EN Kids Stay Cool, Learn Bike Safety

Kids in Saddlebrook Village in East Naples received hands-on lessons in bicycle safety from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on June 22.

The bike safety rodeo was a chance for deputies to teach kids how to properly fit a helmet and obey all traffic signs. The kids also learned how to ride a bike safely by testing their skills on an obstacle course.

McGruff the Crime Dog discussed general safety tips, while members of the Golden Gate Fire Department cooled the kids off with water from a fire truck. Management at Saddlebrook rewarded the kids with ice cream sundaes for participating in the bike safety rodeo.

Photo by Tim Driscoll/CCSO

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, July 4:

Collier Boulevard and Manatee Road - Speeding
Vanderbilt Beach and Goodlette-Frank roads – Speeding
U.S. 41 North and Pine Ridge Road – Aggressive driving

Tuesday, July 5:

Devonshire and Santa Barbara boulevards – Red-light running
Weber and White boulevards - Speeding
Naples Boulevard and Airport-Pulling Road – Red-light running

Wednesday, July 6:

U.S. 41 North and 99th Avenue North - Speeding
Lakewood and Davis boulevards – Red-light running
Golden Gate and Collier boulevards – Aggressive driving

Thursday, July 7:

Radio and San Marcos roads – Aggressive driving
New Market Road and Glades Street - Speeding
Santa Barbara Boulevard and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running

Friday, July 8:

Airport-Pulling and Immokalee Roads – Aggressive driving
Logan and Green boulevards – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and Lely Cultural Parkway - Speeding

Update: Arrest Made In East Naples Homicide

UPDATE: Jean Rony Bienaime, 27, was arrested in Miami on Wednesday afternoon by federal marshals in connection with a shooting that left one man dead and two people injured in East Naples in June.

Bienaime, 5209 Gilchrist St. East Naples, was arrested on a Collier County warrant charging him with the June 23 murder of Elmer Serrano-Lopez, 20, and the attempted murders of Roland Marks, 45, and Felix Ventura-Cruz, 19, on Fleming Street in Naples Manor.

Collier County Sheriff's Office detectives have been working with Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents in Fort Myers and Miami, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Forces in Fort Myers and Miami to locate Bienaime. Their work paid off Wednesday afternoon with Bienaime’s capture.

Biename was arrested and transported to Collier County, where he was booked into the Naples Jail Center.

Detectives gave this account of the shooting:

Serrano-Lopez, Ventura-Cruz and Marks were selling firearms to Bienaime who became involved in a verbal altercation with Serrano. Bienaime shot Serrano, killing him, then turned and fired at Marks and Ventura-Cruz. Marks remains hospitalized in stable condition. Ventura-Cruz received only superficial injuries.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office appreciates the assistance and professionalism of FDLE and the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Both agencies were instrumental in helping bring about Bienaime’s swift apprehension.

The investigation into this case is still active. Detectives believe that at least two additional people were present with Bienaime at the time of the shooting. Anyone having information should contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Bureau at 239.252.9300, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477.

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Update 2: Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting
Posted Date: 6/23/2011 7:30 PM

UPDATE: Investigators have identified the second shooting victim as Roland Marks, 45, of East Naples. Marks was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries.

A third victim, Felix Ventura, 19, also of East Naples, received a superficial gunshot injury and refused treatment.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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Update: Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting
Collier County Sheriff's Office
Posted Date: 6/23/2011 10:40 AM

UPDATE: Detectives continue to investigate an early morning shooting in Naples Manor that left one man dead and another hospitalized.

The dead man has been identified as Elmer Alexander Serrano-Lopez, 20, 5427 Bryant St., East Naples.

Deputies were initially called to a report of shots fired on Holland Street at 2:13 a.m. Thursday, and while investigating that complaint heard additional shots being fired in the area of Fleming Street. The actual shooting occurred on Fleming Street. Shortly thereafter, the man now hospitalized walked into the 7-Eleven store at Rattlesnake Hammock Road and U.S. 41 East requesting assistance.

Deputies found Serrano-Lopez at the Fleming Street location. He died at the scene.

Detectives have recovered a handgun believed to be involved in the shooting, and at this time do not have any information that would make them believe there is any threat to area residents.

Detectives are in the process of collecting evidence and interviewing numerous witnesses and potential witnesses

An investigation continues.

Information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477
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Original news release:
Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting
Posted Date: 6/23/2011 7:00 AM

Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigators are on the scene of a shooting in East Naples this morning.

Deputies responded after receiving a report of a shooting in the Holland Street area at 2:13 a.m. They discovered one person who was dead and another who was injured. The injured victim was transported to an area hospital.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477.

CCSO Adopts New Communication Tool

The QR code is the latest addition to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s technological communication toolbox.

The QR code, or Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional bar code that contains text, URL, or other data. By scanning the QR code with a smart phone camera or bar code scanner, users are connected with a website or video that offers additional information on the topic.

“We are always looking for new ways to provide the community with safety information,” said Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk. ‘We must reach out to the community in as many ways as possible, and with the ever-increasing popularity of smart phones we see QR codes as a tremendous communication opportunity.”

CCSO sees a broad range of potential uses for QR codes. For example, a QR code on a flier about a crime could link to a video obtained from a surveillance camera or the page on http://www.colliersheriff.org/ where
 citizens can submit a tip.

On Wednesday the agency launched its use of QR codes by embedding one into a press release about fireworks safety. Once scanned, the code connects the smart phone user to a CCSO video with additional information on the topic. In addition, fliers for the upcoming National Night Out event on Aug. 2 will include QR codes that link to a full slate of National Night Out events.

Keep Flag Etiquette In Mind July 4th

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard urges everybody to be mindful of proper U.S. flag etiquette.

