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Sebastian police volunteer charged after detectives find child porn images on flash drive

SEBASTIAN — Sheriff's detectives arrested a Sebastian police volunteer after they searched his home and found dozens of images depicting child pornography on a flash drive he owned, officials said. Arnold William Flannery Jr., who served as a volunteer since 2022, was no longer affiliated with the Sebastian Police Department as of Tuesday, said police Capt. Tim Wood. "The safety and well-being of our community's children are of upmost importance," Sebastian police Chief Daniel Acosta said in a statement. "The behavior alleged in this case is abhorrent and will not be tolerated by anyone, regardless of their position. Our thoughts are with the victims, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served." As a police volunteer, Flannery helped with ...

Deputies investigating possible arson after brush fire fully contained

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Deputies were investigating the Sunday brush fire as a possible arson after learning two people were seen in the same wooded area moments before flames ignited. Detectives spoke with a witness and a person of interest, said Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "A witness observed a male and female arguing in the woods. A short time later, the fire started," Jaworski said. "To us that warrants a closer look as to how this fire started." County and state firefighters fully contained the blaze after heavy smoke caused the closure of 27th Avenue Southwest for several hours. Fire crews were monitoring the area for hot spots on Monday. Indian River ...

Groundbreaking brings organizers closer to vision of WWII Tribute

VERO BEACH — Construction for the World War II Tribute honoring 42 fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines is underway at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. Four veterans were front and center to witness the groundbreaking ceremony last month, with many dignitaries attending, along with a rendition of the National Anthem by Grammy-Award winning vocalist Lisa Eden. "This is a place where past heroes will be honored and future leaders will be inspired," said Retired Army Col. Tony Young, the lead for the WWII Tribute team. "We are jubilant to share these days with the veterans who spent their youth in the far-flung islands of the Pacific and endured the God-awful diseases and carnage. Some were MIAs, some were POWs in ...