22 Year Old Villager, 10 Most Wanted List

[N44125]

According to the electronic newspaper a 22 year old villager, who was on the County's Most Wanted List was just apprehended and arrested. He is Oliver Smith residing at Sothell St here in TV.

Here's his mugshot. I don't remember ever playing golf with him. Am I the only one?

[OBXNana]

What next? Posting all the sex offenders by street that live in The Villages? That's public information too.

Where does this stop? I need to figure out how not to open the thread and this title should have been clear. I'm a slow learner.

[Cisco Kid]

What next? Posting all the sex offenders by street that live in The Villages? That's public information too.

Where does this stop? I need to figure out how not to open the thread and this title should have been clear. I'm a slow learner.

I think if you check past threads, that's been done.

[OBXNana]

I think if you check past threads, that's been done.


I'll pass on that suggestion, but do like your dogs!

[mrfixit]

What next? Posting all the sex offenders by street that live in The Villages? That's public information too.

Where does this stop?

I need to figure out how not to open the thread and this title should have been clear. I'm a slow learner

.

I say THANK YOU to N44125 :coolsmiley:
for giving us a head's up on this person
who was on The 10 Most Wanted List.

We can only hope the list of "sex offenders" will also be published.

I will pitch in $$$ to print the Sex Offender Mugshots and dossier....
...of the DOZENS of Sex Offenders IN The Villages...... and mail them to their 50 closest neighbors.

I choose to be aware of my surrondings and appreciate those who
keep us aware.

Those who do not wish to have this valuable info can ignore the thread.

MY take on this is contained in The First Amendment......
.....the part...."or abridging the freedom of speech" comes to mind.

Thank You again N44125 for keeping us informed.

Also, Kudos to the Law Enforcement Community.

Did this person think that growing out his hair and growing a beard would fool the LEO's at The Sumter County Sheriff Office?

[Cisco Kid]

I'll pass on that suggestion, but do like your dogs!

Little bit. :icon_wink:

[Taltarzac725]

You can look at the Sheriff's Web Site if you are interested in things like the Top Ten Most Wanted, Sex Offender's and the like. http://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/

I still do not see anything on that site though that addresses the needs of the victims of these Ten Most Wanted, sex offenders, etc. http://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/getinvolved/sexoffenders.html

http://myfloridalegal.com/directory

If you care about such stuff, send an e-mail to the Sheriff's Office about their linking this on their web-site. The more people who do this, the more likely they will actually do something.

[Rags123]

What next? Posting all the sex offenders by street that live in The Villages? That's public information too.

Where does this stop? I need to figure out how not to open the thread and this title should have been clear. I'm a slow learner.

What a great idea about posting by street..fantastic.

Thanks.

[graciegirl]

His address is a home with owners not having his last name. Renter?

[RedChariot]

According to the electronic newspaper a 22 year old villager, who was on the County's Most Wanted List was just apprehended and arrested. He is Oliver Smith residing at Sothell St here in TV.

Here's his mugshot. I don't remember ever playing golf with him. Am I the only one?

I always wonder why a young criminal would want to live in TV. Are his parents living here (they must be thrilled and embarrassed), is he a renter, is he here because he assumes we are easy prey. Just wish TV was all hardworking retirees that live a good life. But I guess when you buy into a community of this size you get it all-criminals, drug addicts, and sexual predators. I guess heaven is not yet ready for me. At my advancing age I'm still learning and making mistakes. Forgive me for believing the DVD.

[Rags123]

I always wonder why a young criminal would want to live in TV. Are his parents living here (they must be thrilled and embarrassed), is he a renter, is he here because he assumes we are easy prey. Just wish TV was all hardworking retirees that live a good life. But I guess when you buy into a community of this size you get it all-criminals, drug addicts, and sexual predators. I guess heaven is not yet ready for me. At my advancing age I'm still learning and making mistakes. Forgive me for believing the DVD.

We built our first home here in 2000, and the DVD was spot on.

What is happening here is happening all over. Do what you want..political correctness and all that. All a symptom of the crumbling morality throughout, not just here.

Used to be we had rules, and they were enforced...neighborhood watch mentioned your infraction, and you complied....today we have scrapped common sense and everything and The Villages is sort of caught. You sort of knew your neighbors and trusted everyone.

But it used to be the DVD way.

[raynan]

He probably can't get a job and is living with relatives.

[redwitch]

I still want to know what has happened to innocent until proven guilty? I can think of absolutely no reason to publish this individual's name and photograph. After a trial, yes; now, no. What possible advantage is there to any of us knowing that a young woman was arrested for possession of heroin (also in the online news with picture)? Drug addiction is a horrible, tragic disease. Where was the harm in the couple arrested for having sex in public? Did that crime really deserve to have names/pictures given? Was the public humiliation really necessary?

