Osceola County News Feed

Registered Felon Arrested for Bank of America Robbery

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-106

At approximately 2:19 p.m. this afternoon, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested the suspect who robbed the Bank of America earlier this morning. Deputies received information from Crimeline after news agencies aired the story. Kenyada Jacobs was arrested without incident at his residence located at 522 Oak Branch Circle in Poinciana. Jacobs, a registered felon was out on probation for a previous offense. He will be charged with Robbery and booked into the Osceola County jail.

Background: This morning at 9:07 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Bank of America located at 3305 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the employee who indicated a black male entered the bank, handed her a threatening note which indicated he wanted money. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. Deputies canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect. Kenyada Jacobs (DOB 10/25/77), 522 Oak Branch Circle, Poinciana

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Registered Felon Involved in Dime Scheme

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-107

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives need the public's help in locating a suspect scamming businesses with rolls of pennies disguised as dimes. Since May, deputies have taken 5 reports of a suspect who claims to be a business manager entering a hotel or convenience store and getting cash for what appear to be rolls of dimes. Detectives have identified the suspect as John Edward Steinard, Jr. (DOB 6/28/55), a registered felon, and have issued five felony warrants for Petit Theft for his arrest. Following is a summary of the incidents:

May 4, 2009: Suspect entered Continental Plaza Hotel located at 7785 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and told employee he was Carrabbas Italian Restaurant manager and needed to exchange rolls of dimes for cash. Suspect gave employee 16 rolls for $80 in bills.

May 4, 2009: Suspect entered 7-Eleven located at 7893 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and told employee he was Chick-Fil-A manager and needed to exchange rolls of dimes for cash. Suspect gives employee rolls of coins for $142.60

May 5, 2009: Suspect entered Quality Inn Heritage Park located at 2050 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and told employee he was Denny's Restaurant manager and needed to exchange rolls of dimes for cash. Suspect gave employee 20 rolls of coins for $100 in bills.

May 6, 2009: Suspect entered Best Vacation Resort located at 2095 E. 192 and told employee he was Denny's Restaurant manager and need to exchange rolls of dimes for cash. Suspect gives employee 23 rolls of coins and receives $115 in bills.

May 28, 2009: Suspect entered Magic Castle Motel located at 5055 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and told employee he was manager of Bob Evans Restaurant and needed to exchange rolls of dimes for cash. Suspect gave employee rolls of coins for $75 in bills.

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Property Management Employee Arrested for Multiple Burglaries

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-107

On June 17, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies with the Tourist Policing Unit arrested Andy Madera and charged him with Trafficking in Stolen Property, Burglary and Grand Theft. Madera who had previously been employed by a property management company and fired for theft was recently re-hired because of shortage of employees. He had access to vacation homes where numerous flat screen televisions were stolen.

The investigation began in late May when deputies took 11 reports of burglaries at Regal Oaks at Old Town between May 24-29, 2009. The eleven burglaries were similar because there was no forced entry into the condominiums and only flat screen televisions were stolen. On June 10, detectives received information from the Orlando Police Department that an individual had contacted them stating he may have unknowingly purchased stolen televisions from an Internet site. Osceola County detectives confirmed they were the stolen televisions from Regal Oaks and they were also able to identify Madera as the suspect. Madera was arrested at his residence located at 3255 Peace Pipe Drive and was booked into the Osceola County Jail. The investigation is on-going with additional charges pending.

Andy Madera (DOB 10/10/68); 3255 Peace Pipe Drive, Kissimmee

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Bank Robbery Suspect

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-103

Osceola County Sheriff's deputies need the public's help in identifying a robbery suspect. This morning at 9:07 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Bank of America located at 3305 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the employee who indicated a black male entered the bank, handed her a threatening note which indicated he wanted money. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. Deputies canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The employee describes the suspect as a black male, approximately 5'10” to 6'2”, 190lbs. to 210 lbs. He was bald wearing a white shirt with brown/maroon stripes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477). Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous and tips that lead to the felony arrest of suspects and/or the recovery of stolen property and drugs are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000 dollars.

