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.
‘I don’t want to get a call that my son is gone’: Family fears Okaloosa inmate’s health is spiraling
The family of 33-year-old Robert Riddle says he’s growing weaker every month inside the Okaloosa County Jail, where he has lived with severe sickle cell disease since 2024. Advocates argue that essential treatments have been withheld, while county officials maintain he is receiving appropriate care.
Car chase ends at Eglin Air Force Base west gate, suspect in custody
A chaotic day in Okaloosa County: Deputies say a Shalimar man struck a pedestrian, led them on a chase that ended at Eglin’s west gate — and just hours later, the base went on lockdown after a bomb threat.
Jailhouse text messages, records shed new light on Fort Walton Beach property deal
Jailhouse text messages, records shed new light on Fort Walton Beach property deal Collin Bestor September 2, 2025 2:00 pm Fort Walton Beach In Brief: 📱 Jailhouse texts show Councilmember Bryce Jeter negotiated a $65,000 property sale with inmate Walter Robinson Jr., linking the deal to Robinson’s bail. ⚖️ Critics allege coercion and conflict of […]
Georgia Woman Arrested After Destin Shooting
A Georgia woman was arrested in Destin after deputies say she shot a man in the leg during an argument on August 17. She faces charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and use of a firearm while under the influence.
Deschaine Fires Attorney in Murder Trial
Dylan Deschaine’s murder trial faces new delays after the court removed his attorney, Michael Weinstock, and prepared to appoint Crestview lawyer Marty Knopes as his replacement.
Every Okaloosa Judge Has Recused Themselves On This Former Deputy’s Case:
The trial of former jail director Nolan Weeks, accused of impersonating an officer during a traffic stop, will take place outside Okaloosa County following a full judicial recusal.
Emerald Coast Life Center transforms drug recovery in Okaloosa County
Emerald Coast Life Center transforms drug recovery in Okaloosa County Collin Bestor June 19, 2025 7:30 am Crestview, Holt HOLT — Dana Clah has gone from sitting in a jail cell to shaping what rehabilitation behind bars can look like in Okaloosa County. A former inmate, trauma survivor, ministry leader and now founder of the Emerald […]
Crestview High Teacher Arrested For Inappropriate Relationship in 2001
A longtime Okaloosa educator is behind bars—accused of sexually abusing a student more than 20 years ago. The case came to light thanks to a modern tip line and has now led to serious charges.
What Docs Reveal About Former Okaloosa Jail Directors Dismissal
Okaloosa County’s former jail director resigned under a severance deal amid findings that he violated county policy by promoting a company owned by his brother to provide ACA enrollment services to inmates.
