On March 13, six people were arrested on drug-related charges by members of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force after they utilized one or more confidential sources. According to the reports, the source has proven reliable in the past and was searched prior to the operations to ensure he or she had no weapons, cash or drugs in his or her possession at the time of the operations.

He/she was provided with cash to purchase the drugs and then contacted each of the individuals to set up the buy. Each transaction was recorded with audio and video equipment. The following individuals were arrested:

• Marquavius Williams, 16, Northeast 14th Avenue, was arrested on March 13 by a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, sale of cocaine, burglary of a conveyance, petit theft second degree and take and hold. He was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

• Tifton Allen, 17, Northeast 15th Avenue, was arrested on March 13 by a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell and sale of cocaine. He was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

• Jeremy Jones, 32, Northwest 17th Avenue, was arrested on March 13 by a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell and sale of cocaine. Bond was set at $60,000.

• Joshua Raynor, 34, U.S. 441 Southeast, was arrested on March 13 by a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of ammo by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, delivery, intent to sell methamphetamine, sale, manufacture or delivery of a Schedule II drug, possession or sale of an altered firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. No bond.

• Janet Raynor, 37, U.S. 441 Southeast, was arrested on March 13 by a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of ammo by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, delivery, possession or sale of an altered firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. No bond.

• Don Morgan, 54, Southwest 67th Drive, was arrested on March 13 by a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of methamphetamine and with sale, manufacture or delivery of methamphetamine. No bond has been set.

Bernard
Young

PALM BEACH COUNTY — Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County needs your help in locating Bernard Young, 20, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

His last known address was on Frasier Court in Pahokee.

Young is wanted on a warrant for violation of supervised own recognizance and burglary of a conveyance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS (8477), or remain anonymous by downloading the new app “Connect & Protect,” “See Something Say Something” for any Apple or Android smartphone.

Undrea
Jones

PALM BEACH COUNTY — Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County needs your help in locating Undrea Jones, 44, 6 feet tall, 240 pounds, bald and brown eyes.

His last known address was on Southeast Fourth Avenue in South Bay.

Young is wanted on a warrant for burglary while armed and violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS (8477), or remain anonymous by downloading the new app “Connect & Protect,” “See Something Say Something” for any Apple or Android smartphone.

BELLE GLADE — A traffic crash in the 23000 block of westbound State Road 80 in Belle Glade claimed the life of a 26-year-old Belle Glade man.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office press release, 11:44 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup truck operated by Miguel A. Treto, 26, of Belle Glade was traveling westbound in the 23000 block of State Road 80 within the outside lane of travel, when for an undetermined reason the driver lost control causing the vehicle. The F-150 swerved sharply down into the grass median and struck a concrete drainage culvert, which caused the F-150 to flip and roll over, ejecting the driver. The truck and the driver came to final rest within the roadway of eastbound State Road 80, directly in the path of oncoming eastbound traffic.

An eastbound 2015 Palm Tram Bus, operated by Keith Williams, 64, of West Palm Beach, struck and ran over Mr. Treto, according to the report.

A 2008 Lincoln Navigator, operated by Shannon Smith, 30, of Belle Glade, also traveling eastbound, collided with the F-150, causing damage to the passenger side front corner.

While traveling eastbound, a 2015 Nissan Altima operated by Chameque Smith, 28, of West Palm Beach, ran over the collision debris and sustained minor damage.

According to the PBSO report, Mr. Treto succumbed to injuries received during the collision and from subsequently being struck by the Palm Tram bus. He was pronounced deceased by members of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

Edie
Robbins

CLEWISTON — Edie Beaux Robbins, age 15, was last seen on Monday, March 18, at 7:30 a.m. when she was dropped off at Clewiston High School by her grandmother. She never showed up to her softball game after school. Someone had seen her on the Brighton reservation at the gym on Monday evening.

Edie Robbins is believed to be possibly staying with a friend somewhere in Clewiston. It is unknown where this friend is located. Edie does not have her cell phone with her.

She has black hair, brown eyes, and weighs 125 pounds. She also wears braces.

If you see her or have any information that could be helpful in locating this missing teen, please call the Clewiston Police Department at 863-983-1474.

Former Hendry County deputy, Germain Garcia pled guilty on March 20 to the charge of perjury in an official proceeding. According to the State Attorney’s office, he will be placed on 36 months of probation and will be required to permanently relinquish his certification as a law enforcement officer. He must also pay a $500 fine and agree to testify against Antonia Martinez.

In 2018, Garcia and Hendry County bail bondsman Antonio Martinez were arrested on charges of felony perjury relating to a case they were both involved in in 2017.

The case involved the bondsman allegedly detaining a person he believed committed a crime against the bondsman’s family member. The deputy then responded and took the person into custody.

Both are accused of giving false statements under oath about what actually transpired based on witness testimony and other evidence.

OKEECHOBEE — An unidentified Saint Cloud man was reported to be in critical injury in a traffic crash.

A Florida Highway Patrol press release stated that on Tuesday, March 26, at 1:04 p.m. a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan operated by Micheal Kerr, 28 of Ft. Lauderdale, was traveling west on County Road 721, Reservation Road North East, two miles north of Bullhead Grade Road.

A 2012 International Freightliner semi operated by William Irven Froggatt, 63 of Okeechobee, was traveling west on County road 721 in front of the Caravan. The semi was hauling two trailers. The semi made a left turn to enter a sugar cane field. While the semi was turning, the Caravan attempted to pass, resulting with the front of the Caravan colliding with the first trailer being hauled by the semi. The Caravan came to a final rest wedged against the left side of the first trailer with the front facing south. The semi came to a final rest in the sugar cane access entrance with the front facing east.

The FHP reported that a passenger in the Caravan was transported to Lawnwood Medical Center and in critical condition. The name of the passenger has not been released due to next of kin had not been contacted at the time of the press release.

Mr. Kerr was reported to have received minor injuries in the crash. Mr. Froggatt was not injured in the crash.

The traffic crash is under investigation.

The traffic accident was investigated by Trooper E. Jean.

PBSO is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the owner/driver of this vehicle.

PAHOKEE — A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office press release states that detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the owner/driver of the vehicle and the owner of the dog that bit a Pahokee child. This dog was abandoned in the Lake Breeze Mobile Home Park on March 14.

A March 14 press release stated that a Pahokee child was attacked by a pit bull.

According to the PBSO report, the boy was on the way home from school when the dog attacked in the Lake Breeze Mobile Home Park.

Pictured is the pit bull that attacked the Pahokee boy.

“Upon arrival the deputies attempted to corral the pit bull when it began to charge one of the deputies,” states the PBSO report. In fear for the boy who had been attacked as well as in fear for his own life, the deputy shot and killed the dog, the report continues.

The child was badly bitten, according to the PBSO report. He was transported to a local hospital.

Animal Care and Control of Palm Beach County was investigating the incident.

PALM BEACH COUNTY — Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County needs your help in locating Jeremy Adams aka Derek Tanksley and Little J, 31, black, male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 170 pounds, black hair, brown eyes and he has multiple tattoos.

His last known address was on S.W. Seventh Street in Belle Glade.

Jeremy Adams

He has washed cars as an occupation.

Adams is wanted on a warrant for burglary of a structure or conveyance, grand theft, criminal mischief, unregistered motor vehicle, and no valid drivers license.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS (8477), or remain anonymous by downloading the new app “Connect & Protect,” “See Something Say Something” for any Apple or Android smartphone.

OKEECHOBEE — One man was killed and two were seriously injured after a traffic accident Monday afternoon, April 2 on State Road 710 at Southeast 58th Boulevard.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, 56-year-old Chet Daniel Buchanon of Boynton Beach was eastbound on State Road 710 when he reportedly lost control of his 2006 Dodge, possibly due to inclement weather. His vehicle rotated counter-clockwise and entered the westbound lane where he was struck by the 2004 GMC 3500 driven by 19-year-old Okeechobee resident Cameron Jarett Maynard. Both vehicles traveled on to the north grass shoulder .

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Mr. Buchanon’s injuries were fatal. Mr. Buchanon and his 30-year-old passenger William Diaz-Helble are both in serious condition.

LABELLE — Liborio Sosa Martinez, 68-year-old LaBelle resident, was killed in a traffic accident on Thursday, April 4, at around 6:38 a.m.

According to a press release from Florida Highway Patrol, Mr. Martinez was walking northbound when he attempted to cross West Cowboy Way, east of Dr. MLK Boulevard, and walked into the path of an oncoming 2003 Dodge Caravan. The Dodge, driven by 62-year-old Ingacio Soto Garduno of Felda, was traveling west on West Cowboy Way. As a result, Mr. Martinez was struck by the front passenger side of the Dodge Caravan.

