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The Economic Crimes Unit/Task Force is composed of an investigative Sergeant, Agents and an Analyst. We also partner with the Melbourne Police Department including one of their detectives within this unit. This unit is dedicated to a team approach of combating financial crimes which creates effective communication and collaboration. This collaboration greatly enhances law enforcement’s ability to protect and aggressively pursue those who victimize our residents. In addition, we have partnered with our Federal counterparts to effectively pursue all violators with no jurisdictional concerns.
The Economic Crime Unit is responsible for investigating identity theft, exploitation of elderly, schemes to defraud, public assistance fraud, money laundering, and/or any substantial fraudulent type crimes where the victims suffer a loss.
The unit has also partnered with our victim advocacy to help those in need, specifically our elderly, to assist them through the process when they are victimized.
The last component of the team approach is our partnership with the State Attorney’s office. This partnership allows the successful prosecution of sometimes difficult investigations that require expertise of all involved. The State Attorney’s Office is able to offer their expertise from the prosecution side which can be invaluable to the successful conclusion of these investigations.
If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the Economic Crimes Unit at (321) 633-8410.
The Homicide Unit aggressively investigates all death cases including homicides, suicides, accidental and natural death cases. Agents assigned to this unit are dedicated men and women who work hard to solve current cases as well as unsolved homicides.
We urge anyone in the community with information regarding a current or unsolved homicide to contact the Homicide Unit directly by calling 321-633-8413. If you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, please call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or visit their website at crimeline.org.
Unsolved Homicide of Steven Gay
On November 20, 2009, Steven Gay was murdered during a home invasion robbery.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Andrew Richard Small
On October 11, 2007,Andrew Richard Small was murdered during a home invasion robbery in Cocoa.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Bennie Carter
On May 9, 2007, Bennie Carter was confronted and murdered in the driveway of his residence in Cocoa.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Mark Stewart
On May 19, 2006, the body of 22-year-old Mark Anthony Stewart was found lying by the roadway on Old Dixie Highway in Titusville.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Hein Van Tran
On October 29, 2003, the skeletal remains of a Vietnamese male, Hein Van Tran, were found scattered along Pluckebaum Road in Cocoa.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Eric Nicoletti
On September 27, 2000, at approximately 4:45 am, the manager of the Sunshine Food Mart, identified by the “BP” gasoline/fuel sign at 4580 Grissom Parkway, Cocoa, found the body of Eric Nicoletti in the store’s parking lot.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Kathy Couillard
On Christmas Eve, 1999, the body of Kathy Couillard was discovered in a wooded area off Lake Drive, Cocoa.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Linda Galloway
On July 15, 1995, Linda Galloway, also known as Linda Lanore Smith, was found on the side of Parrish Road, Cocoa. She died on July 24, 1995.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Trena Pauley
On December 19, 1994, the body of Trena Pauley was found in an orange grove in Mims.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Charlotte “Amy” Gellert
On the evening of Sunday, March 20, 1994, Charlotte “Amy” Gellert was attacked by an intruder outside her residence in Cocoa Beach. She died as a result of her injuries.
