Trash To Treasure Raises Funds For Blankets For 15th Year

Lake Wales

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March 12, 2018

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Trash To Treasure Raises Funds For Blankets For 15th Year

by James Coulter

From ceramic vases and wooden spoons, to Christmas ornaments and Easter eggs, anything that you wanted to look for, chances are Trash to Treasure Sale offered it on Saturday.

The biennial fundraiser for the Blankets of Love at Lake Ashton drew in curious crowds last Saturday at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse in Lake Wales, offering everything from old furniture to antiques and trinkets of all shapes and sizes.

Blankets of Love at Lake Ashton (BOLLA) is a local non-profit organization that helps provide blankets for children in crisis throughout the county.

With more than 80 members within the Lake Ashton area, the group sews and collects blankets, which they then offer to school and other local organizations to distribute to children who may need them.

More than 1,200 blankets have been provided yearly, and they only hope to provide even more this year, explained Pat Neaves, BOLLA Chairperson.

Ever since they started fifteen years ago, they have been hosting this fundraiser every two years, allowing them to raise up to $15-16,000 for their organization.

“This is our main fundraiser, and it brings in a lot of money for us,” she said.

The organization starts collecting donations of gently-used items to sell as merchandise for their sale up to three weeks in advanced, and starts setting everything up for the big event the day before.

Aside from selling fairly-priced antiques, the event also serves hot dog lunches with drinks and chips, the non-profit proceeds of which also go towards the organization and its efforts.

Helping with the organization’s fifteen year-long success has been the cooperation of the local community, both with the members and volunteers who participate within BOLLA, and the local community who donate and purchase merchandise for the event.

The fact that the sale offers everything at a fair price and for a good cause brings in buyers and sellers each and every time, Neaves said.

“We have the support of the community,” she said. “It is the fact that everyone is happy and we get a lot of positive comments because it is for charity.”

For volunteers such as Marsha Blasko, who had been participating in BOLLA and the sale for the past 11 years, being able to contribute to a great cause makes their efforts all the more worthwhile.

“It has grown a little bit each time, because it is every other year, and the community is very supportive,” she said. “It is good because it draws a lot of good things from the people who live here.”

BOLLA meets every Monday at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse Craft Room from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Lake Ashton website at: http://www.ashtonliving.net/

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit Investigating a Two-Vehicle Crash in Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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March 12, 2018

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit investigating a two-vehicle crash in Lake Wales

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

On Sunday, March 11, 2018, around 9:51 p.m., a 1999 silver Honda Civic driven by 19-year-old Jose Avila was traveling west on Highway 60 when he fell asleep behind the wheel. While traveling west on Highway 60 he rear-ended 46-year-old Stephanie Stegall of Lake Wales, who was driving a 1997 black Nissan Pathfinder. Stegall was also traveling west on Highway 60.

When Avila struck Stegall’s car, she lost control of the vehicle, slid sideways, and struck the brick wall on the north side of the road. After striking the wall, the Pathfinder started to roll and the passenger, 40-year-old Craig Stegall of Lake Wales, was ejected from the passenger seat.

Craig Stegall was transported to the Osceola Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased from his injuries. Stephanie Stegall was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical center and was treated for minor injuries. Detectives determined both Craig and Stephanie were not wearing seatbelts during the crash, and the frontal airbags did not deploy. Avila was not injured, and he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Highway 60 westbound in this area was closed for approximately 4.5 hours.

Repeat Offender Flees PCSO Deputy After Attempted Traffic Stop

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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March 12, 2018

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Repeat Offender Flees PCSO Deputy After Attempted Traffic Stop

PCSO Release:

On Thursday, March 8, 2018, PCSO deputies arrested 34-year-old Eddie Steadman of Lakeland for possession of methamphetamine (F3), fleeing or attempting to elude (F3), resisting arrest without violence (M1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). It all started from what would have been a simple seatbelt violation.

According to the affidavit, around 3:00 p.m., a deputy observed a driver of an orange Ford Focus not wearing his seatbelt and attempted to conduct a traffic stop at Ernest Smith Boulevard and Highway 98 in Bartow. Steadman began to pull his car over, and then accelerated east on Ernest Smith Boulevard.

