The Issue The issue in the case is whether the application filed by John Stover Mark (Petitioner) for licensure as a resident independent all lines adjuster should be approved.
Findings Of Fact On June 13, 2005, the Petitioner was driving his vehicle and was stopped for unlawful speeding. During the traffic stop, the law enforcement officer discovered that a grand theft warrant had been issued and was outstanding against the Petitioner. Prior to the traffic stop, the Petitioner was unaware of the warrant. The Petitioner was arrested on the warrant and charged with a third degree felony count of grand theft. The Petitioner testified that the charge was related to a claim by his former employer that the Petitioner had stolen tools from a construction job site. According to the Petitioner, he had been employed in the construction industry for many years by the same employer and had become unhappy with the lack of financial support he believed he was receiving from the employer. Eventually, he decided to quit the job and called his employer from the job site to do so. The Petitioner testified that he advised the employer that he was leaving the job and that the tools that belonged to the employer were being left at the job site. The abandoned tools apparently went missing, and the Petitioner was subsequently charged with the theft of the equipment. Although the Petitioner testified that he entered a plea of nolo contendere to the charge upon advice of his public defender, the court records indicate that the Petitioner entered a guilty plea to one count of grand theft, a third degree felony, on July 29, 2005, in Case No. 05-CF-012565, Circuit Court for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County, Florida. The confusion related to the actual plea entered is immaterial to the disposition of this case. In any event, adjudication was withheld, and the Petitioner was sentenced to make restitution and pay court costs and to complete a five-year probationary period. The probation was terminated by order of the Court after approximately two years after the Petitioner had complied with all other requirements of his sentence. The Petitioner was subsequently injured in an automobile accident and through the services of the Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), received training for another occupation for which he was physically capable. The Petitioner testified that the DVR provided computer equipment and also funded the educational training that was a requirement for licensure as an insurance adjuster. The Petitioner testified that he disclosed the grand theft felony to his DVR counselor, who was apparently unconcerned or unaware that the felony incident posed an impediment to the Petitioner's prospects for licensure as an insurance adjuster. After completing the relevant training, the Petitioner filed an application for licensure as a resident independent all lines adjuster on July 11, 2007. The application contained the following question: Have you ever been convicted, found guilty, or pled guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to a felony under the laws of any municipality, county, state, territory or country, whether or not adjudication was withheld or a judgment of conviction was entered. The Petitioner answered the question in the affirmative. The Petitioner truthfully answered other questions on the application related to the felony problem and properly disclosed the relevant information. There is no evidence that the Petitioner has failed to disclose the grand theft incident in response to any inquiry material to this case, or has made any attempt to conceal the matter from the Respondent.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Petitioner's application for licensure as a resident independent all lines adjuster be denied. DONE AND ENTERED this 13th day of May, 2008, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM 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 May, 2008. COPIES FURNISHED: William Gautier Kitchen, Esquire Department of Financial Services Division of Legal Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333 John Stover Mark 8143 Sudbury Drive Port Richey, Florida 34668 Honorable Alex Sink Chief Financial Officer Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Daniel Sumner, General Counsel Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0307
The Issue Whether Petitioner should receive a General Lines Agent license, pursuant to Sections 626.611 or 626.621, Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact On April 10, 2003, Petitioner applied for licensure as a General Lines Agent. On May 22, 2003, Respondent denied Petitioner's application for licensure due to his criminal history. On May 30, 2003, Petitioner submitted a timely Election of Rights form, which requested a hearing before the Division of Administrative Hearings. On February 23, 1996, Petitioner was charged with two counts of Depositing Worthless Item with Intent to Defraud in the Circuit Court in and for Orange County, Florida. On July 2, 1996, Petitioner pled nolo contendere to two counts of Depositing Worthless Item with Intent to Defraud. Adjudication of guilt was withheld by the circuit court, and Petitioner was