Detectives Chuck Morrow and John Curry of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Fugitive Unit received information that several murder fugitives wanted in the Bahamas were frequenting the Fort Lauderdale area. The detectives began their investigation in March 2002 and developed information that the fugitives were responsible for numerous drug related murders in both the United States and the Bahamas. Through street sources and surveillances the detectives learned that Leonard Anderson and Robert Bethel were traveling throughout Dade and Broward counties. Both were confirmed as being TOP 10 MOST WANTED fugitives being sought by the Bahamian government for murder warrants along with several other violent offenses. During the several months that followed the detectives conducted surveillances in Dania, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, and Pompano with the assistance of the US Marshal’s Service and US Immigration. After contacting the Department of Justice International Affairs Detective Morrow obtained international arrest warrants for the fugitives. Several weeks of surveillance proved to be fruitful when it was determined that Fugitive Anderson was at a residence in Miramar. Detectives continued the surveillance for a couple more days, as it was believed that fugitive Bethel would make contact with Anderson. Throughout the detective’s investigation, it was revealed that both fugitives were cocaine traffickers who frequently traveled together. The investigation also revealed that they were involved in exporting vehicles out of Port Everglades to the Bahamas. On December 10, 2002 detectives were utilizing surveillance on a location in Miramar when Bethel was observed arriving in a vehicle. With the assistance of Miramar patrol units, US Marshal’s Deputies and BSO air support, a felony car stop was conducted on Bethel’s vehicle; he was taken into custody without incident several blocks away from the residence where Anderson was believed to be. After Bethel was in custody, contact was made at the residence where Anderson was taken into custody as he attempted to flee on foot. Both subjects had false documents in their possession and denied being wanted. They were transported to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and fingerprinted. Chief Latent Examiner Carl Ciotola examined the prints and advised that they matched those to the Bahamian fugitives. Both Anderson and Bethel were booked into the Fort Lauderdale jail awaiting extradition back to the Bahamas where they will be turned over to the Bahamas Royal Police Force. Leonard Anderson was wanted for the shooting death of Aaron Griffin and Robert Bethel for the shooting death of Francis Faubert. Both murders were separate, unrelated cases. Detectives Morrow and Curry have apprehended 6 international fugitives wanted in the Bahamas in the last 10 months and will be continuing the investigation as it is believed that at least 4 additional murder fugitives wanted in the Bahamas are in the Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Broward county area.

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The Special Investigations Division of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department looked at the narcotic and prostitution arrests made in the Flagler Heights Community and discovered that the Sears Town parking lot and NE 5 Terrace were the primary locations where narcotics, prostitution and lewd acts were occurring. With this information in hand, Detective John Liguori presented the statistics to Sears Town and the Flagler Heights Community with the suggestion that a fence be constructed. The idea was met favorably. The newly installed fence line will serve two primary purposes. By losing a means of escape by driving east, it will deter both pedestrian and vehicle traffic from parking in the parking lot to commit crimes and prevent those criminals from taking flight into the commercial buildings directly east of the parking lot as a means of concealment avoiding police action. The Forestry Division agreed to donate trees and shrubs, which will complete the landscaping.

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After a brief foot chase Victor DeAngelo was apprehended and arrested by Patrol Officers Michael Dietz and Steve Littlefield on November 27 after being observed coming out of a residence on NE 7 Street in the Victoria Park Homeowners area. He was brought to the police department and interviewed by Burglary Detectives Jack Gee and Cheryl Donisi. Preliminary pawn checks had already connected DeAngelo to several burglaries in the NE area of the city. As part of the detectives’ investigation, DeAngelo agreed to take them for a drive and at which time DeAngelo pointed out approximately 30 residences where he had committed a burglary. He also named an accomplice in a few of the burglaries, which the detectives are obtaining information as to his identity. As a result of DeAngelo’s confession, 14 of the burglaries committed in Fort Lauderdale where cleared. DeAngelo is a career criminal, but with these charges that career will end.

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On December 10, Academy Director Ed Mandt asked Sergeant Russell Suess to speak at the 22nd PSA academy. Sergeant Suess started his career in 1980 as a PSA, then an Accident Investigator, to a Detective, then recently promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Suess shared his life experiences with the audience and how being a PSA opened his eyes to what a career in law enforcement would be like. Experiences such as a missing child which turned into a homicide, assignments like standing on the beach in 1980 to keep 350,000 drunken students from crossing the street until the light turned green and in 1981, during a 24 hour period, handling 4 separate vehicles accidents with 7 deaths. The audience was reassured that the job they do is regarded as an important function within the respective police agencies and how they can either choose to keep this job as a career or continue to pursue a career in law enforcement.

