VOLUSIA EXPOSED

VOLUSIA EXPOSED.COM

Was the recent criminal plea of former Volusia County Beach Patrol Office Robert Tameris really solely due to, "the extensive investigation and prosecution by the State Attorneys Office in conjunction with FDLE and Volusia County authorities", as stated by State Attorney Larizza?

Or does our community owe a debt of gratitude to one lone attorney, who ensured, that local officials and the FDLE did not white wash the criminal activities of this former officer?

Updated
March 19, 2012

"Beware the fury of a patient man"- Poet, John Dryden

According to the below media articles, former Beach Patrol Officer Robert Tameris took a plea deal on his criminal charges connecting him with engaging in sexual relations with an under age girl.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza released the below press release in which he stated:

"This plea happened because of the extensive investigation and prosecution by the State Attorneys Office in conjunction with FDLE and Volusia County authorities. Sometimes the pursuit of justice is an arduous and painful journey, as it was in this case. We should be thankful this case has resolved and we should move on with the comforting knowledge that this community is now a safer and better place."

Really !? Well,we believe that Mr. Larizza is taking a little bit too much credit for himself. In fact, records clearly indicate that initially, neither his office or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement even wanted to criminally charge Mr. Tameris.

In truth, if local attorney Brett Hartley had not plead these young girls' case via, both a letter to the governor, and pleas to local media outlets, criminal charges most probably would have never been filed against Mr. Tameris.

Please review the below September 3, 2009 Daytona Beach News Journal article that details Mr. Hartley's struggles to get local law enforcement officials to take these allegations seriously.

VolusiaExposed.Com contacted Mr. Hartley in our preparation for this article. Mr. Hartley fairly acknowledged and gave credit to the efforts of State Attorney Investigator Mike Taylor, in his handling of the Tameris investigation / prosecution. However, absent Mr. Hartley from the equation, there would have been no investigation / prosecution of Mr. Tameris.

VolusiaExposed.Com holds the opinion that the Central Florida community, including the State Attorney's Office, and the government of the County of Volusia, owe Mr. Hartley a large debt of gratitude for his efforts.

We further hold the opinion, that Volusia County Government should immediately settle the pending litigation with Mr. Hartley's client(s).

While we realize that the Volusia County's official position is contrary to mountains of evidence that clearly indicate that the Volusia County Beach Patrol existed under a culture of sexual abuse and depravity, they must now give up their Sgt. Hans Schultz position, that they knew nothing !!!!!!

A few months ago, a Federal judge dismissed Mr. Hartley's case. The County of Volusia then immediately filed a motion with the court, requesting that they be awarded nearly $300,000 in legal fees.

Mr. Hartley immediately refiled his lawsuit in State court. However, State law severely limits any possible award to $100,000.

Well, recently, the Federal judge issued his ruling regarding the county's request for legal fees. In his ruling he denied the county's claim to legal fees. The rationale employed by the judge to deny the county's claim to legal fees was that he specifically found both the Federal and State court claims by Mr. Hartley were meritorious in nature.

So, we the taxpayers, are on the hook for nearly $300,000 dollars so far. There is a possible $100,000 judgement coming from the State court, if Mr. Hartley is successful in his case. Maybe, the county should consider taking the high road, and at the same time, show some gratitude toward Mr. Hartley and his client(s), by settling the case out. It's not like there are any sacred principles the county is trying to protect. The county obviously does not occupy the moral high ground in this matter, so why don't they just settle the case? In our opinion, it's the most rational financial approach to take, as well as the correct ethical approach to final resolution of the Beach Patrol scandal.

The only flaw in our recommendation - is that it supposes that the county will be open to taking the ethical approach to resolving this matter. Don't hold your breath !.