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Collier sheriff’s race: Could two candidates even qualify to be a deputy?

By RYAN MILLS (Contact)
Originally published 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2008
Updated 10:42 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2008

The three candidates for Collier County Sheriff, Vinny Angiolillo, Victor Ortino and Kevin Rambosk, left to right, debate the issues in a public forum in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff

DAVID ALBERS

The three candidates for Collier County Sheriff, Vinny Angiolillo, Victor Ortino and Kevin Rambosk, left to right, debate the issues in a public forum in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff

NAPLES — Criminal aliens, abandoned houses, gangs, drugs — the next sheriff will have a full plate when he takes the helm as Collier County’s top law enforcement officer come January.

However, as important as the issues are in this race for sheriff, when Collier voters head to the polls on Aug. 26, many of them may be just as interested in the qualifications and experience of this year’s crop of candidates — local businessman Vinny Angiolillo, private investigator Victor Ortino and former Collier Undersheriff Kevin Rambosk.

With Rambosk, a longtime law enforcement officer and public official in Collier County who has been in the spotlight for years, voters know what they’re getting.

Rambosk, who has campaigned on his qualifications, said he doesn’t believe either of his opponents has enough experience for the job.

“If you look at any candidate seeking a professional chief law enforcement office, I would find it hard to believe the residents would not look for professional qualifications and experience,” Rambosk said. “That includes education, training and demonstrated ability.”

But Angiolillo and Ortino, former military men and state troopers who have worked exclusively in the private sector for decades, each claims that it is in fact he who is the most-qualified candidate.

“You need someone with good qualifications, leadership skills, integrity and the knowledge of law and business,” Ortino said. “There is no one in this campaign that is more qualified in those areas than I am.”

Angiolillo said Rambosk is “no competition.”

“Kevin Rambosk is a legend in his own mind,” Angiolillo said. “I’ve worked to become a legend. But I don’t pronounce it.”

Though Ortino and Angiolillo meet the requirements to run for sheriff, it appears they fall short of the requirements for other law enforcement jobs in the county, including the two vacant police chief positions and even entry-level deputy jobs.

 

Victor Ortino

Victor Ortino, candidate for Collier County Sheriff, participates in a public debate of the the issues in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff

DAVID ALBERS

Victor Ortino, candidate for Collier County Sheriff, participates in a public debate of the the issues in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff

For 24 years, Victor Ortino has worked as a private investigator in Collier County.

He started in the business in 1984 as president and co-owner of Price & Ortino Inc., later Price, Ortino & Wienckowski Inc., according to Ortino’s resume. That business split up in 1989, Ortino said.

Since then, Ortino has been president of Golden Gate-based Ortino Investigations, the largest private investigations agency in Collier County.

With Ortino Investigations, Ortino said he supervises 17 contracted private investigators, 10 process servers and three administrative personnel. He said he also is in charge of marketing, customer service, case management, general operations and fiscal management.

One of his most notable cases as a private investigator was investigating the 2002 death of 68-year-old multimillionaire Michael Moritz, who was killed by a drunken driver on U.S. 41. Ortino tracked down witnesses and kept tabs on Jeffrey Scott Ryals, who was eventually sentenced to 20 years in prison for the vehicular homicide.

Ortino said his business experience and private investigation experience sets him apart.

“I’ve worked both sides of the criminal law,” Ortino said. “I know the weaknesses in the legal system.”

Ortino also campaigns on his experience with the U.S. Air Force, where he said he served as a law enforcement officer from 1976 to 1981, and his three years as a Florida State Trooper from 1982 to 1985. However, for more than a year in 1984 and 1985, Ortino was suspended from the FHP, fired and later rehired.

Ortino received a positive performance evaluation in 1983. However, reports in the Daily News at the time indicate that Ortino was one of 12 troopers suspended without pay in early 1984 after allegations arose that they falsified records to obtain improper compensation and mileage for driving to and testifying in court while on duty.

Nine of the troopers were fired and later rehired after a panel found that they were following an expense account system that had been in place for years, and hadn’t been questioned by FOP brass.

“I thought we were entitled to the $5 witness fee whether we were on duty or off duty,” Ortino said in 1985. “I thought it was an extra fee you were entitled to.”

Ortino said that he started his private investigations business while away from the FHP, and when he came back to duty in July 1985, things quickly soured. Ortino took a lot of time off to work at his business, where he was making more money, and attending to a dying aunt, he said.

In September 1985, Ortino resigned, writing in his resignation letter that he was “ashamed to be associated with” the FHP.

In a memo dated Sept. 20, 1985, Ortino’s District Lt. Ernest E. Rainey said that after his reinstatement Ortino “failed to achieve a level of performance, which would be considered satisfactory and acceptable. Trooper Ortino also displayed a poor and combative attitude toward supervision. ... It is because of these reasons that I would not recommend re-employment of Victor P. Ortino.”

“It’s not true ... what he stated in there,” Ortino said of the memo. “When I worked, I worked. I took a lot of days off. I couldn’t just leave my business when I got reinstated.”

Ortino said the 24-year-old scandal shouldn’t be a concern because he was fully instated and fully exonerated.

“Deputies were doing it. Everybody in the whole state was doing it,” Ortino said. “It was policy for me. I was one of the newest troopers. If you were going to punish everyone that did that, everyone in the sheriff’s department would have been punished, too.”

 

Vinny Angiolillo

Vinny Angiolillo, candidate for Collier County Sheriff, participates in a public debate of the the issues in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff

DAVID ALBERS

Vinny Angiolillo, candidate for Collier County Sheriff, participates in a public debate of the the issues in the highly-contested race at the Hilton Naples on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. David Albers/ Staff

The third candidate to throw his hat in the ring for Collier sheriff also has been the most mysterious, and the most controversial.

By his own admission, Vinny Angiolillo has run an unorthodox campaign, comparing the Sheriff’s Office to a gang, sending an e-mail to Vice President Dick Cheney and Bill O’Reilly of FOX News, and filing a federal lawsuit against the very agency he wants to lead.

Angiolillo also has made bold statements about his qualifications for sheriff.

“He’s no competition,” Angiolillo said of Rambosk. “He’s running against me. He’s a puddle jumper next to me, both in his experience and his management techniques.”

But many of Angiolillo’s claims of experience are difficult to verify.

Since 1992, Angiolillo has owned and operated a number of businesses in Collier County, including Class Act Limousine, an auto repair shop and a towing company.

In the 1970s, Angiolillo said he served with the Connecticut Army National Guard as a medical corpsman and as a field first sergeant. In the late 1970s, Angiolillo served as a state police officer in Connecticut, though efforts by the Daily News to obtain a copy of his personnel file have been unsuccessful.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Angiolillo worked for a number of corporations, and claims in his resume that he “controlled budgets and operations exceeding $500 million, and a work force of up to 22,000.”

He said he has worked with the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the CIA and other federal and state agencies.

According to Angiolillo’s resume, he worked at Konica Business Machines — then Royal Business Machines Inc. — from 1979 to 1984 as director of corporate security/safety in Windsor, Conn.

A human resources employee at Konica confirmed that Angiolillo was in charge of security at that time, and a company newsletter from 1983 with Angiolillo’s photograph identifies him as the director of security.

From 1984 to 1986, Angiolillo said he was a manager at the Great American Insurance Co. in Windsor and Boston.

A human resources employee at the Great American Insurance Co. said their records don’t go back that far and she had no way to verify Angiolillo’s claim. Angiolillo did provide a document from the American Financial Corp. indicating that he participated in the company’s retirement plan.

Angiolillo said that from 1986 to 1988 he worked as the manager of satellite communications for the General Instrument Corp., now Motorola, where he was responsible for security and investigating the underground piracy of computer chips.

Motorola couldn’t confirm Angiolillo’s employment, but he did produce a frayed business card, which states that at one time he was a security investigator with General Instrument’s VideoCipher Division.

Finally, from 1988 to 1992, Angiolillo’s resume states that he was director of primary operations/environmental/security/safety for Corbin & Russwin, which was purchased by Black & Decker in 1989.

Linda Biagioni, Black & Decker’s vice president for environmental affairs, confirmed that Angiolillo was the head of environmental and occupational safety for a Corbin & Russwin facility in Connecticut at that time.

“I really don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment on his abilities as an employee,” Biagioni said. “I wish him luck.”

 

Qualifications

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The actual qualifications required to run for and be elected sheriff in Florida are minimal.

A candidate needs only to be at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and a citizen of Florida to be eligible to run, and then either gather 1,862 signed petitions or pay an $8,400 fee to qualify as a partisan candidate, said Dave Carpenter, qualifying officer with the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office.

“There is no law enforcement requirement to run for sheriff in Florida,” Carpenter said.

That was evident in 1984 when then-Sheriff Aubrey Rogers faced two challengers with little or no law enforcement experience — Richard Soltow Jr., a 24-year-old criminology student and part-time theater worker with no day-to-day experience in police work, and R.M. “Tiger” Shaffer, a 67-year-old North Naples nurse who at one point said: “I’m qualified to run, I’m just not that familiar with the laws in Florida.”

Rogers won in a landslide.

“I guess it’s up to the population of voters to decide if a person who does not have certification and experience should be placed into a position of authority to make an arrest,” said Sheriff Don Hunter, Rogers’ successor who has endorsed Rambosk.

Though all three Collier sheriff candidates have more experience than Soltow and Shaffer had in 1984, it appears questionable if Ortino and Angiolillo meet basic eligibility requirements to be hired as an entry-level road patrol deputy in Collier County.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, to compete for a deputy position an applicant must have: two years or more of full-time experience as a certified law enforcement officer in Florida, another state or the federal government within the past eight years; two years or more as a certified corrections officer within the past eight years; two years or more as a military police officer within the past eight years; three or more years as a full-time Collier County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher; or a bachelor’s degree and a passing score on the Law Enforcement Florida Basic Abilities Test.

Neither Ortino nor Angiolillo has a college degree.

“Yes, I’m qualified to be a deputy, but not by Collier County standards,” Ortino said. “I don’t agree with their standards.”

Angiolillo, who said much of his law enforcement work is “considered top secret,” said he would meet eligibility requirements to be a deputy “based on the things I can’t talk about.”

The open police chief positions in Naples and Marco Island both require a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree, along with progressive experience in a certified law enforcement agency.

