OKEECHOBEE — A 33-year-old Okeechobee man has been accused of attacking his parents.

Chad Prescott, 33

Chad Prescott, N.W. 246th St., was arrested by Deputy Timothy Miller on felony charges of two counts of tampering with a victim, one count of abuse of a disabled adult and two misdemeanor charges of battery. His bond was set at $191,000.

According to an arrest report by Deputy Bryan Holden, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), he met with the apparent victims of a domestic battery who stated their son, Prescott, just attacked and beat them up.

The man was bleeding from his head, face, and arms with no visible injuries to the woman noted the deputy’s report.

The man stated to Deputy Holden that an argument ensued over Prescott supposedly not putting a tarp on the roof of their home. The man claimed his son opened and slammed the door that led from the porch to the kitchen and that he put his foot in the door to prevent Prescott from shattering the glass door while it was being slammed.

It was at this time that Prescott ran in the house, grabbed his father by the throat and shoved him down against the window in the kitchen, which caused it to break, according to the report. The man told Deputy Holden that his wife told Prescott she was calling 911 when Prescott then snatched the phone from her hands and threw both the phone and herself on the floor.

The man’s father said he again attacked him, knocked him to the floor and punched him multiple times. The woman attempted to call 911 again when Prescott performed the same actions as before — throwing her and the cell phone to the ground.

The report also stated that Prescott kicked in the door to his uncle’s bedroom and then grabbed the man by the back of the neck — only releasing him after his mother screamed at Prescott to let him go.

Prescott’s father told Deputy Holden that he ran to his bedroom, grabbed his phone and attempted to call 911. Prescott then reportedly grabbed the man’s phone, threw it to the ground — where it shattered the screen — and began to punch him again.

Deputy Holden’s report stated that photographs were taken of the scene and all individuals involved. Prescott’s parents stated great concern for his temper, aggressive physical behavior towards them, and that he needs mental help before he really hurts someone and that they want to pursue criminal charges against their son. Deputy Holden provided Domestic Violence packets at the scene, concluded the report.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact Martha’s House at 863-763-2893.

OKEECHOBEE — Vandalism of three public U.S. Mail boxes has led to warnings from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and the Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD).

Three United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes located throughout the county have been vandalized. The incidents are currently under two types of investigation.

According to an OCPD incident report, OCPD Officer John Zeigler met with a postal supervisor at the Okeechobee U.S. Post Office on Oct. 23 in regards to vandalism on two mailboxes and the possibility of mail theft.

The postal supervisor reported that sometime between Saturday, Oct. 21, and Monday, Oct. 23, unknown person(s) forcibly entered two upright mailboxes, one located in front of the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse at 304 N.W. Second St. and the other located in front of SunTrust Bank, 815 S. Parrott Ave.

The postal supervisor informed the officer that a third mailbox, in front of the Dollar General at 3603 U.S. 441 S., had also been vandalized and an OCSO deputy had responded in that matter.

The damaged mailboxes have been wrapped in cellophane and taken out of service until they can be removed, repaired or replaced.

Law enforcement officials turned over the vandalism investigation to the United States Postal Inspection Service. However, local officials are handling any current and possible future fraud claims from this event, including reports of stolen checks being altered and routed elsewhere.

(OCSO) PIO, Michele Bell and (OCPD) PIO, Detective Bill Saum advise the public to be cautious when mailing checks or other financial documents. They recommend sensitive items be mailed directly from the main Post Office building on State Road 70. They also recommend anyone who placed mail containing financial or personal information into any of the vandalized mail boxes to actively monitor all financial institution activity.

USPS mailbox

OKEECHOBEE — An 83-year-old Okeechobee woman was the near victim of an attempt at fraud in the amount of $9,000 Wednesday evening.

According to an incident report by Deputy Tyler Ott, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), the woman said Oct. 24, 2017, she paid $199.99 by E-Check to a company that claimed to be Microsoft. The company installed software and security devices on her home computer and said it fixed the issue she was having.

The woman claimed she received a call Nov. 1 around 2:30 p.m. from the same company that claimed affiliation with Microsoft by an individual named Justin Krejza, employee ID #KLNP6325783 and private phone number of 530-553-0090.

They claimed the woman was going to receive a refund from her earlier purchase and asked for her bank account information, which she provided.

The woman apparently filled out a “refund form” which included the amount to be refunded of $1,000 from their Chase Bank account. Once the woman completed and submitted the form, they claimed that she made a mistake and made the amount out for $10,000, and that too much money was taken out of their accounts.

Due to the individual(s) having the woman’s bank account information, they made it appear that $9,000 was deposited into her checking account, when in actuality they simply transferred it from her savings account noted the report.

The woman then said the person claimed they would be fired for the woman’s mistake when she told them that she would talk to the bank to have the issue resolved, continued the report.

Deputy Ott’s report also said the bank would not be able to fix the problem and that she would have to go to Walmart and purchase nine $1,000 gift cards to be sent to them. The woman agreed to do so.

Supposedly a woman at Walmart informed her it was a scam and she did not purchase the gift cards. Instead, she contacted her bank — freezing the accounts — and was told Bank of America will investigate the incident. The bank also transferred the money back into her savings account.

