Three Arrested and One More Charged in Organized Retail and Identity Theft

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July 19, 2018

Three Arrested and One More Charged in Organized Retail and Identity Theft

Three people have been arrested following a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Theft Unit investigation that found they had worked together stealing the identities and personal information of sixty people, and using that information to defraud various JC Penney’s stores in eleven counties. One other person is still being sought.

The group fraudulently purchased merchandise with credit cards in other people’s names, then exchanged that merchandise for gift cards or cash at JC Penney’s stores. They would then sell the gift cards for cash at a discounted rate.

Each of the suspects will face various amounts of charges, among them are: Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Grand Theft, Petit Theft, Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information-30 or more persons and Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.

The arrested individuals are:

Aramis Shantel Nelson (26) of 1122 Mercury Drive West, Apt A, Lakeland
Involved in 50 online fraudulent purchases, picked up fraudulently purchased merchandise ten separate times at the Lakeland JC Penney’s store, 3 times at the Davenport JC Penney’s and two times from the Lake Wales JC Penney’s store. She had friends or acquaintances sell JC Penney’s gift cards given to her when she made the fraudulent returns for a small fee.
Charges– Racketeering (F/1), Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F/1), Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information-30 or more persons (F/1), Grand Theft (F/3) (8 counts), Petit Theft (M/1) (4 counts). Elevated Bonds obtained on above listed charges ($162,000 Bond).
Criminal History- 2 Felony charges and 4 Misdemeanor charges that consist of grand theft, driving under the influence, no valid driver’s license, aggravated battery, driving while license suspended and petit theft.
Charles Gibson (30) of 731 Venetian Avenue, Lakeland
He returned fraudulently purchased merchandise on multiple occasions and obtained JC Penney’s gift cards. Assisted Aramis Nelson in locating people who would sell the fraudulently obtained JC Penney’s gift cards at Tampa Gift Card King in Tampa.
Charges– Racketeering (F/1), Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F/1), Criminal Use of Person Information (3 counts), Grand Theft (F/3) (3 counts) Elevated Bonds obtained on above listed charges ($106,000 Bond)
Criminal History– 20 Felony charges and 14 misdemeanor charges that consist of grand theft of motor vehicle, driving while license suspended, false verification to a pawnbroker, dealing in stolen property, battery, burglary with assault or battery, burglary of occupied structure, resist arrest without violence, domestic battery, child abuse, lewd and lascivious exhibition, aggravated battery, burglary of unoccupied dwelling, grand theft, no valid driver’s license and criminal mischief.

Da Jah Charisse Scott (30) of 3025 35^th Ave. South, St. Petersburg Involved in 7 online fraudulent purchases, which were all picked up at JC Penney stores outside of Polk County. Was captured on video surveillance at JC Penney’s store in Orlando, in the company of Aramis Nelson prior to Aramis Nelson picking up the fraudulently purchased merchandise.
Charges– Racketeering (F/1), Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F/1), Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information (F/3) (2 counts), Grand Theft (F/3), Petit Theft (M/1) Elevated Bonds obtained on above listed charges ($104,00 Bond). Criminal History – 1 Felony charge and 11 Misdemeanor charges that consist of retail petit theft, criminal mischief, petit theft $100 or less, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, criminal mischief more than $200.00, aggravated assault.

Still at-large is:

Shykiah Rosetta Samoya Byrd (26) of 10410 Paragon Place, Riverview.
Involved in 7 online fraudulent purchases, which were all picked up at JC Penney stores outside of Polk County. Sold two fraudulently obtained JC Penney’s gift cards and obtained a total of $505.00.
Charges- Racketeering (F/1), Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (F/1), Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information (F/3), Grand Theft (F/3). Elevated Bonds obtained on above listed charges ($102,00 Bond).Criminal History– 6 Felony charges and 4 Misdemeanor charges that consist of criminal use of personal identification, counterfeiting-falsely making credit card, fraud-use scan device pay card to defraud, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, no valid driver’s license, operating unregistered vehicle and criminal mischief.

There were three JC Penney’s stores in Polk County that were victims of Grand and Petit Theft: 3800 U.S. 98 North Suite 200, Lakeland; 6200 Grandview Parkway, Davenport; and 501 Eagle Ridge Drive, Lake Wales.

