According to a federal indictment that was revealed on Tuesday, Sean “Diddy” Combs faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
About six months after federal agents searched Combs’ lavish properties in Miami and Los Angeles as part of a sex trafficking investigation, Combs was taken into custody late on Monday in Manhattan.
Combs has been sued in the last year by individuals claiming he abused them sexually or physically. Many of those accusations have been denied by Combs.
According to a recent research, Miami Beach, a prominent tourist attraction that draws millions of visitors each year to its magnificent beaches, leads the state of Florida in property theft.
Researchers at SafeHome.org used crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Data Explorer to assemble the most recent statistics and trends in property and violent crime in the United States.
According to FBI data from 2022, Miami Beach had a property crime rate of 8,557 incidents per 100,000 people. As the report notes, the city’s crime rates are far lower now than they were in the 1970s and 1980s during the peak of drug trafficking and violence.
By contrast, Florida has a property crime rate of 1,566 per 100,000 residents, which is approximately 400 points lower than the national rate of 1,954 per 100,000. In terms of property crime, Florida ranks 36th nationally.
Sneads, in Jackson County, Florida, has the lowest property crime rate (229 per 100,000 residents) of any city in the state.
What is Property Crime?
Property theft includes larceny, theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime. Larceny is the most common kind of property crime since it is defined more broadly as the unlawful taking of another person’s property. Auto theft affects vehicles such as cars, SUVs, and motorcycles.
The value of the item that was taken or damaged will typically determine the penalties imposed for these offenses, but in certain situations, the location of where the alleged crime occurred may also have an impact on the seriousness of the charges.
In Florida, larceny accounts for most property theft cases—roughly 1,255 per 100,000 individuals.
What Types of Offenses Fall Under The Category of Property Crime?
Theft can refer to a wide range of offenses, including fraud, retail theft, vandalism, etc. Retail theft (also known as shoplifting) is defined as taking products from a store, manipulating price tags, or paying less than the item’s listed price. Property destruction may result in charges of vandalism or arson. If property is taken using force or the threat of violence, robbery charges may be applicable. Burglary is defined as entering a building or home with the intention of committing a crime.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Charges Related to Property Crime?
The short answer is yes. In every case, a criminal defense lawyer can assist you in determining the appropriate defense strategy for criminal charges. Even if you plan to enter a guilty plea, your lawyer can work out a plea deal with the prosecution. In certain situations, this can result in the charges being dropped, or you could be spared jail time for a lesser sentence like community service or probation.
Do I Need to Tell My Lawyer Everything?
You have nothing to gain by lying to your lawyer. All the details surrounding your arrest, the crime you are accused of, and your actual actions must be disclosed to your attorney. Because of your attorney/client privilege, anything you say with your lawyer will be kept strictly confidential, so you will not have to worry about telling them something that could be used against you. When your lawyer is informed about everything, they can help you weigh all your options and pinpoint the best course of action with the least number of consequences.
According to officials, Austin Maddox, a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, was taken into custody in Florida on Monday as part of an underage sex operation.
According to reports, Maddox was one of 27 people detained because of a multi-agency operation that concluded late last month. They are accused of soliciting sex from people they believed to be children via the internet, according to officials.
The arrest report stated that on April 28, Maddox, 33, started corresponding with an undercover agent who was posing as a minor. According to officials, he allegedly expressed his interest in having sex with the girl despite knowing her age.
Authorities said that after Maddox showed up at a prearranged location to meet the girl, he was arrested and charged with four felonies, one of which is traveling to meet a minor.
He is currently being held in jail on a $300,000 bond.
What Are Undercover Internet Sex Stings?
Online sex stings typically involve police posing as minors interested in engaging in sexual activities. These operations are aimed at catching individuals who are seeking or attempting to engage in illegal sexual activities with minors. While the intentions behind these stings are noble – to protect vulnerable children – ultimately, there is a huge potential for entrapment, suggesting that police persuaded the accused to commit the crime in question.
Cases involving undercover sex stings often raise complex legal issues. One of the primary challenges with undercover sex stings is proving intent. In many cases, individuals may engage in conversations that are inappropriate or sexually suggestive without necessarily having the intention to commit a crime.
Police will go to any length to apprehend a suspected criminal. They will even manufacture fictitious settings online to engage people who would not have committed a sex offense if the cops had not provided the opportunity. Continue reading
Jail records indicate that Georgia running back Trevor Etienne was taken into custody early on Sunday, charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and other offenses.
The 19-year-old anticipated starting running back for the Bulldogs was taken into custody at 4:35 a.m. and released a little over an hour later a bond of roughly $1,800. According to the documents, there are additional charges related to failing to maintain a lane, improper driving, and having objects that may obscure the windshield or windows.
The institution issued a statement saying it was aware of the arrest but had no further comment.
Etienne, a 19-year-old midyear transfer from Florida, was the Gators’ leading scorer last season with nine touchdowns and became one of their strongest playmakers.
Coach Kirby Smart admitted last year that he had been striving to find ways to convince his players to drive responsibly. Hours after Georgia won its second consecutive national championship in January 2023, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy died in a racing accident between LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
According to sources, there were at least 15 traffic stops in 2023 involving Bulldogs football players who were driving too fast, and three cases of drunk driving.
Athletes found guilty of DUI must serve at least one game suspension, per team rules. Georgia’s season opener will be against Clemson on August 31.
If You Are a College Student And Receive a DUI, What Should You Do?
If you are college student charged with DUI, you need to immediately get in touch with a DUI defense lawyer who can represent you in court. You might not be able to effectively defend your innocence without the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer, which could have serious consequences.
The following details should be clarified when speaking with an attorney:
Every piece of information related to your DUI case can and will be used to build an effective defense that will allow you to get the best possible legal outcome.
What Are the Consequences For a College Student Convicted of DUI?
A DUI conviction has serious repercussions for everyone, even college students. College students are in the process of obtaining an education that will be useful in their future employment endeavors. A single DUI can hurt your chances of getting a job, obtaining credit cards or loans, renting an apartment, or even getting into graduate school.
Students who are found guilty of DUIs not only risk embarrassment, but also possible academic setbacks. A student who participates in school sports may be dismissed from the team. Students may lose their scholarships or financial aid, and they may even face disciplinary action from the institution.
Applicants having a history of DUIs may not be accepted into some employment fields since they are seen as high-risk individuals. Careers in the airline, military, or public service sectors, such as teaching or law enforcement, are among the numerous occupations that are generally off-limits to someone with a record of DUI.
There are also financial setbacks that come along with a DUI. In addition to the costs of posting bond, having your car towed, and regaining your license, there are legal expenses, fines, and driver’s education classes. Insurance premiums for underage drivers with a DUI conviction are astronomically high. Continue reading
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has conducted a multi-agency undercover operation known as “Operation Predator V,” leading to the arrest of eight people for online sex crimes against minors.
Including assistance from the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland, Davenport, Auburndale, and Lake Wales police departments, the investigation took place from February 22 to 29.
Authorities said the suspects talked to and targeted people they believed to be kids or adults with internet access to kids.
After reportedly turning up to an undercover site in Polk County on multiple allegedly offering to pay hundreds of dollars to have sex with someone they believed to be a child, five of those apprehended were charged with human trafficking.
Investigators charged eight suspects with 27 felonies in total. The men charged range in ages 27-61.
Internet sting operations conducted by law enforcement all over the country are still very common, despite TV shows following these covert operations and media outlets reporting on alleged predators being arrested in these stings daily. In these undercover operations, police officers may pretend to be minors in an internet chat room or on social media sites. They will use several methods to attempt to turn the conversation sexual, and shift conversations into a meetup for a sexual encounter. Once the unsuspecting adult arrives at the designated meeting location, police officers will make an arrest and charge the individual with a sex crime.
After Being Targeted Online, What Should You Do?
Seeking legal representation for sexual offenses should be your priority if you are accused of any sexual offenses after any communications with undercover law enforcement. Throughout this unpleasant and stressful procedure, we are here to help you.
Anyone can make the mistake of chatting online with the wrong person or searching for an escort online only to find themselves wrapped up in an online undercover sting operation. Our Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand the ways law enforcement uses the internet, social media, and all other related technologies to make arrests of otherwise law-abiding citizens.
Criminal cases involving sex crimes of any kind, especially those involving minors, are all charged as felonies in the state of Florida. You could be looking at jail or prison time, significant fines, sex offender registration, probation and more. In addition to the criminal consequences, public disclosure of your arrest or conviction can damage your career and personal relationships. Continue reading
According to Florida officials, former professional wrestler Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, whose blood alcohol content was four times over the legal limit, killed a 75-year-old man after she crashed her car into his while intoxicated in March of 2022.
Sytch received a sentence of more than 17 years in jail Monday.
In August, Sytch—who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011—pleaded not guilty to accusations of driving while intoxicated, homicide, and other offenses. When she was arrested in Volusia County in March 2022, investigators alleged she had marijuana in her system and an open bottle of vodka in her car.
Monday’s sentencing hearing had her facing a maximum sentence of over 25 years in jail. Sytch expressed sadness and guilt for killing the 75-year-old Daytona Beach resident throughout the hearing, according to reports.
Sytch, 50, had her driver’s license revoked after being arrested several times in Pennsylvania for driving under the influence. She did not have a valid driver’s license issued in Florida.
A person who has been charged with a DUI more than once is said to have multiple DUIs. In Florida, a DUI allegation that is your third or subsequent offense could be prosecuted as a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony carries harsher penalties, such as lengthier jail or prison terms, high fines, and, in the event of a fourth offense, an indefinite license suspension. In addition, you can be mandated to participate in community service, attend drug rehab, and have an interlock device installed in your car if this is your third or fourth conviction.
The severity of the sanctions may escalate if you were a part of an accident that caused fatalities or major injuries, as this case shows.
What is a Look-Back Period?
The amount of time an offense sits on your record influences what past offenses can be considered if you are convicted of drunk driving again. A judge may conclude that you are a high-risk driver and are more likely to struggle with alcohol abuse if you have a second or subsequent DUI offense within the look-back period.
Florida’s look-back period for DUI convictions is five years. This means that prior DUI convictions that are more than five years old are not considered for penalties. However, they may still affect the decision on license suspension.
The look-back period allows courts to consider previous DUI convictions. A driver’s prior violations may determine whether the DUI will be punished as a second offense, third offense, a fourth offense, and so on.
If you are found guilty of numerous DUIs during the look-back period, you may face severe consequences such as jail time, a longer license suspension, the usage of an ignition interlock device for a longer period, alcohol treatment classes or programs, felony convictions, and possibly the permanent loss of your driver’s license.
Florida’s look-back period is considered generous. Other states have instated a 10-year look-back period or consider the lifetime driving record of the accused. It is also of importance to note that a DUI conviction in Florida can remain on your driving record for 75 years. Continue reading
According to a police report made public on Tuesday, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones got into a fight over custody with his child’s mother and allegedly scratched her neck with his fingernails.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office redacted certain parts of the report.
Deputies were told by the woman that she was spending Monday with Jones and his family when Jones became irate when she mentioned returning their child back to Orlando.
As the new school year begins, it is important to be aware of sextortion and to monitor children’s social media activity.
According to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, sextortion and child pornography may be related to human trafficking, and anyone from anywhere can pose as your child’s friend on social media sites.
According to the attorney general’s office, a 45-year-old man from North Port, Florida, was recently given a 13-year prison term for claiming to be a teenage female in order to target a young boy in New Jersey on two social networking platforms.
The individual allegedly targeted the victim on the social video game apps Discord and Roblox, both of which are marketed to children.
The man allegedly lured the child into sending nude images by providing him an electronic gift card, according to Moody’s office.
He then allegedly blackmailed the child into performing and uploading films of obscene sexual practices, threatening to publish the naked images if he did not comply.
Investigators allegedly discovered other messages connected to the man’s social media accounts, along with photographs of child sex abuse.
According to reports, the man pleaded guilty to eight offenses and received a 13-year prison sentence, followed by 15 years of sex-offender probation upon his release.
Moody has also created an online safety toolkit to help parents explain Internet safety.
A Sextortion Scam: How Does It Begin and Operate?
Online sextortion is a growing problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of their age. It is critical to teach your child how to spot a potential sextortion scam and how to respond if it occurs to them.