A pursuit was not initiated and deputies sent out a BOLO (be on the lookout) to other local agencies. Bartow Police Department later notified PCSO that a vehicle matching the description from the BOLO, had just been involved in a car crash near Highway 17 and Ernest Smith Boulevard in Bartow.

Witnesses told deputies they saw a man matching the description of the driver flee on foot and into the woods after the car crash. A perimeter was set-up; PCSO aviation and K9 Units also responded to the scene. Steadman was found just north of the Krazy Kooter’s Lounge located at 1725 U.S. Highway 17 in Bartow.

Deputies discovered that Steadman had a warrant, coincidentally for aggravated fleeing to elude.

During a search of the vehicle deputies found methamphetamine and a smoking pipe. Steadman was transported to Bartow Medical Center for shortness of breath. He was treated and released for minor injuries from the car crash and was transported to the Polk County Jail.

“If you look at Steadman’s criminal history, he has tried to flee from law enforcement before. You would think he would have learned his lesson by now. If it didn’t work then, it certainly wasn’t going to work this time.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Eddie Steadman has a previous criminal history. He has been to state prison 3 times, has 13 previous felony and 18 previous misdemeanor charges to include the following: VOP, Burglary, Aggravated flee to elude, reckless driving, grand theft of a motor vehicle, trespassing, burglary, petit theft, contempt, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief, giving false ID to LEO, battery, DWLSR, and selling dangerous drugs.

Lake Wales Fundraiser Has Been “Rockin on the River” For Four Years

Staff Reporter

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March 12, 2018

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Lake Wales Fundraiser Has Been “Rockin on the River” For Four Years

by James Coulter

As someone who has been working with the past ten years at Victory Ridge Academy, a Lake Wales school that caters to students with special needs, Lora Donley has worked alongside many children with Autism.

One such student, Landon, is also the son of a close personal friend of hers, Keri Callaham, and who also has been attending the Academy for as long as Donley has been volunteering there.

“He is special to me and my family, and there is a bunch of kids on the school that are all very special,” she explained. “You just love them all.”

As such, she only has the biggest heart towards helping spread awareness and raise funds for autism and other special needs, especially during Autism Awareness Month in April.

Helping to kick off that month and those efforts is a local annual musical venue, Rockin on the River, an event hosted at Camp Mack and whose proceeds go towards raising awareness and donations for Victory Ridge Academy.

(Photo from 2016)

“Polk County is a great group of people who are real quick to jump on the bandwagon and get together to help one another, and we are blessed that they have accepted and adopted the Rockin on the River event,” Donley said.

For the past four years, Rockin on the River has been providing a live local venue for bands and other musical groups to perform over two consecutive days and help raise funds that benefit local organizations that address Autism and other special needs.

The main benefactor of the fundraising event is Victory Ridge Academy, along with a few other smaller organizations such as the Side Street Art Beat in Winter Haven and Circle of Friends in Lake Wales.

Ever since it started four years ago, Rockin on the River has only grown in attendance and revenues, as they continue to raise more donations each and every year, Donley explained.

“Our goal is to get more people out there, not just to spend money, but to be part of the two day event, have a good time while doing it for a good cause,” she said. “It’s just a win-win.”

Joining this year’s event will be seven bands and other musicians from across the county and even the country, including Ira Dean, a national Grammy-nominated recording artist and CMT Award winner from Nashville.

As someone who also supports raising awareness for special needs, such a nationally-acclaimed musician as himself performing at such a small local event is nothing short of an honor, Donley said.

The event will also serve as the end point of a poker run with 100 motorcycles starting in Winter Haven and passing through the county before ending at the musical venue.

The brains behind the entire operation has been John Straughn, who started the event along with a few other local individuals in an effort to help promote Autism awareness within the local community.

As someone whose son has Autism, Straughn understands firsthand the importance of promoting awareness and providing resources to people within the spectrum, especially since such resources are scarce within the county.

“People gravitate towards that with a good cause and out of their pocket book to help donate and push this cause along,” he said. “We get good corporate support with different organizations stepping up to the plate and help keep this thing going.”

As such, his longtime goal is to raise enough money and resources to construct an assisted living facility for individuals with autism and other special needs, similar to the facilities provided by Noah’s Ark in Lakeland.

