Former therapist intern accused of sex with patient during sessions, arranging 'alibis' for him to leave rehab for trysts



A former Florida mental health therapy intern is accused of having an inappropriate, sexual relationship with her client at an addiction facility. The therapist reportedly "facilitated alibis" to enable her patient to leave the facility to have sex, including at her mother's home and a hospital.

According to official documents obtained by WPLG-TV, 32-year-old Michelle Luchau-Rebora had been an intern "in the capacity of a mental health therapist" at New Hope C.O.R.P.S., an addiction and behavioral health treatment facility in Homestead.

The alleged victim reported the 'forbidden affair' to staff at the facility after Luchau-Rebora broke up with him last fall, according to the arrest report.

New Hope C.O.R.P.S. is self-described as a "residential substance abuse treatment facility for single men in South Miami-Dade County."

According to WTVJ-TV, the alleged victim told investigators that he and Luchau-Rebora engaged in a sexual relationship from June 2025 to September 2025 while the patient was under her care.

The 42-year-old patient and therapist allegedly had sex during therapy sessions.

WPLG, citing authorities, said Luchau-Rebora engaged in sexual activity during therapy sessions while at the facility and also "facilitated alibis on his behalf," which allowed the patient authorization to leave the restricted facility and engage in sexual intercourse on multiple occasions at several locations, including her home, her mother’s home in Key Biscayne, and at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

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Deputies said Luchau-Rebora "demanded that he not tell anyone about their relationship because it will affect her ability to work as a therapist."

The alleged victim reported the "forbidden affair" to staff at the facility after Luchau-Rebora broke up with him last fall, according to the arrest report.

Luchau-Rebora surrendered to authorities and was arrested on Wednesday. She was hit with a charge of sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist, a third-degree felony. Luchau-Rebora faces up to five years in prison if convicted, according to the New York Post.

A judge ordered Luchau-Rebora, of Pinecrest, to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Luchau-Rebora was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Wednesday night after posting a $5,000 bond.

New Hope C.O.R.P.S. said Luchau-Rebora was fired after the accusations surfaced.

Stephen Alvarez, executive director of New Hope C.O.R.P.S., issued the following statement to WPLG:

This is an unfortunate situation involving allegations concerning an individual who was serving as an intern with New Hope C.O.R.P.S. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, New Hope promptly reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and agencies, terminated the individual’s internship, and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation.

WPLG reported that Luchau-Rebora "refused to speak about the incident."

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'The video is difficult to watch': Florida HVAC worker allegedly caught violently abusing homeowner's dog while on the job



A Florida HVAC technician was fired and arrested after he allegedly was caught on video violently abusing a small dog while on the job.

The Sanford Police Department said it was alerted on Wednesday to an "incident that took place where an HVAC technician who was working inside a resident’s home intentionally kicked the homeowner’s dog."

'May God watch over their sweet fur baby and bring healing and comfort to their family.'

Police said the suspect — identified as 43-year-old Richardson Noel — was caught on video allegedly abusing the animal by a dog treat dispenser that doubles as a motion-activated camera.

The footage shows a man entering the home shortly before 11:30 a.m. last Monday as a 12-year-old Chihuahua named Boomer barks at him, according to People magazine.

Seconds after entering the house, the disturbing video appears to show the man violently kicking the small dog and sending the animal airborne.

Ryan Menzies, the dog's owner, told WESH-TV that the incident occurred while he and his girlfriend were at work; she received a motion alert from the dispenser's app.

Menzies said his girlfriend sent him a video of the alleged animal abuse.

"I was standing in the parking garage at work, and I said out loud, 'Oh, my God,' and almost started crying," Menzies recalled. "And then anger took over, because I knew I had to get home."

"She looked back in the video, and that's when she called me back and said, 'You need to get home now. He kicked the dog. ...'" Menzies told WKMG-TV. "She started crying when she first saw it and then immediately went to her supervisor and said, 'I need to leave.'"

According to Menzies, the brutal kick knocked the senior dog unconscious and triggered a seizure.

"He gave a 100-pound kick to an animal that's five pounds," Menzies said. "So [Boomer] flipped over, slid along the floor, and was unconscious for over a minute, after which he woke up and had a seizure for five minutes."

WESH said that during the 65-second video, Noel can be seen returning twice — first moving the dog's head around with his boot and then turning him over. The station said Boomer remained limp for the remainder of the recording.

Menzies said Boomer and the couple's other Chihuahua were secured in another room, but it was unclear how the dog got out.

According to Menzies, the veterinarian said Boomer had no broken bones but warned that the animal could have internal bruising.

RELATED: DC dog daycare employee kicked, killed puppy: 'Bronny brought immeasurable joy to our lives'

Police said Noel turned himself in to authorities Thursday.

Noel, of Broward County, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

Citing jail records, WESH reported that Noel's bond was set at $8,000, and he was released from jail Thursday night after posting bond.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith stated, "It is deeply disturbing that someone entrusted with entering a person's home to complete a service would violate that trust by viciously injuring a defenseless animal. The video is difficult to watch and shows the callousness of this individual."

According to the arrest report, Noel was on a service call for his employer, ElDante HVAC Services, LLC, at the time of the incident.

The company announced that Noel has been fired and issued an apology on its website:

First and foremost, we offer our deepest and most sincere apologies for the incident involving one of our technicians. As pet parents ourselves, we fully understand the emotional gravity of witnessing a beloved dog being subjected to physical harm. We are truly sorry for the distress and pain this incident has caused.

While the technician has shared that he has had negative experiences with dogs in the past, his actions are absolutely not justified. The behavior he displayed was completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards, principles, or professionalism that we hold our company and our team to.

We have taken this matter extremely seriously. The technician’s employment was terminated immediately after we reviewed the circumstances and the available evidence. Criminal charges have also been pursued, and we are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities regarding this matter.

When we first became aware of the incident, we immediately questioned the technician about what had occurred. In his initial account, he stated that the dog had attempted to bite him twice. After reviewing the recorded evidence later that same day, we determined that his account did not accurately reflect what had occurred. This further confirmed our decision to terminate his employment that same evening.

We also want to emphasize that we have a strict company policy that no technician is permitted to enter a property when unattended pets or minors are present. In this situation, the technician failed to follow our established safety protocol and proceeded on his own rather than contacting his supervisor for guidance. This was a serious violation of our company policy.

We have personally extended our sincerest apologies to the tenants and offered our assistance in any way we can during this difficult time. We sincerely hope their beloved dog makes a full and speedy recovery.

May God watch over their sweet fur baby and bring healing and comfort to their family. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them during this difficult time.

WESH reported that ElDante HVAC Services, LLC did not respond when asked if the company would pay for Boomer's veterinary bills.

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The two words a cruise passenger said that sent a drunk couple into a rage — ending with a 9-year-old allegedly attacked



A drunk Ohio couple allegedly forced their way into a cruise ship cabin to attack three people, including striking a 9-year-old child, according to authorities. A cruise passenger said two words to the pair that sent them into a fit of rage, police said.

Police said Ohio residents 29-year-old Gannon Jacox and his 28-year-old girlfriend, Brooklyn Hicks, were arrested on Saturday when the cruise ship they were traveling on docked at Port Canaveral – a cruise, cargo, and naval port in Brevard County, Florida.

'If you can’t hold your liquor, then you definitely shouldn’t be out in public causing a scene like this and injuring random people, including a child!'

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced in a statement on the department's official Facebook page that he believed the incident was fueled by "alcohol combined with an apparent lack of common sense."

The pair were "apparently arguing loudly after taking advantage of some adult beverages" during the cruise trip, Ivey said.

The statement said a fellow cruise passenger asked them to "quiet down," and Hicks "apparently didn’t like the request, so she decided to go confront them."

The statement said Jacox walked over to the squabble and began recording with his cell phone, then instructed his girlfriend to "beat them up!"

Police said Jacox and Hicks "pushed" their way into the cruise ship cabin of the alleged victims, where a 9-year-old child was staying.

Sheriff Ivey stated that a "fight ensued" and Jacox hit all three people in the room, including a 9-year-old child.

"Hicks was just swinging, hoping one would land," Ivey added.

Ivey said Jacox suffered a "pretty gross injury to his eye," which was "either caused by one of the victims or friendly fire from the Haymakers his girlfriend was throwing!"

The sheriff pointed out, "Thankfully none of the victims were seriously injured in this ridiculous escapade!"

Sheriff Ivey added, "So what’s the moral of the story…if you can’t hold your liquor, then you definitely shouldn’t be out in public causing a scene like this and injuring random people, including a child!"

Ivey joked, "You know the deal folks, break the law in Brevard County, and I promise you the lodge will have a reservation with your name on it!"

