Latest news with #FDLE
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
FBI, FDLE investigating robbery, police shooting that injured 2 after pursuit ends in Medley, police say
Two people were taken to a local hospital Friday morning after a reported robbery and police shooting, following a police pursuit that started in Sweetwater and ended in Medley, Sweetwater police said. A third person was taken into custody, officials said. Authorities from multiple agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI, are now investigating. Police: Officers interrupted robbery in progress At a press conference held Thursday afternoon, Sweetwater Police Chief Sergio Diez and department spokesperson Alvaro Zabaleta details about the incident, which began around 10:50 a.m. at a warehouse near Northwest 108th Avenue and 17th Street. Zabaleta explained that Sweetwater officers responded immediately to multiple 911 calls reporting a possible armed robbery in progress. "Once they got here, they confronted the subjects that were committing this crime," Zabaleta said. "Shots were fired. There was a police chase that ensued thereafter that took officers northbound and it ended in the city of Medley, where the three subjects were apprehended." One suspect shot, another hospitalized According to Zabaleta, one of the apprehended individuals was found with an apparent gunshot wound and transported to a local hospital in stable condition. "There was a second person that was also transported, not related to any gun violence or any gunshots, however, still was requesting some medical attention and he's listed in stable condition," he added. "A third individual still remains in custody here as part of the investigation." Zabaleta emphasized that the FBI is now leading the investigation into the robbery itself. Police chief: "Today is a good day" Chief Diez noted that no officers were injured in the incident. "So, today is a good day, because none of my officers were hurt," Diez said. "We were able to arrive in the progress of a robbery and that's what police does. We try to apprehend the bad guys, make sure that our victims are safe. So, for me, today, I had a good day, because none of my officers were hurt." Diez said that FDLE is handling the police shooting aspect of the investigation and that some officers involved are currently being interviewed.
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Sky News AU
Florida's Operation Dragon Eye rescues dozens of ‘critically missing' children in massive sting
Dozens of children were rescued in a blow to child sex trafficking operations in Florida, officials announced Monday. Dubbed Operation Dragon Eye, the initiative was spearheaded by the U.S. Marshals Office for the Central District of Florida and supported by the state Attorney General James Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP). The effort involved 20 agencies working in tandem to locate 60 critically missing children and apprehend suspects tied to trafficking, drugs and child endangerment. "The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission," Uthmeier said in a release. "As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority. If you victimize children, you're going to prison, end of story." Authorities said the recovered children ranged in age from 9 to 17, and many of them were missing and at risk of being exploited. The U.S. Marshals Service defines "critically missing" children as "those at risk of crimes of violence or those with other elevated risk factors such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure or domestic violence." The operation uncovered the gut-wrenching realities of sex trafficking — including several young girls who were pregnant, one of them carrying the child of her trafficker. Officials stressed that the operation didn't end with their rescue, but each child received immediate medical evaluations and psychological support, with long-term care protocols set in motion. "The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care," said U.S. Marshal William Berger. "This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youths will not return back to the streets to be further victimized." The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also played a central role in the operation. Commissioner Mark Glass assured the parents of missing children that the department will "never stop searching." "Sixty kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers," Glass said. "At FDLE, we will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. And to any family still missing their child, we will never stop searching until we make sure they are brought home safely." Eight individuals were arrested during the operation, the agency said. They face a variety of charges, including human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession and drug trafficking. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may follow. The Office of Statewide Prosecution is handling the criminal cases, with support from state attorneys in the Sixth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits. Special Counsel Rita Peters has been appointed to lead the prosecution in the human trafficking case, while two additional trafficking cases remain under investigation. Sex trafficking continues to pose a persistent threat in Florida, with the state among the top three in the nation for reported human trafficking cases, alongside California and Texas, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2024 alone, according to the agency, Florida received over 1,830 signals, which led to the identification of 1,874 victims. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) found that many victims are minors between the ages of 11 and 17, often lured through manipulation or online platforms. In response, Florida leaders have stepped up both funding and legislative efforts. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently allocated $4.9 million to expand emergency shelter beds and staff support for trafficking victims, while an additional $900,000 in grant funding was provided to the FDLE. "Florida is being proactive about stopping human trafficking," DeSantis previously said. "Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida." State lawmakers have also passed legislation to increase penalties for traffickers and mandate trafficking-awareness training for hotel workers, healthcare providers and school staff. Fox News Digital has reached out to Uthmeier's office for comment. Originally published as Florida's Operation Dragon Eye rescues dozens of 'critically missing' children in massive sting
CBS News
21-06-2025
- CBS News
FDLE investigating Pembroke Pines Commissioner Jay Schwartz
Pembroke Pines City Commissioner Jay Schwartz is under investigation for allegedly representing himself as a law enforcement officer, confronting a group of students at a local high school, and allegedly attempting to search them, CBS News Miami has learned. The interaction between Schwartz and the students took place on the morning of May 21, near the end of the school year, at Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, where Schwartz, a pilot, is a visiting instructor teaching a class on aviation. The alleged episode is now being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Pembroke Pines Police Chief Jose Vargas said he personally contacted FDLE to take over the investigation to avoid a potential conflict because it involved an elected city official. "We verified the initial information and once we determined the allegation had some merit, I contacted FDLE," Vargas told CBS News Miami. "I made the decision to refer it to FDLE." City Manager Charles Dodge said the police chief contacted him the day it happened, as well. "When he spoke to me that this incident occurred, he told me this was going to be handled by FDLE," Dodge said. "There was no delay in reporting it. And I believe FDLE started on it right away." In response to a