“Florida does not have a lot of opportunities for residential facilities on this side of the county,” Donley said. “But he would like to build something on this side so that his loved ones can live on their own, live an independent life, but still have the governance of someone else when they need it.”

For Donley, there’s nothing she loves more than hosting an event like this in the heart of the old-fashioned Florida wilderness and seeing so many people come together to not only support a good cause but also have a good time doing so.

She especially loves being able to see young children, especially those with Autism and other special needs, frolicking about during the event and likewise enjoying themselves.

As the event is for them, nothing takes higher priority than their own enjoyment and needs.

“I like to walk through the crowds and see them happy and having a good time,” Donley said. “The biggest enjoyment is to see the kids go on stage to be presented with a check, or see the director talk about the kids. Spending time with them makes you feel good.”

Rockin on the River will be hosted at Camp Mack, located at 14900 Camp Mack Road in Lake Wales, on Fri., Apr. 6, and Sat., Apr. 7. The event is free with $5 for parking.

For more information, visit their website at: http://www.autismrockinontheriver.com/

Peak Bloom Season Arrives At Bok Tower Gardens

Staff Reporter

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March 9, 2018

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Peak Bloom Season Arrives At Bok Tower Gardens

by James Coulter

The first day of spring is right around the corner, and Bok Tower Gardens had already sprung into the season with its garden foliage in full bloom during its Peak Bloom Season.

All this month, guests can enjoy the springtime sights with more than 150 different camellias and hundreds of other flowers.

To help guests better enjoy the scenic springtime surroundings, several special events will be hosted this month:

Spring Wine Walk

What better way for wine connoisseurs to enjoy the start of spring than to take a leisurely stroll and admire the blossoming foliage with a cup of fine wine.

The Spring Wine Walk on March 10 will allow guests to sip, sample, and stroll through the gardens along a path with six designated stops at the most scenic locations, each one serving two different wines and a snack.

Each of the 12 wines have been carefully selected to reflect each of the designated areas of the garden, thus helping to compliment the overall scenery, and will all be served along with unique hordierves such as fruit sushi, or “frushi.”

After their springtime stroll, guests can then make their way to the cafe terrace for an after party featuring live music and fine dining with their choice of either grilled chicken or red snapper, each topped with mango salsa and served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.

This will be the second wine walk hosted at the gardens. The first walk was hosted in the fall and managed to attract more than 500 guests, explained Erica Smith, Bok Tower Marketing Director.

“With it being our very first one, we did not know what to expect, and we had close to 500 people come to our wine walk, which is a huge event for us,” she said.

This year’s walk is expected to attract the same number of guests, and with a beautiful weather forecast for that evening, the turnout is expected to possibly even be greater.

“The weather was spectacular, and people had such a good time,” she said. “They had fun with the wine, and have a nice healthy stroll as you work off a few calories and enjoy the wine walk.”

Bok After Dark

While the blooming trees look lovely in the sunlight, they look just as good in the moonlight. What better way to do that than during a nighttime clarion concert?

Bok After Dark offers guests the rare opportunity to enjoy the gardens at night with live music played on the patio and later from the tower itself with a clarion concert.

While most after dark events are hosted after dusk, this month’s events will be hosted at dusk near sunset, allowing guests to enjoy the view of the tower and scenic landscape as the sun sets on the horizon.

“This year, because sunsets have been wonderful, we decided to change it up a bit so you can walk up to the tower while the sun is setting and it will be twilight as you walk down,” Smith said.

After sunset, guests can then enjoy a musical experience as the tower bells ring out in song during the clarion concert, with the two events being themed to current popular music.

The first event, “An Epic Fantasy”, on March 15 will feature a selection of musical scores from popular movies such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings. The second event, “Rock The Bok”, on March 29, will showcase rock anthems from metal bands such as ACDC and Metallica.

As the deviation from the classical clarion concerts, the concerts this month will have a greater focus on a younger crowd, thus allowing guests of all ages to better enjoy the music, Smith said.

“We have a heritage of playing high classical music,” she said. “It is something interesting when you can hear Metallica or ACDC being played on the bell towers, it is so fun and different and useful, and that is what we want people to do, for them to come and hear and enjoy and want to provide music relevant to a younger audience.”