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Special Investigations Division Vice Unit Detectives and agents from Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco conducted a joint investigation into complaints of nudity and sexual activity taking place in Boots Lounge. Boots is a licensed alcohol-serving establishment located at 2708 SW 9 street. An undercover operation took place at Boots on December 13, 2002 when the lounge was offering drink specials to those customers who were only wearing shoes and or boots and their underwear. Within twenty minutes Vice Unit Detectives were able to document nudity and sexual activity between three of the male patrons, in violation of the City of Fort Lauderdale ordinance that prohibits nudity and sexual activity at locations serving alcohol. In addition to the three patrons taken into custody, one of the bartenders was also taken into custody for allowing the prohibited conduct. AB&T filed an administrative case against the lounge owner.

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On October 9, 2002 in the 800 block of NE 5 Terrace Dwainton Bacon confronted a pregnant woman who had two small children with her and produced a handgun. He then pointed the gun at the woman’s head demanding her property, pointing the gun at the children before fleeing with the woman’s purse. Violent Crimes Detective Rich Rodriguez was assigned the case and began his investigation by distributing wanted flyers. An arrest warrant was obtained for Bacon but his whereabouts were unknown. Fugitive Detective Chuck Morrow was contacted and requested to assist in locating Bacon. Detective Morrow received information that the fugitive was in the area of his relatives in Miramar. Detective Morrow responded to the area and began surveillance on the apartment. He was able to verify that Bacon was indeed inside one of the apartments. The detective requested assistance from Miramar Patrol and K-9 Units. Bacon was found hiding in a bedroom in the apartment and taken into custody. During booking Bacon became very violent and had to be secured as he attempted to assault staff and other prisoners.

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The LEACH Task Force received information that Greg and Gloria Kito who reside at 1630 SW 33 Avenue in Fort Lauderdale had befriended their neighbor, a 15 year-old female, and were taking web cam images of the girl in provocative poses. Detective Richard Love assigned to the LEACH Task Force contacted Detective Mike Debilio of the Special Victims Unit and together interviewed the young girl. The juvenile admitted to posing provocatively which she termed as, “playing dress up” while Gloria Kito took web cam images of her and down loaded them to the hardrive of their computer. The juvenile also admitted that on one occasion Greg Kito sexually assaulted her with the help of Gloria. The detectives then interviewed the husband and wife, in which Greg Kito denied any involvement with the juvenile. At that point Gloria Kito broke down and admitted that her husband had sexually assaulted the juvenile. Both Greg and Gloria signed a consent to search their computer, which was turned over to Detective James Medley of the Computer Evidence Recovery Team (C.E.R.T.). Detective Medley conducted a forensic examination of the computer and was able to recover images of the juvenile, which verified her statement. Based on the forensic evidence and the statements of the victim and Gloria Kito, the couple was arrested and charged with sexual battery and sexual exploitation of a minor. The forensic examination of the computer is still being conducted to retrieve additional evidence.

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Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Special Investigations Division recently implemented a means by which citizens with concerns about drugs in their area can contact SID via letter or phone call. PSA Valerie Miles, a new edition to the unit, answers these concerns and directs them to the appropriate unit for follow-up. She is a great asset to the division.

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On October 19, Gerald Harding was in the area of Coral Shores Drive and East Oakland Park Boulevard when he became involved in an argument with a male by the name of Albert Pfundstein. As Harding began to walk away Pfundstein picked up a large rock and struck Harding in the back, and taking his wallet containing $40 to $50. Pfundstein fled the scene, as Harding was taken to the hospital in critical condition. It was later learned that the force of the blow broke the victim’s neck. Violent Crimes Detective Dave Jenkins began his investigation into the whereabouts of Pfundstein. Five days later he was located. During a taped statement to Detective Jenkins, Pfundstein admitted to hitting Harding, but not to taking his wallet and money. He also stated that he hit the victim in retaliation for being hit with a stick or broom handle by the victim. Pfundstein was arrested and charged with armed robbery. On October 31, the victim died in the hospital as a result of his injury. The death was ruled a Homicide. Homicide Detective Al Stone joined the investigation and due to the latest circumstances issued a probable cause for the added charge of murder.

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Violent Crimes Detective Mike Hoelbrandt was seeking Charles Edward Jones for an armed home invasion robbery in which an elderly female was beaten. Fugitive Detectives Chuck Morrow and John Curry began their investigation into the whereabouts of Jones and tracked him to Dade County. Their investigation revealed that Jones was moving from motel to motel accompanied by a female. For the next several months the detectives gained information through street sources providing cell phone numbers and vehicle descriptions. In October Detective Morrow was contacted by the FBI and advised they too were looking for Jones reference to 2 bank robberies that occurred in Dade County. The investigation began to focus on identifying the female. Kamilah McRae was taken into custody at her residence in Opa Locka. A search was conducted and located inside was blood stained clothing worn by Jones during one of the bank robberies just days before, in which he had seriously injured himself. McRae cooperated and provided the location of Jones. He was hiding out at a motel in Miami and taken into custody without incident.

