Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme Against M&T Bank www.privateofficer.com

 

U.S. Attorney’s Office
Press Release

BUFFALO, NY May 11 2013—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced today that Frank Garcia, 51, of Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara to fraud affecting a financial institution. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant is the former owner of Federal Guaranty Mortgage Company in the state of Florida. Garcia recruited “straw buyers” to obtain mortgages from M&T Bank and other financial institutions then misrepresented their assets and liabilities, failed to record the liens on the properties in the county clerk’s office, and failed to pay off pre-existing liens on the properties when they were transferred from one owner to another.
Furthermore, the defendant directed employees of Federal Guaranty Mortgage Company to prepare loan packages for borrowers. The employees were then directed to sign the documents acting as the loan officer. The loan documents were then sent to the investor financial institutions, including M&T Bank. The loan proceeds for the fraudulent loans were subsequently wired into the account of a company associated with Federal Guaranty Mortgage Company. As a result of the defendant’s actions, M&T Bank suffered a loss of $4,407,515.48 and the total loss to all financial institutions affected by the fraudulent scheme was approximately $24,000,000.
This law enforcement action is part of President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch and, with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Agency Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

Lone Tree police-mall security thwart robbery at mall www.privateofficer.com

 

Lone Tree CO April 11 2013 Lone Tree police said they teamed up with mall security officials March 30 to thwart an attempted robbery at Park Meadows shopping center. A woman was arrested, and two male suspects, one of whom apparently had been carrying a stolen handgun, still are being sought.

Bernadette Irene Vargas, 51, of Edgewater, was arrested on six charges and booked into the Douglas County jail.
While shoplifting is common at malls nationwide, robberies — especially those involving a weapon — are unusual. “We don’t have a problem with robberies at the mall,” Lone Tree Police Chief Jeff Streeter said.

“(This is) the one report since January 2012 in which a weapon was used. It’s very rare.” The incident started about 6:40 p.m. at the JC Penney store, when a store loss-prevention officer confronted the trio for allegedly taking about $300 of cologne. One of the men reportedly lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun, and threatened the security officer. Vargas reportedly then threw a bag of stolen merchandise at the security officer and the three suspects ran out of the mall.

The security officer and Lone Tree police officer Dennis Boos, who is stationed at the department’s Park Meadows substation, caught up to two of the three fleeing suspects in the parking lot.

Boos pulled his gun and ordered them to stop. The man complied, but though Vargas stopped, she reportedly started cursing, yelling ‘Shoot me,’ and walking around the man before running off into the parking lot.

The security officer caught up to her and wrestled Vargas to the ground. She allegedly cursed and attempted to kick Boos when he handcuffed her. Police later found a loaded handgun under a nearby car in the mall parking lot. The gun had been reported stolen to Thornton police. Authorities who searched Vargas at the jail reportedly found she was wearing underwear with Victoria’s Secret tags still attached to them.

Vargas was charged with aggravated robbery, menacing with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, attempted second-degree assault, theft and disorderly conduct. Though the incident started as a shoplifting, the suspects’ use of threats, force or intimidation elevates it to a robbery, Streeter said. Streeter praised Boos’ calm response during the tense, at-times chaotic series of events. “They relied on their training,” he said. “

The officer assessed it properly and we were able to take someone into custody, with no injuries to anybody.” Malls and large shopping centers are frequent targets for shoplifters, many of whom are professionals and some of whom are part of national, organized shoplifting rings.
source- our lone tree news

Registry of Motor Vehicles Project Manager and Service Station Owner Charged with Extortion www.privateofficer.com

BOSTON MA March 12 2013—A Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) project manager and a service station owner have been charged with scheming to extort other service station owners wanting to obtain a license to conduct motor vehicle safety inspections.
Simon Abou Raad, 50, of Tyngsboro, and Mark C. LaFrance, 51, of Braintree, were arrested today after being charged in U.S. District Court with conspiracy to extort money under color of official right in exchange for an official license to conduct Massachusetts motor vehicle safety inspections. Charges were originally filed on March 8, 2013, and unsealed today.
According to the complaint affidavit, LaFrance, project manager for Vehicle Safety and Compliance Services at the RMV, has oversight responsibilities for the entire motor vehicle inspection program in Massachusetts. Abou Raad owns service stations in Tewksbury and Tyngsboro. In Massachusetts, applications to obtain a license to conduct motor vehicle safety inspections are intended to be granted on a first-come, first-served basis with consideration given to geographic location and license class. Class A light duty inspection licenses and equipment are said to come available on occasion and cost approximately $2,800. It is alleged that a number of individuals have received inspection licenses immediately without regard to geographic location or community by paying up to $75,000 to Abou Raad, who distributes the proceeds from the scheme to LaFrance and others.
During FBI’s investigation, which involved the interception of electronic communications, LaFrance and Abou Raad are alleged to have discussed service station owners who were likely to sell their inspection machine and license. According to the affidavit, LaFrance and Abou Raad discussed the amount of money it would require to purchase the license and equipment from the license holders and for how much they could sell them. Calls intercepted also detailed how the transfer would appear legitimate in the RMV computer system.
The maximum sentence under the extortion statute is 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years’ supervised release. Abou Raad is charged alone with engaging in monetary transactions in funds derived from specified unlawful activity. The maximum sentence under this statute is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Theodore Merritt and Robert Fisher of Ortiz’s Public Corruption Unit.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

Arrest made in double shooting deaths at US Coast Guard station www.privateofficer.com