The other JC Penney’s Stores were located in the following counties: Duval, Clay, Lake, Pinellas, Pasco, Volusia, Orange, Osceola, and Hillsborough. These counties are located within 8 different Judicial Circuits.

“This investigation turned up sixty victims of identity theft from all over the United States, and the numerous JC Penney’s stores across Florida. But it doesn’t stop there, because when stores lose money like this, it eventually costs us all. This was outstanding investigative work by our Organized Retail Crime Unit.” –

Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The investigation began on March 21, 2018 when JC Penney’s contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about fraudulent activity at their stores.

Between October 26, 2017 and April 3, 2018, Nelson, Scott, Byrd, and Gibson (and possibly others) were responsible for making sixty five separate fraudulent transactions online to purchase $21,555.43 worth of JC Penney’s merchandise using someone else’s credit/debit card information. 15 of those occurred in Polk County.

Members of the organization were able to obtain thirty-two JC Penney’s gift cards totaling $10,458.29 (exchanged for fraudulently purchased merchandise), three cash refunds totaling $877.34 and one transaction valued at $303.88 where the merchandise was returned for either cash or a JC Penney’s gift card. Twenty-two of the fraudulently obtained JC Penney’s gift cards were sold at Tampa Gift Card King that is located at 9340 North Florida Avenue Unit F in Tampa, Florida for a total of $4,729.00.

Convenience Store Beer Thief Shot by Store Owner

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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July 18, 2018

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Convenience Store Beer Thief Shot by Store Owner

PCSO Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting of a man who stole three 18-packs of Natural Ice beer from the Shell gas station / convenience store located at 125 Combee Road North, Lakeland. The shooting took place at approximately 11:40 p.m. last night, Tuesday, July 17 in the parking lot.

The man who was shot, 43-year-old Rennie Defoe, Jr. of Plant City, entered the store, walked to the beer cooler, picked up three 18-packs of Natural Ice beer, valued at approximately $36.00, and then walked out of the store without paying.

22-year-old Mehedeun Hasan of Lakeland, the co-owner of the business with his father, 61-year-old Q M Monsur Rahman of Lakeland, picked up a 9mm handgun from the store office and ran out after Defoe to confront him about the theft.

Defoe tossed the stolen beer in and then entered his vehicle (a 2005 white Toyota Camry) parked in the store parking lot and shut the door. Hasan then caught up with Defoe, pointed the gun at him while he was in the driver’s seat, and at some point shot Defoe as he was backing up to leave. Defoe then drove off and then crashed his vehicle at the intersection of East Main Street and Fish Hatchery Road, Lakeland. He was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for wounds from a single gunshot to his left arm and chest. Defoe is listed in critical condition.

Mehedeun Hasan was arrested today and has been charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle and attempted 2nd degree murder. Hasan has no prior criminal history.

Rennie Defoe, Jr. has 12 prior felony charges and nine prior misdemeanor charges which include: Robbery, Firing a Missile into a Dwelling, Domestic Battery (2), Battery, Grand Larceny, Grand Theft, Felony Petit Theft, Petit Theft (2), Resisting, Distribute Cocaine within 100ft of a School, Manufacture Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2), Failure to Appear, and Probation Violation (5).

Defoe has been sentenced to Florida State Prison four times, and was most recently released from prison on June 12, 2018.

Surveillance video from the Convenience store may be found here: https://youtu.be/DaRJd5ndEik

Take A Trip Down Memory Lane With Little Slices of Heaven on U.S. 27

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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July 18, 2018

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Take A Trip Down Memory Lane With Little Slices of Heaven on U.S. 27

by James Coulter

Driving north along Highway 27, passing through Clermont, drivers would know they had reached Central Florida as soon as they saw Citrus Tower peaking from over the horizon.

This 226-foot-tall tower looms over the surrounding orange groves, and even to this day, provides curious tourists with a scenic view of the landscape below, which envelops several counties.

Carl Knickerboxer, a suburban primitive art and filmmaker from Oviedo, Florida, once visited the tower in 1957, one year after it was first built, and later again in 2013 to study it as a reference for his 2014 independent film, “The Last Orange Grove of Middle Florida.”

