Every weekday around mid-day we will have the Polk Mugshot of The Day. The mugshot will be someone arrested in Polk County in the past couple of weeks. The mugshot along with the charges will be posted. Please remember these individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

REESTER, MICHELLE  ANN

DOB: 5/18/1989

Charge: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE-BATTERY TOUCH/STRIKE Bond $5000, BATTERY TOUCH/STRIKE Bond $1000, POSS CANNABIS UNDER 20 GRAMS Bond $500

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of DailyRidge.Com or any employee thereof.

The DailyRidge.Com reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner it sees fit comments that it, in its sole discretion, deems to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, or is otherwise unacceptable.

Lake Wales, Florida – Resident’s of New Harmony Mobile Home Park, 3120 Hwy 27 South Lake Wales, FL 33853, were shocked to walked out of their homes and see PCSO deputies and LWPD officers with guns drawn. According to witnesses several officers were had weapons drawn and were around a mobile home in the park. A K-9 unit was on scene and PCSO helicopter could be scene circling the park.

DailyRidge.Com contacted the Lake Wales Police Department and they advised that this was a PCSO case and they were only assisting with a Felony Arrest Warrant. A suspect was in custody. The DailyRidge.Com has contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for additional information and will update this article when it is available.

From The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

Scientists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have uncovered a new species of black bass in the southeastern United States. Scientists have proposed naming the new species the Choctaw bass and recommended the scientific name of Micropterus haiaka. They revealed their discovery at a meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society earlier this year.

FWC scientists first noted a DNA profile that did not belong to any recognized species while testing a bass specimen from the Chipola River in 2007, as part of a broader genetic study of bass.

“We didn’t set out to find a new species,” said Mike Tringali, who heads the genetics laboratory at the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “It found us.”

After confirming the initial discovery, scientists searched for the DNA profile in bass caught in nearby rivers to determine the species’ range. They found that the Choctaw bass inhabits coastal river systems in Alabama and along the western Florida panhandle, including the Choctawhatchee River.

“We chose the name ‘Choctaw bass’ because the species’ range overlaps the historic range of the Choctaw Indians,” said Tringali. “As for our recommended scientific name, Micropterus haiaka, ‘haiaka’ is a Choctaw word that means ‘revealed.’”

The American Fisheries Society must approve the suggested scientific name for it to take effect.

The Choctaw bass is very similar in appearance to its relative, the spotted bass. The physical differences between the two species are not easily seen with the naked eye, one reason they had never before been distinguished despite decades of bass studies in the region.

For more information about how FWC scientists discovered the new bass species, visit MyFWC.com/Research, click on “Freshwater,” and select “Black basses” under “Freshwater Sport Fishes.”

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces the return of an indictment charging Scott Eargood (21, Poinciana) and Santos Zamora-Escobar (27, Poinciana) with conspiring with each other and others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and fifty grams or more of actual methamphetamine (count one), and knowingly and intentionally, while aiding and abetting each other, possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and fifty grams or more of actual methamphetamine (count two). The penalty for each count is a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, up to life in federal prison.

According to court documents, on the evening of May 2, 2013, Polk County deputies initiated a traffic stop on Eargood’s Jeep Cherokee on Highway 98 West, near southbound Highway 27, in Polk County. Eargood was the driver of the vehicle, and Zamora-Escobar was the passenger. Deputies searched the vehicle and found $3,494 and 229 grams of methamphetamine.

Information developed during the stop led to a search of a residence on Platte Lane in Poinciana. Inside the residence, officers found more than 110 pounds of methamphetamine. At a price of $20,000 per pound, the methamphetamine seized has an approximate value of $2.2 million.

According to court documents, Eargood rented the Poinciana house four months earlier, at Zamora-Escobar’s direction. The house was rented for the purpose of facilitating methamphetamine trafficking in Polk County. It is further alleged that Zamora-Escobar, Eargood, and others stored large quantities of methamphetamine at the residence, for further distribution.

On May 3, 2013, as part of the ongoing investigation, agents and detectives executed a search warrant in Highlands County at a mobile home on East Oak Island Road in Avon Park. Law enforcement officers seized four ounces of methamphetamine, a long rifle, an AK-47-type rifle, and three handguns from the mobile home. Investigators also executed a search warrant at an apartment on 3rd Street Southeast in Winter Haven, Polk County. Numerous wire transfer documents were seized from that location.

