73.9 F
Winter Haven
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Home Blog Page 670

No Residential Collection Services and North Central Landfill Closed on May 29

Staff Reporter
-
0
No Residential Collection Services and North Central Landfill Closed on May 29
No Residential Collection Services and North Central Landfill Closed on May 29
 
BARTOW, Fla. (May 23, 2017) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ Waste & Recycling division announced that on Monday, May 29, there will be no residential collection services (including all garbage, yard waste collection and recycling); and, that the North Central Landfill will be closed.
 
The North Central Landfill will re-open on May 30. Collection services will be delayed by one day. Monday’s collection will be picked up Tuesday, Tuesday’s collection will be on Wednesday, Wednesday’s collection will be on Thursday, Thursday’s collection will be on Friday and Friday’s collection will be Saturday. Regularly scheduled pick-ups will resume on Monday, June 5.
 

Roger Moore Who Played “James Bond” Dead At 89

Staff Reporter
-
0
Roger Moore Who Played “James Bond” Dead At 89

Sir Roger Moore, one of the most popular actors to play James Bond, died Tuesday in Switzerland.

Moore had battled cancer briefly … according to his 3 children who released a statement saying they were all by this side in his final days.

Moore took over the Bond character in 1973’s “Live and Let Die.” His final one was “A View to a Kill” in 1985. All told, he played the character 7 times … more than any other actor.

Farm Service Agency Tree Assistance Program Provides Aid to Florida Citrus Growers Combatting Greening

Staff Reporter
-
0
Farm Service Agency Tree Assistance Program Provides Aid to Florida Citrus Growers Combatting Greening

Farm Service Agency Tree Assistance Program Provides Aid to Florida Citrus Growers Combatting Greening

By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist

 Adversity isn’t a stranger to Florida citrus growers. Throughout Florida’s history of citrus production, producers have dealt with damages left in the wake of multiple hurricanes and freezes.

Larry Black is a fifth-generation citrus grower and general manager of Peace River Packing Company in Polk County, Fla. His family has been a part of the citrus industry for over a century, planting citrus trees when they settled in Fort Meade in 1852.

Peace River Packing Company was founded in 1928, when Black’s great-grandfather and a group of Fort Meade citrus growers decided to build their own packinghouse. His great-grandfather bought out the other shareholders by the 1950s, and the company has been owned and operated by the family ever since.

“Freezes have really defined the industry and been catalysts for change. Fortunately, we haven’t had any major freezes since the 1980s, when we had three. Those are etched in my memory because I saw impacts they had on the business and how things can change so quickly in agriculture,” said Black.

The Florida citrus industry has battled citrus greening, also called Huanglongbing (HLB), for over a decade. Greening is a bacterial disease that starves the tree of nutrients, damages tree roots and reduces the quality of the fruit. The first sign of greening was found in Sept. 2005.

“We first found greening in our groves in 2007, so it’s been a long battle,” said Black. “It was very isolated at first. We followed the best management practices at the time, which was to remove all infected trees as soon as they were identified. The level of infection was still at a low level and it was thought that we could slow the spread of greening by removing that inoculum.”

Greening in Florida is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid. This species has been present in Florida since the late 90s. Other than tree removal, there is no effective control once a tree is infected and there is no known cure for the disease.

“The psyllid was not an economic pest until we had greening. Once we found greening, we got very serious about controlling that psyllid that spreads it tree to tree,” he said. “Before greening, we were spraying our groves only six to seven times per year.  Now, we are spraying 11 to 14 times per year.”

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP).  Florida was approved under TAP to rec­ognize citrus greening as an eligible cause of loss in 2014.

“TAP is a way to stay in the industry. Due to greening, trees aren’t going to live as long as they were before,” said Black. “Before greening, planting a tree was a 25-to-40 year investment. Today, when we replant a tree, we consider it a success if we can get fruit off that tree for 12 to 15 years.”