RELATED: Mother and her adult son allegedly beat up 65-year-old woman on cruise ship amid argument

jgroup via iStock/Getty Images

Jacox was arrested and charged with burglary with battery and child abuse without great bodily harm. Meanwhile, Hicks was arrested and charged with burglary with battery and battery-touch/strike.

Both suspects were transported and booked into the Brevard County Jail.

On Sunday, Jacox was released on a $31,000 bond, jail records show. On Monday, Hicks was released on a $6,000 bond, according to jail records.

Jail records show that both suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 15.

Authorities did not name the specific cruise ship where the incident reportedly happened.

Citing the Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule for Aug 15, the New York Post reported, "Four cruise ships docked at Port Canaveral on Saturday — Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, Disney’s Disney Treasure, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Freedom."

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Florida man who allegedly abducted 13-year-old gets shot and killed by 9 officers



An Amber Alert on Monday led to the shooting death of a man who allegedly abducted a 13-year-old girl from her home in Ocala, Florida.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said that 45-year-old Jason Castillo had been identified as a possible suspect after the Amber Alert for Juliet Louise Arioso was issued in the morning.

Castillo was shot by 8 sheriff's deputies and 1 officer while they tried to take him into custody.

Police believe Castillo had abducted Arioso from the Shady Road Villas community between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

At about 5:20 p.m., deputies spotted the red 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and tried to pull Castillo over, but he refused and tried to speed away.

Officers performed a precision immobilization technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, that disabled the SUV on U.S. Highway 441.

Castillo was shot by eight sheriff's deputies and one officer while they tried to take him into custody.

He was transported to a hospital, where he was later declared dead.

Arioso was found safe and returned to her home.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods later said that a citizen notified police when they saw the car described in the Amber Alert, and police were also aided by a license plate reader.

Woods said Castillo produced a handgun when the officers confronted him. The video they released shows him pointing the gun at police.

"I couldn't be more proud of my deputies," Woods said. "When that little girl needed them, they answered the call. They worked every lead, used every tool available, and they didn't quit until she was safe."

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Castillo's family released a statement about his death.

"We love him regardless of what he has done over the years no matter what a loss is a loss! Don't take this as we supported his acts. But we did care about him and wished him better. I grew up with him as a huge part of my close family and it really sucks knowing he is gone," the statement reads.

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VIDEO: Off-duty Florida cop hits Vietnam veteran in drunken brawl after trying to kiss his wife, sheriff's office says



A Florida man's drunken behavior that led to a brawl with a Vietnam veteran has led to felony charges and his possible dismissal as a sergeant, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office.

Jason Stickels, 44, was arrested by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department on Monday after officers responded to a report of a brawl at Merk's Bar & Grill at about 4:20 p.m.

'How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes. Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon.'

Police said Stickels "instigated and created unwanted contact" with an elderly couple, which appeared to be corroborated by video.

"According to witnesses and video footage of the incident, Stickels first battered a 71-year-old woman seated at a table, then battered her 77-year-old husband when he intervened," the statement reads.

The video appears to show the woman's husband pushing Stickels after the sergeant tries to kiss the woman. Stickels then pushes the husband, and a waitress tries to break up the altercation. At that point, another bar patron puts Stickels in a chokehold and takes him to the ground.

No injuries were reported from the incident.

Police said Stickels was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older.

"He was immediately placed on administrative leave and surrendered his law enforcement equipment pending final discipline up to and including termination," the statement reads.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood was far more scathing in his response to the arrest.

"How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes. Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon. To the couple involved, please let me buy your next lunch at Merk's," the sheriff wrote on social media.

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"I would also like to invite the good citizen who stepped in," Chitwood added.

He included video surveillance of the altercation. Chitwood told WKMG-TV that Stickels entered a rehabilitation program and confirmed that the victim involved was a Vietnam veteran.

The Sheriff's office said Stickels had been employed there since 2004.

Online jail records show that Stickels was given a bond of $5,000 for each count.

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Florida man allegedly bragged about sexually abusing foster child — cops say he and his husband fostered 23 young boys



A Florida man arrested for allegedly bragging about sexually abusing his young foster child also fostered 23 other young boys with his gay husband, police say.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a media briefing that 51-year-old John David Ballard was arrested after police received a cyber tip on May 7.

'By his own statements, he was using these kids for his sexual pleasure.'

Ballard had allegedly admitted on the messaging app Kik that he had been sexually abusing the 7-year-old boy in his care.