Kodiak AK Feb 17 2013 Federal authorities arrested a Kodiak man Friday for allegedly shooting to death two men at a U.S. Coast Guard communications station on the island in April 2012.
Kodiak resident James Michael Wells, 61, is charged with murder in the deaths of Richard Belisle, 51, and James Hopkins, 41, according to a written statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office sent to reporters just before 5:40 p.m. Friday.Hopkins, a Coast Guard electrician’s mate, and Belisle, a retired boatswain’s mate and civilian employee, were found dead at the communications station the morning of April 12, 2012. The station, a few miles from the Coast Guard’s larger base on Kodiak, monitors and relays radio traffic from distant planes and ships.
FBI agents flew to Kodiak to investigate alongside the Coast Guard’s own investigators. Residents of Kodiak Island — 250 miles south of Anchorage and home to about 13,000 people — worried they were in danger from a killer on the loose. Spokespersons for the FBI and Alaska State Troopers, who assisted in the investigation, repeatedly said they had no reason to think anyone was at risk.
Capt. Jesse Moore, the commanding officer of the Kodiak base, told the Associated Press after the shootings that he had not heard about any threats toward Belisle and Hopkins. The men worked on installation, maintenance and management of electronic equipment, Moore said.
About a week after the killings, the FBI asked for help from the public in identifying two vehicles: a white 2002 Dodge Ram pickup and a blue 2001 Honda CRV. The next month, the FBI released a statement saying agents wanted to talk to anyone in Alaska who had sold or otherwise transferred a Smith and Wesson Model 29 or Model 629 or any .44-caliber model of a magnum Taurus.
Kodiak residents told the Associated Press in later interviews that a co-worker of Belisle and Hopkins owned a blue Honda CRV and a white Dodge pickup. The Kodiak Daily Mirror and Anchorage TV station KTUU reported that investigators searched the co-worker’s home.
The Coast Guard did not return phone calls seeking comment late Friday.
During the 10-month inquiry, the law enforcement officials released almost no details about how the killings were carried out and did not give any indication as to a possible motive. Few details of the case were known on Friday. Law enforcement officials revealed nothing further than saying Wells was charged and arrested.
U.S. Attorney Karen Loefller said Wells was arrested on a warrant based on a sealed criminal complaint, which federal prosecutors would not be releasing publicly Friday. She declined to comment on what evidence led to Wells’ arrest.
Wells is expected to appear in federal court in Anchorage next week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Source-and.com

Former Department of Defense Contractor Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Smuggling Kickback Proceeds from Afghanistan to the United States www.privateofficer.com

WASHINGTON DC Feb 14 2013 —A former employee of a Department of Defense contracting company at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison for attempting to smuggle $150,000 in kickback proceeds he received for steering U.S. government subcontracts to an Afghan company, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom of the District of Kansas.

Donald Gene Garst, 51, of Topeka, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson in Topeka. In addition to his prison term, Garst was sentenced to serve one year of supervised release and was ordered to pay a fine of $52,117. The department previously forfeited the $150,000 Garst had attempted to smuggle into the United States.

Garst pleaded guilty on November 9, 2012 to a one-count information charging him with bulk cash smuggling. According to court documents, Garst was employed by a private U.S. company that was contracted by the U.S. government and its armed forces at Bagram Airfield from January 2009 to May 2011. Garst was involved in identifying, evaluating, and monitoring subcontracts awarded to Afghan companies by his employer, and he used his position to meet executives of an Afghan construction company called Somo Logistics. Garst then entered into an agreement with the Afghans under which he would receive kickback payments on a contract-by-contract basis in return for treating Somo Logisitcs favorably in the contracting process.

In December 2010, Garst accepted a kickback for $60,000 on the first subcontract awarded to Somo Logistics. The subcontract was for the term lease of heavy equipment meant to be used for construction on Bagram Airfield. Garst hand-carried approximately $20,000 of the kickback proceeds into the United States, and he received the remainder via a series of structured wire transfers from Somo Logistics executives.

In May 2011, Garst accepted a $150,000 kickback for a second subcontract for the lease of heavy construction equipment. Garst shipped the $150,000 in cash to the United States, and his failure to declare the value of the shipment was discovered by law enforcement.

Garst had further agreed to receive $400,000 on a third subcontract, but his scheme was discovered by law enforcement before he could receive that payment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag and Trial Attorney Wade Weems of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The case was investigated by special agents with the Army Criminal Investigations Division and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and the FBI.

Somerset County New Jersey man guilty of securities fraud www.privateofficer.com

U.S. Attorney’s Office February 04, 2013

PRESS RELEASE District of New Jersey (973) 645-2888

NEWARK NJ —A Somerset County, New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to one count of securities fraud and one count of money laundering, admitting that he defrauded victims of an investment scheme by misusing their capital contributions and misrepresenting the performance of their investments, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
David Connolly, 51, of Watchung, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to counts one and 10 of a superseding indictment before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court.
Connolly was originally charged by Indictment on May 16, 2012. On January 23, 2013, the grand jury returned a 15-count superseding indictment charging Connolly with one count of securities fraud, six counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and six counts of money laundering.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least 2006 through October 2009, Connolly orchestrated a real estate investment fraud scheme in which he took in more than $50 million from more than 200 victims, causing losses of at least $9 million.
To induce victims to invest, Connolly made various types of materially false and misleading statements and omissions. He told victims their money would be used to purchase a specific property, and the property would generate rental income that would be used to pay investors monthly distributions. Connolly also told victims their money would be held in escrow until the closing of a purported real estate transaction, and each property would be financially independent from all the others. Connolly misrepresented the amount of equity victims had in the properties, the condition of the properties, and the financial performance of the properties. Although the investment properties experienced significant negative cash flow, Connolly told investors they were performing well.
Connolly took significant portions of his victims’ money, which had been provided for specific real estate transactions, and used it for other purposes, without disclosing the diversions of funds to victims. These included funding unrelated real estate transactions in which Connolly was engaged; paying prior victims; and paying himself. The scheme collapsed in the summer of 2009, after Connolly began to default on the mortgage payments for the investment properties.
Connolly faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine on the securities fraud count and a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering charges. He also agreed to forfeit $9.92 million as part of the plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez in Newark, for the investigation leading to today’s indictment. He also thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen, for their important contributions to the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlton A. Rugg of the OCDETF Unit and Senior Litigation Counsel Leslie F. Schwartz of the Economic Crimes Unit.
If you believe you are a victim of or otherwise have information concerning this alleged scheme, you are encouraged to contact the FBI at 973-792-3000.
This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch and, with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.

New Mexico chaplain, wife and children gunned down by teenager www.privateofficer.com

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Jan 22 2013 (AP) – A 15-year-old boy remained in custody Sunday night as detectives tried to piece together what led to the shooting of his parents and three of their children who were found dead in a New Mexico home.
The teenager was arrested on murder and other charges in connection with the shootings, which happened Saturday night at the home in a rural area southwest of downtown Albuquerque, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department said.
Authorities identified the victims late Sunday as Greg Griego, 51, his wife Sara Griego, 40, and three of their children: a 9-year-old boy, Zephania Griego, and daughters Jael Griego, 5, and Angelina Griego, 2. The suspect was identified as Nehemiah Griego.
Word of the shootings traveled quickly through the law enforcement community, and officials began offering their condolences for Greg Griego, a spiritual leader known for his work with firefighters and the 13 years he spent as a volunteer chaplain at the county jail.
“Chaplain Griego was a dedicated professional that passionately served his fellow man and the firefighters of this community,” Fire Chief James Breen said in a statement. “His calming spirit and gentle nature will be greatly missed.”
Jail Chief Ramon Rustin said Griego was instrumental in the creation of the Metropolitan Detention Center’s chaplain program and worked to get inmates integrated back into the community.
Griego also was a former member of the pastoral staff at Calvary, a Christian church in Albuquerque. As part of his work there, he oversaw the Straight Street program for jail inmates.
Authorities said each victim suffered more than one gunshot wound, and several guns were found at the home, one of which was a semi-automatic military-style rifle. Investigators were trying to determine who owned the guns.
“Right now we’re to the meticulous points of processing the scene and collecting physical evidence, and this is a vast scene with a lot of physical evidence,” sheriff’s department spokesman Lt. Sid Covington said.
Authorities declined to release details of any conversation that the 15-year-old had with investigators, but they said he was the Griegos’ son. The sheriff’s office said he is charged with two counts of murder and three counts of child abuse resulting in death.
The sheriff’s office said it wouldn’t release any further information about the case until Sheriff Dan Houston holds a news conference Tuesday morning.
On Sunday, a police roadblock cut off public access to the narrow dirt road that leads to the home, which is surrounded by trees and an agricultural field on one side.
Neighbors said they saw the first police cars and ambulances arrive at the home Saturday night. The road was blocked and word of the shootings began to make its way through the neighborhood.
Peter Gomez, a 54-year-old carpenter who lives about 200 yards from the home, said he had seen the family – a husband and wife and their four children – pass by many times but didn’t know them personally.
“It’s a horrible thing,” Gomez said. “You see all this stuff that happens all over the country, the shootings in the schools and theaters, and then it happens right here. It’s sad.”

Federal grand jury indicts Las Vegas real estate employee for $6million theft www.privateofficer.com

LAS VEGAS NV Dec 27 2012 – The federal grand jury indicted the former controller for Turnberry West Realty and an accomplice on charges that they stole nearly $6 million from the company over five years, Nevada’s U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said Wednesday.
Hope Ippoliti, 51, and Rocco Lazazzaro, 54, both of Las Vegas, were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 24 counts of wire fraud in an indictment returned on Dec. 19. Lazazzaro appeared before a federal magistrate on Friday and was detained pending trial. Ippoliti is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Johnston Wednesday afternoon.
According to the indictment, Ippoliti was the western regional controller for Turnberry West Realty, a suibsidiary of Turnberry Associates. The company owned or developed the Residences at MGM, Town Square shopping center, Turnberry Place, Turnberry Towers Condominiums and the Stirling Club in Las Vegas.
As controller, Ippoliti had access to certain Turnberry bank accounts. Between May 17, 2007, and last Jan. 12, Ippoliti allegedly created fund transfer requests that she faxed or emailed from Nevada to Turnberry Associates in Florida that caused company funds to be placed into bank acocunts she controlled. She allegedly falsely claimed that the fund transfers were for Turnberry business expenses but actually intended to withdraw the money to benefit herself and Lazazzaro.
It was also alleged that in February Lazazzaro attempted to use force, violence and fear to extort more money from Turnberry Associates through Ippoliti.
If convicted, they each face a maximum 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines on each fraud count. Lazazzaro also faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on charges of one count of attempted interference with commerce by threats and violence. The defendants are also subject to forfeiture to cover the estimated $5.7 million loss.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S.

Source:8NewsNow.com

Buffalo bouncer assaulted-2 arrested www.privateofficer.com

 

Buffalo NY Dec 1 2012 A pair of Buffalo relatives was charged Thursday with ganging up on aPearl Street bouncer earlier this year and one of the alleged attackers is accused of breaking the bouncer’s leg.

Christopher D. Elmore, 27, and Sylvester Elmore, 51 – both of the same Potomac Avenue and 6 feet, 230 pounds and 6 feet, 3 inches, 268 pounds, respectively – are accused of assaulting the bouncer after they were ejected about 3:30 a.m. Feb. 5 from the Barcelona On Pearl bar, at 414 Pearl St., Buffalo police said.

Sylvester Elmore was charged with second-degree harassment. He is accused of punching the bar bouncer in the face and pulling the man down while his relative stomped on the bar worker’s right leg, police said.

Christopher Elmore was charged with second-degree assault.

The bouncer, who was not identified in police reports, was treated in Erie County Medical Centerfor a fractured fibula, according to officers.

Police did not say how the two Elmores are related.

Texas game warden disarmed-held at bay-2 arrested www.privateofficer.com

Upshur County Texas Oct 10 2012  A Texas game warden was conducting a routine patrol of Sabine River bottoms on an all-terrain vehicle Saturday when he was held at gunpoint by an Uphsur County commissioner and his son, said Texas Parks and Wildlife Capt. Quint Balkom on Monday.

Upshur County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree, 51, and his son, Todd, 28, were taken into custody and booked into jail on charges of aggravated assault against a public servant after officers from surrounding law enforcement agencies responded to a call for help from game warden Shane Bailey — who called 911 after he had been disarmed at gunpoint by the two men, Balkom said. He declined to comment on the types of firearms used by the Crabtrees.

“He (Bailey) was put into a very bad position by the Crabtrees,” Balkom said. “It is accurate the lives of several law enforcement officers were threatened with firearms during the incident.”

Officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Upshur County Sheriff’s Department and Big Sandy Police joined Texas Parks and Wildlife officers in answering the game warden’s call for help. “Even the Tyler State Park police responded,” he said.

Bailey was conducting routine operations when he was threatened, Balkom said. “We use different patrol tactics. We use all-terrain vehicles, horseback. That day, he used an ATV.”

Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd said Balkom “had been on multiple properties all day, looking at all sorts of properties. He didn’t know who the land belonged to.”

The incident occurred on a wooded tract owned by Lloyd Crabtree that abuts the Sabine Riversouth of Big Sandy, Byrd said.

The Crabtrees were released Sunday morning from the Upshur County Jail after posting separate $40,000 property bonds.

Lloyd Crabtree said Monday he was in the process of hiring an attorney.

“As soon as I do, if he’ll let me talk, I will tell my side of the story,” Crabtree said, declining to comment in the meantime.

Balkom said Bailey was assigned to Upshur County during the summer after serving about four years with the parks and wildlife department.

Bailey is off duty pending the outcome of the investigation, Balkom said.

“As always, we allow our people time to decompress following an incident like that,” the captain said. “It is a normal for an employee to have a leave of absence following critical incidents.”

An investigation is being conducted by Texas Rangers and internal affairs officers of the TexasParks and Wildlife Department.

“We are aware at this point what occurred and how it occurred and it’s very serious,” Byrd said. “By no means was this a mistake, an accident. It was what we believe to be an intentional act. Arrests were made and the investigation is ongoing. It will be treated like any other crime would be due to the serious nature of offense.”

Byrd and Balkom confirmed further charges were possible.

In more than a decade of service, Balkom said, Saturday’s incident was a first.

“We’ve had armed events, it’s just the people involved are more surprising,” he said.

Long Island Railroad employee found electrocuted www.privateofficer.com

 

New York NY Aug 29 2012 An LIRR worker died after coming into contact with the third rail on tracks near the Queens Village train station this morning, an MTA rep said.

Ronald Sampson, 51, was found on the tracks near Jamaica Avenue and 225th Street around 10:15 a.m. in cardiac arrest, authorities said.

Sampson, from Lake Ronkonkama, was rushed to Long Island Jewish hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A coworker who tried to help him was taken there also as a precaution, they said.

Police and LIRR Safety personnel are investigating the accident, the rep said.

“The entire LIRR is deeply shaken by this tragic loss,” said LIRR President Helena E. Williams.

Ron was a dedicated employee and family man. It’s a very sad day at the railroad today.”

Sampson began his career in June 2006 as an Electric Traction helper. He was promoted to Third Railman in 2008, according to the MTA.

Source:New York Post

Interstate manhunt for coach accused of child molestation www.privateofficer.com

 

ROSWELL, Ga. Aug 19 2012- An interstate manhunt is underway for a boys’ wrestling coach suspected of molesting at least one member of his team last month in Roswell.

Police say that as of now, the coach could be anywhere.

The coach is John Hackney, 51, from Titusville, Florida, near Cape Canaveral.

He is accused of two counts of cruelty/molestation of a minor.

According to police, Hackney and his wrestling team were at a sports camp in Boone, North Carolina last month and, while returning to Florida, stopped at a hotel in Roswell, GA.

That’s where police say he committed two acts of child molestation.

After returning home to Florida, Hackney vanished.

Those who know Hackney say he’s a good man and a good coach.

Stephanie Kolp, a reporter with WESH-TV in Orlando, spoke with Rachel Bearden Friday night, who told Kolp that Hackney was one of her high school teachers in Titusville 20 years ago, and her son is one of Hackney’s wrestlers now.

“My son has been with him on trips for four years, and my son has gone with him for just shopping and drove around with him, and by himself. And he never had any issues with him.”

Bearden said her son was not with Hackney and the others on the most recent trip to the wrestling camp in North Carolina.

One of Hackney’s neighbors told Kolp that he hasn’t seen Hackney in a month.

“When he got back [from North Carolina] I guess he was accused of this, and went somewhere up north, that’s all I can tell you,” said the neighbor.

Friday night, no one was at Hackney’s home. Large buses he’s used to transport his teen wrestlers to and from wrestling camps across the country were parked in the yard.

Hackney himself spoke with the Gannett newspaper in Brevard County, Florida Today, four years ago.

“Basically, when I take a job, I put everything I can into it. I put my heart into it,” he said.

Anyone with any information can call Roswell Police; the tipline is 770-641-3959. Or they can call the Florida CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

Lancaster County SC paramedic accused of taking drugs www.privateofficer.com

 

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. Aug 19 2012

A former long-time Lancaster County paramedic is accused of taking drugs that were meant for his patients.

Greg Robinson, 51, is charged with possession of a controlled substance. The arrest warrant alleges that from December 2011 to early January 2012, Robinson took 10 vials of morphine from a locked cabinet in a supervisor’s office at the main EMS station on Pageland Highway.

The warrant says that three of those vials were later found in Robinson’s office, empty.

Robinson turned himself in Thursday after a SLED investigation that lasted more than six months.

“An outstanding employee. You just hate to see it,” said Lancaster County administrator Steve Willis. Willis said Robinson had worked for the county since 1984, and was honored by the state of South Carolina at least three times as paramedic of the year.

“We learned of the allegations shortly after he retired,” Willis said.

Robinson left his job at the county Jan. 1 of this year. According to the warrant, it appears the incidents took place within the last few days of his employment.

On Friday afternoon, EMS employees told Channel 9 they were not allowed to comment on Robinson’s arrest.

The EMS department has had a rocky relationship with Lancaster County officials over the past few years.

There have been three different directors since 2008, and Robinson had filled in as interim director.

There was also a lawsuit filed against the county in 2010 over how paramedics were paid overtime.

Because Robinson was a county employee, SLED agents handled the investigation and made the arrest.

Robinson is out of jail on a $20,000 bond.

Source:WSOCTV.com

Three San Benito employees charged in theft scheme www.privateofficer.com

 

SAN BENITO TX July 15 2012 — A city worker’s tip led to the arrests of three San Benito water department employees on charges of theft of city asphalt millings and unauthorized use of a dump truck, a police detective said Tuesday.

Adolfo Gamez, 51, Javier Villarreal, 52, both of San Benito, and Esequiel Diaz, 31, of Harlingen, were charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and misdemeanor theft, Detective Rogelio Banda said.

Justice of the Peace Manuel Flores arraigned Gamez and Villarreal on $5,000 bail while setting a $5,000 personal recognizance bond on Diaz, Banda said.

“Another city employee came forth and said this happened over the weekend,” Banda said. “They were using city vehicles for personal benefit.”

The police department’s Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation which found the men used a city dump truck to haul about two cubic yards of asphalt millings to Gamez’s home on Pennsylvania Street, outside city limits, Banda said.

The asphalt millings were worth about $50, he said.

The men surrendered at the police station, Banda said.

