Collier Star

Sexual Predator Has Collier Address

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:36:37 PST

Name: Angel Estrada

Date of birth: March 22, 1983

Description: White male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150 pounds, black hair and brown eyes

Current address: 2191 Thomasson Drive, East Naples, FL, 34113

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has notified the Collier County Sheriff’s Office that registered sexual predator Angel Estrada was recently released from prison and currently resides at 2191 Thomasson Drive in East Naples.

Estrada is designated as a sexual predator pursuant to Section FSS 775.21. His qualifying offense is sexual battery by adult/victim under 12, F.S. 794.011(4)(a).

Positive identification cannot be established unless a fingerprint comparison is made.

If further information is needed, please contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender/Predator Unit at 239.530.5699, or via e-mail at sexoffenderunit@colliersheriff.net. Or contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Offender/Predator Unit at 1-888-FL-Predator (1-888-357-7332) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You may also go to the FDLE Sexual Predator/Offender website at www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Click here to view the CCSO sexual predator alert.

CCSO's Weekly Wanted Bulletin

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:45:26 PST

Each week, the Collier County Sheriff's Office posts a bulletin of people wanted on active criminal warrants in Collier County. You can see their photos and charges.

If you have any information on any of these people, do not attempt to apprehend them.

Call CCSO at 239.252.9300 or our anonymous tips line at 1.800.780.TIPS (8477).

Click here to see this week's wanted bulletin.

CCSO, Golden Gate Estates Team Up To Promote Youth Programming

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:59:35 PST

WHAT: Estates Youth Fest

WHERE: Sweet Bay Supermarket, 7550 Mission Hills Drive

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28

TIME: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

SUMMARY: Snow cones, hot rods and a rock-climbing wall will be among the highlights of a free event promoting youth programs in Collier County this weekend.

Deputies from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand when the Estates Youth Fest kicks off Saturday.

The Homeowners Association of Golden Gate Estates’ is hosting the event to promote the various programs and services available for kids and teens in Collier County.

CCSO community partner and hometown race car driver Michael Cenzi will discuss the dangers of texting while driving. CCSO deputies and Crime Prevention specialists will offer residents tips on staying safe. This family-fun event will also include a car show organized by the Naples Rock Hot Rod Association, rock-climbing wall, free snow cones and child identification fingerprinting.

Multi-county Operation Targets Rx Drug Violators

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:31:21 PST

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was one of 16 agencies in the Southwest Florida Strike Force that participated in a multi-county sweep of residents attempting to make illegal prescription drug purchases.

A total of 50 individuals were arrested last week during “Operation Southwest Shopper.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Sheriff's Offices from Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota and Manatee counties participated with police departments from Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, North Port, Venice and Sarasota, and the Florida Department of Health, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Department of Alcohol, Beverage and Tobacco.

In March 2011, Gov. Rick Scott announced a Statewide Drug Strike Force, headed by FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey, to combat the criminal distribution of prescription drugs in Florida. With support from Attorney General Pam Bondi and state and local law enforcement leaders, the Strike Force is charged with stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into communities by disrupting the major illegal supply and distribution points.

For 2011, Regional Drug Enforcement Strike Force members’ efforts statewide have resulted in 1,794 arrests (including 31 doctors) and the seizure of 433,466 pharmaceutical pills, 49 vehicles, 379 weapons, and $4,537,310. Additionally, 27 clinics have been closed.

CCSO Helps Collier Youth Celebrate Literacy

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:51:33 PST

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with the Florida Department of Education in recognition of Celebrate Literacy Week 2012.

Law enforcement officers from more than 40 agencies from around Florida, including members of CCSO’s Youth Relations Bureau, are visiting classrooms to read to students, to talk about how kids can stay safe and to emphasize the importance of reading every day.

CCSO members began visiting students Monday and will continue do to so until Friday, Jan. 27. Click here to learn more about Celebrate Literacy Week 2012.

‘State Forest Day’ To Celebrate Nature, Safety

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:36 PST

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Caloosahatchee Forestry Center have teamed up to host the second annual Picayune Strand State Forest Day on Feb. 4.

The event will celebrate 76 years of Florida state forests, while promoting safety in a fun way for the entire family. Representatives from CCSO will be on hand to share safety tips with the community. Kids can enjoy pony rides, playing on a bounce house and seeing a Florida panther from the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve.