Deputy Ott’s report concluded that the woman was satisfied with her purchased services — as it fixed her computer — was not defrauded of any money and was cautioned about putting information on her computer, since the company she bought the software from tried to defraud her.

The woman was advised to not give any bank information to anyone over the phone or internet.

OKEECHOBEE — A Walmart employee has been accused of grand theft from the store by way of food and gift cards.

Carlton Devonta Jones Jr., 20, Sabal Court, Pahokee, was arrested Nov. 4 on two felony charges of grand theft $300 – $5,000. He is being held without bond.

According to an arrest report by Officer Ryan Holroyd, of the Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD), he was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a theft complaint. The asset protection employee informed Officer Holroyd that an employee, Jones, had stolen items on multiple days while working and that the thefts occurred over the past week.

Carlton Devonta Jones, Jr., 20

The first instance the report noted was on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at approximately 2:56 p.m., the asset protection employee witnessed Jones select an iTunes gift card — valued at $100 — process the item himself on his register and used his own identification number. Jones reportedly cleared the sale as “exact cash” and closed the cash drawer without payment for the card and created a cash shortage in the drawer. Jones supposedly put the iTunes card in his pocket.

Later in the shift at approximately 7 p.m., the asset protection employee witnessed Jones select two popcorn chicken boxes, one Lay’s BBQ potato chips bag, and a bottle of Gatorade before going to the employee break room where he consumed the food. Jones returned to work and never paid for the food — valued at $7.56.

After he returned to work, Jones, selected two reloadable Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards, processed the items himself on his register used his identification number, cleared the sale as “exact cash” and closed the cash drawer without payment for the cards — valued at $210.08. Another cash shortage was caused in the drawer and Jones supposedly put those cards in his pocket as well.

The next instance noted in the report occurred Thursday, Nov. 2, at approximately 4:11 p.m., the same asset protection employee witnessed Jones, select two Visa/Mastercard cards from the shelf – valued at $500 each – and process the items himself on his register and used his identification number. Jones again cleared the sale as “exact cash,” closed the drawer without payment and created a cash shortage in the drawer. Jones was supposedly seen having put the cards in his pocket.

The total value of the items allegedly stolen was $1,327.52.

Officer Holroyd’s report concluded by stating that he — while accompanied by asset protection and a co-manager from the store — met with Jones, who was read his Miranda rights. They conducted an audio interview, informed Jones that charges were being pursued against him and that he was to be trespassed from the store. The audio recorded interview, video surveillance of the theft, three receipts showing the value of the stolen property and five still photographs from the video surveillance were to be logged into evidence.

OKEECHOBEE — Sheriff Noel Stephen, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, (OCSO) gave a press conference Thursday afternoon at 3:15 p.m. in regards to a video that was posted on social media sites which depicted apparent animal abuse committed by supposedly three individuals at Larson Dairy Inc., in Okeechobee.

According to Sheriff Stephen a FedEx package was delivered to OCSO that contained photographs and a written letter from the complainant who reported the alleged abuse. “The case has been assigned to an investigator and we will be conducting an investigation regarding these allegations” said the sheriff.

The sheriff said at the press conference that the “pictures are of what appears to be an individual kicking at a cow, having something in his hand, and maybe hitting a cow but these are all still photos. I understand there is a video out there, that I have not seen, as I stand here before you,” Sheriff Stephen addressed the reporters at the press conference.

The sheriff continued his remarks “I know three generations of Larsons that have run this operation, … any one of those three gentlemen would not accept this kind of conduct from any employee or anyone on their cattle. I have spoken to two of the Larsons – Woody and Jacob – the individual in question that was kicking the cow has been fired and two others in the video have been suspended by Larson Dairy, which is conducting an internal investigation.” Sheriff Stephen also mentioned that the Larsons welcomed an investigation and “would not condone this activity, had they known about it, they would have fired them on the spot.”

Sheriff Stephen said he’s, “Never received any innuendos, complaints or allegations in regards to the Larsons themselves.”

When asked if the Larson Dairy would be closed down during the investigation, Sheriff Stephen responded, “These cattle have to be milked twice a day or they will get sick, so the operations will continue.

“I really wish the individuals who recorded the video would have given the video to OCSO at the time, because the abuse probably continued, unnecessarily, up until today,” the sheriff expressed during the interview.

“This unfortunately was publicized before it was ever reported. My crystal ball is cloudy and my magic wand is broke, I’ve got to have help from citizens when they identify these problems to help law enforcement. We in law enforcement are here to help but we have got to work together,” the sheriff said.

Sheriff Stephen made serious statements in saying, “This is definitely not something that is going to be covered up and something that we’ll be addressing. There will be a criminal investigation and I believe that there will be criminal charges upon completion of that investigation.”

Sheriff Stephen concluded his press conference, “Updates will be made around the middle of next week.”

The Florida Dairy Farmers is Florida’s milk promotion group that represents more than 130 dairy farm families who produce 272 million gallons of fresh Florida milk each year. They released the following information on their Florida Milk Facebook page.

Florida Dairy Farmers released a statement that they are “deeply saddened by the actions that took place in an undercover video that was released today, Nov. 9, featuring a Florida dairy farm.

“This incident in no way reflects the animal care practices of the thousands of hard working dairy farm families in Florida and across the U.S.

“After being made aware of the situation, the owners of Larson Dairy Inc. immediately terminated the employee involved and they are now conducting an in-depth investigation on the farm.

