OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon is warning about the growing dangers tied to illegal house parties following multiple recent shootings and arrests in the area.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has investigated several incidents in recent weeks, including two homicides involving teenagers and another shooting that injured a 17-year-old, all linked to large unauthorized gatherings.
Authorities said 19-year-old Jeremiah Kelly-Alexander Richmond of Kissimmee was arrested by the sheriff’s office Fugitive Unit with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. He faces charges including contributing to the delinquency of a minor and tampering with evidence.
Detectives said Richmond promoted and hosted two illegal house parties tied to separate homicide investigations involving 17-year-old Qvarious McCloud and Daesean Anthony Moctezuma.
In a separate case over the weekend, 18-year-olds Katty Francois and Neika St. Louis, both of Orlando, were arrested for promoting and running an illegal party and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Deputies had responded to a large gathering on Thunderbird Road in Kissimmee where a shooting occurred.
A third individual, 19-year-old Robert David White of Orlando, was also arrested in connection with that incident on drug and weapons charges.
Blackmon said these events often involve underage drinking, firearms and violence, creating dangerous environments that can quickly escalate.
“These are not harmless parties,” Blackmon said. “They create dangerous environments involving underage drinking, firearms, violence, and criminal activity that put lives at risk.”
With the upcoming Rolling Loud weekend, the sheriff’s office, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, plans to increase patrols throughout the tourist corridor and areas with short-term vacation rentals to deter illegal gatherings and related crime.
Blackmon also urged parents to stay involved in their children’s activities, emphasizing awareness of where they are and who they are with.
The sheriff’s office said it will continue to aggressively investigate organizers of illegal house parties and hold those responsible accountable. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline.