Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Pet Rescue Owner Faces Animal Cruelty Charges
The owner and operator of a Leon County pet rescue is facing criminal charges for the mistreatment of animals under her care. She appeared in court Friday morning on various animal cruelty charges. She was also granted a $5,000 bond and the judge ordered that she can’t have any animals in her control. Animal… Read More »
Former Physical Education Teacher Found Guilty of Child Sex Abuse Charges
A former Volusia County high school physical education teacher was recently sentenced to 21 years behind bars in May after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse charges. The judge sentenced the 44-year-old teacher, a former employee at Atlanta High School and Mainland High School, to 21 years in prison, followed by 30 years of… Read More »
Two Arrested for “Violent” Retail Thefts at Home Depot Stores
The State of Florida is pursuing criminal charges against two individuals who were allegedly involved in a violent organized retail theft targeting several Home Depot stores across five Florida counties. According to the indictment, the defendants violently assaulted Home Depot employees in the process of committing the thefts. This included one incident of the… Read More »
Florida Journalist Charged with Wiretapping, Violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
A Florida-based independent journalist is facing several serious charges filed by the Justice Department. These include 14 felony counts alleging conspiracy, wiretapping, and violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The indictment was unsealed in February 2024. FBI agents raided the defendant’s home and office in May of last year in connection to… Read More »
Florida Prosecutor Announces First Death Penalty Case Under New Child Rape Law
Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis passed a change to the Florida statutes that allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty against those accused of committing rape against a child in Florida. Under the new law, which can be found in Florida Statutes 794.011(2)(a), “a person 18 years of age or older who commits sexual battery… Read More »
Florida City Commissioner Charged with Exploitation of the Elderly, Fraud
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement recently announced criminal charges against 58-year-old Regina Hill, the Commissioner for the City of Orlando. Hill is facing seven charges total including 3 counts of exploitation of the elderly, mortgage fraud, scheme to defraud, and two counts of fraud. Authorities say that Hill spent thousands of dollars from… Read More »
Former Hendry County Police Officer Faces Federal Charges for Excessive Force
A former Hendry County police officer is facing federal charges for excessive force and falsifying police records. During a news conference at the federal courthouse in Ft. Myers, authorities announced charges against 29-year-old Tyler Williams. The deputy could face up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted. The incident occurred on July… Read More »
Tallahassee Woman Found Dancing Naked May Have Murdered Her Mother
Police believe that a woman outside of her home dancing in a state of undress may have murdered her mother. She is being held without bond and charged with murder. Police responded to a call regarding the woman, 58, who was dancing outside without any clothing on. The call was phoned in from a… Read More »
Tallahassee Man Charged with 10 Counts of Production and Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Materials
Tallahassee police and Homeland Security Investigations are seeking possible victims of a Tallahassee man charged with 10 counts of production and possession of child sex abuse materials. The 44-year-old defendant was arrested on December 5, 2023, as part of a joint investigation conducted by HSI and the Leon County Sheriff’s Department. The U.S. Marshals… Read More »
Charges Filed Against 3 Individuals Suspected of Stealing $100,000 in Supplies from Home Depot
Three individuals suspected of running an organized retail theft ring have been charged with grand theft in Florida, according to the state Attorney General. Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution filed criminal charges against three individuals on suspicion of stealing more than $100,000 from Home Depot stores. According to the investigation, the… Read More »