After the collision, Mr. Martinez came to a final rest on the north shoulder of West Cowboy Way. The Dodge Caravan, driven by Mr. Garduno, came to a controlled stop on the north shoulder of West Cowboy Way.

Liborio Sosa Martinez was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

After deliberating for a mere six minutes, a jury found Mark Deschamps guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, said State Attorney Ashley Albright. The charge stemmed from his October 2016 arrest after his roommate Flavia Munoz was killed and his other roommate Duane Thomas was assaulted.

In January of this year, Deschamps was tried for first-degree murder in the death of Flavia Munoz, attempted first-degree murder of Duane Thomas, assault with a deadly weapon (against Duane Thomas) and assault with a deadly weapon (against Flavia Munoz). After deliberating for five hours, that jury found him guilty of manslaughter on count one. On count two, they found him guilty of aggravated battery. On count three, they found him guilty of improper use of a firearm, and on count four, they found him guilty of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Mr. Albright said Deschamps could face a total of up to 70 years on the four convictions he received in January, if sentences are served consecutively. Now that the outstanding charge has been resolved, a sentencing date for all the charges will be set.

OKEECHOBEE — On Saturday, April 6, off-duty Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephen Pollock was attending a birthday party for a small child in a Southeast 44th Street home when he reportedly observed a woman walk out of her front door using a walker and turn left. He stated she then placed her butt against the wall of her residence, directly in front of the living room window of the home where the birthday party was being held. He said she raised her T-shirt and pulled her underwear down, and then pulled them to the side. Deputy Pollock said he could clearly see her private parts as she did this, and that it occurred in full view of several small children.

Deputy Pollock walked across the street and identified himself, showing her his identification and badge because he was in civilian clothing. She reportedly began yelling profanity at him when he tried to take her arm. The woman, identified as 52-year-old Maryann Puglia, was arrested and charged with exposing sexual organs in public, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer with violence. Her bond was set at $3,000.

The report notes that on April 2, Deputy Michael Cauley took a complaint about her urinating on her front lawn in front of neighbors, and on April 6, Cpl. Bryan Lowe took a complaint for the same thing. She was warned each time to stop doing this, and a warrant for her arrest was submitted to the state attorney’s office because that incident did not occur in the presence of law enforcement.

OKEEECHOBEE — While working a special detail at the Kaza Productions Mexican Rodeo on April 7 at the Okeechobee Agricultural Center, a member of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force walked into the men’s restroom and reportedly saw a Hispanic man standing inside a stall, facing the door of the stall and snorting what appeared to be cocaine powder.

The man, later identified as Silverio Baranda Chavez, 45, Clewiston, allegedly had a bag in his hand and white powder on both hands. As the officer watched to see what he was doing, a second man tried to warn him of the officer’s presence by telling him to stop.

The officer reported he told Chavez to stop what he was doing, at which point he saw Chavez throw the bag in the toilet before opening the door. Chavez was then arrested and the bag was collected from the toilet and field-tested for cocaine. The powder tested positive for cocaine, and two more bags were found in Chavez’ wallet. The first bag weighed 3.1 grams, and the other bags weighed 1.5 grams. All were turned in as evidence. Chavez was charged with possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $10,000.

OKEECHOBEE — Early Sunday morning, April 7, OCSO Deputy Ryan Ammons was approached by a concerned citizen who told him of a man lying in the middle of State Road 70 East. At approximately 5 a.m., Deputy Ammons advised dispatch he was headed to check it out. When he arrived to the 2400 block of State Road 70 East, he found a 38-year-old Hispanic male lying in the roadway. He was not able to communicate properly because of the language barrier so Deputy Robert Gonzalez responded to assist.

Deputy Gonzalez was able to get the man’s name and date of birth. He reportedly had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his body, and his words were slurred. In addition, Deputy Gonzalez noted small red bumps on his arms and asked if they hurt. When the man replied that they did, EMS was called to the scene, but the man refused treatment both at the scene and at the hospital.

He was transported to the Okeechobee County Jail and charged with disorderly intoxication. His bond was set at $500.

CLEWISTON — Hendry County Sheriff’s Office deputies are examining video surveillance recordings after some Hendry County School District employees were accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior with students.

Ravin Lee, a teacher at Clewiston High School, was accused of sending inappropriate photos electronically to students in February, reported Deputy Superintendent Robert Egley. Lee is no longer employed by the district.

