Child Abuse Arrest In Golden Gate

A 46-year-old Collier County man is facing felony abuse charges after detectives say he used plastic zip ties to restrain a child in his care and threatened her with a stun gun as a punishment.

Jon Douglas Parrish of Golden Gate was arrested Wednesday on a warrant charging him with aggravated child abuse-malicious punishment and false imprisonment.

Detectives say Parrish used the plastic ties to bind the child’s wrists and ankles as a means of punishment. The child told detectives that Parrish left her bound and alone in a room for three hours on May 22.

Detectives said Parrish also threatened the girl by activating a taser-style device in front of her that day.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is not identifying the victim because of the nature of the charges. The identity of a victim of child abuse is exempt from disclosure under section 119 of Florida’s public records law. CCSO is not releasing Parrish’s address because it may identify the victim.

Teen Charged In Shooting Death Of Mother

UPDATE: Jonathan Rowles, 13, was arrested Friday and charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of his mother at their East Naples residence in August.

Rowles turned himself in at the Collier County jail after 5 p.m. State prosecutors approved a warrant charging the teen with manslaughter Friday. The warrant was served when Rowles arrived at the jail.

A Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigation determined Rowles was responsible for the shooting death of his mother Kelly Rowles, 39, inside their residence at 9288 Grassi Way, Apt. 103, on Aug. 22.

Kelly Rowles died from a gunshot to the head, detectives said.

Based on witness interviews, the investigation determined Rowles was in possession of the firearm at the time the bullet struck his mother.

Rowles was being booked into the jail Friday evening.

His arrest report and photo will be released when they become available.

Original news release, posted 8/23/2010
Shooting Death Investigation In East Naples

A 39-year-old woman was found dead inside her East Naples residence Sunday in what appears at this time to be an accidental shooting.

Kelly A. Rowles, 9288 Grassi Way, Apt. 103, was discovered inside her residence around 9:15 a.m. She died from a gunshot wound to the head, investigators said.

The shooting appears to have been an accident, but an investigation is ongoing.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

CCSO Budget Adopted For FY 2011

UPDATE: The Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s 2011 adopted budget is $136 million.

Collier County commissioners adopted Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk’s proposed spending plan during a final budget hearing Thursday.

The $136,054,900 adopted budget represents a 5 percent budget reduction from the 2010 $143 million budget.

“We are holding the line on crime and providing more service with less resources and while reducing operating costs,” Sheriff Rambosk said Friday.

Collier County continues to have a low crime rate. The community’s crime rate dropped 3.4 percent during the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

Sheriff Rambosk said he is committed to maintaining a safe community where people want to live, visit and start a business.

“We are cognizant of the financial condition of Collier County – of the dropping property values and the unemployment situation,” the sheriff said. “And we have found ways to cut our budget and yet still maintain the great quality of life and services that makes Collier County so desirable.”

Original news release, posted 6/24/2010:
CCSO More Lean, Efficient Than Ever Under 2011 Budget

Coming in $7.2 million lower than the current budget, Collier County Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk's proposed budget for 2011 maximizes efficiency without compromising public safety.

The $136,054,900 proposal represents a 5 percent budget reduction from the current $143 million budget.

Since the Collier County Sheriff’s Office budget culminated in 2008 at $152,672,000, it has been reduced by 11 percent.

Sheriff Rambosk said he remains committed to making the best possible use of every tax dollar.

“All of us have felt the effects of the economic downturn,” said Sheriff Rambosk. “Ultimately, any dollar savings we can realize is a direct savings to our residents.”

Sheriff Rambosk said several factors made the 2011 budget reduction possible:

• An early separation package and a decision not to back-fill those positions
• Consolidating and combining functions
• Continued reductions in the size of the CCSO fleet
• A smaller jail population due in part to CCSO’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that identifies and removes criminal illegal aliens from the community
• The removal of all capital expenses
• The use of creative scheduling to minimize overtime
• The ongoing hard work and commitment of the CCSO staff

Sheriff Rambosk added that CCSO currently has 155 vacant and unfunded positions due to attrition and voluntary separation packages offered in both 2009 and 2010.

He cautioned that while current staffing levels do not negatively affect public safety, unforeseeable circumstances may make it necessary to fill some positions that are currently vacant. For example, should the jail population rise significantly it would become necessary to add more Corrections staff.