The CCSO will also conduct child fingerprinting.

Food and water will be provided by Boy Scout Troop 951, with proceeds to benefit troop activities. Parking will be at the entrance to the state forest and free shuttles to and from the event will be offered.

Picayune Strand State Forest is located at 2121 52nd Ave. S.E. in Golden Gate Estates. The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thank You, CCSO

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:06:43 PST

The Collier County Sheriff's Office often receives letter from the public thanking deputies for their service to the community. We would like to share the following letter...

Dear Sheriff,

I wanted to take a moment to tell you about an incident my husband, daughter and I had last night while driving back from Miami to Naples on 75. Unfortunately, our brand new car indicated we had 45 more mile to go before we would need to fill the tank when in actual fact it was incorrect. As we pulled off 75 onto the exit ramp sure enough we ran out of gas. We managed to slip through the on coming traffic before stalling right at the median. We called roadside assistance and before we new it Cpl. Brad Gangl was on the scene demanding that we move our vehicle out of danger. He was assertive and at the same time very professional. He and my husband pushed the vehicle onto the shoulder where it was out of harms way. At that point roadside assistance called us back to say it would be an hour and a half before someone would be dispatched. Needless to say, officer Gangl offered to drive my husband to the nearest gas station. Within minutes they were back and we were on our way home. You never wish to deal with law officers and up until this point we never have, but what an eye opening experience as well as comfort to know that men like Officer Gangl are out there caring for the roads and the people on them. I have nothing but praise to give for his exceptional service and kind manner.

Kind regards,
Christine Denault

Deputies Caution Residents About Ruse Burglars

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:55:09 PST

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to be on alert for burglars posing as door-to-door solicitors.

By claiming to be a solicitor, a burglar gains the ability to easily get up close to a house to determine whether anyone is home. It also gives him a viable excuse to provide if anyone is home.

Deputies say this ruse is becoming more prevalent across Florida, including in Collier County. CCSO is advising residents to be cautious about such visits.

Deputies believe there are active groups using this strategy in Collier County to determine whether homes are occupied and if they are not occupied, these groups are committing burglaries.

There are many story lines offenders will use, including that they are selling Bibles door to door.

CCSO offers these tips to avoid being scammed by a ruse burglar:

If a solicitor comes to your residence, prior to answering the door, take notice of and remember what kind of vehicle they are driving (make, model, color, type). Further, make a mental note of their attire and physical characteristics.

If you become uncomfortable speaking with a solicitor, decline what they are offering and close your door. Then contact the Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300.

If you see suspicious vehicles and/or persons knocking on your neighbors’ doors or ringing their doorbells and then leaving, call 911.

Click here to watch a CCSO video about ruse burglars.

Safety Checkpoint Planned

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:49:36 PST

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a comprehensive roadside safety checkpoint in Immokalee on Wednesday night.

The goal of the 3:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. checkpoint is to keep roads safe by identifying equipment violations and improper vehicle documentation.

CCSO reminds all motorists that they should always make sure their vehicle is in safe condition with the proper equipment.

Sexual Predator Has New Collier Address

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:09:38 PST

Name: Manuel Sanchez Jr.

Date of birth: Aug. 14, 1961

Description: White male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 155 pounds, black hair and brown eyes

Current address: 301 Wells Street, Immokalee, FL, 34142

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has notified the Collier County Sheriff’s Office that registered sexual predator Manuel Sanchez recently moved to a new address and currently resides at 301 Wells Street in Immokalee.

Sanchez is designated as a sexual predator pursuant to Section FSS 775.21. His qualifying offense is lewd or lascivious molestation/victim under 12 years old/offender 18 or older, F.S. 800.04(5)(b).

Positive identification cannot be established unless a fingerprint comparison is made.

If further information is needed, please contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender/Predator Unit at 239.530.5699, or via e-mail at sexoffenderunit@colliersheriff.net. Or contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Offender/Predator Unit at 1-888-FL-Predator (1-888-357-7332) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You may also go to the FDLE Sexual Predator/Offender website at www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Click here to view the CCSO sexual predator alert.

CCSO's Weekly Wanted Bulletin

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:40:15 PST

ZOOM Traffic Hotline

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:15:24 PST

Aggressive driving.

