Connect with us

Central Florida News

Fake Cop Accused of Armed Robbery and Handcuffing Woman in Orlando Hotel Room

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orlando Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Michael Darren Jesse Rodriguez, a New York man accused of impersonating a police officer and committing armed robbery at an Orlando hotel on August 23, 2024. Rodriguez, 27, of Poughkeepsie, NY, was apprehended by Georgia police and is facing multiple charges across Florida.

Crime Details:

  • Incident Date & Location: On August 23, 2024, the Orlando Police responded to reports of an armed robbery at a hotel near Universal Blvd. and International Dr.
  • Suspect’s Actions: The victim reported that an unknown man, wearing a badge around his neck, forced his way into her room, claiming to be a police officer. He restrained her with handcuffs, stole her wallet, and displayed what appeared to be a handgun in his waistband.
  • Surveillance Evidence: The victim’s account was supported by hotel surveillance footage, which also helped officers identify the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle was seen in multiple Florida cities during August.

Crime Spree:

  • Similar Incidents: Rodriguez is also wanted for an armed robbery under investigation by the Lantana Police Department.
  • Apprehension: On September 8, 2024, Rodriguez was apprehended in Georgia by Gwinnett County Police while driving the same vehicle spotted in the Lantana and Orlando incidents.
  • Evidence Recovered: Orlando detectives recovered a fake police badge, handcuffs, and other items linking Rodriguez to both robberies.

Charges:

Rodriguez faces the following charges once extradited to Orange County:

  • Falsely Personating an Officer to Commit Felony with a Weapon
  • False Imprisonment with a Weapon
  • Robbery with a Firearm

The Orlando Police Department is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Rodriguez to come forward and contact law enforcement.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

Published

on

US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending