Polk County

Published on: September 30, 2019

Winterhaven Man Accused of Trying to Lure Girl Into His Van

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Police claim they have reports of a man trying to lure a teen girl into his van in Winter Haven.

The incident was reported to have happened Thursday afternoon in front of Polk State College. Investigators said the man attempted to lure a 15-year- old girl into his van and when she declined, he allegedly blocked her path with his van.

In less than 48 hours, Winter Haven Police said they arrested a 55-year-old man, in connection to the incident. He has been charged with stalking, a misdemeanor, and driving with an expired license.

A Winter Haven police officer spotted a van that matched the description pulling into a parking space at 3:53 a.m. at the Racetrac gas station on Havendale Blvd.

Police claim the man admitted to the incident.

Reports indicate that there was a witness who yelled and told the teen girl not to get into the van, causing the man to take off.

The accused allegedly told officers he was just offering her a ride and that he asks people if they need rides all the time. He said he thought she was an adult.

Under Florida law, stalking is considered a serious offense and is charged as a misdemeanor. Stalking is generally defined as a pattern of following, watching, or monitoring another person with the sole intent to harass, frighten, intimidate, threaten, or cause emotional duress. The act of stalking can vary in how it is carried out, and may include the following:

Following someone – this can be just once or on a routine basis
Driving past or randomly showing up at someone’s residence, place of work, or school
Cyberstalking: monitoring a person’s computer, cell phone, or social networking activity
Monitoring a person’s whereabouts through a secretly implanted GPS device on their vehicle or person
Sending someone unwanted letters, gifts, or emails
Contacting someone repeatedly via phone calls and text messages
Secretly videotaping or photographing someone
Gathering information about a person without their permission through public records, internet searches, private investigators, or by contacting the person’s friends, family members, and acquaintances
Threatening a person or their friends, family members, or pets
Damaging a person’s property, such as their home, vehicle, or other property

In the state of Florida, a person who repeatedly, willfully, and maliciously follows or harasses another person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. If the person repeatedly, willfully, and maliciously follows or harassed another individual, and makes a credible threat towards that person with the intent to cause fear of death or bodily harm, the offender will be charged with a third degree felony. This crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Stalking charges are taken very serious in the state of Florida. If you have been accused of stalking, you do not want to just sit around and wait to see what happens. Instead, you need to take action right away, ideally before formal charges are even filed. This will give you the best possible chance of avoiding arrest and prosecution, if possible, as well as any undeserved penalties.

There are several things you should not do if you learn you are being investigated for or charged with stalking. You should NOT:

Try to talk to the alleged victim about the case or have any contact with the alleged victim.
Talk to law enforcement or other investigators without an attorney present. It is very common for the police to ask for statements from the accused during an investigation. An experienced attorney can take charge and help prevent you from talking your way into more trouble.
Give any evidence to law enforcement without consulting with your lawyer first. Even if you believe the evidence will show you are not guilty of the alleged crime, you should wait for your attorney to review this and handle the matter accordingly.

Published on: January 9, 2019

Former State Rep. Baxter Troutman Charged with Domestic Battery

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A former Florida lawmaker has been arrested and charged with abusing his wife of 10 years, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Former Rep. Baxter Troutman, 52, was arrested early Saturday after his wife made multiple domestic violence accusations against him.

According to authorities, the woman said she and her husband had argued about her buying a home in Lakeland in her own name on Wednesday.

She told deputies she left the home for several hours and returned at about 9:30 p.m. to sleep. She told authorities that her husband came into her bedroom at about 4:30 a.m. and pulled the comforter off her bed.

The two had slept in separate bedrooms for several years, she told deputies.

The man apparently came into her room and pulled the comforter off her bed and started shouting expletives at her and then began to play loud heavy metal music on all he TVs around the house.

She told deputies that when she tried to go back to sleep, her husband came into the room again and yanked the comforter off the bed, causing her to fall to the floor. According to the report, he then grabbed her by the chin, pulled her head back and said, “B— get up.”

The woman told deputies she used her cell phone to record how loud the music was playing on the TVs. She then went back to her room and used a chair to block the door.

Deputies said that she also told them previous instances of domestic violence. She told authorities that in 2018, her husband hit her in the face when she refused to give him the passcode to her cell phone. According to the Sheriff’s Office report, she provided pictures of the injuries.

She also claimed her husband broke her pinky finger during an argument in 2015. She told deputies she had a neighbor take her to a hospital for treatment.

Baxter Troutman was charged with one count of aggravated battery and two counts of battery. He previously served as state representative for District 66.

If you have been arrested and charged with aggravated battery, even if you have been wrongfully accused, you need to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Many individuals charged with domestic violence crimes do not seek the legal representation they truly need in order to successfully prove their innocence. When facing a serious crime like aggravated battery, there is no substitute for aggressive and powerful legal representation that may ultimately keep you out of jail.

Given that serious bodily harm may result from aggravated battery, Florida prosecutors are especially tough on the accused. The consequences of a conviction can include a potentially long prison sentence hefty fines. Our Florida Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know what to expect from the prosecution and can provide you with honest legal representation, making sure you are fully aware of the potential consequences you are facing and your options for overcoming your charges.

Published on: December 20, 2018

Haines City Fire Department Lieutenant Charged with Domestic Violence

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A lieutenant with the Haines City Fire Department faces a charge of battery domestic violence.

The 32-year-old was taken into custody Friday evening, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

A news release said the man “battered his girlfriend” after the two began arguing.

The woman allegedly had visible bruises on her arm, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The man is accused of holding the woman against a front door and punching her in the arm.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail.

The state of Florida is tough when it comes to charges of domestic violence. When police are called to a location where allegations of domestic violence have been made, officers are required to make an arrest if there is any sign of injury. Moreover, the state will not drop the charges just because the alleged victim changes their story.

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction are severe. You can face fines and jail time, and a record of domestic abuse can affect child custody and visitation decisions as well as impact your immigration status. These crimes cannot be expunged from your record.

Published on: February 21, 2018

Polk County Youth Softball Coach Charged with Sex with Minor

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 33-year-old youth softball coach from Auburndale is facing charges of having sex with a minor.

The 33-year-old was taken into custody Friday after authorities talked to the 17-year-old girl. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland girl told authorities she had consensual sex with the man in early February.

According to authorities, the man and the girl knew each other for several years, and the man lived with her family for a period of time in the past. The girl is to turn 18 years old in a couple of weeks.

The man works part-time as an assistant softball coach at a Polk County high school.

The man also was a coach for the teen’s travel softball team.

Authorities claim the two attended the Monster Jam event in Tampa on Feb. 3 with two other friends. After the event, the group drove back to Bartow, dropped off the friends and drove back to Lakeland.

On the way, the man allegedly pulled over his vehicle near State Road 60 and Highway 37 in Mulberry, where the two had consensual sex.

The man has been charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

The man has been placed on administrative leave. A recommendation to terminate him will go before the School Board later this month.

If you have been arrested for alleged unlawful sexual activity with a minor, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. A conviction for this crime could result in a significant fine, up to 15 years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Following an arrest for a sex crime, you should exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and avoid answering any questions that could be used against you in court. Regardless of your innocence, you should not say anything to authorities until you have contacted our Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton. We can make sure your rights are protected and comb through all the evidence against you to establish the best defense strategy for you.

Published on: December 19, 2017

Haines City Teacher Accused of Having Sexual Conversations with 15-Year-Old

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Haines City High School teacher is accused of having explicit, sexual conversations with a 15-year-old boy in Texas.

The 27-year-old faces felony charges from Winter Haven Police.

She told police the teen told her he was 19 years old. According to police, the boy’s mother found out about the messages and told Dunlap to stop communicating with him.

Police apparently learned that the two continued to communicate through Google Hangouts.

Detectives arrested the woman at her home Sunday and booked her into the Polk County Jail.

She is charged with transmitting material harmful to a minor and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

Sex crimes in Florida can take many forms, but regardless of the offense, those who are charged with this type of offense need a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Those who are found guilty can receive hefty punishments, including jail time and fines.

Anyone can be accused of a sex crime, which is scary. You could be charged for offenses against total strangers, friends, significant others, family members, and even spouses. If the alleged victims are minors or children, the consequences of a conviction are enhanced significantly.

Published on: July 24, 2017

Former Polk County School Principal Arrested and Charged with Fraud, Theft

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A former Polk County school principal was arrested Friday morning on allegations of fraud and theft.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged the 46-year-old former principal with 60 counts of dealing in stolen property, 16 counts passing forged or altered documents, 2 counts fraudulent use of credit card, 1 count obtaining property by fraud, 1 count money laundering, and 1 count grand theft.

Detectives said the crimes occurred while the woman was principal. She resigned as principal in June 2015 and was hired in July 2015 as Assistant Director of Academics at another school. Detectives said the woman resigned from that position in Sep. 2016 when confronted by school officials about suspected fraud and theft–a total of $105,426.

The woman was arrested on Jan. 10, 2017 for grand theft fraud, fraudulent use of credit card, money laundering, and criminal use of personal ID. She was released from jail two days later, on Jan. 12, after posting a $39,000 bail. This case is still pending an outcome, officials said.

The woman was arrested Friday, July 21, at her home in north Lakeland. She will have a first appearance hearing Saturday morning, July 22, 2017.