On May 3, 2013, Eargood and Zamora-Escobar appeared in federal court in Tampa, before the Honorable Thomas B. McCoun, III, United States Magistrate Judge. Both men were ordered detained, pending further proceedings.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

Dundee, Florida – In April 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives received information about the possible sale of pornography at the Sunoco Superway #6 Gas and convenience store, 201 Dundee Road, Dundee.

Acting in an undercover capacity, detectives purchased 10 pornographic videos at a wholesale price from a female later identified as store owner, 53-year-old Minakashiben Patel, DOB 12/10/1960,  Timber Creek Pines, Winter Garden.

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, detectives executed a lawful search warrant at the business. Minakashiben Patel was the only person working in the store at the time. During the search detectives also located drug paraphernalia which was being sold in the store.

Patel was charged with Wholesale Promotion of Obscene Material, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Sell, Distribution of Obscenity (10 Counts) and Possession of Obscenity with Intent to Sell (10 Counts).

Patel was booked into the Polk County Jail and currently held on no bond.

Auburndale, Florida – Auburndale Police were dispatched to a disturbance at 3042 Timothy Dr. Apt. B at about 12:30am Wednesday, 5/8/2013. While officer were enroute to the scene, dispatch advised officers there had been a stabbing at the location.

The domestic disturbance involved the residence, Yadiel O’Neille Mojica-Colon H/M 11/21/1991 of Timothy Dr. Apt B and his live in 17 year old girlfriend. Mojica-Colon pushed down his girlfriend during the disturbance, she was not injured. Another roommate called the girlfriend’s father, Elias Garcia H/M of Reynolds Rd in Lakeland, who came to apartment. While there he and Mojica-Colon were involved in an argument that escalated to Garcia being stabbed by Mojica-Colon in the chest with a knife.

Mojica-Colon was on scene when officers arrived and was taken into custody. Garcia was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with a collapsed lung. His condition is not known as of this release.

Mojica-Colon was booked into the Polk County Jail charged with Aggravated Battery

with a Deadly Weapon and Child Abuse. The child abuse charge is a result of Mojica-

Colon pushing his juvenile girlfriend down.

Polk County, Florida – Hurricane season 2013 is fast-approaching and Polk County Fire Rescue’s Emergency Management Bureau, along with Tourism and Sports Marketing, are making sure residents and visitors know how to prepare for their families and homes.

Emergency public shelter maps, with detailed directions to each of Polk County’s 43 public shelters, are available at libraries throughout the county. They will also be available at many Publix Supermarkets in the area at the end of May. In addition, the maps include a list of suggested items for a three-day survival kit, important telephone numbers and a list of shelters that will accept pets during an emergency.

The 2013 emergency shelter map is red, so residents are urged to discard any other color to best ensure updated information on Polk County’s primary shelters, special needs shelters and pet-friendly shelters.

Public shelter maps will also be available at the annual hurricane expo, which will take place at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lake Eva Banquet Hall is located at 799 Johns Ave. in Haines City. For more information about the Hurricane Expo, go to http://www.polk-county.net/hurricaneexpo.

More information on Polk County’s primary shelters, special needs shelters and pet-friendly shelters can be found at, www.polkfire.net.

Ronde Barber is retiring from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 16 seasons. The defensive back told FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer of his decision on Wednesday.

“I’ve had a better run than I ever could’ve dreamed of having,” the long-time cornerback and safety told Glazer.

Barber turned 38 in April, and during his NFL career—all with the Bucs—was named to five Pro Bowls and three times was a first-team All-Pro. He also was a big part of a dominant defense that powered the team’s victory in Super Bowl XXXVII over Oakland after the 2002 season.

The trademark of Barber’s career was his versatility, where he delivered as both a pass rusher and strong tackler against the run in addition to being a fluid cover man at 5-10, 184 pounds. For his career, he had 28 sacks to go with 47 interceptions.

Complete Article Here: Sporting News Barber Retires

Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is advising that they have arrested one suspect and are searching for another in a home invasion and rape that occurred in Poinciana, Florida.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives had been asking for the public’s help in an Armed Home Invasion/Sexual Battery investigation. The incident occurred at approximately 10:58 p.m., on Monday, May 6, 2013, an in the area of Puffer Court and Halibut Road in Poinciana.