Laurinda Barraza, a secretary at Clewiston High School, recently resigned after having been accused of sending inappropriate photos to students through Snapchat. She had been put on paid administrative leave before she sent in her resignation.

Parents reported incidents involving both staff members.

Also, a Clewiston Middle School visitor reportedly saw substitute teacher Taylor Cathlett and a student kissing.

“It’s unclear if she was being kissed or if she was doing the kissing,” Mr. Egley was quoted.

Cathlett was taken off the substitute teacher list and is “no longer employed with the school district,” he said.

“The district does not tolerate or condone this type of behavior,” Egley added.

PALM BEACH COUNTY — Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County needs your help in locating Gerald Jones, 24, black, male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 180 pounds, black hair, brown eyes and he has multiple tattoos.

His last known address was on Lakeshore Drive in Canal Point.

Jones is wanted on a warrant for failure to appear, grand theft of a motor vehicle, resisting an officer without violence, and reckless driving.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS (8477), or remain anonymous by downloading the new app “Connect & Protect,” “See Something Say Something” for any Apple or Android smartphone.

OKEECHOBEE — On Tuesday, March 12, members of the Okeechobee Narcotics Task Force conducted an undercover operation that led to the arrest on April 16 of six individuals on charges ranging from possession of ammo by a convicted felon to possession of cocaine.

A search warrant was executed early on the morning of April 16, on a house known as “Jack’s Camp” and, upon sight of law enforcement, one man, identified as Techlin Joseph, 32, Northeast 16th Avenue, reportedly attempted to flee but was intercepted by law enforcement. Joseph complied with verbal commands to stop, but because of his attempt to flee and his presence during the search warrant execution, a search of his person was conducted and it was reported he was carrying a loaded Smith & Wesson magazine with (10) .40 caliber live rounds of ammunition in his pocket.

Dispatch advised that Joseph had four felony convictions, and he was charged with possession of ammo by a convicted felon.

Also arrested during the operation were Gregory Jackson, 53, Northeast 16th Avenue, charged with possession of cocaine; Mark Wesley Garland, 29, Southeast 25th Street, charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia; Megan Jones, 29, Reservation Road, charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia; Nicole Futch, 26, State Road 70 East, charged with possession of marijuana over 20 grams; and Karionnie Pruitt, 32, Northeast 16th Avenue, charged with sale of fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a place of worship and possession of fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a place of worship.

Sheriff Noel E. Stephen stated, “We have been executing search warrants on this house for over 30 years. We will continue to do so as long as the residents continue to sell illegal narcotics. The people of this community don’t deserve it, nor will we allow it!”

OKEECHOBEE — Tina Ballard, the woman who was arrested last year after her pet spider monkey attacked an employee in the Home Depot parking lot, pleaded no contest to two counts of non-native captive wildlife level two violations, one count failure to immunize an animal on exhibit and one count culpable negligence personal injury. She was sentenced to six months of probation for the first three counts and one year probation for the fourth count, to be served concurrently.

Ms. Ballard’s troubles began in June 2018 when she reportedly went into Home Depot, leaving her spider monkey, Spanky, in her truck in the parking lot. Somehow, while Ms. Ballard was inside the store, Spanky got out of the truck and was running around the parking lot when an employee, Marilyn Howard, saw her and attempted to catch her so she would not get hurt. She was able to grab her leash, but Spanky jumped on her back and bit her twice. She continued to hold the leash and waited with Spanky near the door in the hope the owner would soon appear, but when the door opened, Spanky was spooked again, and bit Ms. Howard on the arm and scratched her face.

A condition of Ms. Ballard’s probation is that she is not to possess any class one, two or three wildlife at any time but may live in a home with someone who possesses this wildlife as long as she herself does not have possession. Class one wildlife are those considered dangerous: lions, tigers, chimpanzees. Class two are those considered potentially dangerous: cougars, wolves, macaques. Class three wildlife includes all wildlife not listed as class one or two.

OKEECHOBEE – An Okeechobee man has been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of his wife.

On Friday, April 19, 2019 at approximately 6:41 a.m., Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a 911 call. The caller advised that his wife tried to kill him, and he thinks she is dead.

Deputies responded to the 33000 block of NW 192 Avenue, Okeechobee. Deputies then made contact with the victim’s husband. Kevin Franklin Hughes, 34. Deputies found the victim, 40-year old Jennifer Minnette Benson-Hughes, lying in the front yard, deceased.

After further investigation, Hughes was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder. Hughes is being held with no bond. This is an ongoing investigation.