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Man Steals Van & Then Attempts to Hi-Jack Plane at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport

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Man Steals Van & Then Attempts to Hi-Jack Plane at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport

 

Lakeland Police Department Press Release
LAKELAND, FL (June 23, 2017) – On June 22, 2016 at 2:02 p.m., the Lakeland Police Department responded to a motor vehicle theft that had just occurred at 3304 Harden Blvd.

The victim, Allen Stokes, Jr. of Orlando was working at the location as a surveyor for National Data and Surveying Services. Stokes had stepped out of his 2008 Dodge van and was removing tools from the rear of the van. He observed the suspect, Gregory A. Hoch, 37 years old, riding by on a bicycle. The next thing the victim knew, Hoch was in the driver’s seat driving off in the van.

A nearby witness, Gregory Mulvihill, saw Hoch get into the van and suspected that he had stolen the van. Mulvihill followed the stolen van and notified law enforcement reporting the incident and direction of travel. At one point, Hoch hit a curb and blew a tire, but continued for approximately 5 miles to the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

Lieutenant Eric Harper, who was nearby in a marked patrol car, responded to the area and made contact with Mulvihill. At this time, Mulvihill pointed out Hoch who had run through a business, Double M Aviation, and entered the airfield owned by the City of Lakeland. After gaining access to the runway, Lt. Harper ordered Hoch to stop running several times as he ran around several planes. Hoch then jumped onto the wing of a taxing 1978 Piper PA-28R Arrow that was running and preparing to taxi down the runway. Hoch started pulling on the planes door to gain entry. Lt. Harper, pursued Hoch onto the wing of the airplane and pulled Hoch from out of the airplane just as he had gained entry. Hoch and Lt. Harper fell back on the wing and then the runway. Hoch resisted arrest and was eventually taken into custody and transported to the Lakeland Police Department.

The pilot identified as Rodrigo Cabral, 52 years old of Winter Garden, was not injured. Hoch made a spontaneous statement saying that he was going to make the pilot take him somewhere. Hoch was also in possession of $384.00 in property that he removed from the stolen Dodge van when he was arrested.

Hoch was charged with:

2counts of Grand Theft
1count of Trespassing
1 count of Burglary to an Occupied Conveyance (Airplane)
Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Psychotherapist Anthony H. Conti Jr. Arrested for Sexual Misconduct on a Patient

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Psychotherapist Anthony H. Conti Jr. Arrested for Sexual Misconduct on a Patient

LAKELAND, FL (June 23, 2017) – On September 12, 2016, the Lakeland Police Department began to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by psychotherapist, Anthony H. Conti Jr. Conti is a licensed Mental Health Counselor at Tony Conti, M.A. Counseling Center, located at 1962 E. Edgewood Drive in Lakeland.  Six victims were identified and charges were filed with the State Attorney’s Office. Conti was out on bond at the time of the arrest today.

On June 8th, 2017, the Lakeland Police Department opened another investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct against Anthony Conti Jr. The victim, 33 years old,  stated she attended three therapy sessions with Conti from December 2014 to January 2015. The victim stated that on January 17, 2015 she met with Conti at his office for a scheduled therapy session. During the therapy session, the victim was seated on a sofa in a sitting position and Conti requested that she close her eyes while he began some breathing exercises with her. Conti then began to touch her breast, stomach and vagina. The victim described the exercise as sexual and caressing.

Conti proceeded to pull down the victims sweatpants and placed his hands over her vagina and began rubbing. As Conti touched her, he explained a technique that would help her move chemicals throughout her body and help her with depression. Conti advised lymph nodes hold toxins which affect depression and needed to be massaged out. The touch therapy lasted 20 minutes.

During the therapy, the victim stated she kept her eyes closed, and was afraid to open them. She stated she was uncomfortable, confused, scared and was panicking. After the session, Conti scheduled another session and explained that she had anger build up in her genitals and he needed to massage it. The victim never went to see Conti again.

The victim stated that during prior therapy sessions, Conti told her how beautiful she was and how touch therapy would help her release serotonin levels and help her feel more balanced.

