Governor Scott’s Letter to FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey

MEMORANDUM

DATE: November 23, 2011

TO: All Interested Media

FROM: Brian Burgess, Communications Director
Executive Office of the Governor

RE: Governor Scott’s Letter to FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey

Please see the attached letter from Governor Rick Scott to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey requesting FDLE to work with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Robert Champion, Florida A&M University’s “Marching 100” drum major.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Governor Scott’s press office at (850) 488-5394.

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November 23, 2011

Commissioner Gerald Bailey
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Post Office Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489

Dear Commissioner Bailey:

The recent death of Florida A&M University’s “Marching 100” band drum major Robert Champion has generated great concern throughout the state and indeed the nation. While I recognize that the investigation into the death of Mr. Champion is being handled by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the reality is that the death investigation significantly impacts the University, the Tallahassee community, and the State of Florida as a whole. With this in mind, I believe it to be appropriate that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement become involved in investigating this matter.

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FDLE to Release 2011 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey will release the Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report at a press conference tomorrow. The report includes data submitted by law enforcement agencies for crimes reported from January through June of this year.

The press conference details are as follows:
Date: Friday, Oct. 21, 2011
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Headquarters
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Keith Kameg or Kristi Gordon
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

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FDLE Recognizes October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is recognizing October as National Cyber Security Month. Floridians are encouraged to educate themselves about Internet safety and review tips for keeping children safe online.

“Every year we spend more and more of our time online with laptops, tablets, and smart phones.” said Special Agent Supervisor Mike Phillips of FDLE’s Computer Crime Center. “Let’s all use this month as a reminder to talk to our employees, families, and friends about cyber security. Simple steps, such as having a strong password and keeping it private, can protect us from a number of risks like identity theft and cyber bullying.”

… Continue Reading

FDLE and Elder Affairs Recognize Three-Year Anniversary of Florida’s Silver Alert Plan

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey and Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) Secretary Charles T. Corley today recognized the three-year anniversary of the inception of Florida’s Silver Alert Plan and praised its success. To date, 377 Silver Alerts have been issued, with 367 seniors located safely, and 51 of those recoveries attributed directly to the Silver Alert.

“The Silver Alert Plan has helped to ensure a rapid, coordinated, and effective response when a senior goes missing,” said Commissioner Bailey. “When those alerts go out, citizens pay attention, and lives are saved as a result.”

“Seniors make up almost a quarter of Florida’s population, and that is expected to increase to 35 percent by 2030,” said Secretary Corley. “The success of the Silver Alert program demonstrates the commitment by all of Florida’s citizens to protect vulnerable members of our families and our communities.”

… Continue Reading

Chief Executive Seminar Graduation

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute announces the graduation of 20 senior managers from the Chief Executive Seminar on August 18, 2011 11:00 am at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Headquarters located at 2331 Phillips Road in Tallahassee, Florida. The graduates represent criminal justice agencies around the state who serve in a leadership role within their agency.

The seminar met for one week each month for three months at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Headquarters. Graduates took classes on topics such as futures, demography, budgeting, managing generations, ethics, and implementing strategic change.

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FDLE Charges Three State Corrections Officers

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Office of Executive Investigations and the Department of Corrections yesterday charged three Wakulla Correctional Institution employees after an investigation revealed criminal actions against inmates of the institution. FDLE began investigating on March 24 after receiving information from the Florida Department of Corrections’ Office of Inspector General.

According to investigators, an unidentified inmate made a disparaging remark about Captain Megan Dillard which resulted in Dillard allegedly falsifying 13 disciplinary reports against 13 different inmates. The false disciplinary reports resulted in a loss of privileges and a transfer to a confinement dormitory.

… Continue Reading

FDLE’s Inspector General Receives Accreditation for Investigative Function

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey today formally accepted the Department’s accreditation award for the Office of Inspector General’s investigative function.  The accreditation was bestowed by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) at a commission meeting in Hutchinson Island, Fla. … Continue Reading

FDLE Commemorates National AMBER Alert Awareness Day

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner (FDLE) Gerald Bailey joined Florida’s local, state, federal, and private partners today to commemorate National AMBER Alert Awareness Day. Each year, on January 13, the U.S. Department of Justice remembers the abduction and brutal murder of nine-year-old Amber Hagerman that occurred 15 years ago in Texas, and for whom the AMBER plan was named. … Continue Reading

Tampa Man Charged with Identity Theft

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center yesterday arrested Idalberto Fleites-Cepero’s, 58, of Tampa, Fla., and charged him with multiple counts of identity theft, possession of forged credit cards, fraudulent use of credit cards and grand theft.

