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Key Role in Cracking Nationwide Fraud Scheme

ALACHUA – The Alachua Police Department (APD) was recently honored in Washington, DC for critical contributions from Lieutenant Jason Moses and Detective Jacob Eady (then with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office), for their instrumental role in dismantling a nationwide fraud scheme. The operation, which spanned multiple agencies, resulted in the arrest and conviction of career criminal Korey Wise, who caused significant financial losses while exploiting vulnerable populations.

This extensive investigation was a collaborative effort involving Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), Amtrak Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Through advanced surveillance, undercover operations, and cross-state coordination, the team unraveled a scheme that targeted minority-owned businesses and exploited at-risk youth to commit fraud.

The investigation not only led to the safe arrests of Wise and Frazier but also to the recovery of stolen funds, amounting to over $500,000 in losses for Amtrak and Trailways.

According to the Amtrak OIG, Korey Wise, a 48-year-old from California, orchestrated the operation by targeting small businesses, particularly those owned by individuals who spoke English as a second language. According to court documents, Wise would call these businesses pretending to be a representative of a utility company calling to collect overdue bills, or posing as an official from a licensing board that oversaw nail salons.

He would tell the business owners that they owed an inspection fee, and if the fee was paid over the telephone with a credit card, the fee would be reduced. Wise would then use the credit card information he collected from his victims to purchase travel reservations on carriers including Amtrak and Trailways. From January 2014 through May 2017, Wise fraudulently purchased approximately $475,910 worth of tickets from Amtrak and Trailways.

In May 2023, Wise pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In January, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by two years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of $475,910.

The Alachua Police Department’s contributions to the case were pivotal in ensuring its successful resolution. Their expertise, teamwork, and dedication to justice earned them recognition for their role in dismantling the fraud operation.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs will soon have a new face sitting on its commission after Chad Howell notched a solid victory over Julie Ann Tapia-Ruano for Seat 4 in the Nov. 5, 2024, City Commission race. Howell picked up 2,432 votes (63.66 percent) to Tapia-Ruano’s 1,388 votes (36.34 percent). Howell and Tapia-Ruano were vying for a seat being vacated by Commissioner Byran Williams. Williams, a local pastor, has served as commissioner off and on numerous times over the last 24 years. Howell, 44 years old, relocated to High Springs in 2018, has been married for more than 22 years and has two daughters. By day, Howell serves as a supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Alachua Police Department.

Incumbent Commissioner Katherine Weitz beat out Sue Weller for Seat 5 on the High Springs Commission as 2,198 voters (57.90 percent) pulled the lever for Weitz while Weller garnered 1,598 votes (42.10 percent). Weller has previously served on the High Springs commission and more recently served as the liaison between the City of High Springs and the High Springs Chamber of Commerce. Weitz is currently serving as Mayor. Weitz and Howell are scheduled to be sworn into their seats at the next commission meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2024.

Voters in High Springs also approved four Charter amendments. Amendment number 1 allows the City to update its corporate boundary in accordance with Florida law. Amendment number 2 would allow the electronic advertisement of public notices rather than in the newspaper, provided that such notices are placed five weeks in advance of the hearing. Amendment number 3 updates the oath of office for commissioners and charter officers to ensure that no person convicted of a felony or found to be mentally incompetent may run for office until restoration of civil rights or removal of disability. Amendment number 3 also permits adjustments in the City’s budget and requires the City Manager to inform the commission when revenues are expected to be outpaced by appropriations. Amendment number 4 updates the names of public parks and also allows the City’s Sports Complex to be added to a list of public owned lands.

In the race for Alachua County Sheriff, political newcomer Chad Scott appears poised to finish on top by a margin of roughly 415 votes. Scott, a Democrat, challenged sitting Republican Sheriff Emery Gainey who was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to finish out the term of Clovis Watson, Jr. Watson announced July 31, 2023 that he would resign effective Oct. 1, 2023 amid health concerns.

While a recount is ongoing, unofficial election data shows Scott garnering 62,757 votes (46.97 percent) over Gainey’s 62,342 votes (46.66 percent). A third candidate, Pamela Marshal-Koons, with no party affiliation, picked up 8,513 votes (6.37 percent). With the margin of victory at less than one-half of one percent, a recount is mandated by law. The Alachua County Canvassing Board began meeting Sunday morning and was scheduled to continue each morning until all ballots had been recounted, which could be as late as Thursday, Nov. 14.

If Scott is declared the winner, he will assume office in January 2025.

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ALACHUA ‒ While other parts of the county buzzed with festivities over the weekend, downtown Alachua was alive with its own vibrant celebration on Sunday as the Alachua Main Street Fall Festival took center stage. A community staple since 2003, the festival drew a record crowd to enjoy food, live music, and activities for all ages along the city’s historic Main Street.

Organized by the Alachua Business League (ABL) with support from the City of Alachua and local businesses, the festival is a cornerstone event for the community. Beyond providing entertainment, it serves a meaningful purpose: proceeds from the festival help fund scholarships for local students planning to attend Santa Fe College.

Visitors were greeted by the delicious aroma of kettle corn, BBQ, and other festival favorites as they strolled down Main Street, which was closed to traffic for the occasion. Over 200 vendor booths lined the street, offering everything from handmade crafts and local art to unique services and tasty treats.

Live music echoed through downtown, with local bands providing a dynamic soundtrack for the day. Children giggled and played at activity stations, while adults browsed vendor stalls or enjoyed the many food options.

