Osceola County News Feed

Sheriff's Office Applies for Re-Accreditation

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County-- The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is applying for re-accreditation with the state. A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive July 19 to examine all aspects of the agency's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has to comply with approximately 261 standards in order to be re-accredited. Many of the 261 standards are critical to life, health and safety issues.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. Comments must be in writing and must address the agency's ability to comply with CFA standards. A copy of the standards is available for review at the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, 2601 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee during normal business hours.

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the Osceola County Sheriff's Office ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write: CFA, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, Florida, 32817.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the Osceola County Sheriff's Office is Sergeant Scott Glazier. He said the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies. The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals; and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive re-accredited status. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office accreditation is for 3 years. The Sheriff's Office was originally accredited in 1999 and has successfully earned re-accreditation every three years since then.

Sexual Predator Notification- Robert Dale Price

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is advising the public about Robert Dale Price (DOB 7/1/59) who is a registered sexual predator by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and recently moved to Osceola County. He currently resides as a transient in the area of 5242 Old Tampa Highway in Kissimmee. Price was convicted of the following:

Lewd or Lascivious Molestation Victim Under 12 years, F.S.S. 800.04(5)(B) on December 14, 2004 in Osceola County.

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 Price's residence. The following is a description of Robert Dale Price:

SEX: Male

RACE: White

DOB: 7/1/59

HEIGHT: 5'11”

WEIGHT: 170 lbs

HAIR: Blonde

EYES: Blue

RESIDENCE: Transient in the area of 5242 Old Tampa Highway in Kissimmee.

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

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder in Poinciana Shooting

Osceola County, Florida

On June 14, Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested Antonio Groover and charged him with Attempted Murder. The investigation began on May 21 at approximately 1:45 a.m. when Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of Cypress Parkway and Doverplum Street in Poinciana. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with three individuals who indicated they had just left a party and were traveling in a 2005, silver Chevrolet Impala, near Amiens Road and Orly Drive when an unknown suspect fired shots into their vehicle. A bullet went through the back window and hit one of the passengers in the head. He was conscious and was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Based on information provided by the victim and other witnesses, detectives identified Groover as a suspect. Groover was at the party earlier in the evening and witnesses saw him near Amiens Road and Orly Drive when the victim was shot. On June 14, detectives obtained a search warrant for Groover's residence located at 224 Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue in Lake Wales and were able to obtain evidence to support the case. Groover was taken into custody and cooperated with detectives. Based on his statements and the evidence, Groover was charged with Attempted Murder. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail with no bond.

Antonio Groover (DOB 2/15/93), 224 Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue, Lake Wales

Four Suspects Arrested for Eight Car Burglaries in Celebration

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested Kendrick Harrison, Tyrus Reeze, Derico Allen and Leroy Shaw and charged them with 8 counts of Conveyance Burglary, Unoccupied Business Burglary, Fleeing and Eluding, Possession of Burglary Tools and Grand Theft. The investigation began on June 11 at approximately 2:30 a.m. when deputies responded to a construction company, Albritton Williams, Inc., located at 599 Celebration Place in Celebration. Upon arrival, deputies heard noises coming from the fenced yard and observed four suspects breaking into cars. The suspects were taking items from the vehicles and throwing them into a white pickup truck and a white van. The suspects left the area in the vehicles and were stopped a short distance away. Deputies located various stolen items including generators, a pressure washer, a ladder and various tools totaling approximately $10,000. All four suspects were booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Kendrick Harrison (DOB 2/1/77), 6103 Holiday Hill Lane, Orlando

Tyrus Reeze (DOB 3/1/80), 4961 Lescott Lane, Orlando

Derico Allen (DOB 12/2/78), 1320 Coretta Way, Orlando

Leroy Shaw (DOB 3/2/81), 5345 Cinder Lane, Orlando

Four Suspects Arrested for Car Burglary at Best Buy

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested Christian Hurtado, John Reyes, Samir Namen and Jasson Lopez and charged them with Conveyance Burglary. The investigation began on June 10 at approximately 3:20 p.m. when deputies responded to Best Buy located at 1620 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies observed a silver Dodge Caravan leaving the parking lot. The vehicle matched the description of a car involved in a car burglary. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Namen. While speaking with the driver, deputies could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed three bags of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and two laptop computers. After further investigation, detectives confirmed the four suspects were involved in the car burglary reported at Best Buy. In addition, one of the laptop computers was linked to a business burglary. All four suspects were arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail. In addition to the burglary charge, Reyes was charged with Possession of Cannabis under 20 grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jasson Lopez Wihls (DOB 9/12/92), 6960 NW 177th Street, Hialeah