Since citrus greening is a disease, mortality related to citrus greening may be assessed over a six-year period. The loss period due to citrus greening begins when the grower first recognizes the disease in the stand, and ends when an infected tree becomes either biologically dead or no longer commercially viable.

“My family is committed to the citrus industry. It’s been very good to us,” said Black. “We want to stay in the industry, and the only way we can do that is to keep replanting.”

Producers interested in applying for this program must meet eligibility and payment limitation requirements to receive financial assistance.

For more information about TAP, contact your local FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

 

Be Alert when Answering to Door To Door Salespeople

Staff Reporter
-
0
Be Alert when Answering to Door To Door Salespeople

We have had some reports of door to door salesman selling vacuum cleaners in Lake Wales this week.

Please be careful answering your door to anyone you don’t know.   If you do answer, Ask for identification and license/permit. A seller should provide you with information, including a business card and proof of their solicitation permit.

City Code on solicitors and Peddlers in city limits:

http://lakewales.elaws.us/code/ordinances_ch14_artvi_div2

If you feel uncomfortable about a door to door salesperson call the police immediately so they can identify anyone who is going door to door without authorization.

 

PLEASE Lock Your Vehicles and Keep All Items Out of View!

Staff Reporter
-
0
PLEASE Lock Your Vehicles and Keep All Items Out of View!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we gently would like to remind citizens – PLEASE lock your vehicles and keep all items out of view!

Winter Haven Police are once again reminding citizens that unlocked vehicles are an invitation to criminals who look for an easy opportunity. Since May 1, 2017 there have been 41 (forty-one) vehicle burglaries in the City of Winter Haven, 12 of those in one neighborhood. Of the 41, only 6 vehicles were locked. Those that were locked had items in plain view – a temptation too strong to pass up to a criminal.
Most vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity. The criminals look for the least amount of work to get anything of value, which is why flipping handles is the most common way this crime occurs. Among the items taken were wallets, purses, laptops, tablets, a handgun, cell phones and cash. We all must take that extra step to ensure our vehicles are secured, especially when we go in for the night.

One other problem that is on the increase involves the push-button start vehicles. Leaving the fob inside of the cup holder, console or anywhere inside of the vehicle is an opportunity to have a stolen vehicle. A few of the vehicles in these latest burglaries had the fob inside, but thankfully these criminals were looking for the quick stash. However, there have been vehicles stolen from driveways after the fob was left inside.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious, especially during the overnight hours, such as someone walking into driveways, yards, between homes or apartment parking lots is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. It takes everyone working together to prevent and also catch these thieves who continue to victimize citizens.
If you have information on anyone committing these burglaries, please call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

**The attached image was captured from a burglary committed on 5-17-17 on Chandler Dr in Winter Haven. A purse, wallet and miscellaneous items were taken from both of the unlocked vehicles.

39 People Arrested In Polk County For Prostitution & Child Pornography Charges

Staff Reporter
-
0
39 People Arrested In Polk County For Prostitution & Child Pornography Charges
Aaron Realmuto

Click On Photo For Names

*** Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release ***

PCSO & Partnering Agencies’ Undercover Detectives Arrest 39 Suspects During Undercover Investigation Focusing on Those Who Travel to Have Sex with Minors and Prostitution-Related Offenses

In an undisclosed location in Polk County, beginning on Monday, May 15, through Sunday, May 21, 2017, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives, along with detectives and investigators from other agencies, conducted a week-long undercover joint investigation targeting online child predators and online prostitution, and arrested 39 suspects.

19 of the arrests were for men traveling to meet a minor for sex. One was arrested for possession of child pornography. 19 other arrests were related to online prostitution – those who are prostitutes and advertise online, and those who solicited undercover detectives who posted ads posing as prostitutes.

