Over 100 People Arrested On Prostitution & Child Sex Trafficking Sting

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December 3, 2018

Over 100 People Arrested On Prostitution & Child Sex Trafficking Sting

UPDATE:

PCSO RELEASE:

From Tuesday, November 27, through Sunday, December 2, 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives conducted a six day human trafficking and prostitution operation. Members conducted investigations focused on both prostitutes posting online advertisements as well as “johns” seeking prostitutes online.

In all, 103 suspects were arrested. 54 of the arrests were for those who advertise as prostitutes online. 29 of the arrests were those who solicited undercover detectives who posted ads posing as prostitutes. 13 other arrests were made of those who derive proceeds from prostitution and 7 were taken into custody for drug charges and other offenses.

Charges for those arrested include human trafficking, soliciting another for prostitution, offering to commit prostitution, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution, transporting to a building for prostitution, using a communication device to commit a felony, and drug charges.

Those arrested were charged with a total of 44 felonies and 130 misdemeanors.

Those arrested have a total of 368 previous felony and 483 misdemeanor arrests. 9 of the suspects told deputies they were married and 8 said they were receiving public assistance.

Detectives identified three females who could be possible human trafficking victims.

27-year-old Anthony Camacho was taken into custody for possession of cannabis and human trafficking. He has an extensive criminal history including attempted murder and kidnapping. Camacho drove a 17-year-old girl, who is a potential victim of human trafficking, to the location for her to have sex.

She told detectives she has paid him several times to give her a ride to meet Johns. She refers to Camacho as “King,” which is commonly the given name of a pimp. She was charged with drug charges and is listed as a runaway from Virginia. Detectives reached out to the group, One More Child, to begin services on her behalf.

Two other potential victims of human trafficking were also taken into custody.

One has been charged with Soliciting for prostitution and third potential victim has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

Detectives and social service organizations will work with the women to provide them services.

Also among the arrests is 26-year-old Edwin Lopez of Kissimmee. He engaged in conversation with whom he thought was a 14-year-old girl, but instead was talking to an undercover detective. Lopez asked her about her sexual experiences and arranged to meet her with the intent to sexually batter her.

Deputies took him into custody and charged him with using a 2-way communication device to commit a felony, traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to lure a child, and lewd battery.

Detectives also arrested 54-year-old Dr. Sarat Sabharwal of Winter Park for soliciting another for Prostitution. Sabharwal is an urologist at The VA Hospital in Orlando. He also works as a trauma surgeon when needed. He negotiated over the phone and via text to engage in a half hour of sex and agreed to pay 100 dollars for the service.

An IT Consultant is also among those who were taken into custody. 54-year-old Sriram Aswatharamaiah was arrested for soliciting another for prostitution. He is from Fort Worth, Texas and traveled to the location for sex. He asked an undercover detective to her to expose her breasts to prove she wasn’t a cop.

He was then taken into custody.

43-year-old Wallace Sheppard, a reservist in the U.S. Navy and 22-year-old Jeffery Tacy, a server at All Stars Movie Resort at Disney, were also arrested and charged with soliciting another for Prostitution.

Three of the suspects arrested, Walter Leiva, Juan Loaisa and Yefri Guevara, are in the country illegally and have all be charged with soliciting a prostitute.

Currently, detectives are looking for a traveler suspect who is at large.

49-year-old William Welch arrived near the location to have sex with a 14-year-old girl. Detectives found his vehicle in the area, but were unable to locate him. Welch is facing several charges, including Traveling to meet a minor, Using a 2-way communication device, Using a Computer to Solicit a Child and Attempted Lewd Battery.

Detectives worked closely with One More Child and the Department of Children and Families during the operation to provide services for identified or potential human trafficking victims.

During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes. Some of the detectives responded to profiles and online ads posted by prostitutes. Despite the repeated warnings and media coverage of past operations, several suspects responded to the ads and drove to the location.

