Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2024) — Ready for a vacation? Get a jump-start on applying for a passport at this year’s Saturday passport event, hosted by Stacy M. Butterfield, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
With hectic work and school schedules, applying for passports on weekdays can be challenging. To simplify the application process, Clerk Butterfield is organizing a Saturday passport application event on Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clerk’s branch offices – Lakeland, 930 E. Parker St., and Northeast, 200 Government Center Blvd. Lake Alfred, FL 33850. Instant passport photos will be available on-site.
“We know that our weekday office hours may not always suit your schedule for a visit. Our Saturday event is designed to provide a more accessible option for passport applications, making it easier for you to apply for a passport,” Clerk Butterfield said.
To provide the quickest service possible, the Clerk’s office is unable to serve customers by telephone during this event. Please call ahead for questions and additional details.
Complete the preparation checklist to make sure you have everything needed to successfully complete the application.
Make sure to bring:
a check or money order for the correct amount AND cash or credit card (passport fees can be found on the Clerk’s website). A separate check or money order is required for each application. Both forms of payment are required as there are two separate fees for every application.
Proof of citizenship and identification.
Customers requesting overnight shipping must bring an overnight stamp with the application.
Please note, this event is only for new passport applications. Renewals must be completed through the Department of State. Contact the Polk County Clerk’s office at 863-534-4000, visit www.polkcountyclerk.net, or like the Polk County Clerk’s Facebook and Instagram page for updates and announcements.
I’m going to be perfectly honest: I had exceptionally low expectations going into this movie. When the first trailer was released last year, I rolled my eyes so hard watching it. Really? Who, in the Year of Our Lord 2023, was asking for a Willy Wonka origin story? Apparently, Warner Bros. seeing as they greenlit this concept for no other apparent reason than to bank on nostalgia for the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
To be fair, the original 1964 story by Roald Dahl certainly has room for adaptation outside of the 1971 classic. Tim Burton offered his darker, more twisted take on the tale with his 2005 remake. A stage musical created by David Greig has been performing since 2013. And, lest anyone forget, even Tom and Jerry had their own animated crossover in 2017. So, if anything, there’s a slim chance this prequel film starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular Wonka could very well offer a unique take on the classic chocolatier. But will it give us a world of pure imagination? Or is this movie oompa loompa doopity done on arrival?
This movie is the origin story of the amazing chocolatier Willy Wonka. Before he owned his imagination-defying factory, Wonka was a poor young lad with barely twelve silver coins in his pocket and a hatful of dreams. His biggest dream, of course, is to make and sell the best chocolate anyone has ever tasted. Of course, fulfilling that dream will require overcoming many obstacles including a conniving chocolate cartel, scheming landlords, and corrupt cops. Will Wonka succeed in opening his own chocolate factory, or—well, it’s a prequel, so that answer is obvious!
Wonka is a movie that’s hard to hate. The film essentially requires you to suspend your disbelief and leave your jaded adult cynicism at the theater doors. Because if you refuse to turn your brain off, you’re certainly going to nitpick every little thing on-screen and realize how trite and bland this film is, what with its melodramatic story, cardboard flat one-dimensional caricatures as characters, and a plot that’s both overly simple yet simultaneously overtly complicated.
Perhaps most egregious is the film’s trite premise of a young wide-eyed entrepreneur who goes from rags to riches by “pulling himself up by his bootstraps” through sheer brain power and elbow grease. This story may have been more believable during a more affluent age, but during these economically uncertain times, the overall message rings especially hollow.
In our current late-stage capitalist hellscape, where inflation has made the cost of everything from food to gas unaffordable, where the American Dream of owning your own home through only a single job and a high school education has become unattainable, where techbro grifters attempt to make easy money with stolen content through artificial intelligence and NFTs, where Jeff Bezos has become the richest man in the world while his workers require government assistance, where corporate profits continue to grow while the middle class shrinks, the idea that anyone can become ultra-wealthy through only hard work has become almost a bigger fantasy than that of a candy factory with a chocolate river run by little orange men.
