The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a traffic crash that occurred in Davenport last evening that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Preliminary information is as follows:
Around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from U.S. Hwy 27 at the intersection with Holly Hill Grove Road 2 (to the west) & Cottonwood Road (to the east) in Davenport. When first responders arrived they found 40-year-old Vishmatee (female) Saroop of Davenport deceased at the scene. She and her husband and their two children (ages 20 and 13) were at the Dollar General Store on the corner of Cottonwood Road and U.S. 27 and were walking across U.S. 27 heading home (the house is located on Vervain Avenue, west of Holly Hill Grove Road). There are no crosswalks or pedestrian-related traffic aids at the intersection. There is a flashing yellow caution light on U.S. 27 for north and south bound traffic. There is one streetlight on Cottonwood Road at the intersection. It was dark at the time.
Saroop’s husband and children made it across U.S. 27, however, Saroop was struck by a 2021 silver Kia Sorento that was heading southbound and being driven by 68-year-old Hayden Tabb of Davenport. He immediately stopped. He and his passenger were not injured. Tabb did not show any signs of impairment.
The southbound lanes of U.S. 27 were closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.
Tyler doesn’t have an easy life living in a family of success stories. His mother is a doctor. His father is a lawyer. His older brother went to college on an athletic scholarship. And his younger brother always makes the honor roll. Yet the only success Tyler ever had was with video games.
With the start of a new school year, Tyler hopes to turn his luck around. He aspires to make the team and make the grade. He even made friends with the new girl in town, Amber. Will she be able to help him achieve the same success as the rest of his family? He’ll need to overcome temptations from some real losers at school to do so.
*****
Recap: On his first bus ride of the new school year, Tyler runs across three old “friends”: Trevor (or T-Man), a real poser who loves rapping and playing drums; Katie, a preppy blonde with aspirations of being a Hollywood actor; and Hannah, a goth girl with a depressing outlook on life. None of them take the new school year as seriously as Tyler does. In fact, they rarely take anything seriously at all. They soon come to a new bus stop where a new girl named Amber boards. Tyler moves over to her seat to meet and befriend her.
Chapter 3: Meeting The Mentor
Lunch could not have arrived sooner for Tyler. After spending the morning mulling over the curriculums of history, math, and language arts class, the lunch bell rang, dismissing him and his classmates to the cafeteria.
Tyler was relieved to finally receive a brief reprieve from the first day of school—not so much by his meal of half-cooked fish sticks, still-frozen peas, and lumpy mashed potatoes with lukewarm gravy. The food heaped on his tray by the stoic cafeteria worker was about as appetizing as any state-approved school lunch, especially at a school facing severe budget cuts. At least it provided him with enough sustenance to make it through the day until he returned home for dinner.
The cafeteria was as packed as the bus earlier that morning. He advanced through the crowd of chattering students, unable to find a single free seat. Soon, a frantically waving hand
caught his attention. Sadly, that hand belonged to T-Man, who was sitting with the rest of his posse.
Tyler sighed and rolled his eyes. He begrudgingly approached their table and took a seat. T-Man performed an impromptu drum solo with his drumsticks, using his tray, plate, and cup as a makeshift drum set. Katie kept her nose in her magazine, while Hannah kept her ears covered with her headphones.
“Yo, Tyler, my man,” T-Man greeted Tyler as he took a seat. “How’s goes the battle?”
Tyler shrugged and spooned a mouthful of peas into his mouth. “Okay, I guess.”
T-Man crossed his arms and blurted out a horn sound before saying, “Wrong answer! The correct answer is that it suuuuuucks!”
Hannah threw back her headphones. “To be fair, when has a day in the school system never been a total drag?”
Katie held back a chortle with her hand. “Yeah, like, it’s a real total drag.”
“Yeah, bro,” T-Man addressed Tyler. “You sure you want to stick by your plans?”