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Car Burglary and Grand Theft Suspect Arrested

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-104

On June 15, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested Gerald Zellers after he stole and sold his neighbor's laptop computer. The investigation began when the victim reported his car was broken into while parked in his driveway at 712 Lucaya Drive in Poinciana. Deputies were able to locate the stolen property several weeks later and tracked it back to Zellers who tried to sell it on the Internet. Zellers was picked up and brought in for questioning. He cooperated with detectives and was charged with Unoccupied Burglary to Conveyance, Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Gerald L. Zellers (8/23/89), 710 Lucaya Drive, Poinciana

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Animal Cruelty Suspect Arrested

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-105

On June 16 at approximately 2:53 p.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to 3211 Eagle Creek Lane. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the homeowner who indicated he was at work when his son called to tell him the homeowner's girlfriend might have set their new puppy on fire. Deputies observed the 4-month old pit bull puppy who had burns to his paws, stomach, ears and face. The puppy was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment. The homeowner said his girlfriend told him she was angry with him and was going to burn the puppy and the house. Deputies spoke with the girlfriend who denied burning the puppy but said she was smoking a cigarette in the garage and there might have been motor oil on the floor which could have caused a fire. Deputies were not able to locate any cigarettes. Based on the witness statements, Rachelee Soto was charged with Animal Cruelty. She was also uncooperative when getting arrested and was also charged with Resisting without Violence. Soto was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Rachelee Soto (DOB 8/13/77), 3211 Eagle Creek Lane

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Strong Arm Robbery

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-100

Osceola County Sheriff's deputies need the public's help in identifying a suspect involved in a strong arm robbery. On June 14 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Pizza Hut located at 7557 Osceola Polk Line Road in reference to a robbery. Upon arrival deputies spoke with the store employee who indicated he was making a delivery at 7733 Indian Ridge Trail. When he exited his vehicle, he was approached by an unknown male who pushed him and ran off with the pizza and bags. The employee drove back to Pizza Hut before calling law enforcement. Deputies canvassed the neighborhood ,but were unable to locate the suspect.

The employee describes the suspect as a light-skinned Hispanic male with frizzy blond hair. Anyone with information is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477). Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous and tips that lead to the felony arrest of suspects and/or the recovery of stolen property and drugs are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000 dollars.

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False Imprisonment and Sex Battery Suspect Arrested

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-101

On June 14 at approximately 9:20 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies met with a victim who told deputies she and her roommate were held against their will by their third roommate. Deputies went to the location of the incident on Warbler Way in Poinciana. The two victims told deputies their roommate, Michael Rivera was drinking and became verbally argumentative with them. They told deputies Rivera began choking and hitting one of the female victims and for several hours he battered both women. One woman was able to get out of the house and call 911. When deputies arrived they found the suspect hiding in the attic. No one was seriously injured during the incident, but both women did require medical attention. Rivera was arrested and charged with Felony Battery, Battery, Sexual Battery, Resisting Arrest without Violence and 2 counts of False Imprisonment. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Rivera recently bonded out of the Osceola County Jail on a Seminole County warrant. The Sanford Police Department had issued warrants for Rivera dating back to a March 7, 2009 incident for Vehicle Grand Theft, Fleeing & Eluding and Driving While License Suspended.

Michael Rivera (DOB 8/11/76), *Warbler Way, Poinciana

*the specific address of the suspect is not being released to protect the identity of the victims.

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Stabbing / Aggravated Battery Incident

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-102

On June 14 at approximately 4:16 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Denny's Restaurant located at 840 Cypress Parkway in Poinciana. Upon arrival deputies spoke with several witnesses who indicated a group dining at the restaurant began a verbal argument which led to one of the individuals being stabbed. The injuries were minor and he was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for further treatment. Deputies located the suspect who was sitting in a vehicle at the restaurant. They took him into custody without incident and after speaking with numerous witnesses at the scene, Brian Allen Vieira was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery. He was also charged with Introduction of Contraband into a Detention Facility after corrections officers located marijuana on the suspect when he was being booked into jail.