Red-light running.

Speeding.

CCSO deputies want to know when you encounter traffic problems in Collier County.

Call 530-ZOOM and let us know when you see traffic infractions. Deputies will add those problem locations to their enforcement efforts.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:07:38 PST

Monday, Jan. 16:

Madison Park and Davis boulevards - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
Radio Road and Commercial Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Tuesday, Jan. 17:

Pine Ridge Road and Collier Boulevard – Red-light running
Airport-Pulling Road and Cougar Drive – Red-light running
Lakewood and Davis boulevards – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, Jan. 18:

Tropicana Boulevard - Speeding
Vanderbilt Beach Road and Collier Boulevard - Speeding
Naples Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Thursday, Jan. 19:

U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Aggressive driving
Airport-Pulling Road and Poinciana Drive - Speeding
Thomasson Drive at Avalon Elementary – Aggressive driving

Friday, Jan. 20:

Santa Barbara Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running
Pine Ridge Road and Osceola Trail - Speeding
Immokalee Road at I-75 southbound exit – Red-light running

Grow House Bust In GG Yields Arrest, $220K In Pot Plants

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:08:59 PST

Deputies disrupted another grow house operation in Golden Gate and arrested one man Wednesday.

Juan Carlos Castro-Gonzalez, 46, 260 19th St. S.W., was arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession of a place for manufacturing a controlled substance, both felonies. He was also charged with possession of narcotic equipment, a misdemeanor.

Detectives with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Bureau received a tip about a possible indoor marijuana grow operation at 260 19th St. S.W., Golden Gate, according to sheriff’s reports.

While at the residence, detectives made contact with Castro-Gonzalez, who said he lived at the address. Castro-Gonzalez gave deputies permission to search the residence, reports said.

Detectives discovered a small utility room that had been converted into an indoor grow operation with 74 marijuana plants inside. The plants had an estimated street value of approximately $222,000, reports said.

Detectives also found equipment related to growing marijuana such as cooling units, transformers, high-intensity lighting and marijuana seeds. The paraphernalia was valued at approximately $2,000, reports said.

The search also turned up a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, as well as a second room that was being prepared to house a much larger indoor marijuana grow operation, reports said.

This is the second grow house bust in Golden Gate in a week by the Sheriff’s Office.

On Jan. 4, detectives dismantled a grow operation at 3641 21st Ave. S.W. Detectives discovered 20 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $60,000 and grow equipment valued at $5,000 inside of a garage at the residence.

Detectives also discovered a 22-caliber long rifle in the master bedroom and $19,201 in U.S. currency in a locked safe.

Carlos Alberto Millo, 44, who lives at the residence, was arrested. He is facing charges of marijuana manufacturing, marijuana possession with intent to sell and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that public awareness about marijuana grow houses and tips from citizens have helped deputies make arrests.

There are plenty of easy-to-spot indicators that a grow house may be operating in your neighborhood, including:

* More than one air-conditioning unit in operation
* Windows and blinds that are never open
* Frequent loading and unloading of equipment, especially at night
* Toys as props, but never any children
* Gates and "Beware of Dog" signs
* Little traffic, except for odd hours, weekends and nights

Anyone who sees suspicious activity and suspects a marijuana grow house operation should call the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239.775.TIPS, or you can make an anonymous report via the CCSO website and deputies will investigate.

To make an anonymous report, go to http://www.colliersheriff.org/, then go to the tab labeled “How Do I?” and click on “Report a grow house or abandoned home.”

Minority Affairs Task Force To Conduct First Meeting Of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:14:23 PST

WHAT: Minority Affairs Task Force meeting

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 12

TIME: 10 to 11 a.m.

WHERE: 1-Stop, 750 S. 5th St., Immokalee

SUMMARY: The Minority Affairs Task Force will conduct its first meeting of 2012.

Crime Prevention Specialist Ron Mosher will share crime prevention safety tips as well as discuss the services offered by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office during the presentation.

For more information, contact the Minority and Ethic Affairs Unit at 239-252-0738.

Need Crime Data On the Go? CCSO Has an App For That

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:59:03 PST

Did you receive an iPhone for Christmas? Here's an app to checkout...