On March 3, 2015, the victim reported this incident to her Employee Assistance Program service who arranged the referral to Conti. The incident was documented and a representative from the EAP service spoke to Conti. This was never reported to the Lakeland Police Department by the EAP referral service.

LPD’s investigation revealed that Anthony Conti utilized his position to provide and purport treatment “massaging/touching therapy” as a representation to the client that sexual contact by the psychotherapist is consistent with or part of the treatment of the client for the betterment of her PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Lakeland Police Detective Christina Barrett obtained an arrest warrant for Sexual Misconduct by a Psychotherapist, F3, and Conti was arrested at his residence on June 22nd and transported to the Polk County Jail.

Lake Region High School Teacher Arrested for Burglary with Assault and Criminal Mischief

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Lake Region High School Teacher Arrested for Burglary with Assault and Criminal Mischief

43-year-old Thomas Griffin of Lake Wales was arrested by PCSO deputies this morning, June 22, 2017, after he had an altercation with a 17-year-old boy, concerning Griffin’s daughter.

Thomas Griffin is a teacher at Lake Region High School in Winter Haven.

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

On 06-22-2017 the suspect, Thomas Griffin, discovered that his daughter was not inside of his residence, therefore he checked the GPS location of her cellphone to discover she was in the area of a mobile home park on North Scenic Hwy in Lake Wales. The suspect recognized this location as an area where he had dropped her off to visit with friends a few weeks prior, therefore he responded to the same location to find his daughter. Upon arrival at the residence the suspect damaged the front porch gate, breaking all three hinges, preventing the gate from being opened, closed, secured, or to function as it is designed to do.

Upon arriving at the front door of the residence, the suspect opened the screen door and knocked on the interior door. The victim, who is seventeen years old, asked who was at the door. The suspect advised it was “…’s dad,” therefore the victim opened the front door. When the victim opened the front door the suspect entered the residence, uninvited, and began asking where his daughter was. While inside the residence his daughter was located, at which time he instructed her to go outside to his vehicle. While still inside the house, the suspect grabbed the seventeen year old victim by the throat, threw him on the couch and stated if he goes near his daughter again he is going to kill the victim. The suspect then fled the scene.

Deputies located Griffin later that morning, and booked him into the Polk County Jail for one count burglary with assault (F-1) and one count criminal mischief (M-2).

UPDATE: Mulberry Incident Where Man Was Barricaded in his Home Ended with Peacefully

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UPDATE: Mulberry Incident Where Man Was Barricaded in his Home Ended with Peacefully

UPDATE: Mulberry Incident Where Man Was Barricaded in his Home Ended with Peacefully

3r UPDATE:

PROBABLE_CAUSE

The defendant, David Smoot, actually and intentionally punched the victim, REDACTED, against her will. The defendant was holding a firearm in one hand and punching the victim against her will with the other hand. The victim was in fear the defendant was going to use the firearm and caused the victim to be in fear for her life. The defendant used physical force to deprive and prevent the victim of contacting law enforcement to report a crime. The defendant forcibly restrained and imprisoned the victim without lawful authority against the victims will using a firearm. The defendant violated his current pre-trial release by being in possession of a firearm.

On 06/22/2017 at approximately 0749 hours, PCSO Deputies responded to an unconfirmed emergency call at REDACTED, Mulberry, Florida.

Upon arrival, deputies met with the victim, who advised David Smoot, suspect, walked into the residence at approximately 0700 hours with a firearm in his hand. She advised Smoot placed her hand on the firearm and told her to shoot him. She advised she told him she was not going to shoot him, and walked into her room. She advised she attempted to call 911 on her cell phone. Smoot heard her calling law enforcement, entered her room, took her phone, and threw it away from her disconnecting her phone call.

The victim advised Smoot began to punch her in the face approximately four times while holding the firearm. The victim advised she wanted to leave, but Smoot would not allow her to leave.

Smoot heard a knock at the door (the deputy arriving on scene), told the victim to answer the door, and walked into his room.