The CCSO Honor Guard offers the following information on proper flag protocol:

The military or hand salute is used at several important times:

* When the flag is being raised or lowered from a flagpole.

* When the flag is passing by such as during a parade or flag ceremony.

* When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

* During the national anthem.

Other important considerations include:

* When in full uniform (with a hat or cover), members of the military and law enforcement should stand at attention, and use a right hand salute (fingers touching the brim of your hat, palm facing your head).

* When in uniform (but without a hat or cover), members of the military and law enforcement should stand at attention, and place their right hand over their heart.

* Those not wearing a uniform should stand at attention, and place their right hand over their heart.

* Men who are not in uniform, but are wearing a hat, should remove the hat with their right hand, and hold it in front of their left shoulder. The right hand, not the hat, should rest over their heart.

* Everyone should stand, turn and face the U.S. flag as they render the appropriate salute.

CCSO, East Naples Community Celebrate Summer Safety

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Sweetbay Supermarket for a Summerfest event Friday. Deputies and Crime Prevention Specialists were on hand at the supermarket at 4015 Santa Barbara Blvd. to answer safety questions from the public. The event featured a classic car display by the West Coast Muscle Car Club.

Photos by Connie Ledbetter/CCSO(2)

Waste Management Talks Safety To Summer Camp

Waste Management Route Manager Lisa Aviles teaches D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club members the importance of safety around commercial vehicles. Even if a truck appears to be parked it has many moving parts that may begin moving again.

Waste Management provides these tips to be safe around their vehicles:

· Every Waste Management truck is equipped with a back-up alarm. Whether you are walking or driving near one of our trucks, if you hear this sound (a loud beeping) or see the white back-up lights, be sure to move out of the way of the truck.

· Keep your children and pets at a safe distance from the truck and make sure they know never to get near or climb on the truck, whether it is parked or operating. Children should not play or stand in or around trash bins, since you may not know when the truck is coming to empty them. On your collection day, be sure to move toys and cars out of the path of the truck and away from your collection containers.

Photo by Cyndee Wooley/C2 Communications

Put Safety First This Fourth

CCSO urges residents and visitors to put safety first when celebrating the Fourth of July holiday.

Deputies will be on the lookout for illegal displays.

It is illegal in Collier County to use any fireworks that explode or fly, unless they are being used in a professional demonstration with proper permits or for agricultural purposes.

Sales at fireworks stands are limited to only legal fireworks which are on the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal's approved sparkler list. The list can be found on the Web at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm/sparklerindex.htm

Residents and visitors who want to create their own fireworks displays should consider the safety issues. You can injure yourself lighting the wick. Lit fireworks can travel and injure someone else or set a tree or house on fire.

Firing a gun into the air in celebration of holidays like Independence Day is also against the law. Florida law states that it is illegal to have a gun in any public place, over an occupied building or house, or in the right of way of any paved road, highway or street.

Deputies will also be patrolling neighborhoods and answering noise calls related to fireworks. The initial complaint may result in a warning to the offender, but continuing to disturb the peace could result in arrest.

Be considerate of your neighbors and keep any celebrations involving noise to a reasonable level, especially after dark.

Better yet, the best way to stay safe is to avoid using fireworks and attend a display handled by professionals.

Click here for fireworks safety tips.

Kids Get Colorful With CCSO

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office invites area children and teens to share their artistic talent this summer.

Youths who participate in “Get Colorful With CCSO” will select one of two scenes that can be printed from the CCSO website and create a piece of artwork with a safety message. One drawing is of a CCSO deputy and the other is of a CCSO patrol car. On the back of the artwork or a separate sheet participants will write a brief description of what the scene is about.

“Get Colorful With CCSO” is not a competition. Rather, it is an opportunity for the children and teens to share their creativity and partner with CCSO to help keep Collier County a great place and a safe place. Entries may be created using crayons, markers or any other creative materials.

To print one of the scenes go to http://www.colliersheriff.org/ and click on the “Get Colorful With CCSO” icon.

Completed artwork may be dropped off at any CCSO substation or mailed to:

Collier County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Bureau
3319 U.S. 41 E.
Building J.
Naples, Florida 34112-4901

“Get Colorful With CCSO” will run through Aug. 12. At the end of the summer CCSO will share the artwork with the community on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/colliersheriff, and its YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/colliercountysheriff.

Anyone with questions about “Get Colorful With CCSO” may call 239.252.0604 or e-mail ccsopio@colliersheriff.net.

Marco Island Daycare Passes CCSO Pop Quiz

Kids at Stars and Stripes Learning Center on Marco Island got a surprise visit and a cool treat from a Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputy Wednesday.


Cpl. William Pschigoda visited the classroom of 4- and 5-year-olds to see how well they remembered a presentation he gave in May on what to do if they are ever approached by a stranger.

Cpl. Pschigoda, who was joined by McGruff the Crime Dog, congratulated each child with a free Slurpee coupon because they did a great job remembering the safety tips and also for graduating Pre-K.

Photo by Cpl. William Pschigoda/CCSO

Former Collier Man In Federal Custody In California On Child Porn Charges

An investigation led by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a former Collier County man in California this week on federal child pornography charges.

Brian Gerardo Escobedo, 22, was awaiting extradition to Florida following his arrest Sunday by the U.S. Border Patrol at the port of entry in San Diego. Escobedo was indicted by the Middle District of Florida on May 1 on one count each of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.

Escobedo was taken into custody by the FBI in San Diego. He made his initial appearance in a California courtroom on Tuesday.

Escobedo was charged with the crimes following an undercover case led by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Orlando and Fort Myers Innocent Images Task Forces. The Fort Myers task force includes members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cape Coral Police Department.

The undercover investigation revealed that Escobedo exchanged images of child pornography over his personal computer while living in the community of Ave Maria in eastern Collier County in 2010.