Brian Allen Vieira (DOB 2/8/88), 516 Lake View Court, Kissimmee

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Marijuana Grow Houses Uncovered During Statewide Operation

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-099

On June 10, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office and Osceola County Investigative Bureau participated in Operation Eagle Claw, a state-wide marijuana investigation coordinated by the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Osceola County Sheriff's deputies and Osceola County Investigative Bureau agents uncovered two marijuana grow house operations. The first location was 4073 Cannon Court in Kissimmee. Agents recovered 317 cannabis plants. The second location was 5640 Jack Brack Road in St. Cloud. Agents recovered 100 marijuana plants. The following suspects were arrested:

Porfirio Boza (DOB 5/4/45), 4073 Cannon Court, Kissimmee
Tampering-Utility Theft, Use/Disposition of Firearm During Felony, Trafficking Marijuana, Grand Theft

Mabel Padron (DOB 8/13/75), 2640 Meadow View, Kissimmee
Tampering-Utility Theft, Trafficking Marijuana, Grand Theft

Omar Boza (DOB 6/7/70), 3423 Amron Court, Orlando
Possession of Marijuana, Transporting Drug Paraphernalia

Fernando Guerra-Gonzalez (DOB 3/7/62), 8740 Exposition Drive, Tampa
Possession of Marijuana, Transporting Drug Paraphernalia

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Self-Defense Awareness Program for Women

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-098

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has openings for a self-defense awareness program for women scheduled for June 25, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Self Defense Awareness Familiarization Exchange or SAFE is designed to educate women on how to protect themselves if they should become a victim. The 2-hour class teaches that 90% of self-defense is awareness, risk reduction and avoiding confrontation, while only 10% is physical.

“Taking responsibility and educating yourself is the first step in staying safe. Although you may not be able to prevent an attack from occurring, there are ways to protect yourself and lessen your chances of becoming a victim,” states Sheriff Hansell.

To sign up for the free class, call (407) 348-1105 or email aveg@osceola.org.

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Absconded Sex Offender

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-097

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives are looking for Anthony Matthews (DOB 8/25/81), a sex offender who was on probation but removed his ankle monitoring device. Matthews was last known to be in the area of the 4000 block of West 192 on June 3, 2009.

Matthews is described as a black male, approximately 5'11”, 200 lbs. He may be driving a red/burgundy 4-door Lincoln with Florida tag G129IB. He also may be driving a 1999 blue 4-door Oldsmobile with Florida tag J524GD. Matthews was convicted in January 2004 of Lewd & Lascivious Battery Victim 12-15.

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DUI Saturation Patrol

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-096

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI saturation patrol tonight as part of the Drunk Driving Over the Limit. Under Arrest campaign. The patrol will be from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. covering all areas of the county.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to act responsibly. If you intend to drink, make arrangements to get home safely. Use a designated driver, public transportation or a taxi.

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Click It or Ticket Campaign

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-095

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has concluded the “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign that was held May 18-31, 2009. The results are as follows:

Safety Belt Citations 162

Speeding Citations 453

Child Safety Seat Citations 19

Felony Arrests 193

DUI Arrests 18

Drug Arrests 140

Other Arrests 414

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office aggressively enforced the state’s occupant protection laws increasing seatbelt usage from 70% before the campaign to 83% after the campaign. The Click It or Ticket campaign relies on strict enforcement and public education as a means to help save lives on Osceola County's roadways.

Grand Theft and Fraud Suspects

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-094

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives need the public's help in identifying two fraud and grand theft suspects. On May 27 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Bank of America located at 3305 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who indicated that several hours before, she was in the parking lot of Kmart when approached by a Hispanic male. The male asked her if she knew a location to get a green card. He went on the explain he recently won $3 million dollars in a lottery and needed the green card and $30,000 in cash to claim the prize. As he was talking to the victim, a female approached them and joined in on the conversation. She pretended to be passing by and hearing the conversation but after further information, detectives believe she was working with the male suspect. The male told both women if they assisted him with getting cash he would give each of them $9,000. The victim agreed to withdraw money from her bank and all three proceeded to Bank of America. After the victim took out $13,400, the three went to Washington Mutual and the victim withdrew another $9,000. The male suspect complained of a stomach ache and asked if they could go to a local supermarket. The male suspect gave the victim a bag she thought contained her money and both went into a local Public Supermarket. While in the store the male suspect told the victim he was going to the bathroom and when she went to the medicine aisle he left the store.

