Theft

Published on: July 24, 2014

Manhunt Results in Arrest of 3 Teens in Hendry County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Law enforcement agencies from Hendry and Lee counties were sent on a manhunt Thursday after it was reported three teenage boys had allegedly stolen a car from Lee County.

Officials claim the trio took the vehicle on a joyride that eventually ended in Pioneer Plantation in Central Hendry County.

The three young men allegedly drove the vehicle from Lee County to Pioneer Plantation, where they stopped at the Shell Station located at the intersection of Hendry Isles Boulevard and State Road 80. Reports indicate that the trio then attempted to rob another man by putting a gun to his side, demanding money from him.

According to police, the victim refused to give up his bank bag and instead grabbed the barrel of the gun. The trigger of the gun was allegedly pulled three times, but failed to fire.

According to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, the men then ran into a wooded area and were flushed out by K-9 units after a two and a half hour search.

All three suspects were taken into custody. Deputies are still questioning two suspects in the case, but one 17-year-old has been charged with attempted armed robbery, attempted carjacking, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated assault with a firearm, destruction/tampering with evidence, petit theft and grand theft.

Several agencies helped with locating the three suspects, including Hendry County deputies and K-9 units, Clewiston Police Department K-9 units, Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, K-9 units and helicopter, as well as the Florida Highway Patrol.

Juvenile crimes are prosecuted at a very high rate. In the state of Florida and across the country there is an increasing trend for juveniles to be tried in adult court. It is quite common today to see 16 and 17-year-old children being charged as adults.

A robbery charge can bring about serious penalties for a young offender. In the state of Florida, if a person is possession of a firearm when committing a crime or even when attempting to commit a crime, then the 10-20-Life statute can be applied. Anyone convicted under the 10-20-Life statute is ineligible for gain-time and must complete the entire 10 year prison term without the possibility of early release.

Published on: June 20, 2014

Orange County Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Two Juveniles Arrested for House Burglaries in Maitland

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two juveniles linked to a string of house burglaries in Maitland were arrested on Wednesday, according to police reports.

Maitland police claim the two are also connected to numerous other break-ins in Orange and Seminole counties.

Some stolen items, which included electronics, purses and televisions, were recovered at the suspects’ homes, according to police.

The burglaries allegedly started in Maitland on June 6.

The suspects have been taken into custody and were transported to the Maitland Police Department for further questioning.

No further information has been disclosed regarding the alleged burglaries.

Juvenile criminal cases are handled differently than those of adults. The criminal courts recognize that those under the age of 18 are often unable to comprehend their behaviors and actions or understand the consequences in the same way as an adult’s brain does. Because of this, the court system puts an emphasis on rehabilitation when it comes to handling these cases.

Just like adults, a minor can invoke their right to remain silent and their right to a juvenile defense attorney. This is very important because an attorney should be contacted before a minor has any interactions with police. Understand that police are not required to tell the truth when questioning minors, so they often try to employ tactics that trick juveniles into giving incriminating statements.

An Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you if your child has been accused of or charged with a criminal offense. When it comes to your child’s defense, our main goal is to preserve your child’s record so he or she can walk away from this experience without suffering long-term effects. We know that keeping children out of the criminal justice system is central for protecting their future.

Published on: April 23, 2014

Florida Shows Alleged Decrease in Crime in Broward and Palm Beach Counties

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to reports released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Wednesday, crime in Broward and Palm Beach counties took a plunge in 2013 and stayed in line with the state’s total decrease in criminal offenses.

In its 2013 Annual Uniform Crime Report, the state agency concludes that criminal activity, ranging from rapes and murders to robberies and burglaries, have steadily dropped in Florida over the past five years.

The overall crime rate fell by about seven percent in Broward County. With that said, the report relays that there were 46 more forcible rapes in 2013 compared to 2012. The biggest category of crimes to drop was robberies, decreasing by about 13 percent.

In Palm Beach County, the overall crime rate plunged by about three percent in 2013. Conversely, there were nearly 100 more vehicle thefts than in 2012.

FDLE computed the same number of murders in 2012 and 2013 in both counties — 80 in Broward and 74 in Palm Beach.

