Update: Pastor Angel Perez Press Release [07132012]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANGEL PEREZ VOLUNTARILY SUBMITS HIMSELF FOR ARREST SO HE CAN ANSWER BASELESS ALLEGATION OF FRAUD.
Kissimmee, Florida:
The law firm of Longwell Lawyers represents Mr. Angel Perez. As was previously reported, Pastor Angel Perez was arrested in May 2012, and released on bond. No charges have been filed. Mr. Perez did not engage in any unlawful conduct in that case. Many news-media outlets have inaccurately reported the story to imply that Mr. Perez admitted to some wrong doing – and that he claimed a demon possessed him. This is a complete fabrication. Mr. Perez has never made such a statement to law enforcement, and no such claim is alleged. Contrary to the implication that he has confessed, Mr. Perez absolutely denies the allegations. Longwell Lawyers previously expressed disapproval of the way that the Kissimmee Police Department (KPD) conducted their investigation and reported the arrest of Mr. Perez to the media. Rather than being a search for the truth, the investigation conducted by KPD appears to have been an effort to “make a case” out of flimsy evidence. This was further confirmed when KPD went to the media and reported the case in a manner that was not consistent with the constraint and respect for our constitutional due process rights that are required of a professional law enforcement agency. The police are here to protect us all. Even those innocent citizens who are wrongly accused of a crime that is not supported by evidence.
On July 12, 2012, the Kissimmee Police Department took it upon themselves to once again go to the media to report that Mr. Perez was wanted on a warrant for Fraud. There is no reason that Longwell Lawyers can imagine that would necessitate a press release for this case, other than that of a concerted effort on the part of KPD to malign Mr. Perez, and pursue a witch hunt against him. Worse yet, when Longwell Lawyers went with Mr. Perez to his bondsman’s office to arrange for him to surrender to authorities, no warrant could be located in the system. Longwell Lawyers then went to the jail with Angel Perez and confirmed that there was not a warrant in the system. As such, Mr. Perez returned to his home. Once again, this appears to be a case of the Kissimmee Police Department failing in its obligation to the public to thoroughly and fairly investigate cases and exercise its power. The allegation of fraud is completely without merit, and again not supported by evidence. KPD never sought to speak with Mr. Perez or his attorneys at Longwell Lawyers regarding their investigation, prior to obtaining a warrant. Then KPD went to the media and trumpeted their warrant, only to have Mr. Perez turned away when he tried to surrender to authorities.
During the late afternoon hours of July 13, 2012, Mr. Perez peaceably turned himself in to the Osceola County Jail to answer the baseless allegations of fraud levied by the Kissimmee police department. It should be noted that the State Attorney’s office has not yet reviewed the allegations made by the Kissimmee Police Department. As such, no formal charges have been filed against Mr. Perez with regard to the allegations of fraud. Longwell lawyers would like to thank the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism and cooperation regarding this case. The Sheriffs from Osceola County were accommodating and very helpful in assisting our client, Mr. Angel Perez, with turning himself into authorities.
