HAAB Backup 03/22/2001
Hispanic Affairs
Advisory Board
Backup
Documents
March 22, 2001
NOTICE OF MEETING & AGENDA
COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2001
7:00 P.M.
Golden Gate Community Center Annex Rooms 1 & 2
4701 Golden Gate Parkway
Naples, Florida
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTICES
.. Public comments will be limited to 5 minutes unless pennission for additional time is granted by the Chairman.
Collier County Ordinance No. 99-22 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities
(including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners) before the Board of County
Commissioners and its advisory boards, register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records
Department.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AGENDA
I. 7:00 P.M: Meeting called to order and determination of quorum.
II. Approval of minutes of the February 22,2001 meeting.
III. Determination of excusal of absences and/or whether to declare a vacancy on this
Board.
IV. Discussions:
A. Discussion by Robert Pina and Sofia Pagan on the affordable housing issues
presented by the City-County Workforce Housing Committee on Thursday,
March 15,2001.
B. Discussion by David Correa on lhe Workshop addressing the community's health
care issues presented by the Collier County Health Care Finance Committee on
March 21,2001.
V. Presentations by Board members.
VI. New business and public comments. ..
Follow up presentation by Mr. Victor Valdes regarding Mr. Valdes' Sheriff's
Office corruption investigation.
Discussion regarding the future interest of this Board to address the Immokalee
F armworkers' issues.
VII. Meeting adjourns.
Conf rmat i on Report - Memory Send
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03-19-01 15:37
941 774 0115
Call ier County Attorney Office
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Date 03-19 15:36
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Number of pages 002
Start time 03-19 15:36
End time 03-19 15:37
Pages sent 002
Status OK
Job number BOB *** SEND SUCCESSFUL ***
€lr"1) COLLIER. COUNTY
VA. VID C. 'VVEIGEL
COLLIER. COUNTY ATTORNEY
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FACSIlVlILE TRANSlVlrrr AL SHEET
TO; l\.oSA..RY CO"lJRTR.IG:H:T
COlVlP.A.roJY: COLLIER COUNTY SI-rERIPP'S OFFICE
TELEP.:H:ONE NO; (9401.) 793-9.2.03
F.A.CSXl\4I::LE NC>: (94.1.) 793-9333
N~BER OF PAGES -:::;7
(INCLUDING COVER SHEET)
FROJ!tl,;l:: K.A.. Y NELL.. C'L.A.,.. COLL.IER. COUN'"TY .A.. "'I-rOR.NEY"'S. OFFICE
SUBJ'EC'T: l'v.l.A.B.CI-I 19, 2001 mSP.A.N~C:: .A..FF.A..IRS .AI::>VISORY BO.A.R.I> lVIEET'ING
A'rrAC:HED IS ~ AG:E..N'DA NOTJ:CE FOR.. TFIUR..SD.AY~S l\IIE-ETING. IF YOU HAVE A:N'Y QUESTrONS~
DO NOT HEsrr.A.TE TO CONTA.CT I\.t:E .AT (941) 774-840:0.
ORIGINAL SENT BY :J.V1A.IL
YES
NO
x
TBlt ~T:.ION CONTAINED ~ TEUS F.A.Cs:a:M::J:::I:.. 1\O.Dl.SSAGE IS .A.TTORN:EV PR.XV:n:..JIii:GEU A..ND CO.NF.IDE.NTIAL
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~G" :u;J NOT 'IRE a:NTENnltD Jit&c:IP:tEN'T. YOU .A:a:&: HER.:E.&Y NOTrFIED TU.AT ANY DISSEBo!I:I:N".A..TION. DZS:TJit.XBUTLON OR
COPY OF T.a:IS C'~CATJ:ON IS STRXCTLY PRO.a:UnTED. .IF" YOU .HAVE RECEIVED ~s CO~CA.TXON rN Jt.ft.N.o.:a.
P:I...E.ASB ~I.A.TEx...y NOTDl'Y 'Os BY T:EL.E:PHO~ (XF LONG DISTANCE. Px...EA.SE: C.A.L:L C'C::U:'.L.ECT) .A.N:D BE-TURN" "IDE
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IF YOU EXF'ERI'E:NrC'E ~ PR08LE1VI:S ~ TmS 'T'R...A..1"'IS:rvJ:ISSION"... PLE.A..SE CONT.A..C"'r llv:I:E .A.T
(941) '7'7'4-8400 TI-IA..NK YDLL
(i COLLIER COUNTY
DAVID C. WEIGEL
COLLIER COUNTY ATTORNEY
Collier County Government Center
3301 East Tamiami Trail
Naples, Florida 34112-4902
Telephone: (941)774.8400
FAX: (941)774-0225
E.mail: attorney@naples.net
Ramiro Mai\alich
Heidi F. Ashton
Ellen T. Chadwell
William E. Mountford
Thomas C. Palmer
Michael W. Pettit
Jacqueline Hubbard Robinson
Marjorie M. Student
Patrick G. White
Robert N. Zachary
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
TO: MARY COURTRIGHT
COMPANY: COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
TELEPHONE NO: (941) 793-9203 FACSIMILE NO: (941) 793-9333
NUMBER OF PAGES;2 (INCLUDING COVER SHEET)
FROM: KAY NELL, CIA, COLLIER COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
SUBJECT: MARCH 19, 2001 HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
ATTACHED IS THE AGENDA NOTICE FOR THURSDAY'S MEETING. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS,
DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME AT (941) 774-8400,
ORIGINAL SENT BY MAIL YES
NO X
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN TillS FACSIMILE MESSAGE IS ATTORNEY PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY NAMED ABOVE. IF THE READER OF TIllS
MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRffiUTION OR
COPY OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHffiITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR,
PLEASE IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONE (IF LONG DISTANCE, PLEASE CALL COLLECT) AND RETURN THE
ORIGINAL MESSAGE TO US AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS VIA THE U. S. POSTAL SERVICE. THANK YOU
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT
(941) 774-8400 THANK YOU.
LAS NACIONES NEWS
PO BOX 10503, Naples, Florida 34101
March 19,2001
OPEN LETTER TO SHERIFF DON HUNTER
OF COLLIER COUNTY
In Reference: Corruption in the Office You Command.
In November of ] 988, in the edition NO 4 of the newspaper Las Naciones, this journalist, editor
and writer of this column under the pseudonym of The Bullfighter. wrote an open letter in
English and Spanish to you, the then recently elccted Sheriff of Collier County.
Even though, this journalist did not trust you for being the political protege of one of the most
racist man in the Southwest of Florida at that time, Sheriff Audrey Rogers, the letter was
published with the hope that the racism and police brutality that we have witnessed (and
experienced myself) could be eradicated if you, intelligently, would have cleaned up your office.
(See exhibit #1)
Sheriff Hunter, you replied via a certified letter dated January 10, 1989, possibly, one of the first
document you signed when you took office. (See exhibit #2)
After that there was a period of apparent good relationship between your Office and this
newspaper. This ended several months later when we held several meetings with you in the
Collier County 11ispanic Chamber of Commercc (of which this writer was the president at that
time). During those mectings you werc appraised of the criminal activities by the then deputy and
today convicted felon, GJendell Edison.
From that moment on, this wTiter started to be persecuted, falscly accused, victimized by
uncovered operations, kidnapped. falsely arrestcd, beaten, and reccntly, falsely accused of
perjury, which is still pending in federal court; as is pending this writer's suit against you and
your office in the same court.
Finally, GJendell Edison was found guilty of several charges, which you claim to have known only
for a short time. You are confusing the people you are mandated to serve. You knew from the
momcnt you took office in 1989, we told you and you did not pay attention. All we got in return, was
that thc Collier County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was destroyed, this writer was discredited and
persecuted by some of your mcn.
Today, after Edison and Sanders have been found guilty and probably will spend several decades in
jail. Aftcr the community has con finned, through our pages and public meetings, that what The
Bullfighter has becn saying for more than 16 ycars is true, Las Nacioncs News' credibility has been
rcstored.
Our credibility is solid and at all times high, that we don't have to take the show on the road and try
to convince the public ~;th all sort oflies. We don't have to call for a tov.n hall meeting to regain the
public's confidence.
However. you have to try to bring back the little credibility you have left because you dismissed the
community's concerns about Edison and Sandcrs as "nunors" and neglected your obligations as an
elected law cnforcement official, while your most trusted men were making a full of yourself (right
under your nose) by using their shield to commit crimes. You had reasons for loosing credibility and
you necd more than to~n hall meetings to gain any credibility back.
You need to take your show on the road, while our credibility not only remains intact, but it has
increased in sectors of the mainstream community we failed to reach before. Yes, we know you claim
on your favor two things:
One, that you were clear in the three invcstigations conducted by the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement.
Nevertheless, we will demonstrate that those investigations were partial and tended to protect you
because many of the witnesses provided to the FDLE were not interviewed, and those who were
interviewed their testimony was interpreted to your benefit.
Two, that this journalist was charged of pequry and the case is still pending in court.
We will demonstrate that once more you and your office have harassed and persecuted this journalist, but
like many other times before, it will be shown who is lying for many, many years.
You have stripped yourself in front of the community. This journalist has many reasons to feel
vindicated by thc cases of your ex-deputies, Paul Russo, Peter J. Kinney and more recently, Edison
and Sanders.
No Sheriff Hunter, you are not being truthful, but I had. No only we can prove that you are not being
honest, but it has becn proven already.
On Auguts 9 and 10 we will lead the second Civil Rights Forum to be held at the Collier County
Conference Room, 3301 East Tamiami Trail, under the title Evidence of Corruption in the
CCSO - What was said in federal court, what was told to the FDLE and what nobody
wants to listen.
Sheriff Hunter, you are invited.
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Victor A, Valdes
Editor and Civil Right Activist
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AN OPEN
LETTER TO
DON HUNTER
The day is coming closer in which you will
be the Sheriff of Collier County. I hope that,
with God's help, it will be in benefit of the
community of Collier County. As a defender of
Democracy, of total abeyance to the Law in
our Nation, I accept the order emanated from
the people that decided on last September 6th,
that you shall be the one occupying the Office
of the Sheriff Opt. in our County,
As one of the people, I am going to deposit
muy faith in you on the following tasks:
1. An intelligent use of our economic
resources.
2. Total erasing of all forms of discrimi-
nation against minorities.
3. Elimination -of Police brutality ('Police
brutality is as bad as drugs,..")
4. An end to corruption inside the Sheriff
Dept.
5. Drugs, that poison mainly our young,
are also a weapon of criminals and Com-
munism. This should have priority in your
agenda.
Mister Hunter, under no circunstances my
obedience to the people's will should be
interpreted as c renounce to the investigation
going on b'y' Public Prosecutor Cahon.
Neither this should be tak'en as 'cowardly'.
Twenty years of struggle against Communism
and ten of them in Castro's jails has taught us
to value these freedoms we enjoy here today.
We are to go defending these freedoms with
our pens, Obeying them and making them
obeyed.
In the name of our community, Mr. Hunter:
40u have the word.
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Post Office Orawer 1277, Naples, Florida 33939-1277
Telephone (AC 813) 774-4434
January 10, 1989
Mr. Victor Valdez
Las Naciones
P.O. Box 10503
Naples, FL 33941
Dear Mr. Valdez:
I read your open editorial letter to me with interest. I am
pleased that you accede to the will of the people and the Rule of
Law, as I have sworn to do before God and my Collier County
Citizens, and as do all Constitutional public servants.
I accept your offer of fair and responsible exercise of
including your publication I s first amendment freedom.
as for me, freedom brings responsibility.
freedom,
For you,
I offer continued enforcement
without regard to race, creed
harassment of anyone, by anyone,
we all find in our Constitution.
of all laws for all citizens
or national origin. Indeed,
is contrary to the fundamentals
May this spirit of mutual respect and fair play guide us in our
dealings with each other and the public we serve.
/ <~~~;1,".:iU
Collier County, Florida
DH:jab
cc: File
WE SUPPORT
THe: FLOR1D~ SHEi<IFFS YOUTH R~NCHES
A '10me lor .,eedy and NOrtl'1y t)oys 3.nd ~lrts.
L I ::: R
COU~TY
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~ E A G
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1 .'\4 C
WE SPONSOR
_..... :S';\j-r' _(;:J,--...I:;_~ ;::l,JS..... a:'3.J.
FACT:
30,000 Collier County residents do not have
health insurance.
Join Us As We Seek
Solutions Together
Wednesday, March 21
7- 8:30 p.m.
Golden Gate Community Center
4701 Golden Gate Parkway
Share ideas and experiences...
Listen as patients, care givers and
community leaders discuss health care
issues that concern you.
Sponsored by:
Board of County Commissioners Health Care Planning and Finance Committee
HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES OF MEETING
of
February 22, 2001
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
David Correa, HAAB Member Leo Cardona, HAAB Member
Frank Loney, HAAB Member
Pete Cade, HAAB Member
Sofia Pagan, HAAB Member
Robert Pina, HAAB Member
Elvin Santiago, HAAB Member
Ramiro Manalich, Chief Assistant County Attorney and HAAB Staff Liaison
Also Present:
Victor Valdes, Editor, Las Naciones News
Frank Rodriguez
The meeting of the Collier County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB)
for February 22, 2001 commenced shortly after 7:00 P.M. A quorum of six
(6) members was present.
Mr. Victor Valdes, editor of Las Naciones News, was asked to introduce
himself by Chairman David Correa. Mr, Valdes described that he had
spent 21 years in Collier County and was editor of Las Naciones News for
1 7 years. He also stated that he was one of the creators of the Hispanic
Affairs Advisory Board, David Correa mentioned that Mr. Valdes was very
active in numerous Hispanic issues and in the lmmokalee community.
According to David Correa, Mr. Valdes had been at the forefront of
Hispanic issues regarding education, health services and as a watchdog.
Mr. Valdes clarified that his past criticism of some HAAB members was
directed to those members who had acted for self-serving purposes or to
improperly serve interests other than the Hispanic community
David Correa, mentioned that the HAAB function is to make
recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCe). Mr. Pin a
asked how matters of the HAAB reach the BCe. David Correa explained
that the HAAB has brought a number of different items, in different ways,
to the Board of County Commissioners. He mentioned that the HAAB has
contact with individual commissioners as well as appearances before the
BCC and correspondence. At this point of the discussion, liaison Ramiro
Manalich reminded the Board members of the periodic reporting
requirement in the HAAB ordinance.
Frank Loney commented that new commissioners, such as Commissioner
Fiala, want the HAAB to address the County Commission regarding
Hispanic issues. David Correa cautioned the members to make sure that
they made no representations as to any HAAB position without the HAAB
having formally considered such a matter.
David Correa described to the members prior HAAB matters involving the
county such as farm worker issues and the previous proposal for a Human
Rights Commission.
Mr, Pina brought up a recent article written by columnist Brent Batten
about comments made by Commissioner Constantine regarding the farm
workers protesting against the restaurant chain Taco Bell. With regard to
this, Frank Loney, stated that he had told Commissioners Constantine and
Norris that he would see both of them eventually in jail.
A motion was made by Elvin Santiago, seconded by Pete Cade, to
approve the minutes of the January 25, 2001 meeting. There was a
unanimous vote to approve those minutes.
A motion was made by David Correa for Mr. Pina to serve a shorter term
and Sofia Pagan a longer term in regard to the two vacancies on the
HAAB which needed to be filled. Franklin Loney seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous for approval.
David Correa made a motion nominating himself as the Chairman of the
Hispanic Advisory Board unless someone else was interested in the
position, Pete Cade seconded the motion and there was unanimous
approval. David Correa made a motion to nominate Frank Loney as Vice
Chair and that motion was seconded by Elvin Santiago. There was a
unanimous vote for approval.
A motion was made by Frank Loney for Sofia Pagan to serve as Secretary.
David Correa seconded the motion and the motion was approved
unanimously.
2
Leo Cardona was not present at the HAAB meeting and it was
determined that a report would be needed at the next meeting as to
whether or not Mr. Cardona's absences are excused.
A discussion was held regarding two more vacancies on the HAAB. David
Correa encouraged the members to look in their own communities for
interested applicants. He mentioned that there could be inspiration for
people to apply for membership based on the good works of the HAAB,
such as removal of school board testing fees, the HAAB's opposition to an
English only resolution by the Board of County Commissioners, the dispute
in which the HAAB intervened regarding an alleged English only rule at
Naples Community Hospital, and the school system and the need for
minority teachers, Frank Loney commented that there is a need to get
involved in community projects and present items to the BCC involving
the Hispanic community. He said that this is a diverse county and this
should be reflected in Board of County Commissioners' decisions. He
emphasized that it is necessary to get minorities involved in the election
process and he mentioned the history of San Antonio, Texas where
Hispanics came together as a voting block to elect Hispanic officials. He
emphasized the need for action, not just discussion.
Sofia Pagan brought up that the term "Latin" was more inclusive than the
term "Hispanic". Mr. Valdes responded that "Latin" would involve nations
not related closely to Hispanic issues. A discussion ensued regarding the
origins of nations and whether they should be included as "Hispanic".
Frank Loney mentioned that the HAAB should always encourage
minorities from different nations to create their own organizational efforts
and to vote.
Elvin Santiago mentioned that he knew of specific cases of Hispanic
problems in the community. He mentioned specifically mortgage
company abuses and the need to get the word out to the Hispanic
community, He said that there were overly high interest rates being
charged to Hispanics due to misrepresentation. Liaison Ramiro Manalich
said that the HAAB could approach the Board of County Commissioners
and/or the County Manager regarding specific problems in the Hispanic
community and seek direction for action with different community
resources or a community information program. Frank Rodriguez
emphasized that education for the community is necessary. He
mentioned church workshops, which have been done for six or seven
years. He said that many in the affected populations have multiple jobs.
He indicated that lender terms are sometimes higher if there is not a high
credit rating. He also recognized that there were entities that were taking
advantage of the minority population. He said that the average family
3
was not informed. He suggested the need to go to places in the
community where the minorities tend to gather such as in churches. Elvin
Santiago asked if interest rate information was published in Las Naciones.
Frank Rodriguez mentioned that the Extension Office has an information
program for first time homebuyers. Mr. Valdes mentioned that he could
even provide through Las Naciones a DPR complaint form. Frank
Rodriguez stated that he had tried to inform the minority community
through church programs in partnership with bankers and the Extension
Office. However, there has been poor attendance. Frank Loney again
emphasized the need for action and not just talk. He said there was a
need to bring the media into the issue and he mentioned how Hispanic
musical events have been packed. Sofia Pagan observed that there is a
lack of time and energy for those with multiple jobs. She said that maybe
presentations at social events would attract attendance. She also
suggested that the bus schedules for Immokalee should appear in the Las
Naciones newspaper, Mr. Valdes indicated that he would do so in his
next edition. Pete Cade observed that the current bus schedules result in
buses coming back to Immokalee too early. He mentioned that there
should be created an HAAB booth at the upcoming Immokalee Festival.
Frank Loney made a motion for an HAAB booth to be allowed by the
Board of County Commissioners at the Immokalee Festival in May. He
thought that the Hispanic Board members should be present at the booth
and, if necessary, to advertise the event as a Hispanic Board Meeting. Mr.
Valdes emphasized the need for the Hispanic Board to get back in touch
with the minority public. He said that the public had been told by Las
Naciones News of the prior Board of County Commissioners not listening to
the HAAB and the HAAB being ineffective. He is willing to promote to the
pUblic any positive changes made by the HAAB. David Correa seconded
the motion for the HAAB booth permission to be sought from the Board of
County Commissioners. Robert Pin a discussed that there were Hispanic
masses at St. Peters Church and public information announcements could
be made there, Frank Rodriguez emphasized working at banks and the
extension office for seminars and making announcements at the masses
in Spanish at the St. Peter's Church and the Manantial Church. A vote in
favor of the proposal for an HAAB booth at the Immokalee Festival passed
unanimously.
Elvin Santiago was selected to report back on the proposal for the
extension office/banking organization/church seminars.
Frank Rodriguez mentioned that a serious Collier County problem is that of
affordable housing. He mentioned that income and salaries remain
stagnant but housing costs increased. He mentioned that the average
4
yearly wage is $28,000.00 with multiple jobs. This is low compared to the
median of $59,000.00 and the average cost of over $200,000.00 for home
values in Collier County. He reported that rents are being paid at rates of
$700.00-$1,000.00 per month, but these same people can't qualify for
mortgages and pay the same rates for ownership. He said this is due to
the inability to save on low income. He mentioned that the Work Force
Housing Committee was planning a Board of County Commissioner's
workshop in May to get the BCC involved. He mentioned a workshop on
March 8th and that the HAAB and the Hispanic community should be
present. He cautioned that if minority workers continue to live in Lee
County, then the positive economic impacts will occur there and not in
Collier County. Frank Loney also mentioned that there is a need for new
industries that pay higher wages. He said that Collier County lacks the
infrastructure to attract that industry, There is a need for education for the
workforce existing in Collier County. He thought that the Hispanic Board
could participate in these efforts.