“Our deputies recognize the devastating impact this economy has had on our residents. They are working hard not only to keep everyone safe, but also to maintain an effective organization,” Sheriff Rambosk said.

Discard Unused Rx Drugs At CCSO Saturday

WHAT: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25

TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Rx drug drop-off box, main lobby, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Bldg. J., 3301 U.S. 41 E., East Naples

SUMMARY: People can turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday

CCSO and Drug Free Collier will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s first National Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign that day.

The campaign is aimed at curbing increased pill abuse and theft. The service is free and anonymous.

The initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Drugs surrendered Saturday will be properly destroyed. Flushing drugs down toilets or throwing them away can create health and safety problems.

Deputies Searching For Missing Man

Deputies are asking of the public’s help in locating a 40-year-old man who has been missing since Thursday morning.

Detectives said Michael Peters was last seen dropping off a friend at work at the Vanderbilt Galleria in North Naples around 9:30 a.m. Peters was supposed to pick up the friend around 4 p.m., but never showed up.

Detectives said friends believe Peters may harm himself.

Peters, who lives in East Naples, was last seen driving a 2005 black Toyota Camry four-door passenger car with Florida license plate number I353CX.

Detectives said Peters is described as white, 5 feet 8 inches, 160 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300.

Derby Days

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office garnished a child stroller with agency gear and joined other organizations in Collier County in the inaugural Stroller Derby on Sept. 18. Cpl. Angela Ison and Cpl. Sylee Gibson pushed Crime Prevention Specialist Connie Ledbetter through the competition. CCSO received the “Most Innovative Buggy” award for competing in an actual child stroller instead of using one designed for adults. The derby, part of the Collier Child Care Resources Inc.’s Fun Family Event, took place at the Edison State College Collier Campus, 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, East Naples.

Photo by Kathryn Schlottman/CCSO

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, Sept. 27:


U.S. 41 North and Pelican Bay Boulevard - Speeding

Pine Ridge Road and Whippoorwill Lane – Red-light running

Goodlette-Frank Road and Panther Lane – Red-light running

Tuesday, Sept. 28:

Livingston Road at Positano Circle - Speeding

Vineyards Boulevard at Vineyards Elementary – Aggressive driving

Green Boulevard and Logan Court - Speeding

Wednesday, Sept. 29:

Livingston Road and Veterans Memorial Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Collier Boulevard and Grand Lely Drive - Speeding

Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Red-light running

Thursday, Sept. 30:

Immokalee Road and Wilson Boulevard - Speeding

111th Avenue North at Naples Park Elementary – Aggressive driving

Naples Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road – Red-light running

Friday, Oct. 1:

Airport-Pulling Road and Coach House Lane – Aggressive driving

Pine Ridge Road at Pine Ridge Middle School – Aggressive driving

Vanderbilt Beach Road and Logan Boulevard – Red-light running

Operation Medicine Cabinet To Be Discussed At Golden Gate Meeting

Drug take-back programs and how small business owners can promote their services through the Internet will be the topics of the next meeting of the Golden Gate Business Alliance.


Golden Gate business owners and managers are encouraged to attend the meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Golden Gate Community Center auditorium, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway.

Volunteer Veora Little from Drug Free Collier and Russell Tuff from Tuff News will be the featured speakers.

CCSO recognizes local business owners and managers are a vital tool to the success of the community. The recently formed GGBA is an information-sharing model where CCSO’s goal is to address topics that concern Golden Gate business owners in a relaxed forum.

CCSO wants to provide an opportunity for businesses in Golden Gate to work together to increase revenues and learn how to identify and report criminal activity.

For more information contact the CCSO Golden Gate substation at 239-455-3121.

CCSO Lauded As Leader In Excellence

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has earned the prestigious Excellence in Industry Innovation Award from the Economic Development Council of Collier County.

The award was presented to Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk at the EDC’s Excellence in Industry luncheon at the Naples Hilton on Tuesday.

The award recognizes innovative leadership in a product or process. CCSO was honored for its groundbreaking approach to strategic planning. While law enforcement strategic plans are traditionally created in-house, Sheriff Rambosk invited the community to provide input and help shape CCSO’s Community Safety Plan. More than 350 residents attended a series of public meetings around the county in the spring and helped shape the plan.

