Florida Criminal Attorney Blog

Gary Montgomery, Polk County, Florida Sergeant, Arrested for Battery

Fri, 18 May 2012 01:45:15 -0500

Gary Montgomery was arrested in Polk County, Florida after three female jail employees accused him of inappropriately touching them, according to press reports. Montgomery, 48, was booked at Polk County Jail on five counts of misdemeanor battery. He has later released on $2500 bail bond, according to reports. It is not clear whether Montgomery has retained a criminal defense lawyer.

Press reports indicate that Montgomery is a detention sergeant at Polk County Jail. He reportedly started working for the Polk County Sheriff's office in 1985, nearly 30 years ago. He was promoted to his current position in 1993. There is no cause to believe that he has ever faced disciplinary action within the department before. Upon being charged, Montgomery reportedly resigned from his position. Sources indicate that if he had not resigned, he would have been fired, although the trial is not yet underway and Montgomery is, as in all cases, innocent until proven guilty.

According to news reports, Montgomery was accused of inappropriately touching three of the female jail workers who he supervised. The alleged touching started approximately two years prior and continued into this year, sources indicate. The workers alleged that Montgomery touched their breasts and buttocks over their clothing at work during hugs that he insisted upon engaging in with them, as well as when walking up to them from behind. Montgomery is not accused of doing anything further than touching the women over their clothing. The alleged victims reportedly told investigators that they had not reported the abuse before because Montgomery was their boss at work and they were afraid that telling others about the alleged touching would negatively impact their jobs.

One of the workers reportedly told investigators that she spoke to Montgomery about the inappropriate contact on Monday, sources indicate. It is not clear whether the woman spoke to Montgomery in cooperation with the investigation against him, nor is it clear whether she was wired at the time of the conversation.

Van Lawson Williams of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Arrested for Child Trafficking

Fri, 18 May 2012 01:41:42 -0500

Van Lawson Williams of Fort Lauderdale, Florida was arrested on Wednesday after an investigation allegedly revealed that he had been forcing minor runaways into prostitution, according to a press release by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Floirda. Willaims, 49, was arrested and booked into federal prison on charges of sex trafficking of minors. Investigators reportedly believe that he prostituted out at least two victims and attempted to prostitute out another two, who refused to comply. If convicted as charged, Williams could reportedly face up to a lifetime prison sentence. It is unclear whether he has retailed a criminal defense lawyer.

According to news reports, the investigation into Williams' alleged sex crimes was conducted by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and the Minor Vice Task Force. It is unclear exactly how long the investigation lasted. According to the criminal complaint released by the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of Florida, the arrest took place at William's residence, located on 30th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Williams was reportedly uncooperative with officers, at first not answering the door, then answering but waving his arms around. He allegedly struck two officers before being placed under arrest, although he was not charged with battery on a law enforcement officer.

Inside of the residence, investigators reportedly found a 16-year-old girl identified only as G.D., who had reportedly been missing since July 2011. The girl reportedly told investigators that she met Williams when she was 15 and that she started living in his home thereafter. Williams, who allegedly knew how old the victim was, is accused of prostituting her out dozens of times over the course of the year. Williams allegedly received $20-$30 from Johns for use of the bedroom along with an additional $100 for the sexual intercourse with the victim. Afterwards, Williams allegedly split the $100 prostitution fee with the victim. The victim also alleged that Williams was physically abusive towards her and that she had sex with him "on his demand" on several occasions.

Anthony Costanzo, Broward County, Florida Deputy, Arrested for Tampering in Case

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:36:36 -0500

Anthony Costanzo, a Broward County, Florida sheriff's deputy, was arrested on Wednesday after authorities accused him of attempting to affect the outcome of a criminal trial, according to news reports. Costanzo, 42, was reportedly booked into Broward Main Jail on charges of felony use of a phone, evidence tampering, witness tampering, and disclosure of confidential information. He has since been released on $5,000 bail bond, sources indicate.

Area media outlets are reporting that Costanzo has been on the Broward police force for twelve years. If convicted as charged, Costanzo could purportedly be sentenced to life in prison. There is no indication that he has ever faced criminal charges in the past. He was even featured on the television show Cops, a Fox series that follows law enforcement officers on the job. She show is Fox's longest-running program.

