An investigation led by the Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center, Brooksville Office, of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has led to the arrest of four suspects on a charge of organized scheme to defraud relating to the sale of a home with sinkhole property damage.
Those arrested are: Clarence Surrena and Mary Surrena of 230 E. Panama Rd., Winter Springs; Karen Sherwin of 5230 Miller Bayou Dr., Port Richey; and Shawn Poole of 17529 Monteverde Dr., Spring Hill.
During the investigation, agents found that Clarence and Mary Surrena sold their home at 18735 Bonnie Drive, Spring Hill, in Pasco County, to a couple for $275,000. Prior to the closing, the Surrenas completed a Seller’s Disclosure Form on which they denied any sinkhole damage to their property. The Surrenas did acknowledge filing a sinkhole claim; however, they did not reveal the claim was paid. Although the Surrenas received $155,000 in October 2013 to fix the sinkhole, the money was not used for that purpose.
Both Karen Sherwin, the Surrenas’ realtor, and Shawn Poole, the buyers’ agent, were aware of the insurance claim and the incomplete Seller’s Disclosure Form. The buyers only became aware of the sinkhole after moving into their home when a representative of a home insurance company called to say the home could not be insured. The buyers believed they were insured at closing.
Clarence and Mary Surrena were both taken to the Seminole County Jail on $15,000 bond each; Karen Sherwin and Shawn Poole were both taken to the Pasco County Jail on $5,000 bond each.
The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, 6th Judicial Circuit.
investigation
FDLE investigation leads to arrest in Vermont, child pornography charges
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Orlando Cyber Crime Task Force executed two search warrants at a residence for Donald Noble, 80, that led to charges of child pornography and his arrest in Vermont.
Noble resides at 7119 Honeycomb Street, Orlando, and travels seasonally to Vermont. He was arrested by Vermont law enforcement on Thursday on 10 counts of possession of child pornography. The search warrants were in support of a child pornography investigation launched by Vermont authorities. Vermont State police arrested Noble on similar charges on October 9, 2017.
During one search warrant, FDLE agents found evidence of child pornography on videotapes and digital media. A subsequent warrant led to the seizure of thousands of photos of young boys who were clothed but unaware, possibly, that their images were taken. All of the materials were seized for further investigation and possible identification of the subjects.
While some of the photographs seized have already led to the identification of at least 14 subjects, authorities believe more are possible in both Florida and Vermont. Noble may have had a background in photography that gave him access to children. The photographs seized appear to span from the 1970s to early 2000s.
If anyone has information about this investigation, they are asked to call FDLE Orlando at 407.245.0888.
Noble is being held on a $50,000 bail in Vermont. He will face charges in Florida upon extradition.
Nelson calls on Senate committee to expand investigation into nursing home deaths
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) today asked the U.S. Senate Finance Committee to broaden its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 14 seniors who were at a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida during Hurricane Irma, to consider additional concerns raised this week over the state’s treatment of people with disabilities during and after the storm.
Florida emergency management officials came under fire this week over the state’s alleged discrimination against people with disabilities during and after the disaster.
In a letter sent to state officials Wednesday, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties outlined several concerns recently brought to the agency’s attention, including:
- The use of unqualified sign language interpreters
- Lack of discharge planning for people leaving emergency shelters
- The evacuation of persons with disabilities
- Planning for evacuation of elderly/individuals with disabilities living in high rise buildings
DHS went on to “remind” the state of Florida that it has a legal obligation not to discriminate on the basis of disability.
“[We] would like to remind the State of Florida of its obligations to carry out its federally assisted activities in a manner that is consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 … [which] prohibits discrimination based on disability,” the agency wrote.
The agency put the state on notice that it plans to continue to monitor the situation, saying, “[DHS] will likely to make arrangements in coming months to get feedback from residents regarding challenges faced by those with access and functional needs during the recent hurricane.”
