Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Georgia, Florida, and other states, law enforcement and correction officials utilize electronic monitoring bracelets to track the whereabouts and movements of sexual offenders and predators. When a registered sexual predator / offender removes his or her monitoring device, this is a violation of probation which will result in the issuance and execution of an arrest warrant, In Putnam County, Florida, a convicted sexual predator, Paul Robert Hickok, age 28, was arrested after days of being on the run. Mr. Hickok removed his monitoring device and threw it out a car window near Waycross, Georgia. Mr. Hickok's criminal history includes a conviction on 11 counts of lewd and lascivious assault on a child under the age of 16 years old. You can read more about this story at Sexual Predator Arrested in Putnam County, Florida.

Another criminal has been put behind bars in Florida for possession of child pornography. Clifford Anderson Duncan, age 31, was recently sentenced to five years in federal prison. Mr. Duncan was also ordered to forfeit his computer and to register as a sex offender under Florida and federal laws upon release from prison. Mr. Duncan had numerous child pornography images and videos on his computer. Some materials showed sadistic treatment of children in the images. Investigators in Martin County and Duval County helped secure this conviction through Project Safe Childhood. You can read more about this story at Man Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing Child Pornography on his Computer.

Florida's hot summers can be very dangerous to children especially those children left in hot cars. In Jacksonville, Florida, a 1 year old (Bernard Davis) was under the care of a babysitter, Shantel Wilcher, who left Bernard Davis in a hot car for 2 hours or possibly longer. Once she realized that she left the boy in the car, she went to the car and brought Bernard into the house. Thereafter, she performed CPR and Fire Rescue was called. Police report that Ms. Wilcher and others may have provided false information regarding the investigation. According to news reports, Ms. Wilcher was operating a non-licensed day care center.

This tragic story illustrates the importances of standards and licensing for day care centers. While hyperthermia deaths also have happened with licensed day care operators, the lack of licensing shows a day care center's attempt to cut corners as to the licensing, staffing, facilities, and overall standards. Most day care centers have rules and procedures for travel outside the day care center and require a checklist and other quality assurance measures to prevent these type of incidents from taking place.

You can read more about this story at 1 Year Old Child Left in Truck Dies - Caregiver Charged.

In Florida and other states, possession and / or distribution of child pornography is a crime. Some criminal defendants/suspects are old. Some are young. It is a crime that can be committed by rich, poor, educated, professionals, blue collar, and all walks of life. In Waldo, Florida, 18 year old Travis Brinson Harper was arrested as a part of an investigation conducted by the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Those who break the law are often times unaware of the technology used by law enforcement to track illegal activity on the Internet. You can read more about this story at Waldo, Florida Teen Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography.

In Putnam County, Florida, one adult and three teenage boys have been charged with the kidnapping of a 12 year old boy. The incident took place at a boy scout camp where the criminal suspects held the 12 year old against his will. During the false and improper imprisonment of the child, the suspects forced the boy to drink urine. The suspects arrested were: Joseph W. Reid (age 21), Harris G. Reid (age 16), Nicholas A. Larsen (age 16), and Kyler Brower (age 15).

Undoubtedly, the 12 year old will be affected by these traumatic events for quite some time and possibly the rest of his life. You can read more about this story at Group at Putnam County Florida Boy Scout Camp Arrested.

Project Safe Childhood, a program initiated through the United States Justice Department, has a mission of protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. Efforts through Project Safe Childhood have led to a guilty plea to child pornography charges by a former Palm Coast, Florida man. David Michael Yorhikane, age 45, pled guilty for charges stemming from his access to a child pornography website with a credit card and his possession on his computer of over 2,500 child pornography images. Mr. Yoshikane's participation and payment of such illegal and immoral images helps keep the sellers of child pornography in business. Mr. Yoshikane faces a prison term of up to 10 years. You can read more about this story at Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges.

The former principal of a Central Florida (Polk County) elementary school has been found guilty of possessing child pornography. Investigators had found images of students superimposed on the picture / photograph of a nude woman in a briefcase in a locked closet in John Stelmack's office at Scott Lake Elementary School. Stelmack's attorney argued at the criminal trial that the images did not constitute child pornography and may have been placed in the briefcase / office by another person. The jury apparently did not buy the "hey these are not mine" argument and entered a verdict of guilty. Stelmack and his attorney will have a right to appeal / challenge the conviction. If the allegations are true, it is disturbing to know that a principal had these kind of materials in his office and, furthermore, in his mind. You can read more about this story at Former Florida Elementary School Principal Convicted on Child Pornography Charges.

My Space and Craiglist were two sites used by a Florida man (Christopher Tyrone Young) to befriend a 17 year old girl and then advertise her for prostitution services. News reports indicate that Young knew the age of the 17 year old. He purchased a Greyhound bus ticket for the girl and made all kinds of promises to the girl. Once she arrived in Las Vegas, Young peddled her for prostitution services on the Craigslist website. Christopher Tyrone Young is a sexual and child predator and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He knew what he was doing and acted with careless disregard as to the health, safety, and welfare of this teen.

You can read more about this story at Orlando Man Arrested for Prostituting Teen on Craigslist.

An Ocoee man has been arrested in Orange County, Florida for sexually abusing two teenage girls. Donald Taylor, age 34, has been accused of abusing two girls over a five year period according to a news story reported in the Orlando Sentinel.

In Florida and other states, some molestation criminal and civil cases involve a one time act. Others involve acts over a period of time. Molesting a child one time is one time too many. Molesting a child over a long period of time like 5 years is truly unconscionable and, if true, should result in a much longer prison sentence for the criminal defendant.

Victimizing a child can have long reaching and permanent psychological effects on a child. As such, prosecutors should seek the maximum prison terms for criminals of this nature. You can read more about this story at - Police - Ocoee Man Accused of Molesting Girls Over a 5 Year Period.