Christian Hurtado (DOB 3/19/81), Transient

Samir A. Namen (DOB 12/16/83), 18140 NW 68th Avenue, Miami Garden

John Reyes (DOB 8/14/91), 8250 NW 191st Street, Miami

Alleged Robbery Victim Arrested for Filing a False Report

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested Alexander Ford and charged him with Filing a False Report. The investigation began on June 10 at approximately 10:30 p.m. when deputies responded to the area of Seven Dwarfs and W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with Ford who agreed to go with detectives to the Sheriff's Office and be interviewed. At the office, Ford indicated he was in the area of Seven Dwarfs and W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway when an unknown male wearing a mask approached him at gunpoint and demanded money. After further investigation, detectives determined Ford's facts were false and he was not telling the truth. Ford was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Alexander Ford (DOB 6/29/91), 4880 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee

Off-Duty Sergeant Dies in Accident

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - On June 11, 2011, Osceola County Sheriff's Sergeant Mike Setvin was involved in a motorcycle versus pedestrian related accident and died from his injuries. Sgt. Setvin was off duty at the time, and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident which occurred near the intersection of Simmons Road and U.S. 192 in Kissimmee.

Sgt. Setvin was a 16 ½ year veteran of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. He joined the Sheriff's Office in November of 1994 and was promoted to sergeant in January of 2005. His current assignment was supervisor in the patrol division.

“This is a tremendous loss to our agency and to the community. Sgt. Setvin was a dedicated law enforcement officer and will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” stated Sheriff Bob Hansell.

OCIB Agents Arrest Suspect for Trafficking Heroin

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, FLorida - Today, Osceola County Investigative Bureau agents arrested Marco Marquez and charged him with Trafficking Heroin over 14 Grams, Resisting with Violence and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

OCIB agents were conducting an undercover drug operation at Osceola Parkway and Michigan Avenue in Kissimmee. Agents purchased approximately 20 grams of heroin from Marquez. He was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail.

The Osceola County Investigative Bureau is a multi-agency task force comprised of Osceola County Sheriff's deputies, St. Cloud Police Department officers, Kissimmee Police Department officers, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents who investigate vice, narcotics and organized crime.

Zero Tolerance Operation Results in 100 Arrests & 238 Citations

Osceola County, Florida

On June 2 and 3, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies successfully conducted Operation Zero Tolerance which resulted in 100 arrests and 238 citations. Deputies from all areas of the agency including aggressive driving, agriculture/marine, aviation, communications, criminal investigations, community response team, evidence, forensics, tourist policing, motors, K-9, narcotics enforcement team, reserves, robbery, traffic and warrants worked all areas of the county.

Based on the Sheriff’s Office community-oriented policing mission, the goal was to reduce crime in these areas, while gathering valuable intelligence.

This was the 19th time the Sheriff's Office conducted such a large-scale operation involving almost all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office. The result of all eighteen operations has been 1,596 arrests and 5,024 citations issued.

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Openings for June 16 Self-Defense Awareness Program for Women

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has openings for a self-defense awareness program for women scheduled for June 16, 2011 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.

Detectives Arrest 3 Armed Robbery Suspects

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - On June 2, Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested Gelson Perez-Garcia, John Amaro and Victor Reyes-Nieves and charged them with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Grand Theft. In addition, Nieves was charged with Aiding/Abetting Principal First Degree.

The investigation began on May 25 at approximately 9:47 p.m. when Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the parking lot of NY Pizza located at 7531 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who indicated she was walking to work when two unknown males approached her and demanded her purse at gunpoint. They took her purse and fled on foot. The investigation led to identifying the three suspects. They were brought in for questioning and cooperated with detectives. Based on the information, Garcia and Nieves were booked into the Osceola County Jail. Amaro was taken to the Osceola County Juvenile Detention Center.