Mr. Pina mentioned that there seemed to be a lack of leadership in the
Hispanic community. He also mentioned that the Board of County
Commissioners does not seem to want to support social services. There
was a consensus of those present that there is a need to get involved in
the Hispanic issues and continue this discussion.
Frank Rodriguez mentioned that the Lee County HAAB was going to
present community awards in support of the Lee County Board of County
Commissioners. He thought that the HAAB of Collier County should get
involved with the Collier County Board of County Commissioners for the
same cause.
Mr. Valdes requested the opportunity to speak at the next meeting
regarding an updated report on his investigations of misconduct he
alleges has occurred in the sheriff's office, The Chairman agreed to
provide him the opportunity to make those comments. Mr. Valdes
encouraged an invitation to the sheriff's office to attend this discussion.
The meeting of the HAAB Advisory Board was adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Prepared by: Ramiro Manalich,
Chief Assistant County Attorney and HAAB Staff Liaison
5
Approved on this _ day of March, 2001
David Correa, Chairman
6
0c;~1/2001 13:42 9414344527
PLANNING DEPT
PAGE 01
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
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Naples. FL 34102
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DATE:
TO: _RQ~~e.k..FAXNUMBERm4,o~6
FROM: ~As.OAn G.e{d~~ FAX NUMBER: (941) 213-1045
SUBJECT:
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NUMBER OF PAGES (INCLUDING COVER SHEET) d -
IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, PLEASE CALL
DIANE GRANT OR MOLLY REED AT (941) 213-1050.
THANK YOU.
03 01/2001 13:42
9414344627
PLANNING DEPT
PAGE 02
Localion:
801 EIGHTH AVENUE SOUTH
NAPLES, FLORIDA 34102
o
~I~
Mailing Address:
735 EIGHTH STREET SOUTII
NAPLES. FLORIDA 34102
February 28, 2001
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Dear Community Partner,
As a valued stakeholder in the greater Naples community, you or a representative from
your organization are invited to join other community leaders in a Community Partners
meeting on Thursday, March 15th at Naples Community Hospital.
Members of the City-County appointed Workforce Housing Committee would like to
meet with key leaders from the business and religious community and other
organizations with a stake in the future success of Collier County. The Workforce
Housing Committee and the Collier County Housing and Urban Improvement office will
be holding an affordable housing workshop with the Board of County Commissioners in
mid-May. In an effort to identify solutions that address the housing needs of the local
workforce, the committee would like to hear from local businesses, agencies and
individua~~ who are im~acted by t~e lac~ of affordable homeownership and rental
opportunities for those' employed In Collier County.
How difficult has it been to find and retil~~~ ef'I'lPtoYees? How many of you know
family members, co-w0rker8. empk;lyees, ~ioners,friends or neighbors that work
full time in ColllerCounty but cannot find a h~ to buy or rent that fits within their
budget? Please join us in identifying solutions to this community concern.
The Community Partners meeting is scheduled for:
Thursday, March 15th 8:30 a.m.
Naples Community Hospital
Telford Education Center Room 3
350 7th Street North
For additional information please call Cormac Giblin, Collier County HUI 403-2330,
Chris Chesser, Naples Community Hospital 436-5990 or Susan Golden, City of Naples
213-1041. Hope to see you or a representative from your organization on the 15th!
Sincerely,
~~
Susan Golden, AICP
Planner
fACSIMILE (941) 434-4627 TELEPKONE (941) 434-4626 SUNCOM 974-4626
PRESSRELEASE
Page 1 of2
manalich_r
From: filson_s
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 9:44 AM
To: levy-m; motU; manalich_r; mulhere_b
Subject: A Current Press Release - FYI and Please Post
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9,2001
The Collier County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for positions on several advisory
committees.
The Bayshore Avalon Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee has 2 terms expiring on March 3,
2001. This 5 member advisory committee was created on December 16,1997, by Ordinance No. 97-82
to provide curbing, watering facilities, plantings and maintenance of the median strips ofroadways
within the MSTU; provide traffic calming improvements; and, beautification and maintenance of other
areas within the MSTU. Members will also prepare and recommend an itemized budget to the Board of
County Commissioners. Members must be permanent residents or owners of commercial property
within the MSTU boundaries.
The Golden Gate Estates Land Trust Committee has I vacancy due to a resignation. The term will
expire on October 13, 2001. Applicants must reside in Golden Gate Estates Units 21-22, 36-47, 52-53,
59-93 or those units located south of Alligator Alley. This 5 member committee serves in an advisory
capacity to the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of carrying out the requirements,
conditions and various provisions of an Agreement relating to the use of land, or funds derived from the
sale of land, conveyed to the County by Avatar Properties Inc. (flkla GAC Properties Inc.). Applicants
must reside within the subdivision known as "Golden Gate Estates." Member selection may depend
upon location ofresidence within specific areas (phases) of the Estates. Terms are 4 years.
The Hispanic Affairs Advisory Committee has 2 vacancies due to resignations. This 9 member board
identifies and evaluates problems unique to the Hispanic Community, reviews and recommends ways to
ensure open communication between the minorities and Collier County Government and provides
periodic reports to the Board of County Commissioners. Terms are 4 years.
The Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee has 1 term expiring on December 31, 2000,
representing the Port of the Islands or Chokoloskee area. This 5 member committee advises the Board
on the budget and operation of the Ochopee Fire Control District. Members must reside within the
taxing district. Terms are 2 years.
The Rural Fringe Area Assessment Oversight Committee has 1 vacancy due to a resignation. This
10 member committee was created on September 14, 1999 by Resolution No. 99-364 to advise the BCC
with regard to data collection, analysis and land development regulations to preserve the rural character
without causing urban sprawl and the protection of natural resources. The area to be addressed by the
committee will encompass the rural fringe areas adjacent to the Urban Area. Terms are 2 Years.
Members of advisory committees must be residents and electors of Collier County, and are subject to the
3/1/2001
PRESSRELEASE
Page 2 of2
Florida Government in the Sunshine Law. Residents interested in applying for the advisory committee
positions are requested to submit a letter and brief resume, including your home address, to the attention
of Mrs. Sue Filson, Administrative Assistant, Board of County Commissioners, 3301 Tamiami Trail
East, Naples, Florida 34112 or FAX to 774-3602. The deadline for acceptance of resumes is MARCH
2,2001
# # #
3/1/2001
PRESSRELEASE
Page 1 of4
manalich_r
From: filson_s
Sent: Thursday, January 11,2001 7:45 AM
To: levLm; huber_h; stone_w; mulhere_b;
Subject: A Current Press Release - Please Post
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12,2001
The Collier County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for positions on several advisory
committees.
The Bayshore Avalon Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee has 2 terms expiring on March 3,
2001. This 5 member advisory committee was created on December 16, 1997, by Ordinance No. 97-82
to provide curbing, watering facilities, plantings and maintenance of the median strips of roadways
within the MSTU; provide traffic calming improvements; and, beautification and maintenance of other
areas within the MSTU. Members will also prepare and recommend an itemized budget to the Board of
County Commissioners. Members must be permanent residents or owners of commercial property
within the MSTU boundaries.
The Black Affairs Advisory Board has 1 vacancy due to a resignation. This 9 member committee
identifies and evaluates problems unique to the Black Community, reviews and recommends ways to
ensure open communication between the minorities and Collier County Govemment and provides
periodic reports to the Board of County Commissioners.
The City/County Beach Renourishment Maintenance Committee has 2 terms expiring on February
28,2001 an 1 vacancy due to a resignation. This 11 member committee was established by the City of
Naples Resolution No. 91-6295, as amended, and Collier County Resolution No. 92-656 as a technical
advisory committee to formally advise the Board of County Commissioners as well as the Naples City
Council. This committee consists of2 City Council members, 5 citizens (appointed by the County), 4
citizens (appointed by the City), and 2 non-voting technical advisors. Members must file a Form 1
Financial Statement each year with the City of Naples.
The County Government Productivity Committee has 4 vacancies. This committee is composed of
13 members, one of whom is the vice chair of the Board of County Commissioners. The remaining
twelve members are appointed by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners for a two-year term
and must be permanent residents and electors of Collier County. Committee members are required to
possess special expertise and experience related to managing large organizations, and must be balanced
in representing the views of the community. The committee reviews the efficiency of departments of
County Government under the jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners. The committee may
analyze and review existing structure, organization, staffing, management, functions, business practices,
and procedures of any or all parts of county government and make recommendations for increased
efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The committee may also assist in the implementation of those
recommendations.
1/11/2001
PRESSRELEASE
Page 3 of 4
The Environmental Advisory Council has 1 opening due to resignations. This 9 member council acts
in an advisory capacity to the Board in matters dealing with the regulation, control, management, use or
exploitation of any or all natural resources within the County, and the review of all land development
petitions which require an environmental impact statement (ElS) per section 3.8 of the Code, all
developments ofregiona1 impact (DRI), lands with special treatment (ST) or Area of Critical State
Concern! Special Treatment zoning overlays, areas of the county covered by interlocal agreements, any
petitions which cannot be resolved between the applicant and staff. The membership will include
technical and non-technical members. Technical members shall demonstrate evidence of expertise in
one or more of the following areas related to environmental protection and natural resources
management: Air Quality, Biology (including any of the sub-disciplines such as botany, ecology,
zoology, etc.), Coastal Processes, Estuarine Processes. Hazardous Waste, Hydrogeology, Hydrology,
Hydraulics, Land Use Law, Land Use Planning, Pollution Control, Solid Waste, Stormwater
Management, Water Resources, Wildlife Management, or other representative areas deemed appropriate
by the Board such as, but not limited to, a representative of the development community. Members are
required to file a Form 1 Statement of Financial Interest each year with the Supervisor of Elections.
After initial appointments, terms are 4 years.
The Hispanic Affairs Advisory Committee has 2 vacancies due to resignations. This 9 member board
identifies and evaluates problems unique to the Hispanic Community, reviews and recommends ways to
ensure open communication between the minorities and Collier County Government and provides
periodic reports to the Board of County Commissioners. Terms are 4 years.
The Le1y Golf Estates Beautification Advisory Committee has 1 vacancy due to a resignation. This 5
member cornmittee assists and advises the Board of County Commissioners in handling matters
pertaining to the beautification taxing district. The district was created by referendum vote on
November 4, 1986, for the purpose of beautifying and maintaining the median strips ofthe streets and
other public area within Lely Golf Estates. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the
municipal service taxing unit. Terms are 4 years.
The Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee has 1 term expiring on December 31, 2000,
representing the Port of the Islands or Chokoloskee area. This 5 member committee advises the Board
on the budget and operation of the Ochopee Fire Control District. Members must reside within the
taxing district. Terms are 2 years.
The Radio Road Beautification Advisory Committee has 2 terms expiring on March 3, 2001. This 5
member committee was established to aid and assist the Board of County Commissioners in carrying out
the purposes of providing curbing, watering facilities, plantings and maintenance of the median areas as
set forth in Ordinance No. 96-84. This 5 member committee shall recommend work programs and
priorities to the County Administrator or his designee. Members shall be permanent residents within the
MSTU. After initial staggered terms, terms will be 4 years.
1/11/2001
PRESSRELEASE
Page 4 of 4
The Rural Lands Assessment Area Oversight Committee has 2 vacancies due to resignations. This
15 member committee was created on September 14,1999 by Resolution No. 99-364A to advise the
BCC with regard to data collection, analysis and land development regnlations to preserve the rural
character without causing urban sprawl and the protection of natural resources. The area to be address
by this Committee will encompass the Agricultural/Rural Areas and Conservation Areas. Members are
subject to filing a Form 1 Statement of Financial Interests each year with the Supervisor of
Elections.
Members of advisory committees must he residents and electors of Collier County, and are subject to the
Florida Government in the Sunshine Law. Residents interested in applying for the advisory committee
positions are requested to submit a letter and brief resume, including your home address, to the attention
of Mrs. Sue Filson, Administrative Assistant, Board of County Commissioners, 3301 Tamiarni Trail
East, Naples, Florida 34112 or FAX to 774-3602. The deadline for acceptance ofresUilles is
FEBRUARY 2, 2001
# # #
1/11/2001
~~~-e~-e~-e~
3301 East Tamiarni Trail- Naples, Florida 34112.-49n
Donna Fiala (941) 774-8097. Fax (941) 774-3602
District 1
James D. Carter, Ph,D. J 0 200 I
District 2 anuary 1 ,
Tom Henning
District 3
Pamela S. Mac'Kie
District 4
Jim Coletta
DistrictS
Mr. Elvin Santiago
641 Dorando Court
Marco Island, FL 34145
Subject: Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board
Dear Mr. Santiago:
While convened in regular session on January 9, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners
voted to appoint you as a regular member on the above-referenced advisory committee. Your
appointment will expire on June 25, 2005, or at such time as the Board re-appoints you or
appoints your successor.
As with any advisory group, the primary purpose is to assist and advise the Board of County
Commissioners. By law, however, the ultimate decisions rest with the Commission. At times,
the Commission's decisions may not reflect the recommendation of the advisory group because
many facts must be taken into consideration.
By copy of this letter, we are requesting Beth Walsh, Assistant to the County Manager, to
provide you with any additional information you will need as a member of this committee.
On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I wish to extend our appreciation to you for
your willingness to serve the residents of Collier County as a member of this advisory board.
V cry truly yours,
mC:sf
cc: Ramiro Maiialich, Chief Assistant County Attorney
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3301 East Tamiami Trail- Naples. Florida 34112-4977
Donna Fiala (941) 774-8097 - Fax (941) 774.3602
District 1
James O. Carter, Ph.D.
District 2 January 10, 200 I
Tom Henning
District 3
Pamela S. Mac'Kie
District 4
Jim Coletta
District 5
Ms. Faye D. Reddick
4031 Gulf Shore Boulevard North
Naples, FL 34103
Subject: Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board
Dear Ms. Reddick:
Cl).,....'.
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.OR1'O
While convened in regular session on January 9, 2001, the Board of County Commissioners
regretfully accepted your resignation and appointed your replacement to the subject advisory
committee.
On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I would like to take this opportunity to thank
you for the fine work you have done as a member of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board.
Enclosed is a Certificate of Appreciation to represent our gratitude for your valuable assistance.
Best wishes for success in your future endeavors.
JDC:sf
Enclosure
cc: Ramiro Maiialich, Chief Assistant County Attorney
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Florida Department of
Law Enforcement
Commissioner James T. Moore
Office of
EXECUTIVE
INVESTIGATIONS
REPO~rOF
PRELIMINARY INQUIRY
SHERIFF DON HUNTER
COLLIER COUNTY
FDLE CASE # EI2S0013
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
EI2S0013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INVESTIGA TIVE PREDICATE
PAGE 2
INVESTIGATIVE NARRATIVE
PAGE 3
INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS
PAGE 23
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
DATE: February 27,1999
CASE NUMBER: EU50013
CASE INSPECTOR: Michael O'Connell
CASE PREPARED BY: Michael O'Connell
DATES OF ACTMTY: FROM: February 1, 1999
TO: February 27,1999
SUBJECT(S): Sheriff Don Hunter
Sheriff, Collier County
~STIGATIVE PREDICATE
On January 27, 1999 Governor Jeb Bush requested that the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement (FDLE) conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations against Collier
County Sheriff Don Hunter, Mr. Victor Vales, Naples, Florida, submitted a complaint
against Sheriff Hunter and the allegations involved possible police misconduct, brutality,
harassment and civil rights violations. Governor Bush requested a report ofFDLE's
preliminary findings and recommendations within thirty days.
. The allegations reported by Mr. Valdes are outlined in his letter to Governor Bush dated
January 11, 1999. In his letter, Valdes alleges that since 1989 Sheriff Hunter has ignored
multiple complaints filed by the members of the community alZainst deouties of the
Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
The foundation of Valdes' charges against Sheriff Hunter originate from a press
announcement by Hunter on December 4, 1998 where CCSO Sergeant Glendell Edison
had his appointment as deputy sheriff withdrawn and was removed from office effective
December 2, 1998. Sheriff Hunter also announced that Edison's termination was the
result of a ten-month internal investigation by CCSO with assistance from the State
Attorney's Office in the 20110 Judicial Circuit, the Florida Department of Insurance and
FDLE. Hunter further stated that other deputies are also under investigation and that
several closed internal investigations on Sergeant Edison have been reopened.
2
Investigative Summary
E12500 13
Valdes claims that he and other members of the Collier County Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce (CCHCC) made allegations against Glendell Edison in several meetinJl;s
between the CCHCC and Hunter. Valdes states that these meetinl/:s took olace in 1989
and the allegations against Edison included protection of gambling and prostitution,
acceptinJl; payment from drug dealers and other illegal activities. In short, Valdes claims
Jhat Sheriff Hunter knew about Edison's illegal activities for ten years and failed to take
lhe actions necessary to bring E<hson to Justice,
Furthermore, Valdes also claims that Sheriff Hunter is an accomplice of Edison's illegal
!lctivities because Hunter failed to act upon the allegations against Edison oresented to
\Jim during the past ten years. Valdes states that Sheriff Hunter is not detached from the
Edison corruption because he (Hunter) intentionally ignored and covered up all of the
allegations made against Edison by members of the community since 1989.
Valdes closed his letter to Governor Bush by stating that Sheriff Hunter is not qualified to
head the investigation of Glendell Edison and other members of CCSO who may be
involved in criminal activity. Valdes requested that Governor Bush appoint a special
investigator to conduct an investigation of Sheriff Hunter and the CCSO.
INVESTIGATIVE NARRATIVE
The following interviews and documentation review were undertaken to obtain the
background and history of allegations against Sheriff Hunter and the current CCSO .
investigation of Glendell Edison.
I. Background Interviews on CCSO investigation of Glen dell Edison:
STEVE EMERSON & ANDY ROSE
FDLE Ft. Myers Regional Operations Center
On February 8,1999, Inspector O'Connell interviewed FDLE Special Agent Supervisor
(SAS) Steve Emerson and FDLE Special Agent (SA) Andy Rose at the Ft. Myers
Regional Operations Center. Emerson and Rose are representing FDLE in the task force
that is currently investigating criminal allegations against Glendell Edison.
Emerson and Rose stated that in August 1998 CCSO Inspector Jim Williams requested
that FDLE participate in a task force with CCSO regarding a criminal investigation of
Edison and other deputies. Williams is in charge of the CCSO Professional
Responsibility Bureau (pRB) and the task force was comprised of investigators from
3
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
CCSO, FDLE, the State Attorney's Office in Naples and the Florida Department of
Insurance.
Emerson and Rose related that the allegations against Edison originated from his
activities in Immokalee, Florida, Edison grew up in Immokalee, joined CCSO in 1980,
and most of his work assignments for CCSO have been in Immokalee. The allegations
against Edison include protection for drugs and prostitution, accepting money for,
protection of businesses, intimidation of victims and witnesses and numerous additional
criminal activities that involved the abuse of his authority as a deputy with the Collier
County Sheriffs Office,
SAS Emerson stated that FDLE was currently investigating additional charges against
I:.atson ana IS sttll an active member ot the PRH task toree.
.
SAS Emerson further stated that FDLE has filed a prosecution summary with the State
Attorney's Office in Naples that charged Edison with violations under FSS 843.0855 (4),
Criminal Actions Under Color of Law. This prosecution summary alleged that Edison
attempted to influence, hinder and/or intimidate members of the Lee County, Collier
County and Florida Department of Corrections probation offices in the interest of a friend
or relative. The FDLE case number for this investigation is FM140005. SAS Emerson
said that FDLE is still an active member of the task force and is assisting CCSO in
pursuing additional charges against Edison.
SA Rose related that before he joined FDLE he was a deputy with CCSO and spent some
time workinR in the Immokalee area. Rose recalled that there had always been rumors
linking Edison with criminal activity but he had no first hand information regarding any
criminal violations by Edison or any other CCSO deputy, SA Rose stated that part of
,current task force investigation surrounded the activities ofCCSO Captain Jim Sanders,
R se related that it was a1wa s his im ression that Sanders would block previous internal
investigations on Edison and go out of his way to cover or Ison w enever Clttzens
made complaints against Edison. Rose described most of the rumors about Edison and
Sanders as "street talk".
Both Emerson and Rose were somewhat familiar with the complainant, Victor Valdes,
and they described Valdes as a community activist who has had several past dealings with
the Sheriff s Office.
Emerson and Rose stated that they were very impressed with Inspector Jim Williams and
the other investigators in the CCSO Professional Responsibility Bureau (pRB), Both
FDLE investigators noted that they thought Williams and his investigators were doing a
through job looking into allegations against Edison and other CCSO deputies in
Immokalee. SA Rose stated that past commanders for Internal Affairs (professional
Responsibility Bureau) have not been ve effective. Rose s culated that this
ine ectiveness, coupled with Captain Sanders' protection of Edison, allowed Edison to
"run free" for the past 15 years.
4
Investigative Summary
E12S00l3
Both Emerson and Rose stated that they had never heard any rumors that Sheriff Hunter
ever did anything to block or cover up any investigation against Edison or any other
CCSO deputy. Emerson and Rose portrayed Hunter as very supportive of the current task
force investigation of Edison and other CCSO personnel.