The undercover operation included detectives and agents from the following agencies: U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations; Citrus County S.O.; Charlotte County S.O.; Eustis P.D.; FBI Orlando Bureau; Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Tampa Bay Regional Operations; Lake County S.O.; Largo P.D.; Lee County S.O.; Manatee County S.O.; Orange County S.O.; Orlando P.D.; Osceola County S.O.; Pinellas County S.O.; Sanford P.D.; Sarasota P.D.; Seminole County S.O.; Tampa P.D.; working in conjunction with members of the State Attorney’s Office along with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as children, or as custodians of children, or as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes. Despite the repeated warnings and media coverage of past operations, numerous suspects responded to the ads and then proceeded to chat online, email, text, and talk on the phone with the undercover detectives who posed as children, or custodians of children, or prostitutes or those soliciting prostitution online. Some of the detectives responded to profiles and online ads.

“These predators are really out there, trying to violate children. All it takes is one glance at the conversations these predators have with our undercover detectives. They lurk in chat rooms, and online, ready to groom and violate your children. Fortunately, we’ve prevented at least 19 of them from doing so. The things that these predators say to children are vile, disgusting, and not fit for anyone except trained detectives to read. And even seasoned, trained detectives are repulsed. These predators need to be locked up, and stay locked up and away from children.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The 39 suspects face a total of 126 charges (95 felonies, 31 misdemeanors) which range from: Attempted Lewd Battery; Use of Computer to Seduce a Child; Transmission of Harmful Material to Minor; Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Commit a Felony; Promotion of Sexual Performance by a Minor; Traveling to Meet Minor; Possession of Child Pornography; Soliciting Prostitution, Possession of Drugs; and Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution. More charges are pending further investigation of these suspects’ phones, computers, etc.

The suspects solicited who they thought were children as young as 10 years old for sex acts; one suspect solicited who he thought was the father of a 13-year-old girl to have sex with her; another suspect solicited who he thought was the father of a 14-year-old girl to have sex with her; one suspect solicited who he thought was the stepmother of a 12-year-old girl. Some suspects sent pornographic pictures of themselves, and some asked for nude photos of the children to be sent to them.19 of the suspects drove to the house to follow through with the promises made online to engage in sexual activity with the juveniles.
Six (6) suspects who wanted to have sex with children were from Polk County (Davenport, Haines City, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, and Lakeland).
The other 13 suspects drove to Polk County from: Orange County (Orlando); Hillsborough County (Plant City, Brandon, Tampa); Pasco County (Hudson); Marion County (Ocala); Duval County (Jacksonville); Pinellas County (Pinellas Park); and Brevard County (Cocoa, Palm Bay).
11 suspects either brought condoms or told the undercover detectives they were bringing condoms
10 suspects mentioned this being a possible “set-up” or otherwise mentioned “cops” or law enforcement, but still drove to the undercover location
7 suspects asked the “girls” if they were virgins or mentioned wanting to take their virginity
5 suspects sent nude photos of themselves and/or pornographic images and videos
4 suspects asked the “girls” to send nude photos of themselves (nearly all of the other suspects viewed profile pics of girls or asked for regular photos)
3 suspects told detectives they were married; one said he had a fiancée
3 suspects said they wanted to “teach” the girl about sex
3 suspects conversed with detectives posing as parents or guardians of young children, and drove to the location to have sex with the child – one of those suspects was going to pay $100 to have sex with the child
2 suspects brought marijuana; one brought alcohol; one brought whipped cream to put on the “girl’s” body
The youngest suspect arrested was 19 years old, and the oldest suspect arrested was 60 years old. Including the charges they face in this investigation, the suspects have a combined arrest history of 46 previous felonies and 51 previous misdemeanors.

