KISSIMMEE, Fla. — New court filings are giving 9 Investigates insight on the evidence stacked against the ex-cop-turned-felon, who we exposed working illegal security inside a Kissimmee neighborhood, and his longtime girlfriend who gave him the job.
Both are facing criminal charges related to running an unlicensed security agency, after a series of stories by Channel 9 investigative reporter Karla Ray.
When first questioned by state agents, property manager Sherry Raposo described her longtime boyfriend and business partner, Joseph Conover, as a “handyman” for their company, Management 35 Firm. Investigators say the evidence is clear that he was acting as security, and illegally using the state of Florida seal on uniforms and a patrol car to appear more legitimate.
READ: Former Turnberry Reserve security guard files lawsuit claiming injuries, emotional distress
Just-released court records include body camera video, collected as part of evidence against Conover and Raposo. The two were seen speaking to an Osceola County deputy in September 2019, and the deputy refers to Conover as “officer.”
Two days after the encounter with OCSO, 9 Investigates confronted Conover about him appearing to work security in the neighborhood. Our questions came after residents reached out, concerned due to Conover’s criminal history in North Carolina. There, he was convicted of obstruction and assault, tied to his time as a County Police Officer.
Days after our first report, state agents questioned Conover and Raposo about his attire and the patrol car being used inside the Turnberry Reserve HOA.
“I am not part of Turnberry’s public safety department,” Conover said to investigators, according to court records. When asked why he dressed in tactical clothing, sold on a website for military and police, he said, “It’s hot as heck out there, sir, and I burn really easily.”
Conover went on to say, “I am a crime prevention practitioner. That’s what I do. I’m certified through the AG’s office. I was nationally certified. That’s what I do. I do crime prevention consulting and training. Companies hire me to do that.”
During the interview, agents seized a public safety patch, which included the Florida state seal. The seal was also used on the vehicle Conover was seen using in the neighborhood.
Cox Media Group