Gamez had worked for the city since 2007, while Villarreal had worked there for four years and Diaz was hired last year, Banda said

Source:Brownsville Herald

Former St Louis airport worker accused of stealing 17.8 tons of scrap metal www.privateofficer.com

 

CLAYTON MO July 4 2012  A former airfield maintenance supervisor at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport has been charged with stealing tons of scrap metal and then selling it.

Fred S. Hamlett, 51, of St. Louis, faces two felony charges of stealing scrap metal after police, acting on an anonymous tip, discovered a salt spreader and trailer at the home of an airport maintenance worker, according to St. Louis County court records.

The employee told police he was storing the items at Hamlett’s request until they could be sold for scrap. Police said an investigation turned up evidence that Hamlett obtained scrap metal belonging to the airport and then sold it.

Police allege that other Lambert employees participated in the scrap metal thefts at Hamlett’s request.

Lambert spokesman Jeff Lea said Hamlett and a second employee, who received a misdemeanor summons for stealing, no longer work at the airport.

A woman who answered the door at Hamlett’s listed residence said he was not at home. Hamlett did not respond Monday to a reporter’s request for comment.

Police said Hamlett scrapped 13.2 tons of metal in December and January, receiving $4,111, the court records show. In addition, police found receipts in his office indicating he was responsible for stealing at least 17.8 tons of metal and receiving $5,512.

Lambert has a contract with an outside company to dispose of its scrap metal.

Lambert police served an arrest warrant last week. No court date had been set for Hamlett as of Monday.

Lea said the airport’s investigation is closed. He added that the airport has reviewed and updated some policies and procedures in the wake of the alleged thefts. He declined to elaborate on the theft investigation

Source:www.stltoday.com

Husband kills wife, sister-in-law and friend at Knox County apartment www.priavteofficer.com

 

POWELL TN May 23 2012 - Three women were shot and killed Monday afternoon at a Powell apartment complex, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The husband of one of the victims is charged with their murders.

The victims were identified as Christina Moore, 39, her twin sister, Bridgett Stagnolia of Clinton, and Amber Snellings, 24, of Lake City.

The apartments are at 7310 Old Clinton Pike. The sheriff’s office got a call about the bodies being found around 3:00 p.m.

Paul Moore, Jr., 51, was taken into custody at his brother’s house on Hickory Street. According to the warrant, Paul Moore admitted to shooting his wife and claimed not to remember shooting the other two women.

Authorities say the alleged shooter’s brother called 911 to report the incident. His pistol was recovered in a wooded area near his brother’s house.

Neighbors say Paul and Christina Moore moved into the apartment three weeks ago.

“They were very quiet. The man was very friendly. I didn’t talk to her much, but the man was very friendly,” said Amanda Riggs, who lives in an apartment close to the one where the bodies were found.

Paul Moore is being held on a $1.5 million bond. He’s charged with the first degree murders of the three women. The sheriff’s office says he has no prior criminal history in Knox County.

The motive appears to be related to domestic issues, according to investigators.

Source:  WATE

Ohio man who stole cruiser shot and killed after a standoff www.privateofficer.com

 

Knox County OH May 9 2012 A man who stole a Knox County sheriff’s office cruiser last night was shot and killed after a standoff with a Morrow County deputy.

William E. Myers, 51, of Centerburg, stole the cruiser in Centerburg around 10 p.m. yesterday, said Morrow County Sheriff Steven Brenneman.

The vehicle was spotted by a Delaware County deputy a short time later in the McDonald’s drive-through in Sunbury, a Delaware County sheriff’s office spokeswoman said. Myers fled, and the deputy pursued him, but lost the stolen cruiser on Rt. 656 and County Road 15, just outside Sparta in Morrow County.

Morrow County Deputy Clifford O’Connor then encountered the cruiser just before midnight in a church parking lot on Rt. 314 in Sparta., armed with a patrol rifle from the Knox County cruiser. The deputy ordered Myers to drop the weapon, but he refused and approached O’Connor, who then took cover behind his vehicle.

“He got close enough, our officer felt endangered and shot,” Brenneman said.

Brenneman did not know how man times Myers was hit. O’Connor began performing first aid, as assistance from several agencies arrived. He was transported to and later died at Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon, he said.

An autopsy will be performed by the Licking County coroner’s office today.

Brenneman said the deputy, who has only been with the office for eight months, is shaken up, but unharmed.

Most of the man’s travels appears to have been in Knox and Delaware counties, Brenneman said.

“We just came in on the tail end and ended it,” he said.

Brenneman said it was unclear how and why the man took the Knox County cruiser. That is being investigated by the Knox County sheriff’s office, which did not immediately return calls for comment.

Source-columbus dispatch

Woman flags down sheriffs about stolen car gets arrested for credit card fraud www.privateofficer.com

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama April 20 2012 – A woman who flagged down deputies Wednesday morning near the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to track down a supposedly stolen vehicle was arrested for credit card fraud and identity theft.

Teresa Cunningham Averette, 47, told deputies about a possibly stolen Toyota 4Runner after contacting them at 8th Street and Lurleen Wallace Blvd North, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Andy Norris said in a news release.

Deputies located the vehicle and its owner, Richard Morgan Shirley, 51, who was found with prescription drugs that were not his, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Norris said.

“The vehicle was found to be not stolen but the object of a civil dispute,” Norris said.

During the investigation, Averette was found to be wanted by the Sheriff’s Office for two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and identity theft. Her daughter, Bambi Tiffany Nicole Averette-Dunn, 28, was arrested for unlawful possession of prescription drugs.

All three were transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

Averette was charged with two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and identity theft. She was released on $45,000 bond.

Averette-Dunn was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance. She was released on $10,000 bond.

Shirley was charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs, first-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remains in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. His bond was set at $17,500.

Iowa Falls sheriff’s office employee charged with forgery and second-degree theft www.privateofficer.com

 

 

IOWA FALLS, Iowa March 22 2012 - A sheriff’s office employee has been implicated in a theft case involving a charity for a deputy.

The theft was reported on Feb. 14 from the Greenbelt Bank in Iowa Falls.

Teresa Lynn Knudsen, 51, of Iowa Falls, was arrested and charged with forgery and second-degree theft. She turned herself in at the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office on March 5 and was released on bond.