That Florida is so willing to name names when arresting someone is nauseating to me. Funny that I rarely find news of someone being declared innocent or found not guilty after an arrest.

Do I want to know if a sexual predator is living near me? Yes. Do I care that someone was arrested for a sex crime that was an act against the law but basically not harmful (i.e., urinating in public; a 19 YO having sex with his 15 YO girl friend)? Not particularly. Yet, these crimes are lumped together.

Tell me if someone has been arrested for burglarizing TV homes or mugging an old woman. But names don't have to be mentioned. It is enough to know that a suspect has been arrested and will be tried; that someone who has done true harm to others has been stopped; that our streets are a little safer (not that our streets are all that dangerous to begin with).

Sorry, I. Just. Don't. Get. It.

[CFrance]

I still want to know what has happened to innocent until proven guilty? I can think of absolutely no reason to publish this individual's name and photograph. After a trial, yes; now, no. What possible advantage is there to any of us knowing that a young woman was arrested for possession of heroin (also in the online news with picture)? Drug addiction is a horrible, tragic disease. Where was the harm in the couple arrested for having sex in public? Did that crime really deserve to have names/pictures given? Was the public humiliation really necessary?

That Florida is so willing to name names when arresting someone is nauseating to me. Funny that I rarely find news of someone being declared innocent or found not guilty after an arrest.

Do I want to know if a sexual predator is living near me? Yes. Do I care that someone was arrested for a sex crime that was an act against the law but basically not harmful (i.e., urinating in public; a 19 YO having sex with his 15 YO girl friend)? Not particularly. Yet, these crimes are lumped together.

Tell me if someone has been arrested for burglarizing TV homes or mugging an old woman. But names don't have to be mentioned. It is enough to know that a suspect has been arrested and will be tried; that someone who has done true harm to others has been stopped; that our streets are a little safer (not that our streets are all that dangerous to begin with).

Sorry, I. Just. Don't. Get. It.
Agree. Give it a rest till after the trial.

[Taltarzac725]

I still want to know what has happened to innocent until proven guilty? I can think of absolutely no reason to publish this individual's name and photograph. After a trial, yes; now, no. What possible advantage is there to any of us knowing that a young woman was arrested for possession of heroin (also in the online news with picture)? Drug addiction is a horrible, tragic disease. Where was the harm in the couple arrested for having sex in public? Did that crime really deserve to have names/pictures given? Was the public humiliation really necessary?

That Florida is so willing to name names when arresting someone is nauseating to me. Funny that I rarely find news of someone being declared innocent or found not guilty after an arrest.

Do I want to know if a sexual predator is living near me? Yes. Do I care that someone was arrested for a sex crime that was an act against the law but basically not harmful (i.e., urinating in public; a 19 YO having sex with his 15 YO girl friend)? Not particularly. Yet, these crimes are lumped together.

Tell me if someone has been arrested for burglarizing TV homes or mugging an old woman. But names don't have to be mentioned. It is enough to know that a suspect has been arrested and will be tried; that someone who has done true harm to others has been stopped; that our streets are a little safer (not that our streets are all that dangerous to begin with).

Sorry, I. Just. Don't. Get. It.

Very good points, Redwitch. This goes with my push to get people to do research about legal issues. Sex offender lists is one of these. People should know a great deal more about who is listed on these according to that State's laws. That story about the couple in the Squares is more about selling papers or getting hits on some blog than anything else.

And, the legal system sometimes messes up especially if you have a powerful clique manipulating the system for its own ends. Not everyone who is in prison is actually guilty of anything other than perhaps being weak-willed or not having certain connections. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/15/carlos-de-luna-execution-_n_1507003.html http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/executed-possibly-innocent

Just emphasizing that people should do their own research about various issues and things especially when it comes to what is or what is not say on Sheriff's web-sites, Library web-sites, etc.

Some aspects of the Internet do seem like mob rule. One of my favorite movies about the injustice done when people's common sense is thrown out the window for emotions is The Ox-Bow Incident http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/oxbow_incident/

[graciegirl]

I think it is just fine if people who do things and get arrested get their mugshots posted. Maybe that will stop other people from doing things that could get them arrested.

[Rags123]

I still want to know what has happened to innocent until proven guilty? I can think of absolutely no reason to publish this individual's name and photograph. After a trial, yes; now, no. What possible advantage is there to any of us knowing that a young woman was arrested for possession of heroin (also in the online news with picture)? Drug addiction is a horrible, tragic disease. Where was the harm in the couple arrested for having sex in public? Did that crime really deserve to have names/pictures given? Was the public humiliation really necessary?

That Florida is so willing to name names when arresting someone is nauseating to me. Funny that I rarely find news of someone being declared innocent or found not guilty after an arrest.

Do I want to know if a sexual predator is living near me? Yes. Do I care that someone was arrested for a sex crime that was an act against the law but basically not harmful (i.e., urinating in public; a 19 YO having sex with his 15 YO girl friend)? Not particularly. Yet, these crimes are lumped together.

Tell me if someone has been arrested for burglarizing TV homes or mugging an old woman. But names don't have to be mentioned. It is enough to know that a suspect has been arrested and will be tried; that someone who has done true harm to others has been stopped; that our streets are a little safer (not that our streets are all that dangerous to begin with).

Sorry, I. Just. Don't. Get. It.


How about the fact he was on the TEN MOST WANTED LIST, or is that now politically incorrect ?

[Rags123]

Agree. Give it a rest till after the trial.

I disagree...if someone is on the TEN MOST WANTED LIST in the county in which I reside, I want to know the minute he or she is taken off the streets.

Otherwise, lets just tell the Sheriff to forget it. He is reaching and making people uncomfortable and despite the warrant for his arrest, and his past record....it is just unfair.

[BobnBev]

According to the electronic newspaper a 22 year old villager, who was on the County's Most Wanted List was just apprehended and arrested. He is Oliver Smith residing at Sothell St here in TV.

Here's his mugshot. I don't remember ever playing golf with him. Am I the only one?

Are you sure he lives in The Villages, FLORIDA?, and not some other TV?

[Taltarzac725]

I think it is just fine if people who do things and get arrested get their mugshots posted. Maybe that will stop other people from doing things that could get them arrested.

Some of the Top Ten seem to simply have missed their court dates for driving without a license. Not sure how that qualifies for Top Ten? Think about how messed up the case against the Sumter County Fire Chief was? We never really learned what happened there. Pretrial publicity often really messes up any chance of a fair trial. And, in some cases, there never can be a fair trial because of the unbalance of power between the parties. The Fire Chief vs. his son for instance. We do have juries for a very good reason. They supposedly can dig through the facts and get at a semblance of the truth IF the attorneys are evenly matched.

I am also thinking about the case in my own life involving the murder of Michelle Mitchell in Reno, Nevada on 2-24 in 1976. There was a real need to solve that case for the well-being of people in the community. A mentally ill woman, Cathy Woods, confessed to a crime she probably paid a big part in but the murderer got away and supposedly also killed five other women in the SF Bay area in February 1976. http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/San-Mateo-County-1976-slayings-linked-to-old-Reno-5295170.php

[Rags123]

Some of the Top Ten seem to simply have missed their court dates for driving without a license. Not sure how that qualifies for Top Ten. Think about how messed up the case against the Sumter County Fire Chief was. We never really learned what happened there. Pretrial publicity often really messes up any chance of a fair trial. And, in some cases, there never can be a fair trial because of the unbalance of power between the parties.

You make it sound very minor to miss a court date and have the authorities have no idea where you are. It is minor, relative to many others, but the way our society just glosses over anything to do with personal responsibility is what is fostering our decline. I have never had a court date, but I assume you make a legal obligation to be there and to keep the authorities informed, thus no sympathy from me.

We have to stop giving a pass to everybody for not being responsible. For every case you can show to the opposite, there are cases where folks have gotten their lives straightened around because someone INSISTED that they become responsible early in their life.

If you are 22 and on the counties most wanted list, you have already made some bad decisions. Does that condemn you...NO, but you sure do not get a break..you face it and work to fix it.

Arrest records are public domain. Are you suggesting that we keep that a secret ? Are you suggesting that the press ignore arrests for crimes so that nobody is offended ?

While lists for sexual crimes needs to be looked at for sure, it will not for many reasons that we cannot discuss on here.

[Bogie Shooter]

I say THANK YOU to N44125 :coolsmiley:
for giving us a head's up on this person
who was on The 10 Most Wanted List.

We can only hope the list of "sex offenders" will also be published.

I will pitch in $$$ to print the Sex Offender Mugshots and dossier....
...of the DOZENS of Sex Offenders IN The Villages...... and mail them to their 50 closest neighbors.

I choose to be aware of my surrondings and appreciate those who
keep us aware.

Those who do not wish to have this valuable info can ignore the thread.

MY take on this is contained in The First Amendment......
.....the part...."or abridging the freedom of speech" comes to mind.

Thank You again N44125 for keeping us informed.

Also, Kudos to the Law Enforcement Community.

Did this person think that growing out his hair and growing a beard would fool the LEO's at The Sumter County Sheriff Office?

What a great idea about posting by street..fantastic.

Thanks.

