Miami Man Charged, 2 Sought Following Home Invasion

UPDATE: Deputies are only searching for one additional suspect. Deputies have determined that third man did not participate during the armed home invasion. The second suspect has also been described as tall and with short hair.

***************************************************************************

WHAT: Armed home invasion

WHERE: 5370 Holland Street, East Naples

WHEN: Thursday, July 30 at 11:15 p.m.

WHO: Caleb Joseph, 19

CHARGES: Robbery by home invasion while using a firearm, grand theft and battery

SUMMARY: A Miami man is under arrest and two others are being sought after deputies say the men forced their way into a home at gunpoint late Thursday night.

Caleb Joseph, 19, was charged with robbery by home invasion while using a firearm, grand theft and battery.

Sandra Syriac, 24, 5370 Holland Street, East Naples, told deputies that Joseph and two other men came to her home at 11:15 p.m. asking if someone else residing at the home was there. They left after Syriac said he was not home.

Five minutes later, they knocked on the door again, according to reports. When Syriac answered, Joseph held a gun to her head and all three forced their way inside, reports said.

Two other women were in the home with Syriac, report said. One tried to call her boyfriend for help, but Joseph pulled her arm, causing her to drop the phone, according to reports. A third woman came out of a bedroom to see what was happening but ran back inside and shut the door when she saw the men. She returned to the living room after Joseph threatened to harm everyone in the home if she didn’t come out of the bedroom, according to reports.

The men left the home with a laptop computer, a charger and a cell phone, reports said.

Deputies found Joseph nearby. He was in possession of the stolen items when deputies apprehended him, according to reports.

One of the remaining suspects is described as a light-skinned black man about 25 years old. Witnesses were unable to provide a description of the third remaining suspect.

Anyone with information should contact CCSO at 239-252-9300 or if you wish to remain anonymous Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

Hot Summer Nights Comes to an End

Tonight’s the grand finale of Hot Summer Nights!

All throughout the summer, students ages 10-17 were invited by CCSO to can hang out with their friends while enjoying music, dancing, games, sports, roller skating, swimming and movies twice a week in different parks throughout Collier County for free.
The last one takes place tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Veterans Park, 1895 Park Drive.

Hot Summer Nights is sponsored by CCSO, Collier County Parks and Recreation, Guardian Realty, Inc., Wal-Mart, Blue Sky Exploration and Development, Play-N-Trade, Laser Battle and Diego Signs. It is one several CCSO summer activities for area students to help them have fun in a safe environment.
For more information, call CCSO’s Youth Relations Bureau at 239-793-9260.

CCSO Gears Up For National Night Out

Put on your walking shoes, bring your appetite and get ready to meet your neighbors.

It’s time for National Night Out, and across Collier County, CCSO deputies and citizens are getting ready to take to the streets.

National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The annual event heightens crime and drug prevention awareness and strengthens neighborhood spirit.

This year’s event represents CCSO’s most wide-ranging National Night Out ever, from a block party in North Naples to a community cookout in Copeland and from youth programs to neighborhood walks with deputies.

Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk encourages community members to come out and get to know the deputies who serve them. Sheriff Rambosk believes that the best way to keep our neighborhoods safe is for law enforcement and citizens to partner together.

Dozens of CCSO deputies are set to visit neighborhoods around Collier County and spend time talking with neighbors.

Please join us as we let criminals know they are not welcome in Collier County.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, neighborhoods will celebrate National Night Out with a variety of events and activities.

Here’s a look at the CCSO events and activities planned for Tuesday night:

NORTH NAPLES: Block party, the corner of Michigan Avenue and 10th Street North, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will feature free food and beverages from a variety of vendors. There will be a child safety seat inspection station, neighborhood safety assessment tours as well as a SWAT demonstration and the Florida Highway Patrol rollover simulator. Red. E. Fox will be on hand to talk to kids about 911. There will also be deputies from the Traffic and Crime Prevention units and Youth Relations Bureau. Plus much more!

There will also be a Crime Prevention booth at Target, 2324 Pine Ridge Road, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

GOLDEN GATE: Crime Prevention booth, Target Supercenter, 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

EAST NAPLES: Crime Prevention booth, Wal-Mart Supercenters, 6650 Collier Blvd. and 9885 Collier Blvd. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES: Crime Prevention booth, E’s General Store, Oil Well Road, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

EVERGLADES: Crime Prevention booth, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Everglades City Hall;

Neighborhood cookout, Copeland/Lee Cypress, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

IMMOKALEE: Crime Prevention walk-and-talk through Farm Worker Village, Arrowhead Preserve, Crestview Apartments and Carson Lake Circle, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Brotherly Love

This adventure begins when a man goes above and beyond to help his brother, who was wrongfully accused of a crime, break out of the slammer.

Prison Break

1. Lincoln Burrows was wrongfully arrested for

Robbery
Homicide
Money laundering


2. Lincoln’s brilliant brother who helped him escape is

Michael
Robert
Brandon


3. Name of the doctor who helps the brothers

Smith
Wiseman
Tancredi


4. Name of the prison Lincoln was sent to

Alcatraz
San Quentin
Fox River State Penitentiary


5. Conspiracy group that framed Lincoln

The Organization
The Skulls
Alpha Zeta Phi


6. The number of other inmates who escape with the brothers

4
2
6


7. Some of the escapees were re-arrested in this location during Season Two

Panama
Cuba
Brazil


8. Nickname of the prisoner who rules the Sona jail

Tweener
Lechero
C-Note


9. Conspiracy group operative who “killed” the doctor

Maggie
Susan
Gretchen


10. Prison Break aired on this TV network

FOX
ABC
CBS

CCSO Conducts Death Investigation

Deputies are conducting a death investigation after a man was killed while working on a 28-foot boat in East Naples on Thursday afternoon.

German Rives, 44, 3411 Polly Ave., was doing some work on a boat in his back yard shortly after noon when the boat somehow got loose from its stand and fell on him, deputies said.

Paramedics pronounced Rives dead at the scene, deputies said.

An investigation continues.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, August 3:

Pine Ridge and Goodlette-Frank roads – Red-light running
Davis and Wildwood Lakes boulevards - Speeding
Keane Avenue - Speeding

Tuesday, August 4:

U.S. 41 East and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running
Immokalee Road at I-75 southbound exit – Aggressive driving
Radio Road and San Marcos Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, August 5:

Collier Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running
St. Andrews Boulevard - Speeding
Immokalee Road and Palm River Boulevard - Speeding

Thursday, August 6:

Immokalee and Livingston roads – Red-light running
Airport-Pulling Road and South Horseshoe Drive – Aggressive driving
Shadowlawn Drive and U.S. 41 East – Red-light running

Friday, August 7:

Golden Gate Parkway and Collier Boulevard – Red-light running
U.S. 41 East and Manatee Road – Aggressive driving
Oil Well Grade and Immokalee roads – Aggressive driving

Grow House Arrest In The Estates

Deputies arrested a Golden Gate Estates man Wednesday and charged him with operating an indoor marijuana grow house out of his residence.

Felix Hernandez, 51, 291 18th Ave. N.E., was charged with marijuana trafficking more than 25 pounds and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

A search of the house by deputies found marijuana plants that had been recently cultivated and were in the drying process inside a room in the rear east side of the residence, sheriff’s reports said.

The room contained an indoor cooling unit, high-intensity light bulbs, transformers, and fertilizers, all items typically used in the cultivation of marijuana, reports said.

The search uncovered approximately 15 plants. The plants weighed 79 pounds and had an estimated street value of $150,000, reports said.

The marijuana grow equipment had an estimated value of $8,000, reports said.

Safety Campaign Promotes Red-Light Awareness

WHAT: National Stop On Red Week

WHEN: Aug. 2-8, 2009

SUMMARY: Collier County is joining communities across the nation in reminding motorists of the importance of stopping for red lights.

Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, National Stop on Red Week was created to educate drivers about the dangers of running red lights, reduce the number and severity of accidents on area roads and help increase traffic safety.

CCSO deputies will be conducting education and enforcement efforts throughout Collier County during the campaign in an effort to make our local roads safer.

CCSO also reminds drivers that when they see chronic red-light running, speeding or other traffic violations at a particular intersection they can call the CCSO Traffic Hotline at 530-ZOOM.

Red-light running is dangerous. In 2007 there were 132 red-light crashes in Collier County. Nationwide, more than 1,000 people are killed and more than 180,000 people are injured each year due to red-light running. These crashes cost motorists a collective $14 billion annually, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

CCSO offers these tips for red-light safety:

* Don’t speed

* Be alert to your surroundings

* Be patient

* Avoid distractions like talking on the cell phone or eating while driving

* Don’t try to beat the red light

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club Goes Glow Bowling!

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club went Glow Bowling at Beacon Bowl on Wednesday, July 29. Next week, D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club will be going to Sun-N-Fun Lagoon!

Traffic Signals Out On Golden Gate Parkway

Traffic lights will be out in all directions for at least the next five hours at the intersection of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Golden Gate Parkway in Golden Gate.

Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through that area or to find an alternate route.

Can You ID These Men?

The Collier Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in identifying the suspects in a robbery at a Golden Gate store in early July.

Detectives have released photographs of three of the four suspects taken from video surveillance cameras inside Rodeo Azteca, 4017 23rd Ave. S.W.

Four men robbed the store around 3:20 p.m. on July 6. At least one of the suspects had a gun. All of the robbers were wearing western-style clothing and cowboy hats.

Detectives said the four suspects entered the store at staggered times and then in unison robbed the two employees who were inside the store. The employees were not harmed.

The suspects made off with clothing, accessories and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The items were loaded into a white pickup with an extended cab and/or a late model green Ford Excursion, detectives said.

Detectives said some of the suspects may be involved in the rodeo circuit.

Witnesses described the men as Hispanic.

Detectives gave the following descriptions of the robbers:

* Suspect 1: white shirt, jeans and black cowboy hat

* Suspect 2: black shirt, jeans and black cowboy hat

* Suspect 3: dark T-shirt with a truck design on the back, light pants and mask

* Suspect 4: tan shirt and light pants

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).

Media Opportunity Thursday

WHAT: Media Opportunity

WHEN: 1 p.m. Thursday, July 30

WHERE: Public Information Office, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Building J.

SYNOPSIS: Collier County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Guerrette, Commander Beth Jones and representatives from the CCSO Teen Advisory Board will discuss the agency’s campaign against text-messaging while driving.

Studies show consistently that distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. While cell phones offer great convenience in today’s society, the risks of texting while driving are becoming increasingly clear.

CCSO and its Teen Advisory Board have agreed to work together to help motorists understand the dangers of texting behind the wheel of a vehicle. This campaign will be ongoing over the next several months.

SAO Review Clears 3 Deputies In 2008 Shooting

UPDATE: The State Attorney’s Office has determined that the use of deadly force in the Nov. 14, 2008, non-fatal shooting of Jose David Giracca by three deputies with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office was legally justifiable as self defense and/or defense of others.

Prosecutors said it was clear that Cpl.Christopher D. Swarthout, Cpl. Jose A. Lopez and
Deputy David J. Whitt each had a reasonable fear that they, and their fellow officers, were in immediate danger of death or great bodily harm.


*********
News release, posted 11/14/2008:

UPDATE: Deputies Investigate Shooting


UPDATE: Investigators gave this account of the shooting:

Deputies were on a traffic stop with a vehicle in the Gulfgate shopping plaza when a man rode his bicycle into the parking lot. The man reached into his backpack, got off his bike and produced a handgun.

Deputies ordered the man to drop the gun and to get on the ground. The man then pointed the gun in the direction of the deputies. Deputies fired multiple times at the man. Deputies immediately rendered emergency medical aid to the man.

Investigators interviewed several citizen witnesses and from that initial inquiry and evidence at the scene it appears deputies did not violate any policies or procedures.

Based on media requests under Florida’s public records laws the Sheriff’s Office is releasing the names of the three deputies.

The deputies are identified as Cpl.Christopher D. Swarthout, 41, who has been with the agency since Nov. 14, 1995; Cpl. Jose A. Lopez, 40, who has been with the agency since May 10, 1988; and Deputy David J. Whitt, 37, who has been with the agency since May 9, 2006. The Sheriff’s Office requests that media outlets be mindful of the deputies’ need for rest.

The deputies will be on administrative leave until further notice, per policy.

The man remains at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers. He is being guarded by Collier County jail deputies and is in custody. He could face aggravated assault charges for pointing a gun at law enforcement officers.



The pellet gun that was found at the scene/CCSO


********

Original news release, posted 11/14/2008:

Deputies Investigate Shooting

WHAT: Shooting

WHEN: 12:51 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

WHERE: Gulfgate Plaza, U.S. 41 East and Bayshore Drive

SUMMARY: Deputies were conducting a traffic stop in Gulfgate Plaza around 12:50 a.m.

During the stop and unrelated to it, a man approached them and produced a gun. Upon being ordered to drop the gun, the man instead pointed it at the three deputies. He was shot multiple times by deputies.

Deputies rendered first aid to the man until EMS arrived.

The man, whose identity is not yet available, was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he is being treated.

