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Florida briefs: Baby killed in Jacksonville crash

 
Published Jan. 26, 2014

JACKSONVILLE

Baby killed, 6 others injured in collision

An 8-month-old baby was killed in a Jacksonville crash, and six others were injured.

The Florida Highway Patrol officers said the baby and four other passengers were in a Land Rover that drove into the path of an oncoming Ford Explorer around 3 a.m. Saturday on Highway 17.

The Ford hit the Land Rover, and both its driver and a passenger were taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries. Three other passengers in the Land Rover, as well as the driver were also taken to the hospital. At least one of the passengers in that car was in serious condition. Officers are investigating the incident.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Note leads police to missing woman

Officials say they were able to track down a woman allegedly kidnapped by her boyfriend, thanks to a note she was able to pass to a stranger at a gas station in north Florida.

Investigators said the note asked the recipient to call the woman's father and not the police, but the stranger did contact St. Johns County Sheriff's deputies Friday afternoon. They spotted the car in which the woman had been taken about two hours later.

The woman's boyfriend is facing kidnapping, domestic violence and drug charges. Authorities were investigating how he was able to force her to go with him. The boyfriend was released on $15,000 bail Saturday.

MIAMI

'Turbo-Tax' created for immigration

A South Florida native and former White House fellow is taking the lead of a tech startup aimed at becoming the "TurboTax" of the immigration process.

A former U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services chief founded Clearpath in 2009 as a private sector solution to the United States' complex visa application process.

Incoming CEO Felice Gorordo took the reins this week. He says the goal is to provide a simple process that is cheaper than going to an attorney. The Clearpath fees generally range from about $70 and $200. Government fees are additional. Gorordo said those with complicated cases should still seek professional legal help, and the Clearpath website refers those who don't appear to be eligible for the applications they are attempting to file to the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

GREENACRES

Cop accused of hiding HIV status

A police officer in Palm Beach County is facing two felony counts for failing to tell his sexual partners he has the HIV virus. Authorities are looking for more victims.

The Greenacres police officer was arrested Friday and released from Palm Beach County Jail after posting $30,000 bond.

Police officials said he is on administrative leave without pay.

Authorities began investigating the officer last year when a woman told them he shared his HIV status with her after the two had sex in 2007. According to the investigation, the officer was aware of his HIV status in 2007 because he had been diagnosed in a pre-employment blood test.

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The woman's case was too old for prosecutors to pursue, but she helped them find the officer's more recent sexual partners.

WEST PALM BEACH

Judge denies bond in immigration case

A judge on Friday denied bond to a South Florida man accused of bringing two Colombians to the United States illegally and dropping them by luxury sailboat at Palm Beach area dinner spot.

Michael Kazmer is also awaiting trial in Collier County on charges including identity theft.

Times wires