Gualtieri said the messages were explicit, graphic, and "gross."

Ballard allegedly admitted to the conversations to deputies when they served a search warrant on his phone in June. He also told officers that he's "into some really weird stuff" after they found videos of bestiality on his phone, according to police.

Deputies allegedly found dozens of graphic child pornography images that included victims as young as 2 months old.

The investigation expanded when investigators discovered that Ballard and his husband, Bradley Borsuk, were very active in the foster community. The couple had fostered 23 young boys between 2017 and 2023 and had adopted five children between 2015 and 2023, according to police.

All of those boys were between ages 4 and 12 years old.

Gualtieri said officers had spoken to most of the boys, some of whom were now young men, and said some had described "concerning behavior" in the ongoing investigation.

Some allegedly said that Ballard would punish them by making them undress and stand in front of a window, and others said Ballard watched them take baths or showers.

Gualtieri said Ballard and his husband had even authored a book described as an adoption journal.

On June 17, Ballard was arrested and charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of sexual activity involving animals.

Ballard's husband has not yet been arrested, and authorities are still considering what to do with the four adoptive children they have living in their home.

RELATED: Woman admits to horrific child sex abuse charges and bestiality — will testify against husband

"This is really a very difficult case, because it involved the betrayal of trust that the Child Welfare System puts into people who volunteer to help the most vulnerable among us. And those are children who have been abused, abandoned, and neglected," the sheriff said.

"One thing that is really maddening about the situation is the fraud that Ballard committed on others by holding himself out as this model foster and adoptive parent," Gualtieri added. "By his own statements, he was using these kids for his sexual pleasure.

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Gruesome discovery made in Florida man's backyard after he sent photo of his missing father to his mom, police say



A 25-year-old man has been arrested after police said they found human remains buried in his backyard while they were searching for his missing father.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office sought a search warrant for Andres Bahamon's home in Dunnellon after he allegedly sent a photo of his dead father to his mother in Germany.

Investigators claimed to have found what they believe to be blood on the door frame, a bullet casing on the floor, and bullets inside the home.

The family of the man's father, 43-year-old Andres Bahamon-Prada, said he had been missing since May 7, according to an arrest warrant, but police began searching for him on Saturday.

When they searched the home Monday, they found an area of freshly disturbed dirt and detected the odor of decomposition. Buried in the dirt was a large rolled-up carpet with human remains.

Investigators claimed to have found what they believe to be blood on the door frame, a bullet casing on the floor, and bullets inside the home, according to the arrest warrant.

Bahamon was identified as a person of interest and arrested on Monday. He was charged with tampering with evidence and held at the Marion County Jail with no bond.

The suspect's mother had forwarded the alleged photo of the dead man to Bahamon-Prada's mother and told her to call law enforcement. Bahamon also allegedly threatened to kill his mother when he found out the photo had been given to the police.

The victim's mother also told police that Bahamon told her the victim was "evil" and a "junkie."

The suspect was located at the RaceTrac gas station in Ocala.

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Police said they are searching for the father's missing car, a silver 2007 Infinity M35, and believe the car may have important evidence in the case.

Police have not yet identified to the remains.

Anyone with information related to the missing car is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

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Florida doctor indicted after allegedly removing wrong organ in fatal surgery with 'catastrophic blood loss'



A Florida doctor has been indicted in connection with the death of a 70-year-old man after authorities said the surgeon removed the wrong organ during surgery and caused "catastrophic blood loss" that killed the patient.

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was indicted this week by a grand jury on a charge of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of William Bryan of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, according to police.

'This heartbreaking loss has devastated the family of William Bryan, and we are seeking justice for this senseless tragedy.'

The Pensacola News Journal reported that Bryan and his wife, Beverly, were visiting their rental property in Okaloosa County, Florida, when he suddenly began experiencing pain on the left side of his body, according to the family's law firm.

The couple went to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.

William was admitted to the hospital for further testing after doctors found a potential issue with his spleen, the law firm said.

The Florida Department of Health said the patient wanted to utilize medication management for his spleen issue instead of undergoing surgery.

However, Shaknovsky allegedly "continued to pressure" the patient to undergo surgery to remove his spleen, despite the man "repeatedly" saying that he didn't want the surgery.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the alleged victim was scheduled to undergo a laparoscopic splenectomy on Aug. 21, 2024, which is a spleen removal surgery.