When you are charged with a crime in Florida, the consequences can be devastating. Criminal charges have the ability to haunt you for the rest of your life, sometimes going as far as limiting your ability to find a job, own or rent a home and even maintain or build new relationships. Even if you do not serve any jail time, a criminal conviction can still negatively impact your life.

A criminal investigation can progress rather quickly. What you may think is nothing right now could lead to your arrest tomorrow. The sooner you involve a criminal lawyer with your charges, the better the outcome for you. A South Florida Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can thoroughly analyze every aspect of your case and begin evaluating possible defenses and strategies right away. From early on, we will look for ways to help you avoid a criminal conviction.

We handle all of the following types of criminal cases, including:

Sex offenses, including rape, child molestation, child pornography, prostitution, indecent exposure, child abuse and sexual assault
Drug crimes, including possession, sale, distribution, grow house and trafficking
Violent crimes, including kidnapping, burglary, assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, murder, manslaughter and weapons charges
White Collar Crimes, such as Internet crimes, fraud, forgery, identity theft and RICO
Juvenile Offenses
DUI Charges, including DUI Manslaughter and DUI Serious Bodily Injury

Published on: April 17, 2014

Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Convicted Child Abuser Wanted for Posing as Attorney and Stealing $70,000

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Investigators believe that a 44-year-old convicted child abuser on probation until 2026 passed himself off as a lawyer and conned a convict’s family out of $70,000.

Police claim the man has now vanished. State agents looked to arrest him this week on charges of grand theft and practicing law without a license.

The man is on probation for aggravated child abuse after serving two years behind bars.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the man promised he could free a prison inmate currently serving a 27-year sentence for a 1999 kidnapping in less than 90 days.

The inmate’s relatives hired the suspect after meeting him through an uncle, whom the suspect represented on a traffic ticket last fall, according to police.

The suspect allegedly told the family that he had arranged a deal with prosecutors who agreed to have the inmate’s case vacated.

The family apparently paid the man a total of $70,000.

According to reports, the suspect claimed his law partners were real-life attorneys who actually represented him in 2007 on a sexual battery on a minor charge that was later reduced as part of a plea deal.

The suspect promised that the inmate would be released in 90 days, according to the warrant.

The family became suspicious of the suspect and contacted the attorneys that the man had listed as his partners.

One of the attorneys contacted his former client asking for an explanation, and the suspect allegedly told him he was working undercover as part of a FBI investigation into corruption into the State Attorney’s Office.

FDLE agents became aware of the man’s activities and uncovered that he had offered his legal services to another man facing criminal charges, but the man refused to sign the paperwork.

Various occupations require people to obtain licensure before they can practice in that specific profession. Licenses are required for many occupations, including attorneys, nurses, engineers, physicians, social workers, real estate agents, accountants and many others. Anyone without a proper license who attempts to engage in one of these professions commits the crime of practicing without a license.

As this case shows, practicing without a license is usually accompanied by additional charges, such as theft or fraud. The charges this man is facing are quite serious. When the value of stolen property is between $20,000 and $100,000, a person can be charged with a second-degree felony for grand theft. This crime is punishable by up to 15 years in Florida state prison and $10,000 in fines.

Published on: February 5, 2014

Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Former FDLE Crime Lab Analyst Charged with Evidence Tampering

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 32-year-old former Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime lab analyst was arrested Tuesday on charges of grand theft, 12 counts of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and nine counts of trafficking illegal drugs.

Investigators allege the man replaced prescription pain pills with over-the-counter medications while processing drug cases.

The former Pensacola crime laboratory chemist is currently free on bond.

If you or someone you know or love has been charged with tampering with evidence in Hernando, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Pasco or Sumter counties, a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can make sure you know what to expect from your case.

The man was arrested at the Escambia County Jail around 6:30 p.m. His bail was set at $290,000.

FDLE agents claim that since 2006 the accused processed 2,600 cases that crossed 35 counties in Florida, including Hernando, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Pasco and Sumter. On Monday, 80 agencies were alerted of the alleged tampering.

St. Cloud police said that they are reviewing 16 cases from several years ago that could be linked to this case.