Those arrested, arranged by types of crimes, are:

TRAVELING TO MEET A MINOR:

1. 41-year-old Alan John Lovejoy, of Lakeland; On May 10, 2017, PCSO received an anonymous tip that someone posted an ad on Craigslist possibly soliciting a child for sex. An undercover PCSO detective began communicating with Lovejoy via a fictitious profile for a 14-year-old girl. It was clear to Lovejoy throughout the next 5-day-long conversation that the person with whom he was communicating was a 14-year-old girl. He sent several nude photos of himself to the “girl” and asked her to send photos to him, and discussed the sex acts he wanted to perform on the “girl.” On May 15, 2017, Lovejoy traveled to the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14 year-old girl. He was driven there by his mother. He brought condoms to the undercover location. After his arrest, Lovejoy told detectives “I deserve this,” and “I knew what this was.” He told detectives he is separated from his wife and has three children.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Promotion of Sexual Activity on a Minor (F-2)
One count Promotion of Sexual Performance by a Child (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
Three counts Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-2)
One count Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-3)

2. 25-year-old Joseph Emmanuel Vincent, of Cocoa; On May 15, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. Vincent communicated online with who he believed to be the father of the “girl,” and agreed to pay the man $100 to have sex with his daughter. Vincent also sent nude photos of himself to the undercover detective. He stopped to purchase condoms and beer on the way to the undercover location.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-1)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

3. 26-year-old Michael Grove, of Davenport; On May 16, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. While chatting online and texting, Grove told the undercover detective the sexual acts he wanted to perform, asked the “girl” to send him photos of herself naked and said he would send some to her in exchange. He also said, “I just always worry if this is a police sting operation you know older guy and young girl.” He told detectives he is single, and was honorably discharged from the Marines.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Promotion of Sexual Activity on a Minor (F-2)
One count Promotion of Sexual Performance by a Child (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)

4. 21-year-old Omar Paz, of Plant City; On May 18, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. He first told the “girl” that he was 17, but sent photos of himself that made it clear he was older than that. During their online conversations, he mentioned the television show, “To Catch A Predator” and said he was “skeptical” and was wondering if the “girl” was “the cops.” He brought marijuana with him to the location, to smoke with the “girl.”

His criminal history includes a previous arrest for DUI.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-1)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Possession of Marijuana (M-1)
One count Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

5. 20-year-old Nicholas Ramos, of Palm Bay; On May 18, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. He told detectives he drove to the location to have sex with the girl, and initiated contact with her on Craigslist. He brought condoms. He told detectives he has previously viewed child pornography (that investigation is ongoing). He told detectives he’s a driver for Jimmy John’s (and he brought a sub sandwich).

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-1)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

6.    19-year-old Matthew Craig Booth, of Orlando; On May 18, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 10-year-old girl. He sent the “girl” a nude photo of himself and pornographic videos. He told her he wanted to take her virginity and discussed her age and how she would not get pregnant since she has not had a period yet. He told detectives he’s a Criminal Justice student at the University of Central Florida, and that he wanted to be a K-9 law enforcement officer.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor Under 12 Years Old (FC)
One count Promotion of Sexual Activity by a Minor (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Use of Computer to Seduce a Child (F-3)
Four counts Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor (F-3)

7. 53-year-old Wayne Keith Parry, of Orlando; On May 19, 2017, arrived at the undercover location to perform sex acts with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Parry communicated online with who he believed to be the father of the “girl,” and agreed to “teach” the man’s daughter.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

8. 27-year-old Mohamed Catila, of Orlando; On May 19, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He sent the “girl” two nude photos of himself. He brought condoms to the undercover location.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
Two counts Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor (F-3)

9. 29-year-old Victor Sayan-Arias, of Brandon; On May 19, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He told detectives he masturbated when he talked to the “girl” on the phone, and that he “likes having sex with younger girls/virgins because they are more submissive and don’t have STDs.” He said he has been online and chatted with several girls under the age of 18, but knows his actions are illegal. He brought marijuana to the undercover location.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Possession of Marijuana (M-1)
One count Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

10. 28-year-old Eric Norris, of Jacksonville; On May 19, 2017, arrived at the undercover location (he drove farther than any other suspect) to perform sex acts with who he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. Norris communicated online with who he believed to be the stepmother of the “girl,” and sent the “girl” nude photos and images depicting child pornography (that investigation is ongoing). It is suspected that he has sexually abused children, based on statements he made to detectives – the investigation is ongoing.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)
One count Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-3)
One count Use of Computer to Solicit Parent/Guardian (F-3)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

11. 35-year-old Juan Carlos Castro, of Lakeland; On May 19, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He said she needed a “fatherly figure.”