The victim describes the male suspect as a light skinned Hispanic in his mid-30's with shoulder length dark hair and a pony tail. The female suspect is described as approximately 5'8”, 140 lbs. wearing a light colored shirt and hat. The female suspect was driving a burgundy Astro-style van. Anyone with information is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477). Crimeline offers a reward for information that leads to a felony arrest.

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Meth Lab Uncovered at Motel 9

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-092

On May 25 at approximately 7:30 a.m., agents with the Osceola County Investigative Bureau received information about a possible methamphetamine lab at Motel 9 located at 321 East Vine Street. Upon arrival, agents made contact with the suspect Sherry Brannon in one of the rooms. After a search of her room, agents located chemicals consistent with a methamphetamine lab. The lab was not active but as a precaution, all of the occupants of the motel were evacuated for a short period of time. Brannon was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

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Sexual Predator Notification

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-093

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is advising the public about, Leland P. Mileham (DOB 9/2/82), who is a registered sexual predator by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Mileham resides at 5575 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in St. Cloud. Mileham was convicted of the following:

• Sex Battery by Juvenile/Victim under 12, F.S.S. 794.011(2) on December 18, 2001 The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is in the process of notifying all licensed day care centers and schools within a one-mile radius of Mileham's residence. The following is a description of Leland P. Mileham:

SEX: Male
RACE: White
DOB: 9/2/82
HEIGHT: 5'8”
WEIGHT: 134 lbs
HAIR: Brown
EYES: Brown
RESIDENCE: 5575 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, St. Cloud

ore information can be obtained by visiting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.

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Indiana Murder Suspect Arrested

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-090

On May 23, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested Jeffery W. Cain on an outstanding felony warrant from Indiana. Deputies received information from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Cain was residing at 813 Indiana Avenue in St. Cloud. After obtaining a search warrant, deputies took Cain into custody without incident. Cain is charged with Felony Murder and Armed Robbery for a crime that took place May 15 in DeKalb County, Indiana. He is being held on no bond until extradition.

Jeffery W. Cain (DOB 12/28/57), 813 Indiana Avenue, St. Cloud

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Checker's Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-091

On May 25 at approximately 7:55 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Checker's located at 5780 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the restaurant employee who indicated she arrived at work and was clearing boxes in the back of the store when an unknown male approached her at gunpoint and demanded money. The suspect fled the area with an undisclosed amount of money.

A short time later, deputies located the suspect at Ponderosa Restaurant. The suspect, Jeremy Maldonado cooperated with deputies and was charged with Armed Robbery, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Contempt of Court. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Jeremy Maldonado (DOB 7/1/78), 1273 Sherman Street, Orlando

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Suspect Arrested for Fleeing & Eluding and Aggravated Assault

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-087

This morning at approximately 9:27 a.m. Osceola County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop at Old Dixie Highway. When the deputy attempted to walk up to the vehicle, the driver attempted to hit the deputy with his car and fled the area at a high rate of speed. Deputies followed the vehicle which fled into Orange County. The driver eventually pulled off the road on I-4 near John Young Parkway. He attempted to run from deputies, but was apprehended with the assistance of K-9. No deputies were injured during this incident. The suspect, identified as Elijah E. Ford of Orlando, did receive minor injuries. He will be charged with Aggravated Assault, Fleeing & Eluding, Driving with a Suspended License and Possession of Marijuana and will be booked into the Orange County Jail.

Elijah E. Ford (DOB 7/25/83)

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CVS Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

Osceola County, Florida

PR 09-086

On May 19, Osceola County Sheriff's detectives in conjunction with Orange County Sheriff's detectives arrested two suspects involved in recent CVS armed robberies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Kissimmee Police Department also assisted in the investigation. Detectives received Crimeline tips which led them to the suspects: Manuel Esteban Nazario and Yariliz Morges both of Kissimmee. Nazario was charged with armed robbery for the CVS Pharmacy incident at 3300 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Morges was charged with an Orange County warrant for armed robbery. The investigation is on-going with additional charges pending for their involvement in other CVS Pharmacy robberies in Orange County, Osceola County and Kissimmee. They were booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Manuel Esteban Nazario (DOB 5/13/90), 309 E. Lake Street, Kissimmee

Yariliz Morges (DOB 6/4/86), 1010 Palmway Street, Kissimmee

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10 Suspects Arrested in Poinciana

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-085

On May 19, agents with the Osceola County Investigative Bureau (OCIB) and Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) served six search warrants in Poinciana which resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the discovery of 139 marijuana plants. The joint operation was conducted in conjunction with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The investigation began in April 2009 when Osceola deputies received information from the Polk County Sheriff's Office about a possible large-scale drug operation in houses in Poinciana located in Polk and Osceola Counties. Polk County Sheriff's deputies served search warrants simultaneously at numerous houses in Polk.

