Kissimmee man indicted on child sex material possession charges
An indictment has been returned against a Kissimmee man for receiving and possessing child sex abuse material, the Middle District of Florida of the Department of Justice announced Friday. Dale Meyer Elliott faces the indictment on three counts of receipt of child sex abuse material and one count of possession of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Elliott faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison for each possession count and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession count.
The indictment also notifies Elliott that the United States intends to forfeit his cellphone, which is alleged to have been used to commit the charged offenses.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty, the court said.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office and Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Cloud has new HR director
In a city where its upper administration is in transition, the City of St. Cloud has a new Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Justin Kluesner was hired effective August 22. “Justin brings a wealth of experience to the role with the city,” said City Manager Bill Sturgeon, who has announced his retirement effective Sept. 2. “He has worked in a variety of capacities within Human Resources, including recruitment, training, labor negotiations, policy development, workplace culture initiatives, and much more. We are excited to have him on the team, and I am confident he will be a benefit to the city.” Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kluesner is a self-described “cheese head” who says he is enjoying the transition to Florida. Kluesner has a history in local government human resources, most recently as the Deputy Director of Human Resources with Outagamie County (Wisc.). He holds a degree in Political Science from St. Norbert College (De Pere, Wisc.) is certified as a Human Resources professional with the Society for Human Resources Management, and is pursuing an MBA of Human Resources through Southern New Hampshire University.
St. Cloud Chamber adds two
The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce announced this week that Trisha Workman has assumed the role of Membership Coordinator. Her previous experience includes Donor Services Supervisor for BP (Blood Donors) as well as Administrative Supervisor for Covington Estates. Indhiana Martinez joined joins the Chamber as its Events Manager. She is a former Events Planner with Royal Prestige.
Casey DeSantis announces student essay and art contests
The theme for the 2022– 2023 school year student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards is “Celebrating the Achievements of Hispanic, Native American, and Black Floridians.” For the first time, Native American Heritage Month is included in the annual contests, in addition to the recurring contests for Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month. “The art and essay contests showcase Florida’s talented students and teachers,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “This year’s theme, Celebrating the Achievements of Hispanic, Native American, and Black Floridians, will provide a fun challenge for our students and an opportunity for outstanding educators to be recognized. I look forward to seeing the creative ways in which students pay homage to great Floridians through their art and essays.” The contests will coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept.15 to Oct. 15, 2022, Native American Heritage Month in November 2022, and Black History Month in February 2023. The winners of the essay contest will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Student Art Contest: First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Art Contests are open to all Kindergarten through third grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected for each month, and each winner will receive a $100 art supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks.
Student Essay Contest: First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Essay Contests are open to all fourth through twelfth grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8) and two high school students (grades 9–12). Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.
Excellence in Education Award: First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contests are open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida, and a set of classroom books.