placed on supervised probation for one year and ordered to pay restitution. On March 31, 1997, Petitioner's probation was modified, and then on June 30, 1997, Petitioner's probation was terminated. Petitioner testified as to the circumstances surrounding his plea of nolo contendere to Depositing Worthless Item with Intent to Defraud. He stated that a cousin gave him two post-dated checks to repay a debt and that he deposited them on different days but sought and received permission from his credit union for the immediate release of the funds, in the total amount of $1,435.00. Upon receiving the funds, he used the proceeds to make payments on other accounts. Approximately 30 days later, the credit union informed him that the two checks were returned and marked "account closed" and demanded immediate reimbursement. Petitioner testified that he was only able to make a partial repayment, and, therefore, criminal charges were filed by the state attorney. On the advice of his counsel, he pled nolo contendere to both charges and was placed on probation. While on probation, he repaid approximately 40 percent of the debt and fines. Petitioner believes there is an outstanding balance due of $256.00 plus interest and penalties, for which he is unable to pay because he is presently unemployed. Petitioner testified that he is a trustworthy person and should be granted a waiver from the rules requiring a waiting period, following his conviction, before becoming eligible for licensure. The reason for this request is that he did not intentionally commit these crimes; that he previously worked 20 years successfully in the airline industry which required a background screening for his position; and that he has been studying hard and been offered employment by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group in Orlando, Florida, who did their own background check and approved him for employment.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered denying Petitioner's application for licensure as a General Lines Agent in this state. DONE AND ENTERED this 24th day of September, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL M. KILBRIDE 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 24th day of September, 2003. COPIES FURNISHED: Ladasiah Jackson, Esquire Department of Financial Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333 Joseph M. Santino 3201 South Semoran Boulevard Number 39 Orlando, Florida 32822-2678 Mark Casteel, General Counsel Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Honorable Tom Gallagher Chief Financial Officer Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300
The Issue Whether Petitioner's application for licensure as a "resident public all lines insurance adjuster" should be approved.
Findings Of Fact Based on the evidence adduced at hearing, and the record as a whole, the following findings of fact are made: On or about February 27, 1989, a six-count criminal information was filed in Dade County Circuit Court Case No. 89- 4970 against Petitioner. Count I of the information alleged that Petitioner: on the 6th day of February, 1989, in the County [of Dade] and State [of Florida], did unlawfully and feloniously utter and publish as true to and upon DALLY SHUAIB and/or CAMPEAU CORPORATION, doing business as BURDINES, a certain false, forged or counterfeited and printed order or receipt for delivery or merchandise commonly known as a CREDIT CARD RECEIPT or RECORD OF CHARGE, upon which credit card receipt or record of charge the defendant or a person whose name or identity is to the State Attorney unknown, did forge the signature of MICHAEL YAMAGUCHI, thereon, with the intent thereby to injure of defraud MICHAEL YAMAGUCHI and/or DALLY SHARUIB and/or CAMPEAU CORPORATION, doing business as BURDINES or other person or persons whose name or names and identity are to the State Attorney unknown, the defendant at the said time and place well knowing that the said credit card receipt or record of charge was false and forged aforesaid, in violation of 831.02 Florida Statutes, contrary to the form of the Statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. Count II of the information alleged that Petitioner: on the 6th day of February, 1989, in the County [of Dade] and State [of Florida], did unlawfully and feloniously with intent to defraud CAMPEAU CORPORATION, doing business as BURDINES and/or MICHAEL YAMAGUCHI use for the purpose of obtaining goods, to wit: CLOTHING a credit card which he knows is stolen by representing without the consent of the card holder that he is the holder of the specified card, and such card has not in fact been issued, in violation of 817.61 Florida Statutes, contrary to the form of the Statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. Count III through VI of the information each alleged that Petitioner: on the 6th day of February, 1989, in the County [of Dade] and State [of Florida], having received a credit card, property of MICHAEL YAMAGUCHI, as owner and custodian, which he knew had been lost, mislaid, or delivered under a mistake as to the identity or address of the cardholder, did then and there unlawfully retain possession of said credit card, with intent to use it, to sell it, or to transfer it to a