Together, agency members and the community set five areas of focus: youth programming, communication, traffic safety, community outreach, and crime prevention.

Sheriff Rambosk said the award shines a spotlight on the importance of community partnerships.

“When law enforcement works hand-in-hand with its citizens the result is a safer community,” Sheriff Rambosk said.

CCSO competed in the large business category for organizations with 76 or more members. Previous winners of the award include Kraft Construction, WilsonMiller and the Naples Daily News.

‘Take A New Leash On Life,’ Collier County!

WHAT: “Take A New Leash On Life” dog walk

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 2

TIME: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

LOCATION: North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, North Naples

SUMMARY: The Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the American Heart Association want Collier County residents and their furry friends to help stay heart healthy by getting up and getting active!

CCSO will sponsor its first dog walk fundraiser. All collected donations will go to the American Heart Association to benefit the 2010 Collier Heart Walk.

There is a suggested minimum donation of $10 to participate. The first 100 people to make the minimum donation will receive a special thank-you gift.

The walk will begin at the boardwalk behind the Administration/Fitness Center. The path is approximately 1-mile in length and there will be several water and doggy deposit stations located throughout. Participants are free to drop by anytime to either stroll or jog with their pet.

Residents and their dogs will also have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the event’s ‘Dog of Honor’ McGruff the Crime Dog and representatives from the CCSO K-9 Unit and Bomb Squad.

Animal rescue organizations including Collier County Domestic Animal Services will also be on hand with adoptable pups and to discuss proper pet care.

Regan Goldberg, AHA vice president of Southwest Florida Field Operations, said people who don’t get enough physical activity are much more likely to develop health problems. Nearly 2,400 Americans die each day due to heart and blood vessel disease and an additional 79 million adult Americans live with them.

Goldberg emphasized that moderate-intensity physical activity such as taking your dog for a brisk walk or jog can lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and stroke.

The CCSO wholeheartedly supports the AHA because, due to the organization’s generosity, if you or a loved one goes into cardiac arrest in Collier County, help is as close as the nearest deputy.

All CCSO patrol cars are equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a portable electronic device that treats sudden cardiac arrest by using electrical therapy to re-establish a heart rhythm. These life-saving pieces of equipment were purchased with donations to the AHA.

Lives are being saved as a result of this partnership.

The CCSO gives special thanks to Collier County Parks and Recreation for arranging the walk to take place at North Collier Regional Park.

Click here to view and print the event flier.

To register in advance, or for more information about the “Take A New Leash On Life” dog walk, contact event coordinator and CCSO Public Information Officer Kristi Lester at 239-793-9145, or Kristi.Lester@colliersheriff.org.

If you would like to help CCSO with its fundraising goal, but are unable to attend the event, donations may also be mailed to:

Kristi Lester
Public Affairs Bureau
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
3301 U.S. 41 East, Bldg. J-1
Naples, Fl 34112

Please make any checks or money orders payable to the American Heart Association.

CCSO To Join In National Drug Take Back Day

WHAT: DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25

TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Rx drug drop-off box, main lobby, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Bldg. J., 3301 U.S. 41 E., East Naples

SUMMARY: People can turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday

CCSO and Drug Free Collier will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s first National Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign that day.

The campaign is aimed at curbing increased pill abuse and theft. The service is free and anonymous.

The initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Drugs surrendered Saturday will be properly destroyed. Flushing drugs down toilets or throwing them away can create health and safety problems.

Citizens Academy To Begin In October

Get ready for Citizens Academy.

The fall session of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office's popular Citizens Academy kicks off Oct. 25 and runs every Monday through Nov. 29. The two-hour classes begin at 6 p.m.

Throughout the six-week course CCSO deputies will offer instruction and demonstration on matters ranging from SWAT to gangs and from human trafficking to traffic safety.

Citizens enrolled in the course also can take an active role and tour the CCSO Special Operations facility and spend the day at the gun range. Participants can also sign up for a ride-along with an on-duty deputy.

Classes are held at the Professional Development Center, 615 Third Ave. S., Naples.

Fill out an application and send it in soon. Seats are limited.

To get an application, visit www.colliersheriff.org, click on “How Do I?” and then on “Attend the Citizens Academy.”

Fax the application to 239.793.9339, or mail it to:

Collier County Sheriff’s Office,
Public Affairs Bureau,
Attn: Citizens Academy,
3301 Tamiami Trail East, Bldg. J.,
Naples, FL 34112

For more information about Citizens Academy, call 239.252.0725.

Top Ten Most Wanted

Every week CCSO puts out a hot sheet for the most wanted people in Collier County You can see their photos and what they are wanted for.


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

Call CCSO Warrants at 239.793.9255 or our anonymous tips line at 1.800.780.TIPS (8477).

Click here to see the top ten most wanted for Collier County.

Deputies: Armed Robber Wore Halloween Mask

A man who robbed a Golden Gate convenience store wearing a Halloween mask and carrying a gun Sept. 8 was arrested Thursday, deputies said.

Michael J. Buckley, 23, 4536 Coral Palms Lane, Apt. 5, Golden Gate, was charged with robbery with a firearm and petty theft in connection with the armed robbery at BP/Kangaroo gas station, 6065 Pine Ridge Road.

Arrest reports gave this account of the robbery:

Buckley walked into the store around 11 p.m. carrying a handgun and wearing an “old man” mask, long sleeve mustard color hooded sweatshirt, light green shorts, and black and white Nike shoes. He approached a store clerk, who was making a purchase after her shift ended, from behind and demanded money. The clerk told deputies she felt a handgun pointed at her left rib.

Buckley then pointed the gun toward the other clerk and demanded money.

Buckley grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled in a silver four-door passenger vehicle.

The clerks told deputies that they feared the robber would shoot them. No one was injured during the robbery.

Further investigation by detectives linked Buckley to the vehicle used in the robbery, a 2004 silver Suzuki Forenza, which he owns.

On Thursday, deputies located Buckley at 5960 Green Blvd., Golden Gate. Deputies received permission from the homeowner to search the residence. Deputies found Buckley, who does not live at the residence, inside a bedroom. They also found a mask, sweatshirt and a 22-caliber handgun. The clothing, mask and gun matched the items worn or used during the robbery, reports said.

Deputies executed a search warrant at Buckley’s apartment at the Coral Palms complex late Thursday afternoon. The search turned up the shorts and shoes that Buckley wore during the robbery as well as three .22-caliber rounds and one spent .22-caliber casing inside Buckley’s bedroom, reports said.



Property recovered at 5960 Green Blvd.



Surveillance video image of the get-away car

2004 silver Suzuki Forenza registered to Buckley.

Buckley's vehicle.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, September 20:

Santa Barbara and Davis boulevards - Speeding

Thomasson Drive and U.S. 41 East – Red-light running

Tropicana Boulevard - Speeding

Tuesday, September 21:

Radio Road and Devonshire Boulevard – Red-light running

Livingston Road and Marsala Way - Speeding

Airport-Pulling Road and Rustic Oak Circle – Red-light running

Wednesday, September 22:

Hunter Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Airport-Pulling Road and Glades Boulevard – Red-light running

U.S. 41 East and Barefoot Williams Road - Speeding

Thursday, September 23:

Radio Road and Davis Boulevard – Red-light running

Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Hawaii Boulevard – Aggressive driving

New Market Road – Aggressive driving

Friday, September 24:

Lake Trafford Road and N 15th Street - Speeding

Goodlette-Frank Road and Ridge Street - Speeding

Immokalee Road at Gulf Coast High School – Aggressive driving

Investigation Exonerates Deputies

A Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigation into an allegation that deputies used excessive force when they took a man into custody after a high-speed vehicle pursuit in 2009 has exonerated the deputies.

“The internal investigation clearly demonstrated that the deputies acted within the law and agency policy,” Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk said at a news conference Wednesday at which he announced the findings of the investigation.

The investigation began in February 2010 after the Sheriff’s Office received information that the Lee County branch of the NAACP planned to file a complaint alleging excessive force in the June 15, 2009, arrest of Coroy Flournoy.

Flournoy, a passenger in a vehicle, was arrested at the termination of the pursuit. During the pursuit the driver of the vehicle, Kevin Palmer, struck a Florida Highway Patrol trooper’s patrol car, causing it to crash.

Flournoy, 26, was charged with resisting arrest without violence in connection with the incident.

“The incident involving Mr. Palmer and Mr. Flournoy was dangerous and violent to the community,” Sheriff Rambosk said Wednesday. “This occurrence was initiated and perpetuated by Mr. Palmer and Mr. Flournoy.”