“All dairy farmers have the utmost respect for their animals and are committed to their compassionate care. This is not an adequate representation of how dairy farmers care for their cows.”

OKEECHOBEE — An Okeechobee man was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly causing an intentional traffic crash involving a pregnant woman, according to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office report.

Alphonso Tyrone Morris, Jr., 23, N.E. 15th Ave., was arrested Nov. 6 on two counts of a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

According to an arrest report OCSO Deputy Daniel Eng responded to N.E. 13th Ave. in Douglas Park in regards to a hit and run.

A woman informed Deputy Eng that Morris came over to her house and beat on her door Monday, Nov. 6. She reportedly told the deputy the reason for his presence was that she is pregnant by Morris and he wants her to have an abortion. The woman told Deputy Eng that she did not answer the door, in fear of Morris potentially causing her physical harm.
The woman reportedly left her home and Morris began to chase after her in his vehicle, got next to her on N.E. 13th Ave., and then struck her gold Toyota with his black Chevrolet while he came into her lane. Morris supposedly chased the woman back to her house before he stopped.

Alphonso Morris, 23

Deputy Eng’s report made note that a few witnesses located near Louis Grocery stated they saw Morris chase after the woman, travel in the wrong lane next to her and cut in front of her which caused the crash.

They then also confirmed that Morris pursued her after the crash.

The report concluded with audio recorded witness statements and photographs taken were submitted into evidence. The debris located on the road was consistent with the woman’s story of her incident with Morris. An attempt was made to get video footage from Louis Grocery but Deputy Eng was informed that the video was not functional at the time.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact Martha’s House at 863-763-2893.

OKEECHOBEE — A 33-year-old Okeechobee man was arrested Monday evening after he allegedly was involved in a physical altercation with his pregnant girlfriend.

Tony Lee Frost, Northeast 16th Avenue, was arrested Feb. 19 on a felony charge of aggravated battery. His bond was set at $20,000.

According to an arrest report by Deputy Timothy Porter of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), at 9:09 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, he responded to the 1000 block of Northeast 16th Avenue in regard to a domestic complaint.

Tony Lee Frost, 33

Upon arrival, Deputy Porter made contact with the complainant, who was crying and had blood in her mouth, the report said. The woman explained that she was six months pregnant and earlier that day needed to go to the hospital. She reportedly asked her boyfriend, Frost, to arrange transportation for her. Frost supposedly refused, and she said she ended up walking to Raulerson Hospital. When she was released, the complainant reported using the hospital phone to call Frost to be picked up; however, Frost hung up the phone and the woman walked home.

After she arrived back at the residence, the woman was reportedly met by Frost, who supposedly stated, “You think you’re slick,” before he allegedly punched the woman in the mouth, threw her to the ground and kicked her four times in the stomach. Frost supposedly then exited the residence and left in an unknown direction. The woman gave a description of Frost, and a “be on the lookout” alert was issued by dispatch per request from Deputy Porter, and Frost was later found.

Deputy Porter noted in his report that the woman complained of significant pain in her stomach and that even though she had just been released from the hospital, her pain had intensified since the incident. The woman was then transported back to Raulerson Hospital by Okeechobee County Fire Rescue. Photographs of the woman’s injuries were taken by Deputy Ben Vuleta, which were later submitted into evidence.

The report concluded that due to the act of violence taking place in front of the woman’s daughter, who was present during the encounter with Deputy Porter, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) was contacted and informed that they would be taking a report.

While at the hospital, the woman informed law enforcement that she wanted to press charges and was provided a victim’s rights brochure.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact Martha’s House at 863-763-2893.

OKEECHOBEE — A 53-year-old Okeechobee resident was arrested this week after allegedly being seen not stopping for a school bus by an on-board deputy.

According to an arrest report by Deputy Steven Pollock, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), at approximately 6:21 a.m. on Feb. 20, Deputy Donnie Holmes was riding on Okeechobee County school bus #16 as it traveled south in the 3000 block of Northeast 128th Avenue.

Deputy Holmes reportedly observed a red motorcycle traveling northbound on Northeast 128th Avenue fail to stop for the red lights and stop signs activated on the bus at an Okeechobee County School Board assigned bus stop. Deputy Holmes then reportedly informed Deputy Pollock by radio of the motorcycle’s failure to stop before the bus. Instead, the motorcycle stopped next to the midway point of the bus.

Deputy Pollock reportedly got behind the red 2005 Kawasaki motorcycle to perform a traffic stop and apparently observed the license plate to not be a state issued license plate for a motorcycle, only having three numbers and appearing to be altered. The motorcycle reportedly continued to travel north to the 5000 block of Northeast 128th Avenue (Berman Road) where it came to a stop.

The report stated that Deputy Pollock made contact with the rider and informed them that the license plate was not the proper tag. Deputy Pollock informed the rider that they were stopped because a deputy on the bus saw them not stop properly when the bus activated its red lights and stop signs. Deputy Pollock also explained that the reason for the deputy’s presence on the bus was due to the complaints being received from bus drivers in regards to motor vehicles not stopping for the buses.

Deputy Pollock reportedly requested dispatch to check the status of the rider’s driver license and was informed that it was suspended recently on Nov. 9, 2017. Dispatch also ran the VIN of the Kawasaki motorcycle and discovered it to be stolen out of Savannah, Ga., which was confirmed through Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC).

