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FDLE provides update in Mike Williams investigation

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez today provided an update to the Jerry Michael “Mike” Williams cold case.

“Today we announce that the body of Mike Williams has been recovered and we know without a doubt that Mike Williams was murdered,” said Special Agent in Charge Perez. 

Williams, 31, was reported missing after he went hunting on Lake Seminole on December 16, 2000.  FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office, 2nd Judicial Circuit began investigating the case in 2004.  A body was recently recovered after agents received new information in the case and DNA analysis confirmed the body was that of Mike Williams. 

“Seventeen years did not hide how Mike Williams died and our focus has shifted from a missing person case to a homicide investigation.  We will continue to work this case until those responsible for his death are brought to justice,” said Perez.  

Investigators are unable to provide details of the homicide at this point because the case is active and additional investigative leads are being pursued.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact FDLE Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820.

Boy Scouts leader arrested on 38 charges of child pornography

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Orlando Cyber Crime Task Force today arrested Michael Douglas Hanen, 67, of 248 E. Collins Street, Apt. 33, Umatilla, on 38 counts of possession of child pornography.

Hanen was a Boy Scouts leader with a Lake County troop. Given the nature of his arrest and his access to children, FDLE is asking anyone with information about Hanen to call the Orlando office at 407.245.0888.

 After receiving a tip, FDLE Agents launched an investigation and learned that images depicting child pornography were associated with Hanen. During the execution of a search warrant, agents conducted a forensic preview of a digital device and found 38 files of children who appeared to be under the age of 18 depicted in sexual images.

 Hanen is being held on a no-bond status at the Lake County jail. He will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, Ninth Judicial Circuit.

FDLE arrests Naples man on dozens of child pornography counts

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NAPLES, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Kevin John Hawkesworth, 51, of 9529 Winterview Drive, Naples, Florida, for 53 counts of electronic transmission of child pornography by electronic device and 10 counts of promotion of child pornography.


The investigation began after agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual was sending videos and images of child pornography to persons via Twitter.

On Nov. 16, 2017, FDLE special agents, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the FDLE Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Hawkesworth’s home. 

 Agents seized numerous computer-related media devices from the home. Through investigative efforts and forensic examinations of Hawkesworth’s devices, agents were able to identify that, while in Lee County, he allegedly sent child pornography that included children as young as three or four years of age engaged in various sex acts. 

Hawkesworth was arrested by FDLE this afternoon at his home. He was transported to the Lee County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit. 

Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at:http://secureflorida.org/family/best_practices_for_parents/. 

Lt. Governor López-Cantera and FDLE host Florida Missing Children’s Day

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Lt. Governor Carlos López-Cantera and First Lady Ann Scott joined Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen and hundreds of law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens today for the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
Governor Scott said, “As a father and grandfather, I take the safety of Florida’s children very seriously, and my heart goes out to the parents and families who have experienced the heartache of a missing child. Our prayers are with each of them every day. Florida is now at a 46-year crime low thanks to our hardworking law enforcement officers and we will keep fighting to protect those most vulnerable in our state.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “As First Lady, I’ve had the opportunity to meet thousands of children across the state, and I am constantly reminded of how important it is to protect them. Rick and I are so grateful to the law enforcement officers, first responders and volunteers who dedicate their time to reuniting these families and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
In 2016, more than 33,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies and 12 AMBER Alerts were issued statewide. Since its inception, 218 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including 10 so far this year. AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 69 children.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The security of Florida’s children and the safe recovery of those missing remain a priority for FDLE. We are committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prevent child abductions and apprehend predators.”
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Today we remember all of Florida’s missing children and their loved ones—who continue to hope and pray for their safe return. My heart breaks for families still searching for their children and I pray for our law enforcement officers working diligently to locate missing children and bring to justice those responsible for so much pain.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said: “Those who dedicate their lives to protecting Florida’s children and educating our communities on ways to prevent child abduction are nothing short of heroic. While there is always more work to be done, we are forever grateful for the service they have provided, and will continue to provide, to the children and families of our great state.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said, “Florida Missing Children’s Day is a solemn day to remember our missing children and grieve with their families and loved ones. It is also a day to recommit to doing all that we can to make Florida a safer place for our most vulnerable residents.”
During a formal ceremony, Lt. Governor López-Cantera and Commissioner Swearingen recognized citizens, canine trailing teams and law enforcement officers for their exemplary efforts in missing children investigations.
The following individuals are recipients of the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day Awards:
Combatting Human Trafficking Award
Winner: Miami-Dade Police Department, Human Trafficking Squad