NDN Editorial Praises Sheriff's Support Of FHP

Editorial: Sheriff Rambosk ... Public safety will not be compromised by the closing of FHP Naples office on Alligator Alley




Friday, June 24, 2011

Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk gets it.

He gets that the job still has to get done, even though the Naples office for the Florida Highway Patrol near Alligator Alley is closing due to statewide budget cuts.

Rambosk says he will make sure that troopers assigned to the Naples area have what space they need for paperwork, rest room breaks or even a place to change clothes.

That gives substance to FHP leaders’ promises that public safety will not be compromised as the closest substation moves north to Fort Myers by Page Field.

The FHP as well as Rambosk understand that everyone wins when local troopers stay close to their assigned area. That means faster response times when needed.

As Rambosk puts it, "We’ll make it work; we’ll do whatever we can."

© 2011 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online

CCSO's Weekly Wanted Bulletin

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


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

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

Click here to see this week's wanted bulletin.

CCSO Debuts Visions Of Color Art Exhibit

The Collier County Sheriff's Office hosted a reception Thursday to debut the fourth installment of its Community Gallery, an arts exhibit housed within the CCSO.

Community leaders and local residents dropped by to view the artwork of children who attend the Everglades City School to kick off the Visions of Color Exhibit.

The students created the artwork under the guidance of Everglades City School art instructor Paul Tribble who has taught at the school for 35 years. He serves as a mentor and spends his time talking to students about their choices and dreams. He encourages them to be the best at whatever path they choose to follow

The gallery was created to showcase the partnerships developed between the CCSO and community. It is located at the administrative offices on the second floor of the Collier County Sheriff's Office, 3319 U.S. 41 E., Bldg. J, East Naples. The public is invited to view Community Gallery exhibits during normal business hours.

The Visions of Color Exhibit will run through September.

The exhibits featured at the Community Gallery rotate every three months. An opening reception is held for each new exhibit to showcase the art and partnership of the participating organization.

The CCSO Community Gallery welcomes any local public service organizations which are interested in arranging an exhibit.

For more information about the gallery or how to participate, contact Planning and Research Coordinator Mary Belote at 239.252.0810, or Mary.Belote@colliersheriff.org.

Photos by Kristi Lester/CCSO(2)

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, June 27:

U.S. 41 North and Pine Ridge Road - Speeding
Immokalee Road and Everglades Boulevard - Speeding
Lake Trafford Road and N 15th Street – Aggressive driving

Tuesday, June 28:

Coronado Parkway - Speeding
Vanderbilt Drive and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Aggressive driving
Rattlesnake Hammock and County Barn roads – Red-light running

Wednesday, June 29:

U.S. 41 North and Mercato Drive – Red-light running
Airport-Pulling and Radio roads – Aggressive driving
Livingston Road and Carlton Lakes Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Thursday, June 30:

Collier Boulevard at I-75 southbound exit – Red-light running
U.S. 41 East and Triangle Boulevard - Speeding
Livingston Road and Golden Gate Parkway – Red-light running

Friday, July 1:

Santa Barbara and Davis boulevards – Red-light running
Collier Boulevard and Fiddlers Creek Parkway - Speeding
Goodlette-Frank Road and Orange Blossom Drive - Speeding

Update 2: Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting

Investigators have identified the second shooting victim as Roland Marks, 45, of East Naples. Marks was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries.
A third victim, Felix Ventura, 19, also of East Naples, received a superficial gunshot injury and refused treatment.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Update: Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting

Collier County Sheriff's Office

Posted Date: 6/23/2011 10:40 AM

UPDATE: Detectives continue to investigate an early morning shooting in Naples Manor that left one man dead and another hospitalized.

The dead man has been identified as Elmer Alexander Serrano-Lopez, 20, 5427 Bryant St., East Naples.

Deputies were initially called to a report of shots fired on Holland Street at 2:13 a.m. Thursday, and while investigating that complaint heard additional shots being fired in the area of Fleming Street. The actual shooting occurred on Fleming Street. Shortly thereafter, the man now hospitalized walked into the 7-Eleven store at Rattlesnake Hammock Road and U.S. 41 East requesting assistance.

Deputies found Serrano-Lopez at the Fleming Street location. He died at the scene.

Detectives have recovered a handgun believed to be involved in the shooting, and at this time do not have any information that would make them believe there is any threat to area residents.

Detectives are in the process of collecting evidence and interviewing numerous witnesses and potential witnesses

An investigation continues.

Information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477



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Original news release:

Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting

Posted Date: 6/23/2011 7:00 AM

Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigators are on the scene of a shooting in East Naples this morning.

Deputies responded after receiving a report of a shooting in the Holland Street area at 2:13 a.m. They discovered one person who was dead and another who was injured. The injured victim was transported to an area hospital.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477.

Update: Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting

UPDATE: Detectives continue to investigate an early morning shooting in Naples Manor that left one man dead and another hospitalized.

The dead man has been identified as Elmer Alexander Serrano-Lopez, 20, 5427 Bryant St., East Naples.

Deputies were initially called to a report of shots fired on Holland Street at 2:13 a.m. Thursday, and while investigating that complaint heard additional shots being fired in the area of Fleming Street. The actual shooting occurred on Fleming Street. Shortly thereafter, the man now hospitalized walked into the 7-Eleven store at Rattlesnake Hammock Road and U.S. 41 East requesting assistance.

Deputies found Serrano-Lopez at the Fleming Street location. He died at the scene.

Detectives have recovered a handgun believed to be involved in the shooting, and at this time do not have any information that would make them believe there is any threat to area residents.

Detectives are in the process of collecting evidence and interviewing numerous witnesses and potential witnesses

An investigation continues.