The report concluded that the rider was arrested, transported and booked into the Okeechobee County Jail on misdemeanor charges of knowingly driving while driver license or privilege has been canceled, suspended, or revoked and failure to register motor vehicle.

The rider was also issued a citation for the offense of passing a stopped school bus with red lights and stop signs activated. The bond was set at $500. Jail records indicate they have since been released on bond.

In a related matter, at the Feb, 22 meeting of the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Kelly Owens complimented the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office on their efforts in slowing the speeding trucks on Berman Road.

She said the word has gone out over the network of truck drivers to either slow down on Berman Road or find another route. She said in addition to increased presence by the OCSO, Florida Highway Patrol has also been enforcing traffic laws in that area.

Commissioner Brad Goodbread said it is important for deputies to continue traffic enforcement in that area.

“Just last week a truck swerved to go around a school bus and sideswiped a Southeast Milk Truck,” he said. “It’s definitely a life and safety measure.

“I am glad law enforcement has come out in force,” he said, noting they are running radar “on both ends and in the middle” of the road.

OKEECHOBEE — An unidentified armed man held an employee at gunpoint at a local restaurant on Sunday.

An employee at Subway, located in the 400 block of Northeast Park Street, was held up at gunpoint by a suspected black male standing approximately 5’10” tall and was reportedly covered from head to toe.

The robbery reportedly took place Sunday, Feb. 25, at approximately 8:09 p.m., with an undisclosed amount of money being taken.

The case is currently under investigation. The public is asked if they have any information in regards to the incident to contact Okeechobee City Police Department (OCPD) Detective James Pickering at 863-763-9785 between the hours of 8 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Callers do not have to provide their name to give information to law enforcement and will also be able to leave a voicemail message.

OKEECHOBEE — A six-person jury Thursday found an Okeechobee man, who threw a dog over the fence at the county animal shelter, guilty of animal cruelty.

Jorge Samuel Hernandez, 35, also known as Eleazar Ramirez-Avila, Southwest 15th Street, Okeechobee, was found guilty on a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty.

Because Hernandez is not fluent in English, a certified Spanish interpreter, Carlos Rivera-Navas, was utilized in the proceeding.

Jorge Hernandez, 35

“This crime was caught on video,” said Assistant State Attorney Don Richardson. The video shows the man throw the female cur-mix dog over the shelter fence. The man then drove away. According to the report, the dog was left to suffer with a broken leg without medical treatment for at least 14 hours. Defense attorney Roger Azcona countered that “when he (Hernandez) tossed the dog over the fence, he did not intend for the dog to get injured.”

According to the testimony, the dog’s leg was broken in the incident, and the dog was left to suffer in the cold until shelter personnel found it the next morning.

Deputy Sergeant Arlene Durbin, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), who has been in charge of the Animal Control Services since July 2015 testified that “it was obvious the dog’s leg was broken, as I saw it limping.” She also mentioned possible alternatives to tossing the dog over the fence to include, tethering the dog to the fence with food and water or calling after the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. operational hours to have the animal picked up.

“Generally someone is there before and after (hours of operation) to clean the facility,” she said.

Mr. Azcona said had there been a secure way for animals to be dropped off after hours, the incident could have been avoided.

Dr. Federico Latimer, of Jupiter Pet Emergency & Specialty Center, who has been an orthopedic surgeon for small animals for a period of approximately 13 years, testified that the dog had sustained a Type 1 Salter-Harris fracture, (growth plate fracture) to the rear right leg.

A Type 1 fracture is described as the physeal separation resulting in displacement of the epiphysis (end part of a long bone) from the metaphysis (narrow portion of a long bone) at the growth plate.

Dr. Latimer said the animal appeared to have a lot of swelling and bruising in the knee area and upon viewing the surveillance footage said, “the injury was consistent” with the actions taken by Hernandez. Dr. Latimer used the method of flouroscopy, a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor, much like an X-ray movie, to treat the dog testifying that it, “allowed pins to be put in without opening the dog,” via surgery.

Nancy Rodriguez, a neighbor of Hernandez who has five young daughters, testified that she, “saw the dog in the neighborhood for about 21 days,” and that she believed the dog to be aggressive because of its behavior. “Twice when I came home from work, the dog tried to bite me,” she said.

Ms. Rodriguez said she thought it belonged to Hernandez, “because he fed it.”

The defendant, Hernandez, then took the stand in his own defense.

“I tried to find the best place for the dog and never intended to cause it any harm,” he said through the interpreter. “It was daily that someone complained to me about the dog.”
Hernandez said the dog was around his property for about eight days before he took it to the animal control facility.

“If I had thrown the dog from the ground, not the truck bed, it would have been worse,” he said. “I figured there was a cage or something to bring it to after I saw the facility was closed. If I didn’t put the dog in there, it may not be alive today.”

On cross examination, Mr. Richardson asked, “Wouldn’t it have been better to chain the dog to the fence instead of throwing it over?” Hernandez replied, “I did think of that but didn’t want the dog to possibly hang itself.”