Tyler swallowed half a fish stick and shrugged. “If I want to go to college. Graduation is around the corner, and I need to exert myself if I want to get into a good school.”
“Or, or—” T-Man raised his finger “—you can chill out, man.” He folded his hands behind his head and leaned back. “Just go with the flow and mellow out.”
Katie scoffed and rolled her eyes before glancing back at her article. “Yeah. Just thinking about college gives me wrinkles. That’s why I’m not, like, gonna bother until my senior year.”
“The corporate career ladder is a lie, anyway,” Hannah added. “It’s a carrot the wealthy elites dangle before the working class to give them the illusion that we live in a meritocracy rather than an oppressive hierarchy of consolidated wealth and institutional violence.”
“Even if that’s true,” Tyler replied, “surely, you all must have some plans for the future? Isn’t there something you want to do once you’re done with school?”
“Well, dawg,” T-Man said. “Now that you mention it, there is something the three of us have planned. Announcing,” he yelled before playing a drum roll and proclaiming, “The Katie, Hannah, and T-Man Show!”
Tyler blinked away his confusion as he watched T-Man gesturing with jazz hands. “The What-Now Show?”
“Yeah!” T-Man gave another drumroll with a rim shot against his cup. “I’m going to play the music.”
Katie set down her magazine. “I’m, like, going to be the super-beautiful, super-talented host.”
“And I’m going to write the jokes,” Hannah added.
“You?” Tyler asked. “A comedian?”
“Of course,” Hannah replied, maintaining her monotone inflection. “I’ve been working on my comedy routine. Wanna hear a joke? Organized religion.”
Tyler raised a shoulder to his ear. “Okay, I’m waiting for the punchline.”
“That is the punchline,” Hannah answered.
Katie slapped the table with a laugh. “That is funny.”
“Religion is the opiate of the masses,” Hannah said.
As the three friends entertained themselves with their mediocrity, Tyler noticed the new girl entering the cafeteria. She surveyed the area for a free table. Not finding one nearby, she headed to the other side of the lunchroom, where she sat at a small table with only two seats.
Without excusing himself, Tyler took his tray and carried it across the room to Amber’s table.
“You sitting with anybody?” he asked her.
She shook her head, and he accepted that as an invitation to sit opposite her.
“Amber, is it?” he asked her, receiving a nod in response. “I saw you sitting here by yourself. Didn’t want you to eat lunch alone on your first day at a new school.”
Amber craned her neck to look over his shoulder. “What about your friends?”
Tyler turned around to look at the table he had deserted. T-Man was drumming away with his drumsticks, Katie kept her nose stuck in her magazine, and Hannah put on her headphones.
“Oh, them?” He shook his head. “They’re not my friends. Well, technically, they’re not.”
Amber chewed a fish stick. “Technically?”
Tyler shrugged, shoveling a spoonful of potatoes. “We were close friends until middle school, but we’ve sort of drifted apart since then. Well, I’ve been drifting away from them.”
“How come?” Amber asked.
“Well—” Tyler washed down his potatoes with juice “—To be perfectly honest, they’re kind of losers.”
“Losers?” Amber cocked an eyebrow. “That’s not a very nice thing to say.”
“You don’t know them like I do.” Tyler rolled his eyes. “They’re always getting detention. They rarely get any good grades. They’re real slackers who don’t take anything seriously.” He shrugged his shoulder. “I don’t know. Since starting high school, I’ve taken life more seriously than they have. I can’t have people who couldn’t care less keeping me back.”
“I see what you’re saying,” Amber said with a nod.
“You have any plans for the future?” Tyler asked.
Amber had just taken another bite of her fish sticks. She rolled her eyes up to think as she chewed.
“Not yet,” she replied. “I just moved to a new town, remember? And—well, let’s just say some things have happened in my life that have been distracting me lately. I haven’t had time to think much about anything at all, let alone my future.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll settle down and figure things out,” Tyler replied. “We have our whole lives to figure out. We need to plan big. Study hard. Pass tests. Try out for sports.”