No need to post on TOTV, anyone who so desires can find all the information on sex offenders here;
FDLE Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators (http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/Search.jsp)

[Rags123]

No need to post on TOTV, anyone who so desires can find all the information on sex offenders here;
FDLE Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators (http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/Search.jsp)

My post was sarcasm aimed at the poster who took some offense to posting this information......

It is needed and the more the better.

My retirement community.....and I need to know that a 22 year old that is on the MOST WANTED LIST for whatever crime was taken in custody in this "community" that folks like to say has a bubble over it.

[kittygilchrist]

You can look at the Sheriff's Web Site if you are interested in things like the Top Ten Most Wanted, Sex Offender's and the like. Welcome to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Website (http://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/)

I still do not see anything on that site though that addresses the needs of the victims of these Ten Most Wanted, sex offenders, etc. Sex Offender Information (http://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/getinvolved/sexoffenders.html)

Victim Services Directory (http://myfloridalegal.com/directory)

If you care about such stuff, send an e-mail to the Sheriff's Office about their linking this on their web-site. The more people who do this, the more likely they will actually do something.

Here's the crime victim advocate, under departments from the Sumter website:
Victim's Advocate (352) 569-1623

[Chi-Town]

I think I saw this guy recently here in The Villages. May have been at a book signing at Barnes and Noble.43238 Better show up in court and don't be late.

[redwitch]

I didn't say don't let us know someone has been arrested, but there is no need to post the name and picture, let alone the name of the street where this individual resides. It really isn't that hard to state that an individual who was on the county's 10 most wanted for whatever crimes committed, including a failure to appear, was arrested without giving the name. So, what happens if this young man is found innocent? Too bad, so sad?

As I said, I just don't get it and doubt I ever will (at least I hope I never will).

[graciegirl]

I don't get that criminal activity and mug shots and addresses and all is so touchy.


We were talking about this on our neighbor's porch last week and all present came from big families. We were talking about so many posts on the internet that people are saying, "as if YOU don't have people in your family that have been arrested". Well, the concensus of opinion was that we don't. May be for a lot of reason, strict discipline, not much bending of rules, LOT of interaction in families, religious training early on. Trying to live and raise family where there is less crime, and working HARD to be able to do that, and just all of us shared that we don't look at rules as negotiable. One of the guys said, it isn't that I don't have family that has been arrested, I don't personally know anyone that has been arrested.


I know this. Early on teachers made a HUGE issue that your permanent record would follow you all the days of your life and I was raised by a grandfather who was a police officer and showed us all the inside of a jail when we were little.


I don't understand why anyone would mind when a culprit gets called on his/her deeds.

[Rags123]

I don't get that criminal activity and mug shots and addresses and all is so touchy.


We were talking about this on our neighbor's porch last week and all present came from big families. We were talking about so many posts on the internet that people are saying, "as if YOU don't have people in your family that have been arrested". Well, the concensus of opinion was that we don't. May be for a lot of reason, strict discipline, not much bending of rules, LOT of interaction in families, religious training early on. Trying to live and raise family where there is less crime, and working HARD to be able to do that, and just all of us shared that we don't look at rules as negotiable. One of the guys said, it isn't that I don't have family that has been arrested, I don't personally know anyone that has been arrested.


I know this. Early on teachers made a HUGE issue that your permanent record would follow you all the days of your life and I was raised by a grandfather who was a police officer and showed us all the inside of a jail when we were little.


I don't understand why anyone would mind when a culprit gets called on his/her deeds.

I agree, but that is how it is today......you have to be careful. The protection and value of the entirety is subject to the individual hurt feelings.

You get arrested and in most cases, not all, you either did it or you were somewhere you should not be. There are so few exceptions to that the law is very liberal in allowing you to sue the police for doing their job in arresting you if it is proven to be untrue.

It is a different world, and in my opinion is just tearing this country apart.

Different does not necessarily mean progressive and better. Of that I am sure. SOMEBODY SOMEDAY preach personal responsibility and morals, but if they did, you know someone would call them on that saying it is none of their business. Or whomever says that is treading on somebody somewhere, which I will tell you is ALWAYS THE case in all situations.

I will never be ashamed of calling anyone out by name for breaking the law and adding a bit of uneasiness to my community !

[perrjojo]

I didn't say don't let us know someone has been arrested, but there is no need to post the name and picture, let alone the name of the street where this individual resides. It really isn't that hard to state that an individual who was on the county's 10 most wanted for whatever crimes committed, including a failure to appear, was arrested without giving the name. So, what happens if this young man is found innocent? Too bad, so sad?