The tower and its landscape would inspire him to create his own sculpture of the famous landmark, with the tower and surrounding buildings recreated in foam representation, all sitting atop an old wooden orange crate.

This art piece originally served as a visual for his independent film, but is now being showcased within a traveling exhibit currently on display at the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Center.

“Little Slices Of Heaven On U.S. 27” is a traveling exhibit showcasing artwork, photographs, and other memorabilia that highlight the nostalgic history of Highway 27 and its many attractions, both natural and man-made.

One such attraction is the Citrus Tower, the artistic representation of which is included along with the diverse array of other artwork within the traveling exhibit.

Knickerboxer himself has yet to see the exhibit, but hopes to do so once it arrives in Seminole County.

“I am happy to be in the exhibit as a traveling exhibition,” he said. “What a nice and interesting concept for an art exhibit to show and reflect on the visual art of this famous thoroughfare in the middle of Florida.”

“Little Slice Of Heaven On U.S. 27” highlights the history of U.S. 27, often considered to be the “backbone of Florida”, as it served as the main thoroughfare for people traveling in the state between Tallahassee and Miami.

Following the construction of the interstates, along with larger attractions such as Disney World, the highway has received less traffic in recent years, and many famous attractions such as Pirates World and Dinosaur Jungle have since faded away.

However, the memory of this famous highway and its many roadside attractions remains fresh within the memories of locals and tourists, and this exhibit hopes to keep these memories alive.

Created by the Southern Florida State College Museum of Florida Art and Culture, the exhibit showcases many of the landmarks that existed along the highway during its golden years between its construction in 1934 to the opening of Disney World in 1971.

As the highway passes right through Lake Wales, not only has the exhibit stopped at the Lake Wales Museum, but it also showcases some artwork of Lake Wales landmarks such as Bok Tower, The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel, Chalet Suzanne, and the former Masterpiece Gardens.

“It’s quirky, fun and what Florida summers are all about – hopping in the car for the day and finding little roadside treasures along the way,” said Jennifer D’hollander, director of the museum, within a press release.

As they peruse the exhibit, guests will be able to view artwork of many sights along the highway, both on the land, within the water, and even in the air.

Richard Reep, architect and artist, has contributed many of his illustrations of aircraft, many of which have flown from air bases and training facilities situated along the old highway.

Reep feels honored to have been chosen for the exhibit, as it showcases many places within Florida that often goes overlooked by the average tourist and even local.

“It gives people a chance to see stuff that inspires your imagination about Florida that is a little off the beaten path,” he said. “It is not about beaches. It’s not about Key West or Miami. It’s about a completely different Florida that people should not miss.”

As the highway passes through Florida’s natural landscape, including the Everglades, the exhibit also showcases photographs and illustrations of Florida wildlife.

Sharron Cummings (ShannonTheBee on Instagram) contributed many of her watercolors/mixed-media scientific illustrations that was commissioned for a marine biologist in Sarasota.

Cummings was impressed by the diversity showcased within the exhibit when it started in Avon Park. As a huge fan of history, she loved learning more about the history of this historic highway, and she hopes others learn more about it as well.

“Being a local myself, being born and raised on Highway 27, I was surprised there was more to 27 other than Cypress Gardens and Gatorama,” she said. “It is really eye opening for anyone who is a Florida resident their whole life, they should really go and check this out because there is a lot of stuff that I did not know about.”

“Little Slice Of Heaven On U.S. 27” will be on display at the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Center from now until August 11.

The museum is located at 325 S. Scenic Highway in Lake Wales, and open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the museum’s website at: http://www.cityoflakewales.com/439/Depot-Museum

Silly Socks Saturdays Raised Funds Through Bowling At Cypress Lanes

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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July 18, 2018

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Silly Socks Saturdays Raised Funds Through Bowling At Cypress Lanes

by James Coulter

One year ago, Kari Richards asked her middle school students at Bok Academy to come up with an idea to use their passions to impact their local community.

One of her students, Zachary Kirkland, decided to collect small toys and toiletries to create gift bags to donate to children staying overnight at the hospital. He called his idea “Silly Socks Saturdays.”