“Like the baseball team?” Amber glanced up at the bulletin board.
Tyler beamed the biggest smile at what he saw: a poster advertising baseball team tryouts in two weeks.
“Exactly!”
###
“Tyler’s Journey” is a side-story to the fantasy novel, “The Light Prince Grail.” The story follows Tyler’s life before he and Amber ventured into the fantastical world of Arden. It details his many personal struggles and how they influenced his decisions in the novel. His story will help readers learn more about themselves as they do about him.
“The Light Prince: Grail” and “Tyler’s Journey” are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon. For more information, visit the author’s website at: jcalexandre.com
For the ninth consecutive year, Jeepin with Judd allowed Jeep owners an opportunity to trek through the rock, mud, and dirt of the great outdoors of Polk County. More than 2,200 Jeep owners registered for the event, once again hosted in the untamed wilderness of Clear Springs Ranch, located outside of Bartow.
Attendees were able to drive off-road along miles of rugged terrain, kicking up dust, mud, and stones as their tires tread the otherwise un-treadable. Little children could even take the wheel of their own toy Jeep to drive through the children’s obstacle course. After spending hours off-roading, they could also visit the vendors row to grab a bite to eat from a food truck or purchase Jeep merchandise from a local vendor.
As always, proceeds from the event went to the Polk Sheriff’s Charities, the official non-profit organization of the Polk Sheriff’s Office, which, according to their website, provides “monetary support to our members who are facing significant unexpected tragic events in their lives.”
Captain Steve Horstman has been working with the PCSO for 26 years. Both he and a full team of 200 plus volunteers help to put the event on each year. Both the support of these volunteers, along with the local community, allow the event to remain as successful as it has been. This year’s event especially proved successful, with more than 2,200 Jeeps registered and an estimated turnout of 10,000 to 12,000 attendees over the three-day weekend.
“[The success] is the partnership with all of our vendors with the Orlando Jeep Club. The Sheriff’s Office. and the overwhelming number of volunteers and supporters that we have working the event,” he said. “[I love] interacting with all the folks and seeing the smiles on their faces. Being out here and seeing all of them enjoying the event.”
Tillman Nelson has been competing in professional barbecue for ten years. After nearly a decade, he and his team, Tillman’s BBQ, finally won the title of grand champion at a sanctioned event–and in Haines City, no less.
Tillman’s BBQ was named overall grand champion in the professional division at Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City. This year was their first competition in the Haines City barbecue contest. Nelson owes their success to the dedication and consistency of their barbecue.
“We have done a lot of events over the years,” he explained. “This season, we decided we want to attend every FBA (Florida Barbecue Association) event and we decided this was the state qualifier.”
In the backyard division, Hell Yeah BBQ won the title of grand champion. Earl Hill and his team were inspired by the overall competition and championship of the Haines City event, with this year being their first participating.
“It feels awesome. I am super excited and kind of shocked, actually,” Hill said. As for the secret of their barbecue, he claims it is “a lot of love and time.”
Ribs on the Ridge hosted its 15th event last Saturday at Lake Eva Park in Haines City. More than 25 teams participated from across the state and even the country.
Lindsaia Johansmeyer, Special Events Supervisor, owes the event’s success to the support from the community. Not only do they turn out for the good barbecue, but also the craft vendors, live entertainment, and other food trucks.
“Ribs on the Ridge was very successful today,” she said. “We had a huge turnout. The weather was perfect, and the competition went great.”
This Notice shall be published once a week for two weeks starting February 28, 2023.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received a request from the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District (District) for the issuance of a certificate determining that the continued operation of the District is not administratively practicable and feasible under the provisions of chapter 582, Florida Statutes.
The territory included in the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District is the same as the jurisdictional boundaries of Polk County, Florida. This Notice shall be published once a week for two weeks. Any comments or objections to the proposed certification, or any claims against the assets of the District, must be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agency Clerk, Don Hockman, 600 South Calhoun Street, Holland Building Suite 254, Tallahassee, Fl 32309; phone: (850)617-7641; email: [email protected] not later than 60 days after the date of last publication.