As I said, I just don't get it and doubt I ever will (at least I hope I never will).
Wanted posters have been around since there were printing presses except they used to say .. dead or alive. I agree that a person is innocent until proven guilty but knowing what suspects look like and where they live seems important to me. Seeing a face reminds me to beware if I see that person. It also might jog my memory if I may have seen something suspicious in the past. I want to know what these people look like and where they live. Let me be aware and leave the rest to a jury. It is true that some are wrongly accused but better safe than sorry. No photos or information has been posted here that is not public information. I am part of the public and I want to know about these people.

[blueash]

Redwitch's posts raise a sincere and I believe important concern. As I read through the posts there are several fitting the theme.. If they got arrested they must have done bad things in the past or now. They must have made mistakes. They must have been involved in criminal activity. Those assumptions simply are not true and reflect a prejudice (as in pre-judge) against the accused. That this 22 yo was on the most wanted list only means the authorities really want to find him. It does not mean he has any past criminal record, it does not mean he has committed a crime in the situation for which he is presently being sought. Now he may have a past record and he may have committed the crime for which he is sought but I was taught that he is innocent until... and that if I ever am asked in jury selection if I have an opinion on the innocence of the accused to answer yes, my opinion is that he is innocent unless the prosecution can prove otherwise.

Having said that, I do not object to the availability of names and addresses of those arrested being public record. That is far better than people just disappearing off the streets with no public record as still may happen in too many countries.

[Bonanza]

I say THANK YOU to N44125 :coolsmiley:
for giving us a head's up on this person
who was on The 10 Most Wanted List.

We can only hope the list of "sex offenders" will also be published.

I will pitch in $$$ to print the Sex Offender Mugshots and dossier....
...of the DOZENS of Sex Offenders IN The Villages...... and mail them to their 50 closest neighbors.

I choose to be aware of my surrondings and appreciate those who
keep us aware.

Those who do not wish to have this valuable info can ignore the thread.

MY take on this is contained in The First Amendment......
.....the part...."or abridging the freedom of speech" comes to mind.

Thank You again N44125 for keeping us informed.

Also, Kudos to the Law Enforcement Community.

Did this person think that growing out his hair and growing a beard would fool the LEO's at The Sumter County Sheriff Office?

A sex offenders list is available to everyone and is public information.

If interested, anyone can sign up on AlertID.com and receive a variety of information in addition to the sex offender list .

Don't kid yourself.
They are here, too!

[Rags123]

Redwitch's posts raise a sincere and I believe important concern. As I read through the posts there are several fitting the theme.. If they got arrested they must have done bad things in the past or now. They must have made mistakes. They must have been involved in criminal activity. Those assumptions simply are not true and reflect a prejudice (as in pre-judge) against the accused. That this 22 yo was on the most wanted list only means the authorities really want to find him. It does not mean he has any past criminal record, it does not mean he has committed a crime in the situation for which he is presently being sought. Now he may have a past record and he may have committed the crime for which he is sought but I was taught that he is innocent until... and that if I ever am asked in jury selection if I have an opinion on the innocence of the accused to answer yes, my opinion is that he is innocent unless the prosecution can prove otherwise.

Having said that, I do not object to the availability of names and addresses of those arrested being public record. That is far better than people just disappearing off the streets with no public record as still may happen in too many countries.


I must be really thickheaded and stupid.

This man was already on the county's TOP TEN MOST WANTED LIST. He was not picked up jaywalking or speeding. He already had violated the law...he already was not fullfilling his obligations based on past arrests or he is would not be on the TOP TEN MOST WANTED LIST.

I just do not understand the stiff defense of a man who has such a history he landed on the TOP TEN MOST WANTED LIST. We call for others heads at times.......we judge them publicly even BEFORE an arrest and this guy is getting such a defense on here.

We are not talking about a single arrest....this thread is about a TOP TEN MOST WANTED IN THE COUNTY.

Please, what am I missing about this !

[Taltarzac725]

Here's the crime victim advocate, under departments from the Sumter website:
Victim's Advocate (352) 569-1623

That's good information. But, at least in my own philosophy about the criminal justice system, the number ONE priority is the needs of the victims such as recovery, their statements, mental health, support systems, etc. Criminal Investigations Division (http://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/divisions/cid.html)

Catching the right defendant is the second priority.

The needs of the cops to have their TOP TEN lists would probably be near the bottom.

I changed the name of a man committed of one of the most notorious crimes in the State of Minnesota back around 1988. That's when I tried to change his name in 1988. Not sure when the actual crime was. The Judge presiding over the paperwork chewed me out for just having the audacity of using the legal system to do something that the Defendant was entitled to by law-- a name change. The victim would be notified of the name change as soon as it went through but the judge still had to grandstand about the emotions she felt because of this name change. I cannot give you the name of my client back then as there are ethical rules still in place on me with respect to attorney-client privileges and the like even if I was just a student attorney.