II, Interviews with complainant Valdes and witnesses produced by Valdes:
VICTOR VALDES
Complainant
Inspector O'Connell interviewed the complainant in this matter, Victor Valdes, a total of
five times during the week of February 8,1999. Valdes lives at 5349 Holland Street in
Naples and is the editor of the Las Naciones newspaper, Valdes moved to Naples in 1982
and has been publishing Las Naciones since 1984.
Valdes described himself as an activist for the Hispanic community in the Naples area.
This activism began in 1984 with the arrest of Lazaro Vierra in Immokalee. Flori<\!.
Valdes claims that Glendell Edison arrested Vierra and that Edison used excessive force
against Vierra during the arrest. Valdes stated that he filed a complaint with Sheriff '
Aubrey Rogers, then Sheriff of Collier County, about Edison's use of force but this
complaint was not investigated properly by Sheriff Rogers. Valdes said that this incident
prompted him to begin his newspaper and become a voice for the Hispanic community.
When Sheriff Hunter first took office in January 1989 Valdes and other members of the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce had several meetings with Hunter regarding problems
with the CCSO deputies in Immokalee. Valdes recalled that the many of these
complaints involved allegations against Edison. Valdes stated that Hunter never followed
up on the allegations made against Edison by members of the community at these
meetings, .
Valdes related that at the beginning of Sheriff Hunter's first term (1989-1991) relations
between the Hispanic Chamber and Hunter were very cordial. It was only after certain
members of the Chamber felt that Hunter was not being responsive to their concerns
about certain CCSO deputies that relations between Hunter and the Chamber beglll! to
deteriorate. Valdes wrote an article in his newspaper in 1992 that was critical of Hunter's
handling of a use of force complaint and relations between Valdes and Hunter have not
been good since this article was written. .
,
,
Valdes has been arrested several times between 1988 and 1996 for minor traffic offenses,
worthless checks. driving with a suspended license and obstruction. Valdes stated that
many of these arrests are retaliation against Valdes for being an outspoken critic of
Sheriff Hunter and the CCSO. Valdes currently has a civil rights complaint against
CCSO filed in federal court.
5
Investigative Summary
E12500l3
Valdes stated that he has no first hand knowledge regarding criminal activity by G1endell
Edison. Furthermore, Valdes has no first hand knowledge that Sheriff Hunter was ever
involved in any criminal activity with G1endell Edison.
Valdes does not have first hand knowledge that Sheriff Hunter ever intentionally blocked
an internal affairs investigation involving G1endell Edison or any other CCSO deputy.
V aldes is concerned that there are certain deputies at CCSO who have a pattern of abuse
and that these deputies have not been properly investigated, Valdes also believed that
Sheriff Hunter did not properly follow through on allellations made ai:ain<t Olentlell
~dison by Val<\es and other members of the Hispanic community. Valdes mentioned that
he would like to see the Sheriff's Office eStablish some type offormal earlv warnini
system that would detect patterns of abuse before these patterns become systemic.
During the week of February 8, 1999, Victor Valdes produced the names of people he
wanted to be interviewed regarding their dealings with Sheriff Hunter during the past ten
years, Valdes stated that some of these people have made allegations to Hunter about
criminal violations committed by Edison and other CCSO deputies. the following are
summaries of pertinent information provided during these interviews.
MELINDA RIDDLE
Valdez Witness
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Melinda Riddle at her office in Naples on February 10,
1999. Riddle is an attorney and has lived in Naples since 1987.
Riddle stated that her brother disappeared from the Irnmokalee area in 1979. When
Riddle moved to Naples in 1987 she began to conduct her own investigation into her
brother's disappearance. Riddle feels that the initial investigation by CCSO in 1979 was
not conducted professionally. Riddle noted that she also met resistance at the Sheriff's
Office in 1987 when she attempted to have her brother's case reopened. This initial
resistance at the Sheriff's Office was before Sheriff Hunter was elected.
Riddle first met Sherif{ Hunter when Hunter took office in 1~89. Riddle stated that
Hunter agreed to reopen her brother's case and assign two investigators, In 1991 her
brother's body was found and identified in a grave in Immokal,ee. In 1996 an arrest was
made but the subject was subsequently acquitted at trial.
During the early stages of the investigation, Sheriff Hunter asked Riddle to serve on his
Hispanic Advisory Board. Riddle described her initial relationshi with Hunter as cordial
an pro esslOna .
Riddle noted that during the investigation into her brother's disappearance she spent
numerous hours in Immokalee and heard a lot of "street talk" about Glendell Edi",," and
6
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
several other officers. As a member of the Hispanic Advisory Board, Riddle approached
Hunter with the information she was hearin~ about Edison. Riddle stated that Hunter
became defensive and wanted Riddle to put her complaints in writing and have the
witnesses/victims come forward with their complaints, Riddle did not feel comfortable
asking these people to come forward because of the lack of trust between the Hispanic
Community and the Sheriff's Office, Riddle believes that this lack of trust still exists
today.
Riddle recalled that many of the people who spoke with her about allegations against
Edison were gang members and migrant workers and they did not feel comfortable
coming forward and filing formal complaints against law enforcement officers. Riddle
also stated that it was her feeling that Captain Sanders blocked or hindered seve@Ofthe
complaints that were filed. Riddle did have any first hand knowledge that Sanders
blocked any investi~ations on Edison.
Riddle concluded by stating that she did not think that Sheriff Hunter was guilty of any
criminal wrongdoing and that she does not have anything personal against Hunter.
Riddle stated that she does not trust some deputies that work for CCSO and, at times,
.9oes not think that CCSO is aggressive enough when investi~atin~ internal affairs issues.
Riddle did not have any first hand knowledge of criminal activity by Edison or any other
CCSO deputy.
CARLOS ORTIZ
Valdes Witness
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Carlos Ortiz by telephone on February 19, 1999. Ortiz
was a deputy for CCSO from 1986 through 1995 and had extensive experience working
in the Immokalee area. Ortiz is currently an investigator with the State Attorney's Office
in Palm Beach County.
Ortiz stated that he got to know Victor Valdes through Valdes' work in the community
and he Ortiz also attended several Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meetings where
Valdes and Hunter were present. OrtiZ does not rec es ever mentlODlDjZ any
~pcecific alle~ations a~ainst Ediso!1 at any of these meetmgs.
Ortiz recalled that he had heard rumors about Edison throusm Valdes' newspaper but does
not remember any specific allegations in the newspaper ever being corroborated by
anyone with first hand knowledge of criminal activity on the part of Edison.
Ortiz said that he was assigned to assist Melinda Riddle and his orders were to reopen the
case surrounding the disappearance of Riddle's brother. Ortiz does recall that during this
investigation he and Riddle heard some allegations about criminal activity by Edison but
Ortiz does not recall receiving any specific information on Edison from Riddle or any
other witness/victim.
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Ortiz stated that while he was at CCSO he never saw or heard any rumors that Sheriff
Hunter ever blocked any internal investigations. To the contrary, Ortiz stated that he
always found Hunter to be very honest and "by the book" when it came to any criminal
investigations,
Ortiz stated that the initial investigation into the disappearance of Riddle's brother in
1979 was not handled well by CCSO and that Melinda Riddle was justifiably upset with
the way this initial investigation was conducted.
However, Ortiz restated that he never received any specific, first hand information of
criminal activity by Edison from either Vales or Riddle,
ZAC LUCIO
Valdes Witness
~
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Zac Lucio on February 12, 1999 at the home of Victor
Valdes, Lucio is a former member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and lived in
Naples from 1986 to 1997. Lucio currently resides in Miami.
Lucio related that he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce when Sheriff Hunter
fust ran for sheriff in 1988. After Hunter was elected, Lucio recalls that Hunter appeared
at several meetings of the Chamber where some people voiced concerns over the actions
of Glendell Edison, Lucio said that Hunter never took notes, never asked for names or
wrote down any intormation on the allegatIOns and never followed u on an of the
con erns expresse y CI !Zens a ese meetinl!;s.
Lucio noted that he bases his belief that Hunter blocked internal investigations on the fact
that nothing was ever done" with the complaints raised at the Chamber meetings.
,
Lucio does not have any first hand knowledge regarding criminal allegations against
Glendell Edison nor does he have any first hand knowledge that Sheriff Hunter blocked
any internal investigations against Edison.
MANUEL AVALOS
Former CCSO DeputyNaldes Witness
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Manuel Avalos by telephone on February II, 1999.
Victor Valdes believed that Avalos might have first hand knowledge regarding criminal
wrongdoing by Glendell Edison.
Avalos is a former deputy with CCSO and was terminated in 1993 for falsifying an
official docpment. Avalos currently lives in Immokalee. Avalos stated that he has a civil
rights ~OInplaint against CCSO pending in the federal courts and that he would not speak
8
Investigative Summary
E12S00l3
to any investigators until it was cleared through his attorney, Avalos' attorney is Sid
Garcia of West Palm Beach, Florida..
Victor Valdes thought that Avalos might have information regarding criminal activity by
several CCSO deputies. Avalos was questioned about his knowledge of police corruption
in Immokalee and Avalos again refused to answer any questions without the advice of his
attorney, Avalos was advised that any knowledge he has of criminal wrongdoing by
CCSO deputies should be reported to the Professional Responsibility Bureau, Avalos
said that he did not trust anyone at the Sheriff's Office and that he would not feel
comfortable giving them any information.
On February 23, 1999, Inspector O'Connell received a return phone call from Avalos'
attorney, Sid Garcia. Garcia stated that he did not have any objections to an interview
with Avalos.
On February 24,1999, Inspector O'Connell again interviewed Avalos by telephone
regarding his knowledge of criminal activity by Glendell Edison. Avalos stated that he
had no first hand knowledge of criminal wrongdoing by Edison. Avalos had heard
rumors that Edison was involved in that sale of drugs but confinned that information was
iust "street talk".
ANO~OUSSOURCES
Valdes Witness
On February II, 1999 Inspector O'Connell interviewed two former members of the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their home in Ft. Myers, Florida Victor Valdes
stated that these two individuals might have information regarding allegations against
Glendell Edison. Both of these individuals requested that their names not be used in any
official report.
These sources stated that they lived in Immokalee from 1983 through 1995 and they were
owners of a small business during these years. Both of these people were members of the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce until the chamber fell apart in 1991. Both individuals
were present at Chamber meetings when complaints about Glendell Edison were brought
to the attention of Sheriff Hunter. Neither individual had first han~ knowledje of
criminal activity on the part. of Edison.
These sources described the initial relationship between the Chamber and Hunter as
productive and friendly, As time went by they felt that Hunter became unresponsive to
their concerns about the Immokalee community. One of the individuals stated that she
gave Hunter the names of people who were victims/witnesses of Edison's criminal
,activity but that nothing was ever done. '
9
Investigative Summary
EI2S00\3
Neither individual had any first hand knowledge of Sheriff Hunter blocking any internal
investigation.
EDWARD NEARY
Valdes Witness
During Victor Valdes' interview with Inspector O'Connell, Valdes mentioned that when
he began to look at allegations against Edison in 1985 he spent some time with a Ken
Claveau, Claveau was an investigator with the Public Defender's Office in Naples.
Valdes stated that Claveau was investigating criminal allegations against Edison when
Claveau was arrested. Valdes stated that Claveau died, under what Valdes believed were
suspicious circumstances, while he (Claveau) was injail. Valdes wanted Inspector
O'Connell to speak with someone who was with the Public Defender's Office in 1985 to
determine if Claveau's death was ever properly investigated.
On February 19, 1999 Inspector O'Connell telephoned the ChiefofInvestigations, Allen
Shoff, at the Public Defender's Office in Ft. Myers, Florida Shoff related that we should
speak with Edward Neary who was an investigator with the office during the 1980's.
Neary had recently retired and was living in the Naples area
On February 22, 1999 Inspector O'Connell conducted a telephone interview with Edward
Nt!ary, Neary stated that he was an investigator with the Public Defender's Office in
Naples for eighteen years and that Ken Claveau was his supervisor,
Neary recalled that Claveau was arrested for smuRltling marijuana in 1986, subsequently
convicted and sentenced to six years in state prison. While in prison at Lawtey CI,
Claveau died of heart attack during a softball game. Neary stated that Claveau had
mentioned to Neary that he was taking medication for a heart condition, Neary stated that
there was nothing suspicious about Claveau's death.
Neary did not have any knowledge of any investigation Claveau was conducting of\
Glendell Edison.
III. Interviews with CCSO Personnel:
JIM WILLIAMS
Inspector, CCSO
During the week of February 8"', 1999, Inspector O'Connell conducted several interviews
with Inspector Jim Williams regarding the operation of the Professional Responsibility
Bureau (pRB) at CCSO. Also present for many of these interviews were PRB
Investigators John Hisler and Mark Baker.
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Investigative Summary
E12500l3
Jim Williams is the supervisor of the CCSO Professional Responsibility Bureau and has
overall command of the task force that is currently investigating allegations against
Glendell Edison and other CCSO deputies. Williams is a retired Marine officer and in
early 1998 Sheriff Hunter asked Williams to assume command in PRB. Williams has
been with CCSO since 1996.
Williams recalled that he had been in command ofPRB for about two weeks when a
citizen complaint against Glendell Edison came into the PRB office, Williams assigned ,
the case to John Hisler and Hisler began a review of previous complaints ap;ainst Edison.
Williams explained that Hisler found that some of these previous complaints against
Edison contained some "loose ends" and gave the appearance that they were not properly
concluded. This prompted Wtlhams to consider a review of all prevtous complaints filed
against Edison.
Williams stated that he informed Sheriff Hunter that he (Williams) would recommend a
PRB review of all internal cases involving Edison. Williams stated that Hunter was very
supportive of this review and encouraged Williams to get whatever help he needed from
outside agencies. Williams explained that, as the investigation of Edison continued
during the early part of 1998, the current task force of CCSO, FDLE, Florida Department
ofInsurance and the State Attorney's Office began to develop.
Williams related that the investigative efforts of the task force has resulted in four
separate criminal cases involving Edison bemg presented to the Office ot the State
Attorney in the 20" Judicial Circuit. These four cases are:
. FDLE Case # FMl40005-Criminal Actions Under Color Of Law
. Florida Department of Insurance Case # FW-98-27-0004-Insurance Fraudffheft
. CCSO Case # 126468-98-BriberylUnlawful Compensation
. CCSO Case # 126489-98-Perjury
Williams stated that on December 2, 1998, Glendell Edison was terminated from the
Collier County Sheriff's Office. The criminal investigation against Edison is still active.
The criminal investigation has also expanded to include a review of the actions of several
other deputies including Edison's former supervisor, CCSO Captain Jim Sanders.
Sanders is still employed by CCSO but has been reassigned, effective December 23,
1998, and currently has no command authority.
Currently, Investigator John Hisler is in charge of investigating all curren! and previous
allegations against Edison and Investigator Mark Baker has responsibility for the
investigation of allegations against Captain Jim Sanders.
II
Investigative Summary
E12500 13
Inspector O'Connell reviewed Edison's Internal Affairs file with Williams and Hisler,
The file reflected a total of 16 internal cases opened against Edison between the years
1984 and 1997, W t1hams and Hisler stated that they reopened and reviewed all 16 cases
and two of these old cases resulted in the aforementioned criminal charges being filed by
CCSO with the State Attorney's Office.
Investigator Hisler's stated that his review of Edison's case file indicated that some of old
complaints against Edison seemed to be blocked by his supervisor, Captain Jim Sanders.
This factor, together with additional administrative allegations against Sanders, prompted
PRB to initiate an investigation on Sanders that tS currently active.
Williams, Hisler and Baker all stated that Sheriff Hunter was very supportive of their
efforts and they have no evidence that Hunter ever blocked any previous PRB
investigations on Edison or any other deputy. All three of the CCSO investigators
described Sheriff Hunter as a law enforcement manager who wants to know of all of the
evidence against a deputy before disciplinary action is takert. The investigators stated
that Hunter went out of his way to be fair when disciplining an employee, However, all
three investigators believed that Sheriff Hunter's caution in disciplinary matters was not
an indication that Hunter was not aggressive when pursuing police corruption or abuse,
To the contrary, all three investigators believed that Hunter was very serious about taking
action against any Collier County deputy who was abusing hislher position.
During a review of PRBlIntelligence files Inspector O'Connell found several handwritten
notes from Sheriff Hunter to previous PRB commanders. These notes were on Hunter's
personal stationary and Indtcated that Hunter was directing that specific actions be taken
In some of the old Internal cases Involving Glendell Edison. The specific actions
included orders to interview witnesses/victims, conduct polygraphs and other
investigative procedures. John Hisler related that it was possible that some of Hunter's
orders were not properly carried out. .i'
Inspector O'Co~ll discussed the history of the PRB with Williams, Hisler and Baker
and found that during Sheriff Hunter's tenure as Sheriff (1989-1999) there have been a
total of five different commanders in PRB.
. Curtis Mills
1989-1990-Retired
. Lamar Forbes
1990-1991-Retired
. Ben Crain
1991-1995-Still a Captain with CCSO
. Jody Hendry
1995-1997-Retired
. Jim Williams
1998-Present
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Investigative Summary
E12S00l3
Inspector Jim Williams expressed concern regarding the manner in which some previous
PRB administrators closed out softle IDt~rnallDvestlgaltons. Williams stressed that he
has only been with CCSO since 1996 and he has no first hand knowledge of how
previous PRB administrators conducted investigations but, in hindsil(ht, a review of the
old files gave the appearance that occasionally certain investigative steps were not taken.
Williams also noted that until around 1994, PRB was staffed with only one person and
the lack of adequate personnel probably impacted the quality of previous internal
investigations. Investigator Hisler pointed out that Collier County has experienced
tremendous growth problems during the past ten years and that it was his impression that,
at times, the Sheriff's Department has had difficulty keeping up with this growth.
Williams currently has three investigators assigned to the bureau and Williams also
assists in many of the investigations.
An additional factor noted by Williams was the issue that previous PRB administrations
did not always conduct criminal investigations. Williams went on to explain that if the
allegations against a deputy were criminal in nature, the criminal portion of the
investigation was often turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at
CCSO. Williams again stated that, while he had no first hand knowledge about these
procedures, it appeared that PRB's lack of authority to conduct criminal investigations
might have impacted effectiveness.
Williams, Hisler and Baker all described previous PRB admini..uations as not being
aggressive enough when looking into complaints against Collier County law enforcement
officers. They stated that, while mitigating factors such as growth, lack of personnel or a
clear dtvision of authonty certainly aftected produCltVlty, these !actors were not excuses
for improperly investigating allegations against officers.
Williams, Hisler and Baker were very cooperative and candid'during all of the interview
and review sessions, All three of these investigators seem fully committed to pursuing all
allegations of criminal conduct by arty Collier County Sheriff's Office employee,
Inspector O'Connell's interviews with Jim Williams also included a review of the policy
and procedures used by members of the PRB, These procedures revealed that, in addition
to Sheriff Hunter, the Undersheriff and the Chief of Operations also reviewed some PRB
cases. These two positions are directly under Sheriff Hunter and interviews with
personnel who have occupied these positions during the last ten years were conducted.
BOB BURHANS
Undersheriff
Inspector O'Connell interviewed CCSO Undersheriff Bob Burhans on February 11, 1999.
Burhans is second in command to Sheriff Hunter. Burhans retired as a Lt. Colonel after
37 years in the Marine Corps and joined the Sheriff's Department in 1984. When Don
13
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
Hunter was elected Sheriff in 1989, Hunter appointed Burhans to the Undersheriff
position and Burhans has held this position for the last ten years.
The interview with Burhans opened with Burhans discussing the gro\\th rate of Collier
County over the past several years and how difficult it has been for the Sheriff's Office to
keep up with this growth rate. Burhans estimated that the population of Collier County in
1965 was about 16,000 and that today it is well over 200,000.
Burhans then discussed the history of PRB leadership since Hunter became sheriff,
Burhans stated that the first two commanders ofPRB were Curtis Mills and Lamar
Forbes. Mills and Forbes each had command for about one year and were essentially in
PRB by themselves, Burhans recalled that Forbes.had a difficult time adjusting to PRB
and was probably not well suited for this assignment.
In 1991/92 Captain Ben Crain assumed command ofPRB and Burhans recalled that,
under Crain's command, PRB started to receive additional personnel. Crain's tenure in
PRB lasted for about four or five years and when he left, the position was given to Jady
Hendry. Burhans stated that Hendry served in PRB for a short time before he left the
department for a career change. Jim Williams was appointed commander of PRB in early
1998.
Burhans then described the process of how CCSO handles complaints against deputies.
Burhans stated that any citizen can file a complaint at any sub-station and the complaint
is then forwarded to PRB. PRB reviews the complaint and makes a recommendation to
Burhans on how the complaint should be handled. If the complaint is minor in nature
Burhans stated that it would usually be sent back to the deputy's supervisor and dealt
with at that level. If the complaint was a more serious administrative violation Burhans
stated that PRB would investigate the complaint. Burhans related that if the complaint
contained possible criminal violations it would be handled jointly by PRB and the CCSO
Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
Burhans explained that over the years they have experienced problems with separating
criminal investigations of deputies with those investigations that are administrative in
nature. The CCSO does review all criminal investigations of deputies with the State
Attorney's Office but Burhans noted that he has never been totally satIsfied WIth the
process CCSO has used to handle criminal investigations of law enforcement officers.