person other than the issuer or the cardholder, in violation of 817.60 Florida Statutes, contrary to the form of the Statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. On April 17, 1989, Petitioner entered a plea of nolo contendere to all six counts of the information (1989 Plea). Adjudication of guilt was withheld, and he was placed on probation for one year. On or about March 31, 2000, a one-count criminal information was filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court Case No. F00-8233, alleging that Petitioner: on or about MARCH 1, 2000, in the County [of Miami-Dade] and State [of Florida], did unlawfully, willfully, and knowingly inflict physical injury upon a child, to wit: A. C. (A MINOR), without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to said child, by SLAPPING C. (A MINOR) IN THE FACE, in violation of s. 827.03(1), Fla. Stat., contrary to the form of the Statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. On July 17, 2000, Petitioner entered a plea of nolo contendere to the charge (2000 Plea). Adjudication of guilt was withheld, and he was placed on 18 months' probation.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED that the Department issue a final order denying Petitioner's application for licensure. DONE AND ENTERED this 25th day of April, 2006, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S STUART M. LERNER 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 25th day of April, 2006. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael Armin Toro 490 Southwest 101st Terrace Plantation, Florida 33324 Dean Andrews, Esquire Department of Insurance Division of Legal Services 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0333 Honorable Tom Gallagher Chief Financial Officer The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Carlos G. Muniz, General Counsel Department of Financial Services The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300
The Issue At issue in this proceeding is whether Respondent committed the offense set forth in the Administrative Complaint and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate (Department), is a state government licensing and regulatory agency charged with the duty and responsibility to prosecute administrative complaints pursuant to the laws of the State of Florida, in particular Section 20.165, Florida Statutes, Chapters 120, 455, and 475, Florida Statutes, and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto. Respondent, Terrell Laverne Solomon, is now, and was at all times material hereto, a licensed real estate salesperson in the State of Florida, having been issued license number SL- 0653405. On or about June 16, 1997, Respondent filed an application (dated June 10, 1997) with the Department for licensure as a real estate salesperson. Pertinent to this case, item 9 on the application required that Respondent answer "Yes" or "No" (by checking the appropriate box) to the following question: Have you ever been convicted of a crime, found guilty, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), even if adjudication was withheld? This question applies to any violation of the laws 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. If you intend to answer "NO" because you believe those records have been expunged or sealed by court order pursuant to Section 943.058, Florida Statutes, or applicable law of another state, you are responsible for verifying the expungement or sealing prior to answering "NO." If you answered "Yes," attach the details including dates and outcome, including any sentence and conditions imposed, in full on a separate sheet of paper. Your answer to this question will be checked against local, state and federal records. Failure to answer this question accurately could cause denial of licensure. If you do not fully understand this question, consult with an attorney or the Division of Real Estate. Respondent answered the question by checking the box marked "Yes," and attached a handwritten note which revealed the following details: I pleaded guilty for drug possession and carrying a concealed weapon. However, I don't know the exact date, but it been [sic] 10 to 15 years ago. I also have a conviction for driving under the influence in [19]84. The application concluded with Respondent's acknowledgement before a Notary Public of the State of Florida as follows: The above named, and undersigned, applicant for licensure as a real estate salesperson under the provisions of Chapter 475, Florida Statutes, as amended, upon being duly sworn, deposes and says that (s)(he) is the person so applying, that (s)(he) has carefully read the application, answers, and the attached statements, if any, and that all such answers and statements are true and correct, and are as complete as his/her knowledge, information and records permit, without any evasions or mental reservations whatsoever; that (s)(he) knows of no reason why this application should be denied; and (s)(he) further extends this affidavit to cover all amendments to this application or further statements to the Division or its representatives, by him/her in response to inquiries concerning his/her qualifications. On July 28, 1997, Respondent passed the salesperson examination