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor between 12-17 (F-1)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Promotion of Sexual Activity on a Victim Under 16 (F-2)

12. 26-year-old Tyler Duncan, of Tampa; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He said his fiancée encouraged him to meet someone online to have sex with.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

13. 29-year-old Fouad Jelda, of Kissimmee; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He told detectives (and they confirmed) he’s currently on probation for robbery.
His criminal history includes previous arrests for: robbery, grand theft, battery, kidnapping/false imprisonment, criminal mischief, failure to appear.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

14. 55-year-old Robert Wright, of Hudson; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. He sent pornographic images and nude photos of himself. He mentioned not wanting to go to jail but talked to the “girl” for several days about the sexual things he wanted to do to her.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-3)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Use of Computer to Seduce a Child (F-3)
Five counts Transmission of Material Harmful to Minor (F-3)
Five counts Promotion of Sexual Activity by a Minor (F-2)

15. 41-year-old Robert Heintz, of Kissimmee; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He agreed to pay her $100 and said he also wanted to have sex with her “friend,” who he also believed was 14 years old. He brought whipped cream, after discussing with her how he was going to use it on her. When he was being placed under arrest, he shoved one deputy and continued to fight until a Taser subdued him. He told detectives he has a fiancée and six kids.

His criminal history includes a previous arrest for soliciting a prostitute.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
One count Promotion of Sexual Activity by a Minor (F-2)
One count Resisting Arrest With Violence (F-3)

16. 30-year-old Arnaldo Madera, of Orlando; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He offered to pick the girl up from school. He told detectives he is married and has four children.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

17. 31-year-old Donnie Hallock, of Orlando; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.

His criminal history includes previous arrests for: aggravated assault and criminal mischief.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

18. 20-year-old Reginald Donnell Neal, of Haines City; On May 20, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. He didn’t want to buy condoms but told her he’d make sure she didn’t get pregnant.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-2)
One count Promotion of Sexual Activity by a Minor (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

19. 21-year-old Raul Alberto Rivera, of Pinellas Park; On May 21, 2017, he arrived at the undercover location to have sexual intercourse with who he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. He told the “girl” he was into handcuffs and whips. When he arrived at the undercover location and detectives ran his driver’s license, they found it was suspended in December 2016 for failure to appear for a traffic summons, so he was written a citation for DWLSR in addition to his other charges.

His criminal history includes previous arrests for: aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, resisting arrest, battery domestic violence, giving false name to LEO, grand theft, petit theft, giving false info to pawn dealer, dealing in stolen property, FTA.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Attempted Sexual Battery on a Minor (F-2)
Two counts Promotion of Sexual Activity by a Minor (F-2)
One count Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
One count Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ARREST:

1. 49-year-old Todd Alan Sebring, of Lake Wales; In April 2017, PCSO detectives received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in reference to a computer on Country Lake Circle uploading child pornography. PCSO detectives served a search warrant and seized Sebring’s computer equipment and electronic storage devices. Detectives have so far found one video depicting child pornography. Sebring is married with two children, and is employed for an IT company and works from home. More charges are pending after further forensic analysis of his equipment. Sebring told detectives (and they confirmed) he is a soccer coach at Lake Wales Futbol Club, with players 12 years old and younger.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Promotion of Sexual Performance by a Child (F-2)
One count Possession of Child Pornography (F-3)

PROSTITUTION-RELATED ARRESTS:

1. 23-year-old Cassandra Zepeda, unknown address; On May 16, 2017, Zepeda arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for $400. Zepeda posted an ad online offering her services, and the detective answered the ad. During a search of her property, detectives found used needles, pills, and baggies with drug residue. Zepeda told detectives she has been placing prostitution ads online for over a year, and that she has sex for money to support her addiction to pain pills. She told detectives that Robert Heard drove her to the location, and to approximately 10 previous “appointments” where she prostituted herself, and that he would get $40.00 in exchange for driving her on this occasion.

