The Issue This is a license discipline proceeding in which the Petitioner seeks to take disciplinary action against the Respondent on the basis of allegations set forth in a two-count Administrative Complaint in which the Respondent is charged with violations of Sections 493.6118(1)(j), 493.6106(1)(b), 493.6118(1)(t), and 493.6101(7), Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent is a licensed security officer holding a Class "D" Security Officer License and a Class "G" Statewide Firearm License.1 On May 25, 1996, the Respondent was driving himself and his wife, Tracee Kinlock, to the home of the latter's brother. During the course of that drive an argument began on the subject of whether the Respondent had been seeing another woman. During the course of the argument, Ms. Kinlock became angry about the Respondent's refusal to discuss the subject and began hitting him on the arm and side. The argument continued to escalate, and eventually Ms. Kinlock became so upset that she insisted that the Respondent stop the car and let her get out. The Respondent refused to do so. Eventually, Ms. Kinlock took matters in her own hands and grabbed the gear shift lever and pushed it into the neutral or park position.2 The Respondent told Ms. Kinlock to take her hands off of the gear shift lever and made several efforts to pull her hands off of the lever, but Ms. Kinlock refused to move her hands and refused to release the gear shift lever. The Respondent became so angry or frustrated that he leaned over and bit Ms. Kinlock on the hand. He bit her hard enough to make her cry and release the gear shift. The bite did not draw blood, but it was sufficiently severe to leave visible marks and to cause the hand to swell. After biting Ms. Kinlock, the Respondent was able to put the car in gear and resume driving. When they arrived at the home of Ms. Kinlock's brother, Ms. Kinlock threw her wedding rings at the Respondent, got out of the car, and began walking rapidly towards her brother's home in an effort to get away from the Respondent. The Respondent chased after her, grabbed her from behind, and then swung his foot in a sweeping motion in such a way as to intentionally trip Ms. Kinlock and cause her to fall down. Ms. Kinlock fell to the ground, and the Respondent fell on top of her. Ms. Kinlock's brother immediately pulled the Respondent away from Ms. Kinlock and then restrained the Respondent while Ms. Kinlock went into the house. The police were called and shortly thereafter the Respondent was arrested and charged with the battery of Ms. Kinlock. The Respondent ultimately entered a plea of "no contest" to the charge of battery. Adjudication was withheld on the charge of battery.
Recommendation Pursuant to Rule 1C-3.113(2)(n), Florida Administrative Code, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent's Class "D" Security Officer License and Class "G" Statewide Firearm License be revoked pursuant to Section 493.6118(2)(e), Florida Statutes. DONE AND ENTERED this 10th day of November, 1997, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. MICHAEL M. PARRISH Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (904) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (904) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 10th day of November, 1997.
The Issue Whether Petitioner's license to practice clinical social work was lawfully annulled.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner, Patricia Katz, was licensed as a clinical social worker in Florida, license number SW 0002228, on March 31, 1989. Thereafter, Petitioner intended to remain fully licensed. The Respondent is the state agency charged with the responsibility of regulating and licensing clinical social workers within the State of Florida. Based upon the testimony of Petitioner and documentary evidence received in this cause, it is undisputed that Petitioner remained actively licensed until January 31, 1995. Prior to the expiration of her license in January 1995, the Respondent was required to send Petitioner a license renewal notice. Renewal notices are typically computer generated and the Respondent does not maintain copies of the notices to verify that they are sent to, or received by, its licensees. In this case, there is no direct evidence to establish Petitioner received the renewal notice; however, the computer records maintained by the Respondent reflect that the renewal notice was sent to Petitioner's Miami address on or about September 20, 1994. The address the Respondent maintained for