During closing statements, Mr. Azcona said that Hernandez, “chose not to let the dog potentially ravage one of the neighborhood children. He took care of it longer than the five days the government would give the dog before performing euthanasia, so who is really more compassionate towards the animal? Consider everything he did that he did not have to do, his heart was on protecting his neighbors kids and believed his actions were necessary.”

“This defendant had plenty of alternatives to throwing the dog over the fence,” said Mr. Richardson.

After the dog was found injured, Sgt. Durbin arranged for an emergency visit to North Lake Animal Hospital where the dog’s leg was x-rayed and confirmed to be broken. Sgt. Durbin then contacted Nala’s New Life Rescue in Palm City who volunteered to get the pup medical care.

The puppy underwent a surgical procedure during which pins were placed in the dog’s leg to mend the bones.

The dog, now named Jenny, recovered from her injuries and was adopted.

OKEECHOBEE — Four men were arrested Sunday after apparently being found in the possession of stolen cell phones at the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival.

Barbaro Rivera-Tartabul, 32, Northwest Eighth Street, Miami, was arrested March 5 on felony charges of robbery by sudden snatching and grand theft (more than $300 less than $5,000).

Barbaro Rivera-Tartabul, 32

Malquiel Hernandez-Hernandez, 28, Southwest 84th Avenue, Miami, was arrested March 5 on a felony charge of grand theft (more than $300 less than $5,000) and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest without violence. He was later arrested by Deputy Sergeant Aric Majere on a Sarasota County felony warrant charging him with burglary of a conveyance.

Yosbel Prieto-Hernandez, 37, Northwest Fifth Street, Miami, and Estivenson Blanco-Rubiano, 33, Lake Fenwick Road, Kent, Wash., were arrested March 5 on a felony charge of grand theft (more than $300 less than $5,000).

Yosbel Prieto-Hernandez, 37

Prieto-Hernandez and Blanco-Rubiano’s bonds were set at $7,500 each. Hernandez-Hernandez had his bond set at $13,000 and Rivera-Tartabul had his bond set at $15,000. All four have since been released on bond.

According to an arrest report by Deputy Mark Margerum, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), at approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 4, he was working a special detail performing security for the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival in the 12500 block of Northeast 91st Avenue when he was dispatched to the lost and found area to speak with someone who apparently had their cell phone stolen.

Malquiel Hernandez-Hernandez, 28

Deputy Margerum met with three individuals who informed him that their cell phones had been stolen from their pockets while they watched concerts in the area known as The Grove, stated the report. While the deputy spoke with the complainants several more people arrived and informed their cell phones had been stolen from their pockets as well.

While the deputies were with the group of complainants, dispatch relayed to Deputy Margerum that three individuals were chasing suspected cell phone thieves. Within a few minutes, members of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force along with Deputies William Jolly and Matthew Huffman, were approached by one of the people, who gave chase to the suspects. The individual informed them they saw the suspects steal the phones and that they also attempted to steal from them as well. After law enforcement caught up to the suspects, later identified as Prieto-Hernandez, Blanco-Rubiano, Hernandez-Hernandez and Rivera-Tartabul, they saw them drop seven cell phones and a red AAA Dollars Mastercard in the name of William R. Thalheimer. The individuals who originally chased the suspects, identified them as the ones who attempted to steal their bags and cell phones and saw them drop the phones and red card as well.

Estivenson Blanco-Rubiano, 33

All four suspects were detained and transported to the OCSO Command Center on site along with the cell phones and Mastercard. The complainants were informed to meet law enforcement at the command center and to fill out complaint affidavits and possibly identify the phones that were recovered. The report stated that approximately 20 people responded to the command center.

One man identified a phone that had been taken from him when Rivera-Tartabul supposedly bumped into him. A woman then identified Rivera-Tartabul as the suspect who unzipped her fanny pack, took her iPhone and then walked away. A third individual was reported as having identified the suspects as stealing a phone as well, however, it was not one of the phones recovered.

The suspects were all arrested, transported and booked into the Okeechobee County Jail.

OKEECHOBEE — Jorge Samuel Hernandez, also known as Eleazar Ramirez-Avila, who was found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty, was sentenced post-trial on March 1 by 19th Circuit Judge Michael C. Heisey.

Hernandez was arrested by Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy James Hartsfield after video surveillance cameras at the Okeechobee County Animal Shelter recorded the man at 4:57 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, throwing a female cur-mix puppy over a fence at the shelter, which resulted in a Type 1 Salter-Harris fracture (growth plate fracture) to the rear right leg.

“I tried to find the best place for the dog and never intended to cause it any harm,” Hernandez testified in defense of his actions.

Prior to sentencing, Assistant State Attorney Don Richardson asked Judge Heisey for Hernandez to spend one year in the Okeechobee County Jail, followed by four years of probation, and an adjudication of guilt.

Judge Heisey, however, sentenced Hernandez to three years of probation, withheld adjudication, and ordered he pay Nala’s Animal Rescue for the dog’s $1,000 surgery and to perform 200 hours of community service at an animal shelter.

OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) recently engaged in responding to the complaints received about school buses being passed when stopped to pick up or drop off students and about reported speeders on a busy roadway.

The office received numerous complaints regarding the traffic on Dark Hammock Road/ Northeast 120th Street and Berman Road/Southeast 128th Avenue. The complaints were that commercial motor vehicles (CMV) were passing stopped school buses and that they were also speeding on those stretches of road.