Burhans felt that, in retrospect, CID and PRB should have done a better job working and
~ommunicating with each other. Burhans did state that since Jim Williams has assumed.
command and PRB is now doing criminal investigations (mstead ofCID) the system has
been tightened up and seems to be working much more effectively.
Burhans remarked that as soon as Jim Williams noted problems with some of the old
investigations on Edison (early 1998), Sheriff Hunter instructed Williams to get any help
he needed from outside agencies. Burhans recalls that Hunter instructed Williams to
contact the appropriate state and federal agencies and that eventually CCSO worked out
14
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
the current task force concept with FDLE, the Florida Department ofInsurance and the
State Attorney in Naples.
Burhans related that the CCSO should have been more "active and vil.(orous" in the
earlier complaints and investigations of Edison. Burhans felt that, while previous
commanders at PRE did the best they could, it now appears thaI certain internal affairs
matters did "slip through the cracks". Burhans ha~ heen encoural.(ed by the actions of the
current personnel at PRE and feels that-ille complaint acceptance and investigative
systems at CCSO have improved dramatically during the past twelve months.
Burhans stated that he has never known Sheriff Hunter to do anything to block any
investigation in the ten years he has served with Hunteri Burhans considers Hunter to be
an honest and aggressive administrator when dealing with matters of police corruption.
Burhans explained that he knew that Edison had several complaints filed against him but
thought that it might be because Edison was a "good cop working in a tough area".
Burhans described Edison as a good self-promoter who knew how to take advantage of
the system. Burhans further explained that. while Edison was alwayS an administrative
problem, Burhans was surprised when he heard about the extent of Edison's criminal
activity. Burhans described Edison as having led a "charmed life" during his years with
CCSO.
Burhans described Victor Valdes as very confrontational when dealing with CCSO.
Burhans feels that )leople at CCSO went out of their way to appease Valdes. Burhans
stated that Valdes' claims that he has been harassed because of his activism are totally
without merit. Most of Valdes' confrontations with CCSO have resulted from traffic
stops and most of these have involved different deputies. Burhans has heard some
deputies remark that they go out of their way not to stop Valdes for minor traffic
violations because they feel it is not worth the trouble they know they will encounter.
Burhans stated that Valdes never came to him with a complaint alr~jnst Edison anti that
the first time Burhans linked Valdes with Edison was after Edison ~ fired.
Burhans closed by stating that CCSO should have had a better review process over the
years and that this might have allowed them to catch Edison much earber. Burhans
remarked that he felt a certain amount of guilt for not catching up WIth Edison sooner.
Undersheriff Burhans was very cooperative and candid during the entire interview and
pledged his full cooperation with this inquiry.
JACKIE KLINE
Chief of Operations
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Chief of Operations, Jackie Kline, on February 11,
1999. Kline is third in command at CCSO and has held this position since 1991 with the
IS
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
exception of two years when he took a voluntary demotion. Kline has been with CCSO
for 28 years.
Inspector O'Connell asked Kline to present an overview of the complaint process at
CCSO. Kline stated that a complaint against an officer can be filed at any location and
these complaints are forwarded to PRE. All complaints are reviewed by PRB and then
discussed with Undersheriff Burhans. If the complaint is serious enough to be
investigated by PRB it is assigned a case number, invesl1gated by PRB, and then
reviewed by the Chief of Operations, the Undershentl and Sheriff Hunter. If the
complaint appears to be an issue that should be handled by the deputy's supervisor, the
Sheriff, Undersheriff and Chief of Operations would still review the results of the
supervisor's investigation.
Kline stated that he did not recall Edison having that many formal complaints filed
against him. Kline ~d heard a few very general rumors throughout the years that
indicated that Edisqri was involved in criminal activity. Kline has no personal
relationship with Edison or Sanders nor does he have any first hand knowledge of any
criminal wrongdoing by either of these officers.
Kline stated that part of his responsibility as Chief of Operations is command over all
criminal investigations and he has never seen any indication that Sheriff Hunter ever
blocked or hindered an investigation against a deputy. Kline always had the impression
that Hunter was aggressive when dealing with police corruption matters.
Kline stated that he did not attend many meetings with the community and has never
received any allegations against oflicers from"Victor Valdes.
Kline said that his reaction to the recent revelations about G1endell Edison was to a~k
why had management not heard about these allegations prior to 1998. Kline questioned
the quality of some previous PRB investigationS and wondered if, in some cases, CCSO
had "missed the boat".
.
Kline was very cooperative during his interview session.
JACK LLOYD
Former Chief of Operations-Retired
Inspector O'Connell interviewed former Chief of Operations, Jack Lloyd on February 12,
1999. Lloyd was Chief of Operations for a brief time during the 1990's when Jackie
Kline took a voluntary demotion.
Lloyd retired from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in March 1985 and joined
CCSO in 1986 under then Sheriff Rogers. While at DEA, Lloyd spent six years in
Internal Affairs with the DEA office in Miami, Florida. In 1988 Lloyd was appointed
commander of Vice and Narcotics. Lloyd left CCSO for about two years in 1990 to work
16
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
in the private sector, returned to CCSO in 1993, and assumed a position as Lieutenant in
Vice and Narcotics. Lloyd retired from CCSO in 1998.
Lloyd stated that while he was Chief of Operations at CCSO the PRB unit came under his
scope of authority. Lloyd recalled that he always had concerns that PRB was never
staffed properly and that the internal affairs process did not seem to be well organized.
Lloyd said that it was his impression that PRB was not as aggressive as it should have
been 10 Its IOternal IOvesttgattons. Lloyd commented that he thought the PRB people
were "good cops" but it appears that they did miss some issues.
Lloyd recalled that during his years with Vice and Narcotics he had heard rumors about
criminal violations being committed by Edison and Sanders but the rumors were never
backed up with any substanttal eVidence or witnesses. Lloyd estimated that during his
last few years with Vice and Narcotics (before he retired in 1998) he sent about six
_allegations/complaints about Edison to PRB for follow up investigation. Lloyd
, rememberd he had at least one conversation with Sheriff Hunter regardmg rumors about
.Edison bein involved in criminal activity. Lloyd saiti that Hunter was very concerned
but again, nothing substantial developed ni the PRB mvestigation that indicated the
allegations were anything more than rumors.
Lloyd stated that he knows Victor Valdes and Lloyd described the early relationship
l?etween Valdes and the Sheriffs Office as cordial. Lloyd did not recall receiving any
allegations about Edison from Victor Valdes and Lloyd does not know what caused the
relationship between Valdes and CCSO to turn sour.
Lloyd stated that he never saw Sheriff Hunter do anything to interfere with any criminal
investigation. Lloyd does not recall Captain Sanders intervening on behalf of Edison
during an internal investigation.
BEN CRAIN
F.ormer Commander of PRB at CCSO
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Captain Ben Crain on February II, 1999. Crain was a
Lieutenant in charge of PRB for about four years frorn 1991 through 1995. In 1995 Crain
was promoted to Captain and put in command of Special Operations. Crain is still in this
position at the present time. Crain has been with CCSO for 18 years.
Crain stated that early in his career (1981-1983) he worked in Immokalee as a patrol
deputy. Crain also worked in Immokalee as an investigator for about six months in the
late 1980's.
In 1991 Sheriff Hunter appointed Crain to be the commander ofPRB. Crain stated that
he always felt he needed more personnel in PRB and that at times it was almost
impossible to handle the caseload. Crain said that he only picked up one investigator
position during his four years at PRB.
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Investigative Summary
E12S0013
Crain spoke of the CCSO policy where PRB did not conduct criminal investigations on
deputies and said that, while criminal investigations often did go to the Criminal
Investigations Division, there were occasions where PRB did conduct criminal
investigations. Crain described this policy as one that was "fluid" throughout his tenure
atPRB.
Crain related that he had heard rumors about Glendell Edison being involved in illegal
activities before he was the commander at PRB. Crain stated that when he took over
command of PRB and saw the complaints about Edison come in, he would always
attem t to build a case but could never get substantial, first hand information on Edison.
Crain recalled that he had conversal1ons WI unter a ut t e dtson alJel.(a ions and,
while they were both concerned, they could never get witnesseslvictirns to come forward
with credible information. Crain stated that at times he was frustrated with the lack of
quality witnesses/victims in many of the allegations against Edison but said that you have
to go by the philosophy of "if you can't prove-it didn't happen".
Crain stated that he and Captain Jim Sanders used to fish together for several years but
they have not been close recently. Crain described Sanders as "an involved supervisor"
during internal investigations on allegations about Edison. Crain stated that Sanders
always wanted to know the status of a particular investigation involving Edison but Crain
did not think that Sanders ever actually interfered with an internal investigation.
Crain mentioned one instance where he thought Sanders might have "crossed the line"
and become to active with an inteqjal investigation on Edison. The case involved a child
abuse charge where Edison was accused of not properly responding to, and investigating,
the initial call for service. Crain stated that even in this instance he did not feel that
Sanders was trying to cover for Edison but it was rather just a case of Sanders being too
aggressive. Crain mentioned that he often used Sanders to assist in finding people in
Immokalee because Sanders knew the area so well.
Crain stated that he knew Victor Valdes and interacted with him on a regular basis during
his time at PRB. Crain states that Valdes has a pattern of actiVISm agaillst the CCSU and
tha at times, Valdes lets his emotions get the best of hun. Cram said that Valdes otten
had "legitimate complaints and is usually trying to do e ng t g or e lspamc
community.
Crain stated that Sheriff Hunter. was very aggressive when it came to matters of police
corruption. Crain never saw Hunter do anything to hinder or block an internal
investigation of any deputy.
DICK KIETH
Senior Supervisor, FBI Sarasota Field Office
During one of the interviews with Victor Valdes, Valdes mentioned that the FBI might
have information regarding criminal activitY by G1endell Edison and that this information
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might have been passed along to Sheriff Hunter. Sheriff Hunter stated that he does not
recall any conversations with the FBI regarding Edison and requested that Dick Kieth, his
local FBI contact, be interviewed regarding this matter.
Inspector O'Connell conducted a telephone interview with Dick Kieth on February 22,
1999. Kieth is a Senior Supervisor with the FBI Field Office in Sarasota, Florida.
Kieth related that in the mid-1990's the FBI worked a gambling investigation in
Immokalee and there were rumors that Edison was being paid protection money by some
of the people running the gambling operation. Kieth stated that their confidential source
did not work out and they had to close out the mvestlgatlon without an arrest. Kteth
stated that he worked with CCSO investigators on this gambling operation but does not
recall ever discussing the rumors about Edison's involvement with Sheriff Hunter.
Kieth said that he might have heard a few other rumors about Edison over the years but
does not recall any specific allegations that were ever verified and does not recall ever
discussing these rumors with Sheriff Hunter.
FRANK RODRIQUEZ
Cbairpenon of Collier County Hispanic Advisory Board
During an initial interview with Sheriff Hunter, Hunter requested that Frank Rodriquez be
interviewed regarding his experiences with Victor Vales and CCSO. On February 12,
1999, Inspector O'Connell conducted a telephone interview with Mr. Rodriquez.
Rodriquez is the Chairperson of the Collier County Commission's Advisory Board for
Hispanic Affairs and a past member of Sheriff Hunter's task force on minority
recruitment for the CCSO. Rodriquez works at the First National Bank of Naples and has
lived in Naples since 1990.
Rodriquez stated that he first met Sheriff Hunter in 1992 when Rodriquez was a volunteer
for the Children Services Council in Naples. Rodriquez also ran for a seat on the Collier
County Commission in 1992. Hunter invited Rodriquez to participate in a task force to
recruit qualified minorities for the Sheriff's Office. Rodriquez felt that the task force was
successful in making many minorities aware of the opportunities available to them in a
career in criminal justice. Rodriquez stated that Sheriff Hunter was always very
supportive of the task force and seemed genuinely committed to hiring minorities at the
CCSO.
Rodriquez is aware of the allegations made against Sheriff Hunter by Victor Valdes and
Rodriquez wanted to go "on the record" as stating his feelings that there is no truth in
these charges.
Rodriquez feels that he and Valdes have the same goals for the Hispanic community but
that Valdes chooses towork outside the system while Rodriquez takes a more
19
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
conservative approach and attempts to work within the system. Rodriquez noted that
m.any Hispanics he knows are upset with Valdes and his tendency to publish accusations
and rumors without supporting information. Rodriquez closed by Slating that he believes
that Valdes means well but is sometimes too emotional and prone to make allegations
against people without first verifying all the facts.
SHERIFF DON HUNTER
Sheriff, Collier County
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Sheriff Hunter on February 12, 1999. A brief
introductory interview with Sheriff Hunter was also conducted on February 9, 1999.
Sheriff Hunter joined the CCSO in 1981 and served as Deputy Chief of Administration
under Sheriff Rogers. Hunter was elected Sheriff in 1988 and took office in January
1989. Hunter recalled that his first meeting with Victor Valdes took place shortly after
Hunter was elected sheriff. Hunter knew that Valdes was upset with former Sheriff
Rogers and Hunter wanted to improve relations with Valdes and the Hispanic
community.
Hunter stated that he remembered attending several meetings with the Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce in Immokalee and that for the fIrst few years his relationship with the
Chamber and Valdes seemed to go very well. Hunter explained that in the early 1990's
CCSO arrested two young Hispanic males (the Gomez brothers) for Aggravated Battery
and Aggravated Assault. This arrest stemmed from an altercation at a local dance club.
The brothers were eventually convicted but Victor Valdes filed a complaint on their
behalf and claimed that one of the arresting officers used a rafi:lal slur dunng the arrest.
Hunter stated that the complaint was investigated but no independent third party witness
could be found and the complaint was unfounded. Hunter commented that Valdes would
not let up on the issue and Hunter felt that theu relationship has not been good since this
incident.
Hunter expressed a desire to improve relations with Victor Valdes after Valdes' current
lawsuit against CCSO is resolved. Sheriff Hunter denied that Victor Valdes was ever the
subject of harassment by anyone at CCSO because he was a community activist. Sheriff
Hunter insisted that he and his people have gone out of their way to be sensitive to Valdes
over the years because they realize how critical Valdes can be of any police action taken
against him.
Sheriff Hunter discussed the history of the Professional Responsibility Bureau (PRB)
since Hunter became sheriff. Hunter's first appointment as commander ofPRB was
Curtis Mills who was there for one year before he retired. Hunter said that under Mills,
PRB was a one-person unit but that Mills got assistance for the Criminal Investigation
Division (CID) whenever he needed it.
20
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
After Mills retired, Hunter appointed Lamar Forbes to take command of PRB. Hunter
stated that he was disappointed with Forbes' performance at PRB and felt that Forbes did
not maintain an effective filing system. Hunter also stated that it appeared that, in some
cases, Forbes would not follow through on certain investigative leads. Hunter explained
that while Forbes was in charge of PRB Hunter started having regular briefings on all
internal cases and that this policy of regular briefings is still in effect today. Hunter
eventually dismissed Forbes and brought in Ben Crain to clean up the filing system.
Hunter recalled that Ben Crain served as commander of PRB for about four years and that
Hunter and Crain began to get PRB additional personnel. Hunter remembered a
conversation with Crain about "what a disaster" the files were when Crain first took over
for Forbes.
Hunter stated that Crain brought up the concept ofPRB doing criminal investigations on
some of the internal cases. Hunter described the issue ofPRB doing criminal
investigations as a "fluid situation" that went through several adjustments over the years.
Hunter expressed confidence in the performance of Ben Crain at PRB and thought that
Crain did a good job given the lack of personnel vs. the heavy caseload. .
When Hunter promoted Crain to Captain of Special Operations, Jody Hendry was given
command ofPRB. Hunter stated that he always had confidence in Hendry but now, in
retrospect, it appears that Hendry was not as effective as Hunter would have liked him to
be. Hunter remarked that when Jim Williams took command ofPRB in early 1998, a
~iew of Hendry's files indicated that several internal cases were not properly
concluded. Hunter expressed full confidence in the current commander of PRB, Jim
Williams, and Hunter feels that Williams has some excellent investigators working with
him.
Sheriff Hunter wanted to ensure that it is understood that he takes responsibility for any
shortcomings during past internal affairs investigations. Hunter stated several tirnes that,
while he is not satisfied with way some things were done in the past, it was difficult
dealing with victims/witnesses from Immokalee. Many of these people are reluctant to
trust the police for a variety of reasons and this makes it difficult to gather eVidence for
_any type ot criminal case.
Sheriff Hunter then discussed his relationship with G1endell Edison. Hunter recalled that
over the years he had heard rumors about criminal activity by Edsion but does not
remember these rumors surfacing on a regular basis and does not remember any specific
.;jlegations involving Edison. Hunter described the allegations against Edison that he
heard at meetings of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as allegations that were very
broad and general in nature.
Hunter remembered discussing police abuse problems with Melinda Riddle but it was
always his impression that Riddle did not want to give up her sources and that Riddle had
no first hand knowledge of any criminal activity on the part of Edison. Hunter noted that
21
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
he first met Riddle when she approached him to reopen her brother's case. Hunter agreed
with Riddle that the initial investigation in 1979 was not properly done and Hunter
assigned two investigators to assist Riddle with her investigation. Hunter knows that
Riddle does not trust some of the deputies at CCSO and speculated that this may be a
reason why Riddle was reluctant to give Hunter specific names ofviclims or witnesses.
Hunter stated that if Melinda Riddle or Victor Valdes had ever ltiven him specific,
verifiable information about Edison's criminal activity he would have certainly followed
through on that information.
Hunter recalled that Edison seemed to have a lot of policy complaints filed against him
but Hunter stated that he was surprised when the current criminal charges against Edison
began to surface. Hunter does not remember that many criminal complaints against
Edison. Hunter speculated that, because Edison was working in a high crime area, it was
normal to expect some people to complain about Edison's methods. Hunter described
Edison as always being interested in getting ahead in the department and willing to take
on special assignments to enhance his promotional opportunities.
fiunter said that he had lifted weights with Edison on a few occasions but had never
ocialized with Edison or his family. In summary, Hunter stated that he always thought
that Edison was an "administrative m tmare" but bad no \c1ea \son ed
in criminal wrongdoing.
Hunter explained that he knew that Captain Jim Sanders and Edison had a close
relationship and that Sanders was always interested in Edison's career. Hunter said that
he encouraged a mentoring system at CCSO and that Sanders was Edison's mentor.
Hunter never had the impression that Sanders was interfering with internal investigations
on Edison and Hunter just thought that Sanders was interested in Edison's advancement
within the department. Hunter stated that PRB is currently looking into criminal
allegations against Sanders and that Sanders has been removed from any command
authority with the CCSO. .~
Hunter stated that he was frustrated by the fact that his department did not identify the
criminal activities of Edison at a much earlier date. In hindsight, Hunter admited that the
PRB should have done a more through job with the allegations that came in on Edison.
Hunter stated that he certainly was not satisfied with the way PRB handled some past
cases but Hunter also expressed concern over Valdes' defmition of "specific allegations".
Hunter reiterated that if he had received information on Edison that could have been
corroborated and verified, he would have certainly taken action against Edison.
Hunter stated that he has never done anything to block any criminal or internal
investigation within his department.
Sheriff Hunter was very cooperative during this interview and pledged the full
cooperation of his department during the course of this inquiry.
22
Investigative Summary
EI2S0013
INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS
The allegations made by Victor Valdes against Sheriff Hunter can be summarized as
follows:
. Sheriff Hunter knew about Glendell Edison's illegal activities for almost ten
yean and failed to do anything to stop Edison.
. Valdes alleges that, because Sheriff Hunter knew about Edison's illegal activities
and failed to act upon them, Sheriff Hunter is an accomplice to Edison's illegal
activities. This allegation implies that Sheriff Hunter is not detached from
Edison's corruption and somehow participated or profited from Edison's illegal
activities.
. Finally, Victor Valdes states that Sheriff Hunter is not qualified to lead the
current inyestigation of Glen dell Edison and other deputies who are under
suspicion.
This Investigative Findings Section will examine each of these three allegations
individually on the following pages.
. Sheriff Hunter knew about Glendell Edison's illegal activities for almost ten
. years and failed to do anything to stop Edison.
All persons interviewed from the Collier County Sheriff's Office, including Sheriff
Hunter, stated that they had heard rumors or "street talk" regarding illegal activity by
Edison during the past ten years. The extent of how much an individual heard about
Edison seemed to vary according to how much time that individual spent in uniform
patrol or investigative activities in Immokalee. It stands to reason that deputies who work
in Immokalee would naturally hear more rumors about Edison than higher ranking
members of CCSO who rarely engage in enforcement duties and only occasionally visit
Immokalee.
This reasoning is corroborated by the fact that PRB Investigator John Hisler, who spent a
number ofyears working in Immokalee, was the person least surprised when charRes
about Edison came to light. Conversely, Sheriff Hunter stated that he was surprised at the
extent of Edison's involvement in criminal activity. Sheriff Hunter related that he
thought of Edison as an "admtmstratlve mghtrnare.. but recaJts very few diSCUSSIOns
about Edison that involved cnmmaJ alleRations.
