Posted: July 09, 2024

On November 14, 2022, Tommie L. Jenkins of Houma, Louisiana, signed a written contract with Lisa Ann Forian of Punta Gorda to replace a residential pool enclosure destroyed during Hurricane Ian. At that time, Forian provided Jenkins with a 50% deposit in the form of a check for $13,875.00. Jenkins deposited the check into his account the next day. Ms. Forian and Jenkins agreed on January 17, 2023, as the date Jenkins would begin replacing the pool enclosure. When Jenkins did not start the work as promised, Ms. Forian tried contacting Jenkins by text and eventually certified letters with no results.

On July 12, 2023, the Punta Gorda Police Department Detectives were alerted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations following a complaint lodged by Ms. Forian with the State of Florida. Detective Larry Schrader took the case and pursued it over the next several months. Despite the lack of response from Jenkins to her final certified letter on August 17, 2023, which demanded the commencement of construction within thirty (30) days, Ms. Forian did not give up. Her persistence led Detective Schrader to file charges of Grand Theft and Contractor Fraud against Jenkins, resulting in a warrant for his arrest.

On June 19, 2024, Jenkins was arrested on a warrant in Pike County, Mississippi. On July 08, 2024, he was extradited to Charlotte County, where he remains incarcerated in the Charlotte County Jail awaiting justice.

Posted: June 20, 2024

Punta Gorda, Fla.  – On June 18, 2024, Janari N. Richardson (18) was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal’s Federal Fugitive Task Force at the Desoto Landing Apartments in Arcadia, Florida. Richardson was charged in the robbery and murder of Port Charlotte resident Sean Lalley (30) and transported to the Desoto County Jail. He was later transferred to the Charlotte County Jail.

On May 13, 2023, Punta Gorda Police responded to the Seven Palms Apartments in Punta Gorda regarding a suspicious person. Upon arriving, they discovered Sean Lalley deceased in his vehicle. It was determined he had been shot to death in the car at that location. Punta Gorda Detectives began a year-long investigation, which resulted in Richardson’s arrest. The investigation is ongoing and additional suspects are being sought. Janari N. Richardson is charged with 2^nd Degree Murder with a Firearm and Robbery with a Firearm.

Posted: June 07, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla.  – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announces the graduation of 30 law enforcement analysts today from the Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy. These graduates serve crime intelligence analyst roles representing 20 Florida criminal justice agencies.

During this six-week academy, these graduates were challenged with hands-on training, assignments, quizzes and presentations. They developed the skills necessary to complete individual and group research projects. The students took a comprehensive examination following the completion of all course work and successful graduates are recognized as Florida-certified law enforcement analysts.

The goal of the Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy is to provide a uniform training curriculum in the area of law enforcement analysis. In addition, the analyst academy sets the foundation for a professional career path in criminal and intelligence analysis and investigations for non-sworn personnel in law enforcement.

Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy Class 37 Graduates:

Leah Altamore            Pasco Sheriff’s Office

Adrian Beltran            Punta Gorda Police Department

Angenetta Betts          Charlotte County Sheriff Office

Nicky Brady               Orlando Police Department

Bianca Y. De Jesus     Port St. Lucie Police Department

Alexia Duff                Collier County Sheriff’s Office

Hannah Esham            Cape Coral Police Department

Jessica Eubanks          Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Jillian Fischlein           Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit

Shelby Garrison          Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Christina Gonzalez     Pasco Sheriff’s Office

Jessica Guffey            Collier County Sheriff’s Office

Rachel Harder             Lakeland Police Department

Grace Heidisch           Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Lydia Hubbell             Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Dorothy Marrero         Highlands County Sheriff’s Office

Kyle Middlemas         Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Carrie Miles                Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Connor Miley              Orlando Police Department

Amber Morrow           Volusia Sheriff’s Office

Marina Perez               Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Marilee Pons-Basulto Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Masbelis (Bel) Salah   Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Narissa Seepaulsing    North Port Police Department

Kent Smith                  Martin County Sheriff’s Office

Daryl Tippens              Collier County Sheriff’s Office

Devyn Tisler                Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Mazzy Tomko             Fort Myers Police Department

Gary Vilano                Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Brittany Yingling        Sebastian Police Department

June 5, 2024

Punta Gorda Police Detectives and State Investigators from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement teamed up on June 04, 2024 for an enforcement sweep in the City of Punta Gorda targeting the sale of alcoholic beverage and tobacco products to minors. The operation included compliance checks of a total of six (6) local commercial establishments within the City of Punta Gorda licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Five (5) establishments that were open for business were found to be in compliance and one (1) was not.

