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Executives and former Philippine election official indicted in bribery and money laundering scheme
MIAMI, Florida - A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida has indicted three executives of an election voting machine and service provider company, along with a former Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the Republic of the Philippines, for their alleged involvement in a bribery and money laundering scheme tied to the 2016 Philippine elections. According to the indictment, between 2015 and 2018, Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez, 49, a Venezuelan citizen and resident of Boca Raton, Florida, and Jorge Miguel Vasquez, 62, a U.S. citizen and resident of Davie, Florida, allegedly orchestrated the payment of...
Tampa man sentenced to 10 years for coercion and enticement of minors
TAMPA, Florida - U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced 25-year-old Caleb Belanger, of Clearwater, to 10 years in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Belanger to pay $3,000 in restitution and forfeit an iPhone and iPad, which were used to commit the offenses. Belanger entered a guilty plea on March 26, 2024. According to court documents, Belanger enticed approximately 30 minor females, all between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, to take sexually explicit photos and videos...
Detention deputy arrested for assault with deadly weapon in Brandon
BRANDON, Florida - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a detention deputy for assault with a deadly weapon. On August 13, 2024, at 8:36 p.m., deputies arrested Cory Faircloth, 55, following an altercation between him and his neighbor outside a residence on Blueberry Lane in Brandon. Faircloth is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery. "I am deeply disappointed and troubled by the actions of one of our detention deputies," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We hold all of our deputies to the highest standards of professionalism and respect for all individuals, and any deviation from these principles is unacceptable." Faircloth, who was hired as a detention deputy in 1997, is currently on unpaid administrative leave per HCSO's policy. This is an active investigation, and any further updates will come from the Public Affairs Office, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Son Arrested in Connection to Fatal Stabbing of Mother in Brandon
BRANDON, Florida - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man in connection to the fatal stabbing of his 64-year-old mother on August 12, 2024. On August 13, 2024, HCSO received a tip from a concerned citizen about John Aylor's possible location. At approximately 4 a.m., Aylor was taken into custody without incident in the 900 block of Marjorie Avenue in Brandon. He is currently facing charges of armed burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery and first-degree murder while engaged in burglary. "Today, we have taken a significant step towards justice with the arrest of the individual...
Florida Forest Service to Conduct 909-Acre Prescribed Burn in Withlacoochee State Forest
HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida - The Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center will conduct a 909-acre prescribed fire today in the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest.The controlled burn, referred to as a "Prescribed Burn," will take place off Forest Road 10, along FR5, FR7, and South Croom Road, according to the Florida Forest Service. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel, improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build-up, and reduce the threat of future wildfires.The prescribed fire is being carried out by a team of fire experts under specified weather conditions to restore health to ecosystems that depend on fire, stated the Florida Forest Service. For more information, visit https://whyprescribedfire.org/burn-map/#GoodFire.
Tampa man sentenced to over six years for child sexual abuse material
TAMPA, Florida - U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced 51-year-old Darnell Credit, of Tampa, to six years and six months in federal prison for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Credit to pay $21,000 in restitution and forfeit a computer, two thumb drives, and an external hard drive used to commit the offenses. Credit entered a guilty plea on February 15, 2024. According to court documents, in November 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Credit's home and seized several of his electronic devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed more...
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office welcomes new K9 Zano
TRENTON, Florida - The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office has introduced its newest K9, Zano, who will be partnered with Sgt. Fricke.Sheriff Schultz expressed excitement about Zano joining the GCSO family and extended gratitude to Swift K9 Training, Haus Amberg Shepherds LLC, Patrick Lockett, and John Dutton for their donation of the K9. "We can't thank you guys enough!" stated the sheriff.
Orlando men indicted for series of armed robbery targets central Florida stores
ORLANDO, Florida - Two Orlando men have been indicted on multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Nijah Jahni Mitchell, 22, and Dany Telfort, 20, are accused of robbing six convenience stores in Central Florida between March 23 and April 1, 2023, while brandishing firearms. If convicted on all counts, Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 28 years to life in federal prison, while Telfort faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 14 years to life. The indictment also includes a notice of...