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has launched CCSO2go, an innovative iPhone app that gives users an array of CCSO news and safety information at their fingertips.

CCSO is among just a handful of law enforcement agencies nationwide that offers its own iPhone application. The smart phone tool allows users to do everything from find out who has been arrested to obtain real-time traffic information and mapping to help them with their commutes. Users can also connect to the agency’s Facebook and Twitter feeds, get directions and call their local CCSO substation, read agency news releases and watch CCSO videos on YouTube.

CCSO2go is the latest in a series of initiatives Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk has rolled out follow through with his pledge to partner with the community through the use of technology.

“The more information our citizens have the safer our community will be,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “People are consuming information in new ways, and the best way for us to stay connected with our community is to reach out to them in the platforms they use.”

The application was developed by Patrol Captain Tim Guerrette. In addition to his career with the agency he is the owner of Naples Multimedia Services, which specializes in video production, website design and iPhone application development. Captain Guerrette provided the app to the agency at no cost.

Additional app features and an Android version of CCSO2go are in development.

CCSO2go is free and available at the iTunes App Store. Click here to watch a CCSO2go tutorial.

Sheriff Rambosk’s focus on social media has earned the agency national attention. The current issue of Sheriff Magazine, the official magazine of the National Sheriffs’ Association, features an article that spotlights CCSO’s social media efforts. In addition, when the International Association of Chiefs of Police Center for Social Media conducted case studies of agencies that are embracing social media in fall 2010, CCSO was one of the law enforcement organizations selected to be profiled.

In addition to CCSO2go, the agency’s social media platform includes:

* A Facebook fan page that features a broad range of crime and safety news, including videos and information organized in easy to navigate sections. Separate areas are established for youth, cold cases, and photos. There’s even a place where visitors can submit a tip and help solve a crime. Another section of the fan page offers downloadable computer wallpaper images. The page can be found at www.facebook.com/colliersheriff.

* A Twitter account where followers can stay up-to-date on news, information and live traffic updates that could affect their commute.

* The Collier Star e-newsletter, which delivers agency news to subscribers’ e-mail in-boxes daily.

* The Internet site www.ccso.tv, which offers CCSO-produced safety and crime-prevention videos, profiles of cold cases and unedited footage of CCSO press conferences.

* “On Scene,” a monthly television show that provides an up-close look at CCSO, information on how to stay safe, information on wanted criminals and more. “On Scene” airs on the Collier County government television channel, the Collier County School District’s Education Channel and http://www.ccso.tv/.

CCSO Continues To Seek Community’s Help In Locating Missing Boy

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:02:06 PST

Three years ago, a search began for 6-year-old Adji Desir after he went missing while playing outside of his grandmother’s house in Farm Worker Village in Immokalee.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has never stopped searching for Adji.

CCSO and Adji’s family still hold out hope that he will be found.

On the anniversary of Adji’s disappearance, the CCSO is issuing this release to once again ask the community’s help in providing any additional information that may aid detectives.

Adji, who would have turned 9 in October, was last seen playing outside his grandmother’s house in Farm Worker Village in Immokalee on Jan. 10, 2009, while his mother was at work. There has been no sign of him since.

More than 1,300 people from law enforcement and other agencies around Florida - including 700 CCSO deputies - joined in an intensive weeklong air, ground and water search for the boy, who is developmentally disabled. Searchers combed the Immokalee area on horseback and all-terrain vehicles, in helicopters, with K-9, as well as in patrol cars, boats and on foot.

CCSO investigators fielded hundreds of tips in the weeks after Adji’s disappearance, but the number of tips has since dwindled.

National exposure of the case helped to generate dozens of new leads after Adji was featured on the cover of the November 2009 issue of People magazine, which profiled the cases of six children who went missing that year.

Adji’s photo and information were featured on national direct mail advertising fliers distributed to 75 million homes across the United States in November/December 2009. The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC), Valassis Inc, a leading media and marketing services company, and the U.S. Postal Service distributed the fliers as part of Valassis’ Have You Seen Me?® picture program.

NCMEC recently generated a progressed photo of how Adji may now appear at the age of 9. Click here to view Adji’s profile on NCMEC’s website.