and was issued license number SL-0653405 as an inactive salesperson. From September 17, 1997, through the date of hearing, Respondent has been licensed as an active salesperson associated with Anita Berger Realty, Inc., a broker corporation located at 21414 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida. Following approval of Respondent's application, and his licensure as a real estate salesperson, the Department received the results of a state and federal records search which revealed a criminal history that included charges not disclosed on Respondent's application. That records search revealed the following criminal history in the Circuit and County Courts, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Dade County, Florida (where Respondent was "convicted of a crime, found guilty, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), even if adjudication was withheld"): 2/ On April 8, 1978, Respondent was arrested and charged in Case No. M78-56023 with misdemeanor Battery, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and Disorderly Conduct; and on August 19, 1981, was convicted of each charge and sentenced to a term of probation with special conditions. On September 17, 1979, Case No. 79- 12245, Respondent, upon entry of a plea of guilty, was found guilty of Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling; however, the court withheld an adjudication of guilt. (c) On June 17, 1985, Case No. 85-8549, Respondent, upon entry of a plea of guilty, was adjudicated guilty of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Personal Injury (Count I), a third degree felony proscribed by Section 316.027, Florida Statutes, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, to- wit: Heroin (Count 2), a third degree felony proscribed by Section 893.13, Florida Statutes; however, the court stayed and withheld the imposition of sentence as to each count and placed Respondent on probation for a period of 4 years under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. Respondent's probation was subsequently revoked and on April 18, 1989, and he was committed to the custody of the Sheriff of Dade County, Florida, to be imprisoned for a term of 24 days, with credit for time served. On December 30, 1989, Case No. 89- 50035, Respondent was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed firearm, and on December 31, 1989, was convicted and sentenced (the specifics of which are not of record). As heretofore noted, Respondent's application did reveal that he had entered a plea of "guilty for drug possession" (ostensibly the June 17, 1985, conviction) and "carrying a concealed weapon" (ostensibly the December 30, 1989, conviction). The remaining criminal history was not disclosed. Upon discovery of such information, the Department apprised Respondent of its discovery and requested an explanation. Respondent addressed the Department's concerns as follows: In regard with Section 455.225(1), Florida Statutes. I answer [sic] Question 9 on my application truthfully and to best of my ability. It was never my intention to violate Section 455.225 and 475.21, Florida Statutes. I enclose[d] a letter from Metro- Dade Police Department [with my application which] stated that I have felony arrest and misdemeanor arrest. At the time I was being finger printed for DBPR, I ask [sic] the finger printing officer can I have a copy of my convictions and was denied. I also enclosed a hand written letter statement, all the conviction I can remember, and that's why I check [sic] Question 9 Yes. I'm not proud of my past life, but I work hard to obtain my real estate license and wouldn't do anything to jeodarize [sic] my license. I just didn't remember my past convictions, that's why I answer [sic] question nine Yes. (Emphasis in original.) Thereafter, on October 26, 1999, the Department issued the Administrative Complaint at issue in this proceeding which, based on Respondent's failure to disclose the aforesaid incidents on his application, charged that Respondent has "obtained a license by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment" in violation of Section 475.25(1)(m), Florida Statutes (Count I), and that Respondent has "failed to disclose in his application for a real estate salesperson [license] information that Rule 61J2-2.027(2), Florida Administrative Code, requires" and therefore, violated Section 475.25(1)(e), Florida Statutes (Count II). According to the complaint, the disciplinary action sought for such violations was stated to be as follows: . . . [T]he penalty for each count or separate offense may range from a reprimand; an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000.00 per violation; probation; suspension of license, registration or permit for a period not to exceed ten (10) years; revocation of the license, registration or permit; and any one or all of the above penalties. 