Even then, Wonka still has an undeniable charm to it. To its credit, the film is directed by Paul King, who also created the surprisingly delightful Paddington films. So if anyone knows how to make a whimsical film, it’s him. Timothée Chalamet does an exceptional job performing the titular character, and Hugh Grant essentially steals the show through his performance of an Oompa Loompa—a role he’s evidently too good for, and yet he gives his all regardless.
The film’s biggest selling point, undoubtedly, is the music. While the songs are nowhere nearly as memorable as those in the 1971 classic, the musical numbers certainly prove captivating and entertaining. “A Hatful of Dreams” opens the film with a good start, and “For A Moment” certainly proves sufficently sentimental. And, of course, any rendition of “Pure Imagination” is going to be good.
If anything, Wonka requires the right mindset to watch. If you’re looking for a good film to turn your brain off and forget about the grind of daily life, this movie certainly offers a good distraction. The music and visuals are at least whimsically delightful enough, even if the story and characters are lacking. And it certainly makes for a good holiday film to put people in the holiday spirit even now that the holiday season is over. If you go into a film expecting to have a good time, you’ll certainly enjoy a good enough film.
Colonel James R. (Jim) Bell, 85, of Babson Park, Florida, died on December 12, 2023, after a brief struggle with lymphoma. He was a decorated Air Force fighter pilot and longtime public servant in multiple positions of civil government.
United States Air Force Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell
Born to Tracy and Dorothy Bell and happily raised in Albany, Georgia, Jim began his flying career as a teenager, achieving his pilot’s license in high school. Participating in ROTC during high school and college, he graduated from Emory University with a degree in economics. In 1960, Jim married his highschool sweetheart Linda Hard (deceased) and they were blessed with two sons, Chris and Tony. Following his education, Jim was commissioned by the United States Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot and tactical commander for nearly thirty years. He displayed courage, honor, dedication to his country, and earned the respect of his comrades and superiors alike. In 1983, Jim and Susan Clausen (Susie) were married at Luke AFB in Arizona where they were both stationed. Katie and Christie were soon welcomed and the new family enjoyed Jim’s last assignment as Base Commander of Tyndall AFB.
Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell
Upon retiring from the military in 1989, Jim transitioned to civilian life as the City Manager of Auburndale, Florida. He went on to serve in Polk County government for the next twenty years as director of multiple departments. Jim especially enjoyed flying for the Sheriff’s department, providing aerial photography for the county. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to the betterment of the people of Polk County. After retiring from the county, Jim served as Interim Executive Director of the Central Florida Economic Development Council and as President of the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce.
Public Servant Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell
After his second retirement, Jim remained active in church and community endeavors. He managed his twenty acre family homestead which included a citrus grove. He loved working with his tractor on the land, boating, and hosting gatherings withfamily and friends. Jim was always ready to share a joke or at thrilling story about his many adventures across the globe. Above all, Jim cherished the time he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren.
Dedicated Husband Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell
Jim was a devoted husband to his beloved Susie and a loving father to his children Chris (Rita), Tony (deceased), Katie(Gerald) and Christie (David). He was a proud grandfather toCurtis (deceased), Gerald, James, Madeleine, Samuel, Esther,Charlotte, Eleanor, and Beatrice. He cherished his sister Anne Sheppard of Summerville, South Carolina.
Dedicated Family Man Colonel (ret.) James R. (Jim) Bell
A memorial service honoring Jim will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales, Florida. Visitation with Jim’s family and friends will be at 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. A private interment will be held at family cemetery following the memorial service.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center. Contributions can be made online at https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/.
Around 11:20 a.m. the PCSO ECC received calls regarding a two-vehicle crash on Waring Road at Old Medulla Road in unincorporated Lakeland. When first responders arrived, they located 31-year-old Nick Calderon of Land O’ Lakes deceased inside a silver 2012 Mazda 6, which had been struck by a gray 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by 21-year-old Karen Bautista of Lakeland.
