Florida
‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing:’ Real estate agents accused of exploiting sickly Florida couple
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A pair of real estate agents behind bars in Flagler County are accused in what Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood called an elaborate scam targeting an Ormond Beach couple looking to sell their properties, leading to one of the victim’s deaths after one of the agents signed a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) on their behalf.
Jason Valiant, 45, of Palm Coast, was arrested Thursday night by Flagler deputies on an out-of-county warrant for charges including an organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, grand theft over $100,000, grand theft of a vehicle, criminal use of personal ID information and illegal use of credit cards, Chitwood said on social media.
69-year-old Constance Kellner, another real estate agent, is named in Valiant’s affidavit. According to Chitwood, the Palm Coast woman faces two charges of accessory after the fact.
Kellner is accused of working with Valiant as a witness to form signings and of accompanying Valiant during later interviews with investigators, activities allegedly taken to help exploit 64-year-old Daniel Farley and 61-year-old Emmett Mood, the latter of whom died on July 2 after being taken off life support.
“The investigation showed that she had full knowledge of Valiant’s scheme,” Chitwood said of Kellner.
The date of July 2 was noted by investigators as the day after Valiant completed Mood’s DNR form process.
Kellner was arrested Friday in Flagler County, also on an out-of-county warrant.
Valiant’s affidavit is comprised of more than a dozen pages detailing allegations he stole $18,825 from Farley and Mood’s bank accounts — yet was unsuccessful in attempts to take another $14,000 when suspicions arose at the bank — willed their home and two other properties to himself, used Mood’s credit card for such purchases as gas, food and drink, vehicle detailing, legal fees and teeth whitening, and used their Dodge Ram pickup truck as if it was his.
The 3 properties Valiant acquired after the victim’s death totaled $1.6 million, according to property appraiser valuations. Two of the properties were oceanfront Flagler Beach parcels that Valiant and another (real estate agent), Constance Kellner, spoke of developing into a large condo complex or hotel.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Facebook (excerpt)
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) began investigating Valiant on June 20 after receiving a report that Farley and Mood were possible victims of elder exploitation.
Farley had been admitted to the hospital on May 28 and Mood was admitted to the same hospital on June 2, the latter of whom became extremely ill, according to the affidavit. The report received by DCF stated that in the couple’s absence, Valiant worked to take possession of their assets.
Investigators said Valiant’s girlfriend told them of conversations she heard between Valiant and Kellner which dealt in dreams of developing the couple’s land for their own gain.
(The girlfriend) stated over the past year she was occasionally party to conversations between Valiant and Kellner, whereby the two real estate agents talked of developing Mood’s Flagler Beach properties, which are prime ocean front land. In the conversations, Valiant and Kellner spoke of being the principal developers of Mood’s property and building either a large condominium complex or a multi-story hotel on the property and doing so by “cutting Mood out of the deal” and marketing the property themselves to a large development company. (The girlfriend) stated Valiant often told her this was a once in a lifetime chance to retire early, and said he would name the project, “Valiant Towers”.
Volusia Sheriff’s Office non-arrest affidavit of Jason Valiant (excerpt)
Among what the girlfriend told investigators, she reported Valiant to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation after suspecting he was presenting lowball offers from fictitious buyers to Mood in what she described as attempts to make him willingly sell one of his properties to “Trusted Experts Network LLC” — a company listed under Valiant’s name — well under fair market value.
Valiant was able to sign a DNR form for Mood after agreeing to serve as health care surrogate to him and Farley, the affidavit states. Though hospital staff reportedly attempted to reach Farley’s brother to serve in the role for his part, he declined at the time, citing he lived several states away.
Hospital records were uncovered which showed Valiant on June 9 arrived at the hospital with Kellner and a notary public to execute the power of attorney forms (POA) for Farley and Mood, designating him as health care surrogate and as having POA authority for all affairs and decisions — fiduciary and otherwise — on behalf of the two.
