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CESM Minutes 03/20/2026 (Draft) March 20, 2026 1 MINUTES OF THE HEARING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY SPECIAL MAGISTRATE Naples, Florida, March 20, 2026 LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Collier County Special Magistrate, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM in REGULAR SESSION in Administrative Building “F,” 3rd floor, Collier County Government Complex, Naples, Florida, with the following persons present: SPECIAL MAGISTRATE: Honorable Patrick H. Neale ALSO PRESENT: Thomas Iandimarino, Code Enforcement Director Helen Buchillon, Code Enforcement Specialist March 20, 2026 2 Any person who decides to appeal a decision of the Special Magistrate will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto, and therefore may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Neither Collier County nor the Special Magistrate shall be responsible for providing this record. 1. Call to Order - SPECIAL MAGISTRATE PATRICK H. NEALE PRESIDING The Honorable Special Magistrate Patrick H. Neale called the Hearing to order at 9:00 AM. All those testifying at the proceeding did so under oath. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Prior to conducting the Hearing, Respondents were given an opportunity to speak with their Investigating Officers for a Resolution by Stipulation. The County’s goal is to obtain compliance without being punitive. 3. Approval of Agenda Ms. Buchillon reported the following changes to the Agenda (listed below as Agenda item numbers): Under Item 7.A – Hearings, the following cases were moved to 6. – Stipulations: 7. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-06 - Javier Martinez Jr. 8. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-07 - Javier Martinez Jr. 9. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-08 - Javier Martinez Jr. 10. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-09 - Javier Martinez Jr. 3. CASE NO: CEAC20250014377-01 - Stephanie Octavius 4. CASE NO: CEAC20250014377-02 - Stephanie Octavius Under Item 7.A– Hearings, the following cases were withdrawn: 1. CASE NO: CEAC20250008677 - Philip Viar 2. CASE NO: CEAC20250008677 - Philip Viar 11. CASE NO: CEAC20250010495-01 - Henal Myrthill 12. CASE NO: CEAC20250010495-05 - Henal Myrthill Special Magistrate Neale approved the Agenda as modified. 4. Approval of Minutes March 20, 2026 3 The minutes of the January 16, 2026 hearing were approved by Special Magistrate Neale. 5. Motions A. Motion for Continuance of Imposition of Fines and Liens None B. Motion for Extension of Compliance Deadline None C. Motion for Rehearing None 6. Stipulations Cases 7, 8, 9 and 10 were combined into 1 Stipulation 7. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-06 OWNER: Javier Martinez Jr. OFFICER: Amanda Kitchen VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-36(1)(D). Animal Care; manner of keeping, citation issued on February 23, 2026, 4th offense, "Deuce Jr.". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5103 Lake Trafford Rd, Immokalee, FL 34143 8. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-07 OWNER: Javier Martinez Jr. OFFICER: Amanda Kitchen VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-36(1)(D). Animal care; manner of keeping, citation issued on February 23, 2026, 4th offense, "Prince". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5103 Lake Trafford Rd, Immokalee, FL 34143 9. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-08 OWNER: Javier Martinez Jr. OFFICER: Amanda Kitchen VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section March 20, 2026 4 14-37(1)(D). Cruelty to animals, citation issued on February 23, 2026, 4th offense, "Deuce Jr.". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5103 Lake Trafford Rd, Immokalee, FL 34142 10. CASE NO: CEAC20250002965-09 OWNER: Javier Martinez Jr. OFFICER: Amanda Kitchen VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-37(1)(E). Cruelty to animals, citation issued on February 23, 2026, 4th offense, "Deuce Jr.". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5103 Lake Trafford Rd, Immokalee, FL 34142 Date of Notice of Hearing by Certified Mail: 2/25/26 Date of Property/Courthouse Posting: 3/2/26 Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank requested the hearing. The Stipulation was entered into by Javier Martinez, Jr. on March 20, 2026. In reference to Citations: CEAC20250002965-06, Failure to provide medical attention for “Deuce, Jr.” CEAC20250002965-08, Act of Abandonment for Deuce, Jr.” CEAC20250002965-09, Act of Animal Cruelty for “Deuce, Jr.” Special Magistrate Neale found the Respondent GUILTY of the alleged violation and was ordered to: 1. Pay Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 2. Pay an Administrative Fee of $7.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 3. Pay a Civil Penalty of $500.00 per Citation for failure to provide medical treatment. 4. Pay a Civil Penalty of $1,000.00 per Citation for act of animal cruelty or abandonment. 5. Total charges due are $2,671.00 to be paid within 180 days of this hearing. 