Information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477
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Original news release:
Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting
Posted Date: 6/23/2011 7:00 AM

Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigators are on the scene of a shooting in East Naples this morning.

Deputies responded after receiving a report of a shooting in the Holland Street area at 2:13 a.m. They discovered one person who was dead and another who was injured. The injured victim was transported to an area hospital.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477.

Deputies Investigate East Naples Shooting

Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigators are on the scene of a shooting in East Naples that left one person dead and another injured this morning.


Deputies responded after receiving a report of a shooting in the Holland Street area at 2:13 a.m. They discovered one person who was dead and another who was injured. The injured victim was transported to an area hospital.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477

Golden Gate Sports Camp Keeps Students Active

Practice makes perfect, even during summer break for some Collier students looking to up their game.

Around 40 Golden Gate Middle School students are participating in the Summer Sports Camp sponsored by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The camp kicked off on Monday and will run through Friday, August 5. The Youth Relations Bureau established the camp to help keep the kids active, learn about sportsmanship and enhance their agility while providing them the opportunity to play various sports including basketball, soccer and football.

Photos by Ellen Loftus/CCSO(4)

Summerfest Fun Under Way

With school out and the mercury rising, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office has just the thing to keep kids and teens active, cool and safe this summer.

Summerfest is back for the second year in a row.

Fishing, swimming, boat-building, movies, sports, music, and games are just some of the activities that combine to make Summerfest CCSO’s most ambitious summer youth program ever. The program offers a wide range of fun and free activities for all grade levels in a safe environment.

Summerfest is made possible thanks to partnerships with Collier County Parks and Recreation, the Collier County School District and nearly 200 area donor businesses and individuals.

Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk said he believes this year will be even more successful than last year when deputies recorded more than 50,000 youth contacts during the course of the inaugural Summerfest programs.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community partners we are looking forward to building on last year’s momentum,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “This is going to be another year of safe and fun summer activities to our community’s young people.”

Once again, CCSO Youth Relations deputies will be assigned to summer youth programs instead of being assigned to patrol duties. This reallocation allows CCSO to expand its summer youth offerings without additional costs to the community.

CCSO has at least two activities, and in many cases as many as four activities, scheduled every weekday through Aug. 12. New this year is the Build-A-Chair program. And the middle school day camp program has been expanded to two locations: Golden Gate and Immokalee.

Here are some of the ways the Collier County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to make sure our community’s children and teens have as safe and fun summer.

Hot Summer Nights
This popular program takes place Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at parks throughout Collier County. Open to students in middle and high school. Hot Summer Nights includes water slides, music, dancing games, sports, roller skating, and water park events. Kids can snack on snow cones, popcorn and hot dogs served up by deputies.

D.E.P.U.T.Y Club
D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club is a summer program for students in first grade through fifth grade. It takes place Wednesdays for seven weeks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22 through Aug. 3 at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport-Pulling Road, North Naples. Transportation will be provided for children in the Immokalee and Everglades areas.

Open Gym – Basketball
Gymnasiums at Lely, Golden Gate and Immokalee high schools will be open for basketball and supervised by CCSO Youth Relations deputies several afternoons a week. The gyms will be set up to allow students, ages 11 to 18, to have supervised recreation and interaction with law enforcement.

Teen Driver Challenge
This is a 12-hour program that partners newly licensed drivers with deputies to learn skills and laws. This is both a classroom and hands-on program. Approximately 12-15 participants are involved in each monthly program.

Build-A-Boat
This program is an opportunity for high-schoolers ages 14 to 18 to accomplish the task of building a boat while staying active and earning their boaters safety certificate. The Build-A-Boat program will talk place at Everglades City School, the CCSO Youth Relations Office on North Horseshoe Drive in East Naples and at I-Tech in Immokalee.

Build-A-Chair
Students ages 11 to 14 will learn to work with tools and work together to build a chair at Lely High School, Golden Gate Middle School, Immokalee Middle School, and Everglades Community Center.

Middle School Community Outreach Camp
CCSO is partnering with Golden Gate and Immokalee middle schools to offer sixth- and seventh-grade students a free day camp. Activities will include basketball, lacrosse, softball, flag football, soccer, and track and field.

Fishing
Go fishing with CCSO at the Naples Pier. This program is a partnership between CCSO, City of Naples and Boys and Girls Club. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 20 through Aug. 11. Kids ages 10-16 will fish and learn about water safety.

A complete schedule of activities can be found on the CCSO website, www.colliersheriff.org. Click on the pull-down tab labeled “We Can Help,” then click on “Youth Relations” then “CCSO Summerfest.” Or for more information call CCSO’s Youth Relations Bureau at 530-9741 or e-mail summerfest@colliersheriff.org.

Small School Makes Big Expression Through Color

The Everglades City School is one-of-a-kind in Collier County and not just because it educates the entire Pre-K-12th grade student population. Its students will have the opportunity to display their artistic works in part of the upcoming Visions of Color Art Exhibit.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office will host a reception of its fourth installment of the Community Gallery, an arts exhibit housed within the CCSO on Thursday, June 23 from 5-6:30 p.m. The gallery is located at the administrative offices on the second floor of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, 3319 U.S. 41 East, Bldg. J., Naples.

The students created the artwork under the guidance of Everglades City School art instructor Paul Tribble who has taught at the school for 35 years. He serves as a mentor and spends his time talking to students about their choices and dreams. He encourages them to be the best at whatever path they choose to follow.

The gallery was created to showcase the partnerships developed between the CCSO and community.

The Visions of Color Exhibit will run through September.

The exhibits featured at the Community Gallery rotate every three months. Opening receptions are held for each new exhibit to continually showcase the art and partnership of the participating organization. The CCSO is a community building and welcomes all members of the public to come and view the exhibits.