Kellner at one point accompanied Valiant to an interview with a DCF investigator, during which she allegedly slapped Valiant’s leg — reportedly telling him, “Don’t say that” — after Valiant said that Mood’s health had deteriorated to the point he could no longer make his own decisions, the affidavit states. After Kellner was then asked to leave the room, the investigator pressed Valiant on how Mood could have knowingly signed notarized documents in spite of the health conditions Valiant claimed. Valiant could not answer the question, according to the affidavit.
(The investigator) continued by questioning why Mood would sign over the deeds to his properties and transfer every asset he possessed to Valiant, a real estate agent with no personal relationship to him, and not his partner of 30 plus years. Additionally, she reminded Valiant that he had just stated the sole purpose of the POA’s over Mood and Farley were to have access to their bank accounts to help them pay bills, not to transfer Mood’s properties into his name. Valiant’s only response was to state everything was done by an attorney and was legal. Valiant then advised he did not wish to answer any additional questions, and he got up and left the room.
Volusia Sheriff’s Office non-arrest affidavit of Jason Valiant (excerpt)
Valiant is being held on a $375,000 bond while Kellner is being held on $25,000 bond, records show.
Thanks to our Volusia Sheriff’s Office fraud unit, Valiant is now in custody for his elaborate scam on this couple who originally hired him to sell their property.
Unfortunately, they chose a wolf in sheep’s clothing who saw an opportunity to make himself rich.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Facebook (excerpt)
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Charmaine Hickey, of Lang Realty in Port St. Lucie, was named in KNOW Women’s “100 Women to KNOW in America” list.
A Treasure Coast woman was named in a “100 Women to know in America” list for 2026.
KNOW Women is a global media company dedicated to giving women leaders connections and visibility. The company released a list of “100 Women to know in America” for 2026 to highlight the most influential women in business and leadership.
Charmaine Hickey, who works for Lang Realty in Port St. Lucie, was on the list.
“Charmaine’s recognition on a national stage like this comes as no surprise,” said Scott Agran, president of Lang Realty in a news release. “Her leadership, integrity, and commitment to both her profession and her community exemplify what this award stands for. She represents the very best of our industry.”
Hickey holds many industry designations and is known for her expertise in complex real estate transactions, as well as her client-first approach defined by honesty, patience and attention to detail, according to the news release.
Her community involvement includes serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting initiatives focused on education, women, families and youth.
“I am truly honored to be recognized among such an inspiring group of women,” said Hickey in the news release. “This award reflects not just individual achievement, but the power of community, mentorship, and lifting others as we grow. I’m grateful to be part of a network of women who are building meaningful impact every day.”
To see the full list go to theknowwomen.com.
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
A Florida surgeon who is facing criminal charges after allegedly removing a patient’s liver instead of his spleen has said he is “forever traumatized” by that person’s death.
In a deposition from November that was recently obtained by NBC, 44-year-old Thomas Shaknovsky described the death of 70-year-old William Bryan as an “incredibly unfortunate event that I regret deeply”.
Bryan died after the botched surgery; and in April, a grand jury in Tallahassee indicted Shaknovsky on a charge of manslaughter.
“I’m forever traumatized by it and hurt by it,” Shaknovsky added, also saying that wrong-site surgeries can happen “during difficult circumstances”.
The deposition provided Shaknovksy’s first detailed account of the operation that killed Bryan and eventually garnered national news headlines.
According to Shaknovksy’s deposition, after removing Bryan’s liver, the surgeon instructed a nurse to label the organ as a “spleen” – and he also identified it as a spleen in Bryan’s postoperative notes. Shaknovsky later said he had been “mentally compromised” at the time of Bryan’s death, explaining that he was “devastated, demoralized, crying over his passing, felt that I failed him”.