3/ Consistent with the explanation he offered the Department for his failure to fully disclose his criminal history, Respondent explained, at hearing, that his response to item 9 on the application was, at the time, an accurate reflection of his recollection, and that it was not his intention to mislead the Department by failing to disclose the matters he overlooked. Specifically, the Respondent offered the following explanation at hearing: THE COURT: Why didn't you disclose your 1978 and 1979 problems with the disorderly conduct and battery and the discharging the firearm? THE WITNESS: There's no reason. When I went to get the fingerprint card done, I asked the officer, can I get a print out of my convictions and my felony record, and he told me that he didn't do that and I didn't know that I had to take it a step further. I only checked Question 9, yes, to show that I did have criminal past and I didn't know that I had to take it a step further than that. If I would have known that, I would have took the opportunity to go do that. But I didn't know that I had to check the question and to present that for the application. THE COURT: What the question asked you, if you answered, yes, then attach the details, the dates and the outcome. THE WITNESS: Yes, that's true and I know I should have done it. But I asked them to give me -- I couldn't put it on nobody but myself. I should have taken it a step further. To get the convictions. I wasn't trying to hide anything from the Department. * * * CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MS. MARSH: Q Mr. Solomon, looking at your 1978 charge with the battery, resisting the officer and disorderly conduct and the 1979 charge with the shooting in the occupied dwelling . . . were you considering that if you disclosed those to the commission, that they would deny you a licensure? A No, that's why I checked the question, yes. I don't know how you look at it, but if I wanted to tell the truth about it, I would have checked, no, to the felony arrest. * * * Q Did you believe the Department would find all of your prior criminal cases? A Yes. I knew that they would find it but I didn't know that it would lead to this here, because I did check the question, yes. I didn't know it would lead to this, I would have taken that extra day and not taken the test and gotten the background check. (Transcript, pages 24-27). Here, Respondent's explanation for his failure to disclose the full scope of his criminal history is credited, and it is resolved that, at the time he submitted his application, Respondent did not intend to mislead or deceive the Department. In so concluding, it is observed that Respondent's testimony was candid, the nature of the incidents he disclosed were serious, as opposed to trivial, and his assumption that the complete details of his criminal history would be revealed when the Department (as it stated it would do on the application) checked his response against local, state, and federal records was well founded. Consequently, while his response to item 9 on the application was incomplete, Respondent's failure to more fully detail his criminal history is more appropriately characterized as a careless, thoughtless, or heedless act as opposed to a willful or intentional effort to mislead the Department as to the true character of his history.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be rendered adopting the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, and which, for the violation found, imposes a 30-day suspension and an administrative fine of $250. DONE AND ENTERED this 2nd day of May, 2000, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM J. KENDRICK 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 2nd day of May, 2000.
The Issue The issue is whether Respondent should deny an application for a real estate sales associate license on the alleged grounds that Petitioner is in violation of Subsections 417.17(1)(a), 475.181, and 475.25(1)(f), Florida Statutes (2008).1
Findings Of Fact Respondent is the state agency responsible, in relevant part, for licensing real estate sales associates in the State of Florida, pursuant to Chapter 475. At a date not disclosed in the record, Petitioner applied for a real estate sales associate license, and Respondent subsequently issued the Notice of Denial. Petitioner is a male who was born in 1964 and is approximately 45 years old. From January 26, 1983, through May 5, 2002, Petitioner ranged in age from approximately 19-to- 38 years old. During those 19 years, Petitioner was convicted of approximately 15 crimes. Approximately seven of those convictions were for felonies. The felony convictions included larceny, aggravated battery with a weapon, burglary, grand larceny, grand theft, and possession of cocaine. Other convictions included resisting arrest without violence, criminal mischief, failure to appear, probation violation, and defrauding an innkeeper. Seven years have elapsed from the last conviction in 2002. During that time, Petitioner has married, purchased a home, and started his own business. However, Petitioner has not demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation when the scope and extent of the criminal history is weighed against the evidence of rehabilitation. Petitioner did not provide any letters of recommendation during the application process.2
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent enter a final order denying Petitioner’s application for a license. DONE AND ENTERED this 21st day of December, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 21st day of December, 2009.