Adji’s disappearance was profiled in July 2011 on the television program “Vanished With Beth Holloway.” A crew from “Vanished” was in Collier County for more than a week in 2011 conducting interviews, including with CCSO Sgt. Ken Becker and Detective Ellen Kastner of the Special Crimes Bureau and Adji’s family members, for the segment.

Click here to visit the “Vanished With Beth Holloway” page on www.MyLifetime.com.

The case has also been profiled on CNN’s “Nancy Grace” show and on “America’s Most Wanted” as well as on the AMW website.

CCSO is asking the community to repost this news release on their social media sites to help generate leads.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780- TIPS (8477).

Above: Age-progressed photo generated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children depicting how Adji Desir may appear as a 9-year-old.

Image of Adji Desir released by CCSO when he originally went missing on Jan. 10, 2009

Sexual Predator Has Collier Address

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:50:57 PST

Name: Raymond R. Hall

Date of birth: Jan. 1, 1946

Description: White male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 126 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes

Current address: 11265 U.S. 41 East #40, East Naples, FL, 34113

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has notified the Collier County Sheriff’s Office that registered sexual predator Raymond Hall was recently released from prison and currently resides at 11265 U.S. 41 E. #40 in East Naples.

Hall is designated as a sexual predator pursuant to Section FSS 775.21. His qualifying offense is lewd or lascivious molestation/victim under 12 years old/offender 18 or older, F.S. 800.04(5)(b).

Positive identification cannot be established unless a fingerprint comparison is made.

If further information is needed, please contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender/Predator Unit at 239.530.5699, or via e-mail at sexoffenderunit@colliersheriff.net. Or contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Offender/Predator Unit at 1-888-FL-Predator (1-888-357-7332) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You may also go to the FDLE Sexual Predator/Offender website at www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Click here to view the CCSO sexual predator alert.

CCSO “Cold Case” Feature Leads To Tip, Arrest In ‘09 Armed Robbery

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:43:22 PST

Collier County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a man Friday who they believe is responsible for an armed robbery in North Naples in 2009.

A tip led detectives to suspect William Alan Ringer after the case was featured in a CCSO story and video published on the “Cold Case” page of the sheriff’s website, www.colliersheriff.org, in May 2011.

Since 2010, CCSO has been profiling unsolved crimes in an effort to renew public interest and generate tips and leads. This marks the first time an arrest has been made in one of these cases.

Ringer, 27, 1461 21st St. S.W., Golden Gate, was arrested late Friday afternoon and charged with armed robbery with a firearm and petty theft in connection with the Sept. 11, 2009, incident at The Strand shopping plaza in North Naples. He was arrested at the Collier County Jail, where he has been held since Aug. 26, 2011, on unrelated charges, including grand theft auto.

CCSO reports gave this account of the 2009 armed robbery at The Strand plaza:

Amy Jo Vaughan told detectives she was robbed at gunpoint while reading a book in her vehicle on her lunch break. She was parked in the lot outside Publix when a man approached her slightly open window and pointed a silver handgun at her.

“Ma’am, gimme all the money in your wallet,” the man demanded.

Vaughan, fearing for her safety, reached into her wallet and handed the man all of the money she had: two $1 bills.

Without saying another word, the man fled on foot north toward Strand Boulevard.

Detective Kristine Huff said she and deputies interviewed several witnesses who saw the robber in the shopping plaza and provided a description. Surveillance video shows a man matching the description of the robber at several businesses around the time of the robbery.

Witnesses described the robber as white, in his early 20s, about 5 feet 6 inches, 130 pounds with black hair and acne on his face. He was wearing black gloves, a lightweight black jacket, black shoes, a T-shirt, and a red Super Bowl cap.

During her investigation, Detective Huff discovered that shortly after the robbery, the suspect entered the Subway restaurant in the shopping plaza and ordered a pizza. He was still wearing black gloves, a black jacket and red cap. The store’s video surveillance captured the scene.

The suspect went to the restroom. When he came out he told the cashier he didn’t have any money to pay for the pizza. He left Subway and headed over to an Italian restaurant next door, where he attempted to order a pizza but then told the cashier he forgot his wallet.

He then went to the Supercuts salon, where an employee advised there was a 30-minute wait for a haircut. He told the employee he would return later and left the shop.

Another witness told detectives that suspect got into the passenger seat of a 1984 black Corvette and left the plaza.

