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Crime down, but two Collier sheriff’s candidates cite need for change
DAVID ALBERS
The three candidates for Collier County Sheriff, Vinny Angiolillo, Victor Ortino and Kevin Rambosk, left to right, debate the issues in a public forum in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff
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Crime is down.
Traffic fatalities are increasingly rare.
Yet for 10 months, two of the three candidates for Collier County sheriff have campaigned on the need for change at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Private investigator Victor Ortino says the agency is marked by cover-ups, botched cases, mismanagement, corruption and poor morale.
“There’s a lot of problems going on in that department,” Ortino said.
Local businessman Vinny Angiolillo has been even harsher in his criticisms, at one point comparing the Sheriff’s Office to a gang.
In an e-mail, Angiolillo said Collier residents “are tired of the Corruption, Harassment, bullying, unfair police and court actions due to lying, hiding the truth, sidestepping and out and out Dishonesty.”
Of the three candidates, only Kevin Rambosk, the former Collier undersheriff, has stood up for the agency.
“Law enforcement and public safety is a living, breathing entity, which is really why law enforcement today has become so complex,” Rambosk said. “Mistakes are going to be made. It’s what you do with that that’s important.”
Two recent cases have been brought up in the campaign as examples of corruption and mismanagement at the agency — the retirement of a jail captain amid allegations of misconduct, and reprimands of three deputies for bragging about slacking on the job.
Ortino also has cited the case of a multimillionaire who was killed by a drunken driver as an example of a case botched by the Sheriff’s Office.
Allegations of a cover-up
It was late May when then-Capt. Chris Freeman, a 22-year Sheriff’s Office veteran, abruptly retired from his position in the Collier County jail, citing personal reasons.
In an agency-wide e-mail dated May 27, Sheriff Don Hunter mentioned Freeman’s “superior accomplishments” on the job.
But what came out in the weeks that followed indicated that there may have been more to the story.
The fracas actually began in April when Hunter received two anonymous letters alleging unethical behavior on Freeman’s part, including allegations of sexual harassment. A female subordinate of Freeman told an investigator that she performed a sex act on Freeman three times, and felt “intimidated” and “controlled” by him, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
When Hunter asked Freeman for his side of the story, Freeman said it didn’t happen the way the employee described. Instead of fighting the allegations, which he said he would have been cleared of, Freeman retired.
The female employee refused to give a statement, officials said. When asked by an investigator if she wanted to file a criminal complaint for sexual battery, the employee asked for time to think about it and never did.
Ortino and Angiolillo have both pointed to the case as an example of a cover-up in the Sheriff’s Office.
“You could call that corruption,” Ortino said. “Don Hunter himself wrote a letter saying how great Chris Freeman was when there were these allegations pending.”
Angiolillo said the Sheriff’s Office failed to investigate the case properly before Freeman’s retirement.
“I frankly believe that the female that was (involved), they asked her not to make a complaint,” he said. “In fact, in most internal investigations that are fair and balanced, they would get a signed statement to begin with, then complete the investigation using true facts.”
Hunter said in July that there was no known law violation and no proof of a policy violation. He said the case was handled properly.
The worst thing that could have happened to Freeman, Hunter said, was his removal from the agency.
Rambosk, who was serving as an executive officer with no supervisory duties at the time of Freeman’s retirement, said he was out of the chain of command at the time and had nothing to do with Freeman’s case.
Freeman donated $500 to Rambosk’s campaign in March.
Ortino questions why, if Rambosk had nothing to do with the case, his initials and badge number appear on the top of Freeman’s resignation letter.
“I served as (Sheriff Don Hunter’s) conduit to human resources,” Rambosk said. “That’s what the executive officer does. I got everything routed through me. Every resignation. A variety of other documents.”
oh, hello. I hate my job :-)
Since announcing his candidacy, Ortino has regularly expressed concern about deputy morale.
Seeming to lend credence to his concerns were the reprimands of three deputies in February after an investigation revealed they had used an internal messaging system to complain about their jobs.
“oh, hello. I hate my job :-)” and “have I told you recently that I hate my job,” were examples of messages written by a sergeant to two subordinates. The investigation revealed that for more than four months that same sergeant made no arrests, wrote no reports, and failed to issue any traffic citations or warnings.
Ortino said the case showed a “lack of proper supervision and delegation.”
Rambosk called it an “isolated case,” and said neither Ortino nor Angiolillo have supervised enough people to “understand the ramifications of poor morale.”
Rambosk pointed to the Sheriff’s Office’s successes - its lowest crime rate since at least 1971; declining traffic fatalities four years in a row - as proof that there isn’t a morale problem at the Sheriff’s Office.
“They’re not going to accomplish all of these things with poor morale,” Rambosk said. “They’re just not going to do it.”
He also pointed out that in May the Economic Development Council of Collier County recognized the Sheriff’s Office as one of the six best places in the county to work, citing its voluntary retirement plan, paid time off and 8.7 percent turnover rate.
“That’s an independent review,” Rambosk said. “We didn’t say that. They did.”
A botched case successfully prosecuted?
It was around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2002, that 68-year-old Michael Moritz and his wife, Lou Ann, left the Hilton Naples for the 15-minute drive to the beachfront home they were renting on Gulfshore Drive.