6. Violation of the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II Section 37(1)(D) by the definition set forth in that section, a violation of Florida Statute Section 823.1(a). 7. Violation of the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II Section 37(1)(E) by the definition set forth in that section, a violation of Florida Statute Section 828.12(1). March 20, 2026 5 8. Pursuant to Collier County Ordinance 2024-24 (The Collier County Animal Abuse Registry Ordinance), a violation of Fla. Statute Section 828.12 is an “Abuse Offense.” 9. Section three of the Collier County Ordinance 2024-24 mandates that an Abuser who has been convicted of an abuse offense after the effective date of that Ordinance, must register with the Collier County Animal Abuser Registry, the Respondent be adjoined to said registry. 10. The Respondent is to register and complete the Collier County Responsible Pet Owner Course within 90 days of this hearing. In reference to Citation, CEAC20250002965-07 Failure to provide medical attention for “Prince” 11. These fines will be suspended for a period of two years pending no animal related issues are violated as per the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14 or any Florida State Statutes pertaining to animal related offenses during this probationary period. 12. At the end of two years, the fines will be voided pending no animal related issues were violated as stated above. 13. During the two year suspension, should the Respondent violate any provisions of the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14 or any Florida State Statutes pertaining to animal related offenses, all fines will be reinstated and ordered to be paid immediately. 14. Total charges for this Citation carry a fine of $557.00. 15. Failure to pay all fines within the timeframe as ordered shall result in a lien being placed against the Respondent and any property owned by the Respondent. 3. CASE NO: CEAC20250014377-01 OWNER: Stephanie Octavius OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-35(1)(J). Injury to person, citation issued on February 3, 2026, 1st offense, "Blue". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5800 block Opportunity Cir Dr, Naples, FL 34112 Cases 3 and 4 were combined into 1 Stipulation 4. CASE NO: CEAC20250014377-02 OWNER: Stephanie Octavius March 20, 2026 6 OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-35(1)(B). Running at large, citation issued on February 3, 2026, 1st offense, "Blue". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5800 block Opportunity Cir Dr, Naples, FL 34112 Date of Notice of Hearing by Certified Mail: 2/17/26 Date of Property/Courthouse Posting: 2/24/26 Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank requested the hearing. The Stipulation was entered into by Stephanie Octavius on March 20, 2026. In reference to Citations: CEAC20250014377-01 Injury to Person for “Blue.” Special Magistrate Neale found the Respondent GUILTY of the alleged violation and was ordered to: 1. Pay Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 2. Pay an Administrative Fee of $7.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 3. Pay a Civil Penalty of $500.00 per Citation. 4. Total charges due are $557.00 to be paid within 90 days of this hearing. 5. The Respondent is to register and complete the Collier County Responsible Pet Owner Course within 90 days of this hearing. In reference to Citation, CEAC20250014377-01 Running at large for “Blue.” 6. These fines will be suspended for a period of two years pending no animal related issues are violated as per the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14 or any Florida State Statutes pertaining to animal related offenses during this probationary period. 7. At the end of two years, the fines will be voided pending no animal related issues were violated as stated above. 8. During the two year suspension, should the Respondent violate any provisions of the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14 or any Florida State Statutes pertaining to animal related offenses, all fines will be reinstated and ordered to be paid immediately. 9. Total charges for this Citation carry a fine of $557.00. 10. Failure to pay all fines within the timeframe as ordered shall result in a li.en being placed against the Respondent and any property owned by the Respondent. 7. Public Hearings March 20, 2026 7 A. Hearings 5. CASE NO: CEAC20250014017-01 OWNER: Robin A Johnson OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-39(9). Failure to obtain a breeder permit, citation issued on January 18, 2026, 1st offense. FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 61 35th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120 Date of Notice of Hearing by Certified Mail: 2/17/26 Date of Property/Courthouse Posting: 2/25/26 The Respondent was not present. Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County. Officer Frank testified: • The Respondent appeared before the Special Magistrate on December 5, 2025 and was ordered to pay fines and obtain a Breeders Permit for her operation. • She has not filed an application for a permit and notified Domestic Animal Services, based on the hearing, it is not required as she does not meet the conditions for a permit. • A Citation was issued on January 18, 2026 following the non compliance with the Special Magistrate’s Order. Evidence Entered: Exhibit 1: Special Magistrate Order from 12/5/25 hearing Exhibit 2: Minutes from 12/5/25 hearing Assistant Director Crotts recommended a $5.00 Operational Fee, $7.00 Administrative Fee and a Civil Penalty of $500.00 be imposed for the Citation. Additionally, the case be forwarded to the State’s Attorney Office for potential criminal prosecution. Special Magistrate Neale finding the Notice of Hearing was properly served and after reviewing the evidence and hearing the testimony found the Respondent GUILTY of the alleged violation and was ordered to: 1. Pay Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 2. Pay an Administrative Fee of $7.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. March 20, 2026 8 3. Pay a Civil Penalty of $500.00. 4. Total charges due are $557.00 to be paid within 30 days of this hearing. 5. Obtain a Commercial Breeder Permit from the County. Special Magistrate Neale stated the case will be referred to the State’s Attorney’s Office for criminal review. 6. CASE NO: CEAC20260002058-01 OWNER: Miguel Morales OFFICER: Cara Frank VIOLATIONS: Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-39(9). Failure to obtain a breeder permit, citation issued on February 24, 2026, 3rd offense, "Mochi". FOLIO NO: PROPERTY ADDRESS: 3182 Barrett Avenue, Naples, FL 34112 Date of Notice of Hearing by Certified Mail: 2/25/26 Date of Property/Courthouse Posting: 3/4/26 The Respondent was not present. Assistant Director Crotts and Officer Frank represented the County. Officer Frank testified: • The case initiated on 12/17/25 when a member of the public transported and emaciated dog to Domestic Animal Services (DAS). • The dog was actively nursing puppies which were inside a residence. • After a phone consultation, Mr. Morales retrieved his dog from DAS. • On 12/31/25, she followed up notifying the Mr. Morales of the requirements to obtain a commercial breeder permit and a Notice to Comply was issued. • A follow up on 1/26/26 determined no efforts had been made by Mr. Morales to obtain the required permit. • She observed 2 of the puppies running at large and the others in a visitor’s vehicle outside the residence. • Mr. Morals informed her he did not have the funds for the license but would obtain it within 30 days. • A second Citation was issued for the offense. • On 2/3/26 a follow up site visit was conducted to determine the status of the permit and Mr. Morales informed her he was “working on it.” He was given until 2/9/26 to comply. March 20, 2026 9 • A site visit was conducted on 2/24/26 and no contact was made with Mr. Morales and no application for the permit has been filed with the County. • To date, the Citations remain unpaid. Evidence Entered: Exhibits 1-4: Photos dated 12/21/25 Exhibits 5-6: Photos dated 1/25/26 Exhibits 7-8: Copies of 1st and 2nd Citations issued Assistant Director Crotts noted given the $375.00 in Citations remain unpaid recommended a $50 Operational Fee, $7.00 Administrative Fee and a Civil Penalty of $500.00 be imposed for the Citation. Additionally, the case be forwarded to the State’s Attorney Office for potential criminal prosecution. Special Magistrate Neale, finding the Notice of Hearing was properly served and after reviewing the evidence and hearing the testimony found the Respondent GUILTY of the alleged violation and was ordered to: 1. Pay Operational Costs in the amount of $50.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 2. Pay an Administrative Fee of $7.00 incurred in the prosecution of this case. 3. Pay a Civil Penalty of $500.00. 4. Total charges due are $557.00 to be paid within 30 days of this hearing. 5. Obtain a Commercial Breeder Permit from the County with 30 days of this hearing or another Citation will be issued and an appearance required by the Respondent in front of the Special Magistrate. Special Magistrate Neale stated the case will be referred to the State’s Attorney’s Office for criminal review. B. Emergency Cases None 8. New Business A. Motion for Reduction/Abatement of Fines None B. Motion for Imposition of Fines and Liens None 9. Old Business March 20, 2026 10 A. Motion of Amend Previously Issued Order None B. Motion to Rescind Previously Issued Order None 10. Consent Agenda A. Request for Special Magistrate to Impose Nuisance Abatement Lines for Cases Referenced in Submitted Executive Summary None B. Request to Forward Cases to the County Attorney’s Office as Referenced in the Submitted Executive Summary None C. Request for Special Magistrate to Impose DAS Citation Liens on Cases Referenced in Executive Summary None 11. Reports None 12. Next Meeting Date – April 17, 2026 at 9:00am March 20, 2026 11 There being no further business for the good of the County, the Hearing was adjourned by Order of the Special Magistrate at 9:51AM. COLLIER COUNTY SPECIAL MAGISTRATE HEARING ________________________________ Patrick H. Neale, Special Magistrate The Minutes were approved by the Special Magistrate on _________________________, as presented ____, or as amended ________.