“We conduct these kinds of investigations because of the link between prostitution, human trafficking, drug crimes, economic crimes such as burglary and fraud, and violent crime. We have learned over many years that when we pay attention to public order and quality of life crimes such as prostitution, we can reduce and prevent other crimes while strengthening the community. Prostitution is not a victimless crime. From the spread of disease, destruction of families, and to the scourge of human trafficking, prostitution is bad for our community. In some cases, children and women are forced to prostitute while under the control of pimps. We remain committed to fighting human trafficking by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims. Our goal is to change the lives of those who are feeling trapped in this horrific lifestyle.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Suspects traveled from the following areas to an undercover location in Polk County: Orlando, Tampa, Haines City, Ocoee, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Lake Alfred, Coconut Creek, Brandon, Lake Wales, Sebring, Port Richey, and Altamonte Springs, Citrus Spring, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Davenport, Longwood, New Port Richey, Clermont, Deland, Miami, Ocala, Sanford, Winter Park, Fort Worth, Texas, Mineral, Virginia, Memphis, TN, Jackson, TN, Dothan, AL, Ozark, AL, Jackson, MS, Dacula, GA.

Below are links to the three videos of specific suspects’ arrests:

Dr Sarat Sabharwal

Wallace Sheppard

Jeffery Tacy

Guiqin-Hu

Amanda-Weekly

Roisin-Jennings

Priscilla-Allen

Megan-Inman

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

PCSO Undercover Detectives have arrested more than 100 suspects during an undercover investigation focusing on human trafficking.

Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media Monday, December 3, at 1:00 p.m. at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven, about the investigation.

Beginning on Tuesday, November 27, through Sunday, December 2, 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s office undercover detectives conducted a six day Human Trafficking operation. Members conducted investigations focused on both prostitutes posting online advertisements as well as “johns” seeking female prostitutes online.

In all, 103 suspects have been arrested.

Fifty-six of the arrests were for those who advertise as prostitutes online. Thirty of the arrests were those who solicited undercover detectives who posted ads posing as prostitutes. Eleven other arrests were made of those who derive proceeds from prostitution and six were taken into custody for drug charges and other offenses.

Charges for those arrested include soliciting another for prostitution, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution, transporting to building for prostitution and using a communication device to commit a felony.

Detectives worked closely with One More Child and the Department of Children and Families during the operation.

During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes. Some of the detectives responded to profiles and online ads posted by prostitutes. Despite the repeated warnings and media coverage of past operations, several suspects responded to the ads and drove to the undisclosed undercover location.

Agricultural Producers Encouraged to Join Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

Staff Reporter

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November 30, 2018

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Agricultural Producers Encouraged to Join Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

By Allison Williams

If you live in Florida, chances are you have passed a citrus grove several times while on the road. Joe Garrison, owner of Garrison’s Grove Service and member of the Polk Soil Water Conservation Board, has been in the industry for several years.

Garrison spends a lot of time going out in public to help local farmers. “We go out and find ways to help the farmer out, whether it be a citrus, cattle, strawberry o blueberry farmer,” Garrison said. “Anything that has to do with agriculture in Florida, we help.”

Garrison wants to spread the word that there are plenty of resources out there to aid growers.

“Agriculture, especially citrus is hurting, so we want to do everything we can to make it easier on the growers. We really want to encourage growers and new entrepreneurs to get involved.”

There is a cost share program available in Polk County to help growers.

Garrison shares some of the many ways the cost share program helps:

How to save water
How to be more efficient with watering and fertilizing nutrients
Protecting the environment

Drew Pitts, Conservation Technician works in conjunction with the Florida Department of Agriculture.

Pitts explains the process of the cost share program:

“The first thing is the agricultural producer has to be signed up with the best management practices (BMP’s) through the Florida Department Of Agriculture. Once they sign the BMP agreement they are then enrolled and become eligible for the cost share money that is available.”

The big incentive to this program is that it is free to sign up.