Gelson Perez-Garcia (DOB 6/21/80), 16737 Saraahs Place, Clermont

John Amaro (DOB 6/1/95), 1905 Reef Club Drive, Kissimmee

Victor Reyes-Nieves (DOB 1/8/83), 1364 Raintree Bend Clermont

Sexual Predator Notification- Luis Angel Sanabria

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is advising the public about Luis Angel Sanabria (DOB 8/7/73) who is a registered sexual predator by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and recently moved to a new address in Osceola County. He currently resides at 2729 Star Grass Circle in Kissimmee. Sanabria was convicted of the following:

Sexual Battery/Coercion by Threat F.S.S. 794.011(4)(B) and Kidnapping, F.S.S. 787.01(1)(A) on August 27, 1996, in Miami-Dade, Florida. 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 Sanabria's residence. The following is a description of Luis Angel Sanabria:

SEX: Male

RACE: White

DOB: 8/7/73

HEIGHT: 5'8”

WEIGHT: 170 lbs

HAIR: Bald

EYES: Brown

RESIDENCE: 2729 Star Grass Circle, Kissimmee

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

Detectives Arrest Goldstar Inn Armed Robbery Suspect

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Osceola County Sheriff's detectives arrested Richard Todd Bibb for his involvement in the Goldstar Inn armed robbery. On May 27, detectives received information Bibb might be the suspect in the robbery. They located him at the Sun Inn and Suites and, based on the information, he was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Petit Theft and Carrying a Concealed Firearm. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail. In addition, his girlfriend, Kathreen Smith, was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana under 20 Grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Placing a False Label on a Controlled Substance.

Background:

On May 22 at approximately 10:48 p.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Goldstar Inn located at 4600 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the employee who indicated she opened the door to let a white male enter the motel. He asked her several questions about renting a room and he left because he said he left his identification in his vehicle. A few minutes later, she let him back in the motel and he approached the counter. She thought he was getting his identification out of his wallet, but he pointed a handgun at her and demanded money. He left the motel on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. A perimeter was set, but patrol with the assistance of Aviation and K-9 Units were unable to locate the suspect.

Todd Richard Bibb (DOB 4/29/80
45 Sugar Cove, Santa Rosa, Florida
Kathreen Smith (DOB 8/31/82)
15 Fox Glove, Santa Rosa, Florida

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Armed Robbery at Roscoe's Bar

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested Adam Thomas Gray and charged him with Attempted Armed Robbery. The investigation began on May 23 at approximately 1:52 a.m. when Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Roscoe's Bar located at 2344 N. Orange Blossom Trail in reference to a possible stabbing. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with several witnesses who indicated they saw an unknown male arguing with another male over beer in the parking lot. Gray pulled out a knife and began to stab the man several times. A witness attempted to stop Gray and was also stabbed. Both victims were taken to nearby hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Gray was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail. The investigation is on-going with additional charges pending.

Adam Thomas Gray (DOB 2/16/90), 705 Cadillac Blvd., Kissimmee

Suspect Arrested for Lewd & Lascivious Battery

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - On May 21, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested Dorothy Rodriguez and charged her with Lewd & Lascivious Battery. The investigation began on May 19 at approximately 7:00 p.m. when deputies took a report from the mother of a 15-year-old juvenile. The victim's mother told deputies she discovered her son had sex with Rodriguez when he was staying the night at her residence. According to the victim, he went to a party with Rodriguez and her son before staying the night at their residence. The victim told deputies he and Rodriguez were staying in the same room and they had sex. Deputies completed a report to forward to the State Attorney's Office.

On May 20, Rodriguez's family contacted law enforcement when she did not return home for several days. Deputies were able to make contact with Rodriguez and she was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Dorothy Rodriguez (DOB 10/4/74)
601 Royalty Court, Kissimmee

Deputies Caution Public After Taking 16 Kidnapping Scam Reports Since May 14

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Since May 14, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies have taken a total of 16 reports from individuals who received a call in Spanish, informing them a family member had been held against their will, and demanding the family send money to an undisclosed bank account in Puerto Rico. In nine of the sixteen cases, the caller stated their family member was in a car accident and injured. The caller threatened to further harm the family member if money was not sent immediately. Five of the calls claimed the caller had kidnapped a family member and demanded money. All of the calls had similar phone numbers and all demanded money be sent to Puerto Rico. Two of the eight victims sent money to Puerto Rico.

Deputies are cautioning citizens about this scam. If you receive a similar call, remain calm and contact your family member immediately. If you are unable to contact your family member, call law enforcement immediately. Deputies also encourage the public to attempt to verify the authenticity of the caller's claim by asking questions to verify the identity of the kidnapped victim. Even if you have confirmed your family member is safe, report the incident to law enforcement. When you report the incident, provide law enforcement with the following: confirmation your family member is safe, specific demands made by the caller, gender and accent of the caller, date, time and place the caller arranged for the ransom to be paid and any other information that will be helpful in locating the caller.