Due to the nature of the crime, very few details were released at the time. It was known that they were looking for 2 suspects. One a light-skinned Hispanic male, approximately 6’1”; 200 pounds and another light-skinned Hispanic male, approximately 5’8”; 145 pounds

Details have emerged about the Monday night home invasion and assault. A young man was approached on the street in Poinciana around the corner of Puffer Court and Halibut Road. He was forced into his home by two men.

According to Polk County investigators, while inside, the men tied up the young man and his father and demanded cash.

At that same time, the young man’s mother came out from the shower. That is when robbery turned to rape.

“They take her into another room, and with a gun to her head,” Judd said, “while the son and father are tied up, viciously sexually battered her.”

But the horror for the woman would not stop there.

Judd continued, “Before they left, they did a complete body wash of the victim with bleach.”

Judd described the two men to media as “animals” who had to be “locked up.”

A news briefing will happen at 1pm with details of the arrest.

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has advised that Sheriff, Grady Judd, will speak to the media this afternoon regarding a child pornography case. The suspect in the case has been named by the sheriff’s office as Lake Gibson High School ESE Teacher, Assistant Football Coach-Defensive Coordinator, 41-year-old James Shannon Arnett.

We will have more information as this breaking story is released.

Every weekday around mid-day we will have the Polk Mugshot of The Day. The mugshot will be someone arrested in Polk County in the past couple of weeks. The mugshot along with the charges will be posted. Please remember these individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

RIGGAN, JESSICA  NICHOLE

DOB: 3/7/1982

Charge: LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH W/OUT INFO Bond $250, LEAVING THE SCENE OF CRASH INVOLVE INJURY Bond $1000, DUI-UNLAW BLD ALCH-DUI ALCOHOL OR DRUGS Bond $500, BATTERY-ON OFFICER FIREFIGHTER EMT ETC Bond $1000, RESIST OFFICER-WITH VIOLENCE Bond $1000, RESIST OFFICER-OBSTRUCT WO VIOLENCE Bond $500, HIT AND RUN-LEAVE SCENE OF CRASH INVOLVE DAMAGE Bond $250, LEAVE SCENE OF CRASH INVOLVE DAMAGE Bond $250

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of DailyRidge.Com or any employee thereof.

The DailyRidge.Com reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner it sees fit comments that it, in its sole discretion, deems to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, or is otherwise unacceptable.

Similar Car To The One Stolen By Home Invader Who Tied Up 93 Year Old Woman

Auburndale, Florida – Police are investigating a home invasion and stolen vehicle that occurred at 606 Lake Lena Blvd in Auburndale about 9:30am this morning. The victim, Margaret Bair DOB
11/1/1920 was working in her yard when a black male walked up to her door and went inside. The black male tried to get Ms. Bair to come inside with him and she refused.
The black male came back out and grabbed Ms. Bair taking her in the house. She was tied up with tape as the black male rummaged through her home. The black male left the home taking Ms. Bair’s vehicle. Ms. Bair was tied up for a little over an hour before she was able to free herself and go to a neighbor to call for police. Ms. Bair was not injured.
The black male is described as being in his 20’s, about 6’00’’, skinny wearing a dark colored front zip-up “hoodie” and unknown color pants. The stolen vehicle is a 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis light grey in color Tag # C920BT. The lug nut covers are missing from all four wheels, there are no other identifiable features of the vehicle other than the windows are not tinted. It is unknown at this time if any other property was taken during the home invasion. Any information on the vehicle or suspect, please contact the Detective Division of the Auburndale Police Department (863) 965-5555.

PCSO Searching For Danny Cruz

Poinciana, Florida – On Thursday, May 9, 2013, PCSO Robbery detectives arrested 33-year-old Richard Delgado Cruz (DOB 2/11/1980) of Kissimmee and obtained a warrant for his brother, 29-year-old Danny Delgado Cruz (DOB 6/23/1983) of Kissimmee, in the violent armed home invasion, armed burglary, and sexual battery that occurred in Poinciana on May 6, 2013.

Both Cruz’s are being charged with: one count Armed Robbery (F-1); one count Armed Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling (F-1); one count Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon (F-1); and one count Sexual Battery (F-2). Richard is being booked into the Polk County Jail at this time. Danny is at large and has a Polk County warrant for his arrest.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office needs public’s help to find 29-year-old (DOB 6/23/1983) Danny Cruz is believed to be in the Kissimmee or Osceola County area. Danny Cruz is described as a Hispanic male, 5’5” tall, 125 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his left shoulder that says “Aurora,” two tattoos on his right arm, and a tattoo of a Chinese symbol on his right hand.