“Operation Truck Stop” was conducted beginning on Feb. 19 through Feb. 26. During this time, 183 vehicles were involved in the traffic stops.

The complaints were that commercial motor vehicles (CMV) were passing stopped school buses and that they were also speeding on those stretches of road. Special to the Okeechobee News.

The violations included:
• Speeding citations: 35 CMV; 101 cars;
• Faulty equipment: 11 CMV; two cars;
• Expired driver license: 0 CMV; three cars;
• Driving while license suspended: 0 CMV; three cars;
• Drug offense: 0 CMV; one car;
• Seat-belt violation: five CMV: eight cars;
• No proof of insurance: 0 CMV; one car;
• Failure to maintain a single lane: one CMV; 0 cars;
• Expired registration: 0 CMV: three cars;
• Failure to move over for emergency vehicle: one CMV; 0 cars;
• Failure to exhibit driver license: 0 CMV; three cars;
• Failure to stop for school bus: 0 CMV; one motorcycle;
• No tag: 0 CMV; one car;
• Improper passing: one CMV; one car;
• Unsecured load: one CMV.

Out of all the documented violations, only one was for failure to stop for a school bus, which was part of the incentive to conduct the operation. The vehicle that failed to stop was a motorcycle. Most of the vehicles stopped for traffic violations were for excessive speed in the posted zones, which was the other reason the sheriff’s office decided to perform the operation.

An interesting note is that over 25 percent of the total speeding citations issued (136) were issued to operators of commercial motor vehicles.

During this operation, two deputies patrolled the area from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the eight-day period; one deputy on the motor unit patrolled from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; two deputies patrolled from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; two School Resource Officer (SRO) deputies were on a school bus for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.

Regarding “Operation Truck Stop,” Sheriff Noel E. Stephen stated: “I will continue to work on every area of our county to assure the safety of all motoring public. I have met with the county commission and together we are moving forward with additional measures. We have identified several priorities to work on and implement to assist with traffic enforcement throughout our county.”

According to statements made at Okeechobee County Commission meetings, the operation was a deterrent to speeding by semis because word quickly spread among the drivers that the deputies were on patrol in the area.

OKEECHOBEE — A 24-year-old male apparently left a trail of blood at Osceola Middle School early Monday morning while searching for a fire alarm.

According to an incident report by Deputy Nathaniel Mitchell, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), at approximately 7:31 a.m. on March 12, a faculty member of Osceola Middle School contacted the sheriff’s office in regards to blood being found throughout the campus.

The faculty member reportedly stated that when they arrived at the school noticed, “there was blood everywhere.” There apparently were bloody footprints and hand prints on many of the doors and a blood trail from the cafeteria to the front office.

Students were about to arrive on campus and the faculty member wanted to ensure the safety of the pupils.

After further examination, it was determined that the blood on the building exteriors were from an incident that was reported at approximately 2:34 a.m. in which Deputies Dan Franklin and Robert Gonzalez responded to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in regards to a suspicious person complaint.

Upon the arrival of Deputies Franklin and Gonzalez, they saw a white male laying down in the parking lot in front of the hotel, bleeding from both arms. The individual apparently told law enforcement that he had cut himself with a knife in the vicinity of Osceola Middle School. He had apparently wandered around the school unsuccessfully looking for a fire alarm before making his way to the hotel parking lot.

The deputies took the knife from the man and secured it in a patrol vehicle.

The man was observed to have multiple lacerations on both arms. Deputies held direct pressure on the wounds with a shirt and towel in an effort to control the bleeding until Emergency Medical Services arrived. The hotel’s night auditor explained that the man walked up to the hotel, stated that he had cut himself, and fell to the ground. The night auditor provided a towel in an attempt to control the bleeding prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

The wounded individual was transported to Raulerson Hospital for further treatment and evaluation. At the hospital, it was decided to Baker Act the man due to the circumstances and injuries related to the incident.

The man told deputies he was on the campus of Osceola Middle School, attempting to find a fire alarm to pull to get some help. When he could not find the firm alarm, he apparently left the campus and walked towards the hotel.

Deputy Mitchell told school officials the campus was safe and the staff could clean the areas where blood was found. Photographs were taken of the scene and an agency card with case number was provided. The knife was placed into evidence for safekeeping.

OKEECHOBEE — On Tuesday, March 13, a 34-year-old Okeechobee man reported the injuries he had incurred after he sought help from a spiritual healer to alleviate back pain.

According to an incident report by Deputy Tim Miller, of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), at approximately 10:26 p.m. on March 13, he responded to the 3500 block of Northwest 10th Avenue in regards to a personal injury complaint.

Upon arrival, Deputy Miller was informed by the complainant that they contacted a spiritual healer named Vidal out of Palm Beach County. The complainant apparently had been unable to walk due to a back injury which prompted them to call Vidal to perform his services on them and the family for the amount of $300.

The healing was reportedly performed on March 10, where Vidal supposedly, “used a kind of heated coal wrapped in a towel,” on the man’s feet. Apparently when Vidal removed the towel, the complainant had sustained burns on their feet. Vidal then supposedly put some type of plant material on his feet and provided the antiseptic “Violeta de Genciana” to the complainant and family. The report also stated that supposedly Vidal stated he would help cover any medical expenses but has been unreachable since he left the family’s residence.