Governor Charlie Crist stated that 77 people have been arrested as part of a coordinated law enforcement effort to crackdown on child pornography offenders. The 10 week operation was called "Operation Orange Tree". The ages of the criminal suspects ranged from 17 years old to 83 years old. This shows that criminals who partake in child pornography can range from the very young to the very old. Some of the arrests lead to action by the Florida Department of Children and Families removing children from homes. Over twenty law enforcement agencies participated in this sweep. You can read more about these arrests at Florida Crackdowns on Child Pornography - 77 Criminal Suspects Arrested.

In Florida, there have been a number of reported incidents of female teachers have sex with underaged male students. No matter your personal views of these incidents, they are still crimes that should be prosecuted. Teachers are put in a position of trust. Teachers are in place to educate our children - not to have sex with them. Reported and publicized Florida incidents include:

*32 year old teacher (Maria Guzman Hernandez) at Our Lady of Charity School in Hialeah, Florida, who had sexual intercourse with a 15 year old student;

*34 year old Jacksonville, Florida public high school teacher who had sexual intercourse with a 14 year old student;

*32 year old St. Petersburg, Florida teacher who sexted nude photographs of herself to an 8th grade student; and

*45 year old South Daytona, Florida teacher who had sexual intercourse with a student in Daytona Beach area hotels.

Florida is getting headlines but the problem with inappropriate sexual relationships and acts between teachers and students is a problem across the nation. Teachers abuse their positions of trust and selfishly prey on their students. You can read more about these issues at Teacher Sex with Students Incidents and Studies.

Years ago, parents could protect their children from child predators by locking their doors and windows. A child predator could not get into a securely locked home. With technology and the internet, times have changed. Now, child predators and sex offenders now try to contact and lure our children through the internet. In addition to door and window locks, parents should take safety and security measures to make sure that child predators do not contact our children online via e mail, text messaging, social networking sites, gaming sites, and other internet avenues.

The Florida Attorney General Cybercrime website has great resources and information to educate parents and guardians against insidious criminals who creep around the internet looking for victims. It is difficult to keep up with technology and children often times know more than their parents about the computer and internet. Since criminals are educating themselves about the internet, parents should also educate themselves. Go to the Florida Attorney General's Website and some of the links posted and take your best efforts to protect your children.

In Tampa, Florida, a Imam has been charged with sexual battery on a child. A 13 year old boy accused the religious leader of the attack and molestation. Police interviewed the boy and his family at Tampa General Hospital and thereafter arrested Yasser Mohmed Shahade for the alleged crime. The Imam will be entitled to the services of a public defender or, in the alternative, can hire a private attorney to defend him in this action. Initial news reports did not contain the details or the evidence involved with this crime. It would be interesting to find out the following details:

Were there any other witnesses to the incident?

How exactly did the Imam sexually assault or attack the 13 year old boy?

Did the Imam commit any similar acts in the past?

Were there any video cameras or surveillance cameras at the mosque that would either help defend the Imam or lend support to the boy's allegations?

What forensic evidence exist as to the alleged assault?

What type of physical examination was performed at the hospital? What were the findings?

Is the mosque going to perform its own investigation as to these actions?

What is the position or explanation of the Imam as to the allegations made by the boy?

These and other issues would be important know in considering the strengths and weaknesses of each party to this matter. While the acts of one religious leader do not speak for the acts of all, the allegations involved with this story are serious and should be fully investigated. You can read more about this story at Imam From Tampa Mosque Charged with Sexual Battery on 13 Year Old Boy.

Child pornography crimes are sometimes committed by members of the same household. In Auburndale, Florida, a woman (Dani Stump) turned in her husband (Roger Stump) and her father in law (Wesley Stump) for possession of child pornography. Dani found child pornography photos and videos on the family computer. Dani contacted the Polk County Sheriff's Office who later seized the computer and arrested the men. Both men were registered sex offenders from prior criminal acts. Dani Stump was faced with a difficult decision in turning in family members. Mrs. Stump chose the safety of children and decency over any family ties in making this important decision. You can read more about this story at Polk County Florida Sheriff's Office Arrests Registered Sex Offenders with Child Pornography on Computer.

In Florida and other states, parents and children are living with the aftermath of child abuse on a daily basis. In Lee County, Florida, Kaydin Matheisen is one example of a child who was abused and now has serious ongoing medical problems. Kaydin was the victim of the abuse of his father's girlfriend - Rosemary Kunz. Florida detectives blame her for the brain injury and subsequent medical problems. You can read about Kaydin's medical journey and his parents hope for his future at Kaydin's Story - Surviving Brutal Child Abuse.

A Volusia County mother (Crystal Giachetti) is being charged with aggravated manslaughter for the drowning death of her son, Trenton Giachetti, who died on April 6. The medical examiner had previously determined that the death of the baby was an accident. Witnesses heard Crystal Giachetti comment prior to the death of her child that she "felt like putting the baby in the tub, turning on the water and leaving". Apparently, Crystal Giachetti had left in baby in the tub on prior occasions. Finally on April 6 - the baby, while left unattended in the tub, drowned and died. Crystal Giachetti will be entitled to a public defender or, in the alternative, can hire a private criminal defense attorney. I suspect that the defense will be that the chid died as a result of an accidental drowning and that there was nothing intentional on the part of the mother as to the child's drowning death. Whether the child died from simple negligence or criminal neglect or intentional acts, a child's life is lost as a result of a mother who failed this child. You can read more about this story at Mother Charged for Bath Tub Drowning Death of Child in Volusia County, Florida.

A former official with the Florida Department of Children and Families has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for child pornography. Al Zimmerman formerly worked for the agency that was charged or responsible for protecting Florida children. In fact, Mr. Zimmerman was the spokesperson for this agency. It is truly sad that a man put in this position of trust and responsibility would be accused, arrested, and convicted of child pornography charges for having and paying for nude photographs of boys. One of the boys was even under the care of the Department of Children and Families. Mr. Zimmerman pleaded guilty to these charges. Mr. Zimmerman was hired into the wrong position. His arrest and conviction truly was a public relations nightmare for the Department of Children and Families. You can read more about this story at Former Official with the Florida Department of Children and Families Sentenced to Prison Term.