Arrest reports say the Nissan Altima was traveling south on State Road 29 at about 25 miles above the posted 55 mph speed limit. Palmer refused to pull over and led deputies onto Interstate 75, where he reached speeds in excess of 110 mph. At one point the Altima hit a marked FHP vehicle, causing it to crash, reports said. Deputies were able to force the car to stop at the 114 mile marker of I-75.

Reports say Flournoy refused deputies’ commands to get out of the vehicle and that he clenched his fists and failed to comply with deputies’ demands that he place his hands behind his back when the alleged excessive force took place.

The investigation, conducted by CCSO’s Professional Responsibility Bureau, determined that Flournoy resisted being handcuffed and that deputies on scene followed agency and state response to resistance guidelines while taking Flournoy into custody.

Video from patrol cars on scene corroborates the deputies’ version of events. “To a trained observer these strikes are obviously intended as a distraction technique to facilitate the handcuffing, not to inflict pain.”

Law enforcement officers are permitted to respond to resistance, whether it is verbal, passive, active or aggressive, for the safety of the public, the officer and the subject.

“Most often law enforcement officers don’t know who they are stopping,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “We have established appropriate procedures and training to keep the community, subjects and our deputies as safe as possible under the existing conditions present.”

Click here to read the investigation findings.

Click here to watch dashboard camera footage of the arrest and the CCSO press conference announcing the investigation results.

Grow House Bust Nets Arrest, Nearly $1.3M In Pot

Detectives uprooted two operations used to grow marijuana at a Golden Gate Estates residence Wednesday in one of the largest pot production busts in Collier County Sheriff’s Office history.

Deputies confiscated a total of 424 marijuana plants weighing 66.70 pounds with an estimated street value of $1.27 million from the two-story residence at 985 Honeybee Drive.

Lazaro Cordero-Becerra, 46, who lives at the residence, was arrested and charged with trafficking in marijuana and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

Detectives from CCSO’s Vice and Narcotics Bureau, along with SWAT members, executed a search warrant at the residence around 7 a.m.

Detectives discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation on the first floor of the residence. The search turned up 116 plants and equipment used to grow marijuana, including high-intensity light bulbs, fertilizer, power transformers, and buckets. They also found an electrical panel that controlled the lights and timers that controlled the electricity being diverted for the operation.

A second marijuana grow operation was discovered inside a travel camper parked in back of the residence. Detectives discovered 308 plants inside the camper, along with high-intensity light bulbs, pots, fertilizer, power transformers and other equipment used to grow marijuana.

The camper was designed as a nursery for small marijuana plants, detectives said.

Detectives also discovered a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition.

The indoor grow equipment had an estimated value of $20,000.

Cordero-Becerra was at the residence when the search warrant was executed, detectives said. He was previously arrested on a charge of marijuana trafficking by the Miami-Dade Police Department in 2008.

Cordero-Becerra was being booked into the Collier County jail Wednesday afternoon.

A Ride To Remember

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office helped keep the roadways safe while escorting fire engines, ambulances, military vehicles and motorcyclists to the Sept.11 Memorial Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in East Naples, Saturday afternoon. The route began at Naples Harley Davidson, 3654 Gateway Lane, North Naples and traveled through Livingston Road, Golden Gate Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard until reaching the church at 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road. The escort also included a fire rescue vehicle with a trailer transporting pieces of steel from the World Trade Center. The event was sponsored by the Gulf Coast Retired Firefighters Association.

Photos by Lt. Jay Mulholland/CCSO (2)

Marsh Named CCSO Finance Director

Andrea Marsh has been appointed finance director for the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

Director Marsh has served within the agency for the past seven years, most recently as general accounting manager. She assumes the duties of finance director following the retirement of long-term member Carol Golightly, who served most recently as the agency finance director for the past five years.

Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, Director Marsh had extensive experience managing and directing various nonprofit organizations. Director Marsh has also served as an adjunct faculty member of the University of Phoenix, where she instructed various undergraduate courses in business.

Director Marsh holds a master’s of science degree in management from Florida State University and earned her undergraduate degree in business administration from Boston University. She is an active candidate for the professional distinction of certified government finance officer, and has earned the professional distinction of certified public professional buyer.