“We have three chiefs positions open in Southwest Florida now,” Rambosk said, with the chief job in Fort Myers being the third. “I am the only candidate that is eligible to apply for any one of them and be considered seriously.”

Both Ortino and Angiolillo state, correctly, that meeting the eligibility requirements to be a Collier deputy or a police chief aren’t required to run for sheriff.

“I’m running for a political position,” Angiolillo said.

In fact, Florida statutes don’t require a sheriff to be a certified law enforcement officer in order to perform law enforcement duties, including making arrests, serving warrants and carrying a firearm.

“They would have the duties, powers and authority of a law enforcement officer,” said Heather Smith, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Comments

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Rambosk for Sheriff

#1 Posted by diamondsareagirlsbestfriend on August 9, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Vinnie can't keep a job unless he owns it.

#2 Posted by fishman on August 9, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rambosk for Sheriff!

You have to know Law Enforcement and be prepared to fight for your agency. A limo driver, and an investigator [who was fired for time card fraud] don't exactly meet the expectations I have for Sheriff of Collier.

#3 Posted by bigburd81 on August 9, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So Ortino does not agree with the current Sheriff’s Office requirement s to be hired as a deputy? Is that because he does not meet them, or does he plan to hire just anyone who applies if he’s elected? (Like the previously fired deputies that work for him now?) Scary stuff! If I were a private sector guy and knew I was running for Sheriff, I would have put myself through the Law Enforcement Academy so I would know the basics of law enforcement, and to demonstrate that I was willing to go through the process that every deputy in the agency went through. Why hasn’t victor or Vinnie attended? Just because you could get elected does not make you a real cop or leader – especially in the eyes of those you command. The state needs to give serious consideration to changing the election requirement for Sheriff to a minimum standard, and not the current “lack of standard.” RAMBOSK FOR SHERIFF

#4 Posted by Ry42 on August 9, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Magnum50, the comment in the final paragraph by FDLE answers your question.

#5 Posted by SandnSurf on August 9, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This 'story' does not belong in the news section of NDN, it belongs on the editorial page. What a shame that news cannot be reported objectively.

#6 Posted by goneand on August 9, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why you'll never be sheriff, Victor!

“Yes, I’m qualified to be a deputy, but not by Collier County standards,” Ortino said. “I don’t agree with their standards.”

Rambosk for Sheriff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

#7 Posted by phyllisknows on August 9, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beautiful story!

Congratulations, Sheriff Rambosk!

Now everyone get out there and vote for the only qualified candidate for Sheriff and send a BIG, BIG message!!!!!!!

#8 Posted by nickm on August 9, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's public knowledge that the two runner ups are not qualified. Why write that in an editorial where 60 people read it? Slap it on the front page where 500,000 people read it on Sunday morning! You cannot go from a little private firm... or the seat of a Towncar.... to Sheriff, with over 2000 employees- without qualifying credentials.

Go Sheriff Rambosk!

#9 Posted by bigburd81 on August 9, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations Sheriff Rambosk!!! Thank you Naples Daily News for alerting the community to the fact that two people were more interested in a Sheriff's paycheck than serving as a Sheriff. These two bafoons were attempting to deceive the good residents of this county with their low slung brand of political garbage. Was that a sonic boom I just heard? No it was Victor and Vinny's candidacy hitting the wall. No wonder they always sat next to each other at the debates.

#10 Posted by IMjustsayN on August 9, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So FHP wouldn't ever rehire him? Excellent!

“It’s not true ... what he stated in there,” Ortino said of the memo. “When I worked, I worked. I took a lot of days off. I couldn’t just leave my business when I got reinstated.”

This is the last person on earth I'd want as my Sheriff!

#11 Posted by youannoyme on August 9, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice job Brigid errr Ryan. You did your candidate proud. Can't the NDN write one, just one piece that doesn't look like it has been authored by Rambosk?

#12 Posted by straighttalker on August 9, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By even thinking they are qualified to be Sheriff of Collier County, these two clowns have told me everything I need to know about them.
What arrogance!

#13 Posted by oldcop007 on August 9, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a newcomer to politics with no ties to either candidate I am thinking that this thing is wayyyy over.

It is worth mentioning that fund raising efforts for Ortino have really hit a rough patch since the NDN endorsement was printed and it's little wonder why. Ortino has no vision, no plans for the future, no education and very limited experience. It seems that Mr. Ortino's grand plan ends with him getting a paycheck and benifits like back in the good ol' days prior to be drumed out of the FHP. $$$ is what motivates Mr. Ortino. How many hours a day do you think he would work? You can bet he would be a "Part Time Sheriff" at best.

No one will work harder than Kevin Rambosk as he is driven to serve the public as he has done his whole life.

Mr. Ortino...hasn't seen the football since the kickoff.

#14 Posted by Slingblade on August 9, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin Rambosk, your only qualified candidate for Collier County Sheriff.

Kevin Rambosk, your own professional law enforcement officer with integrity and leadership.

Kevin Rambosk, endorsed by the local FOPs, fire departments, Naples Better Govt. and the Naples Daily News!

Kevin Rambosk, your next Collier County Sheriff!

#15 Posted by imawinner on August 9, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree with straighttalker the way CCSO is run now is not only unprofessional but unconsitutional. that is the only point i agree with vinni on. i believe we need a fresh look and an investigator who might acually try to follow up on crimes against innocent citizens. right now all we get is "ya got insurance don't ya?"

#16 Posted by mimibuck on August 9, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw Rambosk greeting folks around town today. What a great community leader we have for our next Sheriff. Thanks Kevin for your commitment to keep our community safe.

Rambosk is our next Sheriff.

#17 Posted by Annapolis1979 on August 9, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw Kevin Rambosk around town campaigning at least three separate times today. He's everywhere.

Congrats, Kevin.

#18 Posted by phyllisknows on August 9, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mimi, the "Sheriff" won't be investigating crimes himself. The agency has dozens of investigators solving crimes every day. Your statement is pure ignorance. And Ortino's claim to fame is he solved one case in 23 years? Impressive. Rambosk is the fresh face that will command the S.O.

#19 Posted by Ry42 on August 9, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you to all the candidates for running for Sheriff of Collier County.

I support Kevin Rambosk and will vote for him on August 26th.

Vinny...you're a joke that gets no laughs, only snickers because you're absurd. Really, you give the whole idea of being a peace officer a bad face if it includes yours. That's all I'll say 'cause the rest is top secret-over and out-this blog will self destruct in three seconds-idiot.

Victor...“When I worked, I worked. I took a lot of days off. I couldn’t just leave my business when I got reinstated.”
What the hell is this all about? How will you be Sheriff and still be a process server? With all the foreclosures your business is booming, how would you keep your business running, if your not there to be the big executive? Will your process servers, now in their new uniforms, go out and serve the public--I mean serve them bad-news papers--on the County's time clock?

I'm voting for KEVIN RAMBOSK! VOTE ON AUGUST 26TH FOR KEVIN RAMBOSK

#20 Posted by MarcoRobert on August 9, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Ortino! He's qualified to be sheriff. How come he had to look the law up for Ryan to prove it when he said even Hunter & the ex undersheriff didn't know the law. Another fine job done by Ryan who we all know has been promised a nice paying job with Bridget if the right man gets in. Hopefully when Ortino takes office he gets rid of Bridget too & not just Jim Williams.

#21 Posted by Toesmom on August 9, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Toesmom, are you like ten? "My daddy's the best! Everyone conspires against my daddy!" Cry baby.

#22 Posted by Ry42 on August 9, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Toesmom, Step away from the keyboard and get back on the bar stool.Your stupidity is showing.

Your candidate has no education, no experience and no qualifications to be Sheriff. And he showed all of that in his answers in both stories about the sheriff's race. That's apparent to every voter in Collier County.

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk sounds like an all-around professional to me, knows how to interview and get his message out. Must be his experience, education, qualifications...Hmmm.

VOTE RAMBOSK!

#23 Posted by nickm on August 9, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You people are the ones acting childish. I've said what I have to now I'm done. Ortino for Sheriff. Ry42 are you a tribal member afraid of what Ortino will find out when he takes office? We all know there are coverups going on at the agency that's why there are so many open PRB files that are open they won't close. Come on one from Jan. involving Goss & we all know what that's about. Have find arguing back & forth.

#24 Posted by Toesmom on August 9, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You people have no idea who you are talking to so I suggest you stop calling us drunks. No I'm not stupid either. Glad you cops have such respect for other people.

#25 Posted by Toesmom on August 9, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Toes, I thought you were done. (Now Toes will be back as Mothernature) You keep guessing who I am, just like you guessing about everything else. Cops respect people who are reasonable and or intelligent - yes, you don't fit into either category. Now don't go and get any crazier when Rambosk wins by a LANDSLIDE!

#26 Posted by Ry42 on August 9, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder if all of these Rambosk buttkissers are blogging on Sheriff's Dept. computers while on duty?
Hunter wasn't qualified either, not that he was any good at anything other than amassing the biggest bunch of overweight power abusers, raising the budget to that of a small army and acquiring more rolling stock than some countries have.
IT IS TIME TO CLEAN OUT THE CESSPOOL!
Vote for Ortino, he can be gotten out in four years, Rambosk would have Hunter's machine and it will be another 20 years of mismanagement!

#27 Posted by greathornedlizard on August 9, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Smoking some bad weed Lizard?

#28 Posted by DeDeDee on August 9, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vote Vinny!!! Collier county will be LateNight comedy fodder every week!!! Kevin is boring,has a good rep,blah,blah.......and Vic is a frustrated cop......he failed the first time.......and private dick ?? Please...

#29 Posted by LosBombero on August 9, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The desperation from the Ortino supporters is pitiful and the constant mislabeling of public records law as "sunshine law" from Toesmom is just plain ignorant.

Mrs TL, do yourself a favor and research the term sunshine law. And then Vote Rambosk!

#30 Posted by Annapolis1979 on August 9, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, you know who I am. And, I was with Toesmom tonight. She was not on a barstool. In fact, the many many Victor Ortino supporters were not on barstool. As for Ryan's "column." Ryan, why didn't you say where you received the information about a sheriff getting elected does NOT have to go through academy? That's right, because Brigid didn't allow you to right?
As for for the former undersheriff who was forced to resign or face federal charges...He says:
“We have three chiefs positions open in Southwest Florida now. I am the only candidate that is eligible to apply for any one of them and be considered seriously.”
How arrogant can someone be...."be considered seriously." Has he applied and been told that? I doubt it because his past would really be looked into and those agencies would not want someone who in an FDLE report was told in April or before about the cover up at the jail. Get off the witch hunt, CCSO, no one in the jail has been leaking to the media. I think if you had great investigators on trying to find out you would have by now. I know for a fact that there is no leak to the media in the jail.