Anyone can be arrested for a crime, as this case shows. Theft and fraud crimes are taken very seriously in Florida, and can come with severe penalties and consequences. Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony theft or fraud offense it can have serious consequences that will haunt you for the rest of your life. If convicted of theft or fraud, you are looking at serious jail time and steep fines. Any type of theft or fraud conviction will more than likely affect your job. Employers do not generally like to hire people who have been arrested or convicted of theft or fraud, which could make it very difficult to support yourself both now and in the future. Therefore, it is very important to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer who understands the consequences a theft or fraud conviction and what it can mean to your future.

Published on: May 15, 2017

Drunk Driver Hits 5 Students At Florida School Bus Stop – 1 Killed

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A suspected drunken driver hit five middle school students as they walked home from the bus stop last month. One student later died of his injuries.

A witness at the scene pointed out the car that had allegedly just crashed into the children.

The black vehicle had hit another car about 4,000 feet (1,219.2 meters) down the road. The driver then stumbled out of the vehicle. A woman who was four months pregnant was injured in that crash, according to authorities.

The 48-year-old was arrested. He is apparently a former police officer.

Officials said a 13-year-old died of his injuries at an Orlando hospital. Another child was in intensive care with orbital fractures. Three other children suffered minor injuries.

The man arrested has made his first appearance in court. He faces 11 charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He was being held on $600,000 bail.

Regardless of the situation, a car accident that results in a death is always traumatic. Adding a DUI charge to this just exacerbates the situation. DUI manslaughter charges can be confusing, which is why you need to get legal help right away. It is imperative that you understand the charges you are facing, what the consequences are, and what defense options are available to you.

Yes, a DUI manslaughter conviction can result in severe penalties. However, please understand that there are ways to defend yourself. Knowing your defense options are crucial. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI manslaughter charge in Polk County, you need to consult with a Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. We are former prosecutors so we are armed with the knowledge and experience you need to achieve a successful outcome from DUI manslaughter charges.

Published on: December 16, 2016

Polk County Undercover Prostitution Sting Yields 114 Arrests

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A recent Polk County six-day-long undercover sting resulted in 114 arrests.

The sting — dubbed “Operation Not So Silent Night” — focused on suspects allegedly advertising prostitution in online ads and human trafficking.

While a total of 114 people were arrested, warrants were filed on two others.

During the investigation, female undercover detectives posted fictitious ads online, and male undercover detectives responded to ads posted online by others.

The suspects ranged in age from 17 to 64 years old. In a news release, the sheriff’s office highlighted some of the arrests.

Undercover prostitution stings happen every day across the U.S. Police usually employ any tactics, even if they are not legal, to try and make arrests. Our Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand how unfair these stings can be. We can help you understand the charges you are facing and make sure you have the best defense possible.

Published on: October 13, 2016

Bomb Threat Evacuates Legoland in Winterhaven

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Legoland has been evacuated Thursday afternoon due to a bomb threat.

Winter Haven Police, along with Legoland Florida security, are investigating the threat at the Winter Haven theme park.

A bomb threat was made at the property and an evacuation was started at both the theme park and hotel for the safety and security of the guests and employees.

Nor further information is available at this point.

Making a bomb threat is no small prank. Recently, there have been a number of bomb threats directed toward schools and universities. Because of this, police are utilizing the latest technology to catch anyone making threats. If you are facing charges related to a bomb threat, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side to help fight these charges.

What may have started out as a prank can turn into an extremely serious situation once a threat is made. If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge for making a bomb threat, our Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. While we do not know the full details of this case, if the threats prove to be false, criminal charges can still be applied. There are possible defenses against a false bomb threat charge, and we would be happy to discuss the specific facts and circumstances regarding your case and help you decide how to proceed.

Published on: September 12, 2016

Polk County Teacher Asking For Lighter Sentence For Sex Crime

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Polk County ex-teacher facing 22 years in prison for child sex crimes will be asking for a lighter punishment, according to reports.

The former English teacher pleaded guilty to 37 child-sex charges in March 2015 and was sentenced a few months later.

The 31-year-old was initially arrested on allegations she had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. Investigators said she also admitted to having sex with two other teens at the school.

The judge told the woman that even though the victims were willing participants, their age doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a crime.

Now, the woman is seeking a lighter sentences for several factors, including an undisclosed mental condition, the victims being willing participants and a lack of treatment options available to her in prison.

She is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday to ask for that lighter sentence.

Any criminal accusation involving sex is quite serious and should be dealt with accordingly. Prison time and steep fines are enough to worry about for any criminal charge, however, sex crimes punishments can haunt you long after you have served your sentence. You are required to register as a sex offender in a public database, where anyone can see the details of your crime.

Just because you have been convicted of a sex crime, this does not mean that your defense is completely done. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to appeal your conviction or obtain a reduced sentence.