Hazing and sexual assaults continue to take place in schools across the nation including in Tampa, Florida. Recently, four middle school students were accused of felony assault charges. A 13 year old boy has accused these middle school students of assaulting him with a broomstick and a hockey stick. Why middle school students would deem this to be sport or proper treatment of another person is beyond comprehension? There is no mistaking the hazing, assaulting, or abuse for anything else. These acts, if true, are criminal and should be punished through a criminal conviction and prison time even if the perpetrators were middle school students. The incident happened at Walker Middle School in Tampa, Florida. You can read more about this story at Middle School Student in Tampa, Florida Assaulted by Four Middle School Students.

In Levy County (Williston), Florida, two 1st graders were taken from a Levy County (Williston) playground recently. A man in a red and white pick up truck took the children into his truck, drove 100 yards, and the children got out on the side of the road. The Joyce M. Bullock Elementary School was placed on lock down following the incident according to the Levy County Sheriff's Office. The boys later reported that they did not know the man in the pick up truck. Fortunately, the boys were returned; however, it is quite frightening for the children, parents, and community that this incident took place that similar incidents could take place in the future in Levy County and other counties in Florida. You can read more about this story at Levy County Deputies Seek Man in Pick Up Truck Who Grabbed 1st Graders from School Playground.

In Jacksonville, Florida and other cities, churches should be a safe haven for children. A place that children can learn, grow, and pray in safety and comfort. Churches should not be the site of sexual abuse and assaults, but, unfortunately, over the years, many churches have been the site of unspoken horrors and disturbing incidents. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese recently settled a lawsuit for a confidential amount. The lawsuit was brought by a man, who is now 23 years old, and his family. The Very Rev. Nicholas T. Graff was accused of sexual assault. Graff was so infatuated with the boy that he even offered to adopt the child. Many years later, Graff was suspended from all of his church duties. The church was sued due to its alleged negligent assignment and supervision of Graff who was subject to prior abuse allgations. You can read more about this story at Greek Orthodox Church Settles Lawsuit.

Tampa, Florida was the site of a heinous crime recently. A 21 year old man, Richard A. McTear, Jr., is being charged with first degree murder. During a fight with an ex girlfriend, McTear threw her 3 month son from his car out onto Interstate 275 in an area north of Downtown Tampa. McTear had previously beaten the girlfriend and the child at an apartment complex. A news photographer (Jason Bird) for WTVT-TV in Tampa, Florida located the body off of the expressway.

There was a history of domestic violence between McTear and the former girlfriend. This is truly a tragic end of life for an innocent 3 month old child.

Children should be kept out of domestic fights and domestic violence This incident shows the true danger of domestic violence to even the youngest of children.

You can read more about this story at 3 Month Old Tampa Child Beaten and Found Off of Interstate 295 in Tampa, Florida.

In Florida and other States, parents and children should be very weary about men or women for that matter who throw parties and serve alcohol to children. Odds are, these adults are up to no good. In Chiefland, Florida, Robert Wayne Thomas was arrested on two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct on a minor. Levy County Investigators are conducting further interviews to determine if Mr. Thomas committed any other crimes. Mr. Thomas threw parties for minors, served them alcohol, and had the children play games. He would even have the children in his bed. Mr. Thomas took a particular liking to one girl who was only 13 years old. Mr. Thomas expressed a desire to marry this child. The acts of Mr. Thomas were discovered when he kept in contact with the 13 year old target of his affections. He reportedly called her and sent her text messages on a daily basis. Anyone with information about the case or who suspects their child may have also been a victim is asked to call the Levy County (Florida) Sheriff's Office at 352-486-5111. You can read more about this story at Chiefland Man Arrested for Sex Crimes Against Children.

In Florida, mothers and fathers are legally and morally responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of their child. It is quite sad when a young child loses his or her life when the child is abused or neglected by a parent. In Trenton, Florida. Kristina Hepp, a 4 year old girl, died as a result of both child abuse and child neglect. An autopsy and investigation by Dr. Martha Burt, Medical Examiner, concluded that Kristina's life could have been saved with more timely medical treatment.

Matthew Roland, age 23, was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter of a child. Roland told investigations that he got into an argument with the child and spanked her. He also admitted to hitting the child with a belt.

Of course, Mr. Roland will be entitled to a legal defense on this case. Newspapers and web sites only include portions of the facts and information. It is difficult to detail all of the facts of a particular legal case in a newspaper article. The criminal case will not only depend on the harm done to the child but the apparent knowledge and actions of Mr. Roland. Did he inflict the injuries to the child that led to her death? Was Mr. Roland aware or should he have been aware of how seriously injured the child was? What were the particular injuries externally and internally by the child?

No matter the outcome of the criminal case - a young innocent 4 year old child died.

You can read more details about this tragic death and resulting investigation at More Timely Medical Treatment Could Have Saved Child's Life.

In Jacksonville, Florida and other cities, there are defiant children. While it can be quite difficult and trying for parents, restraint and good judgment must be used when dealing with defiant children. Of course, a parent or adult can use or resort to self defense when dealing with a child who is attacking you; however, force should not be used in anger or to "teach a child a lesson". Derrick Richards faced a defiant child recently when he was asked for ice cream money from a child. Mr. Richards told the boy that he was not going to give the boy ice cream money. The boy got upset and started tugging on Mr. Richards' pockets. Then the child kicked Mr. Richards and even threw a rock at Mr. Richards that hit Mr. Richards in the back of the head. Mr. Richards threatened to "whoop the butt" of the defiant child and Mr. Richards carried through on such a threat by pulling off his belt and hitting the boy several times. While I agree that the child was quite defiant and assaulted Mr. Richards with a rock, it appears that Mr. Richards committed a crime by belting the child. Mr. Richards argued to police that Mr. Richards had to defend himself. There were no marks left on the child's body. There were two witnesses to the incident. Based on these facts, Mr. Richards was arrested. While it does appear that the child started the problems, Mr. Richards should have shown greater restraint by keeping his belt on him. Mr. Richards may have been able to just simply walk away. He could have called the police for assistance. Of course, Mr. Richards will be entitled to the services of a criminal defense attorney and / or the public defender. While the actions of the child should not ignored, neither should the bad acts of Mr. Richards.