  • Lt. Lewis Velken
  • Sgt. Marie Perez
  • Sgt. Joseph Menendez
  • Det. Raul Cabrera
  • Det. Hector Arreola
  • Det. Kurtis Lueck
  • Det. Isabel Soto
  • Det. Paul Espana

Agency: Miami-Dade Police, Special Victims Bureau, Human Trafficking Squad
In June of 2016, the Human Trafficking Squad (HTS) assisted in the arrest of a human trafficker whose crimes spanned three countries and multiple states. The investigation resulted in the recovery of seven human trafficking victims.
Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Winner: Officer Troy Belden, Daytona Beach Police Department
Officer Troy Belden, while off duty, witnessed an attempted kidnapping when a suspect attempted to enter a vehicle occupied by two children. Officer Belden chased and apprehended the suspect and placed him under arrest.
State/Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Winner: Special Agent Donald Cannon, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Regional Operations Center
Special Agent Donald Cannon led an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a suspect accused of abusing nearly a dozen children, both in Florida and in the orphanage he operated in Haiti. The suspect was arrested for violations in Foreign Commerce with the Purpose of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
Jimmy Ryce K9 Trailing Team of the Year
Winner: Deputy Sheriff Jacob Durrance and K9 Chase, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Summary: Deputy Jacob Durrance and K9 Chase tracked a 16 year old, suicidal girl. They began from her home and tracked her into the woods a mile from her home, where she was recovered and transported to the hospital.
Law Enforcement Task Force of the Year
Winner: Child Abduction Response Team: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol

  • Resident Agent in Charge Brett Thompson, FDLE
  • Special Agent Scott Gibson, FDLE
  • Special Agent Andrew Powell, FDLE
  • Special Agent Joshua Rios, FDLE
  • Special Agent Charles Massucci, FDLE
  • Special Agent Donald Schrenker, FDLE
  • Sergeant Joseph Makal, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Detective Maria Sorensen, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Bradford, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Task Force Detective Robert Mateo, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sergeant Robert Kirkpatrick, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Special Agent Joe Boland, FBI
  • State Trooper George Seiler, FHP

This Child Abduction Response Team led an abduction investigation that covered three states: Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. The young girl was taken from her home and AMBER alerts were issued in all three states. The girl was recovered in Tennessee and flown back to Florida by the FDLE Aviation Unit.
School Bus Operator of the Year
Winner: Linda Sheldrake, Flagler County
Linda noticed, at one of her stops, a strange man sitting in his car focusing on one of the girls in a group. Knowing the girl had a further walk than the rest, Linda contacted the mother about the situation and began dropping the girl off closer to her home to avoid the strange man.
John and Revé Walsh Award
Winner: Dr. Michael Warren
This year, Dr. Michael Warren retired from his position as director of the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory where he helped identify numerous remains of missing persons in the state of Florida. Dr. Warren has remained an integral part of the investigation into the disappearance of Tiffany Sessions.
Evelyn D. Williams Memorial Award
Winner: Jan Henderson
Jan Henderson recently retired from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where she led FDLE’s Unidentified Deceased Initiative. Ms. Henderson helped identify the remains of multiple unidentified deceased cases. Ms. Henderson has also played an important role in the organization of the Missing Children’s Day event for over a decade.
To see a current list of unsolved AMBER Alert cases, please click here.
A current list of unsolved Missing Child Alert cases can be found here.
FDLE invites the public to follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up to receive Missing Child and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting missingchildrenalert.com. For more information about the Florida Missing Children’s Day Foundation, visit fmcdf.org.
 

Florida Missing Children’s Day to focus on safety of children

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Lt. Governor Carlos López-Cantera and First Lady Ann Scott will join Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen and law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens on Thursday, December 14 for the 2017 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee.
The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
The ceremony will include a presentation of awards and a special remembrance event.
Reporters are invited to attend.
What: Florida Missing Children’s Day Ceremony
When: Thursday, December 14, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol Courtyard
Address: 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399

FDLE arrests Washington County man for child molestation

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested Darren Keith Collins, 47, of 1631 Duncan Community Rd., Chipley, Florida, for one count each of lewd and lascivious molestation, victim under 12 years of age and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
An investigation determined that Collins intentionally touched a child under the age of 12 in a lewd or lascivious manner and also forced the child to touch him.
On November 30, 2017, Collins was booked into the Washington County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 14th Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the Secure Florida website to review tips for keeping your children safe online.

Kissimmee man charged with 10 counts of child pornography

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Orlando Cyber Crime Task Force arrested Rajiv Israel Kevin Gobin, 20, of 3488 Forest Ridge Lane, Kissimmee, today and charged him with 10 counts of possession of child pornography.
FDLE agents went to Gobin’s home after a preliminary investigation determined child pornography files were being downloaded and shared on the Internet from a specific IP address. Agents obtained a search warrant and executed the warrant. During a forensic preview of a digital device, agents located several files with images depicting child pornography.
Gobin was transported to the Osceola County Jail with a $50,000 bond status until his initial appearance. The Office of the State Attorney, 9th Circuit, will prosecute.

FDLE arrests former child protective investigator

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested former Department of Children and Families child protective investigator Jason Robert Kent, 44, for falsifying records. The DCF Office of Inspector General referred the case to FDLE and assisted in the investigation.
Kent’s case notes indicated that he conducted face to face interviews on seven child endangerment cases dating from December 2014 to April 2015. However, the investigation revealed that the subjects of the cases had not seen Mr. Kent before and had never spoken with him.
On November 27, 2017, an arrest warrant was obtained for Kent charging him with five felony counts of falsifying records. He was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail. The Jackson County State Attorney’s Office, 14th Judicial Circuit will prosecute the case.

Florida crime down in the first half of 2017

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Crime continues to fall across Florida according to the 2017 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped two percent or roughly 6,300 fewer reported index crimes compared to the first six months of 2016.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Each and every day, the brave men and women of Florida’s law enforcement community selflessly work to keep our neighborhoods safe and as Florida’s crime rate continues to drop, we’re reminded of their important and life-saving work. Today, Floridians and visitors are the safest they’ve been in nearly a half -century and we will continue to fully support our law enforcement members as they work to make the Sunshine State the safest place to raise a family.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Throughout my career I have worked closely with our brave law enforcement officers, and the continued decline in Florida’s crime rate is a testament to their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to thank all of our law enforcement officers and our state prosecutors for their continued success fighting crime and protecting Floridians.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Our declining crime rate is a true testament of our law enforcement community’s commitment to keeping our state safe. I offer my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made for the well-being of Florida’s families, friends and neighbors.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, “Florida’s crime rate continues to fall, and I credit the hard work of the thin blue line, the men and women in uniform who selflessly and courageously pursue their mission to keep Florida safe. We must continue to provide our law enforcement community with all the support we can so they can continue to help keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
The crimes of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny were down in this report while the crimes of rape and motor vehicle theft increased. Domestic violence fell one percent, with domestic violence murder and aggravated assault down while rape and stalking were up.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Every day across Florida law enforcement officers at the state, local and federal levels work together to keep Florida citizens safe. Because of our partnerships Florida’s citizens and visitors are the safest they’ve been in more than 46 years.”
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, “The continued reduction in crime, throughout the state of Florida, is a direct result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, from the highest-ranking leadership to our patrol officers and deputies. From innovative task force operations to dedicated education and enforcement, we stay committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad said, “As Florida’s crime continues to drop, I commend law enforcement leaders and officers across the state! Their unwavering dedication coupled with the laws we have in place to deter those bent on committing crime are clearly working. The Florida Police Chiefs throughout the state remain committed to working with our state and federal partners to keep Floridians safe.”
The Semi-Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement.  The report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website.
FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.

FDLE arrests Escambia County man for possession of child pornography

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FDLE agents and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office today arrested Steven Michael Truax Jr., 30, of 2006 East Johnson Avenue, Apartment #C, Pensacola, Florida for 32 counts of possession of child pornography.
In September 2017, FDLE agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and obtained search warrants for Truax’s residence.
With the information provided by NCMEC, agents seized several electronic devices from Truax’s residence and located an application that contained over 200 child pornography videos featuring children in ages ranging from infants to young teens.
Truax was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit, in Escambia County.