The complainant’s wife informed Deputy Miller that she spoke to a woman at a fuel station who provided her with Vidal’s phone number and stated he was a renowned healer. The two daughters of the couple reportedly told Deputy Miller a similar story about Vidal’s visit and that he also used some sort of herbal water on them as part of the healing process.

Okeechobee County Fire Rescue (OCFR) was also present on scene and reportedly began to treat the man whose feet appeared to be swollen and injured. The man’s wife provided a phone number to someone named Juan who supposedly knew Vidal. Juan reportedly informed dispatch that he was not close friends with Vidal nor knew his last name but was able to provide Vidal’s grandson’s license plate number. The license plate information came back to someone named Jose Herrera out of Lake Worth.

The report concluded that dispatch contacted Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) who relayed back that the agency had no information on Vidal. Vidal was unable to be identified by law enforcement and Deputy Miller reported that he was going to contact the state attorney’s office to speak with them in regards to the criminality of the case. A supplemental report will be included later if any more information comes to light in regards to the case.

OKEECHOBEE — Two 25-year-old males were arrested on drug charges after being stopped by Okeechobee City Police for suspected window tint violation and for a broken lens on a rear tail light.

Eli Manuel Roman Burgos, 50th Terrace Southwest, Naples and Jonathan Asencio Perez, Sorrento Street, Providence, R.I., were arrested March 16 on felony charges of trafficking in cocaine (more than 28 grams but less than 150 kilograms), possession of a controlled substance (cannabis) without a valid prescription and a misdemeanor charge of use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Their bonds were each set at $150,500.

These drugs were confiscated during the traffic stop. Courtesy stop.

According to an arrest report by OCPD Officer Luis Rojas, at approximately 7:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, he was traveling in the 300 block of State Road 70 West and saw a white Honda car with the right rear tail light lens broken. The vehicle also appeared to

Eli Manuel Roman Burgos, 25

have a window tint violation. A traffic stop was performed on the vehicle in the 100 block of Southwest Eighth Avenue.

Officer Rojas initially made contact with the passenger in the car, Perez, before talking with Burgos who was driving, stated the report. While he spoke with the occupants, Officer Rojas reportedly could smell a strong odor of cannabis emit from the vehicle and subsequently asked the two to step out of the vehicle and if there was any illegal contraband in the car.

Jonathan Asencio Perez, 25

A search of the vehicle resulted in the finding of a gold colored grinder that contained suspected cannabis residue in the side of the door, two clear plastic bags were located in the glove box and contained a total of 76 grams of suspected cannabis, and inside the center console of the car was a black grinder with suspected cannabis residue and 67 grams of suspected cocaine wrapped in a package covered in black electrical tape. The window tint was also found to be at 4 percent on all the windows of the car.

The report concluded that both Burgos and Perez were arrested, transported and booked into the Okeechobee County Jail on the aforementioned charges. Burgos also received a citation for violation of restrictions on sunscreening material. The vehicle was towed by John’s Towing Service. All of the suspected cannabis and cocaine tested positive for the presence of each and was collected as evidence to later be processed.

OKEECHOBEE — A 42-year-old man from Windham, Maine, was indicted by a grand jury on a first degree premeditated murder charge on Tuesday, March 13. The homicide occurred Sept. 22, 2017 in the Okeechobee Correctional Institution.

According to a grand jury indictment, “On or about Sept. 22, 2017, Michael Lawrence Woodbury did unlawfully, with a premeditated design to effect the death of any human being, kill and murder Antoneeze Haynes, a human being, and at least one aggravating factor listed in Florida Statute 921.141(6) was present during the commission of the offense, in violation of Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a).”

Michael Lawrence Woodbury, 42

According to an investigative summary conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Woodbury had barricaded the cell door and began to attack Haynes in the early morning hours on Sept. 22, 2017. At approximately 4 a.m., correctional officers conducted their count and found Woodbury at the cell door requesting a “white shirt” – a person of rank or authority within the correctional staff – when a correctional officer looked into the cell and saw Haynes on the bottom bunk bleeding.

Woodbury was able to render the cell door inoperable, keeping Okeechobee Correctional Institution correctional officers from being able to respond, enter the cell and stop the attack. When they attempted to speak with Woodbury, he would become agitated and would strike Haynes with a combination lock tied to a sock. Woodbury also placed the lock around his middle finger and punched Haynes, targeting his head, hands and ankles.

Woodbury also reportedly told correctional officers he had a large knife and would kill Haynes along with the first correctional officer that tried to enter the cell.

In a video approximately two hours in length, Woodbury stated, “I know it hurts, it’s called torture. The house of pain actually exists in hell, I used to run it,” after he was seen striking Haynes.

Major Frank Gatto arrived on scene then began to negotiate with Woodbury, and after three hours, Woodbury gave up and allowed correctional officers to place handcuffs on him through the cell door. Woodbury was taken to confinement and Haynes was taken to the infirmary and then transported to Raulerson Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Woodbury is already a convicted murderer.

