News Update for 1/20/25

Reported thefts of road signs in Frostproof have led to the arrest of two brothers. 66-year-old Tony Maloy and 76-year-old Marvin Maloy, both of Frostproof, were both taken into custody Friday January 16th, following a brief investigation that started on Wednesday the 15th. A concerned citizen reported seeing a man in a black Chevy truck, knocking over road signs with the truck then taking them. When deputies responded to the scene, they were initially unable to locate the truck or the suspect. During the investigation, it was determined that the Maloy brothers were attempting to sell 14 street signs and two stop signs for scrap at a Lakeland scrap yard. Both brothers were booked into the Polk County Jail on a series of charges, including: Grand theft of a stop sign, Felony petit theft, Dealing in stolen property and Defrauding a second-hand dealer.

A two vehicle crash west of Winter Haven Saturday evening has led to the arrest of a 26 year old Winter Haven woman after she allegedly fled the scene. Jaimee Haley was arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies after the other driver involved was able to take a picture of her fleeing vehicle, including it’s license plate number. Haley and the damaged vehicle were both later located at her place of employment. Haley claims the accident was the result of a medical episode. She was arrested and charged with the leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

A second suspect is facing charges in connection to the stabbing of a pregnant woman in Central Florida. Hector Martinez-Figueroa went in front of a judge Friday after police say he was involved in the attack at Riviera Motel in Kissimmee last month. Martinez-Figueroa and Brianna Alvelo are accused of forcing their way into the victim’s motel room after she left a two-dollar tip for a pizza delivery. The pregnant woman was stabbed more than a dozen times but is recovering. Both suspects are facing attempted murder charges.

Florida lawmakers are trying to create more protections for state parks. Republican Representative John Snyder filed a House bill Thursday that would prevent development in state parks. It’s similar to a measure in the state Senate. The proposals are being introduced after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection released a controversial plan known as the "Great Outdoors Initiative." Governor Ron DeSantis eventually paused the plan that would have built golf courses and lodging at nine state parks. The newest bills will go up for discussion when the next state legislative session begins in March.

A coach in Central Florida is accused of having sex with an underage female student. Ocala Police announced yesterday West Port High School assistant football coach Edward Ford, the Third was arrested Friday. The 43-year-old allegedly had sex with a student four months ago when she was 16. Investigators say the girl told them the relationship started a year ago when they started communicating through text messages and over the phone. Ford is facing several felonies. The OPD asks any other victims to come forward. Marion County Public Schools says Ford is no longer employed, and he’s not allowed on campus for any reason.

A suspect is in custody in connection to a Polk County shooting. Police say a man was rushed to the hospital after he was shot in a Frostproof neighborhood near Lake Clinch Thursday evening. Investigators have not released a lot of details about the incident, but say it was between a man and his daughter’s boyfriend.

A Winter Haven man with 8 outstanding warrants recently found himself in more trouble after a car accident. 38-year-old Joshua Poe was arrested on Friday, January 17th, following a two-vehicle crash south of Winter Haven after deputies discovered the warrants stemming from a string of drug related offenses. Poe was arrested at the scene and taken to the Polk County Jail. He is expected to be transferred to Pinellas County to face the charges against him.

Governor Ron DeSantis is addressing calls for the suspension of a Southwest Florida sheriff. DeSantis was at an Orlando news conference Thursday when a reporter asked about a recent letter pushing for the removal of Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. The governor did not directly discuss whether he will take action on the issue, but talked about how he has the authority to suspend elected county officials based on a number of criteria. A Lee Republican Party state committeeman believes Marceno should be taken out of office while he is under investigation by the FBI over allegations of money laundering. The sheriff has denied any wrongdoing.