Click here to view the invitation.

The CCSO Community Gallery welcomes any local public service organizations which are interested in setting up a future exhibit.

For more information about the gallery or how an organization can participate, contact Community Outreach Director Stephanie Spell at 239.793.9396 or Stephanie.Spell@colliersheriff.org

Sheriff Rambosk Blogging For Children’s Museum Website

Collier County Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk is blogging about safety on the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon) website.

Sheriff Rambosk is among 15 bloggers who communicate with the community through the “Expert Advice” section of the museum’s website, http://www.cmon.org/. The bloggers are community leaders, business leaders and experts in their fields. The goal is to provide parents and teachers with professional, knowledgeable information on a wide variety of topics.

“The museum is a tremendous asset to the children and families in our community and I’m honored to have this opportunity to partner with them,” Sheriff Rambosk said.

To date, Sheriff Rambosk has blogged about online safety, bicycle safety and CCSO’s popular Summerfest program.

To find the posts of all C’mon bloggers, the go to http://www.cmon.org/ and click on the tab that says “Expert Advice.” C’mon also shares the posts on its Facebook page, which has more than 3,100 followers.

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples will be Collier County’s first learning environment devoted exclusively to child’s play, the serious business of discovery that helps children attain hallmark milestones on the journey into adulthood. C’mon will be a 30,000-square-foot museum for families located in the North Collier Regional Park. Scheduled to open in February 2012, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is envisioned to be one of the finest children’s museums in the United States and will be fully accessible to all children regardless of their physical or learning abilities. To learn more about C’mon, visit http://www.cmon.org/.

Trio Charged In Connection With Store Robbery

Three Immokalee residents have been arrested in connection with a Handy Food Store robbery Monday morning.

Randal Johnson, 19; Mikera Mungin, 19; and Dante Howard, 23; all of Immokalee, are charged with armed robbery. Additional charges are pending.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies say Howard entered the 415 New Market Road store shortly before 8 a.m. He fired one shot into the ceiling and then robbed the clerk at gunpoint. While at the store he also forced a witness to the ground at gunpoint.

A witness saw Howard drive out of the store parking lot in a white Impala with a license plate that was orange with black lettering. Mungin and Johnson were passengers in the car.

Deputies spotted the Impala heading toward Lehigh Acres. They followed it until Howard pulled over and all three got out of the car and ran near the intersection of Eisenhower Boulevard and Candlelight Drive in Lehigh Acres.

Deputies with CCSO and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspects. An LCSO K-9 unit led deputies to two houses on Eisenhower Boulevard. Johnson was taken into custody after deputies found him hiding in the bushes outside one of the homes. Howard was inside 866 Eisenhower Boulevard and Mungin was inside 878 Eisenhower Boulevard.

Howard, Mungin and Johnson are being booked into the Lee County Jail.

Online Undercover Investigation Leads To Sex Offender’s Arrest

A Golden Gate man was arrested and charged after he tried to solicit sex from an undercover Collier County Sheriff’s Office detective who was posing as a child online.

Robert Butcher, 31, 3001 41st Terrace S.W., began an online chat with the undercover detective who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the chat detectives say Butcher made sexually explicit statements, solicited sex and sent lewd images of himself to the undercover deputy.

Butcher is a convicted sex offender and did not register the screen name or e-mail address used during the online chats with the undercover detective.

Butcher and the undercover deputy agreed to meet at a location in East Naples on Friday. Detectives said Butcher arrived at the location and was arrested.

Butcher is charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child, lewd communication to a minor via computer, two counts of obscene communication using a computer to lure a child and failure to register as a sex offender. All charges are felonies.

Traffic Safety Campaign Nets 510 Citations

Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued 510 citations during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

An additional 257 drivers were issued written warnings during the campaign, which ran from May 23 – June 5.

The purpose of the special enforcement effort was to increase safety belt use and to reduce fatalities on the roads in Collier County.

The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $113 in Collier County. The fine for a child restraint violation is $163.

Collier County continues to have the highest safety belt compliance rate – 93 percent – in Florida, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Deputies conducted various countywide heightened enforcement details during the campaign to draw attention to the importance of safety belt use.

CCSO reminds motorists that drivers in Collier County can be pulled over by deputies for not buckling up. In May 2009 Florida became the 28th state to have primary offense safety belt laws. Previously, drivers could only be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt if they were pulled over for another offense, such as speeding. The recent law allows deputies to stop drivers who aren’t wearing their seat belt.

CCSO's Weekly Wanted Bulletin

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

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

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

Click here to see this week's wanted bulletin.

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, June 20:


Immokalee and Goodlette-Frank roads – Red-light running
Golden Gate and Everglades boulevards - Speeding
U.S. 41 North and Old U.S. 41 – Red-light running

Tuesday, June 21:

Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Hawaii Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Livingston Road and Bridgewater Bay Boulevard - Speeding
Pine Ridge Road and Shirley Street – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, June 22:

Golden Gate Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Red-light running
Vanderbilt Beach and Livingston roads - Speeding
Airport-Pulling Road and Progress Avenue – Red-light running

Thursday, June 23:

Radio Road and Davis Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Collier Boulevard and Indigo Lakes Drive - Speeding
Charlotte Street and New Market Road – Aggressive driving

Friday, June 24:

Immokalee and Oil Well roads - Speeding
Shadowlawn Drive and U.S. 41 East – Aggressive driving
Naples Boulevard – Aggressive driving

Youth Leaders End Up At Jail

A group of 40 high-school students participating in Youth Leadership Collier visited the Naples Jail Center on Tuesday. Corrections Cmdr. Kevin McGowan greeted the students and spoke to them about what is involved in operating a jail and the daily lives of inmates. Members of the Criminal Alien Task Force discussed identifying criminals who are in the country illegally. Deputies on the Corrections Emergency Response Team discussed responding to emergency situations in the jail. K9 Ben and handler Sgt. Adam Schnack helped wrapped up the visit by conducting a demonstration for the group.