Investigators have determined that the gun was a pellet gun that gives the appearance of a semi-automatic pistol.

The CCSO Major Crimes Unit and Professional Responsibility Bureau, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, are investigating.

No further information is available at this time.

3 NJC Inmates Test Positive for H1N1 Virus

Three inmates in the Naples Jail Center have tested positive for the H1N1 virus and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office has taken all steps possible to reduce the likelihood of additional cases at the facility.

The inmates are being treated under medical isolation, as are four additional inmates who are displaying flu-like symptoms. None of the symptomatic inmates have required hospitalization. In addition, because they are being cared for in the NJC medical facility they have access to round-the-clock care.

In accordance with agency protocol and guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all areas of the facility that these individuals have come into contact with have been sanitized and staff and inmates have been provided with information reminding them of hand washing and other measures that can help them avoid coming down with the flu. In addition, CCSO has been working closely with the Collier County Health Department on this matter.
Because visitation at the NJC is accomplished via video rather than face-to-face contact, visitation is not being affected.

Test results confirming the H1N1 virus were received Tuesday.

The CDC recommends that people:
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Stay home for seven days or until symptoms subside if you have flu-like symptoms, which include a fever, cough or sore throat.

For more information on the H1N1 virus go to www.collierprepares.org

10 More Red-Light Cameras Coming To Collier

Ten more red-light cameras will go live in Collier County in early August, bringing the total number of cameras to 12.

Collier County is one of more than 350 communities nationwide that use red-light cameras to help keep motorists safe. The first two cameras, located at the intersection of Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads, were activated in April.

The program is made possible through a contract between the county and vendor American Traffic Solutions. A CCSO deputy reviews the photographs of each alleged infraction and determines whether a violation occurred.

CCSO and the Collier County Transportation Services Division want drivers to be aware that the cameras are in place. Transportation staff members are posting signs at each intersection where cameras are installed alerting drivers that they are there. In addition, CCSO will maintain a list of intersections with cameras on its Web site, www.colliersheriff.org.

The cameras will be at the following locations and will be activated as the contractor completes hook-up procedures at each one.

Northbound Airport-Pulling Road at Davis Boulevard

Eastbound Pine Ridge Road at Livingston Road

Westbound Pine Ridge Road at Livingston Road

Northbound Airport-Pulling Road at Immokalee Road

Eastbound Immokalee Road at Airport-Pulling Road

Northbound Collier Boulevard at Golden Gate Parkway

Eastbound Golden Gate Parkway at Collier Boulevard

Eastbound Immokalee Road at Livingston Road

Westbound Pine Ridge Road at U.S. 41 North

Westbound Vanderbilt Beach Road at U.S. 41 North

Red-light running is dangerous. In 2007 there were 132 red-light crashes in Collier County. Nationwide, more than 1,000 people are killed and more than 180,000 people are injured each year due to red-light running. These crashes cost motorists a collective $14 billion annually, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

CCSO offers these tips for red-light safety:

Don’t speed
Be alert to your surroundings
Be patient
Avoid distractions like talking on the cell phone or eating while driving
Don’t try to beat the red light

Wife Charged With Striking Husband With Vehicle

A 25-year-old woman was arrested after deputies say she ran over her husband with her truck in East Naples on Monday night.

CCSO received a call that a man may have fallen off a truck at Pelican Larry’s, 7785 Davis Blvd., East Naples, shortly before 8 p.m., according to sheriff's reports.

Witnesses found Luke Hommes, 24, 4654 22nd Place S.W., Golden Gate, inside the gate of The Enclave neighborhood, 1295 Wildwood Lakes Blvd., East Naples. He was on the ground and had black tire track marks on him, reports said.

Luke Hommes was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital before deputies arrived at The Enclave, reports said.

According to reports, Luke Hommes and his wife Lindsay Lee Homes, same address, were at a residence at The Enclave and had been arguing all day. At one point, Luke Hommes disabled his wife's truck and then walked a short distance to Pelican Larry’s.

Deputies say two witnesses helped fix Lindsay Hommes' truck, which she drove over to the restaurant to meet her husband. He left the restaurant and began walking on the roadway while his wife followed him in her truck.

Witnesses told deputies they saw Luke Hommes rolling from the truck as the vehicle sped away, reports said.

Deputies spoke with Lindsay Hommes and inspected her truck. They discovered the truck had spots where it appeared someone may have brushed against it and finger print voids on the left rear suspension under the truck.

Deputies arrested Lindsay Hommes and charged her with aggravated battery while using a deadly weapon, a felony.

Man Charged With Stealing Copper Wire

A Golden Gate man was arrested Monday after deputies say he stole more than $1,200 worth of copper wire from a North Naples business.

Genaire Inc., 6134 Taylor Road, contacted CCSO in May 2009 after seven rolls of new copper tubing valued at $1,244 were stolen.

Reports say that Michael E. Jackson, 43, 8288 Key Royal Lane #1425, stole the copper while working in the area of the business and resold it to L&F Scrap Metal, 6063 Lee Ann Lane, North Naples, for $546 in May.

Deputies located Jackson on Monday and charged him with grand theft, dealing in stolen property and false verification of ownership.

Deputy Recovering, 2 In Custody Following Burglary Call

A Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputy is recovering after being dragged for about two blocks while trying to stop a car connected with an East Naples burglary in progress call Monday afternoon.

Cpl. William Pschigoda is in stable condition at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.

Reports give this account of what happened:

Deputies responded to a report of a residential burglary in progress at Thomasson and Outer drives at 1:02 p.m. Witnesses said one suspect was fleeing on foot and a second suspect had gotten into a light green Cadillac. Witnesses also were able to provide deputies with a license plate number.

A deputy in an unmarked CCSO vehicle spotted the suspect’s vehicle at Outer Drive and Rose Avenue. The car pulled into a driveway of a duplex at 4020 Rose Ave. The deputy got out of his vehicle and confronted the driver of the Cadillac. The driver of the Cadillac then backed up, hit the deputy’s vehicle and drove around the duplex. Along the way he drove over a chain-link fence and a swing set. He turned onto Normandy Drive and then onto Mindi Avenue, where deputies had converged. He hit several CCSO patrol cars before coming to a stop on Mindi.

Pschigoda walked up to the vehicle and initiated contact with the suspect. The suspect took off, dragging Pschigoda for a couple of blocks.

Another deputy, Cpl. David Dean Ramos, fearing that the suspect posed an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to the deputy being dragged and others at the scene, discharged his weapon but did not hit the suspect. It appears that all policies and procedures were followed, but per agency policy the discharge of Ramos’ weapon will be investigated.

The suspect in the vehicle was apprehended after the Cadillac came to a stop at Rose Avenue and Outer Drive.