This story is developing. Check back for more details.

Lakeland, Florida- On Wednesday, May 8, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives arrested 41-year-old James “Shannon” Arnett, DOB 04/24/1972, 8810 Pine Tree Drive, Lakeland, charging him with two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Arnett was booked into the Polk County Jail at 10:00 p.m., held on no bond until first appearance on Thursday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m.

On May 7, 2013, a Lake Gibson High School student turned a thumb drive in to a PCSO School Resource deputy, telling the deputy he had found a thumb drive in the school’s courtyard and that it had “inappropriate” photos on it. The student told the deputy that he had a 12-year-old sister, and after looking at some of the pictures on the thumb drive he was “pissed.”

Coincidentally, Arnett had previously told the School Resource deputy that he had lost a thumb drive. He told the deputy he was worried because the device contained defensive football plays. He had said he thought he lost the thumb drive in a school bathroom.

The found thumb drive was determined to be that of the one Arnett said was lost. In addition to images of defensive football plays on the device, there were images of females between 13-17 years of age with the photo focal point being the girl’s breasts and buttocks (these children were wearing clothes and some have been identified as Lake Gibson High School students). Some photos appear to have been taken in a classroom setting. Some photos appear to have been taken in a track and field type setting. There were photos of children posing in a provocative/risqué manner. Some of the young females were wearing bathing suits with their legs spread with the focal point of the photo being that of their genital area.

There were also two images that have been determined to be child pornography. One was an image of a female child between the ages of 10-12 years-old performing oral sex on an adult male. The other image was of a female child between the ages of 9-11 years of age grabbing a male’s exposed erect penis while the two were seated in a vehicle.

A search of Arnett’s work lap-top computer yielded additional photos of young females believed to be that of LGHS students and an image of a male masturbating.

Arnett’s work computer, home computer and personal phone were seized. The investigation is on-going.

Lake Wales, Florida – On May 2, 2013 staff at Lake Wales High School reported a burglary to a storage shed, which is located near the softball fields on the school property. The investigation revealed between May 1, 2013 at 10:00pm and May 2, 2013 at 6:00am entry was made to the storage shed by cutting the lock and opening the doors. After unlawfully gaining access to the shed the offenders stole the following property:

One red Kawasaki Mule value $7,644.49
One green and yellow John Deere Gator value $5,000
Twelve gasoline cans value $120
Sixty gallons of gasoline $210
Two Stihl weed eaters $700
One Stihl back pack blower $350
Miscellaneous hand tools $500
One Master Lock $10
Total Value of Stolen Property $14,534.49

On May 7, 2013 Officer Jonathan Fletcher, who is the School Resource Officer at Lake Wales High School, received an anonymous tip regarding possible suspects who committed this burglary. With the new information Lake Wales Officers and Detectives began following up on leads and developed two suspects. Caleb D Sharpe, an 18 year old Frostproof resident, and Robert I Brittle, an 18 year old Lake Wales resident, were contacted and interviewed. Both Sharpe and Brittle admitted to burglarizing the shed, stealing the equipment, and selling it to different people. Based on information provided by Sharpe and Brittle detectives attempted to locate and recover the stolen property. At this time one weed eater and one gas can has been recovered. Sharpe and Brittle were placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail for the following charges: 2 counts of Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure, 2 counts of Grand Theft, 2 counts of Dealing in Stolen Property, 2 counts of Trespassing on School Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Detective Bill Raebig at (863) 678-4223 extension 264 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Lakeland, Florida – On April 16, 2013 at 12:19 a.m., Lakeland Police responded to 524 West 12th Street in reference to a male allegedly shot during a home invasion robbery. Upon arrival, officers located Clifton L. Drake, 58, deceased. The victim was shot and killed while in his residence by unknown person (s). Two family members were home at the time of the incident; however, they were not harmed.

This is a composite sketch from witness statements on one of the two suspects in this case.

If anyone has information on the incident or the potential identity of the suspect pictured, please contact Detective Brian Wallace at (863) 834-8968 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-TIPS. To be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (May 10, 2013) – Recent rains have reduced the threat of wildfires in Polk County prompting the Fire Chief to repeal Polk’s burn ban effective today, May 10.

