2014's Top Stories In Broward County
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FORTLAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The year of 2014 in Broward County was riddled with scandal from a fight over a fan in politics to a feud over homeless feedings to a major manhunt and then some along the way. Here's a peek at just some of the top Broward news stories in 2014.
The "Fangate" Debate
It got a bit awkward and confusing at the Florida gubernatorial debate at Broward College when former Florida Governor Charlie Crist walked on stage without his opponent Florida Governor Rick Scott. And it was all over a fan. Scott skipped the first few minutes of a televised debate. He eventually came out, but the incident brought a whole new meaning to the "spin room."
READ: "Fangate" Delays 2nd Gubernatorial Debate
Miami Officer Killed In His Own Home
Miami Police buried one of their own this year and he was not killed in the line of duty but at his own Broward home, according to police. Officer Carl Patrick, dressed in his uniform, was killed. Meantime, investigators said his girlfriend, Tiniko Thompson, shot him and left him to die. Instead of calling police Thompson ran errands and roamed for days. She claims he shot himself during a fight. An investigation into his death revealed a troubled relationship, allegations of a fake pregnancy, and credit card fraud. As 2014 concluded, she remained behind bars on charges she shot and killed her boyfriend. She has pleaded not guilty.
READ: Documents Reveal Sordid Details In Slain Officer Investigation
Fort Lauderdale Feud Over Homeless Feedings
It was an on again off again feud in 2014 between groups who wanted to feed the homeless and the City of Fort Lauderdale who passed an ordinance restricting feedings. The ordinance restricts homeless feedings indoors where there are bathrooms and the food can be heated. At the forefront of the feud was feisty, 90-year old Chef Arnold Abbott who had been feeding the homeless in Fort Lauderdale every week for years. Abbott was cited various times for continuing his feedings and eventually filed a suit against the city. At the conclusion of 2014, both sides had reached a temporary truce and were expected to reach a compromise.
READ: Feisty Chef Back In Court Over Homeless Feedings
Broward Judges On The Other Side Of The Bench
Three Broward judges were on the opposite side of the bench in 2014. Broward Judge Cynthia Imperato was found guilty of driving under the influence and reckless driving. She was sentenced to 20 days on house arrest and 12 months on probation.
READ: Broward Judge Found Guilty Of DUI
In another case, suspended Broward Judge Gisele Pollack, pleaded guilty to one charge of driving under the influence under a plea deal. In court, Pollack said, "I am going to plead guilty because I am guilty…I'm guilty of driving under the influence. I'm guilty of letting myself down. I'm guilty of letting the community down." Pollack who said she hadn't had a drink in 19 years said she relapsed under personal pressure and was drunk while on the bench.
READ: Suspended Broward Judge Pleads Guilty To DUI
Another Broward Judge plead no contest to a reckless driving charge after she reportedly clipped a parked police car and crashed into the gate of a judges' parking lot behind the Broward County Courthouse. Judge Lynn Rosenthal was given a breathalyzer test but no alcohol was detected. She said she had taken a sleeping pill the night before and blamed her doctor. She said it was double the FDA recommended dose. In addition to probation, Rosenthal had to do community service and pay restitution.
READ: Broward Judge Goes "On The Air" Regarding Her Reckless Driving Case
Massive Manhunt For Carjacking, Murder Suspect
Federal and local officials took to the streets as part of a manhunt for a man accused of being involved in several carjacking's and a deadly double shooting in Broward County. One of the shooting victims was believed to be the suspect's ex-girlfriend. The day and half search for 35-year old Gregory B. Moore caused various schools to be put on lockdown and parts of I-95 to be closed causing some major traffic tie ups. Moore was eventually arrested on federal charges. As of December 2014, Moore appeared before a judge who cancelled the hearing because he appeared either sleepy or sedated. The hearing had to be rescheduled for a later date.
READ: Federal Judge Cancels Hearing For Crime Spree Suspect
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