Contact was made with Smoot via landline. Smoot advised he had nothing left to live for. Smoot advised he did not want to hurt anyone, but would aim low at deputies with his firearm forcing them to kill him.

Charges

784.045(1)(A)2 – F2 AGG BATTERY WITH DEADLY WEAPON
914.22 (1)(E)- F3 TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS
787.02 – F2 ARMED FALSE IMPRISONMENT
741.29(6) – M1 VIOL PRETRIAL RELEASE

2nd UPDATE:

Around 7:45 a.m. this morning the PCSO ECC (Emergency Communications Center) received a 9-1-1 hang-up call from an apartment at the complex 11th Terrace Northeast in Mulberry (cross street – North Church Avenue). After calling back several times, dispatchers made contact with a resident, and with 58-year-old David Lee Smoot, who made statements that he was alone in the home, armed, and was not coming out.

Deputies responded to the scene and confirmed Smoot was inside, alone. From that point forward deputies spoke with Smoot and tried to convince him to come outside without hurting himself or anyone else. The PCSO Crisis Negotiation Team and the SWAT also responded. In an abundance of caution, the homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated and roads leading into and out of the area were shut down.

Deputies obtained a warrant for Smoot’s arrest for armed false imprisonment and tampering with a witness (an incident that occurred this morning, and led to his agitation).

Around 2:25 p.m. today, Smoot surrendered to the deputies outside without incident. He was taken into custody on the warrant.

Smoot was arrested by PCSO on March 5, 2017, for unlawful sex with a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, battery domestic violence, and grand theft. He has been out on bond since March 7, 2017.

Lake Wales Man Arrested & Charged With Violently Raping Girl Under 18

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Lake Wales Man Arrested & Charged With Violently Raping Girl Under 18

 

Lake Wales, Florida – A 52 year old Lake Wales man has been arrested after being charged with violently raping a teenage girl, according to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit.

Edward Burke was taken into custody Monday by Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies. The deputies were called to a home in Lake Wales in regards to an alleged sexual assault that occurred around 1:40 am.

According to the affidavit, Burke allegedly used a knife to the neck of the teenage victim. He allegedly force sexual acts on the victim. Then he tied the victim up and continued to violently assault the victim. The victim is over the age of 12 years old, but under 18.

The victim was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and after exam it was confirmed that victim had injuries and tearing of both the vagina and anus, according to the affidavit.

Burke allegedly admitted to hurting the teen in a phone call. When questioned by deputies Burke allegedly advised he didn’t remember everything that happened the night before but was “not going to call [redacted] a liar”.  Deputies were able to obtain several pieces of material evidence including a knife allegedly used in the assault.  

Burke was booked into the Polk County Jail and after first appearance $50,000 bail was awarded. It is unknown if he has made bail at this time. 

 

 

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Responding to Ongoing Incident in Mulberry

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Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Responding to Ongoing Incident in Mulberry
Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Resolve Incident In Mulberry
 

Around 7:45 a.m. this morning the PCSO ECC (Emergency Communications Center) received a 9-1-1 hang-up call from an apartment at the complex 11th Terrace Northeast in Mulberry (cross street – North Church Avenue). After calling back several times, dispatchers made contact with a resident, and with 58-year-old David Lee Smoot, who made statements that he was alone in the home, armed, and was not coming out.

Deputies responded to the scene and confirmed Smoot was inside, alone. From that point forward deputies spoke with Smoot and tried to convince him to come outside without hurting himself or anyone else. The PCSO Crisis Negotiation Team and the SWAT also responded. In an abundance of caution, the homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated and roads leading into and out of the area were shut down.

Deputies obtained a warrant for Smoot’s arrest for armed false imprisonment and tampering with a witness (an incident that occurred this morning, and led to his agitation).

Around 2:25 p.m. today, Smoot surrendered to the deputies outside without incident. He was taken into custody on the warrant.

Smoot was arrested by PCSO on March 5, 2017, for unlawful sex with a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, battery domestic violence, and grand theft. He has been out on bond since March 7, 2017.