Petitioner for the 1995 renewal time frame was accurate: 9720 Southwest 159th Street, Miami, Florida. In June 1995, Petitioner acquired a new residence in Broward County, Florida. She has remained at the Broward residence, 762 Heritage Drive, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, continuously since that time. In August 1995, Petitioner sold her old residence in Miami. Between this sale and the acquisition of the Broward residence, Petitioner maintains she notified the Respondent, in writing, of the address change. For some unexplained reason, the Respondent did not change its records regarding Petitioner's address. It continued to carry Petitioner's address as the Miami residence. For some unexplained reason, Petitioner did not contact the Respondent, in writing, to question why she did not receive a renewal notice for the 1995-97 period. Petitioner knew or should have known that her license renewals were due every two years. In addition to renewal forms, license fees are due and payable to the Respondent at renewal time. Had Petitioner renewed her license for the 1995-97 period, it would have expired at the end of January 1997. In October 1996, Respondent, again by way of the computer-generated form, sent Petitioner a notice of license nullification. According to the computer records, this notice was also sent to the Petitioner's old Miami address. Respondent does not have a copy of the notice or verification that Petitioner received it. In February 1997, the Respondent declared Petitioner's license null and void. Petitioner chose not to renew her license in January 1995, but believed it had automatically gone into an "inactive" status which would continue indefinitely. During this time Petitioner encountered several personal challenges which rightfully preempted her interest in her license status. Among these crises were two close relatives with cancer who required her assistance. Nevertheless, because she desired to maintain her license for the 1995-1997 time frame, Petitioner took the required continuing education courses. Such course work, completed during calendar year 1996, is fully documented in Petitioner's Exhibit 3. Petitioner did not pay any fees associated with her license status for the period 1995-1997. Sometime in 1997, Petitioner became concerned regarding her license status and contacted the Respondent by telephone. She spoke with Lucy Gee, the former executive director for Respondent, and sought clarification as to her license. When Ms. Gee advised Petitioner that her license had been annulled as a matter of law, Petitioner immediately sought to challenge such decision. In August 1997, the Respondent advised Petitioner that she would have to re-apply for licensure as a new licensee. Other options were not suggested. Petitioner did not receive notice that her license would be annulled prior to the agency action in February 1997. Petitioner was not afforded a point of entry to challenge the agency decision until March 1998. Thereafter, the Petitioner's challenge was forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings for formal proceedings.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Petitioner's request for reinstatement to an inactive license status with leave to reactivate her license upon the payment of fees and demonstrated compliance with continuing education be denied. DONE AND ENTERED this 13th day of January, 1999, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. J. D. PARRISH Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 13th day of January, 1999. COPIES FURNISHED: Susan Foster, Executive Director Department of Health Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Pete Peterson, General Counsel Department of Health BIN A02 2020 Capital Circle, Southeast Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1703 Angela T. Hall, Agency Clerk Department of Health BIN A02 2020 Capital Circle, Southeast Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1703 E. Renee Alsobrook, Esquire Alsobrook & Dove, P.A. Post Office Box 10426 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-2426 Edward Tellechea, Esquire Department of Legal Affairs Attorney General's Office The Capitol, Plaza 01 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1050
The Issue The issues are: (1) whether Petitioner is qualified for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license as a greyhound owner; and, (2) whether Petitioner is entitled to waiver of the provisions in accordance to Chapter 550, Florida Statutes (2004).