One year later, not only has Zachary’s idea become a full-fledged non-profit organization that has continued to remain strong, but his young philanthropy has garnered him many awards, including a grant through Disney Be Inspired.

Richards remains impressed by the tenacity of her student to get something up and running like that at a young age and to keep it going strong.

“I think it is incredible,” she said. “Zack has done an amazing job, and I never expected it to get to this magnitude.”

Richards and her husband decided to help his organization out by attending a fundraiser last Saturday afternoon at Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven.

As her own student was capable of creating something big on his own at such a young age, she wanted to do anything she could to support him in his endeavor, even if it was as simple as bowling a few games.

“I appreciate that he is a middle schooler who created this organization on his own…and he has really stuck with it,” she said. “I think he has been an amazing young man, and I know he will do some phenomenal things with his life.”

Silly Socks Saturdays hosted a fundraiser last Saturday afternoon at Cypress Lanes, allowing visitors to purchase special tickets to bowl, the proceeds of which would go towards his organization.

Their tickets also allowed them to be entered within a 50/50 raffle drawing with gift baskets and other items donated by local sponsors such as Painting With A Purpose and Harry’s Old Place.

Within the very first hour, the event managed to draw in more than 60 visitors. At the end of the day, more than 80 people had attended, raising more than enough money to cover the expenses for their organization for several months, said Diane Forcier, Zachary’s mother.

Zachary received his idea for the fundraiser from his own love of bowling, especially since he visits Cypress Lanes at least twice a week to practice for his school’s bowling team.

He was most impressed by the turnout and proceeds during the event that afternoon, and by how many people were willing to attend to support such a good cause such as his.

“I see a lot of people enjoying themselves, and that is all what matters to me,” he said. “It exceeded my expectations. Because we have people who are coming and having fun, and that is what it is really all about to me.”

Silly Socks Saturday collects donations of small toys, school supplies, and toiletries that Zachary and his team then pack into gift bags and distributes every Saturday at Lakeland Regional Hospital.

The name of the organization was inspired by the “silly” blue socks that many of his relatives received at the hospital during their own visits, he said.

Zachary has since spread the good word about his organization to many potential sponsors and volunteers within the area, including Rotary on the Ridge, which not only participated within the event that afternoon, but donated a gift basket for the raffle.

Megan Gillis, one of the Rotary members, and the mother of a daughter who attends school with Zachary, had learned more about Silly Socks following a presentation that Zachary recently provided her group.

As Silly Socks matched the spirit of service surrounding Rotary, she decided that it was one that she and her fellow members would more than support.

“We are proud of what he is doing at such a young age and working within our community is amazing,” she said. “If you have ever been in a situation like that in the hospital and needed a little boost of happiness, he definetly brings it.”

That Zachary has been able to manage such a non-profit organization, especially as a high school student, has been nothing short of inspirational, and has thus inspired many people to assist him in his endeavors.

“It is a young boy in our local community doing wonderful things, it is a great cause, it is a great way to give back, and it is a great way to support one another,” she said. “That he is so young yet he has put so much stock and time within this project, and his dedication, we watched him grow over the past year, and it keeps on expanding overtime, and he is sticking with it.”

For more information about Silly Socks Saturdays, visit their website at: http://sillysocksaturdays.com/

Lake Wales Little League Junior All Star Team Headed to State

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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July 18, 2018

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Lake Wales Little League Junior All Star Team Headed to State

The Lake Wales Little League Junior Baseball All Star team has had success this season.

They are District 4 Champions, Section 4 Champions and are now heading to Tallahassee this Friday to compete in the state tournament. They are the only all star team left out of 8 teams.

Congratulations!!!!

Back row: (l to r) Coach Robby Fackender, Kaden Hayes, Mitchell Cain, Jack Maggard, Bryce Rafa, Cade McMillan, Coach Mike Hixenbaugh, Hunter Wilmoth. Front row kneeling: (l to r) Mason Hixenbaugh, Carson Henrickson, Bryson Fackender, Ethan Graham, Alex Zenteno, Logan Ramirez, Hunter Croft.

