I-TEAM: Baker County Sheriffโs Office found hospital staff reported crimes late, altered evidence
In a harsh email sent this past May, the Baker County Sheriffโs Office found the staff at the Northeast Florida State Hospital, or NEFSH, reported crimes late and destroyed or altered evidence in criminal investigations.
Former DCF investigator arrested for fraud & grand theft of senior citizen
The Flagler County Sheriffโs Office arrested former Department of Children and Families Child Protective Investigator, Spenser Trinkle, 31, for grand theft and fraud against a senior citizen. Trinkle turned himself in Sunday.
DCF to take closer look at sexual abuse allegations against foster parents
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ State lawmakers heard from the head of the Florida Department of Children and families Tuesday morning. The agency provided updates on the pandemic, addressing sexual abuse allegations from foster children and the ongoing fight to return millions in taxpayer dollars used for excessive salaries by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence and child abuse calls have nearly returned to normal levels after dropping dramatically at the start of the pandemic. The Secretary heard concerns from lawmakers regarding allegations of sexual abuse by foster parents. Poppell indicated DCF will begin utilizing its critical response team to review cases and establish a special investigations unit to better address alleged sexual abuse by foster care parents.
Man pleads guilty to having Molotov cocktails at DCF office
OCALA, Fla. A Florida man accused of trying to throw a Molotov cocktail at a child welfare office faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Tommy Lee Holt, 26, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Ocala federal court to possession of an unregistered destructive device in the form of an incendiary bomb, according to court records. Witnesses said Holt lit the wick of one device but dropped it before throwing it at the building. A deputy who apprehended Holt said the man was holding a lighter and wreaked of gasoline. A criminal complaint said Holt has five minor children, all of whom have been placed in foster care by the agency.
DCF halts in-person applications for benefits like food stamps
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ Low-income Floridians seeking benefits such as food stamps, temporary assistance or Medicaid coverage will no longer be able to apply for them in person because of the coronavirus outbreak. Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell said Wednesday the state was temporarily shutting down offices where people could apply or reapply in person for safety-net benefits. The state will direct people to either use an online portal or apply by phone. DCF will also allow people to drop off documents at a โsecure drop box.โ Poppell did not say how long the offices would be closed. But Poppell said the offices had only served a small percentage of residents seeking help.