33 Year Old Man Killed In Industrial Accident At Florida Caribbean Distillers

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33 Year Old Man Killed In Industrial Accident At Florida Caribbean Distillers

 

Auburndale, Florida – On Wednesday, June 21, 2017 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to 425 Recker Highway, Auburndale, for a cardiac arrest call for service. The location is the Florida Caribbean Distillers. Units with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and observed Aaron Rowe, 33 years old of Kissimmee,  lying on the ground unresponsive. Life saving measures were performed and Aaron was transported to the Winter Haven Hospital.

 

Aaron was pronounced deceased at the Winter Haven Hospital at 6:16.

 

During the investigation it was learned the location contains numerous conveyor belts and machinery within the facility. The decedent, who was an employee of the business, was working on supplying power to a conveyor belt motor, making that particular conveyor operational again. The decedent used a lock out system to power off the line which he was working with. While working on supplying power to the motor, the decedent spliced the power wires to make the proper connections to the motor. The power wire was live at this time and the decedent appears to have been electrocuted. During the investigation it was determined the lock out system was affixed to the wrong circuit breaker. This shut off power to a wire other than the one which the decedent was physically working with.

 

OSHA was notified and will be conducting an independent investigation in reference to this case.

 

The decedent had burn marks located on both hands. The decedent was transported to the 10th District Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is tentatively scheduled for June 22, 2017.

 

Rabid Racoon Discovered in North Lakeland Area

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Rabid Racoon Discovered in North Lakeland Area

Rabid raccoon discovered in north Lakeland area


The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed today, Wednesday, June 21st, that a deceased raccoon tested positive for rabies in Polk County.

On Monday, June 19, 2017, a resident on Gibson Shores Drive (south of West Daughtery Road, north of Lake Gibson) heard his pet cat screeching out on the patio and then his dogs started barking. The resident opened the sliding glass door to find his cat severely injured, then his dog ran out of the door and chased a raccoon from the patio and attacked it. The raccoon was ultimately dispatched by the homeowner. The cat was taken to the veterinarian’s office where it was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.

Animal Control responded and impounded the raccoon for testing. The State Laboratory reported the raccoon as being positive for rabies on 06/21/17. The dog was not currently vaccinated and was put on a 180 day quarantine. The dog received a rabies booster vaccine on 6/19/17 after the attack. The dog owner was issued a citation for not having a valid tag when the quarantine was issued.

This is the 2nd positive rabies case for Polk County this year, The first involved a rabid bat and was off Carla Circle in Southwest Lakeland on May 6, 2017.

“This is an important reminder to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Residents are reminded that bats and raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or “rabies vector species” (RVS).  Please do not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. Make sure all pets are properly vaccinated.

For more information on Rabies, please visit:

http://www.polksheriff.org/InsidePCSO/LE/SOD/BOSO/AC/Pages/RabiesandYou.aspx

Former Treasurer for the Polk County Libertarian Party of Polk County arrested for stealing funds from the party’s bank account.

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Former Treasurer for the Polk County Libertarian Party of Polk County arrested for stealing funds from the party’s bank account.

Former Treasurer for the Polk County Libertarian Party of Polk County arrested for stealing funds from the party’s bank account.

35-year-old Jason Hamlin of Lakeland was arrested today and charged with grand theft (F3), filing false political party finance reports (8 counts-F3), obtaining property by fraud (F3), and fraudulent use of a credit card (F3). Hamlin was elected as the treasurer of the Libertarian Party of Polk County in 2014 and was tasked with maintaining the savings and checking account for the Party. Beginning in January of 2015, Jason Hamlin began using funds from these two Party accounts for personal gain, including cash withdrawals, transfers from the Party accounts to his personal account, and purchases at local stores and restaurants.