Photos by Kristi Lester/CCSO(3)

CCSO Chief Completes Prestigious FBI National Academy

CCSO Chief Completes Prestigious FBI National Academy

Collier County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Administration Greg Smith was among 246 law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Va. on June 10.

The principal speaker at the ceremony was FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Internationally recognized for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected officers who have proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, graduates have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

This was the 245th session of the National Academy. It consisted of men and women from 48 states, the District of Columbia and 22 countries. Three military organizations and two federal civilian organizations were also represented in the class.

Smith, a lifelong Collier County resident, was appointed to CCSO in 1980 as a corrections officer. He rose through the ranks and was named captain of the Corrections Department in 1994. In 1999 Smith was appointed chief of the Corrections Department and served in that capacity until being named chief of the Administration Department in 2005.

He earned a master’s degree in public administration at Hodges University and a bachelor’s degree in social science at the University of South Florida. He is also a graduate of the National Institute of Corrections and has completed more than 3,000 hours of professional development training. He is a member of the Leadership Institute class of 2007 and the Leadership Collier class of 1998.

Smith serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Collier County. In his free time he is an avid boater, fisherman and outdoorsman. He also holds a private pilot’s license. He and his wife Mary have two children.

Attempted Robbery Of Undercover Deputy Nets Career Criminal 30 Years

A man who held a gun to an undercover deputy’s head during an attempted robbery in 2009 was sentenced to 30 years in prison Monday.

Patrick Warren Taylor, 34, Fort Myers, took a plea deal instead of standing trial on charges of attempted robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and cocaine trafficking.

Collier County Circuit Judge Franklin Baker accepted Taylor’s no-contest plea and adjudicated him guilty of the felony charges. Judge Baker sentenced him to 30 years in prison on each of the three charges.

Taylor also agreed to plead no contest to a charge of dwelling burglary, which he was facing in an unrelated case. Prosecutors dropped a charge of grand theft in exchange for his plea.

Judge Baker also sentenced him to 30 years in prison on the dwelling burglary charge. All of the sentences are to be served at the same time.

Taylor is a documented career criminal in Collier County with CCSO.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office reports detail the events leading up to Taylor’s arrest:

On July 24, 2009, an undercover detective with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Vice Narcotics Bureau purchased 59 grams of crack cocaine from Taylor for $1,670 in an undisclosed parking lot in Golden Gate. Six days later the undercover detective met again with Taylor at the same location to conduct a larger cocaine transaction.

Taylor arrived with another man, Jarrett Javon Irons, 22, Cape Coral. Both men got inside the detective’s undercover vehicle. Taylor pulled out a .32-caliber handgun and held it to the detective’s head. Irons, who was in the back seat, grabbed the detective from behind. Both men demanded the detective’s money. A struggle ensued and the detective was able to get the gun away from Taylor.

Deputies were in the immediate area acting as backup. They rushed the detective’s undercover vehicle and took Taylor and Irons into custody.

At the time of his arrest, Taylor was free on a $25,000 bond for a then-pending dwelling burglary and grand theft charges. Taylor and a co-defendant were arrested and charged June 11, 2009, with breaking into a Golden Gate Estates residence.

Irons remains in jail on $100,000 bond, awaiting trial on an attempted robbery charge stemming from the incident with the undercover detective.

With his Naples cases resolved, Taylor will be turned over to federal marshals in the U.S. Middle District of Florida in Fort Myers, where he is on federal probation for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

In addition to his federal cocaine distribution conviction, he has three felony convictions for grand theft of a motor vehicle in Lee County.

Deputies To Be Honored Tuesday For Fire Rescue

WHAT: Special recognition ceremony

DATE: Tuesday, June 14

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Collier County Fire Code Official’s building, 2700 N. Horseshoe Drive, off Airport-Pulling Road, just north of Naples Airport.

SUMMARY: The East Naples Fire Rescue District will honor six Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their courageous lifesaving efforts during a fire at the Goodlette Arms Apartments in East Naples on May 12.

The special recognition ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the start of the monthly meeting of the East Naples Board of Fire Commissioners.

East Naples Fire Rescue’s prestigious Eagle Award for life saving while risking personal safety will be presented to Sgt. Richard Williams, Cpl. James Casey, Cpl. Anna Cohen, Cpl. David Leatherwood, Cpl. David Whitt, and Cpl. Kasey Wingo.

The six deputies arrived at Goodlette Arms just minutes after the early evening fire was dispatched. The deputies, without regard to personal safety, entered the four-story smoke- filled building to physically help countless mobility-challenged residents navigate the hallways and stairs, through the building’s ground-floor lobby, and safely outside. All this was accomplished without a single injury to any of the residents.

All six deputies were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital.

Man Out On Bond Charged With Stalking Teen

A man who was arrested in 2009 on a sexual battery charge was back in custody following his arrest Sunday on a charge that he stalked a teenage girl in East Naples.

Ram Marquis Gabriel, 20, 14680 Apalachee St., East Naples, was charged with aggravated stalking of a minor younger than 16. The charge is a felony.

At the time of his arrest Gabriel was out on bond from his June 11, 2009, arrest, where he was charged with sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and lewd and lascivious molestation.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrest reports gave this account of Sunday’s arrest:

The victim’s father told detectives that Gabriel started to visit the church that his 15-year-old daughter and family attend in September 2010. Gabriel has been making advances toward the 15-year-old for several months.

Gabriel has showed up at church functions and tried to speak to the girl and give her hugs.

