NAPLES, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on filmmaker Tyler Perry announcing a lawsuit against a former sheriff’s deputy in the disappearance of a Florida man (all times local):
12:25 p.m.
Filmmaker Tyler Perry and a prominent attorney have announced a lawsuit against a former Florida sheriff’s deputy connected to the disappearance of two minority men almost 15 years ago.
Perry and Benjamin Crump said Tuesday that the lawsuit in a state court alleges former Collier County deputy Steve Calkins was responsible for the death of Terrance Williams, a black man who disappeared in 2003. Calkins had picked him up after Williams’ car broke down. Calkins also was the last person seen with Felipe Santos, an illegal immigrant who disappeared after the deputy arrested him following a fender bender.
In 2013, Perry offered a $100,000 reward for information about the men’s disappearance. He raised that to $200,000 Tuesday, saying no information had come in.
Calkins did not return a call seeking comment but he has said he dropped both men off at a convenience store.
Santos was Hispanic and Williams was black. Calkins is white.
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5 a.m.
Filmmaker Tyler Perry will make an announcement about two Florida men who disappeared almost 15 years ago.
Perry and attorney Benjamin Crump are scheduled Tuesday to make an announcement about Felipe Santos and Terrance Williams, who vanished after being detained separately by Collier County deputy Steven Calkins. He wasn’t charged but was fired for not cooperating with investigators. Santos was Hispanic and Williams was black. Calkins is white.
Perry offered a $100,000 reward in 2013 for information about the disappearances.
The men vanished after being picked up by Calkins. Santos was in a 2003 fender bender and Calkins arrested him because he didn’t have insurance or registration. Williams vanished in 2004 after Calkins stopped at his broken-down car.
Calkins told investigators he left both at a convenience store.
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