Beginning today, citizens are allowed to burn trash, yard debris, campfires, bonfires, and construction debris. Per state law, the use of fireworks remains prohibited. According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, anything that launches or explodes is illegal.

This repeal in no way impacts the burn permits that are issued by the State Division of Forestry (DOF) for clearing land, controlled burning, etc. 

Residents should always use extreme caution when burning any material and are reminded they are responsible for any property damage their actions cause.

It is possible a burn ban could be reinstated if there is a severe lack of rain and/or extremely dry conditions develop in Polk between now and the start of the normal summer rainy season.

The repeal of the burn ban includes the Polk County Fire Rescue coverage area which includes all unincorporated Polk County and the following municipalities: Eagle Lake, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Hamilton, Mulberry, and Polk City, as well as the municipalities who chose to participate in the mandatory ban that took effect on February 7. Those municipalities include Auburndale, Davenport, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Lake Alfred and Haines City.

At the time the burn ban was issued, Polk County had reached an average of 572 on the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI).

The KBDI is used as an indicator to determine the likelihood and severity of brush fires.  The scale begins at zero (no danger) and rises to 800 (extreme danger).  As a rule of thumb, fire officials become concerned any time the scale goes above 500 for 50 percent of the county.

            For more information about brush fires, fire dangers and how to develop a “firewise” community, visit, www.nfpa.org or www.firewise.org. For information about fireworks, visit the state fire marshal’s website, www.myfloridacfo.com/sfm. For more information on Polk County Fire Rescue visit, www.polkfire.net.

Every weekday around mid-day we will have the Polk Mugshot of The Day. The mugshot will be someone arrested in Polk County in the past couple of weeks. The mugshot along with the charges will be posted. Please remember these individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

MOJICA-COLON, YADIEL  O’NEILL

DOB: 11/21/1991

Charges: AGGRAV BATTERY-PERSON USES A DEADLY WEAPON Surety $5000, CHILD ABUSE W/O GREAT HARM Surety $1000

Previous Charges Include:  Burglary, Theft, and DUI’s

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of DailyRidge.Com or any employee thereof.

The DailyRidge.Com reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner it sees fit comments that it, in its sole discretion, deems to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, or is otherwise unacceptable.

Patricia Sanders

Lakeland, Florida – On Thursday evening, May 9, 2013, Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detectives arrested 29-year-old Patrice Sanders (DOB 8/13/1983) of 1133 Enterprise Street in Lakeland, who drives a Polk County School bus (number 9856), and so far have charged her with: one count False Imprisonment (F-3); two counts Child Abuse (F-3); two counts Child Neglect (F-3); two counts Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (M-1).

According to the affidavit , Sanders picked up kids from three Bartow schools – Gause Academy, Summerlin Academy, and Bartow High School – as part of her normal duties, but when she heard two young females, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old, verbally arguing on the bus, she made the statement, “This is going to be handled today and they just need to fight.”

Sanders then drove the school bus directly to her house located on Enterprise Drive in Lakeland – bypassing any and all stops she was supposed to make to let kids off the bus. She ordered all of the children to get off of the bus, and told the two females – a 13-year-old Hispanic female and a 16-year-old black female – that she would give them Vaseline or baby oil to put on their faces so their faces wouldn’t get scratched during the fight. The 13-year-old told Sanders that she did not want to fight. Sanders went inside her house to try to find Vaseline or baby oil and couldn’t find any. The girls then physically fought in Sanders’ front yard, as witnessed by Sanders and all of the other children who had gotten off of the bus. At least one child videotaped the fight on a cell phone. Sanders did not try to stop the fight, but stood by and watched. The girls fought until they decided to quit. Sanders then ordered all of the kids back onto the bus.

Once the bus was back in motion, the same two girls began physically fighting again. Sanders pulled the bus over and watched them fight until they were done. She did not try to stop the fight. When they were done, she told all of the kids on the bus, “What happens on the bus, stays on the bus,” and then proceeded to take them all to their bus stops.

That evening, the 13-year-old victim’s mother reported the incident to PCSO and took her daughter to the hospital to be checked out. She did not have any serious injuries.

That evening, detectives interviewed both the 13-year-old and the 16-year-old, and then arrested Sanders on the aforementioned charges. Additional charges are pending further interviews with the other children who were on the bus.

Sanders will have a video first appearance hearing from the Central County Jail on Saturday morning, May 11, 2013, at 8:00 a.m.