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.

Goldstar Inn Armed Robbery Suspect

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Osceola County Sheriff's detectives need the public's help in identifying an armed robbery suspect. On May 22 at approximately 10:48 p.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Goldstar Inn located at 4600 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the employee who indicated she opened the door to let a white male enter the motel. He asked her several questions about renting a room and he left because he said he left his identification in his vehicle. A few minutes later, she let him back in the motel and he approached the counter. She thought he was getting his identification out of his wallet, but he pointed a handgun at her and demanded money. He left the motel on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. A perimeter was set, but patrol with the assistance of Aviation and K-9 Units were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5'9” wearing blue jeans with orange stitching on the pockets and a bright green shirt. He might also have a tattoo on the inside of his right arm.

Shooting Suspect in Poinciana

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Osceola County Sheriff's detectives need the public's help in identifying a shooting suspect. On May 21 at approximately 1:45 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of Cypress Parkway and Doverplum Street in Poinciana. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with three individuals who indicated they had just left a party and were traveling in a 2005, silver Chevrolet Impala, near Amiens Road and Orly Drive when an unknown suspect fired shots into their vehicle. A bullet went through the back window and hit one of the passengers in the head. He was conscious and was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. It is unknown if the shots were fired from a vehicle or by someone on foot at the intersection.

18-Year-Old Arrested for Prostituting 15-Year-Old Juvenile

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County, Florida - Osceola County Sheriff's agents with the Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested Jonathan Padilla for prostituting a 15-year-old juvenile. This is the second time in less than two months Padilla has been arrested for a similar incident. He recently bonded out of the Polk County Jail for similar charges when he was arrested during a Polk County Sheriff's Office undercover operation. On May 20, NET agents conducted an undercover operation at the Chateau Motel located at 3518 W. Vine Street in Kissimmee. An undercover agent sent several text messages to a female and agreed to meet her at the motel. Agents saw Padilla and his girlfriend leave the room where the undercover agent was supposed to meet the juvenile. When the agent entered the room, the 15-year-old juvenile was hiding in the bathroom. She cooperated with agents and told them she was from the Tampa area and was with Padilla and his girlfriend. A state check revealed the juvenile was reported missing from the Tampa area. Agents located Padilla and charged him with Procuring Person Under 18 for Prostitution, Interference with Custody, Deriving from Proceeds of Prostitution, Unlawful Use of 2-Way Radio and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

The investigation is on-going with additional charges pending for the 15-year-old juvenile and Padilla's girlfriend, who is also 15-years-old.

Jonathan Padilla (DOB 9/15/92)
2647 W. Crystal Street, Chicago, IL

Deputies Conduct Heroin Operation and Arrest 9 Suspects

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County (May 20, 2011)-- On May 19, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office Tourist Policing Unit, Narcotics Enforcement Team and Community Response Team West conducted an undercover investigation focusing on the sale and purchase of heroin in the West 192 area. The result was the arrest of 9 suspects and the recovery of 12.8 grams of heroin.

In addition, one suspect, Luis Gonzales was located with 4 grams of heroin and four firearms. He will also be charged with Armed Trafficking in Heroin and Possession of a Firearm.The following suspects were arrested:

Nathaniel Edwards (DOB 7/14/75), 4686 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
CHARGE: Attempted Purchase of Heroin

Daniel Stella-Delgado (DOB 5/21/67), Transient
CHARGE: Attempted Purchase of Cannabis

Eric Martinez (DOB 6/20/73), Transient
CHARGES: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Manuel Aponte-Santiago (DOB 10/30/62), Transient,
CHARGES: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting without Violence

Juan Jose Nieves (DOB 10/14/72), 4193 Corsair, Kissimmee
CHARGE: Attempted Purchase of Heroin

Esdras Ortiz (DOB 10/21/73), 322 Huron Drive, Kissimmee
CHARGE: Attempted Purchase of Heroin

Arcadio Rodriguez (DOB 2/27/79), 603 Reindeer Drive, Kissimmee
CHARGE: Attempted Purchase of Heroin

Jose Negron-Gonzalez (DOB 2/5/78), 143 Aurelia Court, Kissimmee
CHARGES: Attempted Purchase of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Luis Antonio Gonzales (DOB 8/7/79), 4352 Creekside Boulevard, Kissimmee
CHARGES: 2 counts of Trafficking in Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Sale and Delivery, Armed Trafficking in Heroin and Possession of a Firearm

Middle School Student Arrested for Incident Involving Teacher

Osceola County, Florida

The student’s mugshot is not available from the Sheriff’s Office.