The Frostproof 12U Ponytails will be representing the state of Florida in the Dixie Youth World Series

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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July 18, 2018

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The Frostproof 12U Ponytails will be representing the state of Florida in the Dixie Youth World Series in Alexandria Louisiana July 27 – August 1.

Please help us get there and let our girls have an experience of a lifetime. We need help with rooms, gas, food, etc…

Any donations are greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to Frostproof youthball Inc. PO Box 912, Frostproof, FL 33843.

Thank you from the Frostproof 12U Ponytails.

Caden Smith#42, Madison Thompson#11, Chrissy Rebarchek#1, Julissa Becerra#7, Karah Brantley#6, Monica Alvarado#2, Aniyah Purdy#14, Alondra Barajas#3, Paula Ramos#24, Alexis plain#10. Head coach Joe Smith, Pitching Coach Lisa McCafferty, batting Coach Dave Miller, assistant coach Teddy Greathouse

Officer Involved Shooting at Royal Inn in Winter Haven

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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July 18, 2018

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Officer Involved Shooting at Royal Inn in Winter Haven

Winter Haven Police Department Release:

Winter Haven Police are on scene of an officer-involved shooting at the Royal Inn, located at 3525 Lake Alfred Rd. (Hwy 17) in Winter Haven. No officers are injured.

The subject has been taken to a local hospital and his condition in unknown at this time. This is very early in the investigation and information is still being gathered.

Here’s what we have so far:
A 9-1-1 call was received at 5:18 a.m. this morning regarding a subject who was threatening suicide. The subject told the 9-1-1- operator that he had a loaded gun in his pocket. When officer approached the subject, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the weapon pointing at the officers. Officers fired upon the subject and he was struck multiple times. Officers immediately began rendering aid and the subject was taken by ground to a local hospital.

We will bring you more as it becomes available.

Traffic Alert Hwy 17 in Bartow Accident with Power Outage

Staff Reporter

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July 17, 2018

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Traffic Alert:

We have reports that Hwy 17 is shut down close to the plant in Bartow due to a pole being hit by a car. No life threatening injuries have been reported. Power is out in the area and Bartow electric working to restore.

We will bring you more as it becomes available.

Old Eagle Lake-Winter Haven Road Remains Closed until Friday Afternoon

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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July 17, 2018

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Old Eagle Lake-Winter Haven Road Remains Closed until Friday Afternoon

Bartow, Fla. (July 17, 2018) —Polk County will keep Old Eagle Lake-Winter Haven Road in southwest Winter Haven closed until Friday, two days later than planned, so crews can finish repairing pavement settlement problems related to mucky soils below the road. Old Eagle Lake-Winter Haven Road is expected to reopen Friday afternoon shortly after paving the rebuilt segment of the roadway.

Southbound through traffic will continue to be detoured at Lake Shipp Drive, while northbound traffic will be detoured at State Road 540. Motorists are still advised to drive with caution, follow detour signs and allow for extra time for trips through this area. For more information, contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2230.

Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation in Lakeland

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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July 17, 2018

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Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation

On July 12th, 2018, Ramon Turner, 28 years old was indicted for First Degree Murder of Michael Guthridge. Guthridge was shot and killed on April 6, 2018. The indictment was served on Turner today who is incarcerated in the Putnam County Jail, Florida. No other details are listed in the indictment and Turner is being held with NO Bond.

Homicide Investigation

LAKELAND, FL (April 6, 2018) On April 6, 2018 at 12:11 a.m., the Lakeland Police Department responded to 1668 Crystal Park Circle in reference to a 911 call of shots being fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers located Michael Robert Guthridge, 31 years of age, lying in the parking lot unresponsive with a gunshot wound. EMS arrived and pronounced Guthridge deceased at 12:21 a.m.

At this time, Guthridge’s home address has not been confirmed but it is known that he frequents 1668 Crystal Park Circle visiting friends. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded and interviewed several potential witnesses in the area. Details of those interviews are not being released at this time. There are no suspects and detectives are asking for the public’s assistance.

If you have any information regarding the murder of Michael Guthridge, please call Detective Stacey Pough at 863.834.8978 or email him at[email protected]

Anyone with information who wants to REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app.

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