Director Marsh is active within the Naples area community, serving as a member of the Budget Review Team and as a Local Government Team leader for the United Way of Collier County. She serves as a member of the 2010 Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association. She is a member of the St. Elizabeth Seton School Board, serving as board secretary. She is also an active member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, where she serves as a volunteer in the music ministry.

Director Marsh is a professional member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association and the American Payroll Association.

CCSO Helps East Naples Bicyclists “Be Safe, Be Seen”

Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies distributed free bicycle helmets, light kits and reflective safety vests during a “Be Safe, Be Seen” event in East Naples on Sept. 8.

Nearly 100 bicyclists were equipped with the safety gear at Gulfgate Plaza at the intersection of U.S. 41 East and Bayshore Drive.

The purpose of CCSO’s “Be Safe, Be Seen” campaign is to equip bicyclists and pedestrians in East Naples and Immokalee with education and safety equipment that greatly decreases their chance of being injured or killed in a traffic crash.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation.

More “Be Safe, Be Seen” events are planned for throughout the year in Immokalee and East Naples, where bicycle and pedestrian safety has been a significant problem.

Eighty percent of the traffic fatalities involving bicyclists and pedestrians reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in 2009 occurred in East Naples and Immokalee. There were five pedestrian/bicyclist traffic fatalities in the county last year, four of which were in East Naples and Immokalee, according to CCSO figures.

Of the 96 bicyclists and pedestrians who were injured in traffic crashes countywide in 2009, 42 were injured in Immokalee and East Naples, CCSO figures show.

Photos by Connie Ledbetter/CCSO (2)

Hot Summer Nights Back 2 School Bash

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office will host one last Hot Summer Nights event for middle- and high-school age students Saturday, Sept. 11!
All summer long kids were invited by CCSO to hang out with their friends while enjoying music, dancing, games, sports, roller skating, swimming and movies twice a week at different parks throughout Collier County for free.

The final event of the summer takes place Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, North Naples.

Admission for students is free. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase through park vendors.

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.

Golden Gate To Host Patriot Day Ceremony

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Golden Gate Civic Association, Golden Gate High School, Golden Gate Middle School and Golden Gate Fire Control & Rescue are working together to host a 30-minute memorial honoring those who died during the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Collier residents can gather at the Golden Gate Community Complex courtyard, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m.

For more information, contact the sheriff’s Golden Gate substation at 239.455.3121.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, September 13:

Immokalee Road and Lakeland Avenue – Red-light running

Thomasson Drive at Avalon Elementary – Aggressive driving

U.S. 41 East and Triangle Boulevard – Red-light running

Tuesday, September 14:

Airport-Pulling Road and Terrace Avenue – Aggressive driving

Pine Ridge Road and Wilshire Lane - Speeding

Vanderbilt Drive and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, September 15:

Sunset Road - Speeding

Santa Barbara Boulevard at Calusa Park Elementary - Speeding

Collier Boulevard and Lely Cultural Parkway – Red-light running

Thursday, September 16:

Manatee Road – Aggressive driving

Airport-Pulling Road and Cougar Drive – Red-light running

Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Skyway Drive – Red-light running

Friday, September 17:

Logan Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road – Red-light running

Collier Boulevard and U.S. 41 East - Speeding

Pine Ridge Road at Pine Ridge Middle School – Aggressive driving

Grow House Bust Nets 2 Arrests, $405K In Pot

WHAT: Indoor marijuana grow house

LOCATION: 10651 Greenway Road, East Naples

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 8

ARRESTED: Humberto Martinez, 29, 10651 Greenway Road
                      Raul Morales, 32, 10651 Greenway Road

CHARGES: Trafficking marijuana over 25 pounds
                    Possession of narcotic paraphernalia

SUMMARY: Detectives with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Vice and Narcotics Bureau arrested Martinez and Morales and uncovered more than $400,000 worth of marijuana after executing a search warrant at this residence Wednesday morning.

Detectives discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation in a barn in back of the residence. A search of the barn turned up marijuana plants and equipment used to grow marijuana including high-intensity light bulbs, power transformers, buckets, and fertilizer.

Detectives also found an electrical panel that controlled the lights, timers and electricity that was being diverted for the operation.

Detectives confiscated 135 plants weighing 51.05 pounds. The marijuana had an estimated street value of $405,000.

The grow equipment was valued at around $50,000.