The intruder was described as a white male, early twenties, 5’07” – 5’10” tall, weighing between 165 to 185 pounds.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Michael Capponi
On July 9, 1993, at approximately 11:55 p.m., the victim was located in the bathroom at the Starvin Marvin’s convenience store, located at 4455 West King Street, Cocoa. Witnesses observed at least two black males running from the scene after the shots were heard
The black male shown in the composite was seen leaving the bathroom in the company of another black male after the shooting occurred. He is described as eighteen years of age at the time of the incident, 6’0 tall, 130-140 pounds, wearing a dark colored tank top and red knee length shorts. The second male was shorter and heavy set. Both were last seen on foot eastbound from the store
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Bertha Parker
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide of Bertha R. Parker
On December 24, 1992, jet skiers found the partial remains of an unidentified female in the Indian River Lagoon near Grant. The victim was identified in 2011 by DNA as 87-year-old Bertha Parker.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Brenda Joyce Fletcher
The victim, Brenda Joyce Fletcher, was discovered on Tuesday, April 2, 1991, in a water-filled drainage ditch, along the northbound on-ramp from State Road 520 to Interstate 95, Cocoa. The victim was listed as a missing person when her body was discovered. The victim’s last contact with a family member was on October 22, 1990.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Christine Cecelic
On March 11, 1990, the body of Christine Cecelic, of Cocoa, was found in a canal along Interstate 95, just miles from the Indian River County line.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Thaddeus Houston
On March 12, 1990, at approximately 8:24 a.m., gun shots were reported to have been heard coming from Bay 38, 1520 West Peachtree Street, Cocoa. Upon investigation, the body of Thaddeus Houston, was found lying on the floor of his scrap metal business.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Susan Krauss
Susan Krauss was discovered murdered in her apartment on Wednesday, December 28, 1988. Krauss was last seen the previous evening shopping alone at the Albertson’s grocery store in Indian Harbor Beach. Krauss lived by herself at The Hamptons Apartments located at 3040 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Pauline Scandale
On May 31, 1988, Pauline Scandale was found by her son after she failed to answer the phone at her Canova Beach home. There was evidence of forced entry to the home.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Julie Ann Backstrom
On February 11, 1987, Julie Ann Backstrom, was discovered lying in a canal located on the south side of the eastbound lanes of SR 528, approximately 1,000 yards east of Interstate 95.
The victim’s vehicle, a 1982 Plymouth Champ, blue in color, was found parked in a business parking lot in Mims, Florida, on February 13, 1987.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
John Hamilton
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide of John Hamilton
On December 29, 1986, John Hamilton, a supervisor for several area Mr. Grocer stores was murdered in the parking lot of at 5000 State Road 520, West Cocoa, as he was taking a bank deposit to his car. The suspect fled the store in the victim’s car.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide
On December 16, 1985, the skeletal remains of an unidentified white female were discovered in a densely wooded area near Melbourne. She is estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old and approximately 5’6” tall.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Lynn Desantis
On November 26, 1985, county workers reported the body of Lynn Desantis in a ditch alongside Grant Road. The victim was residing at the Colonial Motel in Melbourne.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Kim Walker
On January 30, 1985, a human bone was found one mile south of Malabar Road, between US1 and the railroad track. A search of the area revealed additional remains of the victim, later identified as missing person Kim Walker.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Cheryl Ann Windsor
On May 1, 1984, boaters found the body of a female floating in a creek north of the Barge Canal on Merritt Island. She was later identified as Cheryl Ann Windsor of Orlando, who had been reported missing by her mother on April 7, 1984.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Nancy Kay Brown
On March 8, 1984, skeletal remains were found near a lake off Cangro Street in Canaveral Groves. The victim was later identified through dental records as Nancy Kay Brown of Rantoul, Illinois. Brown had been missing from Cocoa Beach since June 6, 1983.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Rita Cozza
On June 26, 1983, the body of Rita Cozza was found lying on a couch inside her home on Fell Road, West Melbourne. She was found by a man renting a room in her home.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Gregory Roberts
On October 29, 1983, the body of Gregory Roberts was found lying next to his parked car at a construction site at Ridgewood Avenue and Ocean Woods Boulevard, Cape Canaveral.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Bertha Parker
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide of Thelma Rhame
On December 18, 1982, a concerned neighbor found Thelma Rhame’s body on the living room floor of her condominium on Garfield Avenue in Cape Canaveral. The 66-year-old victim was partially disabled.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
William Boyle
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide of William Boyle
On December 5, 1981, a caretaker discovered the victim, later identified as William Boyle, of Holopaw, at a southbound I95 rest stop near Palm Bay. A pick-up truck registered to his father was found a short distance away.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unidentified White Male
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide
On July 2, 1981, a half-buried skeleton was found in a wooded area between the St. Johns River and Interstate 95 off State Road 520, near Canaveral Groves. The University of Florida’s anthropology team indicated the victim is a white male, between 45 and 55 years old.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unidentified Black Female
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide
On October 10, 1980, a passing motorist found the body of an unidentified black female on the east shoulder of Murrell Road, near Rockledge.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Franklin Shumaker and Patricia Doyle
On January 9, 1979, workers became suspicious of a motor home parked all day at an I-95 rest stop near Grant and summoned authorities. The bodies of Franklin Shumaker and Patricia Doyle, both of Deland, were found inside.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Elizabeth Zegzula
On March 10, 1978, the body of Elizabeth Zegzula was found in her Miramar Avenue apartment in Indialantic by her three children.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Sandra Dubose
On August 5, 1978, the body of Sandra Dubose was found in a ditch in West Cocoa. Days prior, merchants saw her hitchhiking in the area of State Road 520 and State Road 3.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Thomas Padgett
(no photo available)
Unsolved Homicide of Thomas Padgett
On May 5, 1974, the victim was found lying unconscious next to the roadway at US1 and Shell Pit Road. The victim was later identified as Thomas Padgett of Daytona Beach. He later died from his injuries.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of William Agee
On January 2, 1973, a shallow grave containing the recently interred remains of a black male were found off State Road 46, west of Interstate 95, in Mims. The victim was later identified as William Agee of Melbourne.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of Brenda Riley
Brenda Riley was reported missing on May 24, 1971. On May 27, 1971, a lawn maintenance worker discovered the body of Brenda Riley in an overgrown field several blocks from her residence off Catalina Isle Drive in Merritt Island.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Unsolved Homicide of William Hall
On June 6, 1967,William Hall and his girlfriend were parked on a deserted north Merritt Island road when they were approached by an unknown black male who robbed and beat Hall to death.
Any persons providing information in reference to this case may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
A: Generally, reports from the Homicide Unit are available approximately 6-8 weeks after the incident occurs. A copy of all reports can be obtained through a Public Records Request by following this link. If you have any questions, you can reach the Records Unit at (321) 264-5214.
A: The Homicide Unit rarely closes an investigation until the Medical Examiner’s Office completes their report and forwards the information to the Sheriff’s Office for review. The normal delay occurs due to the toxicology tests that are performed on every death, which usually takes several weeks to obtain. Depending on the type of investigation, it may take longer before all reports associated with the incident are complete and approved.
A: A copy of the Medical Examiner’s Report is available from the Medical Examiner’s Office by calling (321) 633-1981.
A: Investigators are responsible by law for contacting the next of kin during a death investigation. They will attempt to find the nearest adult that is directly related by blood to notify them of the death. There are instances when agents are unable to locate the next of kin. Agents will usually speak to witnesses that are pertinent to the investigation. Please contact the case agent if you have any questions regarding an investigation by calling the Homicide Unit at (321) 633-8413.
A: Depending on the location of the death, property is usually left at the home of the decedent. Agents do not take property from the decedent unless it is evidence for the investigation or for safekeeping. Items that are taken can usually be released to the next of kin by calling the case agent at (321) 633-8413. A property receipt accompanies any evidence that is taken by Sheriff’s Office personnel. A copy of the property receipt is made available to the next of kin to identify the items taken during the investigation. An original suicide note left by the decedent cannot be returned to the next of kin. A copy of the note will be made for the family. The original note is retained as evidence and is processed as needed for forensic evidence.
The Sexual Offender Registration & Tracking Unit (SORT) is responsible for the registration of all sexual predators and offenders in Brevard County. The Unit also provides community notification and address verification of offenders and predators and investigates violations of the registration and statutory requirements.
Effective December 7, 2020, all registration fingerprints will be done at the Jail Complex.
Brevard County Jail Complex
SORT Unit
860 Camp Rd
Cocoa, FL 32927
Registration Office: (321) 206-9433
Investigative Office: (321) 633-8407
8:00 am to 3:00 PM
Monday – Friday
(excluding holidays)
What to Bring
Valid identification card or driver’s license.
If this is your first time registering, bring any court disposition paperwork to include sentencing documents.
“Internet identifier” means any designation, moniker, screen name, username, or other name used for self-identification to send or receive social Internet communication (see s. 775.21(2)(m), F.S. for definition of “social Internet communication”). Internet identifier does not include a date of birth, social security number, personal identification number (PIN), or password. A sexual offender’s or sexual predator’s use of an Internet identifier that discloses his or her date of birth, social security number, personal identification number (PIN), password, or other information that would reveal the identity of the sexual offender or sexual predator waives the disclosure exemption in this paragraph for such personal information.
“Permanent residence” means a place where I abide, lodge, or reside for 3 or more consecutive days.