Victor Valdes stated that he and other members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
provided allegations against Edison to Hunter and that Hunter did DOt investigate these
23
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
allegations. Sheriff Hunter stated that ifhe was provided specific allegations against any
officer, including Edison, he always aggressively pursued such allegations.
There appears to be an issue with how each party defines what a soeciflc allegation is.
Victor Valdes does not have any verifiable, first hand information regarding criminal
activity on the part ofOlendell Edison. Nor could Victor Valdes produce anyone who
had verifiable, first hand information on Edison. Without such information it is difficult
for Sheriff Hunter and members of PRB to build a case against Edison or any other
deputy suspected of criminal or administrative violations. As Ben Crain, former
commander ofPRB stated during his interview, "If you can't prove it, it didn't happen".
Several handwritten notes from Sheriff Hunter were found in a review of the internal
affairs/intelligence case files that directed PRB personnel to take specific actions in
certain cases involving Edison. These actions included finding and interviewing
witnesses/victims and conducting a polygraph on Edison. These notes indicate that,
when presented with specific allegations, Sheriff Hunter directed members ofPRB to
pursue these allegations. Also, all CCSO personnel interviewed described Sheriff Hunter
as the type of law enforcement manger who does not tolerate any form of police
corruption. Even some of the people produced by Valdes stated that they believed that
Sheriff Hunter was an honest police administrator.
\
Sheriff Hunter and other members of CCSO admitted that, in retrospect, they are not
satisfied with the way previous allegations against Edison were handled. There are many
different factors that impacted this problern (lack of personnel, caseload, growth etc...)
but Sheriff Hunter did not want these factors to cloud the fact that he and his people in
PRB should have done a better job when pursuing previous allegations against Edison.
This preliminary inquiry did not reveal any evidence that Sheriff Hunter ever did
anything to block or hinder an internal investigation on G1endell Edison or any other
CCSO deputy.
. Valdes alleges that, because Sheriff Hunter knew about Edison's illegal activities
and did not act upon them, Sheriff Hunter is an accomplice to Edison's illegal
activities. This allegation implies that Sheriff Hunter is not detached from
Edison's corruption and somehow participated or profited from Edison's illegal
activitieS.
This preliminary inquiry did not reveal any evidence that Sheriff Hunter was involved in
any marmer with the criminal activity of G1endell Edison.
In the exit interview with Victor Valdes, Valdes stated that he did not intend to irnply that
Sheriff Hunter somehow profited from G1endell Edison's Illegal actIOns. Vatdes and
some members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce based the allegation that Sheriff
24
Investigative Summary
E12S0013
Hunter must have blocked previous investigations of Edison on the fact that nothiDl! was
done about Edison for almost ten years.
The evidence and interviews revealed that Edison was investigated regarding numerous
administrative and criminal allegations but there was never enough evidence to sustain
these allegations.
. Finally, Victor Valdes states that Sheriff Hunter is not qualified to lead the
current investigation of Glendell Edison and other deputies who are under
suspicion.
This preliminary inquiry revealed that CCSO has reopened and reviewed all previous
internal cases on Glendale Edison and this review has resulted in four separate criminal
cases against Edison being presented to State Attorney's Office. At the present time,
CCSO continues to pursue additional allegations against Edison and would welcome any
information Victor Valdes or any other members of the community could provide.
The interview with FDLE members Steve Emerson and Andy Rose revealed that they
thought that Inspector Jim Williams, the current PRB Commander, was both highly
motivated and competent. This preliminary inquiry found that Inspector Williams has
three excellent investigators currently working in PRB and that Sheriff Hunter has
authorized unlimited overtime and additional resources to ensure that all leads in the
Edison case are thoroughly investigated.
,
It is the conclusion of this preliminary inquiry that Victor Valdes and any other citizen of
Collier County can feel comfortable that any complaint they submit to PRB will be
investigated in an objective and professional manner.
2S
ATTACHMENTS
lA-S: Valdes Complaint and Letter from Governor Bush
lA-6: loternal Affairs File on Glendell Edison
IA-7: Criminal Cases Against Glendell Edison
IA-8: CCSO Internal Affairs Procedures
IA-9: Notes from Hunter on Previous Edison Cases
IA-IO: Valdes' Complaint/Criminal History with CCSO
lA-ll: Department of Justice Letter to Valdes
LAS NACIONES NEWS
PO BOX 10503, Naples, Florida 34101
March 19,2001
OPEN LETTER TO SHERIFF DON HUNTER
OF COLLIER COUNTY
In Reference: Corruption in the Office You Command.
In November of 1988, in the edition NO 4 of the newspaper Las Naciones, this journalist, editor
and writer of this column under the pseudonym of The Bullfighter, wrote an open letter in
English and Spanish to you, the then recently elected Sheriff of Collier County.
Even though, this journalist did not trust you for being the political protege of one of the most
racist man in the Southwest of Florida at that time. Sheriff Audrey Rogers, the letter was
published with the hope that the racism and police brutality that we have witnessed (and
experienced myself) could be eradicated if you, intelligently, would have cleaned up your office.
(See exhibit #1)
Sheriff Hunter, you replied via a certified letter dated January 10, 1989, possibly, one of the first
document you signed when you took office. (See exhibit #2)
After that there was a period of apparent good relationship between your Office and this
newspaper. This ended several months later when we held several meetings with you in the
Collier County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (of which this writer was the president at that
time). During those meetings you were appraised of the criminal activities by the then deputy and
today convicted felon, Glendell Edison.
From that moment on, this writer started to be persecuted, falsely accused, victimized by
uncovered operations, kidnapped, falsely arrested, beaten, and recently, falsely accused of
perjury, which is still pending in federal court; as is pending this writer's suit against you and
your office in the same court.
Finally, Glendell Edison was found guilty of several charges, which you claim to have known only
for a short time. You are confusing the people you are mandated to serve. You knew from the
moment you took office in 1989, we told you and you did not pay attention. All we got in return, was
that the Collier County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was de,stroyed, this \\inter was discredited and
persecuted by some of your men.
Today, after Edison and Sanders have been found guilty and probably will spend several decades in
jail. After the commwlity has confinned, through our pages and public meetings, that what The
Bullfighter has been saying for more than 16 years is true, La~ Naciones News' credibility has been
restored.
Our credibility is solid and at all times high, that we don't have to take the show on the road and try
to convince the public with all sort oflies. We don't have to call for a town hall meeting to regain the
publ ic' s confidcnce.
However, you have to try to bring back the little credibility you have left because you dismissed the
conmlUnity's concerns about Edison and Sanders as "rumors" and neglected your obligations as an
elected law enforcement official, while your most trusted men were making a full of yourself (right
under your nose) by using their shield to commit crimes. You had reasons for loosing credibility and
you need more than town hall meetings to gain any credibility back.
You need to take your show on the road, while our credibility not only remains intact, but it has
increased in sectors of the mainstream community we failed to reach before. Yes, we know you claim
on your favor two things:
One, that you were clear in the three investigations conducted by the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement
Nevertheless, we will demonstrate that those investigations were partial and tended to protect you
because many of the witnesses provided to the FDLE were not interviewed, and those who were
interviewed their testimony was interpreted to your benefit.
Two, that this journalist was charged of perjury and the case is still pending in court.
We will demonstrate that once more you and your office have harassed and persecuted this journalist, but
like many other times before, it will be shown who is lying for many, many years.
You have stripped yourself in front of the community. This journalist has many reasons to feel
vindicated by the cases of your ex-deputics, Paul Russo, Peter J. Kinney and more recently, Edison
and Sanders.
No Sheriff Hunter, you are not being truthful, but I had. No only we can prove that you are not being
honest, but it has been proven already.
On Auguts 9 and 10 we will lead the second Civil Rights Forum to be held at the Collier County
Conference Room, 3301 East Tamiami Trail, under the title Evidence of Corruption in the
CCSO _ What was said in federal court, what was told to the FDLE and what nobody
wants to listen.
Sheriff Hunter, you are invited.
~
P}r40./~
7c7d
Victor A. Valdes
Editor and Civil Right Activist
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AN OPEN
LETTER TO
DON I-IUNTER
The day is coming closer in which you will
be the Sheriff of Collier County. I hope that,
with God's help, it will be in benefit of the
community of Collier County. As a defender of
Democracy, of total abeyance to the Law in
our Nation, I accept the order emanated from
the people that decided on last September 6th,
that you shall be the one occupying the Office
of the Sheriff Opt. in our County.
As one of the people, I am going to deposit
muy faith in you on the following tasks:
1. An intelligent use of our economic
resources.
2. Total erasing of all forms of discrimi-
nation against minorities.
3. Elimination 'Of Police brutality ('Police
brutality is as bad as drugs...")
4. An end to corruption inside the Sheriff
Dept.
5. Drugs, that poison mainly our young,
are also a weapon of criminals and Com-
munism. This should have priority in your I
agenda. I
Mister Hunter, under no circunstances my I
obedience to the people's will should be I
I
interpreted as Co renounce to the investigation I
going on by Public Prosecutor Cahon. l~
Neither this should be tak"en as 'cowardly'. I
I
Twenty years of struggle against Communism
and ten of them in Castro's jails has taught us I
to value these freedoms we enjoy here today.
We are to go defending these freedoms with
our pens. Obeying them and making them
obeyed.
In the name of our community, Mr. Hunter:
ljOu have the word.
LA:S N
A WARD
DIS~
The Latin
Hialeah, in a
notified Las I
Chamber has
Honorary Men
This was I
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convergence i
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WILLIAM. fELL. hero has born to put up a fight againts crimes loc,
A l\10DE"RN IfERO of the worsen type: age
:.J "D SCrIMINATION". Others have taken
BY NAIDA JUANA the rumor furtt1er. and very convencing, say has
that William Tell IS ALIVE ne,
CONDESA LADRON According to my sou~es. the legendary ShE
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Post OHice Orawer 1277. Naples. Florida 33939-1277
Telephone (AC 813) 774-4434
January 10, 1989
Mr. victor Valdez
Las Naciones
p,O. Box 10503
Naples, FL 33941
Dear Mr. Valdez:
I read your open editorial letter to me with interest. I am
pleased that you accede to the will of the people and the Rule of
Law, as I have sworn to do before God and my Collier County
Citizens, and as do all Constitutional public servants.
I accept your offer of fair and responsible exercise of
including your publication's first amendment freedom.
as for me, freedom brings responsibility.
freedom,
For you,
I offer continued enforcement
without regard to race, creed
harassment of anyone, by anyone,
we all find in our Constitution.
of all laws for all citizens
or national origin. Indeed,
is contrary to the fundamentals
May this spirit of mutual respect and fair play guide us in our
dealings with each other and the public we serve.
---
Sincel1.ely,
<1~lr~:1".:iff
Collier County, Florida
DH: jab
cc: File
WE SUPPORT
Tl-l~ FLO;::l::>~ SHcrtlF'FS yOUTH R~NCHES
A 'lame 'or '1eetjy and Nonny ~oyS lnc 11rlS,
LI:.q ':OJ\I~I J:l D_PUTY '_EAGIJE I."C:;
WE SPO~SOR
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FDLE
Ronda Department 01
Law Enlorcement
Post 0tIice Box 1489
TaIahassee, Florida 32302-1489
(850) 410.7001
www.tdle.stale.n.us
Jeb Bush, Gcwemor
Katherine Han1a. S6ct&taJy of Stale
Robert A. Butterworth. Altomey General
Robert F. Minigan. ~
BiD Nelson. TteaSUl8r
Bob CrawfOfd. Commissioner of Agricullul8
Tom Gallagher. Commissioner of Education
James T. "Tim' Moore
Commissioner
March 10, 1999
Honorable Jeb Bush
Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-000 I
RE: FDLE File EI-25-00 13
Dear Govemor Bush:
On January 27, 1999, you requested the Florida Departm~nt of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to conduct a
preliminary inquiry into allegations concerning possible criminal misconduct on the part of Collier
County Sheriff Don Hunter. These allegations, brought forward by Mr. Victor Valdes of Naples, Florida,
include accusations of police misconduct. brutality, harassment and civil riJUits violations.
When interviewed, Mr. Valdes allel!;ed specific misconduct on the Dart of Sheriff Hunter. Accordinll to
Valdes, Sheriff Hunter was aware of criminal conduct by former Collier County Sl!;t. G1endell Edison
and failed to properly investil!;llte the criminal activities of Sl!;l. Edison.
This letter is to infonn you that we have completed our preliminary inquiry into this matter and found no
criminal violations by Sheriff Hunter. Our investigation revealed that Sheriff Hunter conducted several
investilzations into allelZations relZardino rrimin~1 Artivily Ity Sill. Edison. but none of these previous
investigations produced sufficient evidence to arrest Edison. Sheriff Hunter stated that, in retrospect, he
was not satisfied with the quality of some of these past internal investil!;ations, and he has taken measures
to ensure that all future complaints al!;ainst officers are thorouJUily and professionally investil!;ated.
Finally, our inquiry revealed that Sheriff Hunter has fonned a task force to look into all criminal activity
on Ihe part of Sgt. Edison. This task force includes members of the Collier County Sheriffs Department,
FDLE, the Florida Department ofInsurance and the State Attorney's Office. Members of this task force
have re-opened all past complaints against Sgt. Edison, and their efforts have resulted in four separate
(;.riminal cases being presented to the State Attorney for prosecution.
We have also reviewed the results of our inquiry with State Attorney Joseph D' Alessandro of the
Twentieth Judicial Circuit, and Mr. D' Alessandro concurs with our findings. A copy of our Investigative
Summary is attached for your review.
Sincerely,
~/~
James T. Moore
Commissioner
JTMlmo
Attachment
CcmmiIIed tIO
Service . Integrity . Respect . 0uaJity
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COLLIER COUNTY
DAVID Co WEIGEL
COlliER COUNTY ATTORNEY
March 9,2001
HeidiF,Ashlon
Ellen 1. (hadwell
Romiro Mciialj(h
William E. Mountford
Thomes C. Palmer
Mi(hael W. Pelht
Jo(quelineHubbordRobinson
Marjorie M. Student
Patrick G. While
RoberlN.Zochory
3301 Tamiami Trail Easl
Naples, Florida 34112-4902
Telephane: (941) 774-8400
FAX: (941) 77 4-0225
Mr. Robert 1. Pina
Apartment 113
550 Rattlesnake Hammock Road
Naples, Florida 34113
Re: Community Meeting of the City-County Workforce Housing Committee
Thursday, March 15,2001, at 8:30 AM.
Dear Mr. Pina:
Enclosed please find the invitation to attend the community meeting to discuss solutions
that address housing needs of the workforce community. If you have any questions prior to this
meeting, please feel free to give me a call at 774-8400.
Sincerely,
~~
Ramiro Manalich
Chief Assistant County Attorney
And Staff Liaison for the Collier County
Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board
RM/kn
enclosure
cc: David C. Weigel, County Attorney
Location:
801 EIGHTH AVENUE SOUTH
NAPLES, FLORIDA 34102
(~
~efy ,~
Mailing Address:
735 EIGHTH STREET SOUTH
NAPLES. FLORlDA 34102
February 28, 2001
PLANNlNG DEPARTMENT
Dear Community Partner,
As a valued stakeholder in the greater Naples community, you or a representative from
your organization are invited to join other community leaders in a Community Partners
meeting on Thursday, March 15th at Naples Community Hospital.
Members of the City-County appointed Workforce Housing Committee would like to
meet with key leaders from the business and religious community and other
organizations with a stake in the future success of Collier County. The Workforce
Housing Committee and the Collier County Housing and Urban Improvement office will
be holding an affordable housing workshop with the Board of County Commissioners in
mid-May. In an effort to identify solutions that address the housing needs of the local
workforce, the committee would like to hear from local businesses, agencies and
individuals who are impacted by the lack of affordable homeownership and rental
opportunities for those: employed in Collier County.
How difficult has it been to find and reta~iqOaIrty eniP'~s? How many of you know
family members, co-workers, employees, ptirishioners, friends or neighbors that work
full time in Collier County but cannot find a nome to buy or rent that fits within their
budget? Please join us in identifying solutions to this community concern.
The Community Partners meeting is scheduled for:
Thursday, March 15th 8:30 a.m.
Naples Community Hospital
Telford Education Center Room 3
350 7th Street North
For additional information please call Cormac Giblin, Collier County HUI 403-2330,
Chris Chesser, Naples Community Hospital 436-5990 or Susan Golden, City of Naples
213-1041. Hope to see you or a representative from your organization on the 15th!
Sincerely,
~~~
Susan Golden. AICP
Planner
PACSIMILE (94t) 434-4627 TELEPHONE (941) 4:}4....J.626 SUNCQM 974-4626
Location:
801 EIGHTH AVENUE SOUTH
NAPLES, FLORIDA 34102
tm~:~ ~
\.'- Jf
~~;1~
Mailing Address:
735 EIGHTH STREET SOUTH
NAPLES. FLORIDA 34102
February 28, 2001
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Dear Community Partner,
As a valued stakeholder in the greater Naples community, you or a representative from
your organization are invited to join other community leaders in a Community Partners
meeting on Thursday, March 15th at Naples Community Hospital.
Members of the City-County appointed Workforce Housing Committee would like to
meet with key leaders from the business and religious community and other
organizations with a stake in the future success of Collier County. The Workforce
Housing Committee and the Coilier County Housing and Urban Improvement office wili
be holding an affordable housing workshop with the Board of County Commissioners in
mid-May. In an effort to identify solutions that address the housing needs of the local
workforce, the committee would like to hear from local businesses, agencies and
individuals who are impacted by the lack of affordable homeownership and rental
opportunities for those: employed in Coilier County.
How difficult has it been to find and rebl~iq/Allrty emploYees? How many of you know
family members, co-workens, employees, pirishioners, friends or neighbors that work
full time in Collier County but cannot find a home to buy or rent that fits within their
budget? Please join us in identifying solutions to this community concern.
The Community Partners meeting is scheduled for:
Thursday, March 15th 8:30 a.m_
Naples Community Hospital
Telford Education Center Room 3
350 7th Street North
For additional information please call Cormac Giblin, Collier County HUI 403-2330,
Chris Chesser, Naples Community Hospital 436-5990 or Susan Golden, City of Naples
213-1041. Hope to see you or a representative from your organization on the 151h!
Sincerely,
~~~
Susan Golden, AICP
Planner
FACSIMILE (941) 434-4627 TELEPHONE (941) 434.-4616 SUNCQM 910.4626
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 1,2001
TO: All Advisory Board Liaisons
FROM: David C. Weigel, County Attorney
SUBJECT: County Attorney Office Workshop
This past January 16, 2001, the Office of the County Attorney presented an informational
workshop to the Board of County Commissioners presenting the following topics: Sunshine Law,
Public Records, Ex-Parte Communications. Ethics I Gifts, Tourist Development Tax, Emergency
Management. and Board Meetings I Reconsideration. As you are aware, essentially all members
of the Board's committees are subject to the Florida Government-In-The-Sunshine law and
Public Records Law requirements. We would like to be able to schedule some time on all
advisory board agendas to present, at a minimum, Sunshine Law and Public Records Law
requirements and provide a forum to respond to questions of committee members.
I would appreciate it if you would coordinate with your advisory boards to find out any
topics, in addition to Sunshine Law and Public Records Law, that they would like to hear.
Additionally, please provide Deborah Allen in my office with two or three dates that the advisory
board has available for the presentation to be made. Presentation of Sunshine Law and Public
Records Law should take no more than one hour. Added topics such as Ex Parte
Communications and Ethics I Gifts should take approximately Y2 hour each to present.
Additional time for questions should be also be reserved by the Board.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. If you should have any questions or need
any additional information, please feel free to contact Deborah Allen at 774-8400.
cc: Board of County Commissioners
H:publicldavid/memos/200Iladvisory board liaisons rc workshops
""_~-,~_.,.,,- 'O"^~"'___~k.."'__~_"'."~"_'."'_""~ ^"__"'e~.______._~...,..~~.._~_...""".~~",,__~__....__..,'~'_____"'^""_"_
Florida Department of
Law Enforcement
Commissioner James T. Moore
Office of
EXECUTIVE
INVESTIGATIONS
-.
REPORT.OF
_.-..~ .
PRELIMINARY INQUIRY
SHERIFF DON HUNTER
COLLIER COUNTY
FDLE CASE # EI250013
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
EI2S00 13
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
INVESTIGATIVE PREDICATE
PAGE 2
INVESTIGATIVE NARRATIVE
PAGE 3
INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS
PAGE 23
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
DATE: February 27, 1999
CASE NUMBER: E1250013
CASE INSPECTOR: Michael O'Connell
CASE PREPARED BY: Michael O'Connell
DATES OF ACTIVITY: FROM: February I, 1999
TO: February 27, 1999
SUBJECT(S): Sheriff Don Hunter
Sheriff, Collier County
~STIGATIVE PREDICATE
On January 27, 1999 Governor Jeb Bush requested that the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement (FDLE) conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations against Collier
County Sheriff Don Hunter. Mr. Victor Vales, Naples, Florida, submitted a complaint
against Sheriff Hunter and the allegations involved possible police misconduct, brutality,
harassment and civil rights violations. Governor Bush requested a report ofFDLE's
preliminary fmdings and recommendations within thirty days.