Two teens arrested in Largo shooting that left 17-year old injured amid escalating feud
LARGO, Florida - Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a shooting on New Jersey Street that left a 17-year-old male injured, according to the Largo Police Department.On August 7, 2024, just before 11 p.m., Largo police received multiple calls reporting a shooting in the area of New Jersey Street and Clearwater Largo Road North. The victim, a 17-year-old male, was walking home when he felt he was being followed. As he entered his backyard on New Jersey Street, three masked men produced at least two handguns and fired a total of twelve rounds, striking the victim in the...
Leesburg Police Seize Drugs, Firearms, and $54K in Major Narcotics Raid on Harlem Avenue
LEESBURG, Florida - A search warrant executed by the Leesburg Police Department's Narcotics Unit and MID-FLA SWAT team on Harlem Avenue led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash.Once the residence was secured by the SWAT team, investigators recovered over 30 grams of cocaine, more than 40 grams of methamphetamine, two handguns, an AR-15 rifle, and $54,000 in cash, according to a press release from the Leesburg Police Department. Four suspects were arrested and face charges including trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition, resisting arrest, and various drug-related offenses."Nice work by all," stated the Leesburg Police Department.
Reckless driver arrested in Lake County after admitting to smoking crack
EUSTIS, Florida - A reckless driver was arrested in Lake County after admitting to smoking crack, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.On July 28, 2024, Lake County deputies responded to a reckless driver complaint on SR 44 in Eustis after multiple 911 calls reported a vehicle almost causing several traffic accidents, driving at high speeds, and swerving into oncoming traffic. A deputy located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, observing the driver, Harland Griffiths, sweating profusely. Griffiths admitted to smoking "crack" when questioned by deputies.A search of Griffiths' vehicle yielded a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for cocaine. Griffiths was arrested and charged accordingly, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Silver Alert issued for missing 80-year-old Clermont man
CLERMONT, Florida - Donald Wayne Breckenridge, 80, has been reported missing and endangered, prompting the activation of a Silver Alert.Breckenridge, who may be confused and unsure of his whereabouts, was last seen at 8:30 a.m. on August 12, 2024, in the 9000 block of Lakeshore Drive, Clermont, Florida, according to the Clermont Police Department. He was wearing green camouflage shorts and a black T-shirt and is known to be driving a silver Kia Soul with Florida tag RHNL89.Breckenridge is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is August 1, 1944.Anyone with information on Breckenridge's whereabouts is urged to contact the Clermont Police Department at 352-394-5588 or call 911 in the event of an emergency. Tips can also be submitted to Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.The Clermont Police Department's Intelligence & Analysis Unit and Detective Division are actively working on the case, stated Chief Charles Broadway.
Bell man arrested for felony driving with suspended license and drug possession
BELL, Florida - A traffic stop in the unincorporated area of Bell led to the arrest of a local man on multiple charges.On August 9, 2024, Deputy Lee of the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office initiated a traffic stop on a blue Chevrolet truck for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Jason Anthony Morris, of Bell, was known to Deputy Lee from previous encounters and was found to be driving without a valid license.As a result of the investigation, Morris was arrested for felony driving with a suspended license, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office. Morris was transported to the Gilchrist County Jail and received a total bond of $20,000 set by Judge Donna M. Keim.
Elderly man missing in Hernando County prompts search effort
HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida - Deputies are searching for an elderly man who may have made statements of self-harm.Patrol deputies, K-9 teams, drones, and aviation units are actively searching the area between Deerfly Road and Family Lane for David Lamar Brown, a 69-year-old man. Brown was last seen wearing a T-shirt with white and blue stripes and a red outline, blue shorts, and no shoes. He is described as 6 feet tall and weighing 225 pounds.Residents in the area are urged to call 9-1-1 if they spot Brown, who may be attempting to hide from law enforcement, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
Tampa launches new housing rehabilitation and renovation program
TAMPA, Florida - The City of Tampa's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has announced the launch of the Housing Rehabilitation & Renovation Program (HRRP), aimed at providing financial assistance for home repairs within the city's CRA Districts. The program will cover essential repairs such as roof system repair or replacement, plumbing, electrical systems, structural systems, heating and air conditioning, exterior deterioration, window replacement, tree trimming, and ADA improvements. Both renters and homeowners earning up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible for assistance, according to the CRA. Applications will be available starting August 15 at the TPD District...