#31 Posted by mothernature on August 9, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annapolis,
I did your research for you...here..

http://brechner.org/Brechner%20Center...

1. When did Florida begin its tradition of openness?
Florida began its tradition of openness in 1909 when the Legislature passed the first Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Public Records Law provides that citizens shall have virtually unlimited access to records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business, unless specifically exempted by the Legislature. Chapter 119 mandates that custodians of these records shall permit them to be inspected and examined by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time. Over the years, the definition of a public record has expanded. In addition to traditional written documents, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings and computer records are also included.
• A message from the Florida Attorney General on the Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law
• The Florida Press Association and Government in the Sunshine

I guess Toesmom is right eh?

#32 Posted by mothernature on August 9, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vote for Ortino and leave toesmom alone! Quote by toesmom "We all know there are cover-ups going on at the agency that's why there are so many open PRB files". --Cover-ups, blunders, and falsifying records --a lot of this has been reported in the NDN within the past several months. What ever happened to honesty and integrity and plain old common sense? And common sense -- you can’t learn common sense from a book. Vote Ortino!

#33 Posted by truth1 on August 9, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Re: the headline, no, they could not (qualify). Legally, they are eligible to be elected sheriff.

There is no way on earth I could vote for someone like Ortino or Vinnie.

No way.

Rambosk!

#34 Posted by DawnPharmer on August 9, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annapolis, confusing public records law with sunshine law is a common mistake that most people not familiar with the law make. While the two laws cover very different aspects of government records, it is somewhat complex and takes someone with a scholarly background to discern. I dont think that is happening in the above posts, if you know what I mean.

#35 Posted by plextone on August 9, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ortino for sheriff! we don't need another politician like rambosk!

#36 Posted by MONKABOY on August 9, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin Rambosk is your new SHERIFF.

Otino and friends it's time to face reality. You're a bunch of losers. The Swamp Buggy grounds is a perfect place to have your crying party on August 26th. Maybe you can book the band from the Blue Oyster Bar and Caperton can dance like a fool. Vic how about a karate dojo demonstration? Toesmom don't forget to bring the OFF the bugs are pretty bad and some applications for the three deputies who will need them. I think Vic will hire them right?

#37 Posted by diamondgal on August 9, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mothernature, you said you were with toesmom tonight? That's interesting since Toesmom said she didn't know you or any of the other Ortino supporters mentioned.

Here B.A. let me refresh your memory.......

Keep shouting that nonsense Toesmom, AKA Mothernature, AKA W_Coyote, AKA Diamondgrl. You just sound more desperate and nuttier every time. And, where is all this evidence of criminal behavior you are always swearing you have?

#24 Posted by Ry42 on August 9, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a memo your guy signed signing off on Freeman's retirement. You can request it under the sunshine law. Don't know who those other people are you are talking about.

#38 Posted by native1457 on August 9, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Native, I do not know her. I said I was with her...Meeting someone a few time recently doesn't mean I know her. Can't people run into each other and find out things about them? Like they blog? I also ran into someone else recently and when I saw the name, found we had something in common and had "talked" via e-mail. Doesn't mean I know the person. Funny how people twist the facts. As for the criminal behavior evidence, just wait...it's coming...I doubt if a certain media will expose it, but they all will have it.

#39 Posted by mothernature on August 9, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now there is some logic I can follow...I "ran into" Ortino and found out things about him.

Vote Rambosk on August 26!

#40 Posted by plextone on August 9, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mothernature and toesmom,or should I say Ms. Lauer. The ORTINO SMEAR MACHINE lodges countless baseless allegations against an honorable public servant, Kevin Rambosk, but the ORTINO SMEAR MACHINE cries foul every time someone points out Ortino's misconduct or bad judgment. HOW ABOUT THE FACT THAT VICTOR ORTINO HIRED A DEPUTY FIRED FOR DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. Victor, where's your concern for ethics and for our children. Answer this question nature and Lauer.

Public record...Ortino's right hand man, David Rich....Read on.
Collier deputy fired after probe reveals sexual images on his Web site
By RYAN MILLS
Originally published 11:43 p.m., April 18, 2007
Updated 06:24 a.m., April 19, 2007
For about seven years Collier County sheriff’s Deputy David E. Rich, a motorcycle enthusiast, maintained a Web site chronicling his and his wife’s experiences at outdoor motorcycle events.
But in December, Rich, 38, was fired after an internal investigation revealed the Web site not only contained photos of people having innocent fun, but also of nude women and women performing oral sex. Also, during a separate investigation stemming from a failed polygraph test, Rich admitted to having witnessed online pornography involving minors, authorities said. Rich, who is now employed with the private investigation firm Ortino Investigations, described the Web site as a “hobby-type fun thing,” and said the photos of women engaging in oral sex were posted inadvertently or were overlooked, a Sheriff’s Office report shows. And he said in an appeal that polygraph tests are extremely subjective and claimed the examiners who administered the test had a conflict of interest.
“I was downloading ‘My Teen Wife.’ I think I trashed it. I think I trashed the whole thing,” Rich said during his first examination.
“I tend to think no. I have no memory of the content,” Rich said. “I remember seeing one clip of a girl and a boy, I should say male and female. ... If the title said 15, it would have been a curiosity thing.”
Rich also told investigators he viewed an online movie called “My Girlfriend and I,” featuring two “high school”-age girls engaged in a pillow fight and kissing each other, and a video titled “Teen Prostitute Video,” where the girls appeared to be at least 18, the investigation revealed.
When asked again if he’d ever seen any pornography depicting people under 18, Rich said. “I’m sure I have. I’ll say yes.”

