakeshore Drive.

The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on scene and began to provide life-saving measures. Linel Vega-Ortiz was pronounced deceased by on-scene medical professionals. Cleon Truedell was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he later died at 1:30 am.

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately 4 and a half hours. It is still unknown at this time why Truedell fled upon sight of law enforcement.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

The driver of the Cadillac was identified as

Cleon Nathaniel Truedell

DOB: 07/15/1986

Plant City, FL

The Operator of the Mitsubishi was identified as

Linel Marie Vega-Ortiz

DOB: 05/21/1981

Lakeland, FL

Dean Of Students At Ridge Community High School Charged For Allegedly Failing To Report Criminal Sexual Conduct Complaint

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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June 5, 2019

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Dean Of Students At Ridge Community High School Charged For Allegedly Failing To Report Criminal Sexual Conduct Complaint

Haines City Police Department Press Release

HAINES CITY, FL – The dean of students at Ridge Community High School is being charged with failure to report abuse – a third-degree felony and resisting without violence – a first-degree misdemeanor. Kevin Sanford, 38, will be charged for not reporting a criminal sexual conduct complaint involving two students on May 28. One student accused another of criminal sexual conduct. The Haines City Police Department was made aware that an incident had occurred after it was reported from a Lake County emergency room after school on May 28. On the morning of May 29, police made contact with Sanford at Ridge Community High School who became physically irate, argumentative and failed to provide pertinent information related to the criminal sexual conduct. Sanford acknowledged to not notifying law enforcement, claiming it was the end of the school day and he had not yet completed his investigation. The principal told Sanford that law enforcement should have been notified immediately. The mother of the alleged victim said that she had spoken with Sanford about the incident about noon on May 28. The mother said she was told by Sanford that he would call her back once video was reviewed from where on campus the incident was said to have occurred. The mother said she had not heard back from Sanford on May 28, so she called the school and was told that he had left for the day. The mother took her daughter to the emergency room later that day. “I am terribly disappointed by the allegations that a staff member failed to report abuse,” said Jacqueline M. Byrd, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. “As educators, we have been entrusted with ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students. Allegations of abuse must always be promptly reported to the proper authorities. Failure to do so is not only illegal, it places our students at risk of further abuse — we cannot and will not allow that to happen. We are cooperating fully with our partners in law enforcement, and should we determine disciplinary action is merited based on the law enforcement investigation, I will act swiftly and to the fullest extent of my authority.” Sanford declined to speak further with detectives regarding the incident. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified by detectives. Sanford had been with Polk County Public Schools for 15 years and has no other disciplinary action in his file. He is paid an annual salary of $50,350. “When parents send their children off to school, they should be able to do so with trust in the school’s administration,” Chief Elensky said. “Mr. Sanford failed to act in this case, but we appreciate that the rest of the administration was very cooperative in this investigation.

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