“Professional license” means the document of authorization or certification issued to me by an agency of this state for a regulatory purpose, or by any similar agency in another jurisdiction for a regulatory purpose, for me to engage in an occupation or carry out a trade or business.
“Temporary residence” means a place where I abide, lodge, or reside, including, but not limited to, vacation, business, or personal travel destinations in or out of this state, for a period of 3 or more days in the aggregate during any calendar year and which is not my permanent address or, if my permanent residence is not in this state, a place where I am employed, practice a vocation, or am enrolled as a student for any period of time in this state.
“Transient residence” means a county where I live, remain, or am located for a period of 3 or more days in the aggregate during a calendar year and which is not my permanent or temporary address. The term includes, but is not limited to, a place where I sleep or seek shelter and a location that has no specific street address.
“Vehicles owned” means any motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01, which is registered, co-registered, leased, titled, or rented by me; a rented vehicle that I am authorized to drive; or a vehicle for which I am insured as a driver. The term also includes any motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01, which is registered, co-registered, leased, titled, or rented by a person or persons residing at my permanent residence for 5 or more consecutive days.
As a sexual predator (F.S. 775.21) or sexual offender (F.S. 943.0435; 944.607; or 985.4815) I understand that I am required by law to abide by the following:
NOTE: All sexual predators, sexual offenders convicted for offenses specified in F.S. 943.0435(14)(b), and juvenile sexual offenders required to register per F.S. 943.0435(1)(h)1.d. are required to reregister four times per year. All other sexual offenders are required to reregister two times per year.
| If my birth month is: | If you are required to register TWO times per year you must register each: | If you are required to register FOUR times per year you must register each: |
|---|---|---|
| January | January & July | January, April, July & October |
| February | February & August | February, May, August & November |
| March | March & September | March, June, September & December |
| April | April & October | April, July, October & January |
| May | May & November | May, August, November & February |
| June | June & December | June, September, December & March |
| July | July & January | July, October, January & April |
| August | August & February | August, November, February & May |
| September | September & March | September, December, March & June |
| October | October & April | October, January, April & July |
| November | November & May | November, February, May & August |
| December | December & June | December, March, June & September |
Residency Restriction
Prohibits Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators from residing within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds and day cares. Exemptions include:
Restriction of Certain Activities of Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators
No Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator shall enter into or remain within the 1,000’ buffer zone surrounding any school, daycare center, park or playground unless the offender/predator falls under one of the exceptions. This shall not be construed as prohibiting any person from traveling on those public roads located within the county when traveling through a buffer zone without intentional delay. Please refer to the ordinance for a complete list of exceptions.
Note: While Brevard County Ordinance 2006-31 is enforceable in all cities within Brevard County, municipalities may have additional ordinance restrictions which are enforceable in specific city jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of the Registrant to determine if there are any potential local municipal ordinances.
BCSO Courtesy Address Reviews for Sexual Offenders & Predators
Address reviews are conducted as a courtesy, not a requirement. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office does not guarantee the accuracy of the current mapping programs being utilized. If the residence subject to review is located within the boundaries of a municipality that maintains its own municipal police department, you must check with that local police department for compliance. Address reviews for residences in the county jurisdiction must be done IN PERSON at the BCSO SORT Office during regular registration hours.
The Special Victims Unit is a dedicated group of Agents who provide superior investigative support services for law enforcement personnel in order to reduce trauma to the victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while holding offenders accountable for their crimes.
Within this Unit are a compassionate team of Victim Advocates who provide assistance and information on resources to victims of these crimes, in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office Victim Services.
It is the policy of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to provide and maintain a strong link between the victims of a crime or tragedy and the Sheriff’s Office. Our goal is to assist victims of a crime and their families to return to the level of normalcy enjoyed prior to the offense or tragedy, and to ensure compliance with Chapter 960 of the Florida Statutes. Services offered by the Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit include protection, scheduling interviews and other appearances at the convenience of the victim/witness when possible, case information and procedures, referrals for community resources, returning of property, and victim notification.
The criminal justice process involves several stages, and can span a lengthy amount of time. The process includes arrest of a suspect, arraignment in open court, hearings, trial and post deposition.
If you would like more information and any of these processes or resources available to you, please contact us using the information below.