Video surveillance images from Subway were shown to Vaughan, who identified the man in the video as the person who robbed her at gunpoint.

The case remained unsolved until Friday’s arrest.

On May 20, 2011, CCSO featured the case in a story and video on its website in an effort to generate tips and leads. As a result, Detective Huff received a tip identifying Ringer as a possible suspect.

Detective Huff subsequently revisited witnesses, several of whom identified Ringer from a photo lineup as being in the plaza around the time of the robbery, dressed similarly as the suspect and exhibiting suspicious behavior.

Due to the totality of the circumstances, to include multiple eyewitnesses’ positive identification of Ringer, video surveillance capturing Ringer’s image at the Subway around the time of the robbery and a vehicle that was seen leaving the area that was linked to a close associate of his, Ringer was placed under arrest, according to the arrest report.

Click here to read the arrest report.

Click here to watch the CCSO “Cold Case” video about this case.

CCSO's Weekly Wanted Bulletin

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:31:21 PST

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:47:52 PST

Monday, Jan. 9:

Radio Road and Briarwood Boulevard – Speeding
Santa Barbara Boulevard at Calusa Park Elementary – Aggressive driving
Green Boulevard - Speeding

Tuesday, Jan. 10:

Collier and Davis boulevards – Aggressive driving
Pine Ridge Road at Pine Ridge Middle School - Speeding
Livingston and Radio roads – Red-light running

Wednesday, Jan. 11:

Airport-Pulling Road and Clipper Way – Aggressive driving
Santa Barbara Boulevard and Westport Lane - Speeding
Pine Ridge and Goodlette-Frank roads - Speeding

Thursday, Jan. 12:

Shadowlawn Drive at Shadowlawn Elementary - Speeding
Oakes Boulevard and Immokalee Road - Speeding
Progress Avenue and Livingston Road - Speeding

Friday, Jan. 13:

Pine Ridge Road and Forest Lakes Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East- Red-light running

Airport-Pulling Road and Orange Blossom Drive - Speeding

Sign Up For CCSO Women’s Self-Defense Program

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:56:45 PST

Spots are still available for women and teenage girls who want to learn basic physical self-defense skills taught by certified instructors from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

CCSO is offering a four-day women’s self-defense course Jan. 9, 11, 16 and 18 at the Professional Development Center, 615 Third Ave. S., Naples.

The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day, and attendance at all four sessions is required to complete the training.

The RAD system is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women Instructors will focus on education and awareness, prevention, and risk reduction of assault and rape. Participants will learn self-defense skills that will expand their options in case of an attack.

The program is free of charge, and the minimum age for participants is 16. The class is open to the public and is limited to 15 participants.

Comfortable clothing such as work-out pants, a T-shirt and athletic shoes are recommended.

To register, contact Sgt. Leslie Weidenhammer via e-mail at leslie.weidenhammer@colliersheriff.org.

A waiting list will be established for cancellations and future courses. Please provide a contact number in your e-mail. If you have questions about the course, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.0686.

Man Charged With Operating Grow House in Golden Gate

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:42 PST

WHAT: Indoor marijuana grow house arrest

LOCATION: 3641 21st Ave. S.W., Golden Gate

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012

ARRESTED: Carlos Alberto Millo, 44, 3641 21st Ave. S.W., Golden Gate

CHARGES: Marijuana manufacturing, marijuana possession with intent to sell and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

SUMMARY: Detectives with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Bureau executed a search warrant at 3641 21st Ave. S.W. around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Detectives discovered 20 marijuana plants in what they described as a sophisticated indoor marijuana grow operation inside the garage of the residence, according to sheriff’s reports.

The garage was sealed off and converted into a marijuana grow house that contained high-intensity light bulbs, an additional air handler, mylar, power transformers and high-grade fertilizer. All of these items were connected and being used to grow high-grade marijuana, reports said.

Detectives also discovered a 22-caliber long rifle in the master bedroom and $19,201 in U.S. currency in a locked safe, reports said.

The marijuana plants weighed approximately 6 pounds and had an estimated street value of $60,000, reports said.

The grow equipment was valued at approximately $5,000, reports said.

Millo was arrested and transported to the Collier County jail for booking, reports said.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that public awareness about grow houses and tips from citizens have helped deputies make arrests over the years.