Sources indicate that Costanzo has been accused of trying to aid Fort Lauderdale Detective Billy Koepke, who is currently undergoing prosecution along with his partner for official misconduct, racketeering, extortion, false imprisonment, kidnapping, grand theft, and falsifying records. Both men, aged 30 and 32 respectively, face life in prison if convicted as charged. Their arrests evidently came after a two-month long internal investigation within the police department.

News sources indicate that the pair has been accused of pulling people over for traffic stops and searching for money and drugs. If they found large sums of money or drugs, the officers allegedly fabricated a charge in order to arrest the person, confiscated the goods, and pocketed a portion before turning the rest into the police department as evidence. This allegedly went on between late April and late August of 2010 and involved four separate traffic stops, at which victims allege they were robbed of $1,550 to nearly $5,500.

The charges against Koepke are quite serious. One victim, Mike Mayer, has reportedly alleged that he was removed from a vehicle in which he was a passenger one afternoon in August 2010. Mayer insists that he had not committed any crimes, but he was allegedly told that he could go to life in prison and that if he wanted to be set free, he had to "set up" a third party. Mayer alleges that he was driven around for hours, handcuffed, in the back of a police car without having committed a crime. Two other defendants alleged that after being arrested on drug charges, they would never see their money or car again and that they should "post bond and get the hell out of Florida and never come back."

Brian Dale Pratt of Pasco County, Florida Arrested for Voyeurism

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:27:19 -0500

Brian Dale Pratt of Pasco County, Florida was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly sent nude photographs of an unconscious woman to the woman's ex-husband, according to news reports. Pratt, 51, was arrested and charged with of lewd and lascivious video voyeurism, sources indicate. He has since been released on $150 bail bond. It is not clear whether Pratt has retained a private criminal defense lawyer to help him with the impending criminal case.

A sheriff's spokesperson reportedly told the press that Pratt has no prior disciplinary record at the Pasco sheriff's office, where he has served since June 2009. Pratt has apparently been placed on administrative leave as the case progresses. It is not known whether he is on paid or unpaid leave. The State Attorney's Office was reportedly involved in the investigation leading up to Pratt's arrest. It is not clear whether Pratt will be allowed to return to his job.

According to news reports, Pratt allegedly snapped shots of an unconscious woman lying naked on a bed on an undisclosed date. It is not clear how Pratt and the woman know each other, and her name has not been released due to the nature of the case. Media reports denote that she is in her mid 30s. Because Pratt was not charged with trespassing, it appears as though he had permission to be in the woman's home at the time of the alleged incident, although it is not known whether he had permission to take pictures.

The photos were apparently taken in her room and depict the woman lying on her bed, naked. She apparently had been out partying and had had too much to drink. Pratt allegedly used his cell phone to capture the images. It is not clear whether Pratt, like the woman, was inebriated at the time.

On February 13, 2012, the woman's ex-husband allegedly received the nude photos in the mail. The writing on the envelopes, which was likely used to indicate the ex-husband's address, allegedly matched Pratt's handwriting. It is not clear whether the envelopes contained notes or other contents other than the photos.

Pratt also allegedly told a fellow deputy, who is not publicly named, that he had taken the photos and that he planned to send them to the woman's ex-husband, daughter, and current boyfriend as 'revenge.' Pratt allegedly showed the deputy the images on his cell phone. It is not immediately known what Pratt was allegedly seeking revenge for.

Robert Lis Arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for Fraud

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:35:16 -0500

Robert Lis was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida late last week on outstanding federal charges of fraud, according to news reports. Lis, 34, is facing numerous charges ranging from failure to file income taxes to defrauding investors to making 'suspicious' financial transactions at casinos. Lis remains incarcerated in Broward County for his own safety, since he told authorities that he fears the mob is after him. He faces extradition to New York to face charges, but may be prosecuted in South Florida as well.

According to news reports, Lis is facing prosecution for several different alleged offenses. Investigators allegege that over the course of three years, Lis made transactions totaling around $2.4 million at various New York banks. Lis allegedly made sure to make deposits of $10,000 or less so that banks were not required to report the transactions to the government. It is not known whether the funds remain in the bank or have since been spent.

It is not clear why the transactions are considered suspect, although sources indicate that Lis claims to make $150,000 a year and not have any assets. It is not clear where the funds for the transactions may have come from. Lis is facing charges for not having filed tax forms since 2006, according to reports, so it is difficult to determine the source of the funds.

Additionally, investigators allege that Lis attempted to use casinos to commit what, as of now, are unclear offenses. Lis allegedly habitually gambled sums of over $100,000 broken down into small denominations, then cashed out using traveler's checks or $100 bills after gambling for a short while. Although news reports do not specify the purpose of such transactions, which are not technically illegal, prosecutors apparently find them suspect.

Lis is also apparently facing legal action because of alleged inappropriate activity through East Coast Venture Group. Lis, who presumably runs the group, allegedly told investors that he could get them at least 5% returns but failed to deliver. Lis is also reportedly facing prosecution for large-scale marijuana dealing, identity theft, bank fraud, and mortgage fraud.

James Ayers, Nicole Okrzesik Arrested for Fort Lauderdale, Florida Murder of Juliana Mensch

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:50:51 -0500

Nicole Okrzesik and James Ayers were arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in connection to the murder of Juliana Mensch, 19, according to news reports. Okrzesik, 22, and Ayers, 32, were both booked into Broward County Jail on the charges. Okrzesik was reportedly charged with one count of first degree murder last Thursday; Ayers was hit with the same charge on March 31, reports indicate. It is not known whether Okrzesik, who was apprehended just before the weekend, has qualified for bail bond or has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

According to news reports, authorities believe that Juliana Mensch was murdered in the early morning hours of March 24 in Nicole Okrzesik's residence, located in the 1100 block of Northwest 7th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sources indicate that on the night of the alleged murder, Mensch spoke to a friend on the phone and told him that she was "getting high with Nikki and her boyfriend at their house." It is not clear how the victim and the defendants knew each other, nor is it clear what types of drugs the trio was allegedly using. Troy Grimes, the friend who Mensch spoke to before she died, is believed to be cooperating with the investigation.

Detectives reportedly believe that at some point during the course of the night, Okrzesik attacked Mensch and attempted to kill her by breaking her neck. However, Okrzesik was allegedly unsuccessful, and authorities believe that Ayers ended up killing Mensch via strangulation as Okrzesik held her down, according to reports. After she died, Ayers allegedly stole several hundred dollars that Mensch had stashed inside of her bra. It is not clear how Ayers allegedly knew that the money was there.

Investigators evidently compiled details of the story through testimony that Ayers allegedly gave while in custody, as well as from two people Ayers had allegedly told about the murder. One, Michael Paul, is reportedly a friend of Ayers, while the other Paul Sohr, was a former drug counselor to Ayers. Both of the men are believed to be cooperating with the investigation.

Thomas Snell Jr. of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Arrested for Cocaine Trafficking

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:35:48 -0500

Thomas Snell Jr. of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida was arrested after police accused him and four others of trafficking cocaine, according to news reports. Snell, 37, was arrested along with Elijah Banks, 41; Reynaldo Garcia, 49; and Eric McGill, 50. The quartet was purportedly booked at Hillsborough County Jail on charges of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine. Banks and McGill face additional charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, reports indicate. Snell is apparently still incarcerated at the jail in lieu of paying $50,000 bail bond. It is unclear whether any of the other defendants has qualified for bail bond, nor is it clear whether any of the four has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

The case is making headlines primarily because of Snell's position as a security specialist at South Plantation High School, located in Plantation, Florida. Snell has reportedly worked at the school for nearly twelve years, where his responsibilities included working with law enforcement officers to limit illegal or disruptive activities on school grounds. School officials report that he has never faced any disciplinary action in the district. "I think anybody is innocent until proven guilty," commented one school board member to the press. A spokesperson for the district told reporters that if Drew bails out of jail, he will be permitted to continue to work for the district, but will be assigned to a location where he is not in direct contact with students.

Mercedito Sanata of Boca Raton, Florida Arrested for Domestic Battery

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:10:19 -0500

Mercedito Sanata of Boca Raton, Florida was arrested for domestic battery after he was accused of hitting his girlfriend in the head with a hammer, news sources indicate. Santana, 52, was booked into Broward County Jail on Monday on charges of vandalism, aggravated domestic battery, attempted felony murder, hindering a victim from contacting police, and false imprisonment, reports indicate. It is not clear whether Santana, one of several Fort Lauderdale-area residents accused of domestic violence recently, has since qualified for bail bond or has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

The alleged attack occurred on Sunday night at the home where Santana and his girlfriend live together, which is located near Dixie Highway and Glouchester Street in Boca Raton. It is not clear whether the couple lives alone in the home or if there are children living at the residence as well. Sources indicate that Santana's girlfriend, whose identity has not been released, told police that she and Santana had gotten into an argument because she believed that he had stolen $20 from her.