At the age of 31, Woodbury shot and killed three people on the morning of July 2, 2007, at the Army Barracks store in Conway, N.H., and plead to three life sentences without going to trial in an effort to avoid the death penalty for carjacking. He reportedly stated his intent was to steal a car. The day of the shooting, Woodbury, reportedly walked into the Army Barracks and shot store manager James Walker, 34, and two customers from Massachusetts – William Jones, 25, and Gary Jones, 23. Walker and William Jones were pronounced dead at the scene and Gary Jones died later at Maine Medical Center.
The two campers, William Jones and Gary Jones who were not related but close friends – had apparently been camping in Maine and tried to stop Woodbury. Walker left a widow and two young children.

Woodbury reportedly claimed credit for manipulating New Hampshire authorities into shipping him to Florida in 2009, stating that New Hampshire was, ‘too afraid’ to incarcerate him in its prison population and did not want him in its ‘protective custody palace.’ Woodbury also claimed to be familiar with Florida’s prison system from his time served for a bank robbery charge from 1996 to 2002.

According to Woodbury’s response to The Conway Daily Sun’s request for comment on a story they had published he stated, “I may still be a ‘Satan-worshiping-predator,’ but I will never again bring violence into the equation, the exception being those who rape children.” Included in his response to the media outlet was a copy of a report – dated May 11, 2009 – from Union Correctional Institution in Raiford alleging that Woodbury bloodied and strangled an inmate. A part of the correction official’s report stated, “When I questioned inmate Woodbury as to what happened he stated, ‘he was a child molester.’”

On Thursday, March 15, Woodbury had his first appearance with 19th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Jerald D. Bryant, where he received a no bond status and was informed the State of Florida would be seeking the death penalty for his recently alleged murder. At the first appearance Woodbury stated that he intended to represent himself as counsel.

Assistant State Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit, Ashley K. Albright, certified that he has advised the grand jury in the case.

OKEECHOBEE — Three people were taken to Raulerson Hospital for treatment of injuries in a bar fight and shooting at Good Spirits Lounge late Saturday night, according to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) report. The fight is rumored to have involved a group of “skin heads.”

Just after midnight March 18, OCSO Cpl. Kristen Gray responded to a report of a fight in progress at the bar. While Cpl. Gray was enroute to the location, OCSO dispatch reported that shots had been fired outside the bar and people had locked themselves inside the building. Cpl. Gray requested all available units to respond, and nine officers from OCSO and Okeechobee City Police Department also responded.

Cpl. Gray, OSCO Deputy B. Vuleta and OCSO Deputy T. Miller were first on the scene.

“There were numerous subjects standing next to the entrance/exit door of the bar pointing south,” Cpl. Gray reported. “All subjects reported a black Chevrolet extended cab truck had the suspected shooter inside and it had left going south. I relayed the information to other units en route to the area.”

Inside the bar, Cpl. Gray made contact with a female victim who was on the floor with a towel held to her head. She was bleeding from a laceration to the head. The victim also had a large contusion on her left forearm. Cpl. Gray called for Fire/Rescue to assist the injured woman.

Other witnesses told the deputies that another victim had been hit over the head with a pool cue and was bleeding from the head. They reported that a third victim had been shot, and had been transported by private vehicle to the hospital.

While waiting for the ambulance, the first victim told Cpl. Gray that she and her friend were being harassed by a man inside the bar. She described him as a white male with tattoos. She said he bumped into her friend and then used a racial slur. She told deputies that she stood up for her friend, and a verbal argument ensued.

The woman was hit in the head, and she retaliated and knocked the man off his bar stool.

She was then struck over the head with a beer bottle. Another white man with tattoos grabbed a pool stick and struck her on the forearm, the report continues.

“At this time, numerous subjects were involved in the bar brawl and this was when the second victim was struck in the head by an unknown white male,” the report continues.

The victim reported that she heard gun shots outside and ran to the kitchen to hide until help could arrive.

She reported “there were approximately 10 white males with bald heads and tattoos in this group.”

The law enforcement officers locked down the scene and took statements from all of the witnesses.

Deputies found four spent rounds and one live round of ammunition on the scene. The also found a broken pool cue.

The case is under investigation.

OKEECHOBEE — A West Palm Beach man who passed out in his vehicle while in the drive-thru line at the McDonald’s restaurant on Northeast Park Street (State Road 70) was charged with felony driving while license suspended (DWLS).

Okeechobee Police Officer Brandon Griesmer was dispatched to the restaurant on March 17 at 1:14 a.m. in response to a report that a driver was unconscious in his vehicle in the drive-thru lane.

The officer made contact with Derril James Geller, the driver of a Ford Expedition. He discovered that Geller’s license had been suspended for failure to pay a traffic fine in 2016, and that his vehicle tag had expired in October 2016. The officer also found Geller had been charged with DWLS on three previous occasions.

Geller was arrested on a felony charge of DWLS as a repeat offender. He was also cited for having an expired tag, of six months or more. His vehicle was towed. He was transported to the county jail. Bond was set at $1,000.

This was the third time in the past four months law enforcement officers have dealt with a similar complaint.

In January, an Okeechobee woman was charged with DUI after passing out in the drive-thru of the McDonald’s on U.S. 441 in Okeechobee.

In December 2017, a Texas man was arrested on a charge of DUI after he was found passed out in the drive-thru line at McDonald’s on U.S. 441.

OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the public in an effort to identify this individual in regards to a counterfeit credit card case. If able to identify please contact Detective Dale La Flam at (863) 763-3117, ext. 5032.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying this man.