The other suspect, who was on foot, was apprehended at Pine Street and Becca Avenue.

The suspects are going through the booking process. Their names and charges will be released as soon as they are available.



Arnold, Ob


Blanco-Rodriguez, Oscar

Set Sail For Safety

Being out on the water can be fun but it can also be dangerous.

The Marine Unit wants boaters to have a great time on our waterways while staying safe.

CCSO reminds boaters to always put safety first and offers these tips:

* Take a boating safety course. Courses are offered through the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

* Wear a life jacket.

* Have all your safety gear onboard and serviceable.

* Don’t operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

* For extended or out-of-the ordinary excursions, file a float plan with a loved one or close friend. Click here for a CCSO-recommended float plan that you can print and fill out.

* Take a fully charged cell phone.

Did you know that boating accidents are most often caused by operator-controllable factors such as carelessness, inattention, and navigation-rule violations, poor choices during bad weather, inexperience, and alcohol consumption?

Here are some other important boating safety facts to keep in mind:

* Any boat operator who is 21 or younger and operates a vessel with 10-horsepower or more must do the following: take a state and NASBLA-approved boating safety course send proof of course completion to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and carry their FWCC-issued boating safety ID card and photo ID with them while operating the vessel.

* Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 90 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2007. Drowning is the reported cause of death in two-thirds of all boating fatalities.

* It is a violation of Florida law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. A vessel operator suspected of boating under the influence must submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine blood- or breath-alcohol content. In Florida, a vessel operator is presumed to be under the influence if his blood- or breath-alcohol level is at or above .08.

* A vessel owner or operator is responsible to carry, store, maintain and use the safety equipment required by the Coast Guard. All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. PFDs must be the appropriate size for each intended wearer, be in serviceable condition and be easily accessible. Children younger than 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is operating.

* Vessels with built-in fuel tanks or enclosed compartments where gasoline fumes can accumulate are required to carry at least one fire extinguisher (depending on vessel) which is approved for marine use.

* Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and
Sunrise during periods of reduced visibility such as rain, fog and haze. The Coast Guard’s navigation rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft on its Web site www.uscgboating.org.

Argument Over Money Leads To Felony Arrest

Deputies arrested a 35-year-old man on a felony charge after he stabbed another man in the back with a knife during an argument over money in Golden Gate on Monday morning, sheriff’s reports said.

Alain Castillo, 4220 Washington Ave., Golden Gate, was charged with aggravated battery.

Arrest reports say Elieser Castro Matos, 35, told deputies that he and Castillo were arguing over money around 4 a.m.

The argument turned physical and Castillo stabbed Castro Matos in the back with a knife, reports said. Castro Matos was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released, reports said.

Man Charged In Machete Attack

A 35-year-old man is facing a felony charge after deputies say he struck another man in the head with a machete during an argument over a woman in East Naples on Sunday.

Yulio Enrique Urbina, 108 Lakeside Drive, East Naples, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Arrest reports say Urbina and Christopher Liebner, 44, were talking inside Liebner’s trailer 114 Lakeside Drive in the Harmony Shores mobile home park around 9:30 p.m.

Liebner became made at Urbina because they were both seeing the same woman, reports said. Liebner told Urbina he didn’t want him seeing her anymore and to stay away from her.

Urbina left the trailer and returned a short time later, carrying a machete. Urbina struck Liebner on the top of the head with the machete, causing a large laceration, and then ran out of the trailer, reports said.

Deputies located Urbina hiding in a shower at his residence, reports said..

UPDATE: Deputies Search for Missing Teen

*UPDATE: Pena was located at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thommasson Drive, around 2:30 p.m.

***********************************************
CCSO is asking for the public’s help in locating a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing from her East Naples home Saturday morning.

Alma Lorena Pena, 5242 Texas Avenue, was last seen in her backyard around 8:30 a.m. She is described as 5 feet, 110 pounds, brown eyes and shoulder length black hair that is probably pulled back into a ponytail.

She was last seen wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt.

Pena does have a history of walking away from her home without telling anyone of her whereabouts.

Anyone with information should contact CCSO at 252-9300.

Check Cashing Tips For Businesses

Check fraud is one of the largest challenges facing businesses and financial institutions.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Prevention Section encourages local businesses to take great care in cashing checks for the public.

CCSO offers these tips:

* Inspect the check for indications that it might have been altered. The check amount in numbers should match the check amount written out in longhand. Be cautious if you identify any areas of the check that appear to have been smudged, erased or altered.

* Be cautious of checks for very large amounts that would be better suited for cashing at a bank, or large checks of even amounts of money ($1,000 or $2,500, for example).

* Carefully check photo identification of the person presenting the check with the name of the “payee’’ on the check and the endorsement signature to make sure all three items match.

* Always request a fingerprint of the person cashing a check and make sure that it is clear and has not been purposely smudged

Anyone with information about this, or any other crime, is urged to contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or, to remain anonymous, call the CCSO crime information tips line at 239-775-TIPS (8477).

Protecting Neighborhoods

Abandoned homes are at risk of becoming havens for squatters, vandals and thieves.

That’s why CCSO has launched the Community Safety Team program. The effort pools resources like banks, Code Enforcement, homeowner associations and neighbors to keep vacant homes from falling into disrepair.

Based on the “Broken Window” theory, the program’s goal is to prevent homes from deteriorating and becoming attractive to vandals, squatters and thieves.

Click here to report an abandoned home.

Iron Man

Special Response Bureau Corporal Specialist Rocky Warden is a lean, mean, fighting machine.

Warden placed 24th out of 200 competitors at the Crossfit Games Southeast Regional Qualifiers in Jacksonville in July.

Crossfit blends weightlifting, gymnastics, plyometrics, running, throwing and climbing into short, intense workouts.

Warden represented the Crossfit Redline gym, which is one of 55 in the state of Florida that participated in the regional qualifiers. He competed against other Crossfit athletes from Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

The top seven male and female competitors will compete in the Third Annual Crossfit Games in Aromas, Calif. alongside other regional winners from around the world.

In the two-day regional competition in Jacksonville, the first day’s events were not announced until 24 hours before it began. The purpose of waiting to list the itinerary is to inspire Crossfit athletes become well rounded in strength, stamina, power, balance and endurance.

Day two of the qualifiers was like a grueling obstacle course of rowing 1000 meters, doing 25 overhead squats with 135 pounds and completing 50 swings of a kettle bell weighing more than 50 pounds. Each challenge was separated by 200 meters on a track. The ranking was determined by completion time.

Warden’s training began when he started a version of “The Zone” diet for athletes. Three months ago, he began doing two Crossfit workouts a day.