Findings Of Fact Based on the oral and documentary evidence adduced at hearing, the following Findings of Fact are made: Petitioner, Stephen M. Morris, submitted an application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license as a greyhound owner on or about February 24, 2005. On his application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license, Petitioner accurately reported that he had been convicted of the following three felonies: (1) possession and sale of a controlled substance, (2) trafficking in controlled substance (cannabis) in excess of 100 pounds, and (3) dealing in stolen property. The foregoing felony convictions were in or about 1976, 1984, and 1993, respectively, and were the result of offenses that occurred in Florida. Due to Petitioner's felony convictions, as noted in paragraph 2 above, his application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license was subject to denial. Consequently, on February 24, 2005, in addition to his application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license, Petitioner also requested that a waiver be granted so that he could obtain the license. Petitioner's application and his request for waiver did not include any information which would establish his rehabilitation or demonstrate that he has good moral character. As part of the Division's review of Petitioner's request for waiver, on or about April 5, 2005, Mr. Toner interviewed Petitioner. During the interview with Mr. Toner, Petitioner had the opportunity to present information that established his rehabilitation and demonstrated his present good moral character, but he did not produce such information. In light of the information regarding Petitioner's felony convictions, which are undisputed and included in Petitioner's application, Petitioner does not meet the eligibility requirements for the license which he seeks. By Petitioner's own admission, he was convicted of the felony offenses noted in paragraph 2 above. The number of felony convictions and the times that the offenses were committed, show a pattern of serious criminal behavior and recidivism. Petitioner may be rehabilitated and may have present good moral character. However, Petitioner did not testify at the final hearing and presented no evidence that he has been rehabilitated and has present good moral character. Absent from the record is any testimony from Petitioner or from Petitioner's friends, relatives, business associates, employers, or church members regarding Petitioner's good conduct and reputation subsequent to the date of his last felony conviction. In absence of any evidence that Petitioner has been rehabilitated and has present good moral character, the Division has no basis to grant Petitioner a waiver.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, enter a final order denying Petitioner, Stephen M. Morris', application for a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license and his request for waiver. DONE AND ENTERED this 30th day of December, 2005, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 30th day of December, 2005. COPIES FURNISHED: Stefan Thomas Hoffer, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Stephen M. Morris 162 Warren Avenue New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168 David J. Roberts, Director Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Josefina Tamayo, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered dismissing the request for formal hearing filed by petitioner, Ronald McGahee. DONE AND ENTERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 16th day of October 1989. COPIES FURNISHED: Jayne C. Weintraub, Esquire 330 Biscayne Boulevard Penthouse Miami, Florida 33132 Donald Papy, Esquire 19 West Flagler Street Suite 802 Miami, Florida 33130 Joseph S. White, Esquire Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Jeffrey Long, Director Criminal Justice Standards Training Commission Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 James T. Moore, Commissioner Florida Department of Law Enforcment Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Rodney Gaddy General Counsel Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 WILLIAM J. KENDRICK Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of October, 1989.
Findings Of Fact In January, 1967 the Petitioner was convicted of the felony Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in the Courts of the State of Florida. He was placed on probation for a period of five years. It does not appear that the Petitioner's civil rights have been restored to him. Approximately five years ago the Petitioner was charged with assault. The charges were dropped. The Petitioner did not reflect this arrest on his application. It does not appear that the Petitioner deliberately falsified his application. The Petitioner is, in all other respects, entitled to issuance of the license.
The Issue As to DOAH Case No. 96-4984, whether Respondent committed the offenses alleged in the Administrative Action dated March 13, 1996, and the penalties, if any, that should be imposed. As to DOAH Case No. 97-0708, whether Respondent committed the offenses alleged in the Administrative Action dated November 4, 1996, and the penalties, if any, that should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact On December 29, 1995, Respondent applied for a license authorizing the sale of beer and wine for consumption on the premises of her business known as Mrs. B's Restaurant and Lounge, which was located at 342 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, Stuart, Florida. Thereafter a temporary license, numbered 53-01741, series 2-COP, was issued to Respondent. The application executed by Respondent on December 29, 1995, contained a Personal Questionnaire that the applicant submitted under oath. The Personal Questionnaire required certain information about the individual applicant, including her criminal history. Respondent answered in the affirmative to the question whether she had ever been arrested, and in the negative to the question whether she had ever been convicted of a crime. As part of the application process, Respondent was fingerprinted so that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement could check her criminal record. Respondent was arrested on four separate occasions and was convicted of a crime on one occasion. On May 31, 1998, Respondent was arrested