The argument purportedly turned violent, and the victim told authorities that Santana pinned her to her bed, told her that he was going to kill her, and swung a hammer around her head. She alleged that the hammer hit her once on the head. The alleged victim reportedly told officials that she and Santana went to sleep after the attack. It is not clear whether the woman tried to leave the residence that night after the alleged attack.

The victim reportedly alleged that the next morning, Santana prevented her from leaving their home and hit her cell phone with the same hammer that he had hit her with, breaking it. She also alleged that when she left the home to purchase cigarettes, Santana went with her.

Marcus Faella, Patricia Faella, Five Others Arrested in Osceola County, Florida

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:05:01 -0500

Marcus Faella, Patricia Faella, and five others were arrested in Osceola County, Florida on Friday after they were accused of miscellaneous crimes, according to news reports. The arrested parties are reportedly Marcus Faella, 39, and his wife Patricia Faella, 36; Jennifer McGowan, 25, and her husband Mark McGowan, 29; Kent McLellan, 22; Paul Jackson, 25; and Diane Stevens, 28. The septet was charged with paramilitary training, evidence of prejudices while committing offense, and attempt to shoot into an occupied dwelling.

Each of the arrested parties were booked into Osceola County Jail on the charges and granted $500,000 bail bond. Marcus and Patricia Faella were reportedly released on Monday afternoon, while the others remained incarcerated in lieu of payment. It is not clear whether any of the defendants has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

News sources indicate that the arrests were made after a two-year investigation by the FBI Joint Task Force operation in cooperation with local authorities. It is not clear what methods the investigation used in order to gather information, but the affidavit reportedly alleges that the group was planning white supremacist paramilitary activity. The charge of paramilitary training, which each of the defendants was accused of, involves training another person to make or use a weapon in order to further or instigate "a civil disorder within the United States." The charge of evidences of prejudices while commenting offense is reportedly considered a hate crime and is a first-degree felony under Florida law.

One news source that reportedly acquired the affidavit is alleging that Faella considers himself and the rest of the group as "protectors of the white race" and that the defendants were training in order to kill minority groups. According to the affidavit, Marcus Faella told trainees to pretend that they were shooting at the heads of African Americans while conducting firearms training, reported one source.

David Vyner Arrested in Broward County, Florida for Identity Theft

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:50:22 -0500

David Vyner was arrested in Broward County, Florida for alleged grand theft in the last weeks of April, according to news sources. Vyner, 36, is currently being held without bail bond on the charge, along with several others. He has also been hit with an immigration hold. It is not clear whether the Hollywood, Florida resident has retained a private criminal defense lawyer to fight the many charges against him.

The grand theft charge is purportedly in connection to an incident in which Vyner accepted $1,050 as payment for a service that he never delivered. Vyner is the owner of a Hallandale Beach business called Consular Services Agency, which caters to Russian customers wishing to acquire Russian citizenship for U.S.-born children or to obtain or renew Russian passports, sources indicate. The alleged victim reportedly told authorities that he gave Vyner $1,050 to perform a passport renewal, but that the renewal never occurred.

According to news reports, Vyner is facing charges in connection to several other cases as well. In the media, he is being portrayed as a con man who has gone by a slew of different names and professions. The allegations are similar to those recently brought up against Matthew Scheidt of Osceola County, who also allegedly masqueraded as a professional. The press alleges that Vyner has pretended to be a rabbi, doctor, and lawyer, although Vyner has reportedly explained that he received such credentials in Russia. It is unclear whether evidence of the credentials has surfaced.

In one of these, he was reportedly accused of prescription fraud. Vyner purportedly testified that he has a medical degree which he obtained in Russia, and he has a badge from Hollywood's Memorial Regional Hospital identifying him as a doctor. Broward County Officials evidently believe that Vyner forged OxyContin prescriptions, although the circumstances of the alleged forgery are not entirely clear. Memorial Regional Hospital confirmed in a statement that Vyner had a "former relationship with the hospital" but declined to comment further on the allegations. They did, however, state that "no staff or patients were affected" by the incident.