A lawsuit filed by Bryan’s widow, Beverly Bryan, accuses Shaknovsky of medical malpractice. The suit alleges that he “wrongfully omitted any reference to Mr Bryan’s liver being removed in order to ‘cover up’ his gross negligence/recklessness and to hopefully avoid the embarrassment due to such derelict care”, as NBC reported.
In April, the Walton county sheriff’s office said in a statement that Shaknovsky’s actions inflicted on Bryan “catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s death on the operating table”.
Shaknovsky’s deposition testimony described the chaos in the operating room after Bryan began bleeding extensively, causing his heart to stop. Medical staff performed chest compressions, and Shaknovsky attempted to find where the bleeding was coming from.
“I couldn’t tell the difference because I was so upset,” he said, referring to the organ he mistakenly identified.
“It was like a overflown sink that’s clogged up, and I am looking for a fork at the bottom, trying to feel and find the bleed, and I was not able to do so,” Shaknovsky said. He added: “After 20 minutes of struggling – desperately trying – to save his life, that’s when the wrong-site event took place.
“It’s a devastating thing, which I will have to live with the rest of my life,” Shaknovsky said in the eight-hour deposition reviewed by NBC. “I think about it every single day.”
After the medical team was unable to resuscitate Bryan, Shaknovsky said he went to the hospital’s medical library. “I went there to cry because I was devastated,” he said. “I didn’t want the staff to see me like that.”
Despite a spleen typically being significantly smaller than a liver, Shaknovsky said he believed Bryan’s spleen was “double the size of what is normal” because of a mass on it. Beverly Bryan’s lawsuit, however, states that a medical examiner told her that her husband’s spleen was anatomically “nearly normal”, according to NBC.
Shaknovsky would face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if eventually convicted as charged.
Omelet, taco and chicken salad joints are in, while spaghetti gelato, pizza and (for now) wing places are out.
At least when it comes to recent openings and closings on the Southwest Florida foodie scene, that is.
Let’s begin this recap of events in Cape Coral, where a popular breakfast-and-lunch restaurant made its long-awaited debut.
This is where the omelets come in…
House of Omelets
The fourth location of this popular breakfast and lunch restaurant made its highly anticipated debut along Cape Coral Parkway on Monday, May 4.
“It’s amazing,” owner Toni Dedaj said. “I’m very happy. I like this area, the way Cape Coral is growing. And this building is beautiful.”
That building is the eye-catching Bimini Square off Cape Coral Parkway. House of Omelets, which anchors the first-floor northeast corner unit, has a classic European feel. With seating for 89 inside and 40 outside, it’s about half the size of Dedaj’s Pine Island Road location.
“We like it,” he said. “We still have the big menu, but we like the smaller seating area. Service is more personal.”
And speaking of that menu (the same you’ll find at all House of Omelets locations), it is indeed huge, with about 30 signature omelets alone. Add in all the egg dishes (House Slam is a best seller), favorites (like corned beef hash and chicken & waffles), off the griddle dishes (multiple pancake, French toast and waffle options), Benedicts and crepes, and we’re already up to huge without even getting to the lunch items.
Those include appetizers, salads, signature sandwiches (from lobster grilled cheese to Philly steak), burgers & melts, and pitas & wraps. Free parking can be found in the parking garage, shared with neighboring Bimini Basin Seafood.
“It’s easy in and out,” Dedaj said. “Very easy. Come visit us.” Find it at 440 Cape Coral Parkway; (239) 360-8083; there are two locations in Cape Coral and one each in Fort Myers and Naples. Go to houseofomelets.com or follow on Instagram.
Chicken Salad Chick
More than 100 customers were waiting outside when this chicken salad-loving, fast-casual restaurant opened its new Cape Coral location on April 29. Located in the Shops at Del Sol (near Swig!), Chicken Salad Chick has 13 different types of chicken salad, including traditional, fruity & nutty, savory and spicy flavors. Get it in one or two scoops, in a sandwich, in a melt (Bacon cheddar or chicken) or in a BLT. A turkey club is also available. It’s all scratch-made, just like the sides which include broccoli, grape and pasta salads, fresh fruit, mac ‘n cheese and soup. A few desserts (white chocolate layer cake and signature cookies) are also on the menu. Get it all by dining in, driving through, taking out, or by delivery. It’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Go to chickensaladchick.com or follow on Facebook for more.