Other Events

Carillon Classic 5K (March 10): Run, walk, or jog your way through the garden and along scenic Iron Mountain during a race along “Central Florida’s most challenging 5K course.”

Family Camping Adventure (March 17 and 18): What’s better than enjoying the garden during the day? How about enjoying it all weekend with the opportunity to camp in the gardens and enjoy various other camping activities such as stargazing and campfires.

Founder’s Room Tour (March 24): Very few people have been allowed inside the tower, and this month, members at the Sustainer Level will have a rare opportunity to take an exclusive tour inside by reservation.

For more information about upcoming events, visit their website at: https://boktowergardens.org/

Man Charged With Solicitation to Commit Murder While in the Polk County Jail

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2018

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Man Charged With Solicitation to Commit Murder While in the Polk County Jail

A Winter Haven man who is currently in the Polk County Jail for Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a child under 12 years of age, was charged Wednesday, March 7, 2018, with trying to hire someone to kill his victim, and witnesses. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged 26-year-old inmate Richard Palmer with two counts of solicitation to commit murder (F-1), and one count of solicitation to commit arson (F-2).

According to the affidavit, Palmer approached a cellmate, asking him if he knew anyone who would be willing to kill the young victim and witnesses in his case. The cellmate notified law enforcement about Palmer’s offer to compensate $15,000.00 and a motor vehicle, described as a sports car, to murder the child and two adults, then burn their home down to destroy evidence. Palmer told the cellmate that he didn’t want his intended victims to come to court, and he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in prison.

The cellmate turned over Palmer’s hand-drawn map of the targeted residence, complete with landmarks, and interior layout, which was intended to help the hired-killer with the task.

An undercover detective was introduced over the phone by the cellmate, as someone interested in assisting with the murders. The term, “X Out” was adopted by Palmer to refer to the planned murders when speaking with the cellmate and detective. The detective was provided directions, promised a motor vehicle as partial payment, as well as money in advance. Palmer soon after arranged for $100.00 to be wired to the detective via Western Union, and was provided with a security code question by Palmer.

Detectives also recorded a conversation between Palmer and his cellmate, where Palmer used the coded phrase, “Exterminate all Jews,” referring to his people (victims) in the neighborhood. It was during this conversation that Palmer acknowledged drawing the map.

“Just when you think this man can’t get any lower, after being arrested for doing horrible things to a child, now he’s trying to hire someone to kill her and the witnesses. There’s not one bit of remorse in this man for what he’s done.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

A complaint affidavit against Palmer was originally filed with the lewd and lascivious charges in February 2013. Palmer was arrested in Ohio, and extradited to Polk County in November 2015. He posted bail in December of that year. He was arrested again in September of 2017 on battery on a LEO and resisting arrest charges, which prompted his pre-trial release status to be revoked and he has been in jail since. He is scheduled for first appearance on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Richard Palmer’s prior criminal history consists of four felony charges, three misdemeanor charges, and nine charges of unknown levels. In addition to the lewd and lascivious charge, his priors includes three battery on LEO charges, two charges of resisting arrest, battery (domestic violence), driving while license suspended or revoked, and failure to appear.

The names of the victim and witnesses, and the map have been withheld due to identifying information in a sexual battery case.

Winter Haven Drug Dealer Charged with First-Degree Murder For Selling Lethal Dose of Fentanyl-Laced Heroin

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2018

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Winter Haven Drug Dealer Charged with First-Degree Murder For Selling Lethal Dose of Fentanyl-Laced Heroin

On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, the Grand Jury (10^th Judicial Circuit) charged 49-year-old Melita Mendez of Winter Haven with first-degree murder of 31-year-old Kalia Joslin of Winter Haven. Mendez was previously arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies on November 6, 2017, for trafficking heroin (F1), conspiracy to traffick heroin (F1), selling heroin (F2), possession with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture heroin (F2), use of 2-way communication device to commit a felony (F-3), storing drugs in a home (M1), two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia (M1), resisting arrest (M1), and possession of marijuana (M1).