Pitts continues to explain the process:

“They would then contact me and let me know they want to apply for the cost share money and send me the quotes for the cost of doing the project. They cannot purchase the materials or pay for anything until the project is approved. They will have to sign an application from me to apply for the money and once that application is approved I will have them sign an agreement for the project with the understanding that the reimbursement amount will be 75% of the total cost and that they will have to pay the full amount and give me proof of payment before I can authorize the reimbursement. At this time they can begin working and paying for materials for that project. When the job is done and they provide proof of payment I then go out and look at the project to verify it is done and I submit a request for payment. My boss looks over the request and authorizes the check for 75% of the project cost to be sent to the agricultural producer.”

To get in contact with Pitts, call or email:

850-901-4644

[email protected]

In the recent election, Garrison was reelected for the Polk Soil Water Conservation District with over 54% of the votes.

“My next term, I am determined more than ever to help our farmers save water, save money and save the environment,” he said. “We must keep our agriculture community strong. We are the richest, the strongest and the smartest country in the world and we can beat any challenge that comes our way.”

Meals on Wheels Celebrates 46 Years at Annual Meeting Attended by 200 Volunteers and Staff

Staff Reporter

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November 30, 2018

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Meals on Wheels Celebrates 46 Years at Annual Meeting Attended by 200 Volunteers and Staff

WINTER HAVEN, FL (Nov. 29, 2010) – Meals on Wheels (MOW) of Polk County used its 2018 annual meeting to thank the hundreds of volunteers who prepared and delivered more than 85,000 nutritious, home-cooked meals to homebound people throughout Polk County during the past year.

“We sincerely thank all of the volunteers who make it possible for us to feed homebound people by donating their valuable time to serve as drivers, kitchen and warehouse workers and thrift shop clerks,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Susan Eldridge, in welcoming the estimated 200 volunteers, staff and guests who attended the function at Heartland Church in downtown Winter Haven.

The volunteers were rewarded for their support of Meals on Wheels and the estimated 350 homebound people it serves each weekday with a buffet-style dinner prepared by Oasis Catering. This was MOW’s 46th annual meeting.

As she opened the meeting Eldridge thanked Pastor Ed Kendrick of Heartland Church for making his worship hall available to MOW for the annual meeting and dinner. Kendrick, who serves on MOW’s volunteer board of directors, offered a special blessing before the meal was served.

In the business part of the meeting, Treasurer Dan Mann said he was “pleased to report” that MOW is debt free. It was also announced that MOW President Caroline Santiago, Vice President Cari Herrington, Mann, Kendrick and Eldridge will continue serving on the Board of Directors in 2019 along with Mary Ellen Baker, Chris Collany, Steve Griffith, Jeff Hayes, Heather McCarter, Kenny Moore, Ken Nelson, Marilyn Riggs, Cynthia Crowfoot Rignanese, Michael Tanner and Paul Woods.

Eldridge recognized retiring board members Jerry Williams and Sandi Williams for their many years of dedicated service to Meals on Wheels. She also cited Emma Jean Hackle for serving 32 consecutive years as a driver and George Bunda who retired this year after 27 years as a driver. Drivers recognized for reaching the 25-year milestone this year were Ann and Rex Yentes and Anne and Bill Romoser.

Headquartered at 620 Sixth Street in Winter Haven, MOW Polk County is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that each year prepares and delivers 85,000 meals to homebound people in Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Davenport and parts of Lakeland.

On a typical weekday, MOW volunteers visit 350 homes of people mostly over the age of 65 to provide them with nutritious, freshly cooked, hot meals. MOW’s army of 320 volunteers not only deliver meals, but are very often the only people clients have have an opportunity to interact with on a daily basis.

Meals on Wheels of Polk County welcomes volunteers to serve as drivers, kitchen workers, thrift store clerks, fundraisers and board members. Anyone wishing to become a MOW volunteer or client should call Susan Eldridge at 863-299-1616. Information also can be obtained by visiting the MOW Web site at www.mealsonwheelspolk.com.

Several Sutdents from Mulberry Middle School Transported to Local Hospital After Reaction to Marijuana-Infused Gummies

Staff Reporter

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November 29, 2018

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Several Sutdents from Mulberry Middle School Transported to Local Hospital After Reaction to Marijuana-Infused Gummies

PCSO Release:

UPDATE:

On Thursday, November 29, 2018, PCSO detectives arrested and charged 12-year-old Leviticus Jones of Bartow, a 7th grader a Mulberry Middle School, with 6 counts distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school (F-2), 1 count possession of marijuana resin (F-3), and 1 count possession of paraphernalia (M-1).

