Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested William Edward Bond, 37, of 2414 Jason Drive, Lynn Haven for falsification of records. Bond is a Child Protective Investigator with the 14th Circuit Court.
On July 29, 2015, Bond documented in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) that he conducted a face-to-face welfare visit with a foster child at the child’s residence on July 24, 2015. According to the child’s foster parents, Bond did not conduct a face-to-face visit that day and records show that the foster child was not picked up from daycare until after the recorded in home visit. A review of Bond’s mileage log for July 24, 2015 revealed he did not document a visit to the foster child’s residence as he claimed in the FSFN.
Bond was booked into the Bay County Jail on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. The Office of the State Attorney, 14th Circuit, will prosecute.
FDLE
FDLE arrests Dixie County City Manager for official misconduct
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Gary Pinner, 58, of 431 SE 552ND Street, Old Town on one count of official misconduct. Pinner is charged with misusing city employees, city equipment, city inventory, and an inmate work crew to provide free water services to certain Dixie County residents, including his future son-in-law.
The FDLE investigation determined that on three separate occasions, Pinner, in his official role as Cross City City Manager, instructed Water Department employees to perform work on private properties utilizing city resources outside and beyond the scope of their job related duties.
Over the past several months, Pinner instructed two Cross City Water Department employees to install a water line (beyond the water meter) to his daughter and future son-in-law’s residence (hundreds of feet through a livestock/horse pasture) utilizing city owned equipment (trenching machine), city owned supplies (PVC pipe), and a state inmate work crew (helped remove roots and other obstructions from the trench and laid the PVC pipe in the ground). Within the last two years, Pinner also instructed city employees to install water lines to two other residences, using city labor. In addition, he allowed at least three city water customers to maintain excessive unpaid account balances for extended periods of time without having their water service terminated.
The investigation has not revealed any other criminal wrongdoing, other than the actions of Pinner.
Pinner was arrested today and transported to the Dixie County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, Third Judicial Circuit.
FDLE Agents arrest daycare worker on child pornography charges
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Justin Dwayne Cross, 25, of 11316 Eagle Hill Drive, Riverview, on 20 counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of transmission of child pornography.
Cross worked at Child Care of Brandon, 730 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon, and previously at La Petite Academy, at 10025 Christina Dr., Riverview. Because of Cross’ interaction with children, anyone with additional information is asked to call FDLE at 813-878-7300.
The investigation began after agents received tips that Cross was distributing images depicting child pornography. The investigation further showed that between September 2016 and January 2017, Cross shared images of child pornography in chat rooms and through different websites.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a national network of coordinated task forces, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office joined FDLE in the investigation and provided resources.
Cross was transported to the Hillsborough County jail for booking. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
DCF, DOH, FDLE to hold workshops on opioid use
At the direction of Governor Scott, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will host community workshops in Palm Beach, Manatee, Orange, and Duval counties to discuss the ongoing issue of opioid drug use. The goal of the workshops is for agency leadership and staff to hear the specific needs of these communities and provide information regarding existing resources, best practices regarding opioid use disorders, and grant opportunities. Workshops are open to the public.
The community workshops will take place:
Palm Beach County
3:00-4:30, p.m.
Monday, May 1
West Palm Beach Police Department Community Room
600 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach
Manatee County
9:00-10:30, a.m.
Tuesday, May 2
The Bradenton Area Convention Center
Longboat Key Room
One Haben Blvd., Palmetto
Orange County
3:00-4:30, p.m.
Tuesday, May 2
Orange County Board of County Commission Chambers
201 South Rosalind Avenue, Orlando
Duval County
9:00-10:30, a.m.
Wednesday, May 3
City Hall, St. James Bldg.
Lynwood Roberts Room
117 West Duval Street, Jacksonville
Gov. Scott directs DCF, DOH and FDLE to hold workshops on rising opioid usage
Governor Rick Scott today directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to meet with communities to identify additional strategies to fight the rising opioid usage cases in Florida. The Attorney General’s Office will also be participating in these workshops. At the Governor’s direction, DCF Secretary Mike Carroll, Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip and FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen will travel to counties facing an increase in opioid-related deaths and host community workshops with local leaders, law enforcement, health directors, treatment providers and community members.
Governor Scott said, “Growing up, substance abuse was something that impacted my own family and I know firsthand what a heartbreaking burden this can be on families who have to deal with this. Behind every case of drug use is a family hoping and praying for a solution. One death caused by substance abuse is one too many, and today I have directed the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to travel the state and hear directly from communities on what resources they need to help with this growing problem. Opioid abuse is happening across our nation and it is crucial that we hear what our local communities are doing to fight the rising use of opioids and how we as the state can continue to help.