#41 Posted by Estatesman on August 9, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#37 truthie said And common sense -- you can’t learn common sense from a book

Yeah, especially when that book is Karate-Doh!

Kevin Rambosk is the man with a plan to keep our community safe. Rambosk for Sheriff.

#42 Posted by CollierUtes on August 9, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mothernature/Ms. Lauer, All I hear are crickets. Where's your response to Ortino's lack of judgment, in hiring the deputy fired for downloading "Teen Pornography"? If I invite Ortino Investigations into my home, is this the type of individual I will have around my children. It's obvious that I can't trust Ortino or his employees. At least the sheriff's office had the good sense to investigate and get rid of the guy. Then Ortino Investigations hired him and made him a front man in the Ortino campaign.

#43 Posted by Estatesman on August 10, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The fact that you ran into each is no big surprise. When there are only four or five escaped mental patients that support Ortino, your bound to run into each other.

#44 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 10, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just read what was posted about that Rich character. That is really disturbing, that Ortino would hire that guy. Ortino thinks the hiring process is too strict to be a deputy? Apparently he sees no problems hiring people that dowload child pornography. Is that the type of person he would hire as a deputy? That is really scary.

I'm curious about a response to that from the Ortino camp. What does that say about Ortino, that he would hire someone that admits to downloading child pornography? And don't even try to say he did it accidentally. I've been using a computer since the 80's and I never "accidentally" downloaded anything even closely resembling child pornography. Or maybe Ortino simpy didn't know about it? If that's the case, he's a pretty crappy P.I. So, what about Ortino camp? What's the defense for that?

#45 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 10, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, I think you need to read what Mr. Rich actually said. And what was written above did not state he downloaded it. I encourage everyone to type in the words breast cancer...Did you know child pornography shows up? Who hasn't seen child porn.

I cannot believe that the former undersheriff's people are so scared that they result to immature name-calling. It's really unbecoming. It really shows the public what is in store for the CCSO unless they vote in Victor Ortino. The former undersheriff allows his supporters to act worse than many children profiled on that Nanny show. If my children ever acted that way in public, they would still need a cushion to sit on.

#46 Posted by mothernature on August 10, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to laugh. The former deputy, the one who was forced to resign to avoid prosecution, and his followers are quite desperate. The Florida Constitution gives the sheriff all of his authority.

Such desperate, ad=hominem, panic-minded tactics as the ousted and disgraced former deputy and his camp, including those at the NDN have resorted to, are pathetic. Laughable. And a sign that change is coming, and they know it.

Ortino will be the new sheriff. It's time for change.

#47 Posted by W_Coyote on August 10, 2008 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And we can trust Rambosk and his employees? You seem to forget the long-term sexual harrassment of a subordinate by recently retired Capt. Chris Freeman, prior to his no notice retirement at full benefits and in "good standing" approved by the senior administrators of the CCSO. They weren't upset that he did it, they were upset that he got caught.

#48 Posted by cardshark9 on August 10, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Who hasn't seen child porn"!!!!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS?

#49 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 10, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So Ortino hires child pornography viewers and now one of his supporters admits to not being above beating her children. How pathetic that whole gang is.

And Andy Coyote you are not alone- we are all laughing, too. At you.

Rambosk is committed to keeping our children safe from molesters and abusers.

#50 Posted by martialartist on August 10, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Then why was sexual harrassment of a subordinate by a senior CCSO officer, OK? That was abuse also.

#51 Posted by cardshark9 on August 10, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and at least Mr. Victor Ortino says who his campaign manager is...and Mr. Andy Hall wears his nametag with campaign manager on it proudly. I wonder who the former undersheriff's campaign manager is? Maybe Brigid O'Malley who was shown on NBC-2 in a less-than-flattering sitting position?

#52 Posted by mothernature on August 10, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mwyatt,
I know many people who have entered certain search words into a search engine and went to sites thinking they were "real" sites only to find some perverted site ... child porn, ect., I've had it happen to me and if you have been on the Web for any time at all, I suspect you, too have stumbled upon inappropriate sites. Did you ever think this was in the back of Mr. Rich's mind that he too might have seen something inappropriate while doing work-related research? If you've never been on a polygraph, you may not realize that if he had seen something inappropriate and didn't say he had, he would have failed a polygraph. I challenge you and others to tell me they have not seen some type of porn when doing searches on the Internet. I truly believe that a vast majority of people have...

#53 Posted by mothernature on August 10, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Voted already...for Rambosk, of course via my mail ballot (no longer called "absentee" ballot.)

Have fun with your continued attacks on a really good guy...Ortino supporters.

H'mmm wonder if the crazy motorcyclist riding up and down the street today was???...nah, think he had on clothing.

#54 Posted by DawnPharmer on August 10, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In addition, let's not forget the article that appeared in the Times News Service on October 8, 1990: Nation News in Brief:

'BLACKFACE GETS EGG ON THE FACE' A Naples, FL. police drug sting operation, dubbed "Operation Al Jolson" because white detectives wore blackface makeup, in the mostly black neighborhood of River Park, was branded racist by black community leaders. "Because the sales are made predominately by blacks", reasoned Police Capt. Kevin Rambosk. The department has 1 black on a force of about 75 officers.'

Is there any reason to think that his attitude has changed? I believe this sort of thing is called racial profiling. 'Operation Al Jolson' was so offensive, it made the national news service. Apparently the author was not aware of this. Anyone who has lived in Naples for a while knows about it.

#55 Posted by cardshark9 on August 10, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record, the employee that was being "harassed" never actually filed a complaint. Is it still sexual harassment if the person being "harassed" doesn't seem to have a problem with it, just curious?

And don't give me that garbage about being afraid of making a complaint, because in this day and age that person could hire any attorney and get a nice fat settlement check. Several deputies have filed succesful suits against the Sheriff's Office and still work there.

Basically your deflecting the issue of Ortino knowingly hiring a person that viewed child pornography. So the general consesus amongst Ortino supporters seems to be that child Pornography is okay. That's just super. Are you people intentionally that stupid, or just blind in your own hatred of some smoke and mirrors conspiracy going on at the sheriff's office that only you seem to be able to see.

#56 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 10, 2008 at 1:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And the general consensus in the former undersheriff's camp is that the CCSO Administration's clear willingness to cover up and deny wrongdoing by senior personnel is OK. Again, this substantiates Ortino's claim that there is no personal accountability for senior members of the CCSO.

#57 Posted by cardshark9 on August 10, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And "mothernature" no, I have never viewed child pornography. I beleive that the majority of registered voters in Collier County are not fools and would agree that child pornography is not something you stumble across accidentally, on several occasions.

#58 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 10, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mwyatt,
No, child pornography is not OK. Please quit trying to twist my words. I am saying that I believe many people have accidentally viewed it. What part of that can't you understand?
And, for the record, the employee wanted to think about it. Williams told her she could. He also says in one part of the document it's a PRB, then later says it's not...She wasn't being sexually harassed. She was forced (intimidated) to give him oral sex three times. She does have a problem with it. Read her SWORN statement. She was frightened of the man. She believed that the command staff and Hunter would take action against him. Her own SWORN statement says she wanted to think about it but she didn't want the media involved. She was afraid her own mother who had been warning her about Freeman's controlling ways would learn what had happened. But most of all, like any sex crime victim she was EMBARASSED. It was NOT her fault. If you want a copy of the report, let me know. I'll e-mail it to you. How much other evidence do you want? I'll e-mail that to you too. Just make sure your inbox is empty because the other night it took four hours to forward everything I have to someone.

#59 Posted by mothernature on August 10, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And the general consensus in the former undersheriff's camp is that the CCSO Administration's clear willingness to cover up and deny wrongdoing by senior personnel is OK. Again, this substantiates Ortino's claim that there is no personal accountability for senior members of the CCSO.

#60 Posted by cardshark9 on August 10, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, if Ryan had done his homework, he would have seen that Victor Ortino did have the qualifications to be a Florida certified law enforcement officer.

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/Offi...

Officer Requirements
Employment requirements
How To Become Employed in Florida
To become employed as a certified law enforcement, correctional or correctional probation officer in Florida individuals must:
Be at least 19 years of age.

Be a citizen of the United States.

Have earned a high school graduate or equivalent (GED). (A bachelors degree is required for correctional probation officers.)

Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, not-withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

Never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Have good moral character.

Have passed a Commission approved Basic Abilities Test. *

Successfully completed the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program for the respective discipline or equivalency for out of state officers. *

Achieve a passing score on the State Officer Certification Examination. *

(Exception: auxiliary officers do not need to take the SOCE).

Have been fingerprinted by the employing agency with prints processed by the FDLE and the FBI.

Successfully passed a background investigation, to include drug testing and financial history.

Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician.

Completed a CJSTC-68 Affidavit of Applicant Form

(If already a certified officer) Complied with mandatory retraining or educational requirements.

#61 Posted by mothernature on August 10, 2008 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mothernature

You and the ORTINO SMEAR MACHINE continue to twist the truth. In the article, Ryan says that Ortino and Angiolillo don't meet the minimum requirements to be a law enforcement deputy at the CCSO, not a law enforcement officer in Florida in general. Ortino and Angiolillo clearly do not meet the minimum requirements to be employed as a law enforcement officer with the CCSO. They do not have the required law enforcement experience or the education.

As far as "black face" goes, Rambosk was the PIO at the time of the incident. That is why he is quoted in the paper, not because of supervisory control as you assert. The ORTINO SMEAR MACHINE needs to stop twisting the truth.

As far as Victor Ortino of Ortino Investigations hiring a deputy fired for looking at (deputy's words) "teen pornography", read what the deputy said before being fired.

"If the title said 15, it would have been a curiosity thing.”
Rich also told investigators he viewed an online movie called “My Girlfriend and I,” featuring two “high school”-age girls engaged in a pillow fight and kissing each other, and a video titled “Teen Prostitute Video,”

If 15 is in the title, if it says featuring "high school" age girls, if it says "Teen Prostitute Video", I say stay away from it. Ortino preaches accountability, but then he hires this child pornography watching guy to work for Ortino Investigations and puts him in the homes and businesses of unsuspecting clients, some probably with children.

After attending a forum awhile back, I made up my mind who I will be voting for, and seeing the utter lack of judgment on the part of Ortino my decision has been solidified.

Kevin Rambosk is the most ethical and the most experienced choice.

#62 Posted by Estatesman on August 10, 2008 at 2:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don Hunter did not have the required law enforcement experience, he was never in a squad car before he became sheriff.

#63 Posted by cardshark9 on August 10, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's about time this head to head comparison was articulated to the public. It graphically shows we only have one real candidate who qualifies for our most important public job. Vote smart--vote Kevin Rambosk.

#64 Posted by Sheepdog on August 10, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats, Sheriff Rambosk.

Good luck to you!

#65 Posted by imawinner on August 10, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great to see the good guy win. A victory for morals, ethics and dedication. Good for you, Kevin Rambosk!

Already voted for Kevin!

#66 Posted by kbeechnw on August 10, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cardshark9 – The blackface cop was in fact a deputy, not someone under the control of then Capt. Rambosk. If you want to call it profiling, OK, because the blackface deputy sold dope to the white folks coming into the neighborhood to buy. The black community requested help – they got it. Do you have anything on Rambosk more recent than 1990? Talk about desperation! Also, Hunter was qualified; he had college degrees and had attended and passed the Law Enforcement Academy, so he was a certified law enforcement officer prior to being elected. Same goes for Rambosk. Why hasn’t Victor attended? Is it too tough for him?

Mothernature, there is s distinct difference between viewing and downloading pornographic material. You may accidently view something but your boy Rich viewed, then DOWNLOADED CHILD PORN. Keep defending him though, it’s very telling. And you say Victor is qualified to be a deputy. Funny, Victor admits he’s not qualified by the current standards. So who’s right, you or the guy running for sheriff?

#67 Posted by DeDeDee on August 10, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The silent majority has already made it's decision. The educated citizens of Collier County will elect the most qualified Sheriff. They (we) always have. I really don't think it will even be close. As an impartial observer paying attention to the facts, qualifications, etc., Rambosk will win.

#68 Posted by Flacrkr on August 10, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NDN supports Rambosk hmmm they also support Naples should be a sanctuary city,
imo Rambosk will be elected cause thats what Naples deserves. Naples has a history of electing losers so why stop now. Look at the county commissioners they keep electing, the liberal judges etc.

#69 Posted by grouper25 on August 10, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ortino never had any qualifications. He hoped to run against Hunter on a mudslinging campaign only. He had to have been disappointed when Hunter stepped aside! When Rambosk announced, you could immediately see the Ortino desperation. Rambosk is not just the only qualified candidate, he also happens to have proved himself and has earned the respect of the people who have worked for him and with him at CCSO.

Ortino's little group of toxic supporters are really flailing at the air, but are making lots of noise. I don't think Ortino was that bad of guy, just not qualified, but his groupies make him seem worse than he is.

Vinnie, on the other hand, just needs some new tinfoil for his hat and he'll be okay, as long as he stays out of the sun.

#70 Posted by Sayswho on August 10, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

please check the records for discrimination against ccco and all the top people try to cover it up also check why so many people have to leave ccso its becuse they are all curp they currently have 7 cases that will come out in the light soon ccso thinks they are above the law see you soon

#71 Posted by bob0405 on August 10, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said "mothernature", I see you're still deflecting from the child porn issue, your tacit approval of child support is certainly disturbing. I hope that you do not have children and raise them to think that child porn is okay as you apparently do. Just denounce the guy and say Ortino is wrong for hiring him, just admit it.

#72 Posted by mwyatt22 on August 10, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was away and just read this piece of "journalism." One would think that with the NDN in the back pockets the crew of the "former deputy who was forced to resign to avoid going to jail" could come up with something more creative and not so transparent.

Ortino has indeed lit a fire under the established old time power structure at the sheriffs office. All of the many failings since the other guy was in power, all the double standards, all the antics of the deputies in command, and so much more.

The people of this county have known the truth but have only recently come to embrace it. Only recently have people decided they have had enough of the incumbent and his methods and practices. And hooray for those realizations!

Ortino is not as polished on paper as his opponent. Ortino is the better man, the better candidate. Ortino has the will, the desire, the passion, the intelligence, the business accumen, the instinct... and much more. His opponent only has a bunch of paper and a 5 year incumbency riddled with failure, excessive costs, low deputy morale... we all know his story. We all want Ortino

Ortino for sheriff. Its going to happen. You know it is.

#73 Posted by longtimecitizen on August 10, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When Rambosk wins is the upper management going back down to Costa Rica for more fun with 14 year old prostitutes???

#74 Posted by fishman on August 10, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)