Jones brought a pack of Green Hornet fruit punch gummies containing 100 mg of THC to the school, and shared them with his classmates during 2nd period, around 10:00 a.m., in gym class. One of the kids who consumed the candy told a faculty member. School faculty immediately got involved, and five kids (3 girls and 2 boys, all 12 years old) were transported by EMS to a hospital; another 12-year-old girl was picked up by her mother. The five who were transported complained of stomach pains, nausea, dizziness, or a combination thereof. Jones told detectives he didn’t eat any of it.

Detectives located the empty package in the trash.

According to the manufacturer based in California, there are 10 pieces of gummy candy in each package, each containing 10 mg of THC. All 100 mg were consumed by at least six (but possibly more) children.

It is illegal to possess this package of gummies in the state of Florida.

The investigation is ongoing into how Jones obtained the product, and more charges are pending depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Original Release:

PCSO responded to Mulberry Middle School this afternoon, Thursday, November 29, 2018, in response to several students who had a negative reaction to marijuana-laced gummy bears they had ingested. PCSO detectives are working with school personnel and Polk County Public Schools, and investigating how the children accessed the candy. Criminal charges are pending.

According to Polk County Fire Rescue, five students were transported to the hospital, and two other students were picked up by their parents, to be medically checked out.

“We have long been concerned about the dangers of marijuana-infused candy, and that it would get into the hands of, and poison, children. Here’s an example of that.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Children Can Direct Band At Lakeland Concert Band Christmas Concert

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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November 29, 2018

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Children Can Direct Band At Lakeland Concert Band Christmas Concert

by James Coulter

Outside the snow may not be falling, but your friends are sure to be calling “yoo-hoo!”, because it’s still lovely weather to listen to “Sleigh Ride” together with you.

Children may not be able to go on a sleigh ride through a winter wonderland down here in Florida, but they have the chance to lead a band in playing the song “Sleigh Ride” during an upcoming Christmas Concert.

The Lakeland Concert Band will be hosting its annual Christmas concert at Youkey Theater in the RP Funding Center in Lakeland on Sun., Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m.

The free holiday concert will include diverse performances of classic Christmas songs such as “Winter Wonderland”, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and “What Child Is This.”

Most of the songs will be instrumental music as performed by the band’s more than 100 musicians, while others will include vocals by local performers such as Kent Brady with “Blue Christmas” and Rebecca Renfroe with “The Christmas Song.”

The main highlight that afternoon will be during the intermission, when children within the audience will have an opportunity to come up on stage and take the role of conductor leading the band during a performance of “Sleigh Ride.”

Whether young or old, attendees of all ages are sure to love listening to classic holiday melodies as performed by a live concert band, and they’re even free to sing along if they want to, said Vic Larsen, Band Director.

“We tell the audience that if you hear something that you like and you want to sing it, then sing it with the band,” he said.

For the past 40 years, the Lakeland Concert Band has been offering free live musical performances from a variety of genres from classical, jazz, and even rock and roll.

More than four weeks to a month are spent practicing and preparing for these free performances, most of which are funded through the generous donations and sponsorships provided by local individuals and businesses.

“We do a lot of hard work,” Larsen said. “We have a board of directors, and we have to work together to produce what we want to produce. We have to set up the dates, [and] make sure that the venues we perform at are good.”

Larsen has been with the band for nearly as long as it has been around—39 years exactly! As an educator, he appreciates being able to expose young children to great music by classic composers such as Irving Berlin or George Gershwin.

By far, the one thing he loves most is being able to see both the audience and the band enjoy their music.

“We try to do something for everybody,” Larsen said. “I just enjoy watching the audience enjoy it. I also enjoy watching the band, because if the band likes the music, and they do stuff they like, if they like the music, then the audience likes the music as well.”

The Lakeland Band Concert Christmas Concert will be hosted on Sun., Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Youkey Theater in the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W. Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815.