Evidence and interviews indicated that the Jeep was heading south on Waring as the Mazda was heading east on Old Medulla. The Mazda went into the path of the Jeep, and the Mazda was hit on the driver’s door by the front of the Jeep. Calderon was not wearing a seatbelt and there was significant intrusion into his car. He was fatally injured.
Bautista and her passenger were treated and released from Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, with minor injuries. Neither impairment, speed, nor distracted driving on her part appear to be factors. Those are all being investigated further regarding Mr. Calderon.
Around 8:20 p.m., the PCSO ECC received calls regarding a two-vehicle crash involving a semi tractor-trailer and a blue 2015 Hyundai Sonata on Spirit Lake Road at Shadow Wood Way in unincorporated Winter Haven. The semi, being driven by 21-year-old Moyses Ramirez of Arcadia, was heading south on Spirit Lake Road as the Hyundai, driven by 27-year-old Chelsea Darwin of Winter Haven, was heading north. The semi crossed over the center line and struck the Hyundai head-on, killing Ms. Darwin. Witnesses reported seeing the driver of the semi throwing objects from the cab of the truck. Deputies found four empty Modelo beer cans in proximity to the crash scene.
Ramirez showed signs of impairment at the scene and was evaluated by deputies. After field sobriety testing, he was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail for DUI Manslaughter (F2), Tampering with Evidence (F3), DUI with property damage (M1), and DUI (M2). His two breath samples measured 0.107 and 0.108.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives have arrested and charged 20-year-old Skylar Ready of Fort Meade, who is a Frostproof Middle Senior High School JV basketball coach, with four felonies related to his illegal and inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student at the school.
The victim disclosed that she and Ready dated when they were both students at the school. She is still a student there. After Ready began working at the school he sent her sexually explicit messages, including a threat to “kill her” if she slept with anyone else.
Ready has been charged with:
· Sex offense on student by authority figure (F2)
· Written threat to kill (F2)
· Transmission of material harmful to a minor (F3)
· Use of two-way communication device in commission of a felony (F3)
· Lewd battery (F2)
“There is no excuse for this guy using his position of authority over a student sexually. This is completely unacceptable. We applaud Polk County Public Schools taking swift action regarding this coach. We discovered this inappropriate relationship because somebody became aware of it and contacted us. It is more important than ever that if you see or hear something, say something.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff
FROM POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Skylar Ready has been the JV boys basketball coach at Frostproof Middle-Senior High School since the 2022-23 season. He passed a background check before serving as a community coach, and will no longer have any involvement with Polk County Public Schools. From Superintendent Fred Heid: “This individual’s actions show an alarming lack of judgement as a coach working with student athletes. This behavior is not tolerated in our schools; we appreciate the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for investigating this matter and protecting our students.”
A 69-year-old Wyoming man who is a pastor and church youth group leader has been charged by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with lewd molestation, a first degree felony.
The Riverton Police Department took Richard Shaw, DOB 10/3/1954, into custody for the Polk County Warrant and booked him into the Freemont County Jail.
In December 2023, Shaw visited Lakeland, FL, and when he returned back to Wyoming the Polk County victim disclosed to her mother that Shaw had inappropriately touched her underneath and over the top of her clothing while he was there. The mother called and spoke to Shaw, who admitted to touching the child, who is younger than 12 years old.
Shaw is a worship leader at “Under Command Ministries” in Freemont County, WY, and works in the youth ministry area as well. PCSO detectives notified the Freemont County Sheriff’s Office, who will conduct their own investigation to determine if Shaw has victimized any children there with whom he is in contact. PCSO detectives learned that Shaw works at or is affiliated with other churches in the area, and further investigation by Wyoming authorities is ongoing.
PCSO detectives interviewed Shaw, who told them he has an addiction to pornography and that when he touched the Lakeland victim he “gave in to temptation.” He was placed under arrest in Wyoming on January 4, 2024, and will be extradited to Polk County at a later date.