Woman charged in deadly hit-and-run after striking pedestrian in St. Petersburg sidewalk
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - A 58-year-old woman has been charged in connection with a deadly hit-and-run incident that occurred on June 25. Rosalyn Fuller, of St. Petersburg, was arrested on August 11 on charges of hit and run - fail to stop at crash involving death and tampering with evidence, according to a press release from the St. Petersburg Police Department. Fuller was identified as the driver of the Honda Odyssey that struck 62-year-old Kathy Repke in a marked crosswalk on 4th Street North. READ: St. Petersburg police seek public's help in locating suspect in deadly hit-and-run Repke was crossing east to west in the 6900 block of 4th Street North shortly before 9 p.m. when she was hit. She later died at a local hospital. Traffic investigators initially identified Fuller as a person with possible knowledge about the incident, and she volunteered to speak with them. An arrest warrant was issued for Fuller last week, leading to her arrest on Sunday. The investigation remains active as police continue to gather more information about the case.
38-year old woman dies in three-vehicle car crash after red light traffic violation
ORLANDO, Florida - A 38-year-old woman injured in a three-vehicle crash at 9th Avenue North and 58th Street North on Thursday has died. Shortly before 6 a.m. on August 8, a Ford Escape traveling eastbound on 9th Avenue North ran a red light at 58th Street North and was struck by a Chevy Silverado heading northbound on 58th Street North. The Ford overturned and collided with an Infiniti G37 that was stopped in the westbound median lane on 9th Avenue North due to the red light. The two occupants in the Ford and the driver of the Infiniti G37 were transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The medical condition of the Silverado driver was unavailable, according to the press release. On Sunday, August 11, the 38-year-old woman, who was the passenger in the Ford Escape, died of her injuries at the hospital. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin. The investigation is ongoing.
Manhunt Underway for Suspect in Fatal Brandon Stabbing
BRANDON, Florida - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for a man identified as a suspect in a fatal stabbing that occurred in Brandon. Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for John Aylor, 37, in connection with the fatal stabbing of Julie Aylor, 64, on August 12, 2024. He is currently wanted for charges including First Degree Felony Murder while Engaged in a Burglary and Armed Burglary of a Dwelling with Assault/Battery. "Detectives are working diligently to locate this dangerous suspect whose despicable actions claimed the life of an innocent woman," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We are asking...
St. Petersburg 14 year old charged with manslaughter after turning himself in
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - Detectives have arrested and charged 14-year-old Gavin Lorenzo Santos-Brown with manslaughter for the death of Veondre Hargrove, according to a press release from the St. Petersburg Police Department. Officers responded to a call at 9:42 p.m. on August 8 at 4204 11th Avenue South regarding a person shot. Upon arrival, they found Hargrove, born October 25, 2012, dead inside the home. Detectives learned that Hargrove had gone to the residence to visit a friend when Santos-Brown arrived later. An argument ensued, resulting in Hargrove being fatally shot. Santos-Brown fled the scene on foot. On August 11, Santos-Brown turned himself in and was subsequently charged with manslaughter. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact them at 727-893-7780 or to remain anonymous by texting "SPPD" + tip to TIP411.
Student arrested for threatening mass shooting at Gaither High School
TAMPA, Florida - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a threat made by a student at Gaither High School. On August 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., the School Threat Assessment and Response Team responded to Gaither High School and made contact with Larenn Olsson, 15. During an interview, Olsson admitted to investigators that she threatened to shoot up her school via a post on Instagram. She was taken into custody without incident and is facing charges of Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Act of Terrorism and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device. "Today,...
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