He has called the girl and her father on their cell phones, asking to date the girl. The father has told him no

The father told detectives that he has spoken to Gabriel in person and over the phone about his behavior. He has told Gabriel to stay away from his family.

On Saturday, Gabriel called the family’s home at 4:50 a.m. and left a voice mail, saying he wanted to “reclaim his property,’’ meaning the girl.

He called again 10 minutes later and told the father he was dating the girl. The father told Gabriel that his actions were improper and to not call their home again.

The father told detectives that the family is aware of Gabriel’s 2009 sexual battery arrest and he fears Gabriel will harm the girl.

Update: Homicide Investigation In East Naples

UPDATE: The slain man whose body was found in East Naples on Thursday has been identified as detectives search for a suspect in the case.

The victim has been identified as Jacquelin Francois, 44, 1850 Sunshine Blvd., #4, Golden Gate.

Detectives said Francois had been reported missing Thursday, just hours before his body was found inside a shed that had been converted into a residence at 3170 Polly Ave.

Francois was last seen around 3 p.m. Wednesday. He was reported missing to CCSO around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. His body was discovered around 4:30 p.m.

Detectives are not releasing how Francois died because of the active investigation, but said the case is being handled as a homicide.

Detectives were interviewing several potential witnesses in the case Friday.

No arrests have been made.

An autopsy was being conducted by the Collier County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday.

An investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).


Original news release:
Homicide Investigation In East Naples
Collier County Sheriff's Office
Posted Date: 6/10/2011 9:30 A.M.

The death of a man found in East Naples on Thursday is being investigated as a homicide.

The man’s body was found inside a shed that had been converted into a residence at 3170 Polly Ave. Deputies responded to the call shortly after 4:30 p.m. As the investigation proceeded, detectives later determined that it was a homicide.

Detectives were still trying to determine the man’s identity Friday morning.

No arrests have been made.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

6 CCSO Deputies To Be Honored For Fire Rescue

WHAT: Special recognition ceremony

DATE: Tuesday, June 14

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Collier County Fire Code Official’s building, 2700 N. Horseshoe Drive, off Airport-Pulling Road, just north of Naples Airport.

SUMMARY: The East Naples Fire Rescue District will honor six Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their courageous lifesaving efforts during a fire at the Goodlette Arms Apartments in East Naples on May 12.

The special recognition ceremony will be held at the start of the monthly meeting of the East Naples Board of Fire Commissioners.

East Naples Fire Rescue’s prestigious Eagle Award for life saving while risking personal safety will be presented to Sgt. Richard Williams, Cpl. James Casey, Cpl. Anna Cohen, Cpl. David Leatherwood, Cpl. David Whitt, and Cpl. Kasey Wingo.

The six deputies arrived at Goodlette Arms just minutes after the early evening fire was dispatched. The deputies, without regard to personal safety, entered the four-story smoke- filled building to physically help countless mobility-challenged residents navigate the hallways and stairs, through the building’s ground-floor lobby, and safely outside. All this was accomplished without a single injury to any of the residents.

All six deputies were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital.

Homicide Investigation In East Naples

The death of a man found in East Naples on Thursday is being investigated as a homicide.

The man’s body was found inside a shed that had been converted into a residence at 3170 Polly Ave. Deputies responded to the call shortly after 4:30 p.m. As the investigation proceeded, detectives later determined that it was a homicide.

Detectives were still trying to determine the man’s identity Friday morning.

No arrests have been made.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

CCSO Summerfest Gears Up For Second Year Of Fun

With school out and the mercury rising, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office has just the thing to keep kids and teens active, cool and safe this summer.

Summerfest is back for the second year in a row.

Fishing, swimming, boat-building, movies, sports, music, and games are just some of the activities that combine to make Summerfest CCSO’s most ambitious summer youth program ever. The program offers a wide range of fun and free activities for all grade levels in a safe environment.

Summerfest is made possible thanks to partnerships with Collier County Parks and Recreation, the Collier County School District and nearly 200 area donor businesses and individuals.

Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk said he believes this year will be even more successful than last year when deputies recorded more than 50,000 youth contacts during the course of the inaugural Summerfest programs.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community partners we are looking forward to building on last year’s momentum,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “This is going to be another year of safe and fun summer activities to our community’s young people.”

Summerfest 2011 gets under way Friday, June 10, with Hot Summer Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sun-n-Fun Lagoon at North Naples Regional Park, 1500 Livingston Road.

Once again, CCSO Youth Relations deputies will be assigned to summer youth programs instead of being assigned to patrol duties. This reallocation allows CCSO to expand its summer youth offerings without additional costs to the community.

CCSO has at least two activities, and in many cases as many as four activities, scheduled every weekday through Aug. 12. New this year is the Build-A-Chair program. And the middle school day camp program has been expanded to two locations: Golden Gate and Immokalee.

Here are some of the ways the Collier County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to make sure our community’s children and teens have as safe and fun summer.

Hot Summer Nights

This popular program will take place Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at parks throughout Collier County. Open to students in middle and high school. Hot Summer Nights includes water slides, music, dancing games, sports, roller skating, and water park events. Kids can snack on snow cones, popcorn and hot dogs served up by deputies.

D.E.P.U.T.Y Club

D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club is a summer program for students in first grade through fifth grade. It takes place Wednesdays for seven weeks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22 through Aug. 3 at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport-Pulling Road, North Naples. Transportation will be provided for children in the Immokalee and Everglades areas.

Open Gym – Basketball

Gymnasiums at Lely, Golden Gate and Immokalee high schools will be open for basketball and supervised by CCSO Youth Relations deputies several afternoons a week. The gyms will be set up to allow students, ages 11 to 18, to have supervised recreation and interaction with law enforcement.