The concert is free, though parking at the RP Funding Center is $10. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.lakelandconcertband.org/

Saturday December 1st 2018 Merry Pawsmas

Highlands County News

Staff Reporter

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November 28, 2018

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Saturday December 1st 2018 Merry Pawsmas

Come to Animal Services on Saturday to help us celebrate Merry PAWSmas!

The Christmas holidays are a time of giving…giving and sharing of love and friendship. This holiday season, consider giving the gift of a furever home. Two local pet loving organizations, Saunders Second Chances and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, are teaming up again this year to present Merry PAWSmas on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. located on 7300 Haywood Taylor Blvd., Sebring. These organizations will be kicking off the holiday season with an adoption day for furry friends of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages.

Saunders Second Chances partnered with HCSO Animal Services, with a mission to enrich the lives of our furry little friends within our community and to assist Highlands County Animal Services fulfill its goal for pet adoptions to a Forever Loving Home by fostering four legged kids. This program is focused on raising funds while simultaneously raising awareness about adoptions and volunteering at Highlands County Animal Services. Through fostering and healing homeless animals, providing the highest quality of care while reducing costs on spays and neuters for those truly in need, Saunders Second Chances has become a vital link in the animal service community.

This Saturday, December 1, some of the adoption fees will be waived as a celebration with the new family as they give the gift of a furever home.

“We are excited about the event. We are very grateful for Saunders Second Chances and Saunders Veterinary Services for their help in the planning for this event and vetting of the animals. We are in hopes of a good turn out with lots of pets finding their forever homes,” said Highlands County Animal Services Manager Aubre McAnally.

And to make the day even more fun and exciting, there will be kid’s activities, raffle prizes and giveaways to kick off this Merry Season! So bring a friend, a neighbor or two and let’s work together to give the gift of a furever home.

If you are not able to attend, you can still help: 1) Adopt a Furry Friend, 2) Share and spread the word about Merry PAWSmas and/or 3) Tax free donations made to Saunders Second Chances to help us continue to provide health care and surgeries. Donations can be made at this event or online at www.vetcarefoundation.org and be sure to designate Saunders Second Chances to receive the donations.

Merry PAWSmas will be held at Highlands County Animal Services, 7300 Haywood Taylor Blvd, Sebring, FL 33876 on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Please note that no outside pets are allowed per the safety rules of the HCSO Animal Services facility.

By Anastasia Saunders
November 27, 2018

Lake Wales Man Charged With Driving 94 Miles An Hour On Hwy 27 & Then Fleeing Police

Staff Reporter

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November 28, 2018

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Lake Wales Man Charged With Driving 94 Miles An Hour On Hwy 27 & Then Fleeing Police

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

A man driving 94 MPH on US Highway 27 through Dundee on Tuesday afternoon, November 27, 2018, fled from a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy when he attempted to pull him over, and then fled on foot after he stopped. Deputies subsequently caught and arrested 22-year-old Javeion Robinson of 523 Dawnlight Drive, Lake Wales.

Robinson had been driving north on US Highway 27 in a black 2008 Cadillac GTS when a deputy, who was in the area conducting traffic enforcement, noticed the car travelling at a high rate of speed. Robinson’s speed was confirmed at 94 MPH in a 50 MPH zone through the use radar.

The deputy activated his emergency lights and began going after the car, but it made an abrupt east turn onto Dundee Road. The deputy then watched as the vehicle turned onto Lemon Street. Robinson parked the car, and fled on foot.

Robinson was tracked and located by a PCSO K-9 unit.

According to the arrest affidavit, Robinson told the arresting deputy that he knew he was speeding and he did not have a valid driver license, which is why he fled. He was also in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

“Driving 40 miles per hour over the speed limit is not a smart thing to do…especially on a dangerous road like Highway 27. You ought not be driving a car if you don’t have a valid license. But if you do, driving over 90 miles per hour is not the best way to avoid the attention of our deputies.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Javeion Robinson was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Fleeing to Elude, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR), Resisting, and Possession of Marijuana. He also received a citation for Speeding.