She was taken into custody last night at her residence, 439 21St St SW in Winter Haven (she had previously bonded out on her trafficking in heroin charges on February13, 2018). Also arrested and taken into custody last night was her husband, 56-year-old Idlefonso Mendez Rios. He was charged with possession of methadone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of prescription medication without a prescription, resisting officers without violence, and served with a warrant for failure to appear at the Polk County Jail Weekend Work Release Program (Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Prescription Drug without a Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia). Mr. Rios was found hiding in a bedroom closet. While conducting a search, detectives found the methadone pills and drug paraphernalia (for which he was charged).

Melita Mendez admitted to detectives that she sold the heroin to Joslin, which resulted in Joslin’s death.

According to detectives, the following is a timeline describing the investigation:

October 29, 2017: PCSO responded to an unresponsive female call, later identified as 31-year-old Kalie Joslin of Winter Haven-she was deceased on scene. Deputies found suspected heroin/fentanyl baggies and syringes in her bedroom. Joslin had one child, a 12-year-old son.
October 31, 2017: Deputies collected and searched Joslin’s cellphone. During the search, they found several text messages from October 28, 2017. It was apparent through the text messages that Joslin had been trying to contact “Tuti” to purchase $95.00 worth of heroin. Detectives discovered that Joslin and a witness drove to 626 Avenue E. SE in Winter Haven (Tuti’s residence). Tuti went into Joslin’s vehicle and sold $95.00 worth of heroin (6 baggies) to Joslin and a witness. The two split the heroin. Joslin made her way back to her residence (where she lived with her mother and father).

On this same day, October 31, 2017, deputies identified “Tuti” as 49-year-old Melita Mendez. An undercover detective made contact with Mendez and purchased $100 worth of heroin (6 baggies).

November 3, 2017: The undercover detective purchased an additional $95.00 worth of heroin (6 baggies) from Mendez. Deputies conducted a search of Mendez’ home and she was arrested for having 18 grams of heroin. During the investigation, Mendez admitted to deputies that she sold a potentially fatal dose of heroin to Joslin on October 28, 2017.

PCSO detectives sent the baggies of heroin (that were found next to Joslin when she was discovered deceased) and the baggies found in Mendez’ home to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Lab. The lab results stated the baggies of heroin in Joslin’s presence and the heroin found in Mendez’ home tested positive for heroin. In early February, detectives received toxicology results from Joslin’s autopsy indicating she tested positive for Fentanyl.

On February 22, 2018, detectives received the final autopsy report from the 10^th District Medical Examiner’s office and the official cause of death was ruled as “Heroin and Fentanyl Intoxication.”

“This is how dangerous it is to become addicted to heroin, or any drug for that matter. Drug dealers are only concerned about making money, they don’t care about how this drug can ruin someone’s life. Thankfully, the legislation passed the new law encompassing the sale of heroin laced with fentanyl into the first-degree murder statute. Now, Mendez can be rightfully held accountable for her actions.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Melita Mendez has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1990 when she was 21 years old.

07/23/2016 – PCSO – failure to appear
02/23/2016 – PCSO – Knowingly DWLSR
01/16/2015 – PCSO – Knowingly DWLSR
08/13/2008 – PCSO – Failure to Appear

Pennsylvania Charges

11/07/1997 – Whitehall PD – Retail Theft

New York Charges

02/17/1990 – NYCPD – Robbery with Deadly Weapon, Criminal Possession Weapon -4^th with Intent to Use, Petit Larceny, Intent to Obtain Transportation without Paying Menacing
05/14/1990 – NYCPD – Robbery -1^st Causing Serious Injury, Criminal Possession Weapon – 4^th: Intent to Use, and Criminal Possession Stolen Property-5^th Degree

On October 1, 2017, Florida State Statute 782.04(3)(g) became effective (adding Fentanyl to be classified under the First Degree Murder statute).

CommunityFest By Day, Taste of Winter Haven By Night

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2018

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CommunityFest By Day, Taste of Winter Haven By Night

by James Coulter

On Saturday morning, Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven burst to the brim with bright colors with bounce houses, balloon animals, and food vendors for family members of all ages.

By Saturday evening, the scene shifted to a more sophisticated setting with vendors from restaurants all over the city congregating around the Chamber of Commerce to serve their finest food along with wine and live music.

Whether during the day or at night, Downtown Winter Haven had something to offer the entire community through two annual events that Saturday.