by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's office for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle. On September 16, 1988, Respondent was placed on probation for this offense, but adjudication of guilt was withheld. On January 29, 1989, Respondent was arrested by the Martin County Sheriff's Office for violation of probation. On January 4, 1992, Respondent was arrested by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office on a charge of robbery, a felony. On November 10, 1992, Respondent entered a plea of nolo contendre to a reduced charge of resisting a merchant, a first degree misdemeanor, and was subsequently sentenced. On March 20, 1992, Respondent was arrested by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office on charges of robbery and battery. These charges were subsequently dismissed. Respondent's answers on her Personal Questionnaire failed to disclose the required particulars of her criminal history, including information as to the charges, the dates and places of the arrests, the arresting agencies, and the dispositions. Respondent failed to disclose that she had been convicted of a crime. The uncontroverted evidence was that a permanent license was never issued by Petitioner to Respondent and that, prior to the formal hearing, Respondent's temporary license was revoked by Petitioner.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a Final Order that, pursuant to Section 559.791, Florida Statutes, denies Respondent's application for permanent licensure and sustains the revocation of her temporary license. It is further recommended that DOAH Case No. 96-4984 be dismissed. DONE AND ENTERED this 2nd day of June, 1998, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CLAUDE B. ARRINGTON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 2nd day of June, 1998. COPIES FURNISHED: James D. Martin, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Mrs. Mary Ann Brinkley, pro se Mrs. B's Restaurant Post Office Box 765 Stuart, Florida 34995 Richard Boyd, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Lynda L. Goodgame, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792
Findings Of Fact At all times relevant hereto Respondent was licensed by the Florida Real Estate Commission as a real estate broker. On August 7, 1982, Respondent was arrested on his property in Manatee County at a marijuana patch growing thereon. He was taken into custody, handcuffed, and placed in a Sheriff's Department vehicle for transportation into Bradenton for booking. Upon arrival at the sally port at the booking office and jail, Respondent was removed from the car. While the sequence of events that occurred was not explicated at the hearing, in Respondent's words "things got out of hand." Respondent testified the Deputy Sheriff tried to "break my arms while removing him from the vehicle, then "overreacted" and drew his pistol. As he emerged from the car, one of Respondent's handcuffs came off, Respondent seized the deputy's gun and ran away. Respondent surrendered himself to authorities the following day and the gun was returned by his attorney a few days later. Respondent was charged and tried on three counts involving manufacture, use, or intent to use, and possession of marijuana; grand theft of the pistol taken from the Deputy Sheriff; aggravated assault; and escape from confinement. He pleaded nolo contendere to all counts except aggravated assault, to which he pleaded and was found not guilty. Adjudication of guilt was withheld on the three marijuana counts (Counts I, II, and III) and on the grand theft count (Count IV), and Respondent was sentenced to ten days' confinement on work release program on Counts I, II, III, and IV, and was fined $1,000 and placed on probation for three years on Count IV. He was found guilty of escape from confinement and was sentenced to 11-1/2 months in the County Jail work release program and placed on three years probation to run concurrently with the probation in Count IV. Respondent has lived in Manatee County all his life and his parents are long-time residents. He has been licensed as a real estate broker for seven years and was a salesman before becoming a broker. The psychotherapist to whom Respondent was referred for counseling after his arrest testified that he met with Respondent for counseling for more than 100 hours and that he administered standards tests to Respondent to determine emotional stability and personality traits. This witness opined that Respondent is of moral standards without psychiatric problems or personality disorders, and that he is a church-going man. This witness did not consider the stealing of the deputy's firearm to be an immoral act, but considered the growing of marijuana to be a moral offense.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, Benny R. Hardy, is a licensed law enforcement officer in the State of Florida, holding License No. GF-7656. The Petitioner is an agency of the State of Florida charged with the licensing of and the regulation and enforcing of licensure, practice and conduct standards for law enforcement officers. The Respondent was hired on the police force of the City of Umatilla, Florida, on September 16, 1975, rising to the position of Chief of Police. He served in that capacity until his termination of employment by his resignation on March 23, 1983. The Respondent resigned from his employment due to his having been charged with a felony, involving obtaining drugs with a forged prescription. He entered a plea of nolo contendere to that charge and an order was entered on March 25, 1983, placing the Respondent on probation for three years and withholding adjudication of guilt, it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the Respondent was "not likely again to engage in a criminal course of conduct . . . ." Certain conditions were imposed upon Respondent's probationary status and the court reserved jurisdiction to adjudge the Respondent guilty and impose any legally appropriate sentence if the conditions of that probation are violated. There is no evidence that Respondent has ever been the subject of any disciplinary proceeding such as this in the past. His licensure status is presently "inactive." The Respondent, however, after due and proper notice of hearing, failed to appear at the hearing at the appointed date and time and had still not appeared at 10:40 a.m., when the hearing was adjourned.
