Orange Co. Drug Trafficking Bust Nets Nearly 20 Arrests
(Orange Co., FL) --Nearly 20 people are under arrest after a major drug-trafficking bust in Orange County. The sheriff's office says 19 people are facing charges of trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine. The suspects are looking at a mandatory 20-to-25 years in prison for their involvement in the crime ring. The cocaine originated from Puerto Rico, while the fentanyl was sourced from Mexico and California. Law enforcement agencies from all around were involved in the operation.
Orange County Public Schools Employee Arrested In Murder Case
(Kissimmee, FL)-- An Orange County school district employee is facing charges in a murder case in Osceola County. Jessica Rivera is accused of tampering with evidence tied to last month's shooting of 19-year-old Nekko Herrera. Rivera was arrested last week at Whispering Oak Elementary School in Winter Garden where she works in the cafeteria. Deputies in Osceola County say she's also dating the man accused of killing Herrera at a mobile home park in St. Cloud. Orvill Osorio Ortiz allegedly shot Herrera while a group of teenagers were fighting over a girl. Ortiz and Rivera are being held without bond.
Thirteen Arrested At Volusia County Music Festival
(Daytona Beach, FL)-- Five illegal immigrants are in custody after they were arrested in Volusia County. The sheriff's office announced yesterday the five were detained after they were found at last weekend's Rockville music festival in Daytona Beach. Three are from Guatemala, and they were allegedly operating a sausage cart that wasn't associated with the event. Overall, deputies say 225-thousand people attended, and there were only 13 arrests. Also, no phones were reported stolen. The sheriff's office says a lot of planning and teamwork made the event a success.
State Ordered To Protect Manatees
(Tallahassee, FL)-- The state must take more steps to protect manatees in Brevard and Volusia counties. A federal judge ruled yesterday the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has to do more to ensure the safety of manatees in the Indian River Lagoon. The DEP has to stop new septic tanks from being built nearby, establish programs to check on manatees' health and provide more food for them. The judge also ruled the DEP must provide quarterly updates. The ruling was made in response to a lawsuit from an environmental group called Bear Warriors United.
Vice President Vance Meets Pope Leo, Gives Him Bears Jersey
(Vatican City)-- Vice President J.D. Vance is giving Pope Leo a gift that is near and dear to his heart. The VP met with the Pope at the Vatican and presented him with a Chicago Bears jersey with the name "Pope Leo the 14th" on the back. The Chicago native responded by saying "Good choice." Vance also gave the pontiff a letter from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump inviting him to come to the White House.
Today in History
1899, Jacob German of New York City became the first driver ever arrested for speeding. He was taken into custody after being observed driving his taxi over the posted 12-mile-per-hour speed limit.