Around the same time, Jeffrey Scott Ryals’ tan pickup was weaving and speeding around North Naples before turning onto U.S. 41 North. Just south of Vanderbilt Beach Road the pickup collided with the Moritzs’ rental car.
The driver of the pickup vanished into the night.
Michael Moritz later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
When met at home, Ryals, who had a history of drinking and driving, told deputies that the truck must have been stolen from his yard.
Ortino was hired by the Moritz family to investigate the case.
He tracked down witnesses, kept tabs on Ryals and scoured local bars to re-create Ryals’ whereabouts the night of the crash.
It wasn’t until November 2004 that Ryals was arrested and charged with Moritz’s death. He eventually was convicted.
Hunter credited the arrest to work done by an assistant state attorney, a Sheriff’s Office traffic homicide investigator, and deputies.
Moritz’s widow credited the case being closed to Ortino’s work, and is now supporting his candidacy.
Ortino contends the Sheriff’s Office botched the case, and many others.
“I have spent years investigating their mistakes on various cases,” Ortino said.
Though Moritz was killed before Rambosk started with the Sheriff’s Office, he said it’s “clearly not the case,” that Ortino solved the case.
“Certainly this was a tragic and serious case, but there are many, and we’re talking about one case,” Rambosk said. “Which was solved by the way. Which was successfully prosecuted.”
Collier deputies work about 8,000 traffic accidents a year, Rambosk said. With that number of cases, he said mistakes occasionally will be made.
“No law enforcement agency or business is perfect,” Rambosk said. “We are successful most of the time, or a majority of the time.”
Comments
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The more stuff I read the more I come to realize that Vinny and Victor use interchangable parts. The only one who is truly qualified here is Rambosk. When you review the Bios of all the other Sheriffs around the state at www.flsheriffs.org you quickly realize that Collier County would have the weakest educated, least experienced Sheriff in the state if Victor or Vinny were elected. What kind of message would that send to Tallahassee? The residents of this county desirve a man that intelligently speaks to the issues not one that would make silly statements with no regard to fact. Too much is at stake here to risk our future in the hands of lightweights. Vote for Rambosk...Like me and so many others already have. It really felt good to do my part to protect the community I love. Kevin Rambosk will be a great Sheriff for Collier County. (no candidate has approved this message especially not Vinny and Victor)
#1 Posted by Slingblade on August 16, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have spoken to so many deputies these past few months. With a single exception they all want Ortino to be the new sheriff. The problems Ortino cites and many more were told to me, as were how the low morale and high turnover rates adversely affect the ability to police our community. Crime is down, and thats great, but its not due to the current regime in power. It's due to the professional rank and file. Certainly there is a tremendous lack of leadership in the sheriffs department. I agree with Ortino and the deputies.
Ortino for sheriff!!
#2 Posted by W_Coyote on August 16, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like Ortino is getting desperate, blaming Rambosk for things that happened before he even worked for the Sheriff's Office. Sounds like paranoid delusions....oh wait that's Vinnie's election strategy.
#3 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 16, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey former undersheriff who was forced to resign because of federal law violations, check the facts. You are wrong about fatalities, according to Florida Highway Patrol Statistics:
Traffic fatalities in Collier County according to FHP
2004 57
2005 55
2006 56
2007 54 (Not a final number, according to the public information officer for FHP out of Troop F).
#4 Posted by mothernature on August 16, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This story only begins to tell the tale of why change is so desperately needed at the sheriffs department. I have also spoke to many deputies, and know many personally. I spoke to the sergeant involved in the messaging incident. There is a lot more to that story than was printed or was in the file and investigation conducted by the sheriffs department. The sergeant was quite intelligent and did not say anything negative about any individuals very lucidly and articulately told me what I wanted to know. The sergeant did not try to sway me to a candidate, but it was pretty obvious that he thinks its time. So do I.
Ortino for sheriff.
#5 Posted by longtimecitizen on August 16, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another botched drug bust...
http://www.nbc-2.com/NewsScripts/0808...
#6 Posted by mothernature on August 16, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey People take this (below)in conjunction with Mr. Ortino not coming forward about his actually being fired from the Florida Highway Patrol and putting in writing that he was ashamed to be a Trooper...Now that is a cover up not by Rambosk not by Hunter but by Ortino.
Please Read On....
Public record...Ortino's right hand man, David Rich....Read on....
Collier deputy fired after probe reveals sexual images on his Web site
By RYAN MILLS
Originally published 11:43 p.m., April 18, 2007
Updated 06:24 a.m., April 19, 2007
For about seven years Collier County sheriff’s Deputy David E. Rich, a motorcycle enthusiast, maintained a Web site chronicling his and his wife’s experiences at outdoor motorcycle events.
But in December, Rich, 38, was fired after an internal investigation revealed the Web site not only contained photos of people having innocent fun, but also of nude women and women performing oral sex. Also, during a separate investigation stemming from a failed polygraph test, Rich admitted to having witnessed online pornography involving minors, authorities said. Rich, who is now employed with the private investigation firm Ortino Investigations, described the Web site as a “hobby-type fun thing,” and said the photos of women engaging in oral sex were posted inadvertently or were overlooked, a Sheriff’s Office report shows. And he said in an appeal that polygraph tests are extremely subjective and claimed the examiners who administered the test had a conflict of interest.
