Deputies boost Sorrento, FL patrols...

Deputies boost Sorrento patrols


The Orlando Sentinel, March 28, 2008

Sorrento, FL -- In the wake of a Sunday night incident during which officials say a group of partygoers beat Deputy Cliff McMennamy when he responded to a noise complaint, the Lake County Sheriff's Office has ramped up patrols in the Sorrento neighborhood where the attack took place.

Sgt. John Herrell said deputies hope to increase their visibility and gather more information about the beating. Thus far only one suspect, Miguel Gomez, 35, who owned the home where the party took place, has been arrested in connection with the attack.

As a result of the patrol, however, deputies have identified 20 illegal immigrants, all of whom have been or will be turned over to U.S. Border Patrol and deported, Herrell said. He estimated that the Sheriff's Office assists in the detainment and deportation of about four illegal immigrants during a normal week.

The increased patrols have residents on edge, according to Sister Ann Kendrick, co-founder of the Office for Farmworker Ministry in Apopka. Kendrick said she has received calls from frightened people who live near where the beating occurred.

'People were hiding in their houses and afraid to come out,' she said. 'They felt like it was a retaliation against the Mexican community.'

Maj. Peyton Grinnell said the patrols were launched to ensure residents' safety.

'If a person will attack and beat a deputy sheriff, what will they do to a normal member of the community?' he asked.



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