Both events have been hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for the past four years, and both were started to bring together the entire community with food, folks, and fun.

CommunityFest Winter Haven

The first half of the day started with CommunityFest, a local festival with more than two dozen vendors each providing their own food, games, and other fun activities ranging from balloon animals and street performers to a rock climbing wall and food trucks.

Not only does the event provide residents family fun, but an opportunity to learn about local businesses and other organizations, explained Brianna Price, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Marketing Coordinator.

“It gives the general public a chance to get to know our Winter Haven businesses, and it is a great day for people to enjoy the park,” she said.

Brent Wernsing, Pastor of Kairos Church, decided to attend and sponsor the event for the first time this year, sponsoring a balloon artist while providing other activities such as rock painting and cotton candy.

As someone whose church attends the Winter Haven Market twice a month, he understands the importance of reaching out to the community through such outreach.

“We love being in the community,” he said. “I have been able to talk about people about what we have going as a church and what we are doing in the community…[I] just [loved] the people and connecting with them in the community.”

Melissa Woodward, Owner of Crazy Custom Creations, used the event to expose potential customers to her business of selling custom perler bead art, many of which are inspired by popular movies, comic books, and video games.

She started her business a year ago after spinal surgery left her unable to move around as much as she used to, and she wanted to find a way to help pre-occupy her time, she explained.

“I figured there will be kids out here, so [it was] an opportunity to share my work with others,” she said. “I have been pleased to sell products and customers coming by and being happy.”

Since the festival started four years ago, not only has it been growing in attendance, but also in the quantity and quality of its vendors, all of which help to make this event possible, explained Katie Worthington, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

“It has been great,” she said. “We always expect to have a turnout, and I think they did as good job to show their love of their community for this great event.”

Taste of Winter Haven

While the day was dedicated to families and children of all ages, the night was set aside for adults ages 21 and older with an evening of fine dining, wine, and music.

Taste of Winter Haven offered 21 food booths showcasing the local flavors of Winter Haven and its many restaurants including Ovation Bar and Grille, Tempo 1930, Tallulah’s Table by the Sea, and Rick’s Bar-B-Que.

Rick Smith, owner of Rick’s Bar-B-Que has been attending ever since the event first started four years ago, with him serving smoked wings and sausage at this year’s event.

“It’s perfect,” he said. “This helps provide exposure for the restaurant [and] support the community.”

With the purchase of a wristband, attendees could sample a diverse selection of local cuisine ranging from baked ziti, crab salad, fried beignets, and mini shepherd’s pie and blue crab cheesecake.

The latter selection was served by Christia Morgan and her husband, Phillip Robinson, both owners of Catering Company of Central Florida, who have always attended for the past four years as a way to network with potential customers.

This year, she was able to reach out to Bond Clinic, Venue 650, and a local doctor’s office as potential catering opportunities, which she also appreciates as the Chamber’s presidential ambassador.

“I love the networking with the community,” she said. “We love to give back to our community however we can, [and] this is a great event.”

This year drew in approximately 400 to 500 attendees, which the beautiful weather especially helped facilitate, and future events are expected to only continue to grow.

“It’s really a crowd beyond your normal Chamber of Commerce crowd,” said Worthington. “It is really people in the community coming out to spend time together.”

PLEA AGREEMENT: Mulberry man sentenced to 18 years in prison for possession of child pornography

Polk County News

Staff Reporter

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March 6, 2018

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PLEA AGREEMENT: Mulberry man sentenced to 18 years in prison for possession of child pornography

State Attorney’s Office Release:

Calvin Barnes pled guilty to 50 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography Tuesday and was sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by 15 years of sex offender probation.

Barnes, 46, was viewing, downloading, and distributing explicit photos and videos on Twitter. His activity was flagged by Twitter, and the company sent a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The investigation was then passed to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were able to link the flagged Twitter account to Barnes using his subscriber information.

Over 500 pictures and videos were located in connection to Barnes’ account. The investigation also revealed he was having conversations about wanting to engage in sexual activity with minors.

After the court hearing today, State Attorney Brian Haas attributed the lengthy prison term to the “excellent investigation performed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the dedicated efforts of Assistant State Attorney Amy Smith, who prosecuted the case for the Tenth Circuit State Attorney’s Office.”

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