Findings Of Fact Bennie M. O'Kelley submitted an application to the Division of Licensing, Department of State, for licensure as a Class F, Unarmed Guard. O'Kelley indicated on his application that he had never been arrested, although he had been arrested some 15 times, the last time having been for assault and battery in 1969. In 1969, O'Kelley served 90 days in the Dade County Stockade for assault and battery. O'Kelley introduced evidence that he had been licensed by the Department of State earlier as an Unarmed Guard and stated that he had revealed his misdemeanor arrests on that application. O'Kelley stated that he knew that he could not be licensed if he had been arrested for a felony and assumed that misdemeanors were not disqualifying, and that therefore he did not have to report his misdemeanor conviction and arrests on his application.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, and considering the fact that O'Kelley has had a clean record for the past ten years, the Hearing Officer would recommend that his application for a Class F, Unarmed Guard, license be granted; however, because of O'Kelley's admitted history of being arrested for fighting, the Hearing Officer recommends that favorable consideration not be given to O'Kelley's application for a Class G, Armed Guard, license. DONE and ORDERED this 19th day of February, 1979, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530 Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Gerald Curington Division of Licensing The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32304 Bennie M. O'Kelley 4711 SW 38th Street Hollywood, Florida 33023
The Issue The issue presented is whether Respondent is guilty of the allegations contained in the Administrative Complaint filed against him, and, if so, what disciplinary action should be taken against him, if any.
Findings Of Fact Respondent, Melvin Roberts, was born on July 14, 1967. He was certified by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission on March 1, 1993, and was issued correctional certificate numbered 151525. Respondent has been employed as a certified correctional officer with the Florida Department of Corrections since January 29, 1993. On October 28, 1994, Officer Elise Dillard-Gonzalez of the Miami-Dade Police Department was working as part of an undercover prostitution sting at Southwest 8th Street and 69 Avenue. At approximately 11:10 p.m., Respondent, who was alone, pulled over to the curb and motioned to her to approach his vehicle. When she did, he requested a "fuck for $20." She signaled to the undercover officers across the street, and Respondent was arrested for soliciting prostitution, in violation of Section 796.07, Florida Statutes. On November 10, 1994, Officer Sonja Crespo of the City of Miami Police Department was working as part of an undercover prostitution sting at Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast 73rd Street in Miami. Respondent, who was alone, approached her and gestured at her by placing a finger on one hand through a circle made by the fingers on his other hand. When she went over to Respondent's vehicle, he offered her $20 for a "fuck." She signaled to other near-by police officers, and Respondent was arrested for soliciting prostitution, in violation of Section 796.07, Florida Statutes. Rather than going forward on the charges for the two arrests, the State Attorney's Office agreed to place Respondent in some type of pre-trial diversionary program. Respondent was suspended from his employment with the Florida Department of Corrections for 10 consecutive days beginning April 17, 1995, for failing to report his arrests to his employer within 3 days and for being arrested, conduct unbecoming a correctional officer. Other than the October and November 1994 arrests, Respondent has not been arrested. Other than the disciplinary action imposed in April 1995, Respondent has had no disciplinary action taken against him as a correctional officer for the State of Florida. The superintendent at the Dade Correctional Institution where Respondent is employed considers Respondent to be a good employee and would like to continue Respondent's employment.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered finding Respondent guilty of the allegations contained in the Administrative Complaint filed against him, finding mitigating factors to be present, and suspending Respondent's certification as a correctional officer for 20 days. DONE AND ENTERED this 7th day of May, 1999, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. LINDA M. RIGOT 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 7th day of May, 1999. COPIES FURNISHED: James D. Martin, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 H. R. Bishop, Jr., Esquire 300 East Brevard Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 A. Leon Lowry, II, Program Director Division of Criminal Justice Professionalism Services Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Ramage, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302
The Issue Whether or not the Respondent, Anita J. Shear, R.N., is entitled to have her terminated license No. 27650-2 reinstated, in view of the alleged allegations that the Respondent has been found guilty of the conviction of a felony in the course of the State of Florida. (See Section 464.151(1)(b) and Section 464.21(1) Florida Statutes.)