I do not recall any prisoners I represented at Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners being innocent. I thumbed through every file I could get my hands on looking for an innocent defendant.

I hope you can get what I am trying to advocate. The more open the information on the Internet about things like the Florida Victim Services Directory the more respect shown to the needs of the victims. The judge was being very paternalistic protecting the victim of my client's case of a name change. But the victim was already granted that right of being informed about the name change.

The TOP TEN List should be not what is highlighted in the Sheriff's Web-site. It should be something that instills trust in the justice system from the part of the victim like the Florida Victim Services Directory and a link to it.

[EnglishJW]

According to the electronic newspaper a 22 year old villager, who was on the County's Most Wanted List was just apprehended and arrested. He is Oliver Smith residing at Sothell St here in TV.

Here's his mugshot. I don't remember ever playing golf with him. Am I the only one?

This is the public information that had been posted in the Sumter County Sheriff's office and online: SCSO Most Wanted - Oliver Smith (http://www.sumtercountysheriff.org/10mw/10mw_position10.html)

The crimes he is suspected of are burglary and grand theft. Like you, I see nothing wrong with sharing this information. That is why the Sheriff's Office posted it in the first place. There may be much more to this story and I hope we learn of the ultimate outcome.

[EnglishJW]

The TOP TEN List should be not what is highlighted in the Sheriff's Web-site.

While I understand and agree with your view concerning victims, I see no reason why any law enforcement agency shouldn't use whatever resources they have at their disposal to apprehend whomever they are searching for.

[Taltarzac725]

While I understand and agree with your view concerning victims, I see no reason why any law enforcement agency shouldn't use whatever resources they have at their disposal to apprehend whomever they are searching for.

You would probably be right about Sheriff's Offices web-sites using Most Wanted pictures. Here's Hennepin County in Minnesota's web-site. Top Ten Most Wanted | Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (http://www.hennepinsheriff.org/most-wanted)

They also have this though-- Staying Safe. http://www.hennepinsheriff.org/safety

Once in a while I will spent a few days looking at what is out there in various communities in the US for victims of crimes. Something I hope that more TOTVs will also do as a hobby. The more people are pestering police departments about taking a look at things from the perspective of the victim the better things will be for victims who report crimes or more importantly ARE THINKING ABOUT reporting crimes.

I do find something like this would be quite useful for citizens of a community. It is from the County covering Reno and other areas in Northern Nevada -- http://www.washoesheriff.com/staying-safe.php

Look up the community or communities you came from and what kind of things are on their Sheriff's web-sites. I lived in the Milwaukee, WI area; Reno, NV; Belmont, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; Denver, CO; Provo, UT; Itasca, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Rohnert Park, CA; and Palm Harbor, FL.

[mrfixit]

Some of the Top Ten seem to simply have missed their court dates for driving without a license.
Not sure how that qualifies for Top Ten? [/url]


In my little thinker, The Message Is CLEAR.

Sumter County Sheriff Office...
...is efficient, top-notch and so good at what they do
that the Top 10 Wanted list CAN include "Failure to Appear".

[CFrance]

In my little thinker, The Message Is CLEAR.

Sumter County Sheriff Office...
...is efficient, top-notch and so good at what they do
that the Top 10 Wanted list CAN include "Failure to Appear".
I think what it means is that Sumter County thankfully has such a lack of heinous criminals that they have to add failure to appear to get the list up to ten.

Andthat makes me a happy camper.

[Taltarzac725]

In my little thinker, The Message Is CLEAR.

Sumter County Sheriff Office...
...is efficient, top-notch and so good at what they do
that the Top 10 Wanted list CAN include "Failure to Appear".

In my limited experiences with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office I have found their officers very courteous, professional, and capable.

I have not sent them any e-mails in a while about the Florida Victims Services Directory. Cannot even remember the last time I did this. It has been something I have been pushing since 2000 but mainly for links from law and public libraries across FL.

[redwitch]

I have no issue with police using whatever resources are available to apprehend someone, even if just to question that person. If someone mugs another in a parking lot and there is a photograph or video available, I firmly believe it should be public knowledge. The police need an aware public and a public willing to let them know when they see a potential bad guy. The police should do what is necessary to stop crime. But we're talking about after the bad guy has been arrested. As I said, it could have easily been reported as one of the county's top ten most wanted has been arrested, but there is no need for any of the other information. It is an embarrassment to his friends, families. They certainly don't deserve this. Imagine all of the folks doing a drive-by of the street just to see where he lived. And, of course, there is still the issue that no one has been found guilty of a crime yet -- just arrested.