“I was downloading ‘My Teen Wife.’ I think I trashed it. I think I trashed the whole thing,” Rich said during his first examination.
“I tend to think no. I have no memory of the content,” Rich said. “I remember seeing one clip of a girl and a boy, I should say male and female. ... If the title said 15, it would have been a curiosity thing.”
Rich also told investigators he viewed an online movie called “My Girlfriend and I,” featuring two “high school”-age girls engaged in a pillow fight and kissing each other, and a video titled “Teen Prostitute Video,” where the girls appeared to be at least 18, the investigation revealed.
When asked again if he’d ever seen any pornography depicting people under 18, Rich said. “I’m sure I have. I’ll say yes.”
#7 Posted by IMjustsayN on August 16, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I been talking to the cops in my neighborhood too. Like the other poster said, only one was for the incumbent. The rest, and I am talking like 20 or more, all want Ortino. Some were afraid to talk to me about the race. That says a lot. The messes and coverups this story talks about, the low morale, everything tell me that this guy needs to go and its time for new blood. Ortino has my vote and the votes of most everyone of the deputies. This county needs a new sheriff and that sheriff needs to be Ortino
#8 Posted by nevercaredB4 on August 16, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What about the deputy under a PRB for the Canadian border incident, what about the deputy who had a protective order against him who is now fighting his ex-wife's return to Florida with their children? (I don't know how any father would want his children to stay away from him). His PRB is still open too from January. What about the deputy who had to go to a psych eval and there is still information being awaited to see if possible criminal charges are being filed? The article just has a few cases mentioned. All of the ones mentioned in this post are still active....
#9 Posted by mothernature on August 16, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Go Ortino. You are right about Freeman. Cover up. Read the interview Jim Williams did with one of the people involved. It's public record go read it or request a copy. As for the cops who said they hate their job they were joking. Yes if you are a Sgt. who was beat down for a year being told we don't want you here, we're coming after you you might not like your job either. The Sgt. has been there 17 years & when he wouldn't drink the kool-aid when offered by high ups in the command center he was told they'd get him. When he told Jim Williams it wasn't his job as a deputy sheriff to get his man elected he was told he was coming after him (yes a group of deputies were put in a room & told it's their job as deputy sheriff's to get his man elected & do whatever they have to), when your Lt. tells you to change an evaluation you did on one of your guys cause the Lt. doesn't like him & you refuse then the Lt. says watch your back. How would you feel? Where was his Lt. if he truly wasn't working for 4 months. Come on what a crock. The Sgt. was working he could of proved it but they left all evidence out of his file. Anyone that knows the Sgt. knows the truth. By the way ex-undersheriff don't you rememeber years ago how you lied to said Sgt. a few times while he was in headquarters?
The ex-undersheriff & his people have been & still are trying to get rid of most of the good cops that have been there a while & have morals & ethics.
#10 Posted by Toesmom on August 16, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
like has anyone noticed how mean and quick tempered the deputies are all the time? I guess its because they all dont like their boss and their situation at the sheriffs department. That has to change. Those guys and gals do so much for us the least we can do is give them the new boss they want, and thats Ortino.
I am like so tired of mean deputies with such bad attitudes. Its time for like some serious change. Ortino! Woo hoo!
#11 Posted by diamondgrl on August 16, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
another drug bust that was no good? oh my god. it is so so time for Ortino!!!
#12 Posted by diamondgrl on August 16, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, I've wondered why the lieutenant in the case about the slacking deputies wasn't disciplined for lack of supervision? You'd think he'd know if his sergeant wasn't working for four months. I guess if you ticked off the command staff or the tribal boys, you'd have a target on your back too.
#13 Posted by mothernature on August 16, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lowest crime rate? Look at these stats.
Information from Florida Department of Law Enforcement..as reported by CCSO
Murders reported
Collier County as a whole (CC)
Collier County Sheriff's Office (SO)
Naples Police Department (NPD)
Marco Island Police Department (MPD)
2007
CC 16
SO 15
MPD 1
2006
CC 7
SO 6
NPD 1
2005
CC 9
SO 9
2004
CC 14
SO 14
2003
CC 10
SO 10
2002
CC 7
SO 7
2001
CC 10
SO 9
NPD 1
2000
CC 13
SO 13
1999
CC 7
SO 7
1998
CC 4
SO 4
1997, not broken down, 16
1997, not broken down, 4
Total felony crime clearance rates: (Very interesting on NPD numbers since Rambosk left)
1998
CC 19.10
SO 18.45
NPD 23,74
1999
CC 20.14
SO 20.14
NPD 25.22
2000
CC 22.4
SO 22.6
NPD 26.9
MPD 6.3
2001
CC 19.20
SO 18.68
NPD 26.24
MPD 11.90
2002
CC 20.7
SO 19.3
NPD 31.8
MPD 18.8
2003
CC 23.7
SO 22.2
NPD 35.2
MPD 15.3
2004
CC 24.6
SO 23.1
NPD 37.1
MPD 18.1
2005
CC 24.3
SO 23.2
NPD 34.2
MPD 21.9
2006
CC 25.3
SO 23.9
NPD 35
MPD 23.4
2007
CC 29
SO 27.3
NPD 42,2
MPD 22.2
Clearance rates in Collier County, including Collier County Sheriff's Office and Marco Island Police Department have remained steady over the past 10 years, according to documents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
However, the clearance rate has sky-rocketed since Kevin Rambosk left as chief of police in 1999.
