Sunshine News

06/18/2025

ARREST MADE IN 2022 FUENTES MURDER CASE

FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA- Today, Jorge Alberto Fuentes, Jr. was arrested by the Fort Pierce Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in Palm Beach County for first degree, premeditated homicide for his involvement in the 2022 death of his father, Jorge Fuentes, Sr.

Over the past three years, Fort Pierce Police Department detectives have conducted a homicide investigation surrounding the death of 78-year-old Fuentes, who was shot and killed on Wyoming Avenue in Fort Pierce on May 6, 2022.

As a result of the diligent work of our detectives, this case is one step closer to a resolution. Fuentes, Jr., currently has no bond and will eventually be extradited to St. Lucie County to face prosecution.

06/18/2025

MISSING ENDANGERED: Maxwell Memmelaar, 19, left his home overnight between June 17 and June 18, in the 7900 block of Indigo Ridge Terrace in south Manatee County. He was last seen wearing blue Crocs, but it is unclear what other clothing he had on at the time. Maxwell is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 135 pounds. He has medical conditions and requires medication.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011.

06/18/2025

BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA- The Boynton Beach Police announce the arrest of 37-year-old Matthew Vento of Boynton Beach with 30 felony counts of Possession/Control/View of Child Po*******hy, 10 images or more. The arrest came after a 7-month-long investigation that began when BBPD Detectives from the Special Victims Unit received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in reference to the report of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) that was uploaded to the Kik Messenger app.

The uploaded files included explicit photos and videos of juvenile females approximately 8 to 12-years-old. BBPD Detectives launched an investigation and found that Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office had also received a cyber tip and was actively investigating the same Kik user. PBSO Detectives authored a subpoena for the users' IP address which tracked them to a residence in the 2100 block of Belmont Place in Boynton Beach. At this time, the suspect was identified as Matthew Vento and the investigation was reassigned to the Boynton Beach Police Department.

Through the investigation, BBPD Detectives found that there were additional NCMEC cyber tips associated with a Snapchat and Kik user at the same IP address dating as far back as June 6, 2023. In addition, BBPD Detectives were made aware of a cyber tip the Department of Homeland Security received from London that tracked to the same user profile. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the user's profile. Results of the search warrant revealed a combination of explicit direct messages, photos, and videos of females approximately 12 to 14 years old.

On May 16, 2025, BBPD detectives, with the assistance of BBPD SWAT, executed a residential search warrant in the 2100 block of Belmont Place. Upon arrival, detectives contacted Vento, who refused to be interviewed. Multiple electronic items belonging to Vento were seized. A digital forensic analysis of the devices revealed multiple images depicting CSAM.

During this time, Vento moved out of the City of Boynton Beach jurisdiction and was located by the U.S. Marshal’s in Broward County. Matthew Vento is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail.

06/18/2025

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA- 𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐂 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Gainesville Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division, served a search warrant at 3300 NW 28th Place. The investigation was prompted after GPD received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The CyberTip indicated that a Microsoft user uploaded two images of child sexual abuse material.

Further investigation by Detective Montague, of the Gainesville Police Department, revealed that the user was likely Robert McBride (W/M, 09/09/1940) who resides at the listed location. McBride has been designated as a Sexual Offender pursuant to a conviction in Alachua County, Gainesville, Florida for Lewd/Lascivious Assault Upon Child Under 16YOA, since October 24, 1988. During a post Miranda interview, McBride initially denied possessing or distributing the child sexual abuse material. However, McBride eventually stated it was him that did possess and distribute the child sexual abuse material. McBride was shown the redacted/sanitized image, which he estimated the two females to be between the ages of ten and twelve.

All of McBride’s electronic devices were seized and a complete forensic analysis is still pending. McBride was arrested and charged with two counts of Distribution of Child Po*******hy, one count of Possession of Child Po*******hy, one count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device, and one count for failing to update Sexual Offender account information.

The Gainesville Police Department wants parents to be aware that children are being solicited and exploited through social networking and messaging apps. We encourage parents to have age appropriate conversations with their children about the dangers of the internet. Please be vigilant and aware of any social networking platforms your children may access. If you have any questions about this incident, please contact GPD Detective Donna Montague at: 352-393-7730 or [email protected].

06/18/2025

06/18/2025

PORT ORANGE, FLORIDA-The Port Orange Police Department is releasing photographs of a suspect involved in a smash and grab early this morning at the Mellow Life Smoke and V**e Shop (5283 Nova Rd) seeking any information related to the burglary or identity of the suspect seen in the attached photos. The suspect stole a large quantity of Kratom products.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Turchon at (386)506-5899 or can provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of North East Florida.