You can read more about this story at Man Arrested for Belting Defiant Child in Jacksonville, Florida.

St. Johns County Sheriff's Office arrested and booked Phillip Sprengeler, age 24. He was charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under the age of 16. The father of the minor came home to find Mr. Sprengeler in bed with the man's daughter. According to the Special Victims Office, Mr. Sprengeler later admitted the allegations / accusations and then arrested. The victim was transported to the Child Protection Team in Jacksonville, Florida for a forensic examination and an interview. The father was helping out Mr. Sprengeler by giving him a place to stay. Unfortunately, Mr. Sprengeler took advantage of this helping hand by molesting the teenage daughter. Mr. Sprengeler, while entitled to a legal defense on this matter, will face an uphill battle to avoid prison time on this type of crime.

You can read more about this story at St. Johns Man Arrested After Being Found in Bed with a Teenage Girl.

A middle school teacher with the Duval County School System has been accused of having sex with a 14 year old student. Jennifer Marie Collier taught science at the James Weldon Middle School. After a recent school field trip, Ms. Collier agreed to take one of the students home. Instead of taking the student directly home, the teacher allegedly took the student to a Wal Mart shopping center parking lot for sex. The student later told police that he had several sexual encounters with the teacher and showed investigators e mails as proof of the relationship. When approached by police on this matter, the teacher only confirmed that she knew the student. The teacher was arrested and denied bond. She faces charges that include felonies.

You can read more about this story at Middle School Teacher Arrested for Allegations of Sex with a Student.

The Child Protection Team (CPT) and the Florida Department of Children and Families investigate abuse cases in Jacksonville (Duval County), Florida and the surrounding North Florida area. Randall Alexander, a pediatrician in Jacksonville, Florida and the statewide director of the Child Protection Team, states that unemployment causes more adults to be at home which in turn increases the chances of abuse. Of course, this is a broad simplistic statement and theory that would be difficult to prove. Statistics are statistics though. The number of cases investigated by CPT increased 30 % from 2007 to 2008. CPT is mandated by Florida law to evaluate children who has suffered a head or neck injury, burns / fractures, and unexplained or suspicious bruises to children under the age of 5. CPT also is involved with matters involving sexual abuse, malnutrition / dehydration, medical neglect, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) found in prepubescent children.

The economy can be blamed for many of the woes in our State and nation for that matter. Yes, financial stresses and job loss can lead to violence to children and neglect of children. However, it should be noted that wealthy and affluent parents and caregivers also abuse and neglect children.

You can read more about the statistics and incidents of child abuse and neglect in the Florida Times Union newspaper article - Florida Child Deaths Rise in Poor Economy.

You certainly cannot judge a book by its cover. Those who promote, sell, distribute, buy, or even look at child pornography come from all walks of life. Even retired businessmen partake in these type of crimes. In Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida, a retired businessmen (Robert Zuelsdorf) was sentenced to two years in prison and was judged guilty of 205 counts of possession of child pornography. Mr. Zuelsdorf must also serve a 5 year term of probation with a monitoring device. The illegal activities of Mr. Zuelsdorf came to light when he brought a computer to a business for service. The computer technician contacted the police who found stories and photographs of girls ages 1 to 12 years old on his computer.

You can read more about this story at Central Florida Retired Businessman Sentenced for Child Pornography.

Sarah Ludemann, age 18, was the tragic and unfortunate victim of a fatal stabbling in Pinellas Park, Florida. Sarah went to confront Rachel Wade about a boyfriend issue. The two started fighting. The fight ended with Rachel stabbing Sarah with a kitchen knife. Sarah died 1 hour later after the stabbing. Rachel Wade was arrested on charges of second degree murder.

A wrongful death case can be pursued by the family of Sarah Ludemann against Rachel Wade. The civil case may be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy. In Florida, most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover intentional violent acts of this nature. It could be argued that Rachel Wade did not mean to fatally stab Sarah Ludemann but only wanted to scare her or try to defend herself with the knife. Yes, it may be a difficult argument to make; nevertheless, there may be an element of negligence to this matter as to how the stabbing took place.

You can read more about this story at Florida Teenage Girl Stabbed to Death n Fight Over Boyfriend.

Florida teens often times believe that crimes can be committed without being caught or punished. Some teens in the Florida Keys recently found out the hard way that if you do the crime - you will do the time. Monroe County (Florida) Sheriff's Office (Florida Keys) charged 10 teens with making child pornography. The 10 teens ranged in age from 13 through 19. They were charged with a second degree felony - sexual performance by a child. Some of the acts were recorded on videotape. First off, teens should obey the law. Second, putting illegal acts or improper acts on video will get a person caught one day. In some cases, videotapes are the most powerful evidence in the case.

You can read more about this case at Florida Teens Charged with Crime for Making Pornography Video.

A bizarre and tragic incident recently took place at the Shooters Straight gun range in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Casselberry Police reported that Marie Moore, age 44, and her son, Mitchell Moore, were at the gun range. A video from the gun range showed that Ms. Moore walked up behind her son and shot him in the back of the head. She later put the gun in her mouth and pulled the trigger. According to family members, Ms. Moore had a history of mental illness.

You can read more about this story at Women Kills Herself and Her Son at Central Florida Gun Range.

In Orange Park (Clay County), Florida, a senior from Bartram Trail High School in St. Augustine (St. Johns County), Florida (Anthony Tyrone Lewis) was shot and killed with a handgun. His 15 year old stepbrother was found with the handgun. Anthony Tyrone Lewis was only 19 at the time of the incident. The State Attorney and the Orange Park (Florida) Police Department will conduct an investigation into the death of Anthony Tyrone Lewis. The story was reported in the Jacksonville Times Union at Bartram Trail High School Senior Shot in Orange Park.

