September 21, 2018
No matter how big or small the target is, identity theft is a devastating crime that can leave individuals and families with heavy financial hardships. Understandably, victims can experience high levels of anxiety and emotional distress for months and even years trying to clear their names.
This week, my Office of Statewide Prosecution successfully prosecuted a Palm Beach County man on two counts of public assistance fraud and two counts of identity theft. The defendant stole names, social security numbers and dates of birth from hundreds of victims.
Michelson Janvier used this information to apply for Food Stamp benefits, otherwise known as SNAP/EBT benefits through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Janvier physically obtained EBT cards in the victims’ names, using them to make purchases at numerous South Florida retailers and even trafficked in food stamps at a market in Hialeah. Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Jonathan Bridges and Patricia Abdi prosecuted this case. Continue reading
Pictured from left to right are Assistant Fire Chiefs Anthony Ortiz and Michael Alsup, Fire Chief Shane Alexander, and Firefighters Rasheed Steward and Isabel Truman.
(OCALA, Fla.) Sept. 21, 2018 – Ocala Fire Rescue welcomed two firefighters to the department during a pinning ceremony held at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Friday, Sept. 21.
Undergoing a demanding hiring process and a two week training period, Firefighters Rasheed Steward and Isabel Truman successfully completed the City of Ocala fire department’s candidate testing process. In celebration, a pinning ceremony was held. With family members and uniformed personnel as witnesses Firefighters Steward and Truman recited the oath cementing their commitment to serving this community, making their employment official.
The ceremony was preceded by a presentation of two Heart Saver awards. The awards were presented on behalf of the American Heart Association to Ocala Police Department Officers Shelby O’Grady and Josh Warner for their life saving actions during an emergency on Interstate 75, Tuesday, Sept. 4. Captain Brandi DuCoeur was also recognized for her recent promotion from Fire Equipment Operator to Captain/Inspector.
For more information, please contact Ocala Fire Rescue at 352-629-8306.
Tickets to The fall Johnny Mello Show & Dance are now on sale. If you like Doo Wop, Country & Rock N Roll, you’ll love this show. You’ll enjoy seven different singers live on stage, a special 10-gift basket raffle, a 50/50 cash drawing, line and regular dancing, lots of door prizes and much more.
It’s a fundraiser with net proceeds benefiting Have A Heart For Companion Animals, Inc., as they continue their animal welfare education efforts. They are a 501 c-3 not for profit organization.
The show is being staged at the Lady Lake American Legion Hall in Lady Lake (466 & Rolling Acres Road). (Door open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday 10/26/2018.) Showtime: 6-9. Continue reading
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