The three month investigation revealed that Fleites-Cepero encoded blank credit cards with stolen credit card numbers and stolen identity information from victims but with his real name printed on the cards.  He then used the credit cards to purchase goods.

On Dec. 20, FDLE with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Clearwater Police Department (CPD), Tampa Police Department (TPD) and the United States Secret Service (USSS) executed a search warrant at Fleites-Cepero’s residence located at 10118 Enchanted Oaks Court, Tampa, FL.  During the search of his residence, large quantities of stolen credit card information, quantities of counterfeit credit cards, blank credit cards, and information related to the purchase of credit card making equipment was seized.

Fleites-Cepero’s was charged with three counts of identity theft, three counts of possession of forged counterfeit credit cards, two counts of fraudulent use of credit cards and two counts of grand theft.

Fleites-Cepero’s was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail, and his bond was set at $22,000.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith or Keith Kameg
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Sixty-Two South Florida Residents Charged with Public Assistance Fraud

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Office of the State Attorney, 15th Judicial Circuit today announced the charging of more than 60 public assistance recipients with welfare fraud. The arrests follow an 18-month investigation named “Operation Easy Money,” during which authorities identified public assistance recipients illegally obtaining cash from government issued Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards which are authorized only for the purchase of approved food staples.

“We have no tolerance for individuals who defraud programs intended for our neediest citizens,” said FDLE’s Miami Special Agent in Charge Amos Rojas, Jr. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop individuals who steal from government coffers.”

“This type of fraud not only hurts those that need it the most, but also hinders our nation’s economic recovery efforts,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
… Continue Reading

Former Port Canaveral Commissioner Indicted on Corruption Charges

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announce the arrest today of former Port Canaveral Commissioner Ralph Kennedy for unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior and conspiracy to commit unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior. … Continue Reading

FDLE and Office of Statewide Prosecution to Announce Indictments in Port Canaveral Investigation

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of Statewide Prosecution will hold a press conference today to announce indictments as a result of the investigation into activities occurring at Port Canaveral.

The press conference details are as follows:

Date:             Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Time:             2:30 p.m.
Location:      Port Canaveral Maritime Center – Commission Room
Address:       445 Challenger Road, Cape Canaveral, FL  32920

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith or Keith Kameg
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Leon County Man Arrested for Distribution of Child Pornography

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Computer Crime Center and investigators with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office today arrested John Buckley, 59, of Leon County Fla., and charged him with 55 counts of distribution of child pornography and 12 counts of possession of child pornography.

Buckley became a suspect on August 31 during an undercover investigation by FDLE’s Computer Crime Center.  During the investigation, an FDLE agent received images displaying the sexual performance by a child on a private file sharing network from the suspect.  The agent was able to trace images that had been shared online back to Buckley’s home computer. … Continue Reading

Port St. Lucie Mayor Arrested for Official Misconduct

Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Port St. Lucie Mayor Patricia Christensen, 53, and charged her with one count of official misconduct for falsification of an official record or document and one count of disposition of surplus funds by a candidate. Christensen allegedly deposited approximately $3,800 from campaign funds into her personal account. … Continue Reading

Florida Missing Children’s Day Today

Today, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse Advisory Board will host the twelfth annual Florida Missing Children’s Day in Tallahassee. The formal ceremony will take place on the courtyard between the Old Capitol and new Capitol at 10 a.m.  A child safety fair will begin at 9 a.m. in the plaza area of the Capitol. Children will have the opportunity to be fingerprinted, photographed, and receive child safety literature. The media and public are invited to attend.

Florida Missing Children’s Day is held each year to recognize past and present missing children and their families, to educate citizens on safety awareness, and to honor individuals in our state who have made a difference in the life of a child. Families of missing persons will travel to Tallahassee to attend the ceremony and honor the memory of their loved one.

During the formal ceremony, awards will be given to individuals in the following categories: Law Enforcement Task Force/Team of the Year, Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Jimmy Ryce Trailing Team of the Year, School Bus Operator of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Commissioner’s Award, John and Reve Walsh Award, Evelyn Williams Memorial Award, Statewide Fifth Grade Essay Contest Winner; and DOJ Poster Contest Recognition.

Annual Florida Missing Children’s Day Ceremony to be Held Monday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m.

~Digital Billboards to Highlight Children Throughout Weekend~

For Immediate Release
September 10, 2010

On Monday, Sept. 13, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse Advisory Board will host the twelfth annual Florida Missing Children’s Day in Tallahassee. The formal ceremony will take place on the courtyard between the Old Capitol and new Capitol at 10 a.m.  A child safety fair will begin at 9 a.m. in the plaza area of the Capitol. Children will have the opportunity to be fingerprinted, photographed, and receive child safety literature. The media and public are invited to attend.