It is tragic that a high school student died as a result of either gun violence or an accidental shooting. It is unclear from the news report as to how the shooting took place. This tragedy and others show the importance of gun safety especially when there are teenagers or children in the house. The State Attorney and Police will investigate the incident to determine the following:

Was the gun a legal firearm?

Who was the registered owner of the gun?

Was the gun properly secured prior to the incident?

How did the stepbrother gain access to the gun?

Did the owner of the gun know that teenagers could or would access the gun?

Was there negligence on the part of the gun owner or homeowner where the shooting took place?

The St. Petersburg (Florida) Police Department has reported that an arrest has been made in the shooting death of Paris Whitehead-Hamilton. Paris, who was 8 years old at the time of her death, was the unfortunate victim of a shooting. At the time of the shooting, Paris was sleeping in her home. Stephan Harper has been charged with first degree murder for firing a semi automatic weapon into Paris' home. News reports indicate that there may also have been others involved in this crime. The shooting resulting from an ongoing disagreement or feud with one of the adult occupants of the home. Further investigation through detectives discovered three assault weapons and two shotguns believed to be used to commit this crime.

You can read more about this article at Man Charged in Death of Girl Gunned Down in Her Home in St. Petersburg, Florida. <

In Kissimmee, Florida, Osceola County Sheriff deputies and Osceola Fire Rescue responded to a mobile home where a 4 month old infant (Jeremiah Shaneyfelt) was found to be unresponsive. The child later died a local hospital. Deputies arrested Michael Joseph Reid, Jr. (age 27) for child abuse. Apparently, Mr. Reid had been out on bond from a previous child abuse charge / arrest.

The medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. In addition, the Osceola Sheriff's office, the Department of Children and Families and other agencies will conduct an investigation into the most unfortunate and tragic death of this child.

You can read more about this story at Man Charged with Infant's Murder in Kissimmee Florida.

The Florida Times Union (Jacksonville, Florida) newspaper recently published an article titled Are Autistic Children at Greater Risk for Child Abuse? Autistic children frequently have problems communicating. This, in turn, makes it difficult at times to identify abuse that is inflicted by teachers, caregivers, other children, relatives, and, yes, at times parents. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania showed that approximately 1 in 5 autistic children were abused from the sample population studied of 156 autistic children.

Recently, a Jacksonville, Florida teacher (Rhona Milton) was arrested for trying to toilet train an autistic student in the classroom. Ms. Milton's methods included tying the student to a chair for several hours at at time at Kernan Trail Elementary School which is in the Duval County School District.

As a Florida child injury attorney, I know that it is often challenging to prove that an autistic child or a special needs child has, in fact, been abused. Without a child to tell the story, there are challenges to proving up the facts on cases of this nature. Nonetheless, investigations by an attorney, private investigator, and / or the Department of Children and Families and other agencies can often times yield valuable information and proof to bring a case forward for personal injuries and related damages to the autistic / special needs child.

In St. Petersburg, Florida, 8 year old - Paris Whitehead-Hamilton - was sleeping in her home when she was hit by bullets that were sprayed into the home. Paris was sleeping in the front end of the home at the time of the shooting. She was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead by doctors at the hospital a short time later. Police investigators believe that the shooting was one of retaliation and an investigation will be conducted into this matter.

Paris' life was certainly cut short by a senseless act of violence. Hopefully, the police will catch the shooters and anybody else associated with the shooting. Parents should be taking their 8 year olds to the park, school, birthday parties, and other places. . . parents should not have to bury their 8 year olds who are the unfortunate victims of a shooting.

You can read more about this story at 8 Year Old St. Petersburg Girl - Wrongful Death of Shooting While Sleeping in her Home.

Florida day care and child care programs have a duty to report incidents / accidents resulting in injury that required medical attention on Incident / Accident Form. The Florida Department of Children and Families has a Sample Incident / Accident Report posted to its official website. I have reviewed numerous Incident / Accident Reports involving personal injuries sustained by children in a day care / child care center in Florida. Some facilities are more detailed and accurate in completing these forms than other facilities. Some day care / child care providers even have gone as far as falsifying information and "facts" in these reports to intentionally mislead parents and the Department of Children and Families. Some facilities ask that a parent sign off on the Accident / Incident Report. A parent can sign off on the form as an acknowledge of receipt of the document rather than an acknowledgement or agreement with the facts as presented. Parents should ask for a copy of the Accident / Incident Report and any other information / documentation regarding the child's personal injuries.

The Accident / Incident Report is only one piece of the puzzle or investigation into the cause, reason, and preventability of the personal injuries in the day care setting. Of course, a parent should question whether the Accident / Incident Report is accurate especially since it may have been written by a person who may have negligently or intentionally caused harm to the child.

A concerned parent should act as an advocate of his or her child by finding out as much information as possible, contacting a Florida child injury attorney / lawyer, and, when necessary, contacting law enforcement and / or the Florida Department of Children and Families to further investigate the incident and resulting injuries.

The Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority chapter at the University of Florida has been suspended for hazing violations. Pledges were required to follow a list of 37 rules imposed by initiated sisters of the sorority. The 37 rules included physical activity requirements like push ups and running. Furthermore, there were rules and restrictions as to eating, make up, and how to get to classes. Pledges were not allowed to use campus elevators. New reports indicate that one pledge got sick in the process. Many may think that this is all part of the initiation process and nobody was seriously injured. This is really short sighted thinking. It is well known that hazing has caused wrongful death and serious personal injuries to college students throughout the nation. Furthermore, there is a psychological toll to pledges or recruits from hazing. The immaturity of some college students is readily apparent when hazing incidents are publicized.

The University of Florida bans physical brutality and any other activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of a student. You can read more about the suspension of the Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority at University of Florida Sorority Suspended for Hazing Violations.

