Key West May 2026 Newsfeed
- Liana Gonzalez-Blanco
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Key West May 2026 Newsfeed
By: Staff Writer
Brief news headlines of the Florida Keys.
Man Cited in Lobster Case
A Middle Keys Marine Deputy cited Daverne Dantes‑Jean, 39, of Greenacres, Florida, on May 9 at Mile Marker 70 after finding him in possession of six undersized and out‑of‑season spiny lobster. Deputies responded following a report of illegal harvesting in the area.
Woman Arrested for Hitting Deputy
Julie Marie Graham, 43, of Port Charlotte, was arrested on Big Pine Key on May 9 after striking a Sheriff’s Office Deputy during a late‑night encounter at Pine Channel Park. Graham, who was found with marijuana and drug paraphernalia, refused commands, resisted arrest, and knocked off the Deputy’s glasses before being subdued. She was medically cleared and taken to jail.
Quarterly Award Winners Honored
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recognized its First Quarter 2026 award recipients during a ceremony in Marathon. Sheriff Rick Ramsay honored Support Member of the Quarter Kevin Saltarin Nava and Deputy of the Quarter David Parker, with Blue Marlin Jewelry owner Armando Gonzalez participating as the event sponsor.
Man Charged With Battery
Deputies arrested Juan Osorto Sanchez, 33, of Stock Island, on May 6 after he allegedly choked a teenage boy during a domestic disturbance on Maloney Avenue. Witnesses reported that Osorto Sanchez, appearing intoxicated, fought with an adult woman before tackling and choking the juvenile who intervened. The teen sustained abrasions and neck discoloration. Osorto Sanchez was taken to jail.
Man Who Stole $14K Equipment Arrested
Roberto Alain Riera Richard, 34, of Hollywood, Florida, was arrested May 6 for stealing a $14,400 sewer camera from a Marathon rental business. Investigators say he used a false name and invalid payment method in 2025 and never returned the equipment. Detectives coordinated with multiple agencies across Florida and North Carolina, uncovering fraudulent IDs and similar crimes. Additional charges may follow.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay Honors Resident
Sheriff Rick Ramsay presented Key West resident John R. Padget with a Distinguished Member Award on May 6, recognizing his 25 years of support for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Bar Patron Who Left Child Unattended Arrested
Luis Fernando Del Ra Ortiz, 50, of Key Largo, was arrested May 5 after leaving a 5‑year‑old child unattended at a resort beach while he drank at a bar. Resort staff cared for the child for several hours before calling authorities. Ortiz, described as intoxicated and combative, threatened employees, grabbed one worker, and briefly boarded a docked vessel with the child. He was charged with child neglect and multiple related offenses. A family member retrieved the child, and DCF was notified.
National Correctional Officers and Employees Week
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is observing National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, recognizing the demanding work of staff in local detention facilities. The agency operates three accredited facilities housing up to 704 inmates, with an average daily population of about 500. The Bureau of Corrections employs 136 certified deputies and 31 support staff.
Sexual Predator Notification
The Sheriff’s Office has issued a public notification regarding sexual predator Manuel Alfredo Aguila, 53, who has registered an address at 97450 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Aguila was convicted in Hillsborough County in 2012. Additional information is available through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Man Dies in Water‑Related Incident
Edward Eugene Stills, 50, of Asheboro, North Carolina, died on May 2 after being found unresponsive in shallow water at Marvin Key. Initial reports indicate he may have dived into shallow water. He was brought ashore by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and later pronounced dead at Lower Keys Medical Center. No foul play is suspected, and autopsy results are pending.
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