The commercial establishments that were in compliance and DID NOT SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO A MINOR are:

• Burg’r Bar (317 Tamiami Trail)
• Dough Bar (520 King St.)
• Laishley Crab House (150 Laishley Ct.)
• Village Brewhouse (1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Unit G-36)
• Los Mariachis Bar and Grill (3941 Tamiami Trail)

The one (1) commercial establishment that was not in compliance and DID SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR is:

• Isabel and Annabel’s Mexican Restaurant (201 W. Marion Ave.)

This operation was the result of a continuing partnership between ABT and the Punta Gorda Police Department to curb the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

The Punta Gorda Police Department, along with Drug-Free Charlotte County and ABT, will continue to work constructively with the city retail establishments where violations occur to ensure that employees are educated regarding Florida law.

Chief Pamela R. Smith urges all individuals to report the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to law enforcement. Violations within the incorporated city limits of Punta Gorda can be reported to the Punta Gorda Police Department at (941)639-4111. Operations such as this will continue.

Posted: May 29, 2024

On December 3, 2023, Officers of the Punta Gorda Police Department responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash with entrapment at the intersection of Jones Loop Road and Indian Springs Cemetery Road.  Officers, firefighters, paramedics, and citizens all attempted life-saving measures on Linda Reabe of Punta Gorda (66) at the scene. Reabe was transported to Shorepoint Punta Gorda Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. 

The driver of the second vehicle was Andrew D. Hartwig of Punta Gorda (43). Hartwig’s vehicle was witnessed running a red light and striking Reabe’s vehicle without attempting to slow down.  Officers observed Hartwig showing signs of impairment at the scene of the crash. 

Search warrants were obtained for Hartwig’s blood and the contents of his vehicle.  Lab results of Hartwig’s blood tested positive for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine and a substance later found to be Methamphetamine was discovered in Hartwig’s vehicle. 

On May 28, 2024, following a lengthy and thorough investigation, Hartwig turned himself in at the Punta Gorda Police Department. He was charged with DUI Manslaughter, DUI Property Damage/Personal Injury, Possession of a Controlled Substance without Prescription, and Possession of Paraphernalia.  Hartwig was incarcerated in the Charlotte County Jail.

Posted: April 12, 2024

On Friday, April 12, 2024, the Punta Gorda Police Department, in collaboration with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 419 San Marie Drive in Punta Gorda. The operation also involved support from the Punta Gorda Building Department and Code Compliance, resulting in the property being deemed uninhabitable. The operation was due to a large number of complaints regarding suspected drug activity and the deteriorating condition of the residence.

Two men were arrested during the execution of the warrant. Brian Orme, 50 years old of 419 San Marie Drive, and Robert Taylor, 35 years old also of 419 San Marie Drive have both been charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).

The Punta Gorda Police Department is grateful for the cooperation and ongoing support of our counterparts at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Pamela Smith added, “It is operations like this that help instill a greater sense of safety and reassurance in our communities. By following through with such investigations, we demonstrate to our residents that we acknowledge their concerns and are committed to addressing issues whenever possible.”

“It is operations like this that help instill a greater sense of safety and reassurance in our communities. By following through with such investigations, we demonstrate to our residents that we acknowledge their concerns and are committed to addressing issues whenever possible.”

Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith

March, 13, 2024

Punta Gorda Police Detectives and State Investigators from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement teamed up on March 12, 2024 for an enforcement sweep in the City of Punta Gorda targeting the sale of alcoholic beverage and tobacco products to minors. The operation included compliance checks of a total of ten (10) local commercial establishments within the City of Punta Gorda licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Nine (9) establishments that were open for business were found to be in compliance and one (1) was not.

The commercial establishments that were in compliance and DID NOT SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO A MINOR are:

• Celtic Ray (145 E. Marion)
• Dean’s South of the Border (130 Tamiami Trail)
• Ice House Pub (408 Tamiami Trail)
• Downtown Gatorz Bar and Grill (502 King St.)
• FM Dons (201 W. Marion)
• Leroy’s Southern Kitchen (201 W. Marion)
• Ichi Hibachi (312 W. Marion)
• Shorty’s Place (306 W. Marion)
• TT’s Tiki Bar (33 Tamiami Trail)

The one (1) commercial establishment that was not in compliance and DID SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR is:

• Beef O’ Brady’s (1105 Taylor Rd.)

This operation was the result of a continuing partnership between ABT and the Punta Gorda Police Department to curb the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

The Punta Gorda Police Department, along with Drug-Free Charlotte County and ABT, will continue to work constructively with the city retail establishments where violations occur to ensure that employees are educated regarding Florida law.

Chief Pamela R. Davis urges all individuals to report the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to law enforcement. Violations within the incorporated city limits of Punta Gorda can be reported to the Punta Gorda Police Department at (941)639-4111. Operations such as this will continue.

March 08, 2024

This afternoon seventeen-year-old Landon Payne was arrested by the Punta Gorda Police Department on two felony counts and six misdemeanor counts of Criminal Mischief, with the potential for additional charges to follow. For the last several months the police department has taken reports of graffiti that often included the word BESH painted on property throughout the city. We would like to thank everyone who responded to our request for information about these cases. The information received from our citizens was vital to resolving this serious quality of life issue. Early on in the course of these investigations, Chief Davis was adamant that this issue was a priority, vandalism would not be tolerated, and the suspect would be charged.

Posted: December 14, 2023

Punta Gorda Police Detectives and State Investigators from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement teamed up on December 13, 2023 for an enforcement sweep in the City of Punta Gorda targeting the sale of alcoholic beverage and tobacco products to minors. The operation included compliance checks of a total of seven (7) local commercial establishments within the City of Punta Gorda licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Five (5) establishments that were open for business were found to be in compliance and two (2) were not.

The commercial establishments that were in compliance and DID NOT SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO A MINOR are:

• 7-Eleven (3139 Tamiami Trail)
• Walgreens (3795 Tamiami Trail)
• Circle K / Mobil (3949 Tamiami Trail)
• Publix (3941 Tamiami Trail)
• Sunoco (10001 Burnt Store Road)

The two (2) commercial establishments that were not in compliance and DID SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR are:

• Murphy Oil (26359 Jones Loop Road)
• Walmart (5001 Taylor Road)

This operation was the result of a continuing partnership between ABT and the Punta Gorda Police Department to curb the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

The Punta Gorda Police Department, along with Drug-Free Charlotte County and ABT, will continue to work constructively with the city retail establishments where violations occur to ensure that employees are educated regarding Florida law.

Chief Pamela R. Davis urges all individuals to report the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to law enforcement. Violations within the incorporated city limits of Punta Gorda can be reported to the Punta Gorda Police Department at (941)639-4111. Operations such as this will continue.

Posted: November 14, 2023

The Punta Gorda Police Department responded to two unrelated shootings yesterday. The first occurred on Mary Street at approximately 8:20 a.m. An individual discharged a firearm in the neighborhood causing all Punta Gorda schools to go on lockdown as a precautionary measure due to the proximity. The reason for the discharge of the firearm is still under investigation, but it does not appear that anyone was injured. There was no direct threat to any of the schools.

The second shooting call occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. near Atares Drive. This incident involved Marshal William Francis, a twenty-one-year-old from Port Charlotte, who was involved in a domestic disturbance that moved from a home on Atares Drive into the roadway. The victim ran away from Marshal toward several golfers near the seventh hole of the St. Andrews Golf Course. When the golfers attempted to intervene, Marshall fired several shots into the air from a handgun. Officers arrived quickly and took Marshal into custody before the situation escalated further and no one was injured by the firearm. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Battery.

Both of these incidents were isolated and there is no threat to the general public.