Authorities said Knudsen forged the signature of another party in order to withdraw more than $1,800 from a bank account collected during a 2010 benefit for Deputy Brad Kirkpatrick.

Knudsen is a 911 dispatcher for the sheriff’s department. She was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation and her employment with the sheriff’s office was later terminated.

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office will handle prosecuting the case.

Source:kcrg.com

Former Illinois Tollway employee pleads guilty to official misconduct www.privateofficer.com

 

 

 

Dupage County IL March 22 2012 A former Illinois Tollway employee who was accused of pocketing more than $800 in tolls and allowing acquaintances to pass through toll plazas without paying pleaded guilty to official misconduct Monday in DuPage County court.

Cheryl Olds, 51, of Chicago, formerly of Woodridge, was sentenced to two years’ probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

Olds originally was charged with theft and two counts of misconduct. The thefts took place between November 2009 and August 2011 at the Army Trail Road toll plaza on Interstate 355, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Helen Kapas. Security cameras captured images of Olds stuffing money into either a pocket or purse. When questioned, Olds admitted to the thefts, Kapas said. She has since paid the money back, Kapas said.

Tollway officials also said Olds had, on about 850 occasions, allowed people she knew to go through toll plazas without paying by pressing a button that raised the toll gates, a procedure intended only for emergency vehicles, according to Kapas.

Olds was earning about $52,000 a year at the time of her arrest, Kapas said. She was one of a dozen toll collectors who either resigned or were fired after a tollway investigation indicated they were stealing money or allowing motorists to go through plazas for free. Olds resigned in September, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority spokeswoman Wendy Abrams said.

Nolensville TN Police Officer Indicted For Accepting Bribes www.privateofficer.com

 

 

 

Nolensville TN March 4 2012 A Nolensville Police Department officer was indicted Thursday on charges of accepting payments to not make arrests, according to the United States District Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Kenneth D. Lee, 51, of Nashville, is charged with extortion and mail fraud. Prosecutors say Lee devised a scheme to accept money in lieu of making an arrest for alleged criminal activity, U.S. Attorney Jerry Martin said. Lee surrendered to authorities Friday morning at the federal courthouse in Nashville.

The allegations are said to have occurred between Aug. 17 and Feb. 1.

As part of the scheme, Lee is accused of taking steps to conceal his activity and the scope of his dealings with the individual by directing the person to call him on his personal cellphone while not on duty, to send money to a post office box rented by Lee and by cashing money orders he received.

Also according to the indictment, the individual mailed three Western Union money orders, totaling $200, to a post office box in Nolensville at Lee’s request. These money orders were subsequently cashed by Lee, and in exchange, Lee did not arrest or cite the individual for the alleged criminal activity.

“When a police officer is entrusted with the life and safety of others, it doesn’t matter if it’s $2 or $200,000,” said Aaron T. Ford, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Memphis division.

Nolensville Police Chief Paul Rigsby released a statement saying: “Officer Lee has been placed on administrative leave without pay until further notice. He has served his country and this department for several years. We believe judgment should be withheld until all facts of the case have been heard, and he is innocent until proven guilty.”

Lee is the third Middle Tennessee police officer to be indicted on federal corruption charges in the past year.

The others were John Patrick Edwards of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Richard Wilson of the Metro Nashville Police Department.

“If you use your badge to commit crimes, we’re going to find out, and we’re going to prosecute you,” Martin said.

If convicted, Lee faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each charge.

Source:the Tennessean

CT duo charged in theft incident at Kohl’s store www.privateofficer.com

 

 

Fairfield CT Feb 27 2012 Two Bridgeport residents were arrested Thursday in connection to a shoplifting incident at Kohl’s, police said.

Tanya Shelton, 51, was charged with fifth-degree larceny and interfering with a police officer after she allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for a shopping cart filled with $716 worth of merchandise, department spokesperson Sgt. Sue Lussier said.

Shelton then allegedly tried to escape responding officers by trying to escape into the car that Justin Secchiaroli, 31, was in, but the doors were locked, Lussier said. She ran around the car but police detained her.

Secchiaroli was charged with conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny after it was determined that he had knowledge of the attempted theft and admitted intent to purchase the stolen merchandise in the parking lot, Lussier said.

Shelton and Secchiaroli were transported to police headquarters and charged. Secchiaroli was released on a promise to appear and Shelton on a $100 bond, Lussier said. They were both issued a March 6 court date.

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital visitor Tasered by police www.privateofficer.com

 

 

BRATTLEBORO VT Jan 24 2012 — Police Tasered and later arrested a 51-year-old man after a confrontation at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Friday night, according to a news release from Vermont State Police.

Police were at the hospital about 10:30 p.m. on an unrelated matter when hospital security alerted them to Howard Hoye, 51, of Guilford, Vt., a hospital visitor who police say was not following “visitor regulations.”

When they confronted Hoye, he became disorderly and police stunned him, according to the release. The release says he was given medical treatment by police on scene and refused to be examined by hospital staff.

Hoye was then taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct. He has a court date of Feb. 21.

Source:Sentinel Source

A murder-suicide reported at Texas church altar www.privateofficer.com

 

 

HELOTES, Texas Jan 14 2012 – Investigators in Texas were trying to understand late Thursday what led to an apparent murder-suicide inside a Helotes church earlier that day.

Officers believe Manuel Rodriguez, 51, shot and killed 54-year-old Zeferina Castillo before turning the gun on himself, the San Antonio Express reported.

The bodies of the pair were found Wednesday afternoon near the altar of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes, the Houston Chronicle reported. Neither of the pair, who both lived in nearby San Antonio, was a parishioner at the church.

Police spokesman Anthony Burgess said, “All we know is they were involved — apparently for a while. And what ‘a while’ is, I can’t really define that.”

Investigators have determined that Rodriquez shot Castillo several times in the upper torso before firing a single bullet into his own head. They do not know what the man’s motivation was.

Rodriguez and Castillo were reported to have arrived at the church in separate vehicles and walked in calmly. “There was no push, no grab, no tussle. It looked like they were just walking into church,” Burgess said.

Motion-sensitive CCTV cameras in the church recorded the man and woman walking toward the altar but stopped recording when the pair stood still, police lieutenant Elliott Rodriguez told the Chronicle.

Shots were heard at about 3:00pm local time, and a police officer later found two bodies close together on the floor between a baptismal font and two steps that led to the altar, with a pistol between them.