Recommendation Having considered the foregoing Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and the evidence and testimony of record, it is, therefore RECOMMENDED: That a final order be entered by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission revoking Law Enforcement Certificate No. GF-7656 presently held by Respondent. DONE and ENTERED this 12th day of December, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. P. MICHAEL RUFF Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 FILED with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 13th day of December, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Dennis S. Valente, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Mr. Benny R. Hardy Post Office Box 1014 Umatilla, Florida 32784 James W. York, Executive Director Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 G. Patrick Gallagher, Director Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302
The Issue Whether Petitioner's application for licensure as a yacht salesperson should be granted.
Findings Of Fact Based upon the evidence adduced at hearing and the record as a whole, the following findings of fact are made: Petitioner is a 47-year old resident of Hollywood, Florida. He is married and has a five-year old step-daughter. His wife's father is the minister of the First Methodist Church in Hollywood. Petitioner is an active member of his father-in-law's church. In recent years, he has volunteered a significant amount of his time to perform tasks on behalf of the church. Petitioner is now, and has been since June of 1997, employed as a salesperson by Rex Yacht Sales (Rex) in Fort Lauderdale. As a salesperson for Rex, he sells new boats and he also sells used boats that are 32 feet or less in length.3 Approximately, 75 percent of the sales he makes are of used boats. Petitioner specializes in the sale of sailboats. He possesses a considerable amount of knowledge concerning sailboats as a result of the years (since he was a young child) that he has devoted to sailing. Petitioner owned, lived aboard, and captained a sailboat named the "Wave Dancer" from 1975 until the late 1980's. He acquired the "Wave Dancer" in return for his participation in an illicit drug smuggling operation. In 1975, when he was still living in his hometown of Port Washington, New York, Petitioner was approached by a childhood friend, Dan Locastro. Locastro advised Petitioner that he (Locastro) and his associates wanted to buy a sailboat to use to transport marijuana from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands to the New England coast. Locastro promised Petitioner that, if Petitioner were able locate a sailboat for them to purchase and if he thereafter successfully captained the newly purchased sailboat on its journey to and from the Virgin Islands, Petitioner could keep the sailboat. Approximately a month later, Petitioner notified Locastro that he had located a sailboat for Locastro and his associates. The sailboat was the "Wave Dancer." Locastro and his associates subsequently purchased the "Wave Dancer." They purchased the boat in the name of Richard Harrison. Following the purchase of the "Wave Dancer," Petitioner, accompanied by Locastro, sailed the boat to an island near St. Thomas. There, 500 pounds of marijuana were loaded onto the "Wave Dancer." Petitioner then sailed the boat to the New England coast, where he delivered the marijuana. Petitioner participated in this illicit smuggling operation because he wanted his own sailboat. He was neither arrested, nor charged, for having participated in this operation. As promised, Petitioner was allowed by Locastro and his associates to keep the "Wave Dancer" after the conclusion of operation. The boat was subsequently titled in Petitioner's name. For approximately 12 or 13 years, Petitioner (who was then single) lived in the Caribbean aboard the "Wave Dancer." He earned a living by taking tourists (usually one couple at a time) out in the water on his boat. In the late 1980's, Petitioner decided to return to the United States to live with and care for his parents, who, because of their advanced age, required his assistance. Before moving back to the United States, Petitioner put the "Wave Runner" up for sale. He was unsuccessful in his efforts to sell the boat. He discussed with a friend of his, Ken Fish, the possibility of Fish purchasing the boat for $50,000.00, but no sale was consummated. Petitioner was still the owner the "Wave Runner" when he flew to the United States and moved in with his parents (in their home). He left the "Wave Runner" behind in the Virgin Islands in the care of his friend Fish. Approximately nine months after he left the Virgin Islands, Petitioner received a telephone call from Fish, who indicated that he was having financial difficulty and that he wanted to use the "Wave Runner" in a "marijuana scheme." Approximately six months later, Fish again telephoned Petitioner. This time