Her criminal history includes previous arrests for: possession of cocaine, possession of prescription drugs without a prescription, possession of marijuana, possession of alprazolam (Xanax), petit theft, VOP, and possession of paraphernalia.

She was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Possession of Oxycodone (F-3)
Offering to Commit Prostitution (M-2)
Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

2. 47-year-old Robert Heard, of Winter Haven; On May 16, 2017, Heard drove Cassandra Zepeda to the undercover location so that Zepeda could engage in prostitution. Zepeda told detectives that Robert Heard drove her to the location, and to approximately 10 previous “appointments” where she prostitutes herself, and that he would get $40.00 in exchange for driving her.

His criminal history includes prior arrests for: burglary, battery, carrying concealed firearm, keeping structure/vehicle for drug use, possession of cocaine, possession of Meth within 1000 feet of public housing, possession of paraphernalia, DWLSR, and VOP.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
One count Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution (F-2)

3. 21-year-old Joseph William Bil, of Ocala; On May 16, 2017, Bil arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $80.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

4. 33-year-old Leah Alessandrini, of Davenport; On May 17, 2017, Leah arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for $200. During a search of her property, detectives found heroin, needles, a straw, and a spoon. After meeting with the detective, she grabbed his crotch.

Her criminal history includes previous arrests for: possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of methadone, possession of meth, possession of alprazolam (Xanax), possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance without prescription, soliciting for lewdness, battery, petit theft, shoplifting, destruction of evidence, DWLSR, VOP, FTA, and possession of paraphernalia.

She was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Possession of Heroin (F-3)
Offering to Commit Prostitution (M-2)
Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)
Battery (M-1)

5. 26-year-old Cheri Malkemes, of Davenport; On May 17, 2017, Malkemes drove Leah Alessandrini to the undercover location so that Leah could engage in prostitution. Malekemes told detectives that she drove Leah to the location, and to other locations but claimed she did not know that Leah prostitutes herself.

Her criminal history includes previous arrests for: reckless driving, shoplifting, dealing in stolen property, and VOP.

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
Aid/Abet Prostitution (M-2)

6. 23-year-old Dushaun Mohammed Bonaparte, of Orlando; On May 17, 2017, Bonaparte arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $180. He told detectives that he answered an ad online and came to the location to have sex with the female, and that he has done this approximately 15-20 times in the past year.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

7. 32-year-old David Oliveros, of Davenport; On May 17, 2017, Oliveros arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $80. He told detective he left his wife and baby at home.

His criminal history includes previous arrests for: burglary, shoplifting, and VOP.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

8. 25-year-old Sara Rochell Thomas, of Davenport; On May 18, 2017, Thomas arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for money, after the detective answered her online ad. She brought condoms and lubricant. She told detectives she has been placing ads online because she doesn’t have a job and needs the money.

Her criminal history includes a previous arrest for shoplifting.

She was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

9. 45-year-old Robert Alexander Zarate, of Davenport; On May 18, 2017, Zarate arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $100.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

10. 48-year-old Kimberly Rose, of Ocala; On May 19, 2017, Rose arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for $300.

Her criminal history includes previous arrests for: offering to commit prostitution and DUI.