Martinez and Morales, who live at the residence and were home when the search warrant was executed, were arrested. They were being booked into the Collier County jail late Wednesday afternoon. Their arrest reports and photos will be released when they become available.

A view of a grow room after detectives removed marijuana plants from the pots.

Detectives found this elaborate control panel that controlled the lights, timers and electricty in the grow house.

PIO Office Closed Labor Day

The CCSO Public Information Office will be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

The booking sheets will be available at the jail.

Have a safe holiday.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, September 6:

Lakewood and Davis boulevards – Red-light running

U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road - Speeding

Immokalee and Airport-Pulling roads - Speeding

Tuesday, September 7:

48th Terrace S.W. at Golden Gate Middle School – Aggressive driving

Radio Road and San Marcos Boulevard – Red-light running

Broward Street - Speeding

Wednesday, September 8:

Collier and Veronawalk boulevards - Speeding

Estey Avenue at East Naples Middle School – Aggressive driving

Tarpon Bay Boulevard and Oakes Lane – Aggressive driving

Thursday, September 9:

Weber and Golden Gate boulevard - Speeding

Immokalee and Oil Well roads – Speeding

Goodlette-Frank and Solana roads – Red-light running

Friday, September 10:

Livingston and School Access roads – Aggressive driving

Vineyards Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Aggressive driving

Green Boulevard - Speeding

Sexual Predators To Be Meeting Topic

WHAT: Minority Affairs Task Force meeting


WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 2

TIME: 10 to 11 a.m.

WHERE: One Stop, 750 S. 1st St., Immokalee

SUMMARY: The Collier County Sheriff’s Office Minority Affairs Task Force will meet Thursday.

Sgt. Ken Becker of the agency’s Major Crimes Bureau will discuss characteristics of sexual predators.

For more information, contact CCSO’s Minority and Ethic Affairs Unit at 239-530-5660.

Court Upholds Dismissal of Angiolillo Lawsuit; CCSO To Seek Legal Fees

A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a former political opponent against Collier County Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk, agreeing that the suit was frivolous and without foundation.

Vincent Angiolillo, who ran unsuccessfully for sheriff in 2008, alleged in the lawsuit that he was illegally arrested by CCSO deputies in October 2007 and that the arrest discredited him as a candidate. The suit also named former Sheriff Don Hunter and the deputies who arrested Angiolillo on two counts of violating an injunction for protection.

Sheriff Rambosk said he was not surprised at the 11th District Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.

“I knew from the beginning that our deputies acted appropriately,” he said. “This was nothing more than one of many malicious actions by political opponents.”

The 15-page ruling found that Angiolillo failed to provide evidence supporting his claims.

“Rather than offering substantive evidence in support of his claims, Angiolillo’s submissions to the district court are replete with exclamatory statements and hyperbolic accusations, in many cases wholly unsupported by substantive legal argument,” the ruling says in part.

The ruling means that Angiolillo’s case has now been heard twice, and both times has been deemed to be without merit.

“In sum, we conclude that the district court did not clearly err in finding Angiolillo’s claims ‘frivolous, unreasonable or without foundation,’” it says.

The ruling means that CCSO is entitled to be reimbursed by Angiolillo for its attorney fees. The agency estimates that those fees total $59,000.

“Mr. Angiolillo may have thought this was a game during the campaign, but I will not allow the taxpayers of Collier County to fund his frivolity,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “We will be seeking reimbursement of the attorney fees.”

Click here to read the appellate court ruling.

Race To Benefit CCSO’s Project Lifesaver Program

WHAT: John Clay 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk and Kids Run


WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010

WHERE: Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulfshore Blvd. N., Naples

SUMMARY: Registrations are being accepted for the John Clay 5K Run, Walk and Kid’s Run. This event benefits the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program.

Project Lifesaver is a nationwide program that uses wristband transmitters to help locate children and adults with medical or disabling conditions that may cause them to wander away. On average it takes 30 minutes to locate a person using the tracking equipment.

Adult runners may register in advance for $15, or pay $20 the day of the race. Registration is $10 for students and walk participants. Registration on Saturday begins at 6 a.m.

Food and refreshments will be served at the finish line.

The event is being coordinated by Gulf Coast Runners and sponsored by the Naples Pilot Foundation.

Registration forms are available at http://www.gcrunner.org/. For more information call 239-434-9786.