“We are working with Wyoming law enforcement to determine if this suspect victimized any other children there – we sincerely hope not. This man should never be allowed to have access to children again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Polk County, Florida – Commissioners have strong word’s regarding the leadership or perceived lack of leadership in the Polk County Fire Rescue Department at yesterdays meeting. One commissioner was prompted to say “I think we have a problem, I think we have a management problem in our fire department and Mr. Beasley that starts with you”. Years of overwhelming management complaints have taken a toll on their patience.
The Polk County Commission met for it regular meeting Tuesday morning, but it wasn’t your regular meeting. Shortly after Murphy Handly, Polk County Fire Rescue Chaplain, gave the invocation we started to realize this meeting was not going to be your typical meeting. The forth person to speak during public comments was the Tashana True, a family member to Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Charlie True who was terminated last Friday, who pointed to a past perceived unjustified firing of Polk County Fire Rescue Captain Jerry Riner and the again believed unjust firing of Battalion Chief Charlie True. “They were great bosses with huge hearts. These guys had exemplary records. I’ve heard so many stories of what these men have done to help save people lives. They have given up so much to do the career they chose and for it to be taken away, for what? And who is it actually benefiting? What is the root to all of this? There are questions that we as citizens need to know.” said Tashana in her address to the commission. This immediately prompted board Chairman Bill Braswell to say we have short agenda today and I think we will get thru it quickly and then have an extensive conversation on this later on”.
The past four days have been eye opening for some and same old same old for others. On Friday January 5, Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Charles True was reportedly terminated for insubordination, which is a catch all for recent high profile terminations within the department. His termination and subsequent appeal by the local IAFF3531 fire fighters union is currently in process, so commissioners could not speak directly on the matter. Commissioners did speak about their frustration over the last years. The below video is a clip of some of their comments. Bill Beasley is the Polk County Manager.
Commissioners Comments On Polk County Fire Rescue Management
The end result was the commissioners agree to finding an organization, unbiased third entity, to review the PCFR department from top to bottom.
The entire commission meeting can be found here on Polk County Government website: HERE
We will have more on Battalion Chief Charlie True’s termination in a separate article later on today.
(January 9, 2024 – Bartow, FL) Due to the risk of severe weather, including intense thunderstorms and damaging winds, the City of Bartow will close all City facilities including City Hall, the Public Library, Carver and Polk Street Recreation Centers, the Civic Center, the Bartow Golf Course and Mulligans as well as all parks at 1 p.m. today. Solid Waste service will continue as weather conditions allow. Police, Fire, Public Works, Electric, Water and Wastewater will continue to provide all essential services as directed in the city’s emergency management protocols. City of Bartow Customer Service will suspend working Service Orders such as Service Initiations, Service Terminates, etc., as of noon today. All Service orders received after noon today will be worked on Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a wind advisory in effect through 7 p.m. for west central and southwest Florida. There also is an elevated severe thunderstorm risk, meaning that scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms are possible. A few may be intense. Storms will begin impacting the area early in the afternoon (2 – 6 p.m. in the Bartow area). Damaging winds, tornadoes/waterspouts and heavy rainfall are possible.
Residents are advised to store or secure loose items on their property as soon as possible and to bring pets inside. Questions or requests for non-emergency assistance after 1 p.m. should be directed to 863.534.5034.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force detectives, working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully concluded two drug trafficking investigations involving central Florida-based drug trafficking organizations. Both investigations resulted in the arrest of 10 men and 1 woman who were involved in trafficking multiple kilos of fentanyl and cocaine. A total of 14 kilos of cocaine and 3 ½ kilos of bulk fentanyl and fentanyl pills were seized, along with four firearms, a vehicle, and $12,985 US currency.
The investigations were conducted with the assistance of the State Financial Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E) Florida Program managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2023, the Florida Legislature established state funding for the S.A.F.E program to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking. The grant provides financial support and assistance for approved fentanyl-related investigative costs, such as overtime, travel, investigative supplies and equipment, and training.
The following agencies were involved with the investigations: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.
