Ocala

A Florida man was indicted on first-degree murder charges after allegedly using a leaf blower on a 2-month-old infant, leading to the child's death from blunt head trauma caused by bouncing. James Westervelt, 38, is in custody and faces a September court date.

A Florida AMBER Alert was issued for 13-year-old Juliet Arioso and 45-year-old Jason Castillo, who were last seen in Ocala. Authorities believe they may be traveling in a 2021 red Hyundai Santa Fe with Florida license plate 77ERLW.

Florida authorities issued an Amber Alert for 13-year-old Juliet Arioso, who was abducted from Ocala and is believed to be with 45-year-old Jason Castillo. The pair may be traveling in a red 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe with license plate 77ERLW, and authorities urge the public to avoid approaching them and to call 911 if spotted.

A baby goat named Valor was rescued from a Miami rapper's home where it was allegedly marked for Santería sacrifice. The rapper, Lazaro Lesteiro-Diaz, faces multiple charges including fraud and animal cruelty. Valor is now rehomed in Ocala through Miami Animal Rescue.

Joseph Hester's grandson, Joseph Jomall Antonio Hester, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the family home in Ocala, Florida, a property owned for over 50 years. Despite the arson charge and the destruction of his home, Hester expressed continued love for his grandson.

Fernando Munguia, Jr. was sentenced to four years in federal prison for making false statements about acquiring a firearm and causing a federal firearm licensee to maintain false records. He pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2026.

Tyrone Pierson, a 29-year-old from Ocala, Florida, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on January 2, 2026, while his co-defendant, Reshawn Graham, pleaded guilty on April 2, 2026, and is scheduled for sentencing on June 25, 2026.

Ismael Osbaldo Pedro Tomas, a 24-year-old from Guatemala, pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity in Ocala, Florida. He faces a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison.

Levelle Joseph Harris was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for wire fraud and must forfeit $640,911.85. He pleaded guilty on July 30, 2025, in a case announced by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.

Karen Torres, a federal correctional officer, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for receiving a bribe. She must forfeit $43,550 and pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026.

Jimmy Deon Lofton, a 46-year-old man from Ocala, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. He faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.

Jason Shane Ejmali, a 51-year-old from Silver Springs, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity. He pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, and will also serve 20 years of supervised release.

Ballardo Andres Polanco, a 32-year-old from Seffner, Florida, pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity and attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. He faces a minimum of 10 years to life in prison for the enticement charge and up to 10 years for the material transfer. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.