She was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness Second Offense (M-2)

11. 27-year-old Ramon Vendrell, of Davenport; On May 19, 2017, Vendrell arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $100.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

12. 26-year-old Raevon McBride, of Kissimmee; On May 19, 2017, McBride arrived at the undercover location with his cousin, Khody Sanford, to have sex with two undercover female detectives in exchange for $100 each.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Solicit Another for Prostitution (M-1)

13. 22-year-old Khody Sanford, of Highland Park, MI; On May 19, 2017, Sanford arrived at the undercover location with his cousin, Raevon McBride, to have sex with two undercover female detectives in exchange for $100 each. He also brought marijuana. Sanford is visiting from Michigan, and left his pregnant fiancée at home.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Solicit another for Prostitution (M-1)
Possession of Marijuana (M-1)
Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

14. 29-year-old Vanessa Renee James, of Orlando; On May 19, 2017, James arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for $400.

Her criminal history includes previous arrests for: resisting arrest, theft, battery domestic violence, VOP, and FTA.

She was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness Second Offense (M-2)

15. 32-year-old Samuel Edward Nelsen, of Clermont; On May 20, 2017, Nelsen arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $72.00 and a bottle of Crown Royal Apple. He also brought marijuana.

His criminal history includes previous arrests for: possession of marijuana, possession of alcohol under 21, VOP.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)
Resisting Arrest (M-1)
Possession of Marijuana (M-1)
Possession of Paraphernalia (M-1)

16. 27-year-old Aaron Realmuto, of Winter Garden; On May 20, 2017, Nelsen arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $50.00.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

17. 28-year-old Paula Zuniga-Casteneda, of Orlando; On May 21, 2017, Paula arrived at the undercover location with Diana Espinosa to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for $300 for each woman.

She was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)

18. 26-year-old Diana Espinosa, of Orlando; On May 21, 2017, Diana drove Paula Zuniga-Casteneda to the undercover location to have sex with an undercover detective in exchange for $300 for each woman.

Her criminal history includes previous arrests for: possession of cocaine and paraphernalia.

She was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)
Aid/Abet Prostitution (M-2)

19. 60-year-old Richard Weisburg, of Clermont; On May 21, 2017, Weisburg arrived at the undercover location to have sex with an undercover female detective in exchange for $100.00. Upon meeting the female detective, Weisburg grabbed her breasts and crotch. He told detectives he is married.

He was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with:
Offering to Commit Lewdness (M-2)
Battery (M-1)

Injured Owl Rescued By Polk County Fire Rescue Firefighters

Staff Reporter
-
0
Injured Owl Rescued By Polk County Fire Rescue Firefighters

Injured Owl Rescued By Polk County Fire Rescue Firefighters

 Bartow, Fla. (May 22, 2017) — Polk County firefighters pulled an injured owl from a small pool of water Monday morning near Mulberry.

Polk Fire’s Station 710 in the Willow Oak area received a call about 7:30 a.m. Monday to report an owl was trapped in a man’s pool. The resident wasn’t sure who to contact, so he called Polk County Fire Rescue.

When Capt. James Towns, Engineer Darren Monk and Firefighter James Parker arrived at the location on Bailey Road in Mulberry, they saw the stuck owl in about a foot of water. The owl had one claw tangled in a tarp and it was unable to fly.

The firefighters entered the pool and removed the bird, but then noticed the owl was injured. Firefighters then contacted Woodland Wonders to collect the owl for rehabilitation.

Missing Endangered Adult from Lakeland

Staff Reporter
-
0
Missing Endangered Adult from Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL (May 22, 2017) – Richard Jones, 44 years old, was last seen at his residence on Prescott Loop on Friday, May 19th at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Richard Jones made threats to harm himself prior to leaving. Jones is legally disabled and lives with his mother who reported him missing.

Jones usually wears the shirt seen in the picture, but it cannot be confirmed he was wearing this red plaid shirt when he went missing. Jones is 5’ 10” and 135 lbs. If anyone knows his whereabouts, please contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900.