The Total unauthorized expenditures were $7,066.59; the total repayment to the accounts was $5,503.09 (by Hamlin); and the total net unpaid expenditures and cash withdrawals were $1,563.50. The Party conducted its own audit of the accounts, determined that there were inappropriate transactions, and contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

The following is the probable cause from the arrest affidavit and is self-explanatory:

Probable Cause:

In January of 2014, Jason Hamlin was elected as Treasurer for the Libertarian Party of Polk County (LPPC) and he was tasked with maintaining both expenditures and Political contributions and these funds were initially maintained in a Wells Fargo Bank. These accounts were moved at the request of Jason Hamlin to Mid-Florida Credit Union (MFCU) on 06-17-2014 with John Wood and Jason Hamlin as signers on the account. Jason Hamlin was provided with a debit card for these accounts for purchases to be made associated with the Libertarian Party of Polk County.

In late 2016 and early 2017, Russ Wood (the current chair for the LPPC) reported having difficulty getting Jason Hamlin to monthly meetings or to provide documentation regarding the expenditure on these accounts. As a result of these issues, Jason Hamlin was released from his duties as the parties Treasurer and taken off of the bank accounts in question. When Russ Wood went to MFCU to remove Jason Hamlin as the Treasurer and to place Allison Brown, the accountant for the LPPC, they found both accounts combined had a total of $0.05. A review of the accounts revealed the fraud and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was contacted.

There is no reported misuse of the funds associated with the original Wells Fargo Bank account according to Allison Brown. A review of these accounts found that on or about 10-27-2014 a single cash transfer of $5.00 was identified being moved from a LPPC account to the known personal account of Jason Hamlin. The following transfers, withdrawals and deposits that did not appear to be for the LPPC were identified.

*** Note Bold and Underlined numbers are to the account of Jason Hamlin [4291] ***

-01-07-2015, ATM withdrawal for $80.00 from account 2952
-01-14-2015, Balance transfer from account ending 4291 to 2952 for $80.00
-05-17-2015, ATM withdrawal for $120.00 from account 2952
-05-19-2015, Balance transfer from account ending 4291 to 2952 for $120.00
-06-15-2015, ATM withdrawal for $200.00 from account 2952
-07-26-2015, Purchase from “The Sun Shoppe Caf Melbourne” for $9.69
-07-28-2015, Purchase at Iconic for $16.57 from account 2978
-07-28-2015, Purchase from an unknown business for $17.51 from account 2978
-07-29-2015, Purchase from Target #1299 for $21.38 from account 2978
-08-25-2015, Purchase from an unknown business for $34.39 from account 2978
-09-09-2015 and 09-10-2015, (2) overdraft fees for $2.50 each, total $5.00
-09-09-2015, Wells Fargo Bill Pay for $135.09 from account 2978
-09-11-2015, Purchase at Iconic for $16.57 from account 2978
-09-22-2015, Balance transfer from account ending in 4291 to 2952 for $19.07
-09-23-2015, Balance transfer from account 5169 to 2978 for $150.00
-11-03-2015, Purchase at Walmart #779 from account 2978 for $69.02
-11-03-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $69.02
-11-30-2015, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $100.00
-12-01-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $100.00
-12-06-2015, ATM withdrawal from account 2978 for $20.00
-12-09-2015, Wells Fargo Bill Pay for $135.09 from account 2978
-12-10-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $40.00
-12-10-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $20.00
-12-15-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $80.00
-12-17-2015, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $20.00
-12-17-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $20.00
-12-21-2015, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $20.00
-12-24-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $20.00
-12-24-2015 and 12-25-2015, (2) overdraft fees for $2.500 each, total $5.00
-12-24-2015, ATM withdrawal and fee from account 2978 for $23.00
-12-24-2015, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $4.98
-12-24-2015, Purchase from Walgreens from account 2978 for $21.39
-12-25-2015, (2) foreign ATM fees for $2.00 each, total $4.00
-01-04-2016 and 01-31-2016, (2) overdraft fees for $2.50 each, total of $5.00
-01-04-2016, Purchase at Iconic from account 2978 for $21.40
-02-03-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $10.00
-02-03-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $10.00
-02-04-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $140.00
-02-08-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $40.00
-02-10-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $40.00
-02-25-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $40.00
-03-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $20.00
-03-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $7.39
-03-03-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $100.00
-03-14-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $60.00
-03-16-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $85.00
-04-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-04-03-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $50.00
-04-07-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $50.00
-04-13-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $275.00
-04-21-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $100.00
-04-24-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $40.00
-04-27-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $240.00
-05-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $50.00
-05-06-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $60.00
-05-08-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-05-11-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $22.67
-05-16-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $60.00
-05-21-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $20.00
-05-25-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $180.00
-05-31-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-06-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $50.00
-06-02-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $25.00
-06-06-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $25.00
-06-07-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $25.00
-06-08-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $225.00
-06-08-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $225.00
-06-16-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $25.00
-06-18-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $25.00
-06-22-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $275.00
-06-30-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-07-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-07-02-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-07-04-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-07-06-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $100.00
-07-11-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-07-11-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-07-15-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-07-16-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-07-19-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-07-19-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $22.07
-07-20-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $320.00
-08-15-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-08-17-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-08-17-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-08-26-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-08-29-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-08-29-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-08-29-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-08-31-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $180.00
-08-31-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-08-31-2016, Balance transfer form account 4291 to 2952 for $80.00
-09-06-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-09-09-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-09-09-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-09-13-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $60.00
-09-19-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-09-23-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-09-26-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $50.00
-09-27-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $60.00
-10-04-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $175.00
-10-07-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-10-09-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-10-10-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $50.00
-10-11-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-10-12-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $600.00
-10-20-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-10-23-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-10-24-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-10-25-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-10-29-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2978 for $460.00
-10-29-2016, ATM withdrawal from 2978 for $460.00
-11-07-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $32.46
-11-07-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $61.00
-11-13-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $75.00
-11-13-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $25.00
-11-16-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $350.00
-11-21-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $220.00
-11-22-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $800.00
-12-05-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $60.00
-12-06-2016, ATM withdrawal from account 2952 for $40.00
-12-08-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $250.00
-12-09-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-12-10-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $60.00
-12-13-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-12-13-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $20.00
-12-15-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-12-17-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $40.00
-12-21-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $280.00
-12-22-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $80.00
-12-23-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $60.00
-12-25-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-01-01-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-01-04-2016, Balance transfer from account 4291 to 2952 for $400.00
-01-06-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $400.00
-01-18-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2952 to 4291 for $100.00
-01-24-2016, Withdrawal transfer from account 2978 to 4291 for $39.55