06/18/2025

ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA- In the early morning hours of June 17, 2025, deputies responded to a report of a broken window at the Springhill Publix, located at 9200 NW 39th Avenue. The store manager reported hearing loud crashing noises from the front of the business and, after investigating, observed two shattered glass panels and a suspect fleeing westbound. Deputies obtained surveillance footage from the store to assist in identifying the individual.

A K-9 track was initiated in the nearby wooded area, and Alachua County Fire Rescue assisted with aerial support using drone technology. While the initial search did not locate the suspect, another deputy later spotted a person matching the suspect’s description under the I-75 overpass at mile marker 390, shortly before 3:30 a.m.

The individual was identified as 43-year-old Amos Reece. Following an interview, deputies determined Reece was responsible for the damage at Publix. A search of his person yielded a multi-tool, which was collected as evidence. Reece was arrested and charged with felony Criminal Mischief, damage to property estimated at $1,000 or more. Reece has no prior convictions for similar offenses.

Shortly after the arrest, additional reports started coming into the Combined Communications Center. Multiple people and business owners in the vicinity of the original incident reported slashed tires and other property damage, including broken windows. In total, more than 10 acts of vandalism were reported.

Based on the ongoing investigation, deputies have established probable cause to charge Reece in connection with these additional incidents and faces additional charges.

06/18/2025

DIXIE COUNTY, FLORIDA- On June 17, 2025, Damion Pate was arrested on an active warrant for Attempted Premeditated Murder.

This arrest resulted from a coordinated effort between the Dixie County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Taylor Correctional Institution K9 team, and the Cross City Correctional Institution K9 Team. Pate was located and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Dixie County Jail, where he is being held on this serious felony charge.

Sheriff Darby Butler stated, "This is a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together. I'm proud of the teamwork and professionalism shown by everyone involved in bringing this suspect into custody safely."

The case remains active and ongoing. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/18/2025

𝗩𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗠

On June 17th, deputies responded to the Racetrac on Bonita Beach Road in reference to a stabbing that had just occurred.

Deputies learned that while the victim was inside grabbing food, he was approached by the suspect, later identified as 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗻 (𝗗𝗢𝗕: 𝟭𝟮/𝟭𝟯/𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟴). Duron proceeded to punch, grab, and stab the victim with a box cutter.

After battering the victim, Duron fled the scene and was quickly located on Furlong Street in Bonita Springs, just a few minutes later by deputies. Duron was immediately detained pending further investigation.

At this time, our Violent Crimes Unit detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

After reviewing the evidence and thoroughly investigating, detectives established probable cause to 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻.

Duron has a lengthy criminal history of battery, grand theft, and trespassing.

“𝐈𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟐 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬,” 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐨. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭.”

06/18/2025

FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA - The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man on multiple charges after he reportedly entered a Palm Coast residence and got into a physical altercation with the residents.

On the evening of June 17, deputies responded to a residential burglary in progress on Renshaw Drive in Palm Coast. When deputies arrived, they found the victim had subdued the suspect on the floor of the living room by wrapping his arms and legs around the suspect’s body. Deputies separated the individuals and restrained the suspect, later identified as Joseph Palmese Jr., 34, of Palm Coast. While securing Palmese, deputies located a handgun in his pocket.

After interviewing the victim and two other witnesses inside the home, deputies determined the incident began when Palmese knocked on the front door and, as the victim opened it, Palmese lunged at him and pushed his way inside. During the struggle, the victim called out to others inside the home for help — one of whom called 911 while the other assisted the victim in subduing Palmese.

The victim told deputies that, while on the floor after the altercation, he recognized Palmese as an acquaintance. However, the victim stated that he had did not initially recognize Palmese at the front door, had not invited him over, and did not know why he would be at his home.

When deputies interviewed Palmese, he told them that he was at the residence to confront the victim, whom he stated owed him money. Palmese claimed the victim had instead given him a coin set, watch, and ring as a means of payment, which Palmese intended to pawn. Palmese stated that he found out the items were not worth anything and went to the residence to retrieve his money and confront the victim.

At the conclusion of the investigation, deputies determined that Palmese had entered the residence illegally — while in possession of a firearm — and battered the homeowner. Deputies arrested Palmese for burglary with possession of a firearm and battery.

“Regardless of your reasons, you cannot enter someone’s home without their permission and fight them,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This guy made a poor decision while armed with a gun. That was a recipe for disaster, and I’m glad it did not escalate to the point where anyone was seriously injured or killed.”

Palmese was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.

06/18/2025

Prescribed burn planned for today:

The St. Sebastian Buffer Preserve will be conducting a prescribed burn today beginning at 9:30am. The burn will consist of 1700 acres on the yellow trail section. This is in northeast quadrant (north of CR 512 and east of I-95. The yellow trail will be closed.

06/18/2025