A Jacksonville (Duval County), Florida school employee has been arrested for possession of child pornography. Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and the Duval County School Board reported that John Watson, age 61, was arrested as part of an investigation called "Operation Fairplay". Watson was a ROTC Instructor at Ribbault High School in Jacksonville, Florida. The investigation was conducted through a coordinated effort by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Florida Attorney General's Cybercrime Unit. Watson's computer was seized as part of the arrest and investigation. It was reported that Watson had photographs / images of 12 to 14 year old girls on his computer.

You can read more about this story at Jacksonville Florida ROTC Instructor Arrested for Child Pornography.

In Florida, some school districts still allow paddling. Personally, I do not support the use of paddling in the school system as I believe it is a short sighted and often times misused means of discipline. In Wakulla County, Florida, the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office is investigating allegations of child abuse against an employee of the Crawfordville Elementary School. The parent of an 11 year old child reported the abuse to officials. The parent thought that the paddling was excessive. Corporal punishment, while allowed, can also be a crime if it results in physical injuries as defined by Section 39.01, Florida. You can read more about this statute and my commentary at Corporal Punishment In Florida - What Is Considered Excessive? Florida Law.

You can read more about this story at Investigation as to Excessive Paddling to 11 Year Old at Crawfordville Elementary School.

In Jacksonville, Florida, young children in a day care center at Victoria's Childcare on Victoria Street were at risk according to law enforcement officials. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Drug Abatement Response Team, otherwise known as DART, shut down the day care facility. DART is the team that is used to investigate and shut down areas where there is drug activity. According to the Florid Department of Children and Families (DCF), "child safety" is a priority especially when children are at risk due to drug / criminal activity. Apparently, the facility had repeated problems with deficiencies as to compliance with day care regulations and staff ratios.

You can read more about this story at Florida DCF Moves to Suspend License of Day Care Center at the Focus of Drug Investigation.

Reverend Darrell Gilyard was employed by the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church. This church is being sued by a woman who said that Reverend Gilyard used his position of trust to have sex with her. Safeco Insurance provided a liability insurance policy for the church for negligent acts of the church administration and its employees. A lawsuit was filed for negligent hiring and supervision of Reverend Gilyard by church officials. Safeco is attempting to limit the amount it will be responsible to pay under the policy. Safeco is claiming that the church failed to disclose prior issues and misconduct of Revered Gilyard when the church completed its insurance application and disclosure.

You can read more about this story at Liability Insurance Company Claims that Insurance Coverage Is Limited for Lack of Disclosure of Jacksonville, Florida Pastor's Prior Claims and Sexual Misconduct.

Technology and pranks can lead to serious criminal charges that can follow a person for many years or even a life time. Phillip Albert learned this lesson well when he was 18 years old. Phillip got in an argument with a former girlfriend who supposedly taunted Phillip. As revenge, Phillip sent an e mail with nude photographs of the 16 year old former girlfriend to 70 people including the girl's parents, grandparents, and teachers. Because of these crimes, Phillip had to register as a sex offender and is serving a 5 year term of probation. The sex offender label will apply to Phillip until at least the age of of 43. As such, Phillip will be tagged as a sex offender for the next 20 years or so. The ramifications of this label and these crimes are quite widespread for Phillip. He will be prevented from getting certain jobs especially those involving the supervision or teaching of children in many institutions. It probably will affect his personal life as well. He has been given a label that he will have to deal with and explain to others well into the future.

A lesson or two can be learned from the Phillip Albert incident:

1. Avoid getting any of nude or compromising photos taken by boyfriends, girlfriends or anyone else. Someone you love and trust today can easy turn into someone you hate and distrust in the future.

2. If you cannot get along with a former girlfriend or boyfriend, try to avoid them.

3. Don't use the Internet or anything else for revenge. This especially rings true when the revenge is a crime and involves pornography of any nature.

4. Stupid acts when you are young can affect you when you are older. Don't do them. If you think or suspect that an act if wrong, just don't do it.

You can read more about the story involving Phillip Albert and other young adults who have gotten in trouble for sexting or sending out inappropriate e mails at> Sexting Teen Faces Child Porn Charges.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a federal criminal trial began recently against a man accused of bringing teen girls across State lines (Virginia to Florida) for acts of prostitution.

Marvin Leigh Madkins, age 29, is accused of transporting the teens to Jacksonville, Florida hotels for purposes of prostituting the teens to men who answered ads on the Internet. Mr. Madkins actually used the popular web site Craigs List to commit these crimes. During the time that Madkins was exploiting the teens, their parents in Virginia were searching for their children and begging for clues as to the whereabouts of the children.

Apparently, Madkins lured the teens to take a trip to Florida with him for a supposed drug deal and fancy vacation. Madkins concocted this business deal with only one thought in mind - his best interests and the exploitation and prostitution of these young girls.

While this is a very troubling story, it is yet another reason why parents should take every opportunity that they can to educate their children and warn their children about people like Madkins who are only out for themselves no matter who is harmed in the process.

You can read more about this story at Teens to Testify Against Suspected Pimp in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Internet has become an integral part of our lives. I grew up in an era where computers were emerging as a tool and toy but it clearly was not so pervasive as it is now. Children have access to computer as home, school, and elsewhere. As parents and caregivers, it is important to know what our children are doing online. The computer and Internet have become new playgrounds for not only children but also for child predators and sex offenders. Often times, children become victims or pawns in a dangerous game controlled by child predators and sex offenders. In light of the dangers out there, parents should take a proactive role in knowing what their children are doing online and keep close tabs on their children. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a very useful guide posted to its website called A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety. Parents should read this guide and other information out there to better educate themselves on Internet safety and their children. Knowledge and action on the part of parents can go a long way to protecting children from the dangers of the Internet.

Police in Bradenton, Florida arrested a man who let his 8 year old son drive a van. Mark A. Belanger handed the keys to his van to his 8 year old son after Belanger had taken some Xanax. The boy hit two trees and almost hit two pedestrians while driving in a parking lot. Belanger thought it was a good idea to allow his son to drive as a bonding moment between father and son. This so called "bonding moment" could have caused serious personal injuries to innocent children and adults in the parking lot. Belanger was arrested on charges of child abuse and permitting an unlicensed driver to drive his van.

