News Update for 6/19/25
A Highlands County woman facing the death penalty for allegedly killing her 13-year-old adopted daughter has now been sentenced to 180 days in jail for violating a protective order. Investigators say Diane Natasha Mack tried to send pizzas to her surviving children at their school from jail, despite a no-contact order. Mack pleaded no contest to the charges on June 11th. Meanwhile, she still faces first-degree murder and multiple abuse charges for the November 2024 death, which prosecutors call especially heinous and premeditated.
In Polk County, bragging about outrunning the law rarely ends well — as Aaron Johnson has learned the hard way. Johnson, wanted on multiple felony warrants, boldly taunted Sheriff Grady Judd on Facebook, claiming deputies were too busy fishing to catch him and daring them with hashtags like #GradyCan’tFindMe and #ComeAgainGrady. Lakeland Police, however, quickly ended his game of hide-and-seek. Officers tracked Johnson down and personally delivered him to the Polk County Jail. As the sheriff’s office cheekily posted: #PlayStupidGamesWinStupidPrizes — and in Polk County, #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork.
A Chicago police officer is on desk duty after being arrested in Polk County, Florida, over the weekend. Deputies say Officer Dwayne Ocasio argued with a security guard, used a racial slur, and falsely claimed to be a Miami police officer after refusing to move a golf cart. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says Ocasio then barricaded himself in a hotel room before being arrested for battery. Ocasio posted bond and returned to Chicago, where he’s now stripped of police powers and reassigned to non-emergency calls.
The lawsuit over the tragic death of 13-year-old Malik Pearson, an Avon Park student struck by a train last May, has been moved to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Fort Pierce. Malik was killed while walking home from Avon Park Middle School. His father, Chester Pearson, alleges negligence by multiple parties, including Amtrak, CSX, the Florida DOT, the School Board, and the City of Avon Park. Federal Judge Aileen M. Cannon will preside over the case.
Highlands County Habitat for Humanity is inviting the community to join in the dedication of two newly completed homes for the Panet and Figueroa families. This special occasion celebrates the hard work of these families and the generosity of volunteers and sponsors who made safe, affordable housing possible. All are welcome to attend on June 27th at 8 a.m. at 1412 Inspiration Drive in Sebring. Come honor the spirit of hope, community, and new beginnings.
Highlands County Attorney Sherry Sutphen is asking the public to weigh in as the county commission considers a new ordinance that would ban sleeping and camping in public spaces. The proposed rule, aimed at protecting public health and safety, makes it illegal to sleep overnight on public property, at public buildings, or in public rights of way. Under the ordinance, first-time violators would receive a warning but repeat offenses could lead to arrest and a second-degree misdemeanor charge. The commission will vote on the measure July 1, with a separate panhandling ordinance to follow on July 15th.
Sun ‘N Lake of Sebring Improvement District has announced a $650,000 renovation and expansion of its recreational facilities. The project includes a new fitness complex with a gym and yoga room, a modern 75-foot pool with a wading area, a 14-person hot spa, grassy game areas, and six luxury rental cabins complete with shaded dining spots. Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks and finish by September. District leaders say the goal is to create a “Disneyland-like” experience for residents and visitors alike. For details, call 863-382-2196.
Florida’s attorney general is accused of ignoring a judge’s order. A federal judge in Miami found James Uthmeier in contempt of court for ignoring her restraining order requiring him to stop enforcing a new immigration law. The law calls for the arrest of any illegal immigrant who enters the state. The judge also wants Uthmeier to file bi-weekly reports on any immigration enforcement actions that have taken place related to the new law. Uthmeier has until July 1st to file the first report.