Osceola County, Florida (May 20, 2011)-- Osceola County Sheriff's deputies arrested Josue Ernesto Ortiz, a 13-year-old student at Discovery Intermediate School, for an incident involving his teacher. On May 19, the dean of students contacted the school resource officer to make her aware rumors were circulating a student might have put a prescription medication into a teacher's drink.

On May 16, a teacher went home feeling sick. Prior to being taken home, she told two other teachers she felt nauseous, dizzy and drowsy. After speaking with several students in the teacher's class, school officials and the school resource officer confirmed Ortiz had put one of his prescribed medication pills, Clonidine, in the teacher's drink. Deputies interviewed Ortiz who cooperated with the investigation. He admitted to detectives he put one of his prescribed pills, which he takes to help him sleep at night, in the teacher's drink because she yelled at him in class.

Based on the information, Ortiz was charged with Poison of Food with the Intent to Injure and was booked into the Osceola County Juvenile Detention Center with no bond.

Josue Ernesto Ortiz (DOB 8/22/97), Poinciana

Deputies Take 2 More Kidnapping Scam Reports

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County (May 17, 2011)-- In the last three days, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies have taken a total of 8 reports from individuals who received a call in Spanish, informing them a family member had been held against their will, and demanding the family send money to an undisclosed bank account in Puerto Rico. In five of the eight cases, the caller stated their family member was in a car accident and injured. The caller threatened to further harm the family member if money was not sent immediately. Two of the calls claimed the caller had kidnapped a family member and demanded money. All of the calls had similar phone numbers and all demanded money be sent to Puerto Rico. Two of the eight victims sent money to Puerto Rico. In the latest case taken yesterday, the victim sent $700 because the caller said her brother had been held against his will.

Deputies Caution Public About Kidnapping Scam

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County (May 16, 2011)-- Osceola County Sheriff's deputies are cautioning the public regarding a kidnapping scam. Since May 14, the Sheriff's Office has taken six reports from individuals who received a call in Spanish, informing them a family member had been held against their will, and demanding the family send money to an undisclosed bank account in Puerto Rico. In three of the five cases from the weekend, the caller stated their family member was in a car accident and injured. The caller threatened to further harm the family member if money was not sent immediately. Two of the calls claimed the caller had kidnapped a family member and demanded money. All of the calls had similar phone numbers and all demanded money be sent to Puerto Rico. If you receive a similar call, remain calm and contact your family member immediately.

If you are unable to contact your family member, call law enforcement immediately. Deputies also encourage the public to attempt to verify the authenticity of the caller's claim by asking questions to verify the identity of the kidnapped victim. Even if you have confirmed your family member is safe, report the incident to law enforcement. When you report the incident, provide law enforcement with the following: confirmation your family member is safe, specific demands made by the caller, gender and accent of the caller, date, time and place the caller arranged for the ransom to be paid and any other information that will be helpful in locating the caller.

Husband Charged with Attempted Murder

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County (May 13, 2011)-Today, Osceola County Sheriff's detectives charged Laudner Tilme with Attempted Murder. The investigation began on May 12 at approximately 9:20 p.m. when deputies responded to a residence on Lazy Oaks Way in St. Cloud in reference to a stabbing. Upon arrival, deputies saw a woman and children running from the residence. The woman requested help and told deputies she had been stabbed multiple times by her husband. Her four children were taken to a neighbor's house and she was airlifted to ORMC in critical condition. She is currently in stable condition.

Deputies approached the house and observed a male, identified as Laudner Tilme, near the front door carrying a knife close to his chest. Deputies attempted to talk to him, but he was uncooperative. They repeatedly told him to drop the knife which he refused to do. When he removed the knife from near his chest, a deputy deployed a less lethal and the man dropped the knife. He ran into the master bedroom. When deputies entered the master bedroom they saw the man lying on the floor with a self-inflicted knife wound. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Detectives obtained a felony warrant for Tilme and he was charged with Attempted Murder. Tilme is stable in critical condition and when he is released from Orlando Regional Medical Center he will be booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Laudner Tilme (DOB 3/11/82), Lazy Oaks Way, St. Cloud

Missing Endangered 81-Year-Old Man Located

Osceola County, Florida

Update: 05/12/2011 8:47 a.m.:

Mr. Benjamin was located this morning in Key Largo, Florida by a law enforcement officer who saw the Silver Alert and recognized him. He is in good health. Thank you for your assistance.