You can read more about this story at Florida Dad Arrested for Allowing 8 Year Old to Drive.

Irfan Nawaz, M.D. is trading his white doctor coat for prison stripes. Nawaz was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his cyber crimes and actions in attempting to have sex with a minor. The investigation was completed by the Polk County Sheriff''s Office, the Osceola Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, and the State of Florida Attorney General Cyber Crime Unit. Nawaz had chats on line with "girls" he thought were 14 and 15 years old. Undercover investigators with the Attorney General's Cyber Crime Unit received sexually explicit messages from Nawaz who arranged for a meeting with one of the "girls". Nawaz initiated the chats with the undercover offices and made it very clear what he wanted from the children. Nawaz is now going to have up to 20 years in prison to think about his actions. When he is released, Nawaz must register as a sex offender. This story shows that child predators range from the rich to the poor, from the educated to the not so educated, and from all walks of life. You can read more about this story at Doctor Gets 20 Year Prison Sentence for Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex.

An 11 year old girl was abducted by two men and raped in Orange County, Orlando, Florida. The girl stepped off a City Lynx bus on her way to school and then was abducted by force by the two men. The incident happened early in the morning (6:40 a.m.) and Orange County Sheriff's Office detectives are conducting an investigation to locate the rapists. The men threatened the 11 year old with a knife as she walked along Lancaster and forced her into a vehicle. The men then covered her face so she could not see where she was being taken. After raping this innocent child, the men took her back to the location where she was abducted.

Detectives are working off of limited information at this time. There is a sketch that has been created by the police which is posted online. To read more about this story, go to the Orlando Sentinel - 11 Year Old Raped in Orlando, Florida - Investigation Continues. Hopefully, information will be obtained that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the rapists and some kind of justice for the rape victim and her family.

In Fort Pierce, Florida / Port St. Lucie Florida, Judith Leekin lived with disabled children that she adopted in New York. Ms. Leekin appeared to be more interested in the $1 million in subsidies and welfare that she received for the children rather than the education, safety and welfare of the children. Ms. Leekin was charged with aggravated child abuse for beating and handcuffing the children in a locked room. She did not adequately provide food for the children and frequently deprived the children of medical care and education. Ms. Leekin pled no contest to to the charges and was sentenced to a 20 year prison term.

The acts of Judith Leekin were truly heinous in that she preyed on disabled children while personally pocketing government funds to take care of her own needs rather than those of the children. You can read more about this story at Florida Woman Gets Prison Term After Pleading No Contest to Charges of Aggravated Abuse of Disabled Children.

Child predators are online and in our neighborhoods. It is often times hard to identify these child predators and sexual offenders. Many get away with their deviant acts for years. Fortunately, the law and time catches up with some of these offenders who then must serve prison time and register as sex offender / child predators. In Macomb County, Michigan, Stephen Ray Keller put a hidden camera in his neighbor's house so he could watch a 10 year old girl in the bathroom. You can read more about this story which does end with Keller's arrest in this month's newsletter at Parents: Beware of Creepy Neighbors and Others.

It is hard to keep every single person out of your house to completely prevent incidents like this; however, it is important to observe and be alert to anyone entering your home who you do not know very well. Mr. Keller is not only heading to prison but he will also get prominent placement on the sex offender / sex predator list. Keep creeps and hidden cameras out of your house to the best of your ability.

Lee County, Florida is taking efforts to make sure that residents are aware of sexual offenders and sexual predators in the neighborhood. Pre-recorded telephone calls will be placed to residents when a sex offender / sex predator moves within 1/4 mile of their home. Lee County has over 500 registered sex offenders and 36 registered sex predators. The purpose of this program is to make sure that residents know about the location of sexual offenders and sexual predators and to take any necessary precautions in light of this information. It is important for parents to keep in mind that there are thousands of sexual offenders and sexual predators out there who have never been caught or who have never been convicted of their crimes. As such, parents should keep close watch and supervision of their children while in the neighborhood and beyond.

You can read more about this story at Florida County to Call Residents When Sex Offenders Moves Into the Neighborhood.

Some criminals do not care who they harm. In Hialeah, Florida, a carjacker, Francisco Oses, has been charged with carjacking, attempted kidnapping, and aggravated child abuse. The victim, Jessica Baez, was waiting for her husband in a Walgreen's parking lot and had four children in her Mitsubishi Endeavor. Oses failed in his attempt to car jack the SUV. During the scuffle with Mrs. Baez, Oses punched Mrs. Baez and even punched her 18 month old toddler. Mr. Oses fled the scene on foot and was later arrested.

You can read more about this article at Carjacking and Baby Punching - Man to Face Serious Criminal Charges in Hialeah, Florida.

A former State of Florida spokesman for the Florida Department of Children and Families recently pleaded guilty to charges of production of child poronography. Albert Andre Zimmerman worked for the Department of Children and Families, a Florida agency responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. It is quite frightening that Mr. Zimmerman was a spokesman for the Department and also engaged in such illegal behavior. In particular, Mr. Zimmerman e mailed six teenage boys and persuaded them to engage in sexually explicit conduct and have the boys e mail the photographs to Mr. Zimmerman. Criminal defendant and felon Zimmerman now faces between 15 years and 30 years in prison.

You can read more about this story at Florida Statesman Pleads Guilty to Charge of Production of Child Pornography.

The Orlando Sentinel and the Seminole County (Florida) Sheriff's Office report that a mother left her toddler in a car with the engine one while she went out to party. The car was left unattended and unlocked. Then, David Carver, age 36, allegedly stole the car with the child inside. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office issued an amber alert for the chile who is identified as Jamir Abduli Worgs. You can read more about this story at Seminole County Mother Leaves Child Unattended in Car While She Is Out Partying.

This story illustrates the type of parenting that takes place when a parent has an issue or problem with drugs or alcohol. Children need close supervision and attention. Drugs and alcohol, as well as immaturity and a lack of common sense, put children at danger due to poor judgment, poor decisions, and inattention on the part of a parent.