The health department said that operating room staff members were concerned about the procedure "being done so late in the day since they only had a skeletal crew" and that "splenectomies were complicated procedures that could quickly deteriorate and were not regularly performed" at the facility.

The Florida Department of Health also noted that Shaknovsky "arrived at the hospital approximately an hour late" for the surgery scheduled for 4 p.m.

Investigators said Shaknovsky removed the patient's liver instead of his spleen.

The health department's report stated, "Immediately after performing the dissection, Patient W.B. began to severely hemorrhage and went into cardiac arrest. Operating room staff members observed a significant amount of blood pouring out, immediately disrupting visibility in the field."

The health department noted, "Spleens and livers are anatomically distinct, have different consistencies, and are different colors. Additionally, the spleen is located on the left side of the abdomen, while the liver is on the right side."

The report said, "The staff looked at the readily identifiable liver on the table and were shocked when Dr. Shaknovsky told them that it was a spleen. One staff member felt sick to their stomach."

Bryan was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office said, "Dr. Shaknovsky removed the victim's liver instead of his spleen, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and the patient's death on the operating table."

Dr. Shaknovsky told the staff that the patient died from a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, according to the report.

The Florida Department of Health said a pathologist confirmed the organ tissue removed was an intact liver.

The report revealed that the "medical examiner observed that patient W.B.'s spleen and its attachments were untouched and in the normal position, his liver was missing, and his inferior cava had been severed."

The health department pointed out, "The vena cava is the largest vein in the body and brings deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart for new oxygen. The inferior vena cava connects the liver to the heart."

"Additionally, the medical examiner noted that there was no evidence of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm," the report proclaimed.

The report claimed that Shaknovsky dissected Bryan's inferior vena cava, "resulting in the bleeding event that precipitated his death."

"Dr. Shaknovsky claims that due to his shock and the chaos of the situation, he was unable to properly identify the organ he removed and assumed it must be the spleen," according to the health department.

The sheriff's office stated, "The grand jury found probable cause to charge that the actions taken in the operating room constituted criminal conduct under Florida law."

Shaknovsky was arrested in Miramar Beach and transported to the Walton County Jail.

Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, "Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor."

Adkinson added, "The grand jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process."

The deceased man's widow, Beverly Bryan, told NBC News, "When I tell people what happened, it still sounds too awful to be true that that could happen."

Pensacola-based law firm Zarzaur Law P.A. filed a lawsuit against Shaknovsky and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in January 2025.

RELATED: Fake Florida nurse who treated nearly 4,500 patients gets sweetheart deal; judge reportedly asserts she 'excelled at her job'

A spokesperson for Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast told NBC News, "Dr. Shaknovsky was never a Sacred Heart Emerald Coast employee and has not practiced at any of our facilities since August 2024."

The spokesperson continued, "We remain focused on upholding the standards our patients and community expect of us."

Authorities claim that two other patients of Shaknovsky experienced surgery mishaps, including one man who died after surgery.

In May 2023, a 58-year-old man went to the Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital to get an adrenalectomy, which is the surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands.

The emergency suspension order stated, "During the surgery, Dr. Shaknovsky removed a portion of Patient G.D.'s pancreas instead of the adrenal gland."

Following the surgery, the removed tissue was sent for pathological analysis, according to the Florida Department of Health.

A pathologist examined the purported adrenal gland specimen, which was actually tissue from the patient's pancreas, the order revealed.

"In response to the allegations, Dr. Shaknovsky claimed that the adrenal gland had 'migrated' to a different part of the body," the order said.

The State of Florida Department of Health said the patient "suffered from long-term, permanent harm as a result of Dr. Shaknovsky's error."

Florida Department of Health records show that Shaknovsky in August 2024 settled a malpractice claim for $400,000 in connection with the May 2023 case.

Another one of Shaknovsky's patients died following a procedure, according to authorities.

NBC News reported that the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners said Shaknovsky removed part of a patient's intestine during a procedure in July 2023, which caused a gastrointestinal perforation during which a hole develops in the intestine.

The patient was transported to the ICU shortly after the surgery and died, according to NBC News.

In September 2024, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo ordered the emergency suspension of Shaknovsky's medical license.

The Florida Department of Health currently lists the status of Shaknovsky's medical license as "retired," and the license expired on March 31, 2026.

Public records show his license in New York was temporarily suspended in May 2025.

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners filed a court order to temporarily suspend Shaknovsky's medical license shortly after Bryan's death.