. The allegations reported by Mr. Valdes are outlined in his letter to Governor Bush dated
January 11, 1999. In his letter, Valdes alleges that since 1989 Sheriff Hunter has ignored
multiple complaints filed by the members of the community against deouties of the
Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
The foundation of Valdes' charges against Sheriff Hunter originate from a press
announcement by Hunter on December 4, 1998 where CCSO Sergeant Glendell Edison
had his appointment as deputy sheriff withdrawn and was removed from office effective
December 2, 1998. Sheriff Hunter also announced that Edison's termination was the
result of a ten-month internal investigation by CCSO with assistance from the State
Attorney's Office in the 20" Judicial Circuit, the Florida Department ofInsurance and
FDLE. Hunter further stated that other deputies are also under investigation and that
several closed internal investigations on Sergeant Edison have been reopened.
2
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
Valdes claims that he and other members of the Collier County Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce (CCHCC) made allegations against Glendell Edison in several meetinl.(s
between the CCHCC and Hunter. Valdes states that these meetings took place in 1989
and the allegations against Edison included protection of gambling and prostitution,
accepting payment from drug dealers and other illegal activities. In short, Valdes claims
hat Sheriff Hunter knew about Edison's illegal activities for ten years and failed to take
P1e actions necessary to nng Ison to Justice.
Furthermore, Valdes also claims that Sheriff Hunter is an accomplice of Edison's illegal
?ctivities because Hunter failed to act upon the allegations against Edison presented to
pim during the past ten years. Valdes states that Sheriff Hunter is not detached from the
Edison corruption because he (Hunter) intentionally ignored and covered up all of the
allegations made against Edison by members of the community since 1989.
Valdes closed his letter to Governor Bush by stating that Sheriff Hunter is not qualified to
head the investigation of Glendell Edison and other members of CCSO who may be
involved in criminal activity. Valdes requested that Governor Bush appoint a special
investigator to conduct an investigation of Sheriff Hunter and the CCSO.
INVESTIGATIVE NARRATIVE
The following interviews and documentation review were undertaken to obtain the
background and history of allegations against Sheriff Hunter and the current CCSO
investigation of Glendell Edison.
I. Background Interviews on CCSO investigation of Clendell Edison:
STEVE EMERSON & ANDY ROSE
FDLE Ft. Myers Regional Operations Center
On February 8, 1999, Inspector O'Connell interviewed FDLE Special Agent Supervisor
(SAS) Steve Emerson and FDLE Special Agent (SA) Andy Rose at the Ft. Myers
Regional Operations Center. Emerson and Rose are representing FDLE in the task force
that is currently investigating criminal allegations against Glendell Edison.
Emerson and Rose stated that in August 1998 CCSO Inspector Jim Williams requested
that FDLE participate in a task force with CCSO regarding a criminal investigation of
Edison and other deputies. Williams is in charge of the CCSO Professional
Responsibility Bureau (pRB) and the task force was comprised of investigators from
3
Investigative Summary
El2Soo13
CCSO, FDLE, the State Attorney's Office in Naples and the Florida Department of
Insurance.
Emerson and Rose related that the allegations against Edison originated from his
activities in Immokalee, Florida. Edison grew up in Immokalee, joined CCSO in 1980,
and most of his work assignments for CCSO have been in Immokalee. The allegations
~gainst Edison include protection for drugs and prostitution, accepting money for
protection of businesses, intimidation of victims and witnesses and numerous additi~nal
criminal activities that involved the abuse of his authority as a deputy with the Collier
County Sheriff's Office.
SAS Emerson stated that FDLE was currently investigating additional charges against
CaIson ana IS sttll an active member of the PRB task force.
,
SAS Emerson further stated that FDLE has ftJed a prosecution summary with the State
Attorney's Office in Naples that charged Edison with violations under FSS 843.0855 (4),
Criminal Actions Under Color of Law. Tbis prosecution summary alleged that Edison
attempted to influence, hinder and/or intimidate members of the Lee County, Collier
County and Florida Department of Corrections probation offices in the interest of a friend
or relative. The FDLE case number for this investigation is FM140005. SAS Emerson
said that FDLE is still an active member of the task force and is assisting CCSO in
pursuing additional charges against Edison.
SA Rose related that before he joined FDLE he was a deputy with CCSO and spent some
time working in the Immokalee area Rose recalled that there had always been rumors
linking Edison with criminal activity but he had no first hand information regarding any
criminal violations by Edison or any other CCSO deputy. SA Rose stated that part of
.current task force investigation surrounded the activities of CCSO Captain Jim Sanders.
Rose related that it was a1wa s his im ression that Sanders would block previous internal
investigations on Edison and go out of his way to cover or Ison w enever CitIzens
made complaints against Edison. Rose described most of the rumors about Edison and
Sanders as "street talk".
Both Emerson and Rose were somewhat familiar with the complainant, Victor Valdes,
and they described Valdes as a community activist who has had several past dealings with
the Sheriff's 'Office.
Emerson and Rose stated that they were very impressed with Inspector Jim Williams and
the other investigators in the CCSO Professional Responsibility Bureau (pRB). Both
FDLE investigators noted that they thought Williams and his investigators were doing a
through job looking into allegations against Edison and other CCSO deputies in
Immokalee. SA Rose stated that past commanders for Internal Affairs (professional
Responsibility Bureau) have not been very effective. Rose speculated that this
ineffectiveness, coupled with Captain Sanders' protection of Edison, allowed Edison to
"om free" for the past 15 years.
4
_"'~_.........,.__..._ ..' ___'U', .~,,,.,__~.__~,_.,.~,_..,,_..__.,__,._
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo 13
Both Emerson and Rose stated that they had never heard any rumors that Sheriff Hunter
ever did anything to block or cover up any investigation against Edison or any other
CCSO deputy. Emerson and Rose portrayed Hunter as very supportive of the current task
force investigation of Edison and other CCSO personnel.
II. Interviews with complainant Valdes and witnesses produced by Valdes:
VICTOR VALDES
Complainant
Inspector O'Connell interviewed the complainant in this matter, Victor Valdes, a total of
five times during the week of February 8, 1999. Valdes lives at 5349 Holland Street in
Naples and is the editor of the Las Naciones newspaper. Valdes moved to Naples in 1982
and has been publishing Las Naciones since 1984.
Valdes described himself as an activist for the Hispanic community in the Naples area
This activism began in 1984 with the arrest of Lazaro Vierra in Imrnokalee. Florida.
Valdes claims that G1endell Edison arrested Vierra and that Edison used excessive force
against Vierra during the arrest Valdes stated that he filed a complaint with Sheriff .
Aubrey Rogers, then Sheriff of Collier County, about Edison's use offorce but this
complaint was not investi~ated properly by Sheriff Ro~ers. Valdes said that this incident
prompted him to begin his newspaper and become a voice for the Hispanic community.
When Sheriff Hunter first took office in January 1989 Valdes and other members of the
His anic Chamber of Commerce had several meetings with Hunter regarding problems
with the CCSO deputies in Immokalee. Valdes rec Ie at e many 0 ese
complaints involved allegations against Edison. Va\.des stated that Hunter never followed
up on the allegations made against Edison by members of the community at these
meetings. .
Valdes related that at the beginning of Sheriff Hunter's first term (1989-1991) relations
between the Hispanic Chamber and Hunter were very cordial. It was only after certain
members of the Chamber felt that Hunter was not being responsive to their concerns
about certain CCSO deputies that relations between Hunter and the Chamber began to
deteriorate. Valdes wrote an article in his newspaper in 1992 that was critical of Hunter's
handling of a use of force complaint and relations between Valdes and Hunter have not
been good since this article was written. ,'.
"
.
Valdes has been arrested several times between 1988 and 1996 for minor traffic offenses,
worthless checks, driving with a suspended license and obstruction. Valdes stated that
many of these arrests are retaliation against Valdes for being an outspoken critic of
Sheriff Hunter and the CCSO. Valdes currently has a civil rights complaint against
CCSO filed in federal court.
S
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo 13
Valdes stated that he has no first hand knowledge regarding criminal activity by Glendell
Edison. Furthermore, Valdes has no first hand knowledge that Sheriff Hunter was ever
involved in any criminal activity with Glendell Edison.
Valdes does not have first hand knowledge that Sheriff Hunter ever intentionally blocked
an internal affairs investigation involving Glendell Edison or any other CCSO deputy.
V aides is concerned that there are certain deputies at CCSO who have a pattern of abuse
and that these deputies have not been properly investigated. Valdes also believed that
Sheriff Hunter did not properly follow throul.(h on a1lel!ations made again~t (;J"nti..lI
.Edison by Valqes and other members of the Hispanic community. Valdes mentioned that
he would like to see the Sheriff's Office d"tablish some type offormal early warning
system that would detect patterns of abuse before these patterns become svstemic.
During the week of February 8,1999, Victor Valdes produced the names of people he
wanted to be interviewed regarding their dealings with Sheriff Hunter during the past ten
years. Valdes stated that some of these people have made allegations to Hunter about
criminal violations committed by Edison and other CCSO deputies. The following are
summaries of pertinent information provided during these interviews.
MELINDA RIDDLE
Valdez Witness
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Melinda Riddle at her office in Naples on February 10,
1999. Riddle is an attorney and has lived in Naples ~ince 1987.
Riddle stated that her brother disappeared from the Inunokalee area in 1979. When
Riddle moved to Naples in 1987 she began to conduct her own investigation into her
brother's disappearance. Riddle feels that the initial investigation by CCSO in 1979 was
not conducted professionally. Riddle noted that she also met resistance at the Sheriff's
Office in 1987 when she attempted to have her brother's case reopened. This initial
resistance at the Sheriff's Office was before Sheriff Hunter was elected.
Riddle first met Sheriff Hunter when Hunter took office in 1~89. Riddle stated that
Hunter agreed to reopen her brother's case and assign two investigators. In 1991 her
brother's body was found and identified in a grave in Inunokalee. In 1996 an arrest was
made but the subject was subsequently acquitted at trial.
During the early stages of the investigation, Sheriff Hunter asked Riddle to serve on his
Hispanic Advisory Board. Riddle described her initial relationship with Hunter as cordial
and protesstonal.
Riddle noted that during the investigation into her brother's disappearance she spent
numerous hours in Immokalee and heard a lot of "street talk" about G1endell Edison and
6
Investigative Summary
E12S00\3
several other officers. As a member of the Hispanic Advisory Board, Riddle approached
Hunter with the information she was hearing about Edison. Riddle stated that Hunter
became defensive and wanted Riddle to put her complaints in writing and have the
witnesses/victims come forward with their complaints. Riddle did not feel comfortable
asking these people to come forward because of the lack of trust between the Hispanic
Community and the Sheriff's Office. Riddle believes that this lack of trust still exists
today.
Riddle recalled that many of the people who spoke with her about allegations against
Edison were gang members and migrant workers and they did not feel comfortable
coming forward and filing formal complaints against law enforcement officers. Riddle
also stated that it was her feeling that Captain Sanders blocked or hindered sevefiif'Orthe
complaints that were ftIed. Riddle did have any first hand knowledge that Sanders
blocked any investigations on Edison.
Riddle concluded by slating that she did not think that Sheriff Hunter was guilty of any
criminal wrongdoing and that she does not have anything personal against Hunter.
Riddle stated that she does not trust some deputies that work for CCSO and, at times,
floes not think that CCSO is aggressive enough when investigating internal affairs issues.
Riddle did not have any first hand knowledge of criminal activity by Edison or any other
CCSO deputy.
CARLOS ORTIZ
Valdes Witness
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Carlos Ortiz by telephone on February 19, 1999. Ortiz
was a deputy for CCSO from 1986 through 1995 and had extensive experience working
in the Immokalee area. Ortiz is currently an investigator with the State Attorney's Office
in Palm Beach County.
Ortiz stated that he got to know Victor Valdes through Valdes' work in the community
and he Ortiz also attended several Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meetings where
V aides and Hunter were present. Ortiz does not reca es ever mentioDmg any
~p~cific allegations against Ediso!l at any of these ~eetm~~.
Ortiz recalled that he had heard rumors about Edison through Valdes' newspaper but does
not remember any specific allegations in the newspaper ever being corroborated by
anyone with first hand knowledge of criminal activity on the part of Edison.
Ortiz said that he was assigned to assist Melinda Riddle and his orders were to reopen the
case surrounding the disappearance of Riddle's brother. Ortiz does recall that during this
investigation he and Riddle heard some allegations about criminal activity by Edison but
Ortiz does not recall receiving any specific information on Edison from Riddle or any
other witness/victim.
7
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
Ortiz stated that while he was at CCSO he never saw or heard any rumors that Sheriff
Hunter ever blocked any internal investigations. To the contrary, Ortiz stated that he
always found Hunter to be very honest and "by the book" when it came to any criminal
investigations.
Ortiz stated that the initial investigation into the disappearance of Riddle's brother in
1979 was not handled well by CCSO and that Melinda Riddle ..lias justifiably upset with
the way this initial investigation was conducted.
However, Ortiz restated that he never received any specific, ftrst hand information of
criminal activity by Edison from either Vales or Riddle.
ZAC LUCIO
Valdes Witness
I
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Zac Lucio on February 12, 1999 at the home of Victor
Valdes. Lucio is a former member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and lived in
Naples from 1986 to 1997. Lucio currently resides in Miami.
Lucio related that he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce when Sheriff Hunter
ftrst ran for sheriff in 1988. After Hunter was elected, Lucio recalls that Hunter appeared
at several meetings of the Chamber where some people voiced concerns over the actions
of Glendell Edison. Lucio said that Hunter never took notes, never asked for names or
wrote down any informaDon on the allegattons and never followed up on any of the
concerns expressea oy Cttlzens at these meetings.
Lucio noted that he bases his belief that Hunter blocked internal investigations on the fact
that nothing was ever done" with the complaints raised at the Chamber meetings.
Lucio does not have any first hand knowledge regarding criminal allegations against
Glendell Edison nor does he have any ftrst hand knowledge that Sheriff Hunter blocked
any internal investigations against Edison.
MANUEL AVALOS
Former CCSO DeputyNaldes Witness
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Manuel Avalos by telephone on February 11, 1999.
Victor Valdes believed that Avalos might have first hand knowledge regarding criminal
wrongdoing by Glendell Edison.
Avalos is a former deputy with CCSO and was terminated in 1993 for falsifying an
official doc~ent. Avalos currently lives in Immokalee. Avalos stated that he has a civil
rights c;omplaint against CCSO pending in the federal courts and that he would not speak
8
"'--""'.'-'~"'~"----_._----.._,~,.-
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
to any investigators until it was cleared through his attomey. Avalos' attorney is Sid
Garcia of West Palm Beach, Florida..
Victor Valdes thought that Avalos might have information regarding criminal activity by
several CCSO deputies. Avalos was questioned about his knowledge of police corruption
in Immokalee and Avalos again refused to answer any questions without the advice of his
attomey. Avalos was advised that any knowledge he has of criminal wrongdoing by
CCSO deputies should be reported to the Professional Responsibility Bureau. Avalos
said that he did not trust anyone at the Sheriff's Office and that he would not feel
comfortable giving them any information.
On February 23, 1999, Inspector O'Connell received a return phone call from Avalos'
attorney, Sid Garcia. Garcia stated that he did not have any objections to an interview
with Avalos.
On February 24, 1999, Inspector O'Connell again interviewed Avalos by telephone
regarding his knowledge of criminal activity by Glendell Edison. Avalos stated that he
had no fust hand knowledge of criminal wrongdoing by Edison. Avalos had heard
rumors that Edison was involved in that sale of drugs but conftrmed that information was
just "street talk".
ANO~OUSSOURCES
Valdes Witness
On February 11, 1999 Inspector O'Connell interviewed two former members of the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their home in Ft. Myers, Florida. Victor Valdes
stated that these two individuals might have information regarding allegations against
G1endell Edison. Both of these individuals requested that their names not be used in any
official report.
These sources stated that they lived in Immokalee from 1983 through 1995 and they were
owners of a small business during these years. Both of these people were members of the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce until the chamber fell apart in 1991. Both individuals
were present at Chamber meetings when complaints about G1endell Edison were brought
to the attention of Sheriff Hunter. Neither individual had first hand knowledge of
criminal activity on the part. of Edison. --
These sources described the initial relationship between the Chamber and Hunter as
productive and friendly. As time went by they felt that Hunter became unresponsive to
their concerns about the Immokalee community. One of the individuals stated that she
ave Hunter the names of people who were victims/witnesses of Edison's criminal
,activity but that nothing was ever one.
9
."'A_,.,._,._~._...___.._,___~.._>.~~__."..~___.,.
-' ""~-~"'-'"~"""'."'-'_.~""-',,,,--,".--'".' "-,,'-~-'~'.
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
Neither individual had any first hand knowledge of Sheriff Hunter blocking any intemal
investigation.
EDWARD NEARY
Valdes Witness
During Victor Valdes' interview with Inspector O'Connell, Valdes mentioned that when
he began to look at allegations against Edison in 1985 he spent some time with a Ken
Claveau. Claveau was an investigator with the Public Defender's Office in Naples.
Valdes stated that Claveau was investigating criminal allegations against Edison when
Claveau was arrested. Valdes stated that Claveau died, under what Valdes believed were
suspicious circumstances, while he (Claveau) was injail. Valdes wanted Inspector
O'Connell to speak with someone who was with the Public Defender's Office in 1985 to
determine if Claveau's death was ever properly investigated.
On February 19, 1999 Inspector O'Connell telephoned the Chief ofInvestigations, Allen
Shoff, at the Public Defender's Office in Ft Myers, Florida. Shoff related that we should
speak with Edward Neary who was an investigator with the office during the 1980's.
Neary had recently retired and was living in the Naples area.
On February 22, 1999 Inspector O'Connell conducted a telephone interview with Edward
Nt!ary. Neary stated that he was an investigator with the Public Defender's Office in
Naples for eighteen years and that Ken Claveau was his supervisor.
Nearv recalled that Claveau was arrested for smuggling mariiuana in 1986, subsequently
convicted and sentenced to six years in state prison. While in prison at Lawtey CI,
Claveau died of heart attack during a softball game. Neary stated that Claveau had
mentioned to Neary that he was taking medication for a heart condition. Neary stated that
there was nothing suspicious about Claveau's death.
Neary did not have any knowledge of any investigation Claveau was conducting on
Glendell Edison.
III. Interviews with CCSO Personnel:
JIM WILLIAMS
Inspector, CCSO
During the week of February 8"',1999, Inspector O'Connell conducted several interviews
with Inspector Jim Williams regarding the operation of the Professional Responsibility
Bureau (pRB) at CCSO. Also present for many of these interviews were PRB
Investigators John Hisler and Mark Baker.
to
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
Jim Williams is the supervisor of the CCSO Professional Responsibility Bureau and has
overall command of the task force that is currently investigating allegations against
Glendell Edison and other CCSO deputies. Williams is a retired Marine officer and in
early 1998 Sheriff Hunter asked Williams to assume command in PRB. Williams has
been with CCSO since 1996.
Williams recalled that he had been in command of PRB for about two weeks when a
citizen complaint against G1endell Edison came into the PRB office. Williams assigned ,
the case to John Hisler and Hisler began a review of previous complaints against Edison.
Williams explained that His\er found that some of these previous complaints against
Edison contained some "loose ends" and gave the appearance that they were not properly
concluded. This prompted WIlbams to consider a review of all previous complaints filed
against Edison.
Williams stated that he informed Sheriff Hunter that he (Williams) would recommend a
PRB review of all internal cases involving Edison. Williams stated that Hunter was very
supportive of this review and encouraged Williams to get whatever help he needed from
outside agencies. Williams explained that, as the investigation of Edison continued
during the early part of 1998, the current task force of CCSO, FDLE, Florida Department
ofInsurance and the State Attorney's Office began to develop.
Williams related that the investigative efforts of the task force has resulted in four
separate criminal cases involving Edison bemg presented to the Office of the State
Attorney in the 20" Judicial Circuit. These four cases are:
· FDLE Case # FM14000S-Criminal Actions Under Color Of Law
· Florida Department ofInsurance Case # FW-98-27-0004-Insurance FraudfIheft
· CCSO Case # 126468-98-BriberyfUnlawful Compensation
· CCSO Case # I26489-98-Perjury
Williams stated that on December 2, 1998, Glendell Edison was terminated from the
Collier County Sheriff's Office. The criminal investigation against Edison is still active.
The criminal investigation has also expanded to include a review of the actions of several
other deputies including Edison's former supervisor, CCSO Captain Jim Sanders.
Sanders is still employed by CCSO but has been reassigned, effective December 23,
1998, and currently has no command authority.
Currently, Investigator John Hisler is in charge of investigating all current and previous
allegations against Edison and Investigator Mark Baker has responsibility for the
investigation of allegations against Captain Jim Sanders.
11
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
Inspector O'Connell reviewed Edison's Internal Affairs file with Williams and Hisler.