Findings Of Fact This cause comes on for consideration based upon the Administrative Complaint presented by the Petitioner, Florida State Board of Nursing, against the Respondent, Anita J. Shear, R.N. The case is presented as Docket No. FSBN 78-70. The Administrative Complaint seeks to deny the re-registration of the terminated license of Anita J. Shear, who held license No. 27650-2 (terminated). The alleged grounds for the denial of the re-registration are based upon the alleged plea of guilty to the felony charges of unlawfully obtaining services, goods, wares or other things of value by means of a worthless check or draft in the amount of $187.00 in a case in the Circuit Court in and for Dade County, Florida, Case No. 77-2285. The allegation is that the Respondent entered the plea on or about March 14, 1978, and was adjudicated guilty of the felony by the Court and sentenced to serve a term of one year in jail upon certain terms and conditions. There is an additional ground stated in the Administrative Complaint for denying the re-registration, which is to the effect that the Respondent on or about March 14, 1978, entered pleas of guilty to the felony charges of uttering a forged instrument (three counts); grand larceny (three counts) and intentionally receiving, retaining, disposing or aiding in the concealment of stolen property, well knowing the same to be stolen (three counts). This series of pleas were allegedly presented in the Circuit Court in and for Dade County, Florida, in Case No. 77-2304, for which the Respondent was allegedly adjudicated guilty of all those aforementioned felonies in Case No. 77-2304. At a time prior to March 31, 1978, the Respondent, Anita J. Shear, R.N., was a holder of license No. 27650-2, held with the Florida State Board of Nursing. That license was to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida. The Respondent, prior to March 31, 1978, had failed to timely renew her license and had terminated according to the terms and conditions of Section 404.151(1)(b), Florida Statutes. The timely renewal spoken of meant that the Respondent had failed to renew her license before the expiration date of the current license under which she was allowed to practice her profession in the State of Florida. On March 31, 1978, the petitioner received an application for reinstatement of the Respondent's license, filed by the Respondent. The Petitioner failed to re-register the Respondent for reasons as set forth in the summarization of the Administrative Complaint. The Respondent was advised of this denial of re-registration on May 1, 1978. This in turn led to the consideration of the case by formal hearing with the State of Florida, Division of Administrative Hearings. The facts revealed that the Respondent, Anita J. Shear, in the Circuit Court in and for Dade County, Florida, in Case No. 77- 2285, entered a plea of guilty to unlawfully obtaining services, goods, wares or other things of value by means of a worthless check or draft in the amount of $187.00, for which she was adjudged guilty and sentenced to a term of one year in the Dade County Jail with the provision that after nine months served, the remaining three months should be stayed and withheld and the Respondent be placed on probation for a period of two years, subject to the terms and conditions of the Court. This plea and sentence were entered on March 14, 1978. This offense for which the Respondent entered her plea is a felony under the laws of the State of Florida, in particular, Section 832.05(3), Florida Statutes. On March 14, 1978, in the Circuit Court in and for Dade County, Florida, in Case No. 77-2304, the Respondent entered a plea of guilty to uttering a forged instrument (three counts), felonies under the provisions of Section 831.02, Florida Statutes; grand larceny (three counts), felonies under the provisions of Section 812.021, Florida Statutes, and intentionally receiving, retaining, disposing or aiding in the concealment of stolen property, well knowing the same to be stolen (three counts). The latter plea was made in accordance with the provisions of Section 812.031, Florida Statutes, but it is unclear from the evidence presented whether or not those pleas were to the misdemeanor offenses of receiving stolen property or to the felony offenses. The Respondent was adjudicated guilty of those offenses found in Case No. 77- 2304 and was given a period of probation of two and one-half years beginning at the expiration of the sentence in Case No. 77-2285. A statement of Court action in cases Nos. 77-2285 and 77-2304 may he found in the Petitioner's Composite Exhibit No. 1 admitted into evidence. After discovering the existence of the felony conviction stated above, placed against the Respondent, the Petitioner has denied the Respondent's application for re-registration. The Petitioner may deny the license to the Respondent in view of the felony convictions under the authority established in Section 464.21, Florida Statutes, which states: "464.21 Disciplinary proceedings.-- GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE.--The board shall have the authority to deny a license to any applicant or discipline the holder of a license or any other person temporarily authorized by the board to practice nursing in the state whose default has been entered or who has been heard and found guilty by the hoard of: * * * "Conviction of a felony in the courts of this state . . ." Therefore, the Petitioner was correct in denying the Respondent's application for re-registration as a Registered Nurse.