Teen Driver Challenge

This is a 12-hour program that partners newly licensed drivers with deputies to learn skills and laws. This is both a classroom and hands-on program. Approximately 12-15 participants are involved in each monthly program.

Build-A-Boat

This program is an opportunity for high-schoolers ages 14 to 18 to accomplish the task of building a boat while staying active and earning their boaters safety certificate. The Build-A-Boat program will talk place at Everglades City School, the CCSO Youth Relations Office on North Horseshoe Drive in East Naples and at I-Tech in Immokalee.

Build-A-Chair

Students ages 11 to 14 will learn to work with tools and work together to build a chair at Lely High School, Golden Gate Middle School, Immokalee Middle School, and Everglades Community Center.

Middle School Community Outreach Camp

CCSO is partnering with Golden Gate and Immokalee middle schools to offer sixth- and seventh-grade students a free day camp. Activities will include basketball, lacrosse, softball, flag football, soccer, and track and field.

Fishing

Go fishing with CCSO at the Naples Pier. This program is a partnership between CCSO, City of Naples and Boys and Girls Club. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 20 through Aug. 11. Kids ages 10-16 will fish and learn about water safety.

A complete schedule of activities can be found on the CCSO website, http://www.colliersheriff.org/. Click on the pull-down tab labeled “We Can Help,” then click on “Youth Relations” then “CCSO Summerfest.” Or for more information call CCSO’s Youth Relations Bureau at 530-9741 or e-mail summerfest@colliersheriff.org.

“You Hold The Key” Campaign Gets Boost

It’s a wrap for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

An F-250 truck assigned to the CCSO Crime Prevention Unit was recently outfitted with a custom-cut graphic, also known as a wrap, specifically designed to fit the vehicle.

The wrap was paid for by a Target Corp. Public Safety Grant Program.

But this tricked-out truck isn’t being kept under wraps.

The wrap covers both sides and the front and rear portions of the vehicle. It features public safety messages as well as images of a family at the beach and a burglar. The design was inspired by CCSO’s “You Hold the Key” safety campaign.

The goal is to remind the community about the importance of locking car doors.

The message was selected due to the steady number vehicle break-ins in Collier County. Thieves are targeting unlocked vehicles more than ever.

CCSO believes the truck will be an excellent crime prevention tool.

CCSO launched “You Hold the Key” in fall 2010.

Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk believes the community holds the key to a safer Collier County

If motorists simply remove their valuables and lock their doors, the number of vehicle break-ins will go down, Sheriff Rambosk has said.

Here are more ways you can keep your vehicle safe:

• Remove all valuables or keep them out of sight. This is particularly important with GPS systems, laptops and iPods. Make sure to remove all base mounts, cords and chargers from view as well.

• If your vehicle is broken into, report it to law enforcement even if nothing significant was taken. The more information investigators have about these crimes, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to identify and stop the people committing them.

CCSO's Weekly Wanted Bulletin

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

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

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

Click here to see this week's wanted bulletin.

Man Charged With Exposing Himself Via Webcam

A Central Florida man was arrested Thursday on charges he exposed himself using a Webcam to an undercover Collier County Sheriff’s Office detective he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Edward Radford, 40, after executing a search warrant at his residence in Ocala. Radford was arrested on a Collier County warrant charging him with lewd and lascivious exhibition via Webcam.

Radford is charged with transmitting Webcam videos of himself with his genitals exposed to a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl in February. In fact, the person was an undercover CCSO detective.

Radford was on a Webcam and chatting online when Marion deputies executed the search warrant. Radford was using the same screen name that he used while chatting with the undercover CCSO deputy online in February.

CCSO Helps Kick Off Summer

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Sweetbay Supermarket, 4015 Santa Barbara Blvd., to host the Taste of Summer event on May 26. Deputies and McGruff the Crime Dog were on hand to answer safety questions from the public.

Photos by Connie Ledbetter/CCSO(2)

CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots

Monday, June 6:


Wilson and Golden Gate boulevards - Speeding
Pine Ridge Road and Napa Boulevard – Red-light running
U.S. 41 East and Lakewood Boulevard – Red-light running

Tuesday, June 7:

Orange Blossom Drive and Goodlette-Frank Road - Speeding
Radio Road and Robin Hood Circle – Aggressive driving
8th Street North – Aggressive driving

Wednesday, June 8:

Airport-Pulling and Immokalee roads – Aggressive driving
Sunshine Boulevard and 20th Place S.W. - Speeding
U.S. 41 East and Pine Street - Speeding

Thursday, June 9:

Collier Boulevard and Championship Drive - Speeding
Livingston Road and Carlton Lakes Boulevard - Speeding
New Market Road – Aggressive driving

Friday, June 10:

Immokalee and Sanctuary roads - Speeding
Golden Gate Parkway and Airport-Pulling Road – Red-light running
Immokalee Drive – Aggressive driving

Deputies: Ex-Bookkeeper Stole $375K From Car Dealership

The former bookkeeper for an auto dealership in East Naples is charged with embezzling more than $375,000 from the business.

William Patrick Cleary, 60, was arrested Wednesday morning in Lee County on a Collier County warrant charging him with one count of grand theft over $100,000. The charge is a first-degree felony.

Cleary was employed as the controller/bookkeeper at Ambassador Auto Sales, 3164 Davis Blvd., in June 2010 when the business owner and office manager discovered Cleary had made numerous unauthorized monetary transfers from the dealership’s main operating account, detectives said.

The alleged theft was reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Further investigation by CCSO detectives revealed that from Sept. 21, 2009, to July 2, 2010, Cleary made 155 unauthorized transfers totaling $375,678.10 from Ambassador’s main operating account into his two personal bank accounts, detectives said.

Detectives said Cleary has reimbursed $172,000 to the dealership, leaving a loss of $203,678.10.