Point Ybel Brewing
We recently checked out this brewery’s new downtown Fort Myers location off First Street in the Fortiner Building, and we love it. It’s all the good things from the original San Carlos Boulevard location plunked down in a lighter, brighter space (and it’s next to another Chocolattes location!!!). With 17 taps, you’ll find all the same award-winning beers Point Ybel is known for — including Sanibel Light, Snook Bite IPA, Sanibel Red and (our favorite) The Full Breakfast stout. Even though it’s only been open since April 11, it’s already right at home with a full slate of events — from live music and yoga to trivia and music bingo.
“This is a new chapter for us,” owner and brewer Jordan Weisberg said. “We’re excited for it. We want to build the same community downtown that we have (in south Fort Myers).”
It’s off to a great start. Drop by 2451 First St., Fort Myers; (239) 603-6565; pointybelbrew.com and on Facebook
Turco Taco
With three locations in Naples, this fast-casual taco joint has finally come to downtown Fort Myers. It opened April 24 at 2451 First Street. In a former office space, it’s across from Fort Myers Regional Library, on the northwest corner of First and Bay streets. Turco Taco is known for its fresh and bold gourmet Mexican-Turkish fusion tacos, gourmet quesadillas and organic salads. We can’t wait to check it out. (239) 344-7732; theturcotaco.com or on Facebook
Capriotti’s
We’ve already reported that this popular Delaware-founded chain opened a Cape Coral location on April 28 in the Shops at Del Mar off Pine Island Road. But can we just say that The Bobbie — billed as the original Thanksgiving sandwich — lives up to the hype? The slow-roasted turkey (cooked overnight and hand-pulled in the morning), house-made stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo combination won us over on the first bite. Order it hot or cold, in 4, 8, 10 or 18-inch sizes. And if you’re not feeling Thanksgiving-y, Capriotti’s has plenty of other options, including cheesesteaks, tuna, classic Italian, BLT, meatball, Capastrami, Wagyu beef sandwiches and more. Find it all at 327 SW 10th Place, unit 202, Cape Coral; (239) 471-0469; capriottis.com or follow on Facebook.
Closings
The Fat Apple: The sign is down and the doors of this pizza joint in North Fort Myers are locked. After nine years, this staple in the Publix-anchored Eagle Landing plaza off Bayshore Road has permanently closed. It steadily built a loyal following after Guy Beekman, who owned the legendary Birdie’s Pizza in Fort Myers for 20 years, opened it in July 2017.
Spaghy Gelato: This small Cape Coral shop in Chelsea Place off Del Prado Boulevard has closed. “Cape Coral … thank you,” an April 28 post on its Facebook page read. “Because of your support, your love, your energy … we’re taking the next step. We are officially relocating to the East Coast.” It was known for its viral spaghetti gelato — handcrafted gelato shaped into spaghetti form and topped with a variety of toppings. “Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and for believing in something a little different,” the post concluded.
Wingnuts: After spending the last 15 years at 231 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral, this popular chicken wing restaurant is closing. For now, anyway. “Our time at this location has come to an end,” an April 30 post on the Pub & Grub’s Facebook page read. “Our last day will be May 16th. HOWEVER, we will be moving to a new location soon.” It’s currently in Moderna Plaza, north of Cape Coral Hospital and south of Hancock Bridge Parkway (where the recently closed Misto Bar & Grill was). “Although it will take us time to relocate the restaurant, we will keep you posted, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY,” the post continued. “… We look forward to seeing you in the very near future. Our thanks again for all your support.” Follow along on Facebook for updates.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
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