There are plenty of easy-to-spot indicators that a marijuana grow house may be operating in your neighborhood, including:

* More than one air-conditioning unit in operation
* Windows and blinds that are never open
* Frequent loading and unloading of equipment, especially at night
* Toys as props, but never any children
* Gates and "Beware of Dog" signs
* Little traffic, except for odd hours, weekends and nights

Anyone who sees suspicious activity and suspects a marijuana grow house operation should call the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239.775.TIPS, or you can make an anonymous report via the CCSO website and deputies will investigate.

To make an anonymous report, go to http://www.colliersheriff.org/, then go to the tab labeled “How Do I?” and click on “Report a grow house or abandoned home.”

CCSO Website Adds Another Information-Sharing Tool

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:33:04 PST

Want to know what’s going on in your community? It’s easier than ever to find out, thanks to a new feature on www.colliersheriff.org.

The public now has access to a searchable text file that lists Collier County Sheriff’s Office calls for service including burglaries, thefts, vehicle break-ins, assaults and much more. The file is updated every three hours and is a complement to the website’s searchable crime maps. The maps show nearly real-time information about where crimes and calls for service are being reported. The maps also display the address, description and photograph of each registered sexual offender in Collier County.

“The more informed our citizens are, the safer we are as a community,” said Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

To access the text file, site visitors should click on the “Crime Maps” icon on the home page, then click on the icon that says “Calls For Service Data” on the column on the left side of the page.

The file allows users to search by a keyword to find a specific type of call or call location. The file also displays deputy-initiated calls such as traffic stops, and welfare checks and other public information.

The text file is the latest in a series of tools Sheriff Rambosk has provided to keep the community informed. Since taking office in 2009 Sheriff Rambosk has also authorized the creation of the following technological tools that enhance the sharing of information between CCSO and the community.

• An enhanced arrest log that allows site visitors to search by first name, last name, arrest date or booking number for arrests in Collier County dating back to 2000.

• The Internet site ccso.tv, which offers CCSO-produced safety and crime-prevention videos, profiles of cold cases and unedited footage of many CCSO press conferences.

• “On Scene,” a monthly television show that provides an up-close look at CCSO, information on how to stay safe, information on wanted criminals and more. “On Scene” airs on the Collier County Government television channel, the Collier County School District’s Education Channel and ccso.tv.

• Online crime reporting through the agency’s website. The tool allows people to report several types of crimes that don’t require immediate emergency assistance or investigation — criminal mischief, lost property, harassing phone calls, petty theft, grand theft up to $1,000, animal complaints, identity theft and property damage.

• A Facebook fan page that features a broad range of crime and safety news, including videos and information organized in easy to navigate sections. Separate areas are established for youth, cold cases, and photos. There’s even a place where visitors can submit a tip and help solve a crime. Another section of the fan page offers downloadable computer wallpaper images. The page can be found at www.facebook.com/colliersheriff.

• The CCSO2go iPhone application, which offers news, traffic, arrest reports, video and social sites Facebook/Twitter right at your fingertips. In addition, the application offers mapping that allows the user to locate and contact the Sheriff's Office headquarters and substations. An Android version of the application is currently in production.

Sexual Predator Has Collier Address

noreply@blogger.com (colliersheriff.org) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:38:33 PST

Name: Kenneth J. Thomas
Date of birth: April 24, 1958
Description: White male, 6 feet tall, 240 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes
Current address: 4963 Pepper Circle, D-203, East Naples, FL, 34113

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has notified the Collier County Sheriff’s Office that registered sexual predator Kenneth J. Thomas was recently released from the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service and currently resides at 4963 Pepper Circle D-203 in East Naples.

Thomas is designated as a sexual predator pursuant to Section FSS 775.21. His qualifying offense is lewd or lascivious molestation/victim under 12 years old/offender 18 or older, F.S. 800.04(5)(b).

Positive identification cannot be established unless a fingerprint comparison is made.

If further information is needed, please contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender/Predator Unit at 239.530.5699, or via e-mail at sexoffenderunit@colliersheriff.net. Or contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Offender/Predator Unit at 1-888-FL-Predator (1-888-357-7332) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You may also go to the FDLE Sexual Predator/Offender website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.

Click here to view the CCSO sexual predator alert.