Robinson’s prior criminal history includes two felony convictions (Burglary and Grand Theft) and two misdemeanor convictions (Resisting and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia).

Mother Succumbs To Injuries After Trying To Stop Her Separated Suicidal Husband From Abducting Their Child

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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November 28, 2018

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Mother Succumbs To Injuries After Trying To Stop Her Separated Suicidal Husband From Abducting Their Child

Lake Wales, Florida – A Lake Wales mother has succumbed to her injuries she suffered trying to stop her separated, suicidal husband from taking their son from Kirkland Gym where he was playing basketball. The couple had recently become separated. Beverly Smith Stephens put herself in harms way to stop her husband, Travis Edward Stephens from taking their son. Beverly was employed at Publix for 13 years and was a member of God’s Revival Center by Faith. She is survived by her two sons, Joshua (9) and Caleb (6)

On November 20, 2018 one of the couples two son’s was at the gym with Beverly when the father, Travis Edward Stephens, “showed up agitated” wanting to remove their son, according to a Lake Wales Police affidavit. The victim and defendant got into a verbal argument while the defendant forced their son into his vehicle, according to a witness statement in the affidavit. The victim tried to stop the defendant from taking the child from the scene but was unsuccessful in her efforts. According to affidavit another witness stated the male locked himself in the vehicle, at which time the female began pleading with the male to open the door.

Beverly Stephens then climbed on top of the hood of the van and then on top of the van. According to a witness statement, Travis Stephens then, fully aware of the fact that Beverly Stephens was on top of the van, put the vehicle in drive and accelerated quickly North on 3rd St., going approximately 80 ft. Travis Stephens then, allegedly, made a hard sudden right turn into a parking lot on the East side of the road across from 411 N. 3rd St. The hard right turn threw the victim off the top of the van to the ground. According to the affidavit it appeared Travis Stephens intentionally tried to throw the victim off the van. Travis Stephens then sped away from the scene. Beverly Stephens suffered severe injuries to her head and was flown to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center due to her traumatic head injury. She succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. She was kept on life support so that her organs could save the lives of others.

What witnesses didn’t know, but Beverly Stephens knew, was Travis Stephens had recently been baker acted for suicidal thoughts. According to a report, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, someone had called regarding Travis Stephens had threatened to kill himself. On November 4, 2018 contact was made with, Travis Stephens, who advised deputies that he was considering jumping from a moving vehicle, but it was last night and he does not want to do that anymore. Here is an excerpt from the rest of that report (editor’s note: this is a matter of public record).

He advised that he is not feeling suicidal at the moment. He advised that he does often have suicidal thoughts, and they come and go. Travis could not advise why the thoughts come and go, or what the source of the thoughts were. Travis advised that he does see Dr. xxxxx at xxxxxxx in Lakeland, for counseling sessions. He advised that he thinks it might be time to call Dr. xxxxx and have his medication strengthened. Travis is currently taking Trazadone. He advised that tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in the chest in 2003 following the death of his mother. Travis advised that there were no firearms inside of his residence, and none were observed during my investigation. Travis advised that he has been Baker-Acted a few times in the past, but did not wish to be Baker-Acted for this incident.

Based on my investigation, it was determined that Travis was refusing voluntary examination, and unable to determine for himself whether or not examination was necessary. Without care or treatment Travis would suffer from neglect or refusal to care for himself. Such neglect or refusal would pose a substantial harm to his well-being. It was not apparent that such harm could be avoided by the help of willing family members or friends. There is a substantial likelihood that without care or treatment, Travis would cause serious bodily harm to himself.

Travis was transported to Peace River Crisis Stabilization Unit in Bartow under Baker-Act protocol.

Witnesses also didn’t know that Travis Stephens has a previous arrest and in Polk County for contempt of court – violation of injunction protection domestic violence back in 2010 and criminal mischief. Travis Stephens took a guilty plea deal and serviced 6 months probation for those charges.

The Lake Wales Police Department is currently working with the state attorney’s office on whether charges will be upgraded. Currently Travis Stephens has a $100,000 bond and a court date on 12/26/2018 for Domestic Violence – Aggravated Battery. Aggravated Battery is usually charged as a second degree felony with a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.