The file reflected a total of 16 internal cases opened against Edison between the years
1984 and 1997. W llbams and Hisler stated that they reopened and reviewed all 16 cases
and two of these old cases resulted in the aforementioned criminal charges being filed by
CCSO with the State Attorney's Office.
Investigator Hisler's stated that his review of Edison's case file indicated that some of old
complaints against Edison seemed to be blocked by his supervisor, Captain Jim Sanders.
This factor, together with additional administrative allegal10ns against Sanders, prompted
PRB to initiate an invesl1gatlOn on Sanders that IS currently acl1ve.
Williams, Hisler and Baker all stated that Sheriff Hunter was very supportive of their
efforts and they have no evidence that Hunter ever blocked any previous PRB
investigations on Edison or any other deputy. All three of the CCSO investigators
described Sheriff Hunter as a law enforcement manager who wants to know of all of the
evidence against a deputy before disciplinary action is taken. The investigators stated
that Hunter went out of his way to be fair when disciplining an employee. However, all
three investigators believed that Sheriff Hunter's caution in disciplinary matters was not
an indication that Hunter was not aggressive when pursuing police corruption or abuse.
To the contrary, all three investigators believed that Hunter was very serious about taking
action against any Collier County deputy who was abusing hislher position.
During a review ofPRB/Intelligence files Inspector O'Connell found several handwritten
notes from Sheriff Hunter to previous PRB commanders. These notes were on Hunter's
personal stattonary and mdlcated that Hunter was dtrectillg that specific acl10ns be taken
10 some of the old IOternal cases mvo1vmg G1endell Edison. The specific actions
included orders to interview witnesses/victims, conduct polygraphs and other
investigative procedures. John Hisler related that it was possible that some of Hunter's
orders were not properly carried out. i'
Inspector O'Conl~1I discussed the history of the PRB with Williams, Hisler and Baker
and found that during Sheriff Hunter's tenure as Sheriff (1989-1999) there have been a
total of five different commanders in PRB.
· Curtis Mills
1989-1990-Retired
· Lamar Forbes
1990-1991-Retired
. Ben Crain
1991-1995-Still a Captain with CCSO
· Jody Hendry
1995-1997-Retired
· Jim Williams
1998-Present
12
_~___<"'_.______.,_~___""_,,__<.~..,~_,,..m".""_'__
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
Inspector Jim Williams expressed concern regarding the manner in which some previous
PRB admiDlstrators closed out some mtl':mal IOveshgahons. Williams stressed that he
has only been with CCSO since 1996 and he has no first hand knowledge of how
previous PRB administrators conducted investigations but, in hindsip;ht, a review of the
old files gave the appearance that occasionally certain investigative steps were not taken.
Williams also noted that until around 1994, PRB was staffed with only one person and
the lack of adequate persoMel probably impacted the quality of previous internal
investigations. Investigator Hisler pointed out that Collier County has experienced
tremendous growth problems during the past ten years and that it was his impression that,
at times, the Sheriff's Department has had difficulty keeping up with this growth.
Williams currently has three investigators assigned to the bureau and Williams also
assists in many of the investigations.
An additional factor noted by Williams was the issue that previous PRB administrations
did not always conduct criminal investigations. Williams went on to explain that if the
allegations against a deputy were criminal in nature, the criminal portion of the
investigation was often turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at
CCSO. Williams again stated that, while he had no first hand knowledge about these
procedures, it appeared that PRB' s lack of authority to conduct criminal investigations
might have impacted effectiveness.
Williams, Risler and Baker all described previous PRB administrations as not being
a gressive enough when looking into complaints against Collier County law enforcement
officers. They stated that, while mlttgating actors suc as gro ac 0 personne or a
clear division of authonty certamly attected prodUCtiVIty, these !actors were not excuses
for improperly investigating allegations against officers.
Williams, Hisler and Baker were very cooperative and candid'during all of the interview
and review sessions. All three of these investigators seern fully committed to pursuing all
allegations of criminal conduct by any Collier County Sheriff's Office employee.
Inspector O'Connell's interviews with Jim Williams also included a review of the policy
and procedures used by members of the PRB. These procedures revealed that, in addition
to Sheriff Hunter, the Undersheriff and the Chief of Operations also reviewed some PRB
cases. These two positions are directly under Sheriff Hunter and interviews with
personnel who have occupied these positions during the last ten years were conducted.
BOB BURHANS
Undersheriff
Inspector O'Connell interviewed CCSO Undersheriff Bob Burhans on February 11, 1999.
Burhans is second in command to Sheriff Hunter. Burhans retired as a Lt. Colonel after
37 years in the Marine Corps and joined the Sheriff's Department in 1984. When Don
13
"_.~__._'~_"__~_'O'_ "^'.'_'~~"~M_..'____'__~_.m.~._'_..., _"~"~","""""""""""_~,,,,,=---,,.._____~._.~~,~__.~__~.,..__..._..",,__"._._...____m
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
Hunter was elected Sheriff in 1989, Hunter appointed Burhans to the Undersheriff
position and Burhans has held this position for the last ten years.
The interview with Burhans opened with Burhans discussing the gro\\1h rate of Collier
County over the past several years and how difficult it has been for the Sheriff's Office to
keep up with this growth rate. Burhans estimated that the population of Collier County in
1965 was about 16,000 and that today it is well over 200,000.
Burhans then discussed the history of PRB leadership since Hunter became sheriff.
Burhans stated that the first two commanders of PRB were Curtis Mills and Lamar
Forbes. Mills and Forbes each had command for about one year and were essentially in
PRB by themselves. Burhans recalled that Forbes.had a difficult time adjusting to PRB
and was probably not well suited for this assignment.
In 1991192 Captain Ben Crain assumed command ofPRB and Burhans recalled that,
under Crain's command, PRB started to receive additional personnel. Crain's tenure in
PRB lasted for about four or five years and when he left, the position was given to Jody
Hendry. Burhans stated that Hendry served in PRB for a short time before he left the
department for a career change. Jim Williams was appointed commander of PRB in early
1998.
Burhans then described the process of how CCSO handles complaints against deputies.
Burhans stated that any citizen can file a complaint at any sub-station and the complaint
is then forwarded to PRB. PRB reviews the complaint and makes a recommendation to
Burhans on how the complaint should be handled. If the complaint is minor in nature
Burhans stated that it would usually be sent back to the deputy's supervisor and dealt
with at that level. If the complaint was a more serious administrative violation Burhans
stated that PRB would investigate the complaint. Burhans related that if the complaint
contained possible criminal violations it would be handled jointly by PRB and the CCSO
Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
Burhans explained that over the years they have experienced problems with separating
criminal investigations of deputies with those investigations that are administrative in
nature. The CCSO does review all criminal investigations of deputies with the State
Attorney's Office but Burhans noted that he has never been totally satisfied WIth the
process CCSO has used to handle criminal investigations oflaw enforcement officers.
Burhans felt that, in retros ct, CID and PRB should have done a better job working and
<:ommunicating with each other. Burhans did state t since Jim Williams assumed.
command and PRB is now doing criminal investigations (mstead ofCID) the system has
been tightened up and seems to be working much more effectively.
Burhans remarked that as soon as Jim Williams noted problems with some of the old
investigations on Edison (early 1998), Sheriff Hunter instructed Williams to get any help
he needed from outside agencies. Burhans recalls that Hunter instructed Williams to
contact the appropriate state and federal agencies and that eventually CCSO worked out
14
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Investigative Summary
El2Soo 13
the current task force concept with FDLE, the Florida Department of Insurance and the
State Attorney in Naples.
Burhans related that the CCSO should have been more "active and vil.(orous" in the
earlier complaints and investigations of Edison. Burhans felt that, while previous
commanders at PRB did the best they could, it now appears that certain internal affairs
matters did "slip through the cracks". Burhans ha~ heen encouraged by the actions of the
current personnel at PRB and feels that the complaint acceptance and investigative
systems at CCSO have improved dramatically during the past twelve months.
Burhans stated that he has never known Sheriff Hunter to do anything to block any
investigation in the ten years he has served with Hunter. Burhans considers Hunter to be
an honest and aggressive administrator when dealing with matters of police corruption.
Burhans explained that he knew that Edison had several complaints filed against him but
thought that it might be because Edison was a "good cop working in a tough area".
Burhans described Edison as a good self-promoter who knew how to take advantage of
the system. Burhans further explained that. while Edison was alwayS an administrative
problem, Burhans was surprised when he heard about the extent of Edison's criminal
activity. Burhans described Edison as having led a "charmed life" during his years with
CCSO.
Burhans described Victor Valdes as very confrontational when dealing with CCSO.
Burhans feels that people at CCSO went out of their way to appease Valdes. Burhans
stated that Valdes' claims that he has been harassed because of his activism are totally
without merit. Most of Valdes' confrontations with CCSO have resulted from traffic
stops and most of these have involved different deputies. Burhans has heard some
deputies remark that they go out of their way not to stop Valdes for minor traffic
violations because they feel it is not worth the trouble they know they will encounter.
Burhans stated that Valdes never came to him with a complaint a~~inst Fdi.on anti th.t
the first time Burhans linked Valdes with Edison was after Edison )\'lIS fired.
Burhans closed by stating that CCSO should have had a better review process over the
years and that this might have allowed them to catch Edison much earlIer. Burhans
remarked that he felt a certain amount of gUilt for not catching up WIth Edison sooner.
Undersheriff Burhans was very cooperative and candid during the entire interview and
pledged his full cooperation with this inquiry.
JACKIE KLINE
Chief of Operations
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Chief of Operations, Jackie Kline, on February 11,
1999. Kline is third in command at CCSO and has held this position since 1991 with the
15
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
exception of two years when he took a voluntary demotion. Kline has been with CCSO
for 28 years.
Inspector O'Connell asked Kline to present an overview of the complaint process at
CCSO. Kline stated that a complaint against an officer can be filed at any location and
these complaints are forwarded to PRB. All complaints are reviewed by PRB and then
discussed with Undersheriff Burhans. If the complaint is serious enough to be
investigated by PRB it is assigned a case number, mvestigated by PRB, and then
reviewed by the Chief of Operations, the Undersheriff and Sheriff Hunter. If the
complaint appears to be an issue that should be handled by the deputy's supervisor, the
Sheriff, Undersheriff and Chief of Operations would still review the results of the
supervisor's investigation.
Kline stated that he did not recall Edison having that many formal complaints filed
against him. Kline ~d heard a few very general rumors throughout the years that
indicated that Edisqri was involved in criminal activity. Kline has no personal
relationship with Edison or Sanders nor does he have any first hand knowledge of any
criminal wrongdoing by either of these officers.
Kline stated that part of his responsibility as Chief of Operations is command over all
criminal investigations ahd he has never seen any indication that Sheriff Hunter ever
blocked or hittdered an investigation against a deputy. Kline always had the impression
that Hunter was aggressive when dealing with police corruption matters.
Kline stated that he did not attend many meetings with the community and has never
received any allegations against oflicers from"Victor Valdes.
Kline said that his reaction to the recent revelations about G1endell Edison was to a~k
why had management not heard about these allegations prior to 1998. Kline questioned
the quality of some previous PRB investigationS and wondered if, in some cases, CCSO
had "missed the boat".
.
Kline was very cooperative during his interview session.
JACK LLOYD
Former Chief of Operations-Retired
Inspector O'Connell interviewed former Chief of Operations, Jack Lloyd on February 12,
1999. Lloyd was Chief of Operations for a brief time during the 1990's when Jackie
Kline took a voluntary demotion.
Lloyd retired from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in March 1985 and joined
CCSO in 1986 under then Sheriff Rogers. While at DEA, Lloyd spent six years in
Internal Affairs with the DEA office in Miami, Florida. In 1988 Lloyd was appointed
commander of Vice and Narcotics. Lloyd left CCSO for about two years in 1990 to work
16
.,-----------_.._...,.,-_._----_._~._.__..,.~------~'"
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
in the private sector, returned to CCSO in 1993, and assumed a position as Lieutenant in
Vice and Narcotics. Lloyd retired from CCSO in 1998.
Lloyd stated that while he was Chief of Operations at CCSO the PRB unit came under his
scope of authority. Lloyd recalled that he always had concerns that PRE was never
staffed properly and that the internal affairs process did not seem to be well organized.
Lloyd said that it was his impression that PRB was not as aggressive as it should have
been in its IOternal IDveStIgatIons. Lloyd commented that he thought the PRB people
were "good cops" but it appears that they did miss some issues.
Lloyd recalled that during his years with Vice and Narcotics he had heard rumors about
criminal violations being committed by Edison and Sanders but the rumors were never
backed up with any substantial eVidence or WItnesses. Lloyd estimated that during his
last few years with Vice and Narcotics (before he retired in 1998) he sent about six
_allegations/complaints about Edison to PRB for follow up investigation. Lloyd
, rememberd he had at least one conversal1on with Shenfl Hunter regardmg rumors about
Edison being involved in criminal activity. Lloyd saiti that Hunter was very concerned
but again, nothing substantial developed from the PRB mvestigation that indicated the
allegations were anything more than rumors.
Lloyd stated that he knows Victor Valdes and Lloyd described the early relationship
between Valdes and the Sheriff's Office as cordial. Lloyd did not recall receiving any
allegations about Edison from Victor Valdes and Lloyd does not know what caused the
relationship between Valdes and CCSO to turn sour.
Lloyd stated that he never saw Sheriff Hunter do anything to interfere with any criminal
investigation. Lloyd does not recall Captain Sanders intervening on behalf of Edison
during an internal investigation.
BEN CRAIN
Former Commander of PRB at CCSO
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Captain Ben Crain on February II, 1999. Crain was a
Lieutenant in charge ofPRB for about four years from 1991 through 1995. In 1995 Crain
was promoted to Captain and put in command of Special Operations. Crain is still in this
position at the present time. Crain has been with CCSO for 18 years. .
Crain stated that early in his career (1981-1983) he worked in Immokalee as a patrol
deputy. Crain also worked in Immokalee as an investigator for about six months in the
late 1980's.
In 1991 Sheriff Hunter appointed Crain to be the commander of PRB. Crain stated that
he always felt he needed more personnel in PRB and that at times it was almost
impossible to handle the case load. Crain said that he only picked up one investigator
position during his four years at PRB.
17
. ",_~"_"____.'.._.~.'_' M<.W_~"_."_~,_~_~ '_'~~~~__.___"_";'_W__'^'.__"'~_="'__"'__"""""''''''_'___'~ .....,''"=----,.,~...... .. _
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
Crain spoke of the CCSO policy where PRB did not conduct criminal investigations on
deputies and said that, while criminal investigations often did go to the Criminal
Investigations Division, there were occasions where PRB did conduct criminal
investigations. Crain described this policy as one that was "fluid" throughout his tenure
atPRB.
Crain related that he had heard rumors about Glendell Edison being involved in illegal
activities before he was the commander at PRB. Crain stated that when he took over
command of PRB and saw the complaints about Edison come in, he would always
attempt to build a case but could never get substantial, first hand information on Edison.
Crain recalled that he had conversatIOns WI unter a ut t e Ison a ega Ions and,
while they were both concerned, they could never get witnesseslvictirns to come forward
with credible information. Crain slated that at times he was frustrated with the lack of
quality witnesses/victims in many of the allegations against Edison but said that you have
to go by the philosophy of "if you can't prove-it didn't happen".
Crain stated that he and Captain Jim Sanders used to fish together for several years but
they have not been close recently. Crain described Sanders as "an involved supervisor"
during internal investigations on allegations about Edison. Crain slated that Sanders
always wanted to know the status of a particular investigation involving Edison but Crain
did not think that Sanders ever actually interfered with an internal investigation.
Crain mentioned one instance where he thought Sanders might have "crossed the line"
and become to active with an interqal investigation on Edison. The case involved a child
abuse charge where Edison was accused of not properly responding to, and investigating,
the initial call for service. Crain slated that even in this instance he did not feel that
Sanders was trying to cover for Edison but it was rather just a case of Sanders being too
aggressive. Crain mentioned that he often used Sanders to assist in finding people in
Immokalee because Sanders knew the area so well.
Crain stated that he knew Victor Valdes and interacted with him on a regular basis during
his time at PRB. Crain states that Valdes has a pattem of actlVlsm agamst the CCSU and
that. at times, Valdes lets his emotions get the best of him. Cram said that Valdes otten
had'legitimate complaints and is usually trying to do t e ng t g or e ISparuC
community.
Crain stated that Sheriff Hunter. was very aggressive when it came to matters of police
corruption. Crain never saw Hunter do anything to hinder or block an internal
investigation of any deputy.
DICK KIETH
Senior Supervisor, FBI Sarasota Field Office
During one of the interviews with Victor Valdes, Valdes mentioned that the FBI might
have information regarding criminal activitY by Glendell Edison and that this information
18
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo13
might have been passed along to Sheriff Hunter. Sheriff Hunter stated that he does not
recall any conversations with the FBI regarding Edison and requested that Dick Kieth, his
local FBI contact, be interviewed regarding this matter.
Inspector O'Connell conducted a telephone interview with Dick Kieth on February 22,
1999. Kieth is a Senior Supervisor with the FBI Field Office in Sarasota, Florida.
Kieth related that in the mid-1990's the FBI worked a gambling investigation in
Immokalee and there were rumors that Edison was being paid protection money by some
of the eo Ie running the gambling operation. Kieth stated that their confidential source
did not work out and they had to c ose out e mvestlgatlon WIt out an arrest. Ie
stated that he worked with CCSO investigators on this gambling operation but does not
recall ever discussing the rumors about Edison's involvement with Sheriff Hunter.
Kieth said that he might have heard a few other rumors about Edison over the years but
does not recall any specific allegations that were ever verified and does not recall ever
discussing these rumors with Sheriff Hunter.
FRANK RODRIQUEZ
Chairperson of Collier Connty Hispanic Advisory Board
During an initial interview with Sheriff Hunter, Hunter requested that Frank Rodriquez be
interviewed regarding his experiences with Victor Vales and CCSO. On February 12,
1999, Inspector O'Connell conducted a telephone interview with Mr. Rodriquez.
Rodriquez is the Chairperson of the Collier County Commission's Advisory Board for
Hispanic Affairs and a past member of Sheriff Hunter's task force on minority
recruitment for the CCSO. Rodriquez works at the First National Bank of Naples and has
lived in Naples since 1990.
Rodriquez stated that he first met Sheriff Hunter in 1992 when Rodriquez was a volunteer
for the Children Services Council in Naples. Rodriquez also ran for a seat on the Collier
County Commission in 1992. Hunter invited Rodriquez to participate in a task force to
recruit qualified minorities for the Sheriffs Office. Rodriquez felt that the task force was
successful in making many minorities aware of the opportunities available to them in a
career in criminal justice. Rodriquez stated that Sheriff Hunter was always very
supportive of the task force and seemed genuinely committed to hiring minorities at the
CCSO.
Rodriquez is aware of the allegations made against Sheriff Hunter by Victor Valdes and
Rodriquez wanted to go "on the record" as stating his feelings that there is no truth in
these charges.
Rodriquez feels that he and Valdes have the same goals for the Hispanic community but
that Valdes chooses to work outside the system while Rodriquez takes a more
19
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo \3
conservative approach and attempts to work within the system. Rodriquez noted that
m.any Hispanics he knows are upset with Valdes and his tendency to publish accusations
and rumors without supporting information. Rodriquez closed by Slating that he believes
that Valdes means well but is sometimes too emotional and prone to make allegations
against people without first verifying all the facts.
SHERIFF DON HUNTER
Sheriff, Collier County
Inspector O'Connell interviewed Sheriff Hunter on February 12, 1999. A brief
introductory interview with Sheriff Hunter was also conducted on February 9, 1999.
Sheriff Hunter joined the CCSO in 1981 and served as Deputy Chief of Administration
under Sheriff Rogers. Hunter was elected Sheriff in 1988 and took office in January
1989. Hunter recalled that his first meeting with Victor Valdes took place shortly after
Hunter was elected sheriff. Hunter knew that Valdes was upset with former Sheriff
Rogers and Hunter wanted to improve relations with Valdes and the Hispanic
community.
Hunter stated that he remembered attending several meetings with the Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce in Immokalee and that for the ftrst few years his relationship with the
Chamber and Valdes seemed to go very well. Hunter explained that in the early 1990's
CCSO arrested two young Hispanic males (the Gomez brothers) for Aggravated Battery
and Aggravated Assault. This arrest stemmed from an altercation at a local dance club.
The brothers were eventually convicted but Victor Valdes filed a complaint on their
behalf and claimed that one of the arresting officers used a ral=lal slur dunng the arrest.
Hunter stated that the complaint was investigated but no independent third party witness
could be found and the complaint was unfounded. Hunter commented that Valdes would
not let up on the issue and Hunter felt that their relationship has not been good since this
incident.
Hunter expressed a desire to improve relations with Victor Valdes after Valdes' current
lawsuit against CCSO is resolved. Sheriff Hunter denied that Victor Valdes was ever the
subject of harassment by anyone at CCSO because he was a community activist. Sheriff
Hunter insisted that he and his people have gone out of their way to be sensitive to Valdes
over the years because they realize how critical Valdes can be of any police action taken
against him.