he told Petitioner that he wanted "to do a cocaine smuggling venture with [the "Wave Runner]." At first, Petitioner told Fish that he (Fish) was "out of his mind." Later during the conversation, however, Petitioner relented and agreed to allow Fish to use the "Wave Runner" in the proposed "cocaine smuggling venture." Petitioner gave his permission without receiving any promise from Fish that he (Petitioner) would receive anything in return. The "cocaine smuggling venture" was unsuccessful. The "Wave Runner" was seized by authorities in Martinique. In the spring of 1991, in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case No. 91-349-CR- HIGHSMITH, Petitioner was criminally charged by the United States government for his role in the "cocaine smuggling venture" with conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. Petitioner's role in the "cocaine smuggling venture" was limited to permitting Fish to use the "Wave Runner" to transport cocaine into the United States. After his arrest in May of 1991, Petitioner agreed to, and he subsequently did, cooperate with federal authorities by participating in federal undercover drug enforcement operations under the supervision of federal agents. At times during these operations, he was required to place himself in situations where his personal safety was compromised. In or around January of 1994, pursuant to a plea agreement, Petitioner entered a plea of guilty in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case No. 91- 349-CR-HIGHSMITH to one count of conspiracy to import cocaine. On January 30, 1995, Petitioner was adjudicated guilty of said crime and, as punishment, placed on probation for five years and fined $17,500.00. Such punishment constituted a substantial downward departure from the range provided in the United States Sentencing Guidelines. At the sentencing hearing, the sentencing judge explained that he was "constrained to substantially modify the sentence in this case downward" because of the risks Petitioner had taken to assist federal authorities in their drug-fighting efforts. Although under no legal obligation to do so, Petitioner continued to provide similar assistance to federal authorities (at a substantial personal risk) after his sentencing. In September of 1996, Petitioner filed with the Department an application for licensure as a yacht salesperson. Question 13 on the application form read as follows: CRIMINAL HISTORY: Have you ever been convicted of a crime, either pled or been found guilty, or entered a plea of nolo contendre (no contest), even if adjudication was withheld? NOTE: This question applies to any violation of the law of any municipality, county, state, or nation, including traffic offenses (but not parking, speeding, inspection or traffic signal violations), without regard to whether you were placed on probation, had adjudication withheld, paroled, or pardoned. Your answer to this question will be checked against local and state records. Failure to answer this question accurately could cause denial of licensure. Yes No The application form instructed those applicants whose answer to Question 13 was "Yes" to "attach [their] complete signed statement of the charges and facts, together with the dates, name and location of the court in which the proceedings were held or [were] pending." On the application form that he submitted to the Department, Petitioner answered "Yes" to Question 13, but he did not attach the required signed statement. He merely appended to the application form a copy of the judgment entered in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case No. 91-349-CR-HIGHSMITH. On or about October 1, 1996, the Department sent the following letter to Petitioner: The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Section of General Regulation is in receipt of your application for a yacht Salesman. A review of your application has disclosed the following deficiencies: You answered Yes to question 13 which asked "Have you been convicted of a crime, either pled or been found guilty, or entered a plea of nolo contendre (no contest), even if adjudication was withheld?" The paragraph under question 15 further states "If your answer to question 13, 14, 15 is Yes, attach your complete signed statement of the charges and facts, together with the dates, name and location of the court in which the proceedings were held or are pending." You will need to submit a signed statement of the charges and facts, within twenty-one (21) days to this office before your application can be checked for form. Should you have any questions, please contact me. After receiving the Department's October 1, 1996, letter, Petitioner telephonically requested additional time to respond. By letter dated December 13, 1996, Petitioner's attorney, John J. Lynch, Esquire, responded on Petitioner's behalf to the Department's October 1, 1996, letter. Lynch's letter, which was received by the Department on December 17, 