Since Rambosk became employed by the Sheriff's Office in 2003 and through 2007, FDLE records show that Collier County Sheriff's Office had its highest murder rate since 1997. Those numbers include 10 murders in 2003, 14 murders in 2004 and 15 murders in 2007.
#14 Posted by mothernature on August 16, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You guys are such huge liars. I am one of the rank and file and me and my co-workers have very frank and open discussions about this election. As any real cops know, when we are amongst ourselves we don't pull any punches. Every cop I know, with one exception (and he's an idiot), fully supports Rambosk. He's a nice guy and looks out for good cops. Every dealing I've had with him has been good and I have no complaints about the guy. He's got the experience and it shows when you talk to him. No one has pressured anyone into voting for Rambosk, those Deputies that show up to support him, do just that, support him. No one is being pressured, you guys watch too much TV.
Ortino complains about change being needed at the S.O.,how does he know? Our crime rate is down, we keep a tight rein on our gang activity, our agency wins awards out the ying yang, what would he change exactly? The very few bad apples that are at the S.O.? He even acknowledges that the overwhelming majority of S.O. employees are good cops. Can anyone name a business that does not have a few bad apples? Heck, ask Ortino, he hires them! The only cops he talks to are disgruntled losers and ex-deputies that were fired for very good reasons. Is that what he's basing his decisions on? None of the cops I work with have ever met the guy, how would he know what we think is good for the S.O.? Oh, that's right. He's got his panel of losers to tell him. What makes everyone think that Ortino won't promote people that are just as incompetant or currupt as he is alleging the people under the current administration are. Heck, he admittedly has very limited law enforcement experience, read his resume, how the heck would he even know who to promote?
And Vinnie......do I really need to say anything?
#15 Posted by localcop on August 16, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mothernature,
So your saying Rambosk is responsible for these murders? Your an idiot, please stop typing things, you only emberrass yourself.
#16 Posted by localcop on August 16, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also "mothernature" or whatever user name you're currently logged in under, anyone could set up multiple accounts, as you obviously have. We just have more integrity and better things to do with our time. You're not fooling anyone.
#17 Posted by localcop on August 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
W_Coyote,
I don't which deputies you are talking to. I can tell you 97 % of the deputies are supporting Kevin Rambosk so quit making false statements that are not true. Any one with half of a brain only has to look at the qualifications and realize Kevin Rambosk in the only candidate qualified for the job. Give it up Ortino supporters it's over.
#18 Posted by lawyerboy on August 16, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If a certain investigation from a different entity comes in as they expect, then some people may be in jail instead, lawyerboy. Wonder who they may be investigating? I don't know for sure, but I do know it's not the next Collier County Sheriff Victor Ortino.
#19 Posted by mothernature on August 16, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you to all the candidates for running for Sheriff of Collier County.
I support Kevin Rambosk and will be voting for him on August 26th, election day.
I am sick, tired and quite frankly disgusted by all the negative, stupid slurs that Vic and Vinny continue to direct at our Sheriff's Deparment and it's fine men and women who protect and serve all of us.
I can not believe one word that these two men sling, because not once do they give credit to the current department that continues to function in a postive, proactive manner. They are trying to make the public think that they will ride in on a white stallion and save the day. What a bunch of Bu&@s*&t these two meanderers are full of -- do they really think that the voters of this county are that dumb? What an insult.
Kevin Rambosk is an honest, proactive, educated and experienced peace officer who has the support and backing of the current sheriff department ranks and will be a fine sheriff when he is elected on August 26th.
VOTE FOR KEVIN RAMBOSK FOR SHERIFF OF COLLIER COUNTY.
#20 Posted by MarcoRobert on August 16, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99% of the deputies are behind Ortino. Don't fool yourself into thinking or believing otherwise.
I just thought after re reading this article that the sergeant who hated his job might have liked it better if he had followed Freeman's example. Force a subordinate to perform sex acts for you. Hmmm. Maybe instead of being demoted he would have been permitted to retire in good standing, no questions asked, no investigation. Wake up people.
Ortino for sheriff.
#21 Posted by W_Coyote on August 17, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to know. If elected Sheriff would Ortino REHIRE all the rightfully fired deputy's that work for him? I think the fact that he hired them in the first place tells Collier County the type of sheriff he would be. One that is just out to make a buck.
Also, around town I have seen his campaign posters and the list of all of his so called 'qualifications'. I dont want the person in charge of my families safety to have ZERO background in profesional law enforcment.
Congrats Sheriff Rambosk.
#22 Posted by Swfla73 on August 17, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
W_Coyote,
I talked to some deputies last week about these blogs and some of them believed they knew who you were. Your comment above seems to indicate that they were right. If that is true then I can see where you get your animosity from as well as your apparent "inside info" about the CCSD.
Swfla73,
That is a question I would like to ask as well. Would Mr Ortino who has hired some ex-deputies, re-hire those deputies if he was elected. Would those half dozen disgruntled active deputies (some of who were disciplined and/or demoted) be re-promoted or otherwise vindicated under his administration?