Today’s Cyber Security Threats demand a layered security approach that provides insight and protection. Every file on a computer has a digital thumbprint. By leveraging this thumbprint, we can authorize known safe files. Any file that has an unknown digital thumbprint will be denied the ability to execute or run on a pc.
This default deny protection serves as the most critical layer of security for your systems. By first preventing unknown files from executing on a pc you are able to take a pro-active approach to secure your environment.
If a file is blocked an alert is sent to our SOC and/or your local administrator to review. This minor delay allows time to be your friend as you research the block while being confident that the devices in your environment remain safe and secure.
Many phishing emails or other attack vectors rely upon an attacker’s ability to download and execute malicious software on a targeted system. By using endpoint security with application whitelisting an organization with strong data and security governance can restrict programs to only those pre-approved. This can dramatically improve organizational cybersecurity.
If you’re ready to enhance your cyber security program by leveraging endpoint protection with whitelisting, please reach out to start a conversation.
Florida may soon approve concealed carry for gun owners without a permit. However, while many Florida residents may be eager to buy their own guns, they should always receive proper training before handling firearms.
Melanie Davis started her training service to teach gun owners how to properly and responsibly handle their firearms. While she strongly believes in her constitutional Second Amendment right to bear arms, she also believes that with rights comes responsibility.
“We will have people out there buying guns who feel they do not need training,” she said. “That is a dangerous problem. I am all for you having your firearm, but seek out the training you need for that firearm. It is our responsibility as gun owners to seek out the training we need to be able to protect and defend ourselves and our families. So that is what we are here to do, to provide that training for you.”
Davis has been in business for four years, and she has owned her current brick-and-mortar location in Haines City for six months. Through Fight Until The Finish, she provides firearm training through classroom courses and virtual simulation, with real firearm training provided at the Tenoroc Public Shooting Range.
Since opening their doors in August, they have trained more than 100 students through their virtual simulator. Both the support of friends and family allowed her to open her current location. She remains grateful for their help, and she firmly believes that surrounding yourself with the best people, especially those who support your basic rights, is the key to success.
“It is a blessing for me to be able to do this,” she said. “What we are doing here is exercising our second amendment right. If you are not surrounding yourselves with people who do not support our second amendment rights, our constitutional rights period, you are hanging out with the wrong people.”
Fight Until The Finish celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted Thursday at noon through the Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Lana Stripling, Executive Director at Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce, appreciated being able to coordinate with a great business created by someone like Davis.
“I am excited for Melanie to showcase her beautiful business here,” she said. “They have allowed us to come in and protect ourselves. Thank you so much for your support.”