“I’m proud of our detectives and partner agencies who worked hard to remove 17 ½ kilos of destructive drugs off the streets. We are all working together to fight fentanyl, which is killing people by the thousands in the US because of drug overdoses. These drug traffickers are destroying lives, families and communities. These drugs go hand-in-hand with violence and misery in our communities.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
Espinosa & Romero Central Florida Drug Trafficking Organization; 5 arrests
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force detectives, working with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, successfully concluded a drug trafficking investigation involving a central Florida-based drug trafficking organization. Undercover detectives identified 56-year-old Pedro Luis “Bemba” Romero of Kissimmee. Romero was believed to be involved in the sale of multiple kilos of cocaine. Romero has a criminal history that included robbery, trafficking in cocaine, other narcotics violations related to MDMA and cocaine, and federal narcotic violations that resulted in Romero being incarcerated in federal prison for 80 months.
Detectives arranged to buy a kilo of cocaine from Romero in Haines City in November of 2023. Romero brought his drug supplier, 44-year-old Maximo Espinosa of Kissimmee, with him to the drug transaction.
Further investigation revealed that Espinosa was operating a Drug Trafficking Organization operating between the northeast United States, South Florida, Puerto Rico and Mexico trafficking kilo amounts of cocaine and fentanyl. Espinosa had previously been arrested federally for armed trafficking in Heroin.
Two other meetings were arranged in December where the undercover detective received a sample of fentanyl and then purchased a kilo of fentanyl from Espinosa. Another transaction for larger amounts of both cocaine and fentanyl was arranged with Espinosa and Romero to take place on January 2, 2024 at a location in Haines City.
On that date, detectives learned that Espinosa’s contacts would travel to Polk County to provide the fentanyl. During the evening hours of January 2, 2024, an undercover detective met with Espinosa; he showed the detective ten kilos of cocaine and two kilos of fentanyl in the trunk of his car.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies, working with other agencies, took Espinosa into custody. A separate vehicle involved in the drug transaction contained 35-year-old Pedro Mejia of West Palm Beach, and 22-year-old Pedro Olivares of Wimauma (the fentanyl suppliers). During the arrests, a white BMW fled the area, physically striking one of the undercover deputy’s leg (the deputy was later transported to the hospital, was treated and cleared with no serious injury). The fleeing BMW was tracked visually through the use of aerial surveillance, which directed law enforcement vehicles and members to unincorporated Winter Haven, where law enforcement strategically moved vehicles into position. The fleeing BMW was immobilized with minimal damage. The driver, 34-year-old Omar Veloz of West Palm Beach, was taken into custody without further incident. Detectives later determined that Veloz and Mejia are on federal probation for trafficking narcotics.
Detectives believe Romero was in the area of the drug transaction and fled the area undetected. Romero was later arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and booked into the Polk County Jail.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation are: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, Winter Haven Police Department, 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Brian Haas, State Attorney), Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Attorney General’s Office (Attorney General Ashley Moody), Federal Bureau of Investigations, US Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.
Maximo Espinosa was taken into Federal custody where he faces drug trafficking charges. Veloz, Mejia, and Olivares were charged and booked into the Polk County Jail. Romero was later arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.
As a result of the investigation, detectives seized: 12 kilograms of cocaine, 3 ½ kilograms fentanyl powder and fentanyl pills, 2 firearms, a vehicle, and $4,450 in US currency.
Those arrested are:
*Maximo Espinosa, 1727 King Phillip Dr.,Kissimmee, FL, 44
Federal drug trafficking charges expected; please direct questions to the office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida (Roger B. Handberg)—Department of Justice.
Criminal History: Assault with intent to commit physical injury to officer (Felony), disorderly conduct (Misdemeanor), menacing- (Felony) (1996, New York); criminal possession of a narcotic (Felony), criminal sale of a narcotic (Felony); intent to sell narcotic (Felony) (1997, New York); – criminal use of facility (Felony), drug conspiracy (Felony), possession of a firearm (Felony), dealing/receiving stolen property (Felony) (2001/2007, Pennsylvania); possession with intent to distribute heroin (Felony), possession of firearm/trafficking in heroin (FELONY), convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Felony), narcotic violation x11 (Misdemeanors) (2009- Pennsylvania) *Charged Federally and On Federal Probation* A total of 14 Felonies 12 Misdemeanors.
