RECENT NEWS
July 26, 2019
Criminal charges could be elusive in probe of Epstein work release
“The public deserves to understand what happened,” said former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan, who now practices criminal defense and civil law in Palm Beach Gardens.
July 24, 2019
FBI wants public, law enforcement to identify signs someone is planning act of extremist violence
"Law enforcement really thought that they could basically do it alone without necessarily the public's input. What we have seen evolve certainly past 9-11, this is a group effort," said Stuart Kaplan, former FBI Special Agent.
July 8, 2019
Prosecutors outline new underage sex trafficking charges against Jeffrey Epstein
Mega-millionaire and part-time Palm Beacher Jeffrey Epstein on Monday entered a plea of not guilty on new charges of sex trafficking minors.
June 27, 2019
Jury decides to spare man convicted in Super Bowl triple homicide
“As of 2017, Florida reenacted a new death penalty statute which requires a total unanimous verdict, meaning that all 12 jurors must agree on the imposition of death,” Kaplan said.
June 19, 2019
Florida Senate Hearing Held To Determine Former BSO Sheriff Scott Israel's Future
The Florida Senate begins a hearing Tuesday in Tallahassee regarding the future of suspended Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel.
June 19, 2019
Florida Senate Holds Hearing On Former BSO Sheriff Scott Israel's Future
The Florida Senate began a hearing Tuesday in Tallahassee regarding the future of suspended Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel.
June 18, 2019
Embattled Sheriff Scott Israel fights for his job
Stuart Kaplan & Benedict Kuehne speak on behalf of Scott Israel.
June 14, 2019
Court ruling sets stage for trial in 2016 PBSO shooting of mentally ill man
Attorney Stuart Kaplan, who is representing Whidden’s three children, his longtime girlfriend and his parents in the lawsuit, said he was not surprised the court upheld last year’s decision by U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks.
June 14, 2019
Prosecutors say DNA evidence links defendant to Jupiter triple murder
“So when you talk about Vorpagel, clearly I’m not so sure that I would consider him the star witness,” said former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan, who now practices criminal defense law in Palm Beach Gardens. “The star of this case is what a great job the Jupiter Police Department did in collecting the forensic evidence. We know Vasata had one of the two black gloves on his person. And then later on they discovered the black glove in the Honda."
June 12, 2019
Feds consider national security case against woman accused of trespassing into Mar-a-Lago
Federal prosecutors are developing a potential national security case against the 33-year-old Chinese woman accused of trespassing into Mar-a-Lago, the Miami Herald reported.
June 11, 2019
Stricter security at Mar-a-Lago as judge sets trial date for alleged intruder
“The Secret Service has certainly ratcheted up the level of security,” former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan said. “Certainly a drastic change from where it was several months ago.”
May 28, 2019
College freshman sneaks into Mar-a-Lago during presidential visit, documents show
“The seriousness really has to be appreciated that this is where the president is,” former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan said. “Obviously it was a somewhat failure by the secret service,” Kaplan said. “It can’t ever be a perfect world , because we’re left to humans to control the access points."
May 17, 2019
Pressure on FBI to release Florida election hacking information
Former FBI Special Agent Stuart Kaplan said investigators must have good reason for keeping the information private. "They don't want to expose their methods, and who they may be looking at [in an ongoing investigation]," Kaplan said.
April 29, 2019
Another judge rules no spa video release yet; expert sees trouble with video as evidence
“I think that there are some serious problems,” said former longtime FBI agent Stuart Kaplan, who now practices law in Palm Beach Gardens.
March 7, 2019
Suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel Sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis To Get Job Back
Kaplan is asking a Broward County Judge to determine that Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to remove Israel from office in early January infringed on the rights of Broward voters. “Our right to vote is such an inherent, fundamental right that you don’t want to take away the democratic process from the individual voters,” Kaplan told CBS4’s Carey Codd.
Jan 9, 2019
In a statement to Fox News, Israel's attorney Stuart Kaplan said that they "have received no official word from the Governor or his office on any position with respect to the removal or suspension of the Sheriff." "The Sheriff has been steadfast to ensure his command staff and all the men and women in the BSO know that his commitment and dedication is unwavering," the statement continued. "He is focused on protecting and serving the citizens of Broward County."
Oct 27, 2018
CNN Tonight 🔴 Don Lemon 🔴 10/26/2018 🔴 CNN Breaking News Today Oct 26, 2018
Oct 26, 2018
Good Morning Britain Interview with Form FBI Special Agent Stuart Kaplan
Oct 24, 2018
Former FBI agent weighs in on suspicious packages intercepted
“The fact that these packages have been intercepted and that we’ve been able to neutralize any potential casualties speaks volumes to the efforts of law enforcement,” Kaplan said. Luckily, no one has been injured by any of the explosive devices, but Kaplan said that certainly wasn’t the intent.
Oct 4, 2018
Former FBI Agent Breaks Down Background Investigations
Former FBI Agent Stuart Kaplan has been a part of numerous FBI Investigations for White House appointees. He joins PM Tampa Bay to explain how these background checks work and give his thoughts on the investigation of Kavanaugh. The biggest difference between this particular FBI investigation and other criminal investigations is that it is completely controlled by the White House. FBI agents doing the background investigations also have no way to compel people to cooperate through subpoenas. Every interview is voluntary. Kaplan says this investigation is contracted from the White House to the FBI. The White House dictates the details of the investigation to them, including who to interview and, in some instances, what questions to ask.
