Broward

Published on: October 12, 2020

Two Broward Attorneys Face Charges in Scheme to Steal Foreclosure Surplus Checks

Two Broward lawyers were arrested last week for their alleged involvement in a $750,000 scheme to defraud unwitting property owners of foreclosure surplus checks.

Rashisa Overby, 46, and Ria Sankar-Balram, 40, were arrested on Monday and face multiple counts of fraud, money laundering, grand theft, among other charges. The second defendant was released on a $57,000 bond. The first defendant, who was charged with several more counts, remains held in lieu of a $140,000 bond. It is unclear if they have acquired legal representation.

Published on: December 23, 2019

Former Broward County Schools Employee Richard Allen Ellis Faces Bribery and Extortion Charges

by Brian Silber

A former grounds supervisor for the Broward County School Board is facing bribery and extortion charges, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida announced last Thursday.

Richard Allen Ellis Jr. of Hollywood, FL, was charged with four counts of bribery concerning a federally funded program and four counts of extortion under color of official right. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of attorney.

Published on: July 1, 2019

Jorge Martinez of Atlantic Beach, Florida Accused of Drugging, Raping 15-Year-Old Girl

by Brian Silber

Jorge Martinez of Atlantic Beach, Florida is accused of drugging and raping a 15-year-old girl and then posting a video of her naked on social media. The girl suffered oxygen deprivation due to the drugs and may not survive, sources report.

Martinez, 18, was charged with sexual assault, obscene communication, and delivering a controlled substance to a minor. He was ordered held on $550,000 bond. News sources did not name an attorney for him. Continue reading

Published on: February 25, 2019

Lobbyist Ron Book Arrested on DUI Charges After Lamborghini Crash

by Brian Silber

Prominent lobbyist Ron Book, father of Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, was booked into jail on February 24 on DUI charges.

Book, 66, is charged with DUI, DUI causing property damage, and refusal to submit to a DUI test. He was held in Broward County Jail and was released on Monday after posting $1,500 bond. The press did not name an attorney for him.

Published on: February 1, 2019

Travis Barlow of Broward, Florida Arrested in Hit-and-Run Case

by Brian Silber

Travis Barlow of Broward, Florida was arrested on January 27 for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident.

Barlow, 27, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license, and failing to obey. The press did not name an attorney for him.