According to an audit performed by Allison Brown on or about 03-28-2017, a total of $7,066.59 was used without authorization by Jason Hamlin by either a direct cash transfer from accounts for the LPPC to his own personal MFCU account, cash withdrawals or debit card passed purchases for items like food and coffee. A total of $5,503.09 had been repaid by either cash transfers from Jason Hamlin’s personal account back to the LPPC account or by deposit. In all a total of $1,563.50 was not paid back prior to Jason Hamlin being removed as treasurer on or about 01-23-2017. When Jason Hamlin was removed as treasurer, a check of the MFCU account was made and the account was nearly empty.

Another job duty for the Treasurer is to complete a quarterly report for campaign contributions and expenditures must be provided to the Polk County Supervisor of Elections and these reports were recovered and reviewed. These reports were obtained from the Supervisor of Elections Office and reviewed. These reports are completed by the Treasurer and signed by both the Treasurer and the Chairman for the party. These reports, according to FSS 106.29, are to show any and all contributions and expenditures for the Party and are made quarterly with the exception of election dates which will alter the requirements. Several of these quarterly reports show incorrect dates however this is due to elections periods which alter the filing policy to the Supervisor of Election’s Office. The first report to the Supervisor of Elections Office is for the period covering 08-22-2014 to 10-30-2014 and this should have documented the $5.00 transaction from the account of LPPC to the personal account of Jason Hamlin.

The second report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 11-01-2014 to 12-31-2014. This report shows no discrepancies. The third report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 01-01-2015 to 03-31-2015. This report does not include a cash withdrawal of $80.00 on 01-07-2015 from a MFCU ATM. This, according to Russ Wood (Chairman of the LPPC), was not an authorized transaction and were not for the LPPC.