However, I'm talking about someone already in custody. There is absolutely no reason to post the mug shots, the names, the addresses. The police have done their job -- they have arrested someone. It is now up to the judicial system to prosecute that person, not the newspapers or the internet. What possible need is there to know the name and address of the person arrested -- he's in custody. I don't know Florida's laws, but I do know that in California victims are kept very well apprised of an assailant's status and whereabouts.

I'm sorry you think it is acceptable that this information is so freely given in Florida. Not only acceptable, but welcome. I still find it nauseating.

[graciegirl]

I have no issue with police using whatever resources are available to apprehend someone, even if just to question that person. If someone mugs another in a parking lot and there is a photograph or video available, I firmly believe it should be public knowledge. The police need an aware public and a public willing to let them know when they see a potential bad guy. The police should do what is necessary to stop crime. But we're talking about after the bad guy has been arrested. As I said, it could have easily been reported as one of the county's top ten most wanted has been arrested, but there is no need for any of the other information. It is an embarrassment to his friends, families. They certainly don't deserve this. Imagine all of the folks doing a drive-by of the street just to see where he lived. And, of course, there is still the issue that no one has been found guilty of a crime yet -- just arrested.




However, I'm talking about someone already in custody. There is absolutely no reason to post the mug shots, the names, the addresses. The police have done their job -- they have arrested someone. It is now up to the judicial system to prosecute that person, not the newspapers or the internet. What possible need is there to know the name and address of the person arrested -- he's in custody. I don't know Florida's laws, but I do know that in California victims are kept very well apprised of an assailant's status and whereabouts.

I'm sorry you think it is acceptable that this information is so freely given in Florida. Not only acceptable, but welcome. I still find it nauseating.



Well Red, It's a good thing we agree on most things, because we don't on this one. I think most of us would like to know where someone who has a mug shot is living in relation to where we are living.

[KathieI]

A sex offenders list is available to everyone and is public information.

If interested, anyone can sign up on AlertID.com and receive a variety of information in addition to the sex offender list .

Don't kid yourself.
They are here, too!


I am already on the email Alert list of sex offenders that live in the Villages and when I get the mug shot, I forward it to all my friends that live near that address. Are you kidding me,,,, if they weren't in trouble in the first place, they wouldn't have a mug shot and all that is public information and I think it should be. In Los Angeles, we received one also, and my friends with little children were especially interested in what they looked like and where they lived. These are scary times, the more info we can get, the better..... and that my opinion

[tommy steam]

We have had criminals in the villages and surrounding area who have broken into homes, and also mugged people. I don't mind seeing their pictures in the newspapers, It might shame them enough to keep away from us .

[RedChariot]

Well Red, It's a good thing we agree on most things, because we don't on this one. I think most of us would like to know where someone who has a mug shot is living in relation to where we are living.

With you on this on Gracie. You bet I want to see the mug shot and know where they live. Plaster it all over. Expose the address and those that might be harboring a criminal, including the parents. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time. Our society is too soft on crime and criminals.

[Bushey]

Be careful of offer for a free credit report from Citizens Bank. It is a fraud, it is not Citizens Bank and it is not free.

[buggyone]

I am already on the email Alert list of sex offenders that live in the Villages and when I get the mug shot, I forward it to all my friends that live near that address. Are you kidding me,,,, if they weren't in trouble in the first place, they wouldn't have a mug shot and all that is public information and I think it should be. In Los Angeles, we received one also, and my friends with little children were especially interested in what they looked like and where they lived. These are scary times, the more info we can get, the better..... and that my opinion

It is a good idea to look at which offense they committed. A sexual predator is different than an offender. Depending where a person lives the sexual offense may have been as little as being tipsy and relieving yourself in a dark alley. Lots of teen boys at age 18 have been placed on a lifetime sex offender list for having consensual relations with a 15 year old girl who lied about her age.

[CFrance]

Be careful of offer for a free credit report from Citizens Bank. It is a fraud, it is not Citizens Bank and it is not free.
Bushey, your post needs to be a new topic all its own, in its own thread--not hooked onto another thread of a different subject. It would be helpful if you told how you received this offer (or whoever received it) and exactly what it or they said to try to appear to be Citizen's Bank so others will know what to look for..