“The workouts I used to train were very tough and closely resembled the events at the competition,” Warden said.

Warden is no stranger to competition. He has competed in the SWAT Roundup for the past three years and the regional SWAT competition the past two.

Warden said, “The competition was very humbling. I felt good when I learned I ranked 24th. I wanted top seven, however this was my first year and I was able to hold my own against some steep competition.”

Warden plans to compete in next year’s regional qualifiers as well.

Immokalee Cpl. Anthony DiSarro owns the Crossfit Redline gym where Warden trained. He said he plans to put together a group to compete in the team qualifiers in the near future.

Deputies: Man Had Counterfeit ID

A 26-year-old man is facing felony charges after deputies say he used counterfeit identification to try to obtain a Florida ID card.

Mario Raymundo-Agustin, 27174 Elaine Drive, Bonita Springs, was arrested Thursday and charged with two counts of possessing a counterfeit ID card and one count of giving false information on a driver’s license/identification application.

Arrest reports say Raymundo-Agustin entered the Collier County Tax Collector’s driver’s license office at 2348 Immokalee Road, North Naples, on Thursday afternoon.


Raymundo-Agustin, who deputies say is a Guatemalan national, presented a driver’s license office examiner with a Social Security card and a U.S. Department of Homeland Security employment authorization card.

The employee, suspecting the documents may be fraudulent, notified a CCSO deputy who was on duty at the driver’s license office.

Further analysis by the deputy found both documents to be counterfeit, reports said.

Raymundo-Agustin gave the deputy permission to search him. The search turned up another counterfeit employment authorization card, reports said.

Woman Charged With Breaking Into Neighbor's Home

A North Naples woman was arrested after deputies say she broke into a neighbor’s condo and stole $500 worth of items early Friday.

CCSO responded to 3254 Tamara Lane around 6:18 a.m. after neighbors heard noises coming from unit #5 and knew that no one was living there at the time.

Deputies looked inside the condo through the front window and saw Sherrie Elaine Shaw, 35, 3254 Tamara Lane, Unit #4, standing on a step ladder in the dining room doing something to the light fixture. After deputies knocked on the door and announced their presence, Shaw ran out the back sliding glass door and tried to run into her home.

According to reports, a woman who was staying overnight in Shaw’s home told investigators that she was woken up by Shaw, who was throwing a vacuum and other items into her condo via her sliding glass door.

Deputies believe the vacuum, a towel holder and other small items inside Shaw’s home were stolen from next door.

Shaw was charged with burglary and grand theft, both felonies.

Attorney Charged With Grand Theft

A Marco Island attorney is facing a felony charge after deputies say he stole $80,000 from a North Carolina couple as part of a phony loan he arranged.

Gary John Hausler, 58, 2496 Kings Lake Blvd., East Naples, was arrested Thursday on a warrant charging him with grand theft $20,000-$100,000.

Detectives with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Economic Crimes Unit said Hausler contacted Alan and Saundra Kaplan of Swannanoa, N.C., on Dec. 18, 2008, about funding a loan for his next-door neighbor Barbara Rattigan.

Hausler told the couple that Rattigan needed a loan because the sale of her Kings Lake Boulevard house fell through and she needed money while she was in an assisted living facility, detectives said.

The loan would be for $80,000 at 10 percent interest and would be paid off in a year. The loan was to be secured with a promissory note and mortgage on Rattigan’s property.

What Hausler didn’t tell the couple was that Rattigan was dead. She passed away Dec. 15, 2008, according to sheriff’s reports.

The couple agreed to fund the loan. They overnighted a check for $80,000 to Hausler on Dec. 18, 2008. Hausler deposited the check into his trust account the following day, sheriff’s reports said.

The Kaplans told deputies that they have loaned people money in the past through Hausler, who has a law office at 950 N. Collier Blvd. on Marco. They also loaned Hausler money to purchase real estate. All of the loans were secured with mortgages.

But the couple never received a promissory note or mortgage on the Rattigan loan.

The couple told deputies they confronted Hausler in a telephone call on Jan. 25, during which he admitted that Rattigan was dead and that he used their money to pay off personal debts.

The couple filed a complaint against Hausler with the Florida Bar.

In a letter responding to the bar complaint, Hausler said he used the Kaplans’ money to pay off an $80,000 debt to Antone C. Mendes, according to sheriff’s reports.

An analysis of Hausler’s trust account by deputies showed Hausler wrote a check to Mendes on Dec. 1, 2008, in the amount of $62,841 and not $80,000 as he indicated in his letter to the Florida Bar, reports said.

Two checks written after the $80,000 was deposited were made payable to Hausler. One of the checks, dated Dec. 31, 2008, was for $2,000 and indicated it was to pay bills, the other was for $10,000 and indicated it was for legal fees, reports said.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, July 27:

Collier Boulevard and Club Estates Drive - Speeding
Hunter Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Bayshore and Thomasson drives - Speeding

Tuesday, July 28:

Immokalee Road and Rose Boulevard - Speeding
Airport-Pulling Road and Ponce De Leon Drive – Aggressive driving
Oil Well Road - Speeding

Wednesday, July 29:

U.S. 41 North and Imperial Golf Course Boulevard - Speeding
Immokalee and Livingston roads – Red-light running
Orange Blossom Drive and Goodlette-Frank Road – Red-light running

Thursday, July 30:

Airport-Pulling Road and Rustic Oaks Boulevard - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East – Red-light running
U.S. 41 North and 99th Avenue North – Aggressive driving

Friday, July 31:

Golden Gate Parkway and 41st Street S.W. - Speeding
Green and Santa Barbara boulevards – Red-light running
Floridian Avenue – Aggressive driving

Traffic Stop Uncovers Pot Plants

A traffic stop in Golden Gate Estates on Wednesday turned up dozens of marijuana plants inside of a motorist’s rental truck.

Lenrry Cordero Becerra, 35, of Miami was arrested and charged with marijuana trafficking and possession of narcotic equipment.

Arrest reports say Becerra was driving a moving truck near the intersection of Randall and Everglades boulevards when deputies pulled him over for failing to maintain a single lane.

As a deputy was writing Becerra a warning, another deputy noticed a black garbage bag protruding from under the truck’s roll-up door. The deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the door, reports said.

Becerra gave deputies permission to search the truck, which he had rented Tuesday in Miami, reports said. When deputies opened the door, the truck was full of large marijuana plants. The plants were in large pots and tied up with bamboo stakes, reports said.

The black garbage bag contained additional marijuana buds, stems and leaves, reports said. A white plastic bag in the rear of the truck contained several pairs of clippers utilized to harvest marijuana plants.

Deputies uncovered a total of 36 marijuana plants. The plants weighed a total of 61 pounds and had an estimated street value of $108,000, reports said.

The view inside Becerra's rented moving truck when deputies opened the door during a traffic stop in Golden Gate Estates on Wednesday. Deputies found 36 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $108,000 inside the truck. CCSO photo.

Deputies: Employee Gave Merchandise to Friends

A Golden Gate man was arrested Wednesday after deputies say he took $2,000 worth of merchandise from the auto parts store where he worked and gave the items to friends.

A loss prevention manager for Auto Zone, 5195 Golden Gate Parkway, contacted CCSO after he discovered $58,000 worth of merchandise missing from the store after conducting an inventory, according to arrest reports.

He spoke with one of the employees, Rodolfo Trujillo, 21, 4825 Whistlers Green Circle, Unit #5, who according to reports, took $2,000 worth of oil, oil filters, plugs, wire sets, shocks, pads, batteries, air fresheners, wash and wax, distributor caps, floor mats and coils and gave them away to his friends.

Trujillo was charged with grand theft.

Man Charged With Real Estate Fraud

A Marco Island man who detectives say posed as a billionaire and a real estate tycoon has been arrested on charges he defrauded three people in separate real estate deals in Collier County.

Douglas Lee Carter, 63, 1100 Dana Court, was arrested Tuesday on a felony warrant charging him with scheming to defraud over $50,000.

Carter was already being held in the jail on $30,000 bond stemming from his July 16 arrest on unrelated worthless check charges when deputies served him with the warrant Tuesday.

A judge set Carter’s bond at $150,000 on the new charges during a court hearing Wednesday, bringing his total bonds to $180,000.

Detectives say the latest charges against Carter stem from a scheme spanning from Dec. 5, 2005, to May 15, 2008.

They say Carter purchased six homes in Collier from the three victims. Using the real estate market as leverage, detectives say Carter asked the victims to provide him with cash at closing to finance other deals. In exchange for their money, he issued them second and third mortgages.

Carter told them he needed the money to purchase other properties and they would be earning interest on their money. Carter took the proceeds, but never paid the victims.

The only attempts to pay the victims were with worthless checks. Detectives said he issued $680,000 in worthless checks to the victims.

Further investigation by detectives revealed that Carter did not have the funds to cover the checks.

Hot, Hot, Hot!

Kids and deputies hung out at Max Hasse Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Boulevard W., Golden Gate Estates, on Tuesday, July 14 and Friday, July 17 during the Hot Summer Nights event. The program, which is free, was started so the kids in Collier County could enjoy their summer nights while in a safe environment. The kids played games, enjoyed popcorn and snow cones and got to ride on a slip ' slide.

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club Goes to King Richards!

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club went to King Richard's Fun Park on Wednesday, July 22. Next week, D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club will be going to Beacon Bowl!

Deputies: EN Woman Practicing Dentistry Illegally

An East Naples woman was arrested late Tuesday after an investigation revealed that she had been practicing dentistry without a license in her converted garage.

Rosa Maria Toledo, 56, 1065 Moon Lake Drive, was charged with practicing dental hygiene without an active license and non-licensed person leasing or operating dental equipment.

Reports give this account:

Investigators received a tip on July 21 that Toledo was practicing dentistry illegally. They obtained a search warrant, which was executed Tuesday evening.

Inside Toledo’s home they found that the garage had been converted into a dental office. In the room was a black reclining chair, a water-powered drill set, and a cabinet containing dental castings, molds, dental crown glues, crowns, partial dentures and bridges. Another cabinet contained novacaine and other substances. Several dental tools were hanging on the wall. Also in the office was a ledger containing information for hundreds of patients.

Deputies received information indicating that Toledo had been a practicing dentist in Mexico before moving to the United States.

Thank You, CCSO

The CCSO often receives thank-you letters for the hard work and time deputies invest in making our community a safer and more enjoyable place to live. We would like to share this one.

Sheriff Rambosk,

Your department made an all out very professional and successful effort to find a resident of Misty Pine’s Circle. As a member of my board, I am writing for our community to complement you and your department for their performance! We feel even more secure are seeing what a well trained committed and capable force can accomplish.

Sincerely,

Bill Timmins

Traffic Stop Leads to Car Chase Arrest

A Cape Coral man was arrested after deputies say he refused to pull over during a traffic stop late Monday night, leading deputies on a pursuit.

Deputies were patrolling Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads at 11:19 p.m. when they spotted a driver speeding in a white Nissan 350Z eastbound on Pine Ridge Road. Eric Joseph Rodgers, 21, was clocked at 102 mph and was also seen weaving around traffic, sheriff's reports said.

Deputies attempted to pull Rodgers over at Pine Ridge and Kraft roads, but he refused to stop. Reports say he attempted to enter northbound traffic of Interstate 75 at Pine Ridge Road, but quickly veered right and continued traveling eastbound in the westbound lane.

Rodgers tried to lose the deputies by turning off his headlights and finally re-entered the eastbound lanes of Pine Ridge Road when he reached Logan Boulevard. Deputies report he was now driving at 120 mph.

Rodgers then headed southbound on Collier Boulevard until he reached Golden Gate Parkway and turned onto Coronado Parkway. One of the deputies quickly located him trying to back up in a driveway on one of the side streets and pulled him over.

Deputies charged Rodgers with fleeing/eluding, a felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

Domestic Violence Program Expands To Collier County

A program that seeks to reduce the number of domestic-violence-related homicides in Florida now includes Collier County.

The Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team, or INVEST, allows the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children and other agencies to work together to identify cases of domestic violence that could escalate into something more serious.

The program has a two-fold focus: to send abusers a message that CCSO is watching them, and to provide victims with intense service management and advocacy.

Collier is one of six counties recently added to the INVEST program by the Florida Attorney General’s Office. A total of 11 counties participate.

The counties were chosen because they had among the highest instances of domestic-related homicides in recent years.

In 2007, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received reports of 214 cases of domestic-violence-related murder or manslaughter, up 17 percent from the 183 cases reported the previous year, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

So far this year, Collier has had three reported cases of domestic-violence-related homicides. That compares to one case in 2008, five in 2007 and two in 2006, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Currently, law enforcement agencies are required under state law to notify the nearest domestic violence shelter of domestic violence arrests. With the new program in Collier, CCSO detectives will team up with the INVEST advocate from the shelter. Each morning the teams will cull through the previous day’s domestic violence reports to identify victims potentially at risk for homicide.

Team members will contact the victim and explain the program, as well as refer the victim and any children to safe shelters or other services.

Detectives will also make personal contact with the abusers and monitor them to ensure accountability.