Sheriff Hunter discussed the history of the Professional Responsibility Bureau (PRB)
since Hunter became sheriff. Hunter's first appointment as commander ofPRB was
Curtis Mills who was there for one year before he retired. Hunter said that under Mills,
PRB was a one-person unit but that Mills got assistance for the Criminal Investigation
Division (CID) whenever he needed it.
20
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
After Mills retired, Hunter appointed Lamar Forbes to take command of PRB. Hunter
stated that he was disappointed with Forbes' performance at PRB and felt that Forbes did
not maintain an effective filing system. Hunter also stated that it appeared that, in some
cases, Forbes would not follow through on certain investigative leads. Hunter explained
that while Forbes was in charge ofPRB Hunter started having regular briefings on all
internal cases and that this policy of regular briefings is still in effect today. Hunter
eventually dismissed Forbes and brought in Ben Crain to clean up the filing system.
Hunter recalled that Ben Crain served as commander of PRB for about four years and that
Hunter and Crain began to get PRB additional personnel. Hunter remembered a
conversation with Crain about "what a disaster" the files were when Crain first took over
for Forbes.
Hunter stated that Crain brought up the concept ofPRB doing criminal investigations on
some of the intemal cases. Hunter described the issue ofPRB doing criminal
investigations as a "fluid situation" that went through several adjustments over the years.
Hunter expressed confidence in the performance of Ben Crain at PRB and thought that
Crain did a good job given the lack of personnel vs. the heavy caseload. '
When Hunter promoted Crain to Captain of Special Operations, Jody Hendry was given
command of PRB. Hunter stated that he always had confidence in Hendry but now, in
retrospect, it appears that Hendry was not as effective as Hunter would have liked him tn
be. Hunter remarked that when Jim Williams took command of PRB in early 1998, a
~iew of Hendry's files indicated that several internal cases were not properly
concluded. Hunter expressed full confidence in the current commander of PRB, Jim
Williams, and Hunter feels that Williams has some excellent investigators working with
him.
Sheriff Hunter wanted to ensure that it is understood that he takes responsibility for any
shortcomings during past internal affairs investigations. Hunter stated several tirnes that,
while he is not satisfied with way some things were done in the past, it was difficult
dealing with victims/witnesses from Immokalee. Many of these people are reluctant to
trust the police for a variety of reasons and this makes it difficult to gather eVidence for
_any type of cnmmal case.
Sheriff Hunter then discussed his relationship with Glendell Edison. Hunter recalled that
over the years he had heard rumors about criminal activity by Edsion but does not
remember these rumors surfacing on a regular basis and does not remember any specific
.;ilegations involving Edison. Hunter described the allegations against Edison that he
heard at meetings of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as allegations that were very
broad and general in nature.
Hunter remembered discussing police abuse problems with Melinda Riddle but it was
always his impression that Riddle did not want to give up her sources and that Riddle had
no first hand knowledge of any criminal activity on the part of Edison. Hunter noted that
21
Investigative Summary
EI2Soo 13
he first met Riddle when she approached him to reopen her brother's case. Hunter agreed
with Riddle that the initial investigation in 1979 was not properly done and Hunter
assigned two investigators to assist Riddle with her investigation. Hunter knows that
Riddle does not trust some of the deputies at CCSO and speculated that this may be a
reason why Riddle was reluctant to give Hunter specific names of victims or witnesses.
Hunter stated that if Melinda Riddle or Victor Valdes had ever Riven him specific,
verifiable information about Edison's criminal activity he would have certainly followed
through on that information.
Hunter recalled that Edison seemed to have a lot of lic com lainls filed a ainst him
ut unter stated that he was surprised when the current criminal charges against Edison
began to surface. Hunter does not remember that many criminal complaints against
Edison. Hunter speculated that, because Edison was working in a high crime area, it was
normal to expect some people to complain about Edison's methods. Hunter described
Edison as always being interested in getting ahead in the department and willing to take
on special assignments to enhance his promotional opportunities.
tiunter said that he had lifted weights with Edison on a few occasions but had neve,
. ocialized with Edison or his family. In summary, Hunter stated that he always thought
that Edison was an "administrative ru tmare ut had no loea tnat Mlson wa~ lnvo'ved
in criminal wrongdoing.
Hunter explained that he knew that Captain Jim Sanders and Edison had a close
relationship and that Sanders was always interested in Edison's career. Hunter said that
he encouraged a mentoring system at CCSO and that Sanders was Edison's mentor.
Hunter never had the impression that Sanders was interfering with internal investigations
on Edison and Hunter just thought that Sanders was interested in Edison's advancement
within the department. Hunter stated that PRB is currently looking into criminal
allegations against Sanders and that Sanders has been removed from any command
authority with the CCSO.
Hunter stated that he was frustrated by the fact that his department did not identify the
criminal activities of Edison at a much earlier date. In hindsight, Hunter admited that the
PRB should have done a more through job with the allegations that came in on Edison.
Hunter stated that he certainly was not satisfied with the way PRB handled some past
cases but Hunter also expressed concern over Valdes' definition of "specific allegations".
Hunter reiterated that ifhe had received information on Edison that could have been
corroborated and verified, he would have certainly taken action against Edison.
Hunter stated that he has never done anything to block any criminal or internal
investigation within his department.
Sheriff Hunter was very cooperative during this interview and pledged the full
cooperation of his department during the course of this inquiry.
22
Investigative Summary
EI2S0013
INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS
The allegations made by Victor Valdes against Sheriff Hunter can be summarized as
follows:
· Sheriff Hunter knew about Glendell Edison's illegal activities for almost ten
years and failed to do anything to stop Edison.
· Valdes alleges that, because Sheriff Hunter knew about Edison's illegal activities
and failed to act upon them, Sheriff Hunter is an accomplice to Edison's illegal
activities. This allegation implies that Sheriff Hunter is not detached from
Edison's corruption and somehow participated or profited from Edison's illegal
activities.
· Finally, Victor Valdes states that Sheriff Hunter is not qualified to lead the
current investigation of Glendell Edison and other deputies who are under
suspicion.
This Investigative Findings Section will examine each of these three allegations
individually on the following pages.
· Sheriff Hunter knew about Glendell Edison's illegal activities for almost ten
years and failed to do anything to stop Edison.
All persons interviewed from the Collier County Sheriff s Office, including Sheriff
Hunter, stated that they had heard rumors or "street talk" regarding illegal activity by
Edison during the past ten years. The extent of how much an individual heard about
Edison seemed to vary according to how much time that individual spent in uniform
patrol or investigative activities in Immokalee. It stands to reason that deputies who work
in Immokalee would naturally hear more rumors about Edison than higher ranking
members of CCSO who rarely engage in enforcement duties and only occasionally visit
Immokalee.
This reasoning is corroborated by the fact that PRB Investigator John Hisler, who spent a
number of years working in Immokalee, was the person least surprised when char~es
about Edison came to light. Conversely, Sheriff Hunter stated that he was surprised at the
extent of Edison's involvement in criminal activity. Sheriff Hunter related that he
thought of Edtson as an "admirustratlve mghtmare" but recaJts very tew dlscusstons
about Edison that mvolved cnmmal alle~al1ons.
Victor Valdes stated that he and other members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
provided allegations against Edison to Hunter and that Hunter did not investigate these
23
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Investigative Summary
EI2Soo 13
allegations. Sheriff Hunter stated that if he was provided specific allegations against any
officer, including Edison, he always aggressively pursued such allegations.
There appears to be an issue with how each partyClefines what a soecific allegatIOn is.
Victor Valdes does not have any verifiable, first hand information regarding criminal
activity on the part of Glendell Edison. Nor could Victor Valdes produce anyone who
had verifiable, first hand information on Edison. Without such information it is difficult
for Sheriff Hunter and members of PRB to build a case against Edison or any other
deputy suspected of criminal or administrative violations. As Ben Crain, former
commander of PRB stated during his interview, "If you can't prove it, it didn't happen".
Several handwritten notes from Sheriff Hunter were found in a review of the internal
affairs/intelligence case files that directed PRB personnel to take specific actions in
certain cases involving Edison. These actions included finding and interviewing
witnesses/victims and conducting a polygraph on Edison. These notes indicate that,
when presented with specific allegations, Sheriff Hunter directed members ofPRB to
pursue these allegations. Also, all CCSO personnel interviewed described Sheriff Hunter
as the type of law enforcement manger who does not tolerate any form of police
corruption. Even some of the people produced by Valdes stated that they believed that
Sheriff Hunter was an honest police administrator.
\
Sheriff Hunter and other members of CCSO admitted that, in retrospect, they are not
satisfied with the way previous allegations against Edison were handled. There are many
different factors that impacted this problem (lack of personnel, caseload, growth etc...)
but Sheriff Hunter did not want these factors to cloud the fact that he and his people in
PRB should have done a better job when pursuing previous allegations against Edison.
This preliminary inquiry did not reveal any evidence that Sheriff Hunter ever did
anything to block or hinder an internal investigation on G1endell Edison or any other
CCSO deputy.
. Valdes alleges that, because Sheriff Hunter knew about Edison's illegal activities
and did not act upon them, Sheriff Hunter is an accomplice to Edison's illegal
activities. This allegation implies that Sheriff Hunter is not detached from
Edison's corruption and somehow participated or profited from Edison's illegal
activitieS.
This preliminary inquiry did not reveal any evidence that Sheriff Hunter was involved in
any manner with the criminal activity of Glen dell Edison.
In the exit interview with Victor Valdes, Valdes stated that he did not intend to imply that
Sheriff Hunter somehow profited from Glendell Edison's Illegal actions. Valdes and
some members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce based the allegation that Sheriff
24
Investigative Summary
EI2S00 13
Hunter must have blocked previous investigations of Edison on the fact that nothinl.( was
done about Edison for almost ten years.
The evidence and interviews revealed that Edison was investigated regarding numerous
administrative and criminal allegations but there was never enough evidence to sustain
these allegations.
. Finally, Victor Valdes states that Sheriff Hunter is not qualified to lead the
current investigation of Glendell Edison and other deputies who are under
suspicion.
This preliminary inquiry revealed that CCSO has reopened and reviewed all previous
internal cases on Glendale Edison and this review has resulted in four separate criminal
cases against Edison being presented to State Attorney's Office. At the present time,
CCSO continues to pursue additional allegations against Edison and would welcome any
information Victor Valdes or any other members of the community could provide.
The interview with FDLE members Steve Emerson and Andy Rose revealed that they
thought that Inspector Jim Williams, the current PRB Commander, was both highly
motivated and competent This preliminary inquiry found that Inspector Williams has
three excellent investigators currently working in PRB and that Sheriff Hunter has
authorized unlimited overtime and additional resources to ensure that all leads in the
Edison case are thoroughly investigated.
,
It is the conclusion of this preliminary inquiry that Victor Valdes and any other citizen of
Collier County can feel comfortable that any complaint they submit to PRB will be
investigated in an objective and professional manner.
2S
ATTACHMENTS
lA-S: Valdes Complaint and Letter from Governor Bush
lA-6: Internal Affairs File on Glendell Edison
IA-7: Criminal Cases Against Glendell Edison
IA-S: CCSO Internal Affairs Procedures
IA-9: Notes from Hunter on Previous Edison Cases
IA-IO: Valdes' Complaint/Criminal History with CCSO
IA-ll: Department of Justice Letter to Valdes
LAS NACIONES NEWS
PO BOX 10503, Naples, Florida 34101
March 19,2001
OPEN LETTER TO SHERIFF DON HUNTER
OF COLLIER COUNTY
In Reference: Corruption in the Office You Command.
In November of 1988, in the edition W 4 of the newspaper Las Naciones, this journalist, editor
and writer of this column under the pseudonym of The Bullfighter, wrote an open letter in
English and Spanish to you, the then recently elected Sheriff of Collier County.
Even though, this journalist did not trust you for being the political protege of one of the most
racist man in the Southwest of Florida at that time. Sheriff Audrey Rogers, the letter was
published with the hope that the racism and police brutality that we have witnessed (and
experienced myself) could be eradicated if you, intelligently, would have cleaned up your office.
(See exhibit #1)
Sheriff Hunter, you replied via a certified letter dated January 10, 1989, possibly, one of the first
document you signed when you took office. (See exhibit #2)
After that there was a period of apparent good relationship between your Office and this
newspaper. This ended several months later when we held several meetings with you in the
Collier County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (of which this writer was the president at that
time). During those meetings you were appraised of the criminal activities by the then deputy and
today convicted felon, Glendell Edison.
From that moment on, this writer started to be persecuted, falsely accused, victimized by
uncovered operations, kidnapped, falsely arrested, beaten, and recently, falsely accused of
perjury, which is still pending in federal court; as is pending this "''fiter's suit against you and
your office in the same court.
Finally, Glendell Edison was found guilty of several charges, which you claim to have knoVvn only
for a short time. You are confusing the people you are mandated to serve. You knew from the
moment you took office in 1989. we told you and you did not pay attention. All we got in return, was
that the Collier County Hispanic Chamber of Conunerce was de;1rOyed, this writer was discredited and
persl'Cuted by some of your men.
Today. after Edison and Sandcrs have been found guilty and probably will spend several decades in
jail. After the community has confinned, through our pages and public meetings, that what The
Bullfightcr has becn saying for morc than 16 ycars is true, Las Naciones News' credibility has bcen
restored.
Our credibility is solid and at all timt'S high, that we don't have to take the show on the road and try
to convince the public with all sort oflies. We don't have to call for a town hall meeting to regain the
public's confidence.
However, you have to try to bring back the little credibility you have left because you dismissed the
community's concerns about Edison and Sanders as "rumors" and neglected your obligations as an
elected law enforcement official, while your most trusted men were making a full of yourself (right
under your nose) by using their shield to commit crimes. You had reasons for loosing credibility and
you need more than town hall meetings to gain any credibility back.
You need to take your show on the road, while our credibility not only remains intact. but it has
increased in sectors of the mainstream community we failed to reach before. Yes, we know you claim
on your favor two things:
One, that you were clear in the three investigations conducted by the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement
Nevertheless, we will demonstrate that those investigations were partial and tended to protect you
because many of the v.itnesses provided to the FOLE were not interviewed, and those who were
interviewed their testimony was interpreted to your benefit.
Two, that this journalist was charged of peIjury and the case is still pending in court.
We will demonstrate that once more you and your office have harassed and persecuted this journalist, but
like many other times before, it will be shown who is lying for many, many years.
You have stripped yourself in front of the community. This journalist has many reasons to feel
vindicated by the cases of your ex -deputies, Paul Russo, Peter 1. Kinney and more recently, Edison
and Sanders.
No Sheriff Hunter, you are not being truthful, but I had. No only we can prove that you are not being
honest, but it has been proven already.
On Auguts 9 and 10 we will lead the second Civil Rights Forum to be held at the Collier County
Conference Room, 3301 East Tamiami Trail, under the title Evidence of Corruption in the
CCSO - What was said in federal court, what was told to the FDLE and what nobody
wants to listen.
Sheriff Hunter, you are invited.
~
PJ-40.lb
7c7<1
Victor A. Valdes
Editor and Civil Right Activist
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AN OPEN
LETTER TO
DON HUNTER
The day is coming closer in which you will
be the Sheriff of Collier County. I hope that.
with God's help, it will be in benefit of the
community of Collier County. As a defender of
Democracy, of total abeyance to the law in
our Nation, I accept the order emanated from
the people that decided on last September 6th,
that you shall be the one occupying the Office
of the Sheriff Opt. in our County.
As one of the people, I am going to deposit
muy faith in you on the following tasks:
1. An intelligent use of our economic
resources.
2. Total erasing of all forms of discrimi-
nation against minorities.
3. Elimination 'Of Police brutality ('Police
brutality is as bad as drugs...")
4. An end to corruption inside the Sheriff i
Dept. I
5. Drugs, that poison mainly our young, I
are also a weapon of criminals and Com- I
munism. This should have priority in your I
agenda. I
Mister Hunter, under no circunstances my I
obedience to the people's will should be lll~
interpreted as a renounce to the investigation M
going on by Public Prosecutor Cahon. :~
Neither this should be tak'en as 'cowardly'. I
Twenty years of struggle against Communism i
and ten of them in Castro's jails has taught us I
to value these freedoms we enjoy here today. I
We are to go defending these freedoms with
our pens. Obeying them and making them
obeyed.
In the name of our community, Mr. Hunter:
Ljou have the word.
LA~ N
A WARD
DIS'.
The Latin
Hialeah, in e
notified Las r
Chamber has
Honorary MelT
This was ,
'the contribu1
convergence,
newspaper str
The letter i
Institution, M
Las Naci<
with this Pro<
of Hialeah ha
reach that hig'
development
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WILLIAl\1. TELL. hero has born to put up a fight againts crimes 101
A l\10DERN IIERO of the worsen type: a(;
. "D SCrIMINATION". Others have taken
BY NAIDA JUANA the rumor further. and very convencing. say h,
t!lat William Tell IS ALIVE n[
CONDESA LADRON According to my souc.es. the legendary ~:
nv n T TV" ^ P ^ SWISS hero could not taka the abuse h'
.
~ ~criff ~ Oll ~ulltcr
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Post QHice Drawer 1277. Naples. Florida 33939-1277
Telephone (AG 813) 774-4434
January 10, 1989
Mr. victor Valdez
Las Naciones
P.O. Box 10503
Naples, FL 33941
Dear Mr. Valdez:
I read your open edi torial letter to me with interest. I am
pleased that you accede to the will of the people and the Rule of
Law, as I have sworn to do before God and my Collier County
Citizens, and as do all Constitutional public servants.
I accept your offer of fair and responsible exercise of
including your publication I s first amendment freedom.
as for me, freedom brings responsibility. .
freedom,
For you,
I offer continued enforcement
without regard to race, creed
harassment of anyone, by anyone,
we all find in our Constitution.
of all laws for all citizens
or national orig in. Indeed,
is contrary to the fundamentals
May this spirit of mutual respect and fair play guide us in our
dealings with each other and the public we serve.
- ,-1~~:I,"':iff
Collier County, Florida
DH: jab
cc: File
WE SUPPORT
it-l!:: FLO;:::l ;],), SHErllFFS YOUTH RJ..,"lCHES
~ "'lame 'or 'leeCy and Nonny ~OyS 3nc ~Irls.
Llr::.;:;o CO'''':'\j~( ~~ Q~PiJ;Y
=: .3.. G IJ E I,~ C
'NE SPO'ISQR
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FDLE
Flonda Depanment of
law Enforcement
Post 0fIice Box 1489
TaIahassee, Florida 32302-1489
(850)410-7001
www.tdle.state.ft.us
Jell Bush, GOII8mor'
Ka1herlne Han18, S8ctetary of Stafe
Robert A. Butterworth, Attorney General
Robert F. Minigan, Corry:ltroIIer
8iIl Nelson, Treasurer
Bob Crawford, Commissioner of AgriclJtture
Tom Gallagher, Ccmmissicner of Edvc.9/ion
James T. "Tim' Moore
Commissioner
March 10, 1999
Honorable Jeb Bush
Governor
The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-000 I
RE: FDLE File EI-25-0013
Dear Governor Bush:
On January 27,1999, you requested the Florida Departm~nt of Law Enforcement (PDLE) to conduct a
preliminary inquiry into allegations concerning possible criminal misconduct on the part of Collier
County Sheriff Don Hunter. These allegations, brought forward by Mr. Victor Valdes of Naples, Florida,
include accusations of police misconduct, brutality, harassment and civil rililits violations.
When interviewed. Mr. Valdes allep;ed specific misconduct on the Dart of Sheriff Hunter. Accordini to
Valdes, Sheriff Hunter was aware of criminal conduct by former Collier County Sp;t. Glendell Edison
and failed to properly investip;ate the criminal activities of Sp;t. Edison.
This letter is to inform you that we have completed our preliminary inquiry into this matter and found no
criminal violations by Sheriff Hunter. Our investigation revealed that Sheriff Hunter conducted several
investilzations into allel!ations rel!ardil1a rrimi"~1 ortivity by S~. Edison. but none of these previous
investigations produced sufficient evidence to arrest Edison. Sheriff Hunter stated that, in retrospect, he
was not satisfied with the quality of some of these past internal investip;ations, and he has taken measures
to ensure that all future complaints against officers are thoroulilily and professionally investip;ated.
Finally, our inquiry revealed that Sheriff Hunter has formed a task force to look into all criminal activity
on the part of Sgt. Edison. This task force includes members of the Collier County Sheriffs Department,
FDLE, the Florida Department oflnsurance and the State Attorney's Office. Members of this task force
have re-opened all past complaints against Sgt. Edison, and their efforts have resulted in four separate
(;,riminal cases beinp; presented to the State Attorney for prosecution.
We have also reviewed the results of our inquiry with State Attorney Joseph D' Alessandro of the
Twentieth Judicial Circuit, and Mr, D' Alessandro concurs with our findings. A copy of our Investigative
Summary is attached for your review.
Sincerely,
~/k-
James T. Moore
Commissioner
JTM/mo
Attachment
Committed /0
Service . Integrity . Respect . 0uaIity
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