[VT2TV]

I have no problem with the information being made public, especially in the 2 specific cases mentioned of the man on the Top Ten List, and the couple being caught out in public having sex on the square. We all can prevent our pictures and information from being made public-don't break the laws. You don't get on the Top Ten Wanted List without having been a sweet innocent person during your lifetime.I find it very comforting to know that he was caught because his crimes were very serious, It wasn't like he jaywalked. And as far as releasing his information, it very likely was released during the previous times when he was found guilty of failing to appear. I am afraid the living in the bubble called TV often lulls us into a false sense of security, and when there are problems out there, to know about them is a reminder to be more aware and cautious.
As far as the couple on the square, I think it is horrible that they just "let go" wherever they were. If they are that drunk out in public, that is a huge problem. The woman at least, obviously needs help. She was recently arrested for being DIP. Sometimes people have to hit rock bottom before they try to seek help. It is a shame that people had to be hurt, but maybe that will be the point at which she realizes she need help. I hope so.
I do agree with the poster though that commented that the news is never retracted if the people are found innocent. If that happens, they should print an apology and a retraction

[Deseylou]

If it is on the public record
We are the public
Did I go search the info
No
But if it is made for the public, there is no harm in someone else making it more visible
Debbie

[PaPaLarry]

I think it is just fine if people who do things and get arrested get their mugshots posted. Maybe that will stop other people from doing things that could get them arrested.
Totally agree 100% Gracie.

[PaPaLarry]

I am already on the email Alert list of sex offenders that live in the Villages and when I get the mug shot, I forward it to all my friends that live near that address. Are you kidding me,,,, if they weren't in trouble in the first place, they wouldn't have a mug shot and all that is public information and I think it should be. In Los Angeles, we received one also, and my friends with little children were especially interested in what they looked like and where they lived. These are scary times, the more info we can get, the better..... and that my opinion
You got that right Kathie!!

[OBXNana]

Yes, it is part of the public record and open to anyone that is interested in educating themselves and I feel it is important to keep this public and open. I have to agree with Redwich you are innocent until proven guilty. My issue is humiliating any individual on a public forum. Yes, they may have been found guilty in the court of law. Does that give anyone the right to try and convict them in the court of public opinion on a forum?

[bkcunningham1]

The point of allowing open access to adult individuals who have been arrested but who have not yet had their day in court; so to speak, is so they are dealt with honestly and fairly and in open view of the public and not locked away secretly and not given an open fair trial. That is one of the tenets this great country was built upon. Open government is a good thing. A participatory democracy is a good thing.

[BobnBev]

Yes, it is part of the public record and open to anyone that is interested in educating themselves and I feel it is important to keep this public and open. I have to agree with Redwich you are innocent until proven guilty. My issue is humiliating any individual on a public forum. Yes, they may have been found guilty in the court of law. Does that give anyone the right to try and convict them in the court of public opinion on a forum?

Do you think that 22yo kid gives a crap about public opinion? I sure don't think he does.

[Chi-Town]

According to the electronic newspaper a 22 year old villager, who was on the County's Most Wanted List was just apprehended and arrested. He is Oliver Smith residing at Sothell St here in TV.

Here's his mugshot. I don't remember ever playing golf with him. Am I the only one?

I never played golf with him either, but a buddy of mine said he played golf with Ollie. Nothing unusual other than he whacked squirrels a couple of times.[emoji6]

[graciegirl]

I think...that by the time we reach the sixties and seventies most of us conclude that except for mental illness or physical illness that most of us can get up in the morning, find a job to work and choose not to find substances that are addictive to make us happy. We can choose people to love and to protect and work for. We can choose NOT to steal from others and that goes for people born here, and for people who immigrated here, and for people of all colors and all abilities. It has been done and is being done and those who don't choose to do it are dishonored by those who do...and should be.


Good morning everyone.

[Steve & Deanna]

We've always thought TV is a 55 + and more and more, we are finding the age brackets well under 55 are living here or renting here and committing crimes. How about one strike and your out for those under 55? Would these people be counted as illegals?

[VT2TV]

We've always thought TV is a 55 + and more and more, we are finding the age brackets well under 55 are living here or renting here and committing crimes. How about one strike and your out for those under 55? Would these people be counted as illegals?


While I agree with your thought, it is Florida law that in a 55+ community, 20% of the residents can be 19- 55, and the remaining 80% have to have 1 person in the household that is 55+.

[Villageshooter]

His address is a home with owners not having his last name. Renter?

last names are not needed: Elvis! Cher! Jesus!
we can figure it out!

[Phanatic Luvr]

To set the record straight ... To my understanding, the home that this individual previously resided in, was owned by a family which rented the home to another family member. That family member was the Grandmother of the 22 yr old, which he apparently at one time, lived with. That address was the last know and recorded on police records.
Since then, in 3/2013 the home was sold to another couple.
That couple had been visited by the sheriff and questioned but never thought too much about it as they didn't know who they were talking about.
They were as surprised as all of us, to read on line of this incident on their street, not knowing when they first read the article, that it was indeed the home that they had purchased last year.
So the long and short of it is ... its now owned by new residents and they have absolutely nothing to do with either the 22 yr old or his residency.