“We’re making contact with them and letting them know there is a complaint against them and we’ll be monitoring them more closely,’’ said Lt. Mike Fox of CCSO’s Major Crimes Bureau.

The INVEST team advocates and law enforcement officials are trained in domestic violence issues, offer confidentiality, and are available 24 hours a day.

The program will provide CCSO and the shelter with another tool to battle domestic violence.

“We have always tried to get in front of domestic violence in this county,” Fox said. “This program is another way we’re trying to identify potential victims.’’

Said Lisa Reddick, director of programs for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children: “Individuals attempting to leave abusive relationships face myriad challenges both emotional and economic. The INVEST program is a collaborative effort that will provide intensified service management to individuals confronting especially difficult circumstances and assist them as they and move through these challenges.”

Fox and Reddick said the program will foster continued partnerships between CCSO and the shelter.

“Working with the Sheriff’s Office and identifying other key community partners provides an organized effort on the part of Collier County to address domestic violence through intensified services, increased communication, cooperation and coordination among participating sectors,’’ Reddick said. “The vision of The Shelter is a community without domestic violence so that ever home is a safe haven for the family it shelters. Our promise to you and the community is to protect, to prevent, and to prevail.”

Chief Jim Williams, who is head of investigations for the Collier County Sheriff's Office, discusses Collier's participation in the INVEST program at a news conference in Tampa on July 16. The Florida Attorney General's Office has expanded the program, which seeks to reduce the number of fatal domestic violence cases in Florida, into six counties, including Collier.

Warrant Arrest Turns Up Loaded Gun

An East Naples teenager was arrested on a felony charge after deputies say they found a loaded handgun on him while executing an out-of-county warrant Monday evening.

Deputies responded to 6255 Vista Garden Way, Apt. D, to assist the state probation officers in serving a warrant issued by Highlands County to Jordan Shaquiel Dillard, 17, of the same address.

Reports say that deputies located a loaded .38 caliber revolver around Dillard's waistband. A further search of Dillard’s room uncovered a BB pistol, an empty speed loader for a revolver and another speed loader for a revolver loaded with six .38 special rounds of ammunition.

Dillard is currently on state probation, is a convicted felon and has been adjudicated as an adult, according to reports.

Dillard was charged with possession of a firearm/ammo by a Florida convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm and as a fugitive from Highlands County due to violation of probation.

Plz Don't TWD

CCSO advises drivers to pull over and stop if they need to use a cell phone, whether it's for talking or texting.

If you must talk on your cell phone while driving, use a hands-free device.

Text-messaging while driving should always be avoided.

Watch the CCSO video:

Deputies Searching For Missing Homeless Man

Deputies are searching for a 55-year-old homeless man who they believe may be endangered.

Maurice Imm contacted authorities around 7 p.m. Sunday, saying he was having a seizure, according to deputies. He also said he had recently been released from the hospital.

He told deputies they could find him at an address in the 900 block of St. Andrews Boulevard in East Naples. But when deputies arrived at that address, Imm was not there. The residents at the address told deputies they did not know Imm, deputies said.

After further investigation deputies learned that Imm is homeless.

Deputies described Imm as white, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 160 pounds with gray hair.

Anyone with information on Imm’s whereabouts is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300.

Deputies Fight Crime with Pedal Power

Many people may think that deputies only patrol Collier County in squad cars, but bicycles are one mode of transportation that can really officers keep communities safe and help them develop one-on-one relationships with local residents.

Mike Moore, president of the Saturnia Lakes homeowners association in Golden Gate, recently wrote a letter to CCSO Golden Gate Commander Lt. Rich Hampton expressing his appreciation for the efforts of Cpl. Bruce Cordivari, who routinely patrols the area by bike.

“His tenacity and professionalism has leveraged, or greatly magnified, the impact of bike patrols,” Moore wrote. “Communications have been significantly enhanced, and we have been following up on Cpl. Cordivari’s information with administrative/disciplinary action imposed by our community.”

With the efforts of our residents combined with the efforts of the CCSO, it has truly been a case where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Thanks to Cpl. Cordivari and the District 2 personnel for all that they have been doing for our neighborhood. It has made a huge change for the better,” Moore concluded.

Cordivari is one of many CCSO deputies countywide who help keep communities safe by participating in the bike patrol program. Cpl. Robert Capizzi also patrols the Golden Gate area on his bicycle.

Corporals Carmine Marceno, Dave Krantz, Patricia Williams and Ronny Turi use the program to combat crime trends such as daytime burglaries in parking lots and to facilitate more face-to-face communication in North Naples.

“This close contact assists us in the enhanced gathering of information,” said Sgt. Jake Walker, in charge of the North Naples C.O.P deputies.

Corporals Sandra Mendez, Mike Nelson, Rob Reu, Angela Ison and Bill Pschigoda patrol East Naples in a similar capacity. Nelson and Reu responded to complaints of kids racing around on motor scooters throughout the River Reach homes/apartments Wednesday afternoon.

Their goal was to locate the drivers of the scooters and educate them on safety.

Corporals Mike Taylor, Wendell Davis and Ana Russell patrol the area of Immokalee. They each make sure to patrol the neighborhoods at least once a week on their bikes as well as on ATVs and the substation’s Segway. When the school year is in session, they patrol around the schools and areas where children gather.

“The kids and the schools like to see us around,” Taylor said.

Deputies interested in doing bike patrol have to do more than just jump up on a Huffy and ride. All deputies who have bike patrol duties are required to take and pass a rigorous 32-hour police cycling course taught by the International Police Mountain Bike Association.

Above & Below: Cpl. Mike Nelson and Cpl. Rob Reu patrol the River Reach area in East Naples after receiving complaints of kids racing around on motor scooters.

See It? Say It! Make The Call

Remember – we need your help to keep Collier County safe.

Call us if you see anything out of the ordinary. The information you provide can help solve a crime, or, better yet, prevent one.

Click here to watch a public service announcement about the importance of reporting unusual activity.

Click here to read more about CCSO’s “See It? Say It! Make The Call” campaign.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, July 20:

Collier Boulevard at I-75 southbound exit – Red-light running
U.S. 41 East and Triangle Boulevard – Red-light running
Sunshine Boulevard - Speeding

Tuesday, July 21:

U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Red-light running
Taylor and Pine Ridge roads – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and Indigo Lakes Drive - Speeding

Wednesday, July 22:

Roberts Avenue and New Market Road – Aggressive driving
Immokalee Road and Strand Boulevard - Speeding
Lely Cultural Parkway – Speeding

Thursday, July 23:

Livingston Road and Carlton Lakes Boulevard - Speeding
U.S. 41 East and Andrew Drive – Aggressive driving
Vanderbilt Drive - Speeding

Friday, July 24:

Naples Boulevard and Hollywood Drive – Red-light running
Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East – Red-light running
Golden Gate Parkway and 68th Street S.W. - Speeding

Brother Charged With Selling, Giving Away Sister’s Property

A Collier County man has taken fighting with his sister to a new level, deputies say.