Fight Until the Finish is located at 1099 Commerce Ave, Unit C, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, call 863-651-4114, or visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/fightuntilthefinish
Polk County Sheriff’s Office: Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 30 suspects during a two week long investigation that focused on sexual predators who target children and convicted sexual predators and offenders who are required to comply with Florida’s registration laws, including current restrictions in place based on their status. During the initiative, undercover detectives posed as children on social media platforms, mobile apps, and online dating sites to investigate those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity. Detectives also conducted a review of sexual offender/predator compliance with Florida’s registration laws and specifically focused on convicted sex offenders and sex predators with prior child victims (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435) within Polk County.* PCSO was assisted in the effort by the Auburndale Police Department, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Corrections, and the Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Circuit, State Attorney Brian Haas. In all, detectives arrested 30 suspects, who face a total of 75 felony and 2 misdemeanor chargeswhich include: traveling to meet a minor for sex, attempted lewd battery, use of a computer to seduce a child, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, transmission of material harmful to a child, sexual battery, burglary, and failure to register as a sex offender. “We will continue to conduct proactive operations like this to ensure our children are safe. Thank you to our detectives and partnering agencies for your hard work to ensure our children are safe from predators who sexually abuse, groom, and corrupt our children. I say it all the time – parents need to be ‘all up in their child’s business’ when it comes to electronic devices that give them access to online gaming, mobile applications, texting, or the internet. Check their devices regularly, and ensure parental controls are enabled to keep predators like these away from your kids.”– Grady Judd, SheriffDuring the investigation of those who communicated online to have sex with minors, ten of the suspects communicated and engaged with, in a sexual manner, who they thought were children online. Two suspects showed up at an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to meet who they thought were children, to sexually batter them. Two of the suspects did not communicate with undercover detectives, but with an actual 14 and 13-year-old whom they traveled to sexually batter. Detectives obtained warrants for six other suspects; one was arrested in Polk County, one was arrested in Indian River County, one was arrested in Hillsborough County, one was arrested in Colorado, and two are still wanted. Seven of the suspects sent sexually explicit images and/or videos to who they thought were 13, 14, or 15-year-old girls, or a 13-year-old boy. Arrested:25-year-old Jose Armando of Davenport On February 13, 2023, detectives investigated a report of a 14-year-old girl who had been sexually battered by an adult. During the investigation, detectives learned that Armando had been communicating with the victim through social media and then arranged to travel to her to have sex. Armando drove to the victim’s parents’ home and picked up the 14-year-old, drove her to his home where he sexually battered the child. Armando told detectives that he met the child online and communicated with her through Instagram. He admitted to driving to the victim’s house, picking her up, and taking her to his house where he sexually battered her. Armando was arrested for:· One count sexual battery (F2)· One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)· Interference with child custody (F3) He is currently in the Polk County Jail being held on a $21,000 bond. 28-year-old Zackery Childress of Lakeland On February 15, 2023, detectives investigated a report of a 13-year-old girl who had been sexually battered by an adult. During the investigation, detectives learned that Childress had been communicating with the victim through an online dating app and then arranged to travel sexually batter her. Childress told the victim that he had two sexually transmitted diseases, but was on medication, and still wanted to have unprotected sex with her. Childress drove to the victim’s parents’ home and entered the 13-year-old’s bedroom through a window and sexually battered the child. Childress told detectives that he met the child online and communicated with her through SnapChat. He admitted to driving to the victim’s house, entering her bedroom through a window, and sexually battering the child. Childress was arrested for:· One count sexual battery (F2)· One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)· Once count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F3)· Two counts burglary of a dwelling (F2)· One count of unlawful sex with STD (M1) He is currently in the Polk County Jail being held on a $71,000 bond. 25-year-old Leo Cintron of Lakeland On February 7, 2023, Lewis engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old boy. During the conversation, the “boy” told Cintron several times that he was only 13. Citron told the boy he still wanted to meet up and then graphically described the sex acts he wanted to perform. Cintron traveled to the undercover location expecting to have sex with the 13-year-old boy. He admitted to detectives he knew the person he was talking to was 13. Cintron was working as an umpire and referee for college and high school sports. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:· One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)· One count lewd battery (F3)· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F3)· One count use of a computer to solicit a child for sex (F2) He was released after paying a $21,000 bond. 40-year-old Steven Hubbard of Ocala On February 11, 2023, Hubbard engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told Hubbard several times that she was only 14. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, Hubbard sent sexually explicit images to the detective as well as instigated sexually explicit conversations.Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Hubbard for:· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F2) · Three counts transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3). He was arrested by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and then transported to the Polk County Jail where he is currently be held with a $3,000 bond. Hubbard told detectives he worked as a carnival/fair ride operator. 55-year-old Richard Kwolek of Barefoot Bay, Florida On February 11, 2023, Kwolek engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told Kwolek several times that she was only 14. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, Kwolek sent sexually explicit images to the detective as well as instigated sexually explicit conversations. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Kwolek for:· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F2) · Four counts transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3)· One count use of a computer to solicit a child for sex (F2). He was arrested by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and was released on $6,000 bond. 37-year-old Thomas McIntyre of Lakeland On February 9, 2023, McIntyre engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told McIntyre several times that she was only 14. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, McIntyre sent a sexually explicit video and several audio files to the detective as well as instigated sexually explicit conversations. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for McIntyre for:· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F2) · Thirteen counts transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3)· One count use of a computer to solicit a child for sex (F2). PCSO detectives located McIntyre and arrested him. He is currently in the Polk County Jail and being held with a $19,000 bond. 45-year-old Justin Sturtevant of Pueblo West, Colorado On February 6, 2023, Sturtevant engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told Sturtevant several times that she was only 14. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, Sturtevant sent a sexually explicit image to the detective as well as instigated sexually explicit conversations. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Sturtevant for:· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F2) · One count transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3)· One count use of a computer to solicit a child for sex (F2). Sturevant was arrested in Colorado and will be transported to Polk County at a later date. He is employed as a corrections officer with the Colorado State Penitentiary at the Cañon City Colorado Facility. 26-year-old Samuel Zoellner of St. Petersburg On February 6, 2023, Zoellner engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 15-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told Zoellner several times that she was only 15. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, Zoellner sent sexually explicit images and video to the detective as well as instigated sexually explicit conversations. Zoellner traveled to the undercover location expecting to have sex with the 15-year-old girl. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:· One count traveling to meet a minor for sex (F2)· One count lewd battery (F3)· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F3)· One count use of a computer to solicit a child for sex (F2) · Three counts transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3)· Resisting with violence (F3)· Resisting without violence (M1) He is currently in the Polk County Jail being held with no bond. Zoellner is a sex offender with a prior criminal history that includes a Michigan conviction for a sex offense with a minor. Outstanding Warrants:35-year-old Bradley Hines of Pinellas Park On February 6, 2023, Hines engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told Hines several times that she was only 13. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, Hines sent several sexually explicit images to the detective as well as instigated sexually explicit conversations. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Hines for:· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F2) · Eight counts transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3) 59-year-old Kenneth Niedt of Seffner On February 7, 2023, Niedt engaged in an online conversation on a social networking site with an undercover detective who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. During the conversation, the “girl” told Niedt several times that she was only 13. Despite knowing he was communicating with a minor, Niedt instigated graphic sexually explicit conversations. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Niedt for:· One count criminal use of a two-way communication device (F2) One count transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3)Sex Offenders/PredatorsThere are 1,237 sexual offenders and 146 sexual predators registered in Polk County. These offenders and predators are checked every quarter by Polk detectives to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws. The state requirement is for a check to be completed at least once a year. During the initiative Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives identified 27 individuals who were not in compliance with their registration responsibilities. Of those, 22 were arrested and eight had prior failure to comply with registration requirement charges. Arrest warrants have been issued for the remaining five violators. Registered Sex Offenders/Predators Arrested:Kevyn Baker, 24, who resides at 2255 Pump Rd. in Mulberry, was arrested for failure to register a permanent residence and providing false registration information. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $20,000 bond. Baker’s prior criminal history includes a sexual assault of a 15-year-old. Brian Bowne, 48, who resides at 8336 Chance Dr. in Lakeland was arrested for failure to register a vehicle. At the time of his arrest, Bowne was out on bond for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is currently in the Polk County Jail and is being held with no bond. Bowne’s prior criminal history includes a sexual assault of a 15-year-old. Rickardo Brown, 28, who resides at 706 Limber Ln. in Lakeland was arrested for failure to register a vehicle. He is currently in the Polk County Jail and has a $1,000 bond. Brown’s prior criminal history includes false imprisonment of a 16-year-old with sexual intent. John Burgess, 47, who resides at 4202 Shadow Wood Dr. in Winter Haven was arrested for failure to register a vehicle. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $1,000 bond. Burgess’ prior criminal history includes sexual assault of a child under 16-years-old. Damien Clark, 29, who is a transient in the area of S.R. 17 and Snively Ave. in Winter Haven was arrested for failure to register a new address within 48 hours. He is currently in the Polk County Jail and is being held with no bond. Clark’s prior criminal history includes a South Carolina conviction for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Dana Chiasson, 59, who resides at 140 Cory Ct. in Auburndale was arrested for failure to report a change of residence. He was arrested in Warren County, North Carolina and will be transported to Polk County at a later date. Chiasson’s prior criminal history includes a New York conviction for sodomy of a child under 12-years-old. Patricia Colbert, 68, who resides at 1014 Baycrest Dr. in Lakeland was arrested for failure to register a vehicle. She was transported to the Polk County Jail where she was released after paying a $1,000 bond. Colbert’s prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Russell Crousore 59, who resides at 11 Cactus Cir. E. in Winter Havenwas arrested for failure to register a vehicle. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where she was released after paying a $1,000 bond. Crousore’s prior criminal history includes a Nevada conviction for open and gross lewdness against a 13-year-old child. Jim Davari, 72, who resides at 5816 Lake Grove Dr. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to report employment. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $1,000 bond. He started a self-employed business in 2018, Canine Command, where he boards and trains dogs for customers but reported his status as retired. Davari’s prior criminal history includes lewd or lascivious molestation against a child between the ages of 12-15. Wayne Estey, 53, who resides in the area of S. Frontage Rd. and Clark Rd. in Lakeland was arrested for failure to comply with registration requirement of reporting every 30 days. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held with no bond. At the time of his arrest, Estey was on probation for failure to comply with registration requirements. His prior criminal history includes a New Jersey conviction for criminal sexual contact with two juvenile victims. Richard Gunter, 42, who resides at 1300 N. 71st Ave. in Hollywood, Florida was arrested for failure to register a temporary address and six counts of video voyeurism. One December 13, 2022, PCSO detectives began an investigation into a report of an adult victim being videoed in a bathroom against her will. The victim was undressing in the bathroom when she noticed a small recording device clipped to a belt handing in the bathroom closet. The belt belonged to Gunter. Gunter is a registered sexual predator and had been temporarily staying at the victim’s parent’s vacation home in Frostproof. He failed to report his temporary address as required by law. He also failed to report several internet identifiers, one Instagram account and two Facebook accounts. Gunter is currently in the Polk County Jail and being held with a $46,000 bond. His prior criminal history includes sexual battery with a weapon against a child under 16-years-old and lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Gerald Kelly, 76, who resides at 929 Avon Ave. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to register a vehicle. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $1,000 bond. Kelly’s prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Michael Levieux, 54, who resides at 3515 Oakland Rd. S. in Lakeland,was arrested for failure to update a new address within 48 hours, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held with a $6,500 bond. Levieux’s prior criminal history includes an Illinois conviction of criminal sexual assault against a 6-year-old. Donald McIntyre, 48, who resides at 534 Perch Pl. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to register internet identifiers. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held with no bond. McIntyre was on probation at the time of his arrest for attempted indecent assault of a child under 16-years-old. His prior criminal history includes sexual battery against a victim under 12-years-old and lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. David Rodgers, 38, who resides at 3589 Lazy Lake Dr. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to register two vehicles. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $2,000 bond. Rodgers’ prior criminal history includes an Alabama conviction for rape of a 15-year-old. Carol Rood, 59, who resides at 1834 Venus St. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to register internet identifiers. She was transported to the Polk County Jail where she was released after paying a $2,000 bond. Rood’s prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Jose Sosa, 37, who resides at 1910 Saturn St. in Lakeland, was arrested for a violation of probation. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held with no bond. At the time of his arrest, Sosa was on probation for charges in Hardee County. His prior criminal history includes false imprisonment, sexual battery of a child under 13-years-old, and previous failure to comply with sex predator registration requirements. Johnny Taylor, 42, who resides in the area of Central Ave. and 1st St. in Winter Haven, was arrested failure to register as a sex offender within 48 hours of his release from prison and failing to register a new address with the FDHSMV within 48 hours. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held on a $10,000 bond. Taylor’s prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 12-years-old. Theodore Thorner, 47, who resides at 3925 Old Tampa Hwy. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to possess a valid Florida identification and failure to register a vehicle within 48 hours. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $2,000 bond. Thorner’s prior criminal history includes use of a computer for sex with a minor. James Warren, 42, who resides at 604 Haynes Rd. in Lakeland, was arrested for failure to register two vehicles. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $1,000 bond. Warren’s prior criminal history includes sexual battery and lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Johnathan Whitfield, 54, who resides in the area of S.R. 33 and Interstate 4, was arrested for failure to comply with registration requirement of reporting every 30 days. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held on a $1,000. Whitfield’s prior criminal history includes sexual battery against a victim under 12-years-old and lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Albert Wright, 46, who resides at 3237 Timberline Rd. in Winter Haven, was arrested for failure to report a vehicle. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $1,000 bond. Wright’s prior criminal history includes sexual battery and previous failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Outstanding Warrants:Johnny Clark, 49, whose last known address is 1910 Saturn St. in Lakeland has a Polk County arrest warrant for failure to report a change of address. His prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Alexis Diaz-Toledo, 27, who resides at 3779 Appaloosa Rd. in Lake Wales, has a Polk County arrest warrant for failure to update his new residence. His prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child between the ages of 12-15 and lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 16-years-old. Todd Johnson, 54, (address unknown) has a Polk County arrest warrant for failure to report a change of address. His prior criminal history includes produce, direct, or promote sexual performance by a child. Shane Malpass, 29, who resides in the area of Sleepy Hill Rd. and Galloway Rd. in Lakeland, has a Polk County arrest warrant for failure to update a new address within 48 hours. His prior criminal history includes lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 18-years-old. Terrell Timmerman, 66, who resides in the area of New Tampa Hwy. and Gay Rd. in Lakeland, has a Polk County arrest warrant for failure to comply with registration requirement of reporting every 30 days. His prior criminal history includes a Michigan conviction from criminal sexual conduct with a child between the ages of 13-15.*Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); change of electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver’s license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned.
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at the scene of a shooting that occurred earlier today on Sawfish Drive in Poinciana, at 8:30 p.m. this evening (Feb. 23, 2023). We have two adult victims who were airlifted to a local hospital, and one deceased adult victim. This is an active investigation and detectives are still piecing together what led to the shooting. We hope to have more information at the news briefing.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of 22-year-old Drake Sawyer Perry, who died in a vehicle crash while off-duty on February 22, 2023, on State Road 33 south of Groveland, in Lake County, Florida. Drake was hired as a detention deputy in September 2022, and was sworn in during an oath of office ceremony on December 13, 2022. He was assigned to the South County Jail in Frostproof. He was dual-certified in detention and law enforcement.
Drake lived in Ocoee, and graduated from Olympia High School in Orlando. He attended the Polk State College Kenneth C. Thompson Institute for Public Safety (KCTIPS) in Winter Haven, and was sponsored in the academy by PCSO in the dual enrollment class (law enforcement and detention certified). He was the class commander for both academies, and recognized as a “Top Gun,” being the most proficient shooter in his class. He is survived by his father, brother, and grandmother.
“We are all grieving at the loss of this young deputy who was just starting out in his career. Deputy Perry was an outstanding cadet in the academy, and his classmates and coworkers remember him as always smiling, always positive, and a team player who was always helping others. He was a natural born leader, and aspired to be on the SWAT team. He will be greatly missed. Please keep his family in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the traffic crash. We will have more information regarding funeral arrangements for Deputy Perry at a later date