Recommendation It is recommended that the Respondent, Anita J. Shear, R.N., have her application to re-register as a licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Florida, DENIED. DONE and ENTERED this 3rd day of January, 1979, in Tallahassee, Florida. CHARLES C. ADAMS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 101, Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Julius Finegold, Esquire 1107 Blackstone Building 233 East Bay Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Anita J. Shear Post Office Box 215 Buena Vista Station Miami, Florida 33137 Geraldine B. Johnson, R.N. Investigation and Licensing Coordinator Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board of Nursing 6501 Arlington Expressway Jacksonville, Florida 32211
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that all charges against respondent be DISMISSED. DONE and ENTERED this 16th day of January, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER Hearing Officer Department of Administration Division of Administrative Hearings Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 904/488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of January, 1984. COPIES FURNISHED William W. Tharpe, Jr., Esquire Department of Insurance Larson Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Dock Blanchard, Esquire Post Office Box 24 Ocala, Florida 32678 The Honorable Bill Gunter Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32301 =================================================================
Findings Of Fact Petitioner filed an application for licensure as a Class "F" Unarmed Security Guard. Question numbered 13 on that application form is as follows: "Have you ever been arrested? If yes, list any and all arrests and dispositions." Petitioner replied affirmatively and advised that in April, 1962, he had been charged with breaking and entering in Broward County and had served a three and one-half year sentence. He further advised that he had received a pardon from Governor Askew with permission to bear firearms. Petitioner did not report any other arrests or charges, since he believed that only felonies were required to be reported. The report moved into evidence by the Respondent lists various governmental entities as contributors of fingerprints at times when Petitioner was either "arrested or received" on several charges and the disposition of each. According to that report, Petitioner was either "arrested or received" by the police department in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1952 for carrying concealed weapons. Petitioner never knew he was charged with that crime, although he does recall that at that time he was working for a railroad and there was some type of incident with the police due to the fact that he and other railroad employees were carrying mace and blackjacks. The report further reflects that in 1961 Petitioner was "arrested or received" on several breaking and entering charges by law enforcement entities in St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, and Raiford, Florida, and that he was sentenced to a prison term. Respondent presented no evidence to indicate that any of the breaking and entering charges were other than the crime(s) for which Petitioner has received a pardon. The report further indicates that Petitioner was "arrested or received" by the police department in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1968 for contempt of court, for which he was fined, and in 1970 for a "worthless check (warr)," for which he was also fined. Regarding the contempt of court charge, Petitioner was in a different courtroom on a different case, but the record is devoid of any evidence as to the type of matters involved. As to the worthless check, Petitioner attempted to redeem the check the following day, but found that he was too late.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED THAT: A Final Order be entered approving Petitioner's application for an Unarmed Security Guard License. RECOMMENDED this 3rd day of December, 1980, in Tallahassee, Florida. LINDA M. RIGOT Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 101, Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 3rd day of December, 1980. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Edward S. Narbut 317 South East 12th Avenue, Apt. 2 Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 W. J. Gladwin, Jr., Esquire Assistant General Counsel Department of State The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32301 The Honorable George Firestone Secretary of State The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32301