Omar Veloz, Jr., 5345 Bonky Ct., West Palm Beach, FL 33415, 34
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Aggravated battery on LEO
Resisting officer with violence
Resisting officer without violence
Fleeing to elude
Criminal History: Battery (Misdemeanor), Carrying Concealed weapon x3 (Felony), Possession of drug paraphernalia x6 (Misdemeanor), Possession of cannabis x8 (Misdemeanor), Possession of cocaine x3 (Felony), Possession of Short barrelled shotgun/rifle (Felony), Possession of cannabis over 20 grams (Felony), Possession of cocaine with intent to sell (Felony), Possession of cannabis with intent to sell (Felony), Resist officer with violence (Felony), DUI (Misdemeanor), Driving .15 or higher with person under age of 18 (Misdemeanor), Driving while license suspended x2 (Misdemeanor), Opium Delivery 4 grams to under 30 kilograms (Felony), Sale of oxycodone (Felony), Sale of hallucinogen (Felony), Conspiracy to traffic Heroin. Total of 18 Felonies 19 Misdemeanors. *On Federal Probation*
Pedro Mejia, 4868 Carefree Trail, West Palm Beach, FL, 35
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Criminal History: Grand Theft over 100K+ (Felony), Burglary Unarmed (Felony) (Probation 2 years), Vehicle Theft (Felony), Unoccupied Burglary (Felony), Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor), Burglary of Dwelling/Conveyance armed (Felony), Burglary of structure (Felony), Grand Theft over 300 (Felony) (State Prison 1.2 years), Possession of weapon (Felony), Possess ammunition by convicted felon (Felony), Utter False Instrument (Felony), Grand Theft X3 (Felony) (State Prison 5 Years), Utter false bad check (Felony), Possess Forged Bills 10 or more (Felony), Carrying Concealed weapon (Felony), Possession of Cannabis (Misdemeanor), Driving While License Suspended (Misdemeanor), Trespassing with posted notice (Misdemeanor) (2005/2015-Broward/Palm Beach/Martin County), *Arrested for Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine (Crack)*; *On Federal Probation* Total of 17 Felonies and 5 Misdemeanors.
Ruben Olivares, 3307 River Road, Wimauma, FL, 22
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Criminal History: possession of marijuana (M)
Pedro Luis Romero, 1797 Lisa Ln, Kissimmee, 56
Trafficking in fentanyl (over 28 grams)
Trafficking in cocaine (over 400 grams)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Criminal History: Obstruct Without Violence (Misdemeanor)- Multiple Charges, Resist officer without violation (Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor), Robbery with Firearm (Felony) (Felony Probation 5 years), Grand Theft 100K+ (Felony)- Multiple Charges, Battery Domestic (Misdemeanor)- Multiple Charges, Fraud-Insufficient Check (Felony), Obtain goods for $150+ (Felony), Bank deposit with intent to defraud (Felony), Domestic Battery with strangulation (Felony) (Probation 1.5 years), Harassing a witness or victim (Misdemeanor), Petit Theft (Misdemeanor)- Multiple charges, Violation of Injunction (Misdemeanor), Employee not getting workmans comp (Felony), Engage in contracting without License 1st offense (Misdemeanor) and repeat offense (Felony), Larceny Grand Theft (Felony), Falsely Identifying as a contractor (Felony), Fraud/Impersonating Contractor (Felony), Fraud/Contractor during state of emergency (Felony), (1991/2015- West Palm Beach/Port St. Lucie/Hillsborough County/Pasco County), *Previously Arrested Federally for Trafficking in cocaine in Panama- Went to Federal Prison* Total of 16 felonies and 18 misdemeanors.