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• Guy Merkel, charged with Battery on LEO and Felony DUI…from 3161 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
• Randy Alverez, charged with Robbery and Sexual Battery…from 5741 SW 54 Terrace, Davie
• Alvin Kelly, charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Female…from 1600 NW 7 Place, Fort Lauderdale
• Lawrence Christian, charged with Battery on a Child…from 964 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
• Johnny Dixon, charged with Aggravated Assault, Welfare Fraud and Possession of Cocaine…from 555 SE 1 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
• Allen Martin, charged with Felony Drug Charges…from 1215 NW 1 Street, Fort Lauderdale
• Krystal Davis, charged with Burglary and Dealing in Stolen Property…from 732 NW 11 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
• Grady White, charged with Burglary and Grand Theft…from 751 NW 13 Terrace, Fort Lauderdale
• Rodney Winebrenner, charged with Trafficking in Cocaine…from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale

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Lazaro Morejon-Legon was involved in a minor traffic accident on November 24, with a 78 year-old woman. After exchanging insurance information and filling out a police report the elderly victim began to receive harassing phone calls and demands for damage compensation. Economic Crimes Detective Joe Roubicek began his investigation and paid a visit to Morejon with a letter advising him not to call the victim again. Morejon was irate with the detective and refused to talk to the detective. The elderly victim continued to receive harassing phone calls and was in fear for her life. With probable cause established, Detective Roubicek and Deputy Verini from BSO paid a visit to Morejon where he was arrested for abuse of an elderly person, a 3rd degree felony.

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In October of 2001, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Special Investigations Division was awarded a federal grant entitled Project Ecstasy. Project Ecstasy is a community partnership project targeting deadly club drugs associated with rave venues. The primary intent of this project is to develop a multifaceted, comprehensive strategy to reduce the sale and consumption of “Club Drugs”. The illegal sale of alcohol to underage drinkers is a part of our overall strategy. The strategy will involve a multi-dimensional approach designed to identify locations where illegal “Club Drugs” are sold and consumed. There are four comprehensive components utilized to curb the popularity of Club Drug abuse: enforcement, prevention, intervention/education, and treatment. Our research has demonstrated that MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone and LSD are some of the club or party drugs gaining popularity.

The project’s enforcement objective was initiated with 70 illegal drug investigations culminating with the arrest of 106 offenders and the confiscation of 13,143.6 grams of various club drugs being seized. The growing concern of tobacco and alcohol sales to minors also becomes an objective under Project Ecstasy. A partnership with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco was created targeting sales of alcohol and cigarettes to minors during Spring Break 2002.

As a preventative measure the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Rave Task Force was created. A formalized club drug-tracking system was developed to allow the Task Force to survey and analyze the club drug phenomenon in the city of Fort Lauderdale, paying specific attention to the illicit drug sales and use associated with rave venues. Research of the rave subcultures has demonstrated an enhanced understanding of the State Rave Legislation, use of local ordinances, club owner’s responsibilities and community partnerships. Through intervention efforts, celebrity Barbara Eden was Project Ecstasy’s chairperson for the first year. Ms. Eden conducted a “Meet and Greet” session after performing at the Parker Playhouse and discussed her experiences with the devastating effects of drug addiction and overdose. Four hundred people attended the session.

A sixty-three-slide PowerPoint presentation was complied and individuals received training on identifying rave venues and associated dangers. A fifty-five page educational packet was created. This packet includes a drug testing kit and two video presentations. Ten thousand “Tips for Teens” pamphlets identifying all Project Ecstasy’s deadly club drugs and signs of addiction have been distributed to treatment facilities, homeowner groups, parents and young adults. Two Regal Cinema movie theaters have been contracted to advertise messages on deadly club drugs for a period of twenty weeks, which will reach an audience of 936,000 people most susceptible to club drugs. Project Ecstasy and Drink Safe Technologies will circulate 3000 drink tabs to local beach hotels and motels for distribution to tourists and visitors. These drink tabs allow customers to test their beverage and immediately know if a chemical substance has been added to the drink, such as the date rape drug, GHB. A treatment and prevention response system was created for hospital emergency room admissions and treatment facilities walk in patients being diagnosed with club drug overdoses. Broward General Hospital and local treatment facilities are providing treatment programs for the addiction and abuse of deadly club drugs.