Lamesha Nicole Ware was reported to lead police on a car chase for 5 minutes in Treasure Island Florida. She was arrested for driving 20 miles over the speed limit and for child abuse, fleeing and eluding and driving with a revoked license. She was place in the Pinellas County Jail with a $20,000 bond. It appears that Ms. Ware fled the police because she was had a revoked driver's license. Driving recklessly through the streets of any Florida city puts children in the vehicle at risk as well as children in other vehicles and children pedestrians. There have been many incidents where a police chase has led to serious personal injuries and even death. Drivers should pull over when required to by police. You can read more about the police chase and crimes of Lamesha Nicole Ware at Police Chase in Treasure Island Florida Leads to Arrest.

A father in Greenfield, California was recently charged with human trafficking for the sale of his 14 year old daughter for $16,000, 10 cases of beer, and several cases of meat. He lost a daughter but bought himself a party. This truly is no way to parent a 14 year old child or any child for that matter. Read this month's newsletter to find out more details of this bizarre and most unfortunate story at Parenting 101 - Do Not Sell Your Children for Beer, Money, and Meat - A True Story in California.

Children are priceless and should not be treated like the sale of a dog or piece of furniture. Clearly, Florida and all 50 States for that matter make the sale of a child for marriage, sex, or otherwise illegal.

Jan Willem Koks, age 24, was arrested and jailed in Lee County (Bonita Springs) Florida recently with a charge of cruelty toward a child. According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office arrest report, the 2 month old child was taken to the hospital 17 hours after observation of a visible injury. When the parents were at the hospital, there was no explanation for how the injury occurred. A cold or flu can take place for unexplained reasons. Typically, there is a reason or explanation for a fractured leg on such a young child. The fracture to the right leg, bruising in the area of the fracture, delay in treatment, delay in reporting, and other factors led the hospital to report this matter to the police and led the police to an arrest. Under Florida law, Mr. Koks will have the right to an attorney and a trial if necessary. Hopefully, additional information will be obtained through the investigation that will help explain how this child was hurt. The Florida Department of Children and Families put the child into sheltered care pending the investigation. In many instances, the child will be placed in the care of extended family with orders in place as to no contact or supervised contact from the parents. You can read more about the story at 2 Month Old Shows Up at Lee County Hospital with Leg Fracture.

Unfortunately, children suffer personal injuries and even death in Florida schools, day care centers, neighbor's homes, playgrounds, malls, theme parks, and, yes, even there own homes every day. Injuries inflicted due to abuse, neglect, or negligence should be investigated by the police, Department of Children and Families, and / or a Florida Child Injury Lawyer. Children should be protected (not harmed) and given the best care and supervision by parents, family, caregivers, teachers, friends, and neighbors at all times.

Special needs students in public schools have every right to be educated and supervised based on these special needs. Close and consistent supervision are key ingredients to the safety and welfare of these students. A tragic sexual assault took place at the Kanapaha Middle School in Gainesville, Florida. While a teacher stepped out of the classroom leaving no other teachers or school staff in place for supervision, a 14 year old special needs child was raped. In fact, one boy raped the girl while another held her down. These criminal acts took place while in the Alachua County School System during the school day during day light hours. Certainly, this reprehensible act of violence and abuse of the 14 year old girl would never have happened with a teacher or other adult the classroom. The Alachua County School District is liable for the actions and inactions of its teachers. While the teacher did not want this event to happen, the teacher negligently created an unsupervised environment that the incident did happen. Under Florida Statutes, the Alachua County School Board can be placed on formal notice for negligence and related damages and personal injuries. Then after the expiration of the formal notice period, the Alachua County School Board can be sued.

It is unfortunate that the school, school board, and teacher learned a lesson out of this tragedy. That lesson is that 10 minutes of missing or neglectful supervision can leave to a traumatic event that a 14 year old girl will need to live with for the rest of her life.

You can read more about this story at Alachua County (Gainesville) Florida Special Needs Child Raped in Classroom by Another Student.

In Jacksonville, Florida and other cities throughout the United States, child pornography is an ongoing problem. It is most unfortunate that some people who promote or possess such pornography of children are those in positions of trust like the clergy, teachers, coaches, day care workers, and, yes, even the police. A former Atlantic Beach (Jacksonville) Florida police officer (Christopher Crews) was sentenced to 13 months in prison after pleading guilty to criminal charges of having child pornography on his computer. After his arrest in 2007, Officer Crews was fired by the Atlantic Beach Police Department. A psychologist assessment during the proceedings concluded that Officer Crews was a pedofile.

You can read more about this story at Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty of Child Pornography on his Computer.

What should a parent or caregiver do if he or she has a complaint or grievance against a Florida day care / child care center? Well, this simple question may have a variety of answers depending on the facts or circumstances of the complaint or grievance. I typically ask the parent / caregiver the following questions?

How old is the child?
How long has the child been in the day care / child care facility?
Is the child currently enrolled in the day care / child care facility?
What actions or inactions of the staff caused your child harm or personal injuries?
What medical care or treatment was provided for the day care related injuries?
What documents (if any) did the parent receive from the day care center?
What was the explanation (if any) of the injuries sustained by the child?

A parent or caregiver can and should act as an advocate for the child's health, safety, and welfare in a day care / child care facility in Florida. In addition, depending on the circumstances, it may be advisable to report the incident and demand an investigation through the Florida Department of Children and Families. You can read more about filing a complaint or grievance through the Florida Department of Children and Families at Official Website for the Florida Department of Health - What To Do If You Have a Complaint with a Florida Child Care / Day Care Center.

The concerned parent or caregiver can consult with a
Florida Child Injury Lawyer / Attorney to determine the respective rights of the child and family and the legal obligations and responsibilities of the day care / child care center. It makes sense to get the advice from an attorney / lawyer as to both the legal and practical aspects of pursing legal action for a day care / child care related personal injury.