1996, read as follows: I represent the Applicant, Richard E. Parker. In response to concerns raised by Richard Parker's application's disclosure of charges and crimes and the results thereof, please consider the following as part of the application process: The subject matter was limited to involvement in a conspiracy to import controlled substances. Mr. Parker voluntarily entered a guilty plea in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, Miami, Florida, in an action entitled, "United States v. Richard Parker" Criminal No. 91-349-CR- Highsmith. Upon being aware of potential liability, he cooperated fully with the U.S. Government. During a four-year period, he provided extensive assistance to the U.S. Government in ongoing investigations and provided training and resources to special agents. Mr. Parker's participation as a Government agent put him at considerable risk. His case remains under court seal to protect information which may be used by the Government in future criminal prosecutions. I cannot provide a complete transcript of the court proceedings without jeopardizing Mr. Parker's safety. To appreciate Mr. Parker's significant assistance to the U.S. Government, a portion of the Honorable Judge Highsmith's sentencing comments has been enclosed. Pages 11, 12, 14 and 15 of the sentencing memorandum specify the efforts made by Mr. Parker, and recognized by the Court to rectify his prior conduct. (Note: All individuals, other than Mr. Parker, have been redacted to preserve a measure of safety since the matter remains under court seal). In recognition of [his] assistance, Mr. Parker was placed on probation for five years and fined on January 30, 1995. The fine was paid and probation has commenced. I trust this supplemental response answers concerns regarding this unfortunate episode in Mr. Parker's life. As his attorney asserted in the foregoing letter, as of the date of the letter, Petitioner had paid the $17,500.00 fine imposed in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case No. 91-349-CR-HIGHSMITH. On January 17, 1997, the Department issued its Notice of Intent to deny Petitioner's application for licensure. On February 12, 1997, Petitioner requested a Section 120.57(1) hearing on the matter. On August 12, 1997, Petitioner filed a motion in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case No. 91-349-CR-HIGHSMITH requesting that "his period of probation [be reduced] from a term of 60 months to a term of 32 months thereby terminating his probation on September 30, 1997." In support of his motion, he stated the following: On January 30, 1995, Richard Parker was sentenced by this Court to five years probation for his participation in a cocaine conspiracy. The Court imposed this lenient sentence because of the extraordinary cooperation Richard Parker had rendered (a transcript of the sentencing is attached hereto as Exhibit A). As part of his cooperation Parker had gone to Columbia in a sailboat, at great personal risk and with no protection from law enforcement, and developed a case involving significant arrests, convictions, and seizure of cocaine. Since sentencing Parker has remarried and complied with all terms of probation. Parker had promised the agents and the Court that his cooperation would continue regardless of the sentence imposed by the Court. True to his word, following sentencing, at the request of the DEA, Richard Parker traveled alone to Columbia and negotiated the location in the Caribbean Sea for an air drop of 300 kilos of cocaine. Parker then captained a sailboat and traveled to Dominica and Barbados, St. Kitts and the British Virgin Islands with DEA agents on board and participated in the recovery of the 300 kilos of cocaine as it was dropped from a plane in 50 kilogram packages. Parker received no payment for this cooperation. Parker rendered substantial assistance to the Government after sentencing because of his moral commitment to cooperation as a form of restitution, because of his sense of obligation and gratitude, and because he had given his word to the Government and this Court. It is now over 2 1/2 years since Parker was sentenced. Parker has complied fully with all conditions of probation. Parker has committed himself to building a productive law-abiding life. The Count may well recall that Parker's marriage ended during his cooperation and sentence. Parker has recently married again becoming the father of a four-year old in the process. Parker has spent his life working on and sailing boats. Parker has applied to the State of Florida for a license to be a yacht salesman. The issuance of these licenses in Florida is regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The DBPR has denied Parker's request for a license citing Parker's conviction as irrefutable proof of moral turpitude as a basis for denial. Parker has petitioned for review and a hearing before an administrative law judge is scheduled for October 14, 1997. Undersigned counsel has been advised that the hearing scheduled for October 14, 1997, will be the final hearing regarding Parker's petition for a license to sell boats in the State of Florida. Regarding this issue, undersigned counsel has become aware of an administrative decision where an application for a license as a yacht and ship salesman was granted by DBPR to an applicant who had been convicted of a drug felony, sentenced to probation and had been terminated from probation. Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes v. Orr, Docket No. YS95025 (Final Order No. BPR-95-03991, 7/20/95). It is respectfully submitted that evidence of successful completion of probation by Parker prior to the time of final hearing on October 14, 1997, will either result in the DBPR rescinding their denial of Parker's application or a reversal of DBPR's denial by the administrative law judge. Assistant United States Attorney John Schlessinger has conferred with the United States Probation Officer Anthony Gagliardi regarding this motion and has authorized undersigned counsel to state that the United States has no objection to a reduction of probation from 60 months to 36 months. Richard Parker has applied to the State of Florida for a yacht salesman license so that he can support himself and his family. Richard Parker, through his cooperation, has rebutted any presumption of moral turpitude that attached to his conviction and has affirmatively and courageously demonstrated good moral character; Richard Parker has honored and will continue to honor his pledge to the United States and to this Honorable Court never to break the law again. . . . The Final Order in the Orr case, which was referenced in Petitioner's Motion to Modify Probation, contained the following "findings of fact" and "conclusions of law":
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department issue a final order granting Petitioner's application for licensure as a yacht salesperson. DONE AND ENTERED this 9th day of December, 1997, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STUART M. LERNER Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (904) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (904) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 9th day of December, 1997.
The Issue Whether the Department of State, Division of Licensing, should revoke Respondent's license to carry concealed weapons or firearms for the reason set forth in the Administrative Complaint, to wit: that "Respondent is ineligible for licensure pursuant to Sections 790.06(2)(d) and 790.23, Florida Statutes."
Findings Of Fact Based upon the evidence adduced at hearing, and the record as a whole, the following Findings of Fact are made: Respondent currently holds a concealed weapons or firearms license (license number W96-09874, effective June 14, 1996). On September 21, 1981, in the Superior Court of Cochise County, Arizona, Respondent was adjudicated guilty (based upon a guilty plea that he had previously entered) of two counts of forgery, a class 4 felony under the laws of the State of Arizona, and placed on probation for a period of three years under the supervision of the Cochise County Adult Probation Department. He had no prior criminal record at the time of his convictions. As a condition of his probation, Respondent was required to "pay restitution through the Adult Probation Department in the amount of $1,617.19, less the $350.00 payment he ha[d] already made, such amount payable in monthly installments of $100.00, beginning with the month of October 1981." On September 11, 1984, Respondent's probation was "extended for three (3) years to provide additional time for full payment of restitution." Respondent made such "full payment of restitution" on or about September 8, 1987. By court order issued September 24, 1987, Respondent was "discharged absolutely" from his probation. The order contained the following advisement: The defendant is advised that rights may be restored as provided in the following statutes: 13-912 Restoration of civil rights; automatic for first offenders. 2/ 13-905 Restoration of civil rights; persons completing probation 13-907 Setting aside judgment of convicted person upon discharge; making of application; release from disabilities; exceptions. 13-908 Restoration of civil rights in the discretion of the Superior Court Judge. Because he was a "first offender," Respondent was under the impression that, following his discharge from probation, he enjoyed the same rights that he had enjoyed prior to his convictions.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED that the Department enter a final order revoking Respondent's concealed weapons or firearms license. DONE AND ENTERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 3rd day of February, 1997. STUART M. LERNER Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (904) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 3rd day of February, 1997.