The investigation apparently began Thursday, Jan. 30 when Escambia investigators noticed that there were prescription pain pills missing from the evidence locker room.

The accused was relieved of duty Friday, Jan. 31 and issued his resignation Monday asking the agency to issue any money owed to him.

According to the FDLE, additional charges could be filed pending the results of this ongoing investigation.

These charges are undoubtedly serious. If convicted of tampering with evidence, this could remain on your criminal background for the rest of your life. Despite the circumstances surrounding your case, by being accused of this crime, you run the risk of being permanently labeled someone who destroyed or concealed evidence. Because of the severity of the charges, you must make sure and give tampering with evidence charges the attention they deserve.

Published on: January 4, 2014

Hernando County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Two Deputies Accused of Stealing Money in Separate Cases

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two former Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies are now facing criminal charges in separate cases.

One is accused of stealing money meant for the family of a deputy that was killed and the other is accused of stealing taxpayer dollars.

Both Deputy Michael Glatfelter and Sergeant Joseph Reid resigned before they were booked into the Citrus County Jail.

They both posted bond.

Glatfelter is the former treasurer of a local Fraternal Order of Police. He allegedly stole more than $1,000 from a memorial fund selected to go to the family of Deputy Scott Bierwiler, a Hernando County deputy who was killed in a car accident while on his way to work in 2009.

The FOP has apparently changed its policies to make sure similar incidents do not happen in the future.

A separate case centered on a former sergeant, Joseph Reid, alleges the man stole up to $1,500 from the VICE unit as far back as 2011.

Law enforcement officers are exposed to many illegal substances, large amounts of cash and other illegal activities due to the nature of their work and their environment. Anytime suspicion arises regarding an officer’s behavior, there is a lot on the line. Not only could criminal charges be filed, but the officer’s reputation and career are also at stake.

If convicted of a theft crime, these two officers could face much more than just hefty fines and the loss of their jobs; they could be forced to spend lengthy time in prison. Even if they are not found guilty, their professional and personal reputations may be permanently tarnished.

A Hernando County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you defeat any type of criminal charge stacked against you. As former prosecutors, we know the strict penalties that law enforcement officers face when accused of crimes. We can thoroughly inspect the allegations against you and work to help you overcome any criminal charges so that you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Published on: December 2, 2013

Citrus County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Citrus County Drug Store Manager Accused of Stealing Lottery Tickets

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Citrus County B & W Rexall Drug Store manager was arrested last week for allegedly stealing and then redeeming scratch-off lottery tickets.

The 33-year-old Inverness man is charged with one count of grand theft and one count of dealing in stolen property.

The owner of the drug store contacted authorities of the thefts after Capital City Bank alerted him that their lottery account was overdrawn by $6,000, according to an affidavit.

Deputies inspected the thefts and apparently found that store owners contacted the Florida Lottery Commission and were advised winning tickets were redeemed at an Inverness grocery store.

The arrest affidavit states that surveillance video at the grocery store showed the accused redeeming the lottery tickets.

Store owners claim they are certain $4,500 worth of lottery tickets are missing, but there could be a total loss of $25,000.

Deputies questioned the accused at his Inverness home where he allegedly confessed to stealing an unknown amount of lottery tickets.

Police claim he admitted to taking tickets starting in September, and managed to steal a few every couple days.

Deputies at the Lottery Commission were apparently able to confirm that the man drove to a Gainesville lotto office on September 23 to redeem a $1,000 ticket.

The man worked at the drug store for five years.

He was arrested and has since been released on his own recognizance.

Any person who deals in stolen property that he or she knew or should have known was stolen can be charged with a second-degree felony. A conviction for this offense carries very harsh consequences, including up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. In most cases, dealing in stolen property charges are paired with arrests for theft or burglary. However, just because you have been accused of theft or dealing in stolen property, this does not mean you are automatically convicted of these crimes. Prosecutors must prove that a person knew that the property he or she sold or redeemed money for was stolen, which in many cases, can be difficult to prove. A Citrus County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can thoroughly inspect the circumstances surrounding your arrest for all potential defenses.