K & M Blueberry Farm and Nursery – 2 Temporary Workers Needed in Buckatunna and Waynesboro, MS

Staff Reporter

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November 28, 2018

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K & M Blueberry Farm and Nursery – 2 Temporary workers needed in Buckatunna and Waynesboro, MS from January 15, 2019 – October 15, 2019. Must be 18 years or older. Job requires 3 months experience. To ensure the safety of all employees, those interested must be bilingual in English and Spanish to be able to communicate with field workers and adequately follow instructions given by supervisor. Safety training for use of farm equipment will be provided. Job duties include but are not limited to the following: Nursery: Shovel, level, haul, spread rock, dig holes, ditches and trenches. Use hand tools such as shovels, trawls, hoes, grass trimmer, pruning hooks, pruning shears and knives. Duties may include tilling soil, transplanting, thinning or pruning crops and spraying insecticide, fungicide and herbicide with air blast sprayer on tractor and 4-wheeler. May also construct, repair, cover and maintain greenhouses, fences and farm buildings. Worker will re-plant and step up gallon pots to two or three gallon pots. Load and unload plants from/on truck. All tools, supplies and equipment will be provided at no cost to workers. Worker will use a tractor; weed eater, lawn mower and 4-wheeler with trailers to perform certain duties around fields and inside nursery. Blueberries: Manually plant, cultivate, harvest field crops. Graft blueberry plants. Prune blueberry bushes by hand using pruning shears, loppers and mechanical pruner. Inspect bushes for damage, disease or insect infestation and remove or replace as directed by farm manager. May also pick blueberries by hand. Harvest by use of mechanical harvester equipment, load and transport blueberries to processing shed with trucks and trailers. Inspect field irrigation systems, dig up and replace damaged pipes, valves, water jets, sprinklers, etc. using shovels, wrenches, etc. There is a lifting requirement of 5-75 lbs. Work in 0 degree to 100-degree temperatures and possibly rain. The majority of the day is spent on one’s feet and outdoors. Hours and days of work may vary due to weather conditions. Clean and organize greenhouses and loading sheds before and after use. Proper work attire is required. No cell phone usage during working hours. Workers should expect occasional periods of little/no work because of weather/crop/other conditions beyond the employer’s control. Due to possible date of need changes, worker is required to purchase travel insurance if available. We will reimburse the worker for transportation cost (including travel insurance) and subsistence to the employers work site from the place of recruitment upon completion of 50 percent of the contract period. Transportation payment will be no less (and is not required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common carrier transportation charges for the distances involved. If the employee is unable or unfit to perform the duties listed after the 14-day pretrial the employee will receive warnings, hours may be reduced to the minimum allowed in the certified petition or may be terminated. A copy of the work contract or a copy of the ETA 790 in lieu of a work contract, and any modifications, will be provided to the worker on or before the day, the work commences. Employer may conduct criminal background check. Workers will be paid $10.73 per hour, three fourth’s guarantee, 35 hours per week, housing, equipment and transportation provided at no cost to workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each work day. We participate in the E-Verify program and workers must have valid identification for I-9 preparation when they report to begin work. Complete job description can be found at your local State Workforce/Job Center in your area, please call for the nearest office in your area MS (601) 584-1202, AL (256) 259-1835, LA (318) 676-7705, FL (863) 385-3672 using job order #MS281739.

UPDATE: Minor School Bus Accident Central Ave E Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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November 28, 2018

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UPDATE: Minor School Bus Accident Central Ave E Winter Haven

Update regarding the minor crash with a school bus.

The bus carrying 20 students from the Learning & Literacy Academy was traveling on Central Ave. E when a 2004 Black Mercedes sedan, driven by 74 year-old Leo Sanchez pulled out of a business at 6th St NE and Central Ave. into the side of the bus.

This was a minor crash with no significant injuries. Nine students on the bus complained of minor pains and were transported to Winter Haven Hospital as a precaution.

Sanchez was charged with Careless Driving.

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