Criminal

Published on: September 10, 2013

Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Suburban Lake Worth Dentist Accused of Performing Root Canals without a License

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A suburban Lake Worth woman who was previously arrested for practicing dentistry without a license was arrested last week on similar allegations, according to authorities.

As of last week, she was being held at the Palm Beach County Jail with no bail.

The 34-year-old doctor was arrested in April on charges that she prescribed painkillers despite having a suspended license. According to Palm Beach County court records, she was scheduled to go to trial later this month.

The woman is the owner of Terrific Smiles, with offices in West Pam Beach and North Palm Beach.

The state Department of Health suspended the woman’s license in October, claiming that she posed a danger to the public with her previous behavior.

However, deputies recently learned that the woman was still practicing and according to patients, apparently performed substandard work.

According to a sheriff’s arrest report, a woman claims the former doctor performed several root canals on her in March and April. The woman told police she suffered pain and was not given antibiotic medications for the pain following the surgeries.

The woman said she consulted other dentists, who advised that the root canals were not properly performed and would need to be done again.

According to investigators, she paid the woman $8,000 for the work.
Investigators apparently spoke to another patient who said he received dental care from the woman during May and June. The man claims the woman requested a cash payment from him though he had dental insurance.

He allegedly paid $3,141 for a root canal procedure.

The man told investigators that after experiencing ongoing pain he was referred by another dentist to a specialist. According to the report, the specialty dentist concluded that the root canals were not performed properly and advised the man to request a refund.

The man alleges that the woman did not return his calls.

Detectives have reason to believe there are additional victims, but no other patients have come forward at this time.

Published on: August 19, 2013

Federal Grand Jury to decide whether to charge DeSoto County Jail staff in connection to Internal Affairs Probe on claims of Inmate Abuse

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A federal grand jury is convening this week to decide whether public corruption charges should brought against a DeSoto County jailer who allegedly told internal affairs investigators he did not report a colleague for abusing a former inmate because he is not a “snitch.”

News reports claim that a massive internal affairs report released this week — the department’s response to the allegations of abuse–show a pattern of orchestrated beatings while the prisoner was being held on a Domestic Violence Injunction.

Internal affairs investigators confirmed what the inmate claimed since his release: that he was battered by a jailer several times, while other staff watched and took no action to stop the abuse.

The inmate claims that on one occasion, DeSoto deputies slammed his head into a concrete wall, punching him in the face and chest and choking him nearly unconscious. Reports claim that the jail staff ignored very visible injuries — much of the inmate’s face and head were purple with bruising — telling colleagues the injuries were self-inflicted.

The IA investigation revealed that the jail commander failed to report the inmate abuse to the department’s chain of command, and to have countermanded a nurse’s directive ordering the inmate to be taken to the hospital, delaying medical care. Charges of conduct unbecoming a deputy and neglect of duty were sustained. He resigned during the investigation late last month, stating in a one-sentence resignation letter he wished to “return to retirement.”

Published on: August 17, 2013

Jupiter man arrested on claims he tried to extort $25,000 from attorney

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

News reports are claiming that Stuart Police Department arrested a Jupiter man on charges that he tried to extort $25,000 from his attorney. He is being held in Martin County Jail.

The man, Michael Stuart Pomerantz, was arrested at the attorney’s office Friday, according to law enforcement.

The police spokesperson said that the attorney came to an agreement 2009 with Pomerantz and another person to buy property. Eventually, Pomerantz and the second person filed a lawsuit against the attorney, which resolved through the mediation process.

However in June of this year, Pomerantz allegedly told the attorney he would pursue criminal charges and alert the Florida Bar to the actions alleged in the 2009 lawsuit — unless the attorney agreed to give him $25,000.

Detectives conducted several controlled calls between the attorney and Pomerantz. In one, Pomerantz agreed to come to the attorney’s office on this past Friday to receive the money.

Audio and video surveillance equipment were set up to take the Friday meeting and it recorded Pomerantz allegedly telling the attorney: “You paid your debt. You owed me the money. We are even. You have my word.” Stuart Detectives arrested Pomerantz inside the attorney’s office.

Extortion, also known as blackmail, describes a threat made in order to take another person’s money or property, or to compel another person to act or not act. Extortion is a second degree felony in Florida. A conviction can result in term of imprisonment for up to fifteen years, a fine in an amount up to $10,000, or both.

Published on: August 9, 2013

Putnam County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Two Arrested for Animal Cruelty in Welaka

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Police have arrested two people in Welaka and charged them both with animal cruelty.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a possibly malnourished dog in the 100 block of Beecher Springs Road on Monday, July 22, 2013.

A further investigation revealed a deceased dog lying near a trash collection site along with four puppies, one of which was also dead. A witness at the site collected the three remaining puppies, and took them home to care for them.