Published on: October 16, 2013

Dixie, Levy & Gilchrist County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Levy, Gilchrist & Dixie County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

If you have been arrested for or charged with a crime in Dixie, Levy or Gilchrist County, it is important to that you obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Why? Despite the severity of the charges you face, a good criminal defense lawyer can explain your rights throughout all stages of the criminal process and help you make the most informed decisions regarding your case. Most importantly, a criminal defense attorney can be the difference between a reduction of charges or dismissal and a jail or prison sentence.

At Whittel & Melton, our Dixie County Criminal Defense Lawyers have extensive experience in defending people that have been arrested and accused of every type of criminal offense. Our firm handles all types of criminal charges – from Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked and serious DUI offenses to drug crimes, violent crimes and even juvenile offenses. We stand ready to defend clients at every stage of the criminal process, beginning with the arrest. If you have been arrested in Cross City, Horseshoe Beach or the surrounding area, a Dixie County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can make sure you understand the charges you are up against. Contact us today online or call 866-608-5529 to learn more about how we can assist you.

Published on: October 5, 2013

Marion County Criminal Defense Lawyer :: Deputies Arrest Man Accused of Stealing Clothes from Walmart Dressed as a Woman

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Deputies arrested a man apparently wearing lipstick and dressed as a woman after he allegedly attempted to steal clothes from a Marion County Walmart last month.

Deputies claim the man began removing tags off items and placed them into a purse that was stolen from the store.

Reports indicate that the man did try and check out from the store, but apparently only tried to buy a frozen dinner and not any merchandise. Employees reported the alleged theft.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the man had about $800 in his wallet.

The man was arrested and booked into jail.

When you are arrested for shoplifting from a retail store, this can be an embarrassing experience. You will likely have to explain your actions to your friends and family members, which can be difficult to do. A Marion County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you through this difficult time and provide you with a solid defense against theft charges. We know how theft cases work, and realize that these cases often boil down to simple misunderstandings. Regardless of the details surrounding your arrest, we can mount a solid defense and seek a favorable resolution on your behalf.

Shoplifting laws in Florida are designed to protect store owners from lost merchandise. How these crimes are prosecuted varies depending on the cost of the items taken. Theft crimes are broken down into two categories: petty theft, a misdemeanor, and grand theft, a felony. If the amount of merchandise taken is $100 or less, second-degree petty theft charges will likely be filed. If the amount is between $100 and $300, this is classified as first-degree petty theft. If the amount is between $300 and $5,000, third-degree grand theft charges will be filed. A charge of this nature carries up to five years in prison. First-degree grand theft involves stealing more than $100,000 and carries consequences of up to 30 years in prison.

Published on: October 4, 2013

Hillsborough County Criminal Defense Attorney :: Tampa Detective Accused of Stealing Money Orders from Evidence Room

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

It is always interesting when a law enforcement officer is arrested, especially when it is by the agency that they work for. In a strange case, a Tampa Police detective has been arrested and charged with grand theft after she allegedly stole $1,900 worth of money orders from the Tampa Police Department’s evidence room in December of 2011.

According to Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, the female detective deposited the money into her personal checking account.

The money orders had apparently been seized as part of a tax fraud investigation.
Castor learned about the theft from the IRS last month.

The detective was arrested and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
According to Castor, the woman had been with the department since 1986 and had a “stellar” career.

Detectives are currently reviewing every transaction the woman ever had with the evidence room.

Grand theft charges can be filed against any person at any given time. In some cases, these are simple misunderstandings or even a matter of misidentification. Whatever the reason a charge has been filed, it is important to have a Hillsborough County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton by your side to make sure your rights are protected.

An arrest is simply the first step in the long criminal justice process for defendants. While an arrest should be taken seriously, this is far from a conviction. Typically in theft cases and all other criminal matters, we only hear law enforcement’s version of events in news stories. Once the case progresses, more facts come out and we start to see another side of the story. Eye witness accounts may be found to be inaccurate and certain pieces of critical evidence may have been obtained using questionable tactics. There are many doubts that can be cast in these types of cases that can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed entirely.