Anyplace where individuals interact and communicate is susceptible to sextortion, including:
The scammer may pose as another child or adolescent. After gaining the trust of their young victim, they request compromising images or videos. In other situations, the scammer threatens the child when they first interact by claiming they already have compromising images or footage of the child.
In either case, the sextortionist demands more images from the victim or makes some other demand before threatening to divulge the private information.
Here are a few tips for parents to follow to keep children safe online:
The mother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter and recently deceased Aaron Carter wound up in the Hernando County Jail following a fight with her husband over a television remote, according to TMZ.
After drinking with an adult family member and getting into a verbal fight that turned physical, the woman was taken into custody on Friday night for domestic violence.
According to TMZ, the woman and her husband got into an argument because she was watching television while playing music so loudly that he could not fall asleep.
The woman allegedly grabbed the man’s wrist when he brought out his phone to record the event, according to sources quoted by TMZ. He then dialed law enforcement at that time.
Deputies allegedly detained the woman after viewing the video captured on the man’s phone.
According to jail records, the woman was arrested early on Saturday and released the same day after paying a $100 bond.
According to TMZ, her husband was unharmed during the argument and refused to be taken to the hospital.
Domestic battery is an accusation that should not be taken lightly. If you are found guilty of domestic violence charges in Florida, you could be sentenced to jail time, fines, and other consequences that will have a detrimental impact on your future.
If you are accused of domestic abuse in Florida, you need a defense attorney who will take the time to hear you out and investigate your case. It is particularly tough for people accused of committing these crimes because prosecutors and judges often seek severe sentences for crimes of violence.
Causing harm to anyone residing in the same household can technically lead to domestic battery charges. A domestic violence charge can be brought against any type of household member, such as roommates, unmarried couples, adopted children, or foster children; the parties in these types of situations do not always need to be blood relatives or married.
Other types of family/household members may include:
Domestic battery charges can arise from the following types of actions:
Can Domestic Battery Charges Be Dropped In the state of Florida?
Once law enforcement takes their initial report of domestic violence, the case is then transferred to the court. The victim cannot recant their accusations once they have been made to police. The only persona that has the power to drop domestic battery charges is the State Attorney. Of course, having a Spring Hill Criminal Defense Attorney fighting for your case can help positively influence the outcome of your specific case. Continue reading
A 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Florida and Phi Delta Theta fraternity brother was arrested Wednesday on charges of sexual battery.
The Gainesville Police Department believes that the man and the alleged victim communicated via Snapchat for about 3 weeks. They apparently ran into each other at a downtown bar Wednesday and went to the man’s residence around 1 a.m. and engaged in consensual sex.
Shortly after the consensual sex, the alleged victim told police that the man forced himself upon them even though there was no consent. The man did stop, but only after several minutes, according to police reports.
The man apparently told police that he stopped the sexual activity within five seconds.
At around 3 a.m. the alleged victim left the man’s residence and had a sexual assault exam conducted at a local hospital.
According to the police report, the man allegedly told police he was too drunk to consent to any sexual activity and he was taken advantage of. He then apparently said that he was aware of what was happening and was able to make conscious decisions. He also allegedly said that he used a condom during both sexual encounters, but then told police he did not wear a condom.
The man allegedly told police that he was unsure if the alleged victim was a willing participant for the second sexual encounter. He said he did stop the sexual contact sometime after the alleged victim said they wanted him to stop. He allegedly said he takes responsibility for the time between when the alleged victim said they did not consent to the sexual activity and when he stopped.
Phi Delta Theta has suspended the man.
He has been released on $100,000 bail. He was ordered to have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim during pretrial release in a standing no contact order.
If you have been accused of sexual battery or rape by your college, then you need to enlist the help of a college sex crime criminal defense lawyer right away. Many students who are facing sex crime accusations want to clear the matter up swiftly and think if they tell their side of the story that everything will just go back to normal. This is usually not the case, and allegations of sexual misconduct can have devastating consequences that can follow you around for the rest of your life.
If a school thinks that a rape happened on campus then they will report it to local law enforcement and will pursue school-imposed penalties. Moreover, an investigation will be launched against you by police and criminal charges may be filed. The potential penalties you may face for a rape conviction can involve hefty fines and years in prison.