Robert Barnes Arrested for Alleged Boca Raton, Florida DUI Incident

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:37:31 -0500

Robert Barnes was arrested in Boca Raton, Florida on a DUI charge on Sunday, according to news reports. Barnes, 29, was reportedly apprehended in Mizner Park in Boca Raton after he was observed driving in what a police officer said was an erratic manner. His arrest is one of several Fort Lauderdale DUI arrests in recent weeks. It is not clear whether Barnes, a Parkland resident, has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

Barnes, who reportedly owns a bar in the area, had just left his Mercedes Benz with a valet service on Sunday night when a police officer approached him, according to news reports. It is not clear what business the valet service is affiliated with. News reports also do not mention what area establishment Barnes owns.

The arresting officer alleged that Barnes was speeding through Mizner park and driving recklessly, despite the presence of pedestrians, before stopping his vehicle. The officer further purportedly stated in the arrest report Barnes told the arresting officer that he had to use the restroom and tried to leave, although he was prevented from doing so.

The officer further indicated that Barnes was unable to complete field sobriety tests and that he declined to submit to a breathalyzer test. Finally, the arrest report alleges that Barnes threatened the officer, saying "I hope you get shot in the line of duty, and I always get what I want." It does not appear as though Barnes physically assaulted the officer or resisted arrest.

Barnes was not the only one to run into trouble with Florida law enforcement this week. News reports indicate that Kacy Christine Wilson was arrested in Colorado on an Osceola County arrest warrant. She has been charged with transmission of pornography by electronic device and unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, sources indicate. Authorities claim that Wilson, who used to teach at Osceola High School, had an illegal sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy at the school. Wilson is being held on $85,000 bond in Osceola County, where she was extradited to in order to face the charges. It is not clear whether she has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

Mark Scott of Collier County, Florida Arrested for Battery

Sun, 06 May 2012 19:31:57 -0500

Mark Scott of Collier County, Florida was arrested for allegedly stabbing his wife, even though she insisted that she had accidentally fallen upon the weapon, according to news reports. Scott, 42, was reportedly apprehended by Collier County Sheriff's deputies at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Friday on one felony charge of aggravated battery with great bodily harm in connection to the alleged act of domestic violence. It is not clear whether Scott, a respiratory therapist, has qualified for bail bond or has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

News sources indicate that Scott's wife, whose name and age remain undisclosed, called 911 at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday to report that she had stabbed herself. Responding Collier County Sheriff's deputies purportedly discovered her unclothed with stab wounds in her back and chest as well as a laceration on her forehead. The arrest report evidently indicates that she was in a bathroom of her home, located in the 10000 block of Heritage Bay Boulevard.

The woman, who was conscious, reportedly told police that she had fallen onto a hunting knife that was next to her bed, stabbing herself in the back. She then said that as Scott tried to help her up, she had fallen forward onto the knife again, stabbing herself in the stomach and hitting her head on a nearby nightstand. Scott reportedly gave police a similar account, adding that he was looking up ways to staunch bleeding online to help his wife.

However, deputies did not believe the account, evidently stating in the arrest report that the stab wounds to the woman's back "could not have been self-inflicted and did not appear to be consistent with injuries from a fall." They noted a pair of men's jean short in the master bedroom that were "saturated with blood," although this appeared to be in accordance with Scott and his wife's explanation that he had helped her get up when she was bleeding after the fall.

Finally, the deputies reportedly took into account testimony from the Scott's children, who were locked into a nearby bedroom. The children, whose names and ages were not revealed, told police that Scott's wife (their stepmother) had instructed them to lock themselves in their bedroom in order to "keep them safe from their father," sources indicate. The children allegedly told deputies that they had neither seen nor heard their stepmother being stabbed.

Pembroke Park, Florida Set of The Glades Robbed Twice

Sun, 06 May 2012 19:27:10 -0500

The Pembroke Park, Florida set of The Glades, a popular television series, has been robbed twice in the past month, according to reports. Broward County officials have purportedly announced that the two incidents have left the set out $23,000 worth of copper wiring and are asking the public to come forward with relevant information. The perpetrators are still at large, and could reportedly face charges of larceny of more than $20,000, burglary, and criminal mischief if caught and convicted.