This question is every bit as interesting and important as anything you could ask about Mr Freeman.
Coyote? What do you think?
#23 Posted by TruthHurtz on August 17, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coyote is the least effective campaign manager EVER.
But when your candidate Ortino has nothing to offer and you're WAY over your head...That's what happens.
No one believes your nonsense. Go back to Lee County and play golf. Get your wife to write some more letters.
#24 Posted by iamrepublican on August 17, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been through a lot of elections, but I have never seen so much mud splattered on the uniforms of our brave men and women at CCSO. These two unqualified Bozos are trying to seize political control by dragging great cops and their great accomplishments through the mud. It would be a sad day indeed if enough people listened to this BS an actually elected somebody like this. They would be thrown out of office in less than 6 months for malfeseance and incompetance.
Kevin Rambosk is the only qualified candidate. Kevin Rambosk is going to be the Sheriff-elect of Collier County in just 10 days.
Quit being delusional--nobody in their right mind is ever going to put Vic or Vinny in any position of real power because the the disaster that would result.
#25 Posted by Sheepdog on August 17, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well stated, sheepdog. Nice job.
The Vinnie/Victor candidacies are an embarrassment not only to themselves, their families and their supporters, but they disgrace CCSO deputies at every turn... That disgusts me and everyone I know.
THAT'S why 99 percent of CCSO already voted for Rambosk.
#26 Posted by nickm on August 17, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is very sad when you have to resort to preying on a wealthy family's grief and get them to pay for your campaign materials. Very telling of what kind of person and candidate you are.
Love the NDN bags today---paid for by donated funds from a supportive and interested constituency. Sure trumps the prison stripe stickers from "up north".
#27 Posted by Annapolis1979 on August 17, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gotta love irony. The guy who collected a paycheck from taxpayers and wrote the little email about hating his job? Big Ortino supporter with large contributions to his campaign and Ortino signs on his truck.
Toesmom do you hate your job as an Ortino blogger as much as your husband hates his at the CCSD?
#28 Posted by sesame2u on August 17, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First off, I blog under one name and one name only.
Secondly, no I don't blame the ex-forced to resign undersheriff for the murder rate. However, I do blame him for not getting his facts straight. He is the only one on the "inside" and able to get the stats. How come he brings up "lowest crime rate since 1971? Is he taking credit for that? If he's going to say it, then he has to say under his watch homicides are up. Traffic fatalities are down. And, NPD since he left has a higher solve rate than they did when he was in charge. You know, Victor Ortino would have those same stats if the CCSO PIO would quite violating 119.I again encourage anyone who would like to see the reports on Freeman and some other stuff to e-mail me. I've not had one request. Why? No one wants to know the truth about the coverups. Middlebrook, Caroline, et. al....Investigations not carried through or done improperly. Just look at the facts. You want someone in who allows things to occur that shouldn't? Vote the forced to resign ex undersheriff. You want someone in who will properly evaluate the agency from a business standpoint (that is what it is, by the way, a business) and if you want someone in who is honest, hard-working and cares about not only his people but the Collier County community including Everglades City and Immokalee, vote Victor Ortino. As to hiring back people who were fired? Everyone can apply. But that doesn't mean they'll be hired back. If there is a position open and that person is the best for the job and has what it takes to do what is right, then the person will get hired. Victor Ortino has made that clear. Just ask him.....someone said many deputies have not even talked to him, well, maybe it's time they did instead of listening to the falsehoods being said by the former undersheriff supporters.
#29 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Annapolis, that is really a cruel-hearted thing to say to someone who lost a loved one in a fatal crash that went unsolved for years until Victor Ortino was hired. Did you ever stop to think that maybe the family did it because they truly believe in what Victor Ortino stands for? Meaning, investigating crimes and solving them without a conviction being overturned because of ineptitude?
#30 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have also spoked too many deputies within the Collier County Sheriff's Office. I have not met one, yet, who said that they want Victor Ortino for their next Sheriff. They say that the claims of morale being low are mere fabrications of a few disgruntled. Being a former member in the armed service(s) and manager in the business community, I think that many would agree that there are always a few disgruntled who complain about how unfair or how bad the working conditions might be. In my conversations with many CCSO deputies, this just does not seem to be the case. Crime is down! Pay scales are up! and they want Kevin Rambosk to lead them into the future of the agency. That should say it all.
As for claims of coverups and corruption. Where have the two candidates been? Over the past several years several news articles have appeared in this publication wherein, and after an IA investigation was completed, deputies were disciplined or dismissed for misconduct. That included those in supervisory roles. And if I am not mistaken, I believe one of those supervisors now is an employee with one of the candidates for Sheriff. Could this be one of those so many deputies that want Ortino, that Mr. Otino is speaking about? Would he reappoint that person(s) who were terminated from the Sheriff's Office? There are always a rare few in Law Enforcement that act inappropriately, sad but true. From what I have read over the years, it seems that the Sheriff's Office takes action when they are alerted.
As for the claim of botched cases, a congratulations to Mr. Ortino in the drunk driving case is in order. But one case, and the only one he has cited, does not indicate to me, that the Sheriff's Office cannot investigate criminal complaints. Does that mean that if elected, Mr. Ortino would have to terminate or retrain each investigator on how to properly do their job? And if memory serves me correctly, was Mr. Ortino not admonished by the Judge overseeing the trial for what was concisered, coaching witness testimony?