The operation included search warrants at the following locations in Osceola County:

545 Hunter Court-2 suspects arrested by Polk County Sheriff's deputies for Polk County cases

854 Mendoza Drive-search warrant served

555 Pinehurst Cove-31 plants located, 2 suspects arrested: Teresa Alfonso (DOB 11/4/50), Yoel Cruz (DOB 7/23/63)

3441 Hawkin Drive-32 plants located, no arrests charged pending

632 Baldwin Drive-56 plants located, 7 suspects arrested:

Lazaro Izquierao-Crespo (DOB 2/10/84),
Tamajo Yordany (DOB 1/17/83),
Yaimia Gomez (DOB 11/27/83),
Niurka Cardinas (DOB 3/12 64),
Gabriel Valle (DOB 10/8/74),
Fransisco Valle (DOB 6/24/53),
Dayanis Martinez (DOB 3/5/88)

800 San Pedro Court-20 plants located, 1 suspect arrested:

Jorman Lemus (DOB 3/5/87)

Agents took into evidence 139 plants, 2 vehicles, $11,000 cash and arrested 10 suspects. They were charged with Cultivation of Marijuana and Utility Theft and booked into the Osceola County Jail

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Self-Defense Awareness Program for Women May 21st

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-085

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has openings for a self-defense awareness program for women scheduled for May 21, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Self Defense Awareness Familiarization Exchange or SAFE is designed to educate women on how to protect themselves if they should become a victim. The 2-hour class teaches that 90% of self-defense is awareness, risk reduction and avoiding confrontation, while only 10% is physical.

To sign up for the free class, call (407) 348-1105 or email aveg@osceola.org.

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Two Grow Houses Located in St. Cloud

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-083

On May 14, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies received a Crimeline tip which led them to two marijuana grow houses in St. Cloud. Deputies with the Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) obtained a search warrant for a residence at 5564 Jack Brack Road in St. Cloud. Upon entry into the residence, deputies discovered 9 fully harvested cannabis plants in the master bedroom and 14 fully harvested plants in the garage. Each plant was 6 feet high and 3 feet wide. Deputies also discovered power was diverted from the utility company. The occupant of the residence Alcides Valdes was arrested and charged with Cultivation/Production of Cannabis, Theft of Utilities and Grand Theft.

The second operation was located at 5684 Ron Road just a few miles from Jack Brack Road. Deputies discovered 24 fully harvested marijuana plants in the garage. Each plant was approximately 6 feet high and 3 feet wide. The occupant of the residence, Leodan Garcia Blanco was arrested and charged with Trafficking of Cannabis. Deputies also discovered Blanco was diverting electricity from the power company so additional charges are pending.

Alcides Valdes (DOB 7/26//78), 5564 Jack Brack Road, St. Cloud

Leodan Garcia-Blunco (DOB 6/25/81), 5684 Ron Road, St. Cloud

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This Saturday Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-082

The Osceola County Cystic Fibrosis Walk is this Saturday, May 16 at the St. Cloud Lakefront Park. The registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:00 a.m.

This national fund-raising program, now in its 21th year, aims to raise $40 million in 2008 to support vital CF research, education and care programs. GREAT STRIDES is the CF Foundation’s largest national event. Nearly 90 percent of every dollar of revenue raised by the CF Foundation is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education.

With the support of the CF Foundation, there has been tremendous progress in cystic fibrosis research and care. The median age of survival has increased from early childhood in the 1950s to nearly 37 today. However, CF continues to be a critical health matter, as most individuals with cystic fibrosis must battle lung disease for their entire lives. At least one person dies each day from this disease.