Citing records, the Washington Post reported that Shaknovsky voluntarily surrendered his medical license in Alabama after the board attempted to revoke his license.

The New York Times reported that Shaknovsky is scheduled for an arraignment in Walton County Circuit Court on May 19.

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16-year-old boy charged as an adult in connection with murder, sexual assault of stepsister during family cruise: Feds



A Florida teen is being prosecuted as an adult in connection with the murder and sexual assault of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship last year, authorities announced.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida said a federal grand jury leveled the indictment against the 16-year-old suspect identified as "T.H., 16, of Titusville."

'I couldn't fathom why anyone would hurt my baby.'

T.H. has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.

The suspect faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted, according to the statement.

The press release revealed that the defendant was charged as a juvenile on February 2.

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered the suspect to face adult prosecution, according to the news release.

As Blaze News previously reported, 18-year-old Anna Kepner took a family vacation aboard a Carnival Horizon cruise ship that departed from Miami for a six-day Caribbean trip last November.

Kepner was traveling on the ship with her father, grandparents, stepmother, and her stepmother’s two children, including Anna's 16-year-old stepbrother accused of killing her.

A cruise ship crew member on November 7 discovered Kepner's body under a bed in the cabin the siblings shared on the cruise ship.

At the time of her death, the cruise ship was in international waters and on its way back to port in Miami.

Kepner's death was ruled a homicide.

The U.S. Attorney's Office stated, "T.H. allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner."

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined Kepner's cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation.

In November, a source informed ABC News that Kepner's death may have been caused by asphyxiation from a bar hold — a chokehold maneuver in which the arm is pressed across the neck. The source also noted that there were two bruises on the side of Kepner's neck.

The FBI is investigating the case because the alleged crimes occurred on the "high seas," or international waters, and involve the purported victim as a U.S. national.

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U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a statement:

Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López is prosecuting the case against the teen defendant.

On February 6, the suspect made his first appearance in federal court in Miami and was then released into the custody of a family member, a law enforcement official informed People magazine.

Christopher Kepner, Anna's biological father, on Monday told WTVJ-TV, "He needs to be arrested at this time. He is now an adult, and he needs to be arrested. That is where the family stands. Justice needs to be served."

The grieving father previously told NBC News, "Our daughter's life matters, and we will continue to speak out to honor her, to seek accountability, and to ensure that her case is not forgotten."

As Blaze News reported in February, court documents show that "social media from the Kepner family has indicated that they want the 'nails in the coffin' of [the minor], and that both the Kepner family and the respondent 'want him buried.'"

Anna's grandmother, Barbara Kepner, told ABC News in November, "I couldn't fathom why anyone would hurt my baby."

"We were looking forward to see her grow," said Anna's grandfather Jeffrey Kepner. "The cruise itself wasn't what made me excited. It was the fact that I was gonna get to spend another week with my youngest son and his family and all the grandkids."

Kepner was described as a "bubbly, funny, outgoing" high school cheerleader who "loved her siblings deeply," according to her obituary.

Kepner's obituary describes her as a Christian whose "faith blossomed as beautifully as her smile."

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'Deeply disturbing': Florida man enters plea in monkey torture video case



A Florida man entered a plea at the beginning of the month following a particularly disturbing case involving monkeys investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

Francisco Javier Ravelo, 36, of Coral Gables, Florida, pleaded guilty on March 2 to distributing videos depicting the torture of monkeys. Ravelo was charged in October 2025.

'It reflects a willingness to dominate, torture, and inflict suffering without remorse.'

The Department of Justice's press release, citing court documents, explains that Ravelo, a U.S. citizen, "created some and administered some online chat groups dedicated to the distribution and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being mutilated and burned, including baby and adult monkeys."

The DOJ said Ravelo personally distributed "more than 40 of these obscene crush videos."

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. law defines "animal crushing" as "actual conduct in which one or more living non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians is purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury."

"In his first term, President Donald J. Trump signed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act into law to end animal crushing," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "If you are involved in this sadistic activity, we will prosecute you."

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said: "Deliberate cruelty to animals is one of the clearest red flags. It reflects a willingness to dominate, torture, and inflict suffering without remorse. The defendant didn't merely view this material. He created and administered online groups devoted to it and distributed dozens of obscene animal torture videos. That conduct fuels a market built on brutality."

HSI New Orleans, HSI Pensacola, the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division investigated the case that led to Ravelo's guilty plea, according to an ICE press release.

Ravelo faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

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