During the weekend leading up to the event, advertisers with the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) will be donating digital billboard space throughout the state to feature children and adults from Florida that are still missing. Lamar, Clear Channel Outdoor and CBS outdoor are participating. The artwork will feature 25 missing children and adults. The billboards will run beginning today through Monday.

“The Florida Department of Law Enforcement appreciates our outdoor advertisers for partnering with us once again to broadcast the photos of missing children and adults,” said Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “It is our hope that someone, somewhere in our state will recognize one of these faces and provide us with information that will reunite them with their families.”

The following children and adults will be featured on billboards:
Danielle Bell, missing from Pensacola since Sept. 28, 2001
Tavia Bailey, missing from Pensacola since Jan. 24, 1986
Preston Mills, missing from Pensacola since June 25, 2010
Ali Gilmore, missing from Tallahassee since Feb. 2, 2006
David Jackson, missing from Tallahassee since Oct. 28, 2008
Portesha Morris, missing from Monticello since April 16, 2001
Tiffany Sessions, missing from Gainesville since Feb. 9, 1989
Shirlene Roberts, missing from Jacksonville since Sept. 9, 2009
Mark Gibson, missing from Jacksonville since March 12, 2008
Mark Degner, missing from Jacksonville since Feb. 10, 2005
Bryan Hayes, missing from Jacksonville since Feb. 10, 2005
Zachary Bernhardt, missing from Clearwater since Sept. 11, 2000
Ronkeya Holes and Masaraha Ross, missing from Haines City since Oct. 18, 2009
Jennifer Kesse, missing from Orlando since Jan. 24, 2006
Phillip Desir, missing from Palm Bay since Feb. 7, 2009
Desiree Wilson, missing from Orlando since Jan. 16, 2010
Navisha Maddox, missing from Orlando since April 15, 2008
Jacqueline Hernandez, missing from Clermont since Dec. 22, 2007
Teresa Alfonso, missing from Marathon since Sept. 3, 1974
Lucely Aramburo, missing from Kendall since June 1, 2007
Deelee Bohler, missing from Miami since Nov. 2, 2005
Gayle Moran, missing from Lake Palcid since July 30, 2009
Danny Mordenti, missing from Punta Gorda since May 22, 2008
Alexander Erb-Sanchez, missing from Ellenton since Nov. 4, 2008

Florida Missing Children’s Day is held each year to recognize past and present missing children and their families, to educate citizens on safety awareness, and to honor individuals in our state who have made a difference in the life of a child. Families of missing persons will travel to Tallahassee to attend the ceremony and honor the memory of their loved one.

During the formal ceremony, awards will be given to individuals in the following categories: Law Enforcement Task Force/Team of the Year, Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Jimmy Ryce Trailing Team of the Year, School Bus Operator of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Commissioner’s Award, John and Reve Walsh Award, Evelyn Williams Memorial Award, Statewide Fifth Grade Essay Contest Winner; and DOJ Poster Contest Recognition.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Chernosky, Keith Kameg or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

FDLE Dismantles South Florida Prostitution Business

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) special agents and Boca Raton Police Department today arrested four South Florida residents on charges related to operating a prostitution business out of Pompano Beach. David Naftaly, 42, of Parkland; Rachelle Pelletier, 44, of Pompano Beach; Elizabeth Smodey, 27, of Wilton Manors;and Mike Mitchell, 49, of Wilton Manors were arrested and charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, and money laundering. … Continue Reading

Keith Kameg Appointed FDLE Communications Coordinator

Commissioner Jerry Bailey is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Kameg to the position of Communications Coordinator in the Office of External Affairs. In this role, Kameg will serve as one of the department’s spokespersons and will be responsible for coordinating news releases, interviews, press conferences and internal communications.

Kameg comes to FDLE from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) where he served since 1986. After rising to the rank of Lieutenant, he spent 10 years serving as GPD’s chief spokesperson where he handled all media inquiries, wrote press releases and produced and hosted a monthly television show. Kameg most recently served as the department’s dayshift commander before retiring from GPD in August.

Kameg has been a member of the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association for 10 years and has served as the group’s President. Kameg earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida. … Continue Reading

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Asks FDLE to Investigate Vehicle Pursuit and Accident

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conduct a preliminary investigation into an incident that resulted in a traffic accident following a vehicle pursuit today.

The incident began at approximately 11 a.m. on County Road 318 in Marion County when a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a vehicle stop of a Buick LeSabre for a traffic violation. The driver refused to stop his vehicle. … Continue Reading

Man Charged in Perry Murder for Hire Case

The Perry Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on Sunday arrested Robert Wayne Cornwell, 32, of Perry and charged him with four counts of solicitation to commit murder, a first degree felony. … Continue Reading