According to repots, the first theft occurred on April 9th, 2012. Security cameras on the set recorded footage of two men driving a white Ford F-150 pickup truck into the set's loading dock, loading $20,000 worth of copper cables from air conditioning generators into the back of the truck, and driving off. The second theft, which occurred on Monday of last week, was reportedly starkly similar. The security cameras again caught footage of two men, this time driving a red Ford F-150 pickup truck, stopping in the same spot as the pickup in the prior theft before two men got out and took $3,000 worth of copper cables, according to reports. It is not clear whether officials believe that the same two suspects were responsible for the thefts despite the change in truck color. In hopes that members of the public will come forward with information, Broward County officials have released the surveillance footage to media outlets.

South Florida metal theft is apparently a common problem, especially for restaurants and abandoned buildings. Copper, which yields about $3 a pound, is regularly stolen from air conditioners, reports indicate. Apparently local scrap yards are a big help in identifying metal thieves, as they often report suspicious metal sales to local authorities.

Ironically, the set that was allegedly a target of metal theft in this case is about a detective itself. The Glades, an A&E television series, follows a detective named Jim Longworth as he works for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on gruesome homicide cases. The show is slated to begin a third season this summer after enjoying two successful past seasons.

In another area theft case this week, a waitress at a Chili's restaurant was apprehended after she allegedly stole credit card numbers from customers. 23-year-old Germithe Geffard was reportedly arrested and charged with possession of a scanning device in Coral Springs, Florida. It is not clear whether she has qualified for bail bond or has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

Chris Craig, David Feltenberger, and James Cheung Arrested for Florida Turtle Violations

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:57:21 -0500

Chris Craig, David Feltenberger, and James Cheung were arrested in connection to violations of laws regulating wildlife sale and transport, according to a press release by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. Feltenberger and Craig are from Okeechobee, Florida, while Cheung is from Moore Haven, Florida. Craig, 36, Cheung, 57, and Feltenberger, 52, allegedly committed the violations in connection with turtle sales from turtle farms. Craig and Chung are purportedly slated to appear in court today on the charges; it is not clear when Feltenberger is due in court. It is similarly unclear whether any of the three defendants has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

Because the charges are federal, the defendants, who are accused of making illegal sales of freshwater turtles in interstate and foreign commerce, must appear in federal court. If convicted of the charges, they could each face five years in prison. The investigation was apparently a joint endeavor between the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. It is not clear how the investigation was conducted.

According to the press release, the defendants are accused of violating the terms of aquaculture permits issued through the FWCC. The permits, explains the press release, were instated two years ago as a way to boost Florida's dwindling population of freshwater turtles. Permit owners are allowed to harvest a certain number of turtles from the wild in order to breed them as long as they follow the stipulations of the permit, one of which requires all wild caught turtles to remain on the turtle farms for breeding purposes until the permit expires. The bred turtles were to be sold commercially in order to stop people from continually harvesting wild turtles, which is apparently believed to be responsible for the decline in the number of freshwater turtles in Florida.

Caleb Jackson, Rikki Willis, 13 Others Charged for Tallahassee, Florida Death of Robert Champion

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:23:13 -0500

Caleb Jackson, Rikki Willis, and 13 others were charged in Tallahassee, Florida in connection to the November death of Robert Champion, sources indicate. Jackson, 23, and Willis, 24, were both booked at Leon County Jail on Wednesday on charges of a hazing resulting in death. Law enforcement officials reportedly declined to release the rest of the names of the defendants, who face the same charges as Willis and Jackson, until after they are arrested. If convicted, the defendants could face up to six years' incarceration. It is not clear whether any of them has retained a private criminal defense lawyer.

Robert Champion's death drew international headlines because Champion, a drum major of the Marching 100, was allegedly killed in an act of hazing. Hazing, the practice of abusing new members of a group (such as a college fraternity) as a rite of passage, reportedly has a long history in the Marching 100, and several other alleged incidents involving serious injury were reported before and after Champion's death.

The Marching 100 is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's marching band. The group, often hailed as one of the best in the country, is famous for appearances as high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, presidential inaugurations, and the Grammys.

On November 19, 2011, Champion had just gotten done performing with the band at a football game when he was physically assaulted on a charter bus outside of an Orlando, Florida hotel. Witness reportedly told investigators that Champion was beaten with a paddle and was vomiting before becoming unresponsive. The autopsy reportedly revealed that Champion died of "hemorrhagic shock due to soft tissue hemorrhage, due to blunt force trauma" as well as blood loss and that he died less than an hour after the attack.