Deputies say Sandor Pal Martonosy, 32, stole his sister’s property and then sold it or gave it away to neighbors while she was moving out of their North Naples residence.

Janelle King told deputies that she was in the process of moving out of the residence she shared with Martonosy at 4730 E. Alhambra Circle on Tuesday when she received a text message from her brother telling her that he had put her belongings outside and that she better hurry up and get them, arrest reports said.

She returned a short time later and picked up the items that were outside and took them to her new apartment in East Naples. When she returned Wednesday to pick up more of her belongings she discovered many items missing, reports said.

Further investigation by deputies revealed that a neighbor purchased several items belonging to King from Martonosy for $30.

Another neighbor told deputies that Martonosy told him the items were free to take, but he didn’t take anything, reports said.

Deputies said other people picked through King’s belongings as they sat near the roadway, reports said.

Deputies arrested Martonosy and charged him with grand theft, a felony.

Deputies: Woman Threatened to Set House on Fire

An East Naples woman was arrested after deputies say she hit her boyfriend and his grandmother after threatening to burn their house down late Wednesday night.

Brian P. Cook, 29, and Effie R. Meaready, 69, 6917 Johns Road contacted CCSO after Cook’s live-in girlfriend Kerrie L. Zimmerman, 24, threatened to burn the house down while holding a bottle of lighter fluid and a lighter.

Reports say that Meaready tried to call 911 but Zimmerman took the phone away from and hit her in the right arm. Zimmerman then hit Cook in the head with the phone when he tried to protect his grandmother.

She was charged with aggravated battery on a person over 65 years old, obstructing justice and battery.

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club Goes to Naples Zoo!

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club went to the Naples Zoo Wednesday, July 15. Next week, D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club will be going to King Richards Fun Park.

Don't Be Fooled By Distraction Burglars

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents -- especially senior citizens -- to be aware that distraction burglars are again at work.

These criminals generally target senior citizens by deceiving and distracting the victim. They typically pose as tree trimmers, appliance repair workers or contractors pointing to a problem with a roof.

Deputies are investigating a burglary in May in which two men posing as pest control workers tricked their way into a couple’s condo in the Bentley Village retirement community in North Naples.

Once inside, the thieves distracted the couple by “accidentally” spraying the woman with an unknown solution from a spray bottle and then instructing her to take off her rings and wash her hands. While she was in the kitchen washing her hands, her husband was in the bathroom, as instructed by the suspects, checking the water pressure in the shower.

The suspects made off with the woman’s rings, along with other jewelry and a safe.

CCSO urges all residents to take certain precautions if there is a stranger at the door.

CCSO’s Crime Prevention Bureau offers these safety tips:

* Be suspicious of workers who arrive unannounced.

* Never allow a stranger to come into your house.

* Don’t be rushed into emergency repairs. Discuss the problem with a relative, trusted friend or a reputable business by getting a second estimate and confirming the problem.

* Do not provide deposits for work before work is started.

* Do not pay the service until all work is complete and correct.

* Ask for identification and call the company. When calling, have the employee wait outside of your residence and use a number from the phone book and not a number given to you by the worker.

* Always notify CCSO if persons are going from door to door trying to sell you a service or a product , even if they appear to be legitimate. Let deputies confirm their occupational license or the validity of their company. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911 immediately with a description of the individual. Don’t put off calling. Deputies need to know what is happening on your street right away.

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).

Fingerprints Help Lead To Grow House Arrest

Fingerprints found on light bulbs that deputies say were being used to grow marijuana inside a Golden Gate Estates residence helped lead to the arrest of a 42-year-old man on multiple drug charges Tuesday.

Jesus M. Valdes, 1180 20th Ave. N.E., Golden Gate Estates, was charged with cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

Valdes is the fifth person arrested in Collier County connection with a statewide grow house sweep called Operation Eagle Claw in June.

Sheriff’s reports gave this account of the events leading up to Valdes’ arrest:

On June 10 deputies with the sheriff’s Vice and Narcotics Bureau executed a search warrant at 940 Wilson Blvd. N. Deputies say nobody was living at the house, which was being used for the sole purpose of growing marijuana.

A search of the residence revealed that one of the rooms inside the house had been converted into a grow room that contained 63 marijuana plants. The marijuana had an estimated street value of $189,000.Deputies also found indoor marijuana grow equipment such as high-intensity light bulbs, transformers, extra cooling units, a sophisticated irrigation system that provided fertilizer and water to the marijuana plants, plants and carbon dioxide tanks. The grow equipment was valued at around $20,000.

In the kitchen, deputies found two receipts from an auto parts store dated June 9, 2009, with Valdes’ name on them. They also found a telephone statement in the name of Jesus Valdes of 940 Wilson Blvd..

Deputies also discovered a citation for Valdes dated June 5, 2009, inside of a vehicle parked outside the residence when the search warrant was executed.

Further investigation by deputies found that Valdes had rented the residence on Dec. 27, 2008 from the homeowner.

Fingerprints collected from some of the light bulbs used to grow marijuana and sent to CCSO’s Latent Print Identification Section came back Monday as matching Valdes’ prints.

Deputies located Valdes at the intersection of Golden Gate and Wilson boulevards Tuesday morning and arrested him, reports said.


Some of the 63 marijuana plants uncovered by CCSO deputies at 940 Wilson Blvd. N. in Golden Gate Estates as part of Operation Eagle Claw in June. Photo by Efrain Hernandez/CCSO

Only Three Weeks Left of 'Summer Nights'

CCSO invites students ages 10-17 to attend Hot Summer Nights, where they can hang out with their friends while enjoying music, dancing, games, sports, roller skating, swimming and movies twice a week in different parks throughout Collier County for free.

The festivities take place every Tuesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

The remaining scheduled dates and locations are:

-July 14 and July 17: Max Hasse Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd. W.
-July 21 and July 24: Golden Gate Community Park, 220 Santa Barbara Blvd.
-July 28 and July 31: Veterans Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive

Hot Summer Nights is sponsored by CCSO, Collier County Parks and Recreation, Guardian Realty, Inc., Wal-Mart, Blue Sky Exploration and Development, Play-N-Trade, Laser Battle and Diego Signs. It is one several CCSO summer activities for area students to help them have fun in a safe environment.

For more information, call CCSO’s Youth Relations Bureau at 239-793-9260.