CSX to Close U.S. 98 at Rail Crossing in West Frostproof

Staff Reporter
-
0
CSX to Close U.S. 98 at Rail Crossing in West Frostproof
CSX to Close U.S. 98 at Rail Crossing in West Frostproof
 
Bartow, Fla. (May 22, 2017) — After the morning rush hour on Wednesday, CSX Transportation will close its rail crossing on U.S. Highway 98 about a half-mile west of the intersection at U.S. Highway 27 in West Frostproof. This crossing also lies about .7 miles east of the South County Jail. Crossing will be closed to traffic for two days and reopen on Friday after crews smooth the current condition with new pavement. Dependent on direction and destination of travel, traffic will be redirected onto West Frostproof Road or Otto Polk Road to bypass crossing. Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution and allow more time for trips through this area. For more information, contact CSX at 1-800-232-0144.

PCSO Deputies Arrest Haines City Man for Attempted Murder and Burglary

Staff Reporter
-
0
PCSO Deputies Arrest Haines City Man for Attempted Murder and Burglary
PCSO deputies arrest Haines City man for attempted murder and burglary 

On Sunday, May 21, 2017, deputies arrested 36-year-old Juan Arteaga-Orozco of Haines City, for one count attempted murder in 2nd degree (F2), and two counts burglary with assault/battery (F1).  Orozco is an immigrant from Mexico, and is in the United States illegally.

The following is an excerpt from the affidavit and is self-explanatory:

On 05-2l-20l7 at approximately 4:06 a.m., deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 547 in un-incorporated Davenport, in reference to an occupied burglary. Upon arrival I made contact with the victims. Deputies learned the suspect, Juan Arteaga-Orozco (suspect), had been located down the road, and was in custody.

Deputies learned from victim one, she was sleeping when she woke up and noticed someone in bed with her, who was later determined to be the suspect. She got out of bed and Orozco followed her. As victim one tried to the leave her bedroom, she yelled for help, and the suspect placed both hands around victim one’s neck and squeezed. Victim one advised the suspect told her “shut up shut up, or I’m going to kill you.” Victim one advised her airway was blocked, and she felt as if she was going to pass out. Victim one also advised she feared the suspect was going to kill her.

Victim one advised there was no sexual contact between her and the suspect.

Victim 2, who was coming home from a party, heard the screaming and entered the house. Victim 2 noticed victim one’s door ajar, and entered the room. As victim two entered the room, the suspect was exiting the room, and pushed victim two out of the way and ran towards the front door. Victim two tried to grabbed the suspect and detain him, at which point the suspect again pushed victim two and fled the scene out the front door.

The suspect has never been inside the residence, and did not have permission to enter the residence on this date. The suspect’s vehicle was located in front yard. The suspect did knowingly and unlawfully entered the victim’s residence. Therein the residence, the suspect intentionally choked victim one, almost to the point of death, placing fear in her that she was going to die. The suspect intentionally struck victim two.

“This is an example of an immigrant in our country illegally committing serious and violent crimes. He also has a criminal history, and should have been deported after committing his earlier crimes.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Orozco has a criminal history since 2004 including 5 felony and 2 misdemeanor charges:

  • 12-17-2017- SAO– Leaving the scene of a crash
  • 7-19-2013- PCSO– Armed trafficking in methamphetamine (2 counts) and own or rent a structure for the purpose of trafficking controlled substance
  • 08-21-2005– FHP- DWLSR Habitual
  • 04-23-2005– FHP- DWLSR Habitual
  • 09-18-2004 HCPD- DWLSR Knowledge
  • 01-09-2004– HCPD- No driver’s license

Orozco was taken into custody on the aforementioned charges, and booked into the Polk County Jail, where he is being held on no bond, and will be placed on ICE hold.

 

 

1...669670671...831Page 670 of 831

Advertise

Links

Stay connected

© 2021 WinterHavenDaily.com | All rights reserved.