You can sling as much mud as possible, but in the end the only candidate I have heard that is qualified to be Sheriff in Collier County is Kevin Rambosk.
I have already voted for Kevin Rambosk, and I believe that on August 26 the citizens in Collier County will do the same.
#31 Posted by concernedcolliercitizen on August 17, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sesame, why not bring up the guy who is a big ex-undersheriff supporter who gave the limit and then retired before facing disgrace. Oh, that's right, the cover up was reported by NBC 2. I wonder what else they have waiting to come out. Oh, and they did the story Friday at 5:30 about another drug bust being overturned....Seems to me someone needs to have proper training in place to make sure the busts stick, instead of criminals being allowed to roam free. That's why Victor Ortino needs to be the next sheriff. He will implement training and remedial training if need be instead of just slapping the tribal boys and the chosen ones on the back of their hands. You speak of Victor Ortino not having qualifications, well I wonder how you are going to feel if BO becomes a command staff person (as she has been promised if the ex-undersheriff wins) and is in charge of deputies? That just downright scares me.
#32 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Concerned, would you like copies of the information regarding cover ups? I'll be more than happy to send them to you.
#33 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No one is listening to you talk to yourself, Mother. Go tighten your bun.
#34 Posted by youannoyme on August 17, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, You don't want the truth and facts out. That's why no one has taken me up on my offer...
#35 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mothernature, You say change is needed. Is that why Vic hired Freeman as an advisor?
#36 Posted by slash on August 17, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
is mothernature the big woman with the bun and the old fashion blue suit? is that Ortino's mother?
#37 Posted by plextone on August 17, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Victor Ortino did NOT hire that .... person. Also, no, I'm not the woman with the bun and the old fashioned blue suit. I'm not Vic's mom either. She is a very very gracious, proper woman and for people to say bad things about anyone's mother should be chastised at least. Better yet, go to work. I'm sure the CCSO needs you.
#38 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ok was just wonderin who that woman was. I had heard that his mother is a nice lady so I didnt figure it was her. thanks.
#39 Posted by plextone on August 17, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the reaason NPD clearance stats are so high is because they get as many victims as they can to sign waiver of prosecutions, therefore no investigation, no arrest, but case cleared. see how many they clear by arrest. In the words of Mark Twain, "there are 3 kinds of lies -- LIES = DAMM LIES & STATISTICS" Also if you have a guy arrested for a crime and you offer him a deal to cop out to several other burglaries or thefts with the deal of no prosecution you get clearances for that, heck if you don't prosecute me I will cop out to just about most anything, cause the courts will see how I cooperated maybe give me less punishment because I helped the police. If you really research the clearances rates higher than 30% is rare, and NPD ain't that great of department, read the Mulletwrapper.
#40 Posted by nixeyfighter on August 17, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So, Nixeyfighter, does the same hold true for crime rates? Like, hey, we found your stuff so let's not make a burglary report? If so, that would definitely explain the "declining" crime rate. I think this may just be so. Would be interesting to see the CAD reports vs. the actual reports taken. I bet the "statistics" based on your explanation above, are lies then? I guess you don't like NPD because you are bashing them now too? How low can some people go to say hey, the ex undersheriff who was forced to resign because of federal law violations has lowered the crime rate, but statistics lie? Isn't that called double-speak?
#41 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
W Coyote...you spew many lies on this forum. 99% of CCSO members are for Rambosk. We talk to each other often about it. You do not work for CCSO...(anymore), so move on, you're not coming back.
As for the blogger who says deputies don't want to talk about the election....in uniform, deputies are required to refrain from political discussions with the public. But they all want Rambosk.
Ortino and Vinny are good at what they do: PI stuff and limo driving.
#42 Posted by shwing on August 17, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scwing,
You say you talk often about it. Is that when you are at work?
Also, if they aren't supposed to be talking about it at work, then why the ex-undersheriff's sign outside a substation? Isn't that called a hostile work environment? Any attorneys out there to answer that one? I think that may be putting pressure on deputies who are voting for your next sheriff, Victor Ortino.....
#43 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raise your hand if you are getting bored with the Ortino supporters slinging the same mud over and over?
I already cast my vote for Kevin Rambosk for Sheriff.
I voted early and it was great. The lines were short. Everyone should take advantage of early voting.
#44 Posted by shezabetty on August 17, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Code enforcement is requesting all temporary Realtor and political signs be removed until the passage of Fay.
Here's the link.
http://www.naplesnews.com/blogs/tropi...
Please do so as much as possible to keep the community safe...Those metal sticks could cause major damage to someone.
Stay safe all...
#45 Posted by mothernature on August 17, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The crime rate is down because of citizens being harassed at night driving and being locked up by the "pony gang"
#46 Posted by MONKABOY on August 17, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It appears Vinny and Victor are really reaching to find something that will work for them. Their claims are weak at best and cannot counter the good that is done by the agency. I think it’s too late for them and there will be some very disappointed supporters in another week.
#47 Posted by GeeRide on August 17, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From what I've read, the Ortino supporters blame Rambosk for everything negative, and then won't give him credit when credit is due.
#48 Posted by GeeRide on August 17, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Has anyone seen the bumper stickers on cars that read, "Sarintino for sheriff, not serve and protect but harass and collect"?