“Drug abuse has the potential to affect entire families, including innocent children. I have directed Secretary Carroll to specifically focus on children whose caregivers are struggling with addiction and what resources counties need in order to protect these kids. We are committed to doing everything we can to keep Florida safe, and I look forward to continuing to work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure our communities have the resources they need in their fight against opioid use.”
Community workshops will provide important opportunities for the state to directly hear the specific needs of affected communities as well as provide information on existing resources, best practices, and grant opportunities. Workshops will be hosted in Palm Beach, Manatee, Duval and Orange County. More information on dates and locations will be announced soon.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “I have dedicated my career to fighting drug abuse—first as a state prosecutor and now as your attorney general. As our fight against this national opioid epidemic continues, we know we cannot just arrest our way out of this problem. That is why we have worked to decrease the price of life-saving medicine to treat addicts. We will continue to vigorously prosecute drug traffickers and explore options to help users recover, as we travel the state to identify additional strategies to address the opioid crisis and save lives.”
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Stopping the introduction, sale and use of illegal opioids remains a primary focus of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. I look forward to participating in the community meetings to ensure we are working with all stakeholders to address this growing problem.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Substance abuse can have a catastrophic impact on individuals and their families if left untreated. The rising toll of opioid abuse in the state is spreading into communities across Florida and affecting all generations. We must come together to ensure that communities have the tools they need to fight and prevent these addictions.”
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip said, “Substance abuse and addiction are complex and often tragic health conditions that negatively impact children, families and communities at large. We know that adverse childhood experiences can have effects on lifelong health outcomes. There is an emerging body of evidence of the benefit of early interventions to prevent lifelong negative impacts to mental health, like substance abuse. As a department, we are beginning to incorporate this approach to our work in communities and we stand ready to support DCF and to be part of the solution.”
Florida Couple Arrested in Drug Diversion Scheme
Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today announced the arrest of a Naples couple in connection with a drug diversion scheme fueled by Medicaid fraud. According to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and FDLE investigation, Francisco Calderon, 53, and his wife Zulima Calderon, 51, trafficked more than $3.9 million of contraband prescription drugs between 2005 and 2013.
“This massive scheme to sell millions of dollars’ worth of contraband prescription drugs and exploit our Medicaid program has been shut down thanks to the great work of my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, my Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” said Attorney General Bondi.
“Medicaid fraud cases are complex and time consuming and I appreciate the hard work of the investigators on this case,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “The Calderon’s not only stole money from taxpayers, they are also responsible for tens of thousands of illegal prescription drugs flooding the streets in the Southeastern United States.”
The Calderons did not have a license to engage in wholesaling pharmaceuticals and allegedly used their Florida-based corporation, All Technician Specialty, Inc. to launder money from the sales of contraband pharmaceuticals to a previously charged co-defendant Jorge Castillo. In 2013, authorities arrested Castillo for involvement in the scheme and Castillo is now serving 25 years in prison. For more information on Castillo’s sentencing, click here.
According to the investigation, the couple used illegal profits to purchase homes in Naples and Miramar for hundreds of thousands of dollars each. At the time of the arrests, Attorney General Bondi’s Office seized the Miramar property pursuant to Florida’s civil racketeering laws.
Francisco and Zulima Calderon each face one count of trafficking in contraband prescription drugs, Medicaid fraud, organized scheme to defraud and money laundering, all first-degree felonies. Each count is punishable up to 30 years in prison. Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the case.
The Calderons are the 37th and 38th persons charged or convicted since 2010 by the Attorney General’s task force targeting Medicaid-related drug diversion. Since 2010, the task force has seized close to $10 million in cash and property and more than $7 million of contraband pharmaceuticals off the streets. Additionally, task force investigators assisted law enforcement efforts in similar cases in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. The combined amount of fraud perpetrated by these individuals in Florida is estimated to be more than $250 million.
The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes providers that intentionally defraud the state’s Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. Medicaid fraud essentially steals from Florida’s taxpayers. From Jan. 2011 to the present, Attorney General Bondi’s MFCU has obtained more than $689 million in settlements and judgments. Additionally, the MFCU investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving payments under the Medicaid program.
Arrest Made in Connection to Multistate Cargo Theft Ring
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today announced an arrest in connection to a cargo theft ring that stole semi-trucks and trailers with various cargo from areas in Georgia and Florida. The stolen property included beer, energy drinks, refrigerators and power tools, totaling more than a million dollars in losses.
