Kidnapping In Hendry County

25-Year Old Man Arrested For Kidnapping Woman

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry County Sheriff's Office reports that on January 31, 2009 at approximately 2:07 a.m., Deputy Nathan Kirk of the Hendry County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a white Dodge Mini van with a Delaware temporary tag after witnessing the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through a red traffic light. 

When stopping the vehicle Deputy Kirk reported that the driver, later identified as 25 year old, Armando Hernandez, exited the his vehicle and it was at this point that Deputy Kirk noticed a Hispanic female exited the front passenger side of the vehicle and ran to the Deputy. 

It was learned through the assistance of a translator that Olivia Aburto-Espina had been taken against her will.  She explained through the interpreter that she had been calling for a taxi when the white Dodge Mini Van approached her in the parking lot. 

She had tried to escape Hernandez but he was able to force her into the van pushing down onto the floor board and punched her in the back of the head.  Aburto-Espino stated she remained there until the vehicle had been stopped by law enforcement. 

Armando Hernandez was then taken into custody, transported to the Hendry County Jail, and charged with Kidnapping-False Imprisonment, Damage Proper-Criminal Mischief, Petit Larceny, and Battery.  Hernandez is currently being held on $152,000 bond.

Governor To Join Obama In Fort Myers

Crist To Meet With Obama In Town Hall Meeting Tuesday

LABELLE, FL. -- The White House announced today that Florida Governor Charlie Crist will introduce President Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Fort Myers to discuss the urgent need for a plan to help American families cope with the severe economic downturn and lay the foundation for our long term recovery.

"I look forward to traveling to Ft. Myers tomorrow to talk to Floridians about how we get our nation's economy back on track. Gov. Crist and I have seen firsthand the toll that this economic crisis has taken on the American people, and we agree that we can't allow politics to get in the way of urgent relief for the millions of families and small businesses that need it," said President Barack Obama.

"Florida has taken prudent steps to cut taxes for our people and balance our budget in these increasingly difficult times. Any attempts at federal stimulus must prioritize job creation and targeted tax relief for small business owners. I am eager to welcome President Obama to the Sunshine State as he continues to work hard to reignite the US economy," said Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Crist Visits The State Fair Today

Governor Charlie Crist today visited the Florida State Fair and applauded the event's importance to Florida's economy statewide.  According to an economic impact study conducted by the University of South Florida Center for Economic Development in 2006, the Florida State Fair Authority creates 1,267 jobs statewide and has an economic impact of $171.4 million in sales and over $43.3 million in wages. Organized under the leadership of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson, the 2009 Florida State Fair opened Thursday, February 5, and runs through Monday, February 16. Later today, as part of his ongoing focus on strengthening Florida's economy, Governor Crist will visit the Workforce Central Florida center in Orlando.

"I commend Commissioner Bronson for his leadership in showcasing at the Florida State Fair all that Florida has to offer – our climate, our agriculture and our quality of life," Governor Crist said.  "Floridians are some of the most innovative entrepreunuers in our country, and I am committed to increasing our capacity for economic growth and higher-paying jobs for our people.

The Florida State Fair is a Sunshine State tradition in its 105th year. In 1975, the Florida Legislature created the Florida State Fair Authority and designated the annual event in Tampa as the official Florida State Fair. In 1995, the Florida State Legislature put the fairgrounds and the Florida State Fair Authority under the administration of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Florida State Fair Authority oversees the fair and the fairgrounds buildings and programs throughout the year.

While addressing the Florida State Fair Governor's Luncheon, Governor Crist spoke of his support for the federal stimulus package and plans to discuss the impact to Florida with President Barack Obama in Fort Myers tomorrow.

"I continue to work with my colleagues and members of our Congressional delegation to ensure Florida receives our fair share," Governor Crist said. "We want Florida to be positioned to use the money quickly in ways that jumpstart our economy."

Death In Clewiston Crash

One Dead - Many Injured In Hendry Crash

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Roeri Marrero, 32 from Clewiston died in a Monday morning crash near midnight on US 27.  43-year old passenger Carmen Vazquez suffered serious injuries.

Her 2003 Ford SUV was traveling west in the inside lane on US-27 just east of County Road 835. Vehicle 2, a 2009 Toyota was traveling west in the outside lane on US-27 just east of County Road 835. The right side portion of Vehicle 1 and the left side portion of Vehicle 2 struck in a sideswipe type collision.