#49 Posted by SandnSurf on August 17, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ortino, the very guy you cite in the article of getting in trouble for not doing his job (Lauer), to my suprise as I drove by, was at the Orange Blossom library wearing your shirt and holding up your sign on Saturday! So, some how this is Rambosk's fault? I suppose it was Rambosk's fault for Baum, Caperton, Knott, Rich, Varnold too? Well, they all work for you now, you sure like the fired, disgruntled and incompetent.
Further, you critque the investigative section of the agency to spite Mr. Williams, but what you really are doing is spitting in the face of your friend, ret. Chief Stiess as he set up much of the investigative section (sgt, capt and chief) as it is today!
I have spoken to many of your supporters and asked them what your platform was, not one could answer that question, they just said they were your friends.
Trashing deputies in the public, newspaper and forums, then apologizing to them (privately) in person is YELLOW politics.
#50 Posted by Vetres73 on August 17, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Smokedcow, Rambosk started as a Patrolman and worked his way up. How is that not amounting to squat? How is working years as a patrolman not putting your life on the line? Ortino has between 18 months and 3 years of law enforcement experience. What arrests has he made? When has his life been on the line? How many police officers has he successfully commanded?
I have read the public records and press. Rambosk has done outstanding work. You and others keep saying he let Freeman off. Everything I’ve read indicated Hunter made that decision. I don’t know when Rambosk started telling Hunter what to do.
How about you provide some solid facts to back up your allegations?
#51 Posted by GeeRide on August 17, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Again, the Moritz case. Let's make it simple....Vic hired by family, large reward comes up, magically witness comes forward, Vic interviews witness, takes info to CCSD who adds it to the investigation, submits warrant to the SAO, warrant issued, arrest made. Vic, what magic did you perform to solve this? FYI, unsolved homicides are never closed (quit using the LIE), they may become inactive but never closed.
Coyote, attend one of the Rambosk functions and you will see where the hundreds of deputies are, and I mean deputies not command! You are a dreaming fool, even if they did not like Rambosk, they would never, ever elect a non-cop..... This is now not then, deputies have a choice and it is Rambosk! Never have I seen so much support from the rank and file!
#52 Posted by Vetres73 on August 17, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
were you?
#53 Posted by Vetres73 on August 17, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SHCgirl, I think Rambosk explained it; Hunter drafted his Freeman memo, and as the Sheriff, he sent it to those under his command for review. Rambosk initialed it, indicating he received and read it. If anything, it made him aware of Hunter’s decision. So what lies are you referring to?
You can’t find Ortino’s arrests? Then how can you say Kevin has only made a dozen? He was a cop in the early 80’s so you would not find all of his arrest either.
The Sheriff is ultimately in command. The Under-Sheriff shares the embarrassment and blame when stupid people do stupid things. The entire agency has to share this embarrassment as well. Based on what I’ve read about this incident, I see nothing criminal about how the agency handled it.
#54 Posted by GeeRide on August 17, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All this talk about experience. What experience did Don Hunter have before he was elected Sheriff? He had very little..to no prior leo experience, yet he was a great Sheriff. Problem is, as with all who stay in power too long, he became corrupt in letting certain people walk out the door with honors when they would not have. Too many corrupt still embedded within the department. Time for a new road, and that will soon happen when the smart people of this county vote in VICTOR ORTINO FOR SHERIFF OF COLLIER COUNTY!
#55 Posted by AnewDay on August 17, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not blind Cow, the facts are there were never any police reports filed accusing him of rape. (Anonymous notes to the sheriff are not police reports.) If someone had come forward and made an actual report, (like you ex’s party friend did) this would have been a whole different ball game. And when I referred to “nothing criminal” I was referring to allegations made on theses blogs that the S.O. (Specifically Rambosk) committed a criminal conspiracy/cover-up. Don’t let your rage blind you.
#56 Posted by GeeRide on August 17, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
an allegation is not proof. The female refused to make an official statement & you can't make a girl give a bj & tell about it. She sounds like she didn't get what she thought she was going to out of her oral exercises & tried to make an anonymous complaint to punish him.
And all of you making up stats about current CCSO Deputies being pro Ortino are pulling #'s from a dark place I don't care to go.
Rambosk is the only qualified candidate.
#57 Posted by DCoop on August 17, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DCoop - she has not yet made an official statement. I don't think the statutes of limitations have run yet. Your statement is disgusting for any female reading it. Do you have any inside knowledge as to what happened? If you do, please let us know, if you do not, you seem to want to exonerate Mr. Freeman without knowing the facts.
#58 Posted by momforjustice on August 17, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How many Rambosk supporters does it take to change a lightbulb?
None.
They don't want anything to come to light.
#59 Posted by cardshark9 on August 17, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How many Ortino supporters does it take to change a light bulb?
All five of them.
HA - I crack myself up.
#60 Posted by lynncon on August 17, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How much training is necessary to make a drug bust stick?
http://www.2dca.org/opinions/Opinion_...
#61 Posted by cardshark9 on August 17, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VetRes73, you are wrong. I work for the S.O. and I along with many others are supporting Ortino for Sheriff. Its time all this crap changed. I'm not ignorant, stupid or disgruntled. I've just seen too much and KR can not, is to afraid, to make it right. You're also wrong about who works for Ortino. If you'd like to call there and ask them, I'm sure they'd be glad to tell you who does. But you dont have the gnads to do that, do you?