To get involved with GREAT STRIDES, call the CF Foundation’s Orlando Chapter at 407-896-1113, or visit www.orlando.cff.org and click on the GREAT STRIDES link.

Contact: Rick Porter, Orlando Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Phone: (407) 896-1113 E-mail: rporter@cff.org

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CVS Armed Robbery Suspect

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-082

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives need the public's help in locating a suspect involved in multiple CVS armed robberies. The first incident occurred on May 3 at approximately 8:35 p.m. Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to CVS Pharmacy located at 3300 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the store employee who indicated a Hispanic male entered the store and demanded cash at gunpoint. He fled in the area with an undisclosed amount of money. The second incident occurred May 13 at approximately 12:36 a.m. Deputies responded to the CVS Pharmacy located at 1999 E. Osceola Parkway in Buenaventura Lakes. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the store employee who indicated a Hispanic male entered the store and demanded money. He left the area in a 1996-2006, 4-door, silver Mitsubishi Gallant with tinted windows.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5'8” with a thin build and braids. He was wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans and a white t-shirt covering his head and face.

In the last ten days, 5 CVS Pharmacy stores in Central Florida have been robbed and detectives believe one suspect may be responsible all of the incidents. Anyone with information is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477). Crimeline offers a reward for information that leads to a felony arrest.

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Sheriff Hansell Takes Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-080

Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell will chair this year’s GREAT STRIDES walk for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in Osceola County. The Walk will be held Saturday, May 16 at the St. Cloud Lakefront Park.

In addition to Sheriff Hansell serving as this year’s Chair, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office will be forming a walk team to raise money to help find a cure for CF. “We need other local Osceola-area businesses and organizations to come together to form walks teams,” said Sheriff Hansell. This is a great way for employees to work as a team and do something to help the community and support a very important cause,” he said.

Approximately 30,000 people nationwide have this fatal disease. In addition, more than 10 million Americans are genetic carriers. Carriers each have one copy of the defective CF gene, but do not have the disease and its symptoms. It takes two copies of the gene for a child to be born with cystic fibrosis. For people with CF, the defective gene causes the body to produce a faulty protein that leads to abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and can result in fatal lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas, making it difficult to absorb nutrients in food.

The Osceola County community is uniting through GREAT STRIDES to continue building momentum and generating the funds that allow advances in cutting-edge CF research and care to continue. To get involved with GREAT STRIDES, call the CF Foundation’s Orlando Chapter at 407-896-1113, or visit www.orlando.cff.org and click on the GREAT STRIDES link.

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is a donor-supported, nonprofit organization committed to finding therapies and ultimately a cure for cystic fibrosis, and to improving the lives of those with the disease. For more information, visit www.cff.org.

Contact:

Rick Porter, Orlando Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Phone: (407) 896-1113 E-mail: rporter@cff.org

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Sexual Predator Notification

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-081

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is advising the public about Larry Joseph St. Peter (DOB 9/25/74), who is a registered sexual predator by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. St. Peter recently moved to 106 Bianca Court in Poinciana, Florida. St. Peter was convicted of the following:

• Sex Battery by Adult/Victim Under 12 F.S. 794.011(2), Lake County on February 26, 2008

• Child Molestation in Coweta County, Georgia on November 22, 2002

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is in the process of notifying all licensed day care centers and schools within a one-mile radius of St. Peter's residence. The following is a description of Larry Joseph St. Peter: SEX: Male RACE: White DOB: 9/25/74 HEIGHT: 5'04” WEIGHT: 175 lbs HAIR: Brown EYES: Blue RESIDENCE: 106 Bianca Court, Poinciana, FL 34758

More information can be obtained by visiting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.

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SWAT Team Takes First in Region 6 Competition

Osceola County, Florida

PR09-079

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team took first place in Saturday's Region 6 Special Weapons and Tactic Team Challenge held in Punta Gorda, Florida. The seventh annual competition was hosted by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office and included 15 teams from cities and counties in Central and South Florida. The teams compete in four rigorous challenges which test physical strength, endurance and team work. Eight of the 27 Osceola County SWAT team members participated in the one-day competition. This is the second year the Osceola County Sheriff's Office has participated in this event.

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