Colon-Colon Drug Trafficking Organization
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working as a part of the Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, arrested six suspects on December 17, 2023 who were a part of a drug trafficking organization known to sell trafficking amounts of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Investigators learned in August of 2023 that a man named Luis Salcedo-Rodriguez aka “Flaco” was linked with drug trafficking in Polk County. Detectives met with Salcedo-Rodriguez who offered to sell kilos of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to undercover detectives.
During the investigation, detectives learned the source of supply of the cocaine offered by Salcedo-Rodriguez was Roosevelt Colon-Colon of Poinciana.
Detectives first arranged for the purchase of 1 kilo of cocaine. In December, detectives arranged a second purchase for additional cocaine. An undercover detective initially met Luis Salcedo and 29-year-old Miguel Berdecia who arrived in a BMW sedan. While they were talking, a pickup truck arrived containing Roosevelt Colon-Colon and Julio Arroyo Rodriguez—they were in possession of 1 kilo of cocaine. During the conversation, another vehicle arrived. That vehicle contained 44-year-old Jazmine Colon, 47-year-old Omar Medina and a 7-year-old girl who was in Jazmine Colon’s custody.
Sheriff’s deputies stopped all of the vehicles and arrested all involved (except for the 7-year-old). Julio Arroyo Rodriguez had a loaded 9mm handgun on him as he was taken into custody and Colon-Colon threw a 9mm handgun from his waistband on the floorboard of the truck just prior to being taken into custody.
A total of 2+ kilos of cocaine were obtained during the investigation (2,198.91 grams). $8,535 in US currency and two firearms were seized during the arrest in December.
Those arrested are:
Luis “Flaco” Salcedo-Rodriguez, 45, Auburndale
Charges: trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (F1), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Criminal history: battery, dealing in stolen property, engage in pawnbroker business without a license, false info and pawn items less than $300, fraud, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, burglary unoccupied structure no assault or battery, burglary occupied of dwelling unarmed, grand theft, nuisance structure for drug activity, maintain a structure for drug use, possession of heroin with intent to sell, possession of a hallucinogen, possession of heroin, possession of oxycodone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of alprazolam, knowingly driving with suspended license, 0perate vehicle without valid license, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in heroin over 4 grams, maintain a residence for drug trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of synthetic cannabinoid 28 grams. (20 felonies, 10 misdemeanors, sentenced to a total of 12 years in Florida state prison serving 3 separate sentences.) His most recent release from state prison was on 12/18/2021.
Roosevelt Colon Colon, 29, Poinciana
Charges: armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (FL), possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Criminal history: driving with a suspended license (2014), driving with a suspended license (2015), criminal mischief, aggravated assault w intent to kill, shooting into a building or vehicle (Resulted in 5 years state prison), unlawful racing on highway, and driving while license suspended habitual (Felony).
Julio Arroyo Rodriguez, 38, Poinciana
Charges: Armed trafficking in cocaine, 400 grams or more (FL) and possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Criminal history: Possession of cocaine and operating a motorcycle without a license.
Omar Medina, 47, Tampa
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (F1), negligent child abuse (F3)
Criminal history: Carry concealed weapons; attack to commit murder, attempt to kill police, resistance to public officer, criminal act, mayhem (Puerto Rico charges); dangerous drugs money laundering, conspiracy to traffic at least 1 kilogram of heroin (2007 federal arrest; DEA Puerto Rico)—convicted 11 years federal bureau of prisons; conspiracy to traffic cocaine- (2010 federal arrest, DEA Puerto Rico)—convicted in plea bargain to 15 years to the federal bureau of prisons; dangerous drugs money laundering. Placed on Federal probation in 2022; federal probation was set to end in 2030.
Miguel Berdecia, 29, Bartow
Charges: Trafficking in cocaine over 400 grams- (F1)
Jazmine Colon, 44, Tampa
Charges: Conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 400 grams of cocaine (F1), child neglect without bodily harm (F3).
Criminal history: petit theft
*Information provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is directly related to information and public arrest documents filed in the 10th Judicial Circuit related to the two above described investigations. This information and all photos provided are distinct and apart from any federal prosecution.