Its really sad that in this country, a person cant support who they want without repercussions. I dont know who is going to win this election, but I know there are a lot of us who are trying very hard to change the image of this place. Ortino can make that change happen. Kevin is too weak.
ORTINO FOR SHERIFF 2008.
#62 Posted by ccso_id on August 18, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ortino does not have to claim any of them work for him, they are all sub-contacted... You speak of weakness have you been to a forum? Vic shakes, his voice trembles, can't speak without printed text in front of him. Give me a break with weakness. Have you been around long enough to witness who left when Hunter took over? They thought he could not change anything either, look at Vic's contrbutors you'll see their names. Further, you are obviously disgruntled by your support of Ortino and the tone of all your blogs. I highly doubt you work for the agency as it would be quite obvious in your performance. Again, true cops will not support a pretender. Disappointed in TL though w/o Rambosk he would be working for Vic now. Fact is most Ortino bloggers nailed the agency for not firing TL when his discipline hit the paper?????
RAMBOSK FOR SHERIFF!
#63 Posted by Vetres73 on August 18, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Go big O.....
O as in OMG...my daughter ripped off a Target Store with over 1,000 in goods...as an employee.
O as in OMG....my exwife still endorses me.
O as in OMG....my previous experience...Oh I forgot minimal experience in law enforcement wannabe with impersonal FHP...no local community enforcement 4 me.
Big O so sorry,
BUT
Rambosk is 4 the safety of my family.
Vinnie.....forgettaboutit!
#64 Posted by beetlejuice on August 18, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, Jim Williams who interviewed the alleged sex crime victim DID tell her it was a PRB at the beginning. You want the proof? I have it from FDLE in the statement. Do you want a copy? I'll e-mail it to you. Just let me know. So far no one has taken me up on the documentation, well, I have to restate that, one entity has contacted me wanting the information. I wonder what they are going to do with it? Add it to their other investigation? I wonder who it could be???? They know I have all sorts of info...from court cases, FDLE and a few from CCSO. But of course, I have had to go to the State Attorney General's office and now have had to go do more because they are violating Florida State Statute 119. As for the ex undersheriff, did anyone check to see how many of his cases were overturned when he was a cop? It sure is interesting how many have been nolo prosse, no charges filed and overturned on appeal.....I checked...
#65 Posted by mothernature on August 18, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beetlejuice, are you jealous that people can have a healthy relationship with an ex? Are you the deputy who still has an open PRB because of the January protective order? Are you the same deputy who is fighting his ex-wife's return to Florida with their children? I cannot believe a father wouldn't want his children closer to him so he can be a mentor...Oh, that's right, you can't do some of the things he was accused of doing and still be a good mentor. I find it refreshing that people who divorced can still be on good terms with their ex, especially when children (no matter the age) are involved. It says a lot about a person who remains in their childrens' lives. Try it sometime, it really makes the kids feel good.
#66 Posted by mothernature on August 18, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vet73, your perception is skewed from drinking the koolaid. Vic doesnt shake. If any one of those other people you mentioned worked or subcontracted with him, he would tell you. He's not a liar like some here at the SO. You just dont have the gnads to call and ask or email him and ask. Drink some more Koolaid and go back to sleep.
#67 Posted by ccso_id on August 18, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beetlejuice comments on every story that is in the paper. He must spend all day long dispensing his "pearls of wisdom" for all of us that need to be educated by his opinions. Get a life.
#68 Posted by cardshark9 on August 18, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll vote for the candidate that lays out this truth: crime is down because population is down, if the city and the county are laying off workers due to the slow down - what is the Sheriff's Office doing?
There are too many deputies hanging around with no real purpose! And the taxpayers are footing the bill!
#69 Posted by naples4kids on August 18, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
naples4kids,
You want the CCSD to lay off deputies because crime is down?
ccso_id,
From reading your posts and your claims to be a CCSD member combined with your obvious lack of correct information, it seems to me that you are either lying or you are seriously disconnected with those around you.
As for the Freeman thing? Who knows? I have no opinion on it. It is disturbing however, how many people here seem to really WANT there to be some sort of criminal offense to have taken place. Inappropriate relationships occur in the workplace all the time between supervisors and subordinates. Rumors and gossip begin to take on lives of their own and agenda seekers start seeing potential causes/ victims to champion.
Has it occurred to anyone that this female employee was not sexually assaulted, that another employee made an anonymous complaint about the sexual relationship and that this female just wants the whole embarrassing situation to go away? Maybe she does not want to be a misplaced martyr in someone's political agenda... or worse yet, maybe she is voting for Kevin? Oh, the horror.
#70 Posted by TruthHurtz on August 18, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG - is it the 26th yet? It can't come quick enough. V
ote for who you want out of the three candidates and quit fussing like a bunch of 2-year-olds! You have each made up your mind as to the person you will vote for and you are not going to change anyone else's mind. So QUIT! I'm tired of hearing y'all snipe like a bunch of toddlers that need a nap.
#71 Posted by kerjolo on August 18, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you.
#72 Posted by kerjolo on August 18, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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