request for comment, a spokesman at FDLE wrote: "FDLE does not confirm, deny, or comment on investigations or inquiries received by FDLE." Schwartz, who has been a city commissioner since 2012, did not respond to phone calls, voicemail messages, and text messages seeking comment. According to a source familiar with the incident, Schwartz allegedly confronted at least three students on school grounds and attempted to search them, believing they may be in possession of contraband, possibly marijuana. During the confrontation, Schwartz allegedly showed the teens a ceremonial badge he had been given as a city commissioner. Although the badge looks like an official police badge, it is not a police badge, and Schwartz has no law enforcement powers. However, at that moment, there would be no way for the students to know the badge wasn't real. Police and city officials refuse to describe the precise details of the encounter between Schwartz and the students, and there are conflicting reports as to whether Schwartz searched the teens. The interaction caused enough concern, however, that it was brought to the attention of the school's principal. A Pembroke Pines police officer, assigned to the school, conducted a preliminary investigation and wrote a report. CBS Miami requested a copy of the report last week from Pembroke Pines. The city attorney told CBS Miami Saturday he would review the report next week and determine if it can be released under the state's public records law. CBS News has also learned there were video cameras on school grounds that would have captured the interaction between Schwartz and the students. It is not clear if the Pembroke Pines police officer at the school reviewed the video or if it has been sent to the FDLE. Broward Schools response School district officials stressed Schwartz is not a district employee but taught an aviation class at the school as part of the school's partnership with Broward College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where Schwartz is listed as an adjunct faculty member. And because the incident occurred near the end of the school year, Schwartz was allowed to return to the school the following week to administer the class's final exam – but only with a district employee monitoring his activities with students. "Regarding the incident at Charles Flanagan High School, the individual in question is not a Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) employee but a visiting instructor affiliated with the school's avionics program," wrote John Sullivan, Chief Communications Officer for the school district in a statement to CBS Miami. "After the incident towards the end of the school year, the individual's interaction with students was limited and supervised." The badge It is not uncommon for local elected officials in South Florida to carry police-style badges. The badges have no power and are designed more to boost the ego of elected officials and make them feel special. Pembroke Pines Police Chief Vargas said over the years, the department has issued these types of badges to any commissioner that asks for them. "Some of them request them," Vargas said. "They say `Commissioner' on them." Schwartz has been a controversial figure in Pembroke Pines since his election to the commission in 2012. In 2018, the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce accused him of threatening to blackmail a member of the chamber if he did not get his way on an item before the chamber. "Commissioner Schwartz's actions are at least bullying, and he quite possibly has even used his position of power to coerce the Chamber, the Board of Directors, and its members," wrote the then chair of the chamber's board of directors. In 2024, during a city commission meeting, the mayor summoned police to remove Schwartz from the dais after the mayor said he had become disruptive. On his city website, Schwartz describes himself as a pilot, a business executive, an entrepreneur and a YouTuber. Describing his role as an elected official, Schwartz wrote: "The responsibility and trust you have given me I take very seriously. I want to be a great public servant. Your concerns are my concerns, and I will work tirelessly through positive and bold action to bring you the leadership we deserve."
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
Florida middle school teacher allegedly used real student photos to create AI-generated porn: FDLE
HOLLY HILL, Fla. - A middle school teacher in Central Florida was arrested Thursday on 19 charges related to child sex abuse material and animal sexual abuse. He's accused of downloading and sharing child pornography on Discord, including potentially using students' photos to create AI-generated pornography. What we know David McKeown, a sixth-grade teacher at UBIC Academy, was arrested Thursday at his home in Volusia County, both FDLE and Florida AG's Office said. Detectives alleged that McKeown shared and downloaded pornographic images depicting child porn and animal abuse via Discord while at school – and connected to the school's WiFi network, both agencies said. He allegedly shared nearly 30 images. Authorities believe McKeown used AI technology to create these pornographic images, and may have used photos of real children. The investigation was launched on June 2 after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Detectives seized a number of devices from his home in Holly Hill and from the school. He was booked into the Volusia County jail and a judge denied him the possibility of bond. If convicted, he faces up to 315 years in prison, officials said. What they're saying "As a teacher, parents trusted Mr. McKeown to impart knowledge to their children. Instead, he spent parts of the school day sending and receiving child sex abuse material and providing other pedophiles with UBIC Academy students' personal information. "What he did is beyond betrayal—it's devastating and sick. Our Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively pursue justice for these children and their parents," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "This arrest is deeply disturbing," said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass in a statement.. "Not only was this individual trafficking in vile material but he was doing it on school grounds, during school hours surrounded by children. At FDLE, we will never allow predators to hide behind screens or school walls. We will track them down, expose them and bring them to justice." What you can do Law enforcement said additional charges are possible and that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who thinks they may be a victim is asked to contact the Holly Hill Police Department's Victim Advocate Coordinator. The Source Both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Attorney General's Office announced the arrest on Thursday, June 20. The information comes from the news releases shared by both agencies.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Amber Alert issued for missing Florida boy
The Brief An Amber Alert was issued for a missing Miami boy. He may be in the company of Ismari Figueroa Leon. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. MIAMI, Fla. - An Amber Alert for a missing 6-year-old Miami boy. Law enforcement officials are searching for Ryan Figueroa who was last seen in the area of the 1300 block of Southwest 1st Street in Miami. He was last seen wearing a white Polo shirt and black joggers. Officials say he may be in the company of Ismari Figueroa Leon, who was last seen wearing a black jumper. She also has multiple tattoos. The pair may be traveling in a 2012 black Chevy Equinox with Florida tag number RUZG29. What you can do Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. Tips can also be reported to FDLE at 1-888-356-4774 (1-888-FL-MISSING) or your local law enforcement agency. The Source This story was written with information provided by the FDLE. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
