Uncategorized
Florida police officer charged with COVID-19 relief fraud
Published
3 years agoon

MIAMI (AP) — A South Florida police officer has been charged with fraudulently applying for a COVID-19 relief advance grant and low-interest loan.
A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment Wednesday against the 44-year-old Coral Springs police officer, according to court records. The officer faces one count of wire fraud, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The officer’s attorney said the government has been investigating for over a year, and he questions the strength of the prosecution’s case.
According to the indictment, the officer submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan application and loan agreement to the U.S. Small Business Administration on behalf of his personal business. The application falsely and fraudulently certified that the business had gross revenues of $100,000 during the year prior to January 31, 2020, investigators said.
The indictment also charges the officer with falsely and fraudulently certifying that he would use the funds only for business expenses to alleviate economic injury that the COVID-19 pandemic caused to the business. Officials said the officer spent more than $21,000 of the loan money at a car repair and detailing company for luxury vehicles and high-end auto parts.
North Florida News
Attorney General James Uthmeier Secures Guilty Conviction of Child Predator
Published
4 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a guilty conviction for Deandre Devone Williams on four felony counts for sexually abusing a minor. Williams traveled from Illinois to Florida to commit these crimes.
“Thanks to our law enforcement partners and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Emily Frazier and Johnna Lessard for bringing this sick predator to justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Child sexual abuse is heinous, and anyone who harms a child will be held accountable. Our office will continue prioritizing these cases and ensure those who commit such disgusting crimes face the consequences.”
According to the law enforcement investigation, Williams, a resident of Illinois, contacted a 13-year-old victim through social media. Williams convinced the child that the two were in a romantic relationship and traveled from Illinois to meet the child in St. Augustine. The defendant then took the child to Ft. Lauderdale, where Williams spent the weekend with the victim in a hotel room. Williams sexually abused the child, then later dropped the victim off at a train station in Ft. Lauderdale, where the minor was unable to get home.
Williams was found guilty of four felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery, traveling to meet a minor, and interference with the custody of a child. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced in St. Johns County on May 2, 2025, and faces up to 50 years in prison.
Sports
Post Malone to Headline Super Bowl LIX YouTube Tailgate Concert in New Orleans
Published
3 months agoon
January 29, 2025By
Willie David
NEW YORK CITY, NY. (FNN SPORTS) – The NFL has announced that 9x diamond-certified, GRAMMY® Award-nominated global superstar Post Malone will headline the Super Bowl LIX YouTube Tailgate Concert, the league’s ultimate pregame party. The exclusive event will be livestreamed on YouTube and take place just steps from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025, ahead of the championship game.
This year marks YouTube’s first time as the official sponsor of the Super Bowl Tailgate, bringing fans from around the world a front-row seat to an electrifying live performance from one of the biggest names in music. The concert will be streamed live on the NFL’s YouTube channel at 3:00 p.m. CT, allowing viewers to experience the excitement and energy of New Orleans from the comfort of their homes.
Post Malone’s Historic Performance & Rising Success
With multiple videos in YouTube’s “Billion-View Club” and nearly 18 billion total views on his channel, Post Malone has become a global sensation with his genre-blending sound and record-breaking success. His latest album, F-1 Trillion, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, and his 2024 collaborations have earned him eight 2025 GRAMMY® nominations. This spring, Post will headline Coachella before embarking on his highly anticipated Big Ass Stadium Tour.
YouTube Takes Over as the Official Super Bowl Tailgate Sponsor
The Super Bowl LIX YouTube Tailgate Concert is part of a broader lineup of exclusive content streaming on the NFL’s YouTube channel throughout Super Bowl Sunday. Fans can enjoy a full day of live programming, kicking off with the ‘Ultimate Tailgate Party’ hosted by YouTube Creators Kristy & Desmond Scott, Chanen & Juwan Johnson, Monet McMichael, and Carter Kench.
This year’s sponsorship marks a major milestone for YouTube, as the platform strengthens its role in music, entertainment, and live sports streaming. The Super Bowl Tailgate Concert first began at Super Bowl LIV with a virtual performance by Miley Cyrus and has since evolved into a highly anticipated pregame tradition, featuring past headliners such as The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Jason Derulo, and Gwen Stefani.
With YouTube at the helm, fans can expect an even more immersive and interactive experience, leveraging the platform’s music discovery, fan engagement, and streaming capabilities. Whether attending in person or watching from home, viewers will be treated to a dynamic performance from Post Malone that sets the stage for an unforgettable Super Bowl LIX.
Sports
Todd Bowles Reflects on Buccaneers’ Wildcard Loss to Commanders: “We Had Our Chances”
Published
4 months agoon
January 13, 2025By
FNN SPORTS
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke candidly during the postgame press conference following the team’s narrow 23-20 Wildcard Playoff loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. Bowles addressed critical defensive struggles, offensive miscues, and his outlook for the team’s future.
Defensive Struggles and Key Plays
When asked about the defense’s inability to stop Washington on critical downs, Bowles acknowledged the challenge. “Defensively, that’s where it was. He [Jayden Daniels] was making some plays with his feet. We were in position, but he out-athleted us,” Bowles said. The Buccaneers allowed a concerning 55% third-down conversion rate.
Bowles also touched on the struggles with in-routes and breakdowns in coverage. “Some of them were scrambles, and we lost our guys. On the last one, we had bad positioning from the start.”
A costly fumble near their own goal line further shifted momentum in Washington’s favor. “We were supposed to run a jet sweep, but something got discombobulated. We can’t give up field position like that,” Bowles lamented.
Offensive Woes and Penalties
Offensively, penalties and turnovers stifled the Buccaneers’ rhythm. “We were shooting ourselves in the foot on first down with a lot of penalties in the first half,” Bowles explained. Despite the struggles, wide receiver Mike Evans continued to shine, even in a tough matchup against Marshon Lattimore. “Mike’s effort and what he continues to do for us is amazing,” Bowles praised.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s late-game turnover was another critical moment. Bowles expressed unwavering support for his quarterback, saying, “He’s your bell cow. We wouldn’t even be here without Baker.”
Rookie Spotlight: Jayden Daniels
Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels proved to be a thorn in Tampa Bay’s side. Bowles was not surprised by his poised performance. “He has no conscience. He’s a heck of a player and lives in the moment. He lived in it every game this year,” Bowles noted.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
Despite the loss, Bowles remains optimistic about the team’s future. “We have a great core group going forward. Just got to keep people healthy, add to it, and clean up some spots,” he said. He emphasized the need to improve situational football and create more turnovers, areas where the team struggled this season.
As the Buccaneers head into the offseason, the focus will be on getting key players like Antoine Winfield Jr. back to full strength and reinforcing both the offensive and defensive units. “We’ve got to eat it, take it on the chin, and we’ve got to get better in the future,” Bowles concluded.
______________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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