Shocking Child Abuse Case in Fort Walton Beach
Deputies say a Fort Walton Beach–area woman intentionally burned the hands of two young children in her care and failed to seek medical help afterward. The 3- and 5-year-old victims were taken to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Hospital late Tuesday before being transferred to a specialized burn center in Mobile. The suspect, 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas, is now being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail.
Repeat Offender From Niceville Gets 15-Year Federal Sentence for Child Pornography
A Niceville man with a prior child pornography conviction has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after investigators discovered thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos on dozens of devices in his home. Federal and local law enforcement officials say the case highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to protect children from online exploitation.
Death Row Timeline Nears End for Frank Walls
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Frank Athen Walls, the Okaloosa County man convicted in the 1987 murders of Airman Edward Alger and Ann Peterson and later linked to three additional slayings. Walls is scheduled to be executed on December 18, marking another addition to Florida’s record-setting year for executions.
Fort Lauderdale Man Arrested in $505,000 Walton County Utility Check Fraud
A Fort Lauderdale man, Brandon Loud, has been arrested in Walton County for depositing a $505,400 fraudulent check from a utility company, with investigators uncovering additional stolen checks totaling $200,000.
Crestview High Band Director Jody Dunn Honored with Prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation Award
Crestview High School band director Jody Dunn has been honored with a Special Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, recognizing his decades of leadership in music education and his ensembles’ consistent achievements at state and regional festivals.
Two People Shot at Fort Walton Beach Days Inn
Fort Walton Beach Police arrested a suspect after two people were shot and injured late Monday night at the Days Inn on Miracle Strip Parkway. Officers say the shooting was an isolated incident and that both victims are in stable condition.
Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2022 Shooting at Coasters
Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2022 Shooting at Coasters Staff Reports October 22, 2025 11:32 am Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Michael Alan Ladson was convicted of attempted second-degree murder for a 2022 shooting at Coasters in Fort Walton Beach. Ladson fired a single shot at […]
Santa Rosa Beach Woman Arrested After Child Found Wandering Roadway
A Santa Rosa Beach woman was arrested after deputies found her 5-year-old child wandering alone in the roadway. Investigators say the child’s mother, Maureen Oneill, left him home alone for several hours while she shopped in Panama City Beach.
Walton County school bus driver, DoD contractor arrested in sexual abuse case involving teenager
Walton County school bus driver, DoD contractor arrested in sexual abuse case involving teenager Staff Reports October 15, 2025 3:36 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🚔 Arrested: Walton County deputies took a local bus driver into custody after a college student came forward. 🏫 School Action: The district suspended him immediately and began termination proceedings. ⚖️ […]
Texas Parents Arrested After Leaving Baby Alone on Walton County Beach for Nearly an Hour
Two parents visiting from Houston were arrested in Walton County after deputies say they left their six-month-old baby alone under a beach tent for nearly an hour while walking with their other children on Miramar Beach.