With parking in high demand, festival-goers took advantage of nearby lots, including downtown’s designated parking areas and spots near Alachua City Hall and Skinner Park. Many walked a few blocks to join the festivities, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

Vendor participation was robust, with spaces filled by local businesses and artisans. The festival’s vendor fees—set at $85 for general vendors, $125 for ride areas, and $150 for food vendors—are kept intentionally low to encourage widespread participation. These fees help cover festival expenses and ensure the event remains free for the public.

The festival’s impact extends well beyond a day of fun. Proceeds go directly to scholarships for local students, easing their path to higher education. Over the years, ABL has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, emphasizing its commitment to investing in the future of the community.

With its mix of fun, community spirit, and philanthropic purpose, the Alachua Main Street Fall Festival continues to be a beloved tradition that captures the essence of Alachua’s small-town charm. For those who missed this year’s event, organizers encourage early planning for next year’s festival, promising even more entertainment and opportunities to support the community.

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ALACHUA ‒ An FFA team from Santa Fe High School brought home a prestigious Gold Emblem from the National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event in Indianapolis. They joined only seven other teams nationwide in earning this top honor. This marks the first time since 1990 that Santa Fe High has achieved a gold-level emblem in a leadership development event.

The team, consisting of students Taylor Batten, Leila Ceilley, Savannah Eckert, Bryli Kuhn, Layla Parris, Alana Seals, and Taylor Trosper, presented on the agricultural impacts of bottled water in their local community. Their presentation addressed complex issues related to water resources, farming, and environmental impacts—a topic they explored through extensive research and multiple community forums.

The students presented to stakeholders including the Alachua County Farm Bureau, the Alachua County Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Springs Institute, refining their topic through community feedback.

To reach the national stage, the team first secured a win at the state competition in June, which qualified them to compete against the nation’s best FFA teams. In Indianapolis, they defended their research in front of a panel of expert judges, answering audience questions with poise.

Brian Skipper, the FFA sponsor and director of Santa Fe High’s Academy of Veterinary Assisting, praised the team’s dedication. “The students put in countless hours researching, creating a script, and practicing answering questions for this event,” said Skipper. “Because of this contest, they are all able to find reliable sources on topics, speak in front of large groups, and write academic papers.

Skipper added that these experiences would serve students well into their futures, preparing them to become informed, active citizens. The Santa Fe High FFA chapter’s success in the competition is a testament to the students' dedication and the strong agricultural education program at the school.

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ALACHUA – On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, students at Alachua’s W.W. Irby Elementary School and A.L. Mebane Middle School had a unique opportunity to learn about democracy through a hands-on experience. City of Alachua officials and staff hosted a mock election, allowing students to vote on a lighthearted issue: cupcakes vs. brownies.

The event began with city staff providing an overview of the election process. Students then watched as City officials engaged in a spirited debate, presenting arguments for their preferred dessert. Once the debate concluded, it was time to vote.

As City staff tallied the results, students participated in a lively Q&A session with City officials. They posed insightful questions such as, “What inspired you to pursue a role in local government?” and “What are the functions of the various city trucks we see around town?”

City Manager Mike DaRoza took a moment to emphasize the significance of voting. “Don’t let anyone tell you how to vote, that is your choice alone,” DaRoza said. “But, above all else, remember that you can disagree on a topic and still get along with your friends.”

When the results were announced, Irby Elementary students had chosen cupcakes as their favorite, while Mebane Middle School students overwhelmingly voted for brownies.

“It is the most heartwarming thing to help these students understand the importance of voting, and then being able to watch them participate,” said Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper. “We are really trying to instill confidence in the next generation of citizens.”

This hands-on event underscored the value of civic engagement, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the democratic process—and a likely craving for cupcakes and brownies.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ 59-year-old Newberry man, Steven Dean Webb, was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, following a burglary and alleged assault at a construction site. Webb faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and burglary of an occupied dwelling after reportedly stealing copper wire and injuring the property owner during his getaway.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at a house under construction in the 2800 block of Southwest 1st Avenue. The homeowner discovered Webb inside the garage, cutting copper wire from the fuse panel with a long-handled tool. When the homeowner confronted Webb and said he was calling the police, Webb fled to his car, which was parked on the street.

The homeowner attempted to take a photo of Webb through the windshield as he tried to escape. Webb allegedly accelerated, hitting the homeowner's leg with the front bumper. The victim managed to jump out of the way and was not seriously injured.

The victim also informed police that copper wire had been stolen from the property during a prior incident on Nov. 2, when Webb was caught on video walking around the house carrying the same cutting tool. Clear photographs of Webb’s face and his vehicle’s license plate led to his identification using facial recognition software. Authorities confirmed the car is registered to someone who shares an address and last name with Webb.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy apprehended Webb at his Newberry residence. Before being read his Miranda rights, Webb reportedly admitted to being at the property but claimed he was inspecting copper pipes when the homeowner jumped in front of his car, causing the collision.

Webb’s criminal history includes a violent felony conviction and a state prison sentence for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, for which he was released in 2004. He is currently on pre-trial release for driving without a valid license, with two additional notices to appear for subsequent violations of the same charge.

Judge Adam Lee has ordered Webb held without bail, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him detained until trial. The investigation into the cost of damages and theft is ongoing as the homeowner awaits an assessment from an electrician.

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