They were the only ones in the church at the time of the shooting, Rodriguez said.

Source:www.foxnews.com

NJ police team up to capture shoplifter-robbery suspect www.privateofficer.com

 

 

Millburn NJ Dec 30 2011 A suspected shoplifter and purse snatcher — who fled police through downtown Millburn earlier this month — was arrested Wednesday in a joint investigation between police in Millburn and Toms River.

Maurice Cohen, 51, of Northfield, NJ, faces multiple charges, including eluding police, theft, robbery, receiving stolen property, and shoplifting, police said.

Cohen is a suspect in a spree of thefts from stores and purse snatching — one that ended with a senior citizen in Toms River being dragged by the car in a grocery parking lot– in both Essex and Ocean counties, police said. In Millburn, he allegedly fled down a one-way street in a stolen car when police tried to stop him for shoplifting. The car was later recovered near Cohen’s home in Northfield.

“This arrest was based on great investigative performance and solid teamwork,” said Michael Palardy, Millburn’s acting captain, in a press release sent to the media on Thursday afternoon.

According to Millburn police, the crime spree began on Dec. 14 at Nordstorm’s when Cohen grabbed four leather jackets valued at $1,544 and ran from the store around 2 p.m.

Nordstrom’s security was able to provide Millburn police with both a description of the suspect and vehicle, a burgundy Toyota Tercel. About 20 minutes later, in downtown Millburn, Officer Glenn Ostlund attempted to stop what was believed to be the getaway car at the corner of Millburn Avenue and Lackawanna Place.

The driver made a U-turn and drove off at a high rate of speed and went down Millburn Avenue in the wrong direction towards Main Street, according to police reports that day. Directing traffic on a normal traffic post was Officer Collin McMillan.

McMillan, realizing the dangers to the pedestrians, cleared the intersection, drew his gun and pointed at the renegade driver, police said. The driver aimed his vehicle directly toward McMillan and at the last second veered off onto Main Street southbound.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle and the suspect left the area, according to the information released on Thursday.

Later that evening, police say Cohen returned to The Mall at Short Hills, where he allegedly tried to snatch a woman’s purse. The victim reported she was walking to her vehicle about 8 p.m. when a red-and-orange sedan came towards her and a man reached out and grabbed her purse. The two had a brief struggle and the suspect left without the purse. Nordstrom’s security cameras were able to confirm that the suspect vehicle was the same vehicle that was used in the earlier shoplifting incident, according to the Millburn police press release.

Five days later, on Dec. 19, a second report of a purse snatching at The Mall at Short Hills around 7:50 p.m. matched the description of the suspect, police said.

Also on Dec. 19, police said Cohen snatched a purse outside a Stop & Shop in Toms River – where a 71-year-old woman was dragged by the suspect’s vehicle in the process.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, the Millburn Police Department along with Atlantic County Emergency Response Team members, Northfield Police Department, Toms River Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Taskforce executed a warrant for the arrest of Cohen, who lives in the 500 block of Pincus Avenue, Northfield, police said.

Following the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. Police recovered a number of items that fit the description of items stolen from victims at the Mall at Short Hills and were retained as evidence, Millburn police said in the press release.

Cohen was turned over to Toms River Police Department for processing and additional charging. Further investigation and criminal charges are pending. He is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending $320,000.00 bail, police said.

Source:Patch.com

Florida law enforcement operation nets 48 pedophiles and sexual predators www.privateofficer.com

 

 

TAMPA Fla Dec 16 2011
A statewide law enforcement effort targeting pedophiles netted 48 suspects over the past six months, and authorities said the merger of two state agencies will only mean more arrests in the future.

The announcement of the arrests heralding the end of Operation Amalgamate was made Thursday morning at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement headquarters in Tampa. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi took part.

“Sexual predators are everywhere,” she said.

Among those charged: a Transportation Security Administration worker, a church treasurer and a teacher’s aide. They came from as far away as Colorado and as close as Tampa.

“It’s a sad reality of the society we are living in in this country,” Bondi said. “In

Florida, all we can do is lock them up, for life, if possible.”

The arrests include those who downloaded computer images of child pornography to those arranging meetings with children for sex.

Bondi said the operation was the first one undertaken after the Attorney General’s Office’s Child Predator Cyber Crime Unit merged with the FDLE’s Computer Crime Center. There are some 25 investigators fanned out across the state. They monitor chat rooms and social media sites and investigate complaints of inappropriate cyber conversations between children and others.

“I’m pleased that this unit is ridding our streets of these predators,” she said.

FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said the operation opened 100 cases, which resulted in the 48 arrests. All of the defendants were arrested independently of each other, and no child pornography rings were broken up, he said.

Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy, also a director with the Florida Sheriff’s Association, said that since 2010 more than 250 suspects have been arrested on child-sex charges, and that’s due to a number of reasons. Law enforcement is more knowledgeable in computer crimes, and parents and children are more aware of the dangers that can lurk on the Internet.

“This is the 800-pound gorilla that is coming after our little girls and boys,” he said.

While law enforcement can do its part, it’s the education for children and parents that is key, he said.

Schools are offering courses in how to detect danger online, he said, and parents are monitoring more and more what their children are looking at on computers and cellphones.

Special Agent Supervisor Mike Phillips of FDLE’s Computer Crime Center said that education is paying off.

“Kids are now telling predators online that they are not interested,” he said, and even alerting parents and law enforcement in some cases.

The following people were charged, according to an FDLE news release.

Christopher M. Barnes, 24, Tampa; Barnes, two of counts computer pornography, one count attempted sexual battery.

Karl Edwin Belledent, 15, North Miami; one count computer pornography, four counts of sexual battery, four counts of sexual performance by a child, one count of extortion.

Michael D. Billings, 42, Leesburg; two counts of computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Richard Dennis Blyth, 64, Daytona Beach; two counts of computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Cristy Brandstedter, 62, Land O’ Lakes; 10 counts of child pornography.

James Michael Briggs, 50, Fort Myers; two counts of computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Gene Hamilton Brown, 50, Cantonment; three counts of child pornography.

Kris Karl Brown, 36, arrested in Broward County; 20 counts of child pornography, one count of computer pornography.