The forth report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 04-01-2015 to 06-30-2015. This report does not include a total of three purchases/transaction for $222.51 and these transactions were not authorized transactions and were not for the LPPC. The fifth report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 07-01-2015 to 09-30-2015. This report does not document a total of 8 transactions for a total of $256.95 and these transactions were not authorized transactions and were not for the LPPC.

The sixth report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 10-01-2015 to 12-31-2015. This report does not include a total of nine transactions totaling $356.12 and these transactions were not authorized transactions and were not for the LPPC. Along with these transactions, a total of $105.56 was assessed to the accounts for overdraft and non-MFCU withdrawals. These transactions were not authorized and were not for the LPPC. The seventh report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 01-01-2016 to 03-31-2016. This report does not include a total of six transactions totaling $188.79 which were not authorized and were not for the LPPC.

The eighth report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 04-01-2016 to 08-25-2016. This report does not include a total of thirty four transactions totaling $1,637.17 which were not authorized and were not for the LPPC. The ninth report to the Supervisor of Elections was for the period covering 08-26-2016 to 11-03-2016. This report does not include a total of twenty three transactions totaling $1,780.00 which were not authorized and were not for the LPPC. A single report was filed with the Supervisor of Elections after the ninth report but this did not provide any required documentation to show what was or was not reported as contributions or expenditures.

A review of the personal account of Jason Hamlin during the same time period shows many of the transactions were not authorized and were in fact transfers from the LPPC accounts to his personal account. In review this was commonly completed when funds in the personal account of Jason Hamlin were low. According to Russ Wood, authorization must be obtained by the Party prior to any purchase for any reason and these were commonly discussed at the monthly LPPC meetings. Each of these above reports were signed by Jason Hamlin as the Treasurer and later by the Chairman of the party prior to being submitted to the Supervisor of Elections for review.

Barbara Osthoff, the Assistant Supervisor of Elections, was tasked with reviewing each of these reports to verify they met Florida State Statue requirements and they did. It is clear that Jason Hamlin was knowingly using the bank accounts for the Libertarian Party of Polk County for personal gain and without authorization. As indicated above, Jason Hamlin did return a large portion of the $7,066.59 taken without consent leaving a balance owed to the LPPC of $1,563.50. Video from MFCU regarding several of the MFCU ATM withdrawals from the LPPC accounts were obtained and still images recovered from this video was shown to Russ Wood on 05-23-2017. Russ Wood confirmed the male party making these withdrawals on the video was in fact Jason Hamlin, the Treasurer for the party at the time of the withdrawals using the debit card and PIN assigned to him.

Jason Hamlin knowingly took over $7,000.00 of donated money from the LPPC without consent and for personal gain. Jason Hamlin also knowingly entered into a course of conduct with the intent to deprive the LPPC of these funds and knowingly falsified documents delivered to the Polk County Supervisor of Elections and the LPPC to avoid detection with the intent to continue taking money from these accounts. Jason Hamlin was released as the Treasurer of the LPPC when he refused to complete the required documents to the Supervisor of Elections in late 2016 and early 2017. In all, eight of the reports to the Supervisor of Elections were found to be falsified and did not contain all of the expenditures as required under FSS 106.29.

Charges:

812.014(2)(C)2  1       F3      GRAND THEFT – $5,000
817.61…       1       F3      FRAUDULENT USE OF CR
106.29(2)       8       F3      FILE FALSE POLITICAL
817.034(4)(B)1. 1       F3      OBTAIN COMMUNIC PROP

Winter Haven Police Looking for Suspect Who Stole Hygiene Products from Dollar General in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Police Looking for Suspect Who Stole Hygiene Products from Dollar General in Winter Haven

Do you know who this guy is?


On 6-16-17, the below pictured subject entered the Dollar General Store at 381 Cypress Gardens Blvd. He selected numerous personal hygiene products, to the tune of approximately $51 and placed them inside of a bag he brought.

You can guess the rest of the story. He left without paying.

If you can identify him, please call Officer Rivera at 863-291-5620.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

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