The vision of Project Ecstasy is to abate the gaining popularity and abuse of “Club Drugs”, and provide a proactive and successful family involved prevention approach. Learning from the lessons of drug abuse and drug enforcement in the past, a strategy was developed that combined with enforcement, treatment, and prevention, by focusing not only on the at-risk youth but also on the entire family. Intervention and education as to the harmfulness of club drugs must both be offered in conjunction with enforcement and treatment to properly address his growing concern.

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The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Special Investigations Division, which is comprised of street, mid-level and upper level units makes a dynamic impact on cleaning up the areas of the city that drug dealers and prostitutes frequent. The following are some of the locations the division has cleaned up:

• Vice Unit Detectives, along with State Beverage Agents, and with the assistance of CSD Officers, conducted a investigation on November 1, 2002 involving nudity and alcohol violations taking place a the Ramrod Lounge located at 1508 NE 4 Avenue. As a result of the investigation, 3 arrests, including the lounge manager, bar tender and a customer, were made for violation of city ordinance, which prohibits nudity at alcohol-serving establishments. State Beverage Agents were able to initiate an administrative case against Ramrod Lounge.
• On November 26, 2002 Vice Detectives conducted an investigation into Soft Hands Massage, located at 2501 East Commercial Boulevard, Suite 214. The business had been discreetly advertising in a local tabloid for complete relaxation and they were having their grand opening. Detectives arrested Amanda Wilson for prostitution related offenses. They also learned that at least 10 other girls have been working at this location and other locations outside the city. The property owner has promised to evict them.
• On October 25, Members of the Major Narcotics Unit working a joint investigation with DEA, BSO, US Coast Guard and the Bahamian Police stopped a vessel traveling from the Bahamas to Lake Worth Inlet. The 45’ vessel was found to contain approximately 400 Kilos of cocaine. Kurt and William McBride were arrested on cocaine importation charges. Subsequent to the investigation, a warehouse was found containing a boat fabrication shop being used to fit another 50’ vessel with hidden compartments.
• Strategic Investigations Unit conducted two undercover operations at 6200 North Andrews on October 25. As a result, 2 arrests were made, 1 vehicle and 250 Ecstasy pills were seized.
• During an undercover operation at 1316 NE Avenue on November 11, Roody Laguerre was called and agreed to deliver ½ kilo of cocaine to the address. He arrived with 504 grams of powder cocaine worth approximately $12,000. He was arrested without incident.
• Patrol Officers also play an important role, below are just a couple of the many arrests and seizures that patrol makes:
• Officers Willie Hernandez and Dale Iben responded to a disturbance at the Suite Plus Hotel located at 6001 NW 6 Way and made contact with Teneika Garrett. A records check revealed she had a warrant; she was arrested and taken into custody. 150 grams of cocaine and $810 were seized from her room.
• At Bayshore Drive and North Atlantic Boulevard, Officer Matthew Finstad conducted a traffic stop. He noted a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle and requested K-9 Officer Joyce Fleming. Located in the vehicle was 43 grams of marijuana, 31 grams of hashish oil, $5,032 in cash and a 9mm handgun. David Blute was arrested and all items including the vehicle were seized.

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Congratulations to Detective Barry Margolis who retired after 20 years with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Barry began his career as a Patrol Officer in 1982. He then transferred to the Special Investigations Division where he worked with the street narcotics unit for 2 years, advancing to the Vice Unit where he remained until he retired. Barry was a great asset to SID. We Wish Him Well!!

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• Detective Tim Morrison…by Arthur Faber of Pompano Beach, for his outstanding services he rendered by recovering his vehicle and personal affects.
• Detective John King…by Robert Hannan of Robert S. Hannan Law Offices, for his caring, professionalism and compassion during a most traumatic day.
• Detective Dave Jenkins…by Lawrence Stewart of CompHealth, for his considerate, consoling and reassuring demeanor following a robbery.
• Sergeant Robert Farrell…by Norman Tripp of Tripp Scott Attorneys, for his prompt and dedicated service during an event by their association.
• Detectives Dave Jenkins, Jack DiCristofalo, Crime Scene Investigator Carol Coval and Latent Examiner Alice Benitez…by State Attorney Michael Satz, for their diligence, hard work and dedication that led to the convictions of three subjects involved in a shooting and carjacking.
• Detective Jack DiCristofalo…by Leah Glickfield of Fort Lauderdale, for his professionalism and calming demeanor during a nervous and frightening time.
• Crime Scene Investigator Tom Hill…by Lt. Mel Mosier of the Lake Worth Police Department, for his professionalism and courtesy during the worst massacre in Palm Beach County.
• Detectives Chuck Morrow and John Curry…by Assistant Chief Al Ortenzo, for their significant arrests made in the city of Fort Lauderdale as members of the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.
• Detective Dave Jenkins…by Marianne Bell, State Attorney’s Office, for his invaluable assistance in the prosecution of a kidnapping, robbery and battery upon an elderly person case.

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