Background: Osceola County Sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in locating a missing, endangered 81-year-old man. Louis Franklin Benjamin, Jr. (DOB 3/20/30) met his stepson at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Cloud. Louis told his stepson he would call him when he returned to his residence at 310 Coulter Drive in Kenansville, but he never called. At approximately 8:00 p.m., a concerned neighbor called Louis on his cell phone when he had still not returned home. Louis told his neighbor he was on his way home, but was unsure of his whereabouts. His family told detectives Louis has diabetes and symptoms of dementia. Louis is described as a white male, 5"11, approximately 200 lbs. with white hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing tan shorts, an off-white, button-up, short sleeve shirt, white socks and black tennis shoes. He is driving a white, 2000 Ford Focus station wagon with Florida tag A825DR. A photo of Louis is attached. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been contacted regarding a Silver Alert. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Louis is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477).

Detectives Need Public's Help in Locating a Missing Endangered 81-Year-Old Man

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County (May 12, 2011)-Osceola County Sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in locating a missing, endangered 81-year-old man.

Louis Franklin Benjamin, Jr. (DOB 3/20/30) met his stepson at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Cloud. Louis told his stepson he would call him when he returned to his residence at 310 Coulter Drive in Kenansville, but he never called. At approximately 8:00 p.m., a concerned neighbor called Louis on his cell phone when he had still not returned home. Louis told his neighbor he was on his way home, but was unsure of his whereabouts. His family told detectives Louis has diabetes and symptoms of dementia.

Louis is described as a white male, 5"11, approximately 200 lbs. with white hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing tan shorts, an off-white, button-up, short sleeve shirt, white socks and black tennis shoes. He is driving a white, 2000 Ford Focus station wagon with Florida tag A825DR. A photo of Louis is attached.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been contacted regarding a Silver Alert. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Louis is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477).

Detectives Need Public's Help in Identifying Fifth Third Bank Burglary Suspects

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County -- Osceola County Sheriff's detectives need the public's help in identifying two burglary suspects. On May 10 at approximately 12:33 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to Fifth Third Bank located at 9020 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies observed damage to the front of the ATM in the drive through area. It appeared as if someone pried off the area where money exits the machine. There were also pry marks on the door. Surveillance cameras showed two suspects attempting to break into the ATM machine. They were driving a dark grey sedan.

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.

Alleged Burglary Suspect Charged with Filing a False Report

Osceola County, Florida

On May 8 at approximately 10:28 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Econolodge located at 2323 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with Nikhil Bhasin, the alleged victim who indicated he arrived at the motel on May 7 at approximately 6:00 p.m. and parked a rented cargo truck in the back parking lot. When he checked on his truck the next day, the lock was opened and lying on the floor and twenty boxes of surveillance cameras were missing. The approximate secured value was $232,000.

While Bhasin provided his statement, deputies observed he looked nervous. They asked him several times if he was telling the truth and would provide a written statement. After further investigation, detectives confirmed Bhasin had lied in order to file a false insurance claim. He admitted to detectives he drove to Florida from New Jersey without anything in the truck. Based on the information, Bhasin was arrested and charged with Filing a False Report. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Nikhil Bhasin (DOB 12/25/86), 2 White Buck Run, Warren, New Jersey

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Inmate Charged with Attempted Escape

Osceola County, Florida

Osceola County (May 9, 2011)-- On May 9 at approximately 6:13 a.m., Osceola County Sheriff's deputies responded to the Osceola County Corrections Department located at 402 Simpson Road in Kissimmee. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a corrections officer who indicated at approximately 4:05 a.m., he was working in the CE section of the jail which houses closer supervised inmates. The corrections officer heard a loud banging sound and went to investigate. He conducted a check and found everything was secure. He went back to his duties and again heard loud banging which he confirmed was coming from one of the cells. When he went to check on the security camera, the corrections officer noticed something was blocking the view of cell block 5C. The corrections officer conducted a search of the cell block and found the brick near the door frame was broken and pieces of paint and mortar were in the toilet.

The inmate, Hector Luis Campos, was alone in his cell and told the corrections officer he was sorry. Based on the evidence, Campos was charged with Attempted Escape and Criminal Mischief. Campos was in jail on an unoccupied burglary charge.

Hector Luis Campos (DOB 8/14/89), 344 Colony Court, Poinciana