Michael Stens, 44, a resident of Fenimore Lane in Palm Coast, divorced from County Judge Melissa Moore-Stens three years ago, crashed his Prius into a culvert within a few feet of his house after driving home and was arrested on a drunk driving charge Monday morning.
Cops/Courts
Rymfire Elementary Briefly on “Code Orange” as Sheriff Detains 3 Outside Campus in Car Theft
A police matter that took place outside the campus of Rymfire Elementary–but did not endanger anyone inside–required the school to declare a “Code Orange,” or a less strict variant of a lockdown, just after 1 p.m. today.
Right to an Attorney Often a Myth as Public Defenders Are Overworked and the Poor Bullied to Plea
There is a lack of funding for public defense in every state, and people charged with low-level misdemeanors, often poor minorities, suffer the most as public defender offices focus their few resources on felony cases.
Sheriff Manfre Calls Ethics Case Against Him “Terrorism,” Vows to Fight To Supreme Court
Calling the protracted ethics case against him “terrorism,” “nonsense” and politically motivated “slime” by two former colleagues, Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre this morning delivered his most detailed—and impassioned—defense of himself since the case against him began in 2014.
Florida Justices: Cops May Not Keep Lawyer From Client Even in Voluntary Interviews
While a murder suspect was being voluntarily interrogated before he confessed, his lawyer appeared at the sheriff’s office but cops wouldn’t let the lawyer see his client.
Despite Alarms, an Ex-Cop on Disability–and Supporter of the Sheriff–Is Hired As Deputy
An internal investigative report had recommended against hiring ex-NAACP Vice President Eric Josey, a veteran of the NYPD on disability who had difficulties fulfilling basic training exercises. The Sheriff’s Office defends the hiring, while Josey calls criticism of his performance “embellished” and a political “firestorm.”
300-Gallon Chemical Spill in Flagler Beach Closes A1A From South 5th to North 4th
A truck carrying diluted sulfuric acid spilled some 300 gallons of the liquid at the intersection of State Road 100 and State Road A1A in Flagler Beach earlier this morning.
Poll-Tax Redux: Millions Free From Jail Are Barred From Voting By Criminal Debt
Debt from fines starts at sentencing and can grow at interest rates of 12 percent or more while inmates serve their sentences. It continues to grow after they’re released and face the numerous barriers to finding work and housing.
R-Section Shooting Is Caught on Private Surveillance Video, But No Suspects or Known Injuries
Several shell casings were recovered from the 11 p.m. shooting in the area of 11 Riverview Place, and several people interviewed, but no suspects and no vehicle were recovered.
Step-Father Accused of Child Abuse After Boy Throws Burrito at Him
Peter Adelstein of Palm Coast was disciplining his step-son for not cleaning up after lunch when he allegedly grabbed the boy by the neck and dared him to “try me.”