The Toyota was driven by Dipankar Biswas, 34 of India, and passenger Pampa Biswas, 28 also of India

After impact, Vehicle 1 traveled southwest into the median, striking multiple traffic control signs. Vehicle 1 rotated counter clockwise and began to overturn. Vehicle 2 traveled northwest onto the north shoulder and began to rotate counter clockwise. Vehicle 1 came to final rest in the eastbound lanes facing southeast in the inside and outside lane. Vehicle 2 came to final rest facing southeast on the north shoulder.

All the occupants in Vehicle 1 were ejected from the Vehicle and transported to the hospital prior to FHP arrival. Driver 1 was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Additional Vehicle 1 passengers:

Lynette Concepcion, 11 years old, Clewiston Florida, with serious injuries and transported to Delray Regional

Yonel Concepcion, 18 years old, Clewiston Florida, with serious injuries, and transported to Delray Regional

Calos Marrero, 5 years old, Clewiston Florida, with serious injuries, and transported to St Mary Hospital

What's The Future Of Our Children?

Letter To The Editor - 50 People Let Go By Hendry Schools

Dear Editor;

We are writing this letter jointly to share our concern about the future of Hendry County's children.  As you and the community well know, Hendry County School District is laying off more than 50 people who work directly with students.  This was a heart-wrenching decision that the school board and superintendent made; they fully realize not only the impact on the children's lives, but on the fragile economic state of this county too. 

These people have dedicated themselves to helping students achieve academic success and better futures for themselves.  Not only will the instruction and individual support be gone from these children's lives, but also the personal relationships that have formed.  Our young people at all ages are vulnerable; they are feeling the stress and strain of the economic uncertainty in their personal lives.  Now that uncertainty has entered their classrooms.  Hendry County's children should spend their school hours learning new skills, developing personal goals, forming friendships, and having fun. They should not have to wonder who will be there for them in the future.  For many young people today, school is the most stable, consistent thing in their lives; that stability has been ruptured. 

Economics and financial problems are considered adult problems, but the problems are being thrust onto our children by the harsh decisions that have to be made.  We adults are supposed to protect and fight for our young people, our future.  Educators alone cannot do this, parents alone cannot do this; it must be the entire community lifting its united voice to tell our elected officials at both state and national level to protect our children.  Tell them to protect our children by protecting their educations, by protecting the stability of their classrooms. 

The Governor has made the comment that he has not seen the protestors fighting the cuts to education.  The educators are protesting, but they are doing what they do best first­educating children.  Please help us in this fight to protect our children.

Sincerely,

Debbie Steelman, President, Hendry Educational Support Personnel Association

Tina R. Noel, President, Hendry County Education Association

Homicide Suspect Arrested In Clewiston

18-Year Old Holding Knife When Deputies Arrive

CLEWISTON, FL. -- In the early morning hours of February 8, 2009, deputies were called to respond to the area of 585 N. Cabbage Palm Street, Clewiston, Florida, regarding a stabbing that had just taken place.

Upon the arrival of deputies, 18 year old Damon Leon Pewo was found sitting on the arm of the couch inside the residence holding a large stainless steel knife in his hand. He was ordered by Deputies to release the weapon and he complied.

Pewo's mother, Angela Tiger stated that she and 39 year old victim, Gary Don Warden had been sleeping in their room when she was suddenly awakened by the sudden jolting of the bed. She turned to find her son Pewo on top of Warden. She was able to remove Pewo from the bedroom and keep him out until law enforcement arrived.

Once Pewo had been restrained, deputies went to check on Warden where he was found unresponsive lying on the bed.

Medical personnel arrived on scene and after all resuscitative efforts to revive the victim had been exhausted he was pronounced dead. Investigators are stilling trying to determine the motive for the killing. Pewo was then arrested and charged with Homicide-Willful Killing

Update Jan. 21, 2013. Numerous motions and examinations of Pewo have been completed for incompetency to stand trial. As of January 18, 2013 witness lists have been filed and a subpoena for trial issued.  

Update: In September 2013 he was found guilty and sentenced to 26 years in prison. He appealed. In July 2020 he filed another appeal of a denied motion for post conviction relief.