The text of Nelson’s letter to the committee is below, and a pdf copy is available here.
A copy of DHS’s letter to the state is available here.
November 3, 2017
The Honorable Orrin Hatch
Chairman
Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Ron Wyden
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden:
I’m writing in regards to the committee’s ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 14 seniors who were at a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida during Hurricane Irma.
Enclosed you will find a letter that the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties sent to the Florida Department of Emergency Management Wednesday outlining several concerns brought to the agency’s attention regarding the state’s treatment of people with disabilities during and after the storm.
The concerns outlined in this letter are extremely disturbing, and I ask that they be included in the committee’s ongoing investigation.
Sincerely,
Attorney General Bondi Issues Subpoenas in Debris-Removal Investigation
Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued investigative subpoenas to three debris-removal companies in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The subpoenas are being issued pursuant to Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that debris removal contractors are either failing to perform at pre-storm contract rates, not performing until negotiating higher rates or are slow to perform under existing contracts.
“Sitting debris is a health and safety hazard and needs to be removed as soon as possible—but instead of doing their jobs and helping Floridians recover, apparently some contractors are delaying the work or requesting higher rates,” said Attorney General Bondi. “These subpoenas seek to answer questions about why many communities are continuing to struggle with the hazards of debris while having to contend with rate hikes.”
The office is reviewing contracts and gathering information relating to delays and potential price increases for debris removal by AshBritt, Inc. Two other companies, Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. and DRC Emergency Services Inc. have also been served with investigative subpoenas based on information that they may have also sought increased rates for debris removal. The subpoenas seek documents showing whether the contractors are indeed providing the services under the contract, the estimated time for completion of debris removal, what rates are being charged, and whether these rates have been increased. Also included in the subpoenas are requests for information relating to subcontractors.
In addition to the subpoenas issued today, the office will continue to review contracts and gather more information from other contractors and local officials.
To view Ashbritt’s subpoena, click here.
Lee County man arrested again following MFCU investigation
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office today announced the second arrest of Ryan Todd Powers, 40, for grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Last month, following a MFCU investigation, authorities arrested the Lee County man on two counts exploitation involving an elderly person. According to the investigation, Powers unlawfully obtained funds from an elderly relative suffering from physical limitations. In order to manage his relative’s affairs, Powers obtained a durable power of attorney on behalf of the victim. Using the power of attorney, Powers allegedly misappropriated the victim’s funds and property.
Since Powers’ release on bond, an ongoing investigation by MFCU’s Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Team discovered that Powers continued to use the power of attorney to sell a vehicle belonging to the elderly relative, again misappropriating property and funds for purposes other than the relative’s benefit.
In addition to the initial counts of exploitation, both third-degree felonies, Powers faces one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony. If convicted, Powers faces up to 15 years in prison and more than $20,000 in fines and restitution. The State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit will prosecute the case.
The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving payments under the Medicaid program. The Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Team plays a key role in helping to ensure that efficient and effective healthcare is being provided. Additionally, the MFCU 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 $500 million in settlements and judgments.
FDLE investigation uncovers real estate scheme, leads to charge
An investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Clearwater Police Department, has identified Kervin Moreno as the perpetrator of an involved real estate scheme to defraud.
Moreno was arrested Friday in Wayne County, MI, and will face a charge of Organized Scheme to Defraud.
Agents found from April 2012 through June 2014, Moreno placed ads on Craigslist and other websites to advertise homes for sale or rent. But he neither owned the homes nor had authority to sell them. Moreno collected down payments or deposits on eight homes throughout Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties without providing anything of value. The monetary loss to victims is estimated at nearly $50,000.00.
The victims only became aware of the scam after moving into a home and receiving foreclosure notices or visits from lender representatives.
Moreno has several aliases, including Kervin Moreno Mojica, Kervin Moreno Mujica and Kevin M. Moreno.
He will be transported from Michigan to Pasco County to face charges. The Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the case.