Michael Robert Brown, 31, Dade City; two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, one count of cannabis less than 20 grams, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alvin Grullon Bueno, 30, North Lauderdale; 25 counts of child pornography.

Dustin S. Calloway, 25, arrested in Leon County; no arrest affidavit

Ricky Lamar Carver, 40, Jacksonville; five counts of computer pornography.

Anthony Chu, 24, Orlando; 10 counts of child pornography.

Zachary Coons, 18, arrested in Leon County; two counts of computer pornography.

Steven Robert Deloge, 37, Jacksonville; one count of computer pornography.

Nelson Echevarria, 31, arrested in Broward County; one count of cannabis less than 20 grams, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sherif El-Refai, Sherif, 24, Tampa; two counts of computer pornography, one count of attempt lewd and lascivious assault.

Carlos Alberto Figueroa, 26, Miami; three counts/violations of Florida Sexual Predator Act.

Douglas Fluery, 58, Sunrise; two counts of computer pornography, one count of attempt lewd and lascivious assault, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Donald Williams Fochs Jr., 38, New Port Richey; one count of solicitation of a minor for sex acts.

Omar Gutierrez, 28, arrested in Orange County; two counts of computer pornography.

Richard Hudnall, 55, Jacksonville; two counts of computer pornography.

Michael Ingersoll, 27; Arvada, Colo.; two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Jason Jarrell, 31, Tallahassee, Florida; two counts of computer pornography.

Edward L. Kalinowski, 59, Daytona Beach; two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Phillip Michael Kessler, 35, arrested in Bay county; no arrest affidavit.

Eric Joseph Lentovich, 36, Fort Myers; two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Hecton Ramon Leon, 46, Greenacre; 10 counts of child pornography.

Christian Martinet, 24, Pembroke Pines; 30 counts of child pornography.

Jorge M. Martinez Jr., 22, West Park; one count of child pornography, one count of computer pornography.

Rickey O. Masters, 65, Hollywood, Fla.; 10 counts of child pornography.

Scott Andrew Milboer, 33, Naples; two counts of computer pornography, one count of attempt lewd and lascivious assault, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Stephen Mizner, 41, Sarasota; two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, one count of attempted sexual battery.

Mario Dwayne Moss, 33, Lake City; 10 counts of child pornography.

Curtis Orr, 41, arrested in Broward County; 24 counts of child pornography.

Marcus F. Peixoto De Almeida, 38, Hallandale Beach; 20 counts of child pornography.

Jorge Arturo Perez, 28, Boca Raton; possession of child pornography.

Paul David Rains, 62, Orlando; 10 counts of child pornography.

James F. Rees, 51, Deltona; two counts computer pornography, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Donovan A. Sauleda, 25, arrested in Wakulla; no arrest affidavit.

Dean A. Shelley, 52; Palm Harbor; two counts of computer pornography, one count of attempt capital sexual battery.

Kevin A. Stowell, 53, Port Richey; 10 counts of child pornography.

Michael Torres, 35, Oakland Park; 30 counts of child pornography.

Francisco Javier Vela, 34, Greenacre; one count of child pornography.

Robert Lee Walker Jr., 34, Orlando; 10 counts of child pornography.

Harvey White, 58, arrested in Broward County; 10 counts of child pornography.

Leon White, 59, Davenport; 10 Counts of child pornography.

Source:tbo.com

Craigslist ad scam leaves numerous men dead in Ohio www.privateofficer.com

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio Nov 27 2011 (AP) — A body found in a shallow grave in northeast Ohio was that of a man missing more than a week who answered a deadly Craigslist ad that police say lured victims into a robbery, a medical examiner said Saturday.

Timothy Kern, 47, of Massillon, was last seen Nov. 13 after driving to Akron for a job he called a “good offer but strange.” His family has said it was out of character for him not to be in touch.

Kern died of gunshot wounds to the head, the Summit County Medical Examiner’s office said.

Kern answered the same ad for a farmhand that authorities say led to the shooting death of Norfolk, Va., resident David Pauley, 51, in a rural area 90 miles south of Akron. A South Carolina man reported answering the ad but managed to escape after being shot Nov. 6.

The discovery of Kern’s body Friday near the Rolling Acres shopping mall in Akron came just a few hours before the sheriff in Noble County in southeastern Ohio announced that another body had been found in a shallow grave there.

Sheriff Steve Hannum is under a judge’s gag order and can’t comment on the case, but the title of his emailed announcement – “second body” – implied the discovery was connected with Pauley’s death.

If the two bodies discovered Friday are both linked to Pauley’s case, that would bring to three the number of deaths associated with the phony Craigslist ad.

Two people from the Akron area are in custody: a high school student who has been charged with attempted murder and 52-year-old Richard Beasley, who is in jail on unrelated charges.

Beasley’s mother has previously told The Associated Press that her son has “a very caring heart” and she prays that reports he is a suspect are not true.

She described her son’s relationship with the jailed teen as that of a mentor. She said the teen would sit with the Beasleys at church and her son would take him fishing and to the movies or to play video games, and the two would also deliver food to needy people.

Agents have contacted individuals to check on their well-being, FBI spokesman Harry Trombitas said Friday in an email.

The farm advertised on Craigslist does not exist; the area where the bodies were found in Noble County is property owned by a coal company and often leased to hunters.

Church business manager accused of stealing more than $712,000 www.privateofficer.com

 

SANTA ROSA, Calif.Sept 28 2011 — A business manager accused of stealing more than $712,000 from the Center for Spiritual Living over a seven-year period was arraigned Monday in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Eleanor Zapanta, 51, of Guerneville, was taken into custody Monday morning in court on a $1 million arrest warrant and was scheduled to enter a plea on Wednesday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Bill Brockley said.

She is charged with seven counts of grand theft, seven counts of forging business documents, and an enhancement alleging theft by an employee of more than $500,000, and could face 12 years in prison if convicted, Brockley said.

The alleged thefts and forgery of more than 250 checks occurred between 2004 and 2010 when Zapanta was the center’s business manager, Brockley said.

Brockley would not disclose how the theft occurred or how the allegedly stolen money was spent.

Santa Rosa police began investigating the case several months ago, he said.

The Center for Spiritual Living promotes Religious Science, a religious movement founded by Ernest Holmes in 1949. Among other beliefs, the center emphasizes the power of the mind in achieving healing and fulfillment in life, according to its website.