“Members of this multistate theft ring are charged with stealing more than a million dollars’ worth of cargo, and then illegally selling the property,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to the great collaboration between my Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, stolen goods have been recovered and those responsible will be held accountable.”
“Our investigation uncovered a massive cargo theft ring operating in multiple states,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “I’m pleased with the work of our agents in dismantling this theft ring and recovering over a million dollars’ worth of stolen items.”
Authorities today arrested William Shepard Ellison, 70, owner of Shep’s Chicken and Auction House and Shep’s Discount Store. According to the investigation, three defendants stole semi-trucks, trailers and cargo and transported the property to Ellison’s two Jacksonville businesses. Ellison then allegedly offered the stolen property for sale. Authorities served search warrants for both businesses and Ellison’s home that resulted in the seizure of thousands of stolen items.
Two additional defendants involved with this operation are in custody and one defendant is still at large. Pedro Fernandez Hernandez, 47, is currently in the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections; Lewis Dominguez, 33, is currently in federal custody on unrelated charges; and Juan Carlos Castaneda Quintana, 45, of Broward County, remains at large.
The defendants face a range of charges including racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering and grand theft. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
FDLE Agents arrest caseworker on official misconduct, falsifying records
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Vanessa Arias, 33, of 1355 Springfield Street, Kissimmee, on charges of official misconduct and falsification of records.
Arias is a former employee with Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services, a sub-contractor of the Department of Children and Families. She was assigned as a caseworker.
During an investigation, FDLE agents found that Arias documented she had visited a home in Kissimmee on January 8, 2015, to check on the welfare of several children. She reported the children were “free from any visible signs of abuse/neglect with all their basic needs being met at this time.” Approximately a week later, officers with the Kissimmee Police Department went to the home regarding a report of child neglect. It was later determined that Arias had falsified her report and had not returned more than a dozen calls from two of the children in the home.
“This is a sad case of vulnerable children reaching out to someone in a position to help them, but instead they were ignored,” said Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks of FDLE’s Orlando Region. “Thankfully, law enforcement was called and an investigation was launched.”
Arias was booked into the Osceola County Jail on Friday on a $2,000 bond. The Office of the State Attorney, 9th Circuit, will prosecute.
Woman Arrested for Travel Fraud Scheme
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today announced the arrest of Maria Constanza Shults in connection with an organized travel fraud scheme operating in north and central Florida. According to the FDLE investigation, Shults, 62, of Jacksonville, operated an organized scheme defrauding a total of 27 known victims of more than $100,000. Shults’ scheme targeted Catholic parishioners by offering trips to holy sites.
“Preying on people’s religious faith to defraud them will not be tolerated and my Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively prosecute this case,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to a great partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this travel fraud scheme has been shut down.”
“Fraud can take many forms and in this case, it preyed on the trust of unsuspecting Florida citizens. FDLE is committed to fighting this crime and I am grateful for the hard work of our agents and the diligence of the Office of the Attorney General,” said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen.
From 2012 through 2015, Shults allegedly proposed trips to Catholic parishioners to holy sites in countries such as Israel, Italy and Portugal. After collecting payments ranging from $2,500 to $7,000 from the victims, Shults allegedly canceled the trips without refunding the victims’ money.
Shults faces one count of organized scheme to defraud in excess of $50,000. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
FDLE arrests woman for organized travel fraud scheme
FDLE agents arrested Maria Constanza Shults, 62, of 10834 Rutherford Court, Jacksonville, on one count of organized scheme to defraud in excess of $50,000, where she sold pilgrimages to religious sites, then canceled the trips without refunding the victims’ money.
“Preying on people’s religious faith to defraud them will not be tolerated and my Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively prosecute this case,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Thanks to a great partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this travel fraud scheme has been shut down.”
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said: “Fraud can take many forms and in this case, it preyed on the trust of unsuspecting Florida citizens. FDLE is committed to fighting this crime and I am grateful for the hard work of our agents and the diligence of the Office of the Attorney General.”
Throughout 2015, Shults proposed trips to Catholic parishioners to holy sites in countries such as Israel, Italy and Portugal. Shults collected payments averaging from $2,500 to $7,000 from the victims and then canceled the trips without refunding the victims’ money. Through its investigation, which began in September 2015, FDLE identified 27 known victims throughout multiple circuits in North and Central Florida with a total loss of over $106,000.
Shults was arrested on Friday and booked into the John E. Goode Detention Facility, Jacksonville, Florida.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Jacksonville.