Police conducted a search and found that the pit bull / hound mix and her puppies may have been neglected and/or abused as they were severely emaciated.

A female suspect was located and arrested and booked into the Putnam County Jail on 5 counts of Animal Cruelty. Her bail was set at $5,020.00.

During questioning, the woman apparently told police that her boyfriend dumped the dead dog and her puppies on the side of the road. A warrant was issued for the man’s arrest, but police could not track him down.

The man was located hiding out in the Welaka area on Monday, July 29, 2013. He was arrested and transported to the Putnam County Jail where he was booked on two counts of Causing Cruel Death by Pain and Suffering to an Animal and three counts of Abandonment of an Animal. His bond was set at $4,520.00.

Only one of the puppies survived and is currently being cared for by a new family.

If you are facing an animal cruelty charge in Putnam County, you need to seek legal help from a criminal defense attorney qualified to handle your particular legal matter as soon as possible. In the state of Florida, animal cruelty charges can vary from a civil infraction all the way up to a serious felony. Should you be facing charges of cruelty or neglect to more than one animal or a group of animals, the number of charges against you can be increased and the financial impact of fines can be intensified.

Published on: August 7, 2013

Highlands County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Sebring Woman Charged with Assaulting Another Woman

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Sebring woman was arrested for assaulting another woman that apparently lives at the same home on Monday.

On Aug. 3 police with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 30-year-old woman and charged her with battery and one count of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and two counts of attempted burglary of an unoccupied conveyance.

Deputies arrested the woman after the alleged victim claims she came onto her yard uninvited and “began yelling she lived there,” according to reports.

When the alleged victim did not respond, the woman apparently began punching her numerous times on her head and face with a closed fist.

The alleged victim claims the woman tackled her to the ground and tried to fight her. She eventually escaped and ran into her house and called 911, the report said.

The woman was allegedly spotted trying to get into several vehicles, according to witnesses.

According to the arrest report, the woman appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The circumstances surrounding an arrest for assault or battery can be quite confusing, as this case demonstrates. It is important to understand that assault and battery are actually two separate offenses, but they are often linked together in cases involving violence. Assault is defined as attempted violence against another person or threatening to use violence against them, whereas battery is actually hitting, striking or making unwanted physical contact with someone else. Both assault and battery charges carry serious consequences in the state of Florida if you are convicted of either of these crimes, including:

• Jail or Prison Time
• Steep Fines
• Probation/Parole
• Anger Management Classes
• Revocation of Your Driver’s License
In addition to the above penalties, a conviction for assault or battery count as strikes under Florida’s Three Strikes Law. This means that if you are convicted, your sentencing can be quite harsh if you have previously been convicted of a similar crime or are on probation or parole at the time the offense was committed. With that said, if you have been charged with assault or battery in Sebring or the surrounding area, you should contact a Highlands County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton so that you can make sure your rights and best interests are protected.

Published on: August 6, 2013

Manatee County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Port Manatee’s Former Chief Financial Officer Charged with 15 Felonies

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Port Manatee’s former chief financial officer was arrested last month and charged with 15 felonies, including dealing in stolen property, defrauding a pawnbroker and being an accessory to crimes allegedly committed by his son.

The 61-year-old turned himself in to the Manatee County Jail and was booked on the 15 charges.

He was fired last month from his $149,000-a-year job at the port due to his alleged involvement in thefts that were apparently committed by his 24-year-old son.

His son is facing multiple counts of burglary, theft and defrauding a pawnbroker. He has been accused of taking power tools, an air conditioner and other property from the port and pawning it. He is currently being held at the Manatee County Jail.

Police claim that the former CFO bought back some of the property from pawnbrokers and returned it to the port without notifying authorities it was stolen in the first place.

The man apparently told officials his son has a drug problem.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crimes. Court documents show that the 61-year-old allegedly bought a laser measure, a GPS unit, an air conditioner, a projector, a camcorder and other electronics back from several pawnshops and returned the products to the port, even though he knew they were stolen.

He is accused of helping his son conceal his alleged crimes, the accessory-after-the-fact charge.

Published on: August 2, 2013

Seminole County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: 11 Arrested in Altamonte Springs Drug Crackdown

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Altamonte Springs Police Department netted 11 arrests after conducting a three week undercover drug bust at the Remington Inn and Suites.

Detectives claim that multiple, large scale drug purchases were made from various suspects at hotel’s location over the course of the sting operation.

Police arrested 11 different people between Friday and Tuesday, and they expect additional arrests to be made within the next few days.

A 33-year-old man was charged with trafficking opiates, the sale of marijuana, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and violation of probation.

Another man, 28, was charged with the sale of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

A 29-year-old man was charged with the sale of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of paraphernalia.

A woman, 27, was charged with the sale of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

A 44-year-old man was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

A 52-year-old woman was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

A man, 49, was charged with the sale of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

A 25-year-old man was charged with the sale of marijuana.

A man, 39, was charged with the sale of crack cocaine.

An 18-year-old was charged with the sale of marijuana.

A 21-year-old male was charged with the sale of barbiturate or Xanax.

If you believe you are under investigation for a drug crime, or if you have already been formally charged, it is vital to the success of your case to seek representation from a criminal defense lawyer right away. A criminal defense attorney can be a huge help during the investigation phase of your criminal matter, so it is best to protect your rights and act fast. By hiring an attorney early on in your arrest, you may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed entirely. A Seminole County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can provide you with an aggressive defense for the following drug offenses:

• Cultivation
• Distribution
• Importation
• Juvenile Drug Crimes
• Manufacturing
• Possession
• Possession for Sale
• Sale or Distribution
• Trafficking
• Transportation

Published on: July 31, 2013

Levy County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Inglis Man Arrested for Attempted Murder and Arson

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a 58-year-old Inglis man for attempted first-degree murder and arson after he allegedly tried to set his girlfriend on fire and ultimately burned his house down.

Deputies responded to the Inglis home after receiving a phone call from the man’s girlfriend. She claims the man came home from the bar intoxicated and they began to argue in the living room of the home.

At some point, deputies believe the man poured rubbing alcohol on the woman and the floor next to her and attempted to set both on fire with a lighter. However, the man could not ignite the woman or the floor.

According to reports, the man proceeded to enter the bedroom and destroy it. He allegedly ignited the mattress and fled the house, locking the door behind him so his girlfriend could not escape. She apparently hid in the bathroom.

The girlfriend eventually freed herself from the home by removing the key the man left inside the lock.

The home was not able to be saved by fire personnel and was written off as a complete loss.

Police located the man on the property and took him into custody. He was taken to the Levy County Detention Center with bail set at $2 million.

The State of Florida views attempted murder charges the same way as a murder case – quite seriously. Judges and prosecutors consider it irrelevant that the alleged victim survived the incident, and feel that attempting to commit a crime is still a crime that should carry serious consequences. The penalties associated with any violent crime, such as attempted murder, are quite severe. Whether you have been charged with attempted first-degree murder or attempted second-degree murder, a Levy County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can help you through this difficult time.

Published on: July 10, 2013

Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Bartow Man Arrested for Sexting 14-Year-Old Girl

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Bartow, Florida man was arrested last week after he was allegedly caught using his phone to solicit sex from a minor.

On July 3, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a reported unlawful sexual act that allegedly took place between the accused and a 14-year-old female.
During the investigation, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office interviewed the teen girl and found that the accused apparently visited her home to engage in unlawful sexual intercourse. Police claim after investigating the situation further, they also uncovered nude photographs the man sent to the girl via text message, as well as text messages from the man asking the girl to send him naked photos of herself.

According to reports, one of the officers working on the case assumed the identity of the victim and began text messaging the accused. Through these messages, a meeting was arranged at the teen girl’s home.

Police took the man into custody once he arrived at the home. He is currently being held in Polk County Jail.

Sexting is a term used to describe any graphic sexual messages or nude or semi-nude pictures sent to someone via text message. While this is not classified as a crime between two consenting adults, when such messages involve a minor, felony sex crimes charges can result. The state of Florida considers it to be a very serious offense when an adult attempts to seduce or transmit lewd text messages or photos to a child. Similar to Internet sex crimes, common criminal charges that can result from sexting a minor include:

• Solicitation of a Minor
• Traveling to Meet a Minor
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Distribution of Child Pornography
• Transmission of Harmful Material to Minors

Published on: June 26, 2013

Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Former UF Player and Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez Taken Into Custody

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Former University of Florida football player and New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was taken from his home in handcuffs Wednesday morning.

His arrest comes more than a week after a Boston semi-pro football player was found dead in an industrial park a mile from Hernandez’s house.

Less than two hours following his arrest, the Patriots announced they had released the 23-year-old.

A 27-year-old semi-pro football player for the Boston Bandits was found dead on June 17. Officials ruled the death a homicide but have not mentioned how the man died.

Relatives of the deceased said he was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée and that the two men were friends and were out together on the night the man was killed.

At this time it is unclear why Hernandez was taken into custody Wednesday before 9 a.m. from his North Attleborough home.

According to police, Hernandez was arrested on a state police warrant at about 8:45 a.m. and booked at the North Attleborough police station. State police refuse to discuss the case against Hernandez until it’s presented in Attleboro District Court later Wednesday.

At around 10:20 a.m., the Patriots announced they had released Hernandez.

The following statement was released by the Patriots:

“Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.”