Oct 3, 2018
Stuart Kaplan on Shepard Smith Reporting 10/3/18 | Fox News Today October 3,2018
Lawmakers to lock FBI Kavanaugh report in safe, Several senators undecided on Kavanaugh vote, FBI nears completion of Kavanaugh investigation,
Oct 3, 2018
Fox News Afternoon Update: October 3, 2018
Former FBI Special Agent Stuart Kaplan gives us an inside look at how the agency investigates nominees like Brett Kavanaugh.
Aug 27, 2018
Security concerns arise for upcoming video game tournament after Jacksonville shooting
When the shots rang out during an online video game tournament in Jacksonville, some gamers ran. Others were shot before they could get away.
Other gamers will gather to compete at the Microsoft Store this weekend for a tournament Friday and Saturday.
“Have a plan in place if God forbid the worst case scenario happens,” Kaplan said.
July 5, 2018
Scott Israel's attorney denies report Broward sheriff will be removed from office
Attorney Stuart Kaplan went on a WFTL-850 morning show to address an unconfirmed report by right-wing blogger Laura Loomer, who claimed that Gov. Rick Scott would remove Israel from office when the FDLE report is released. "What you have reported is completely false," Kaplan told Loomer, who was also a guest on the show.
June 28, 2018
CNN Tonight With Don Lemon (11PM) June 28, 2018
Stuart Kaplan guest on CNN Don Lemon
June 22, 2018
FBI study reveals majority of active shooters planned attack for a week or more
“If we are saying something to local law enforcement are they within, do they have the right resources? Or the tools at their disposals that they can go out and actually interview someone,” added Kaplan. Kaplan said in some cases, red flags reported to law enforcement are not concrete enough to have the person detained.
June 8, 2018
Charges dismissed for mentally challenged man Aldo Alvarez accused of burglary, shot by PBSO deputy
"The prolonged vindictiveness of this case lingering for five years is very disappointing," said Stuart Kaplan, Alvarez's attorney. "Mental illness is not a crime. This particular case was treated as if Aldo was a criminal." PBSO agreed to settle a federal lawsuit with Alvarez, awarding him $300,000. Alvarez was also awarded $300,000 from McGehee’s homeowner insurance policy.
May 26, 2018
Four years later, alleged assault by Sheriff Israel's son becomes a news story
Stuart Kaplan, a private attorney for Sheriff Israel, said the case was handled appropriately. "There was absolutely not one scintilla of preferential treatment given to Brett Israel," Kaplan said. "What happened in this situation is absolutely consistent with good police work." Kaplan said the incident becoming public could have "devastating consequences" on Brett Israel's life. Israel attends Florida Atlantic University, according to his LinkedIn page. "To tar and feather him because some people think his father is not the leader they thought he was is terribly unfair," Kaplan said. "Brett Israel is an innocent party in this as well." Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article211908439.html#storylink=cpy
May 15, 2018
"There has been some rumors and some conjecture as to whether or not Darryl was being held against his will, and whether or not a ransom was required to have been paid," Kaplan tells Crime Watch Daily. "One of the theories is whether or not Matt returned to the United States to retrieve cash to return to the Dominican Republic, only to find that unfortunately Darryl had already been murdered."
May 14, 2018
Air Force investigating after man gains access to South Florida military base; says it was a “prank”
Stuart Kaplan: “You never want to have anybody come onto an Air Force base, or any sort of military installation, because we maintain top secret type of information, equipment.”
April 30, 2018
South Florida woman hit by deputy's vehicle wins lawsuit against Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's Office
The deputy was responding to a call and didn't have the vehicle's lights and siren on when speeding through the parking lot. "You can't really accept responsibility unless you show your accountability, and that's really what this case was all about," said attorney Stuart Kaplan. Robinson will receive more than $62,000 to cover medical expenses.
April 23, 2018
Man convicted in cold case rape faces second trial
“That DNA evidence is just as powerful as a fingerprint,” said Stuart Kaplan, Palm Beach Gardens-based attorney and former FBI agent. Kaplan said even if there were a transfer or contamination of evidence, it wouldn’t change the fact MacLean was the major source of the DNA in the stain on the jeans. “It’s like that fingerprint, it’s all you need,” Kaplan said. “There is really no way to explain it.”
April 23, 2018
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel’s Lawyer, Stuart Kaplan
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, who touted his own “amazing leadership” after the Parkland school shooting, is facing a no-confidence vote from the union representing his deputies. We speak with Stuart Kaplan, Isreal’s lawyer.
April 20, 2018
Stuart Kaplan joins the panel at 850 WFTL. With today being 4/20, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit the issue of legalized marijuana. Comment below to join the conversation!
March 28, 2018
Lake Worth’s Gulfstream Hotel developers hit with racketeering lawsuit
“The defendants have engaged in a pattern of fraud to induce our clients to invest in projects in Lake Worth like The Gulfstream Hotel,” said Stuart Kaplan, a managing partner at Kaplan & Parker, the Palm Beach Gardens law firm that applied the suit. “We believe this is not an isolated event, and it’s a pattern of behavior that has been ongoing for some time.”
March 27, 2018
Judge refuses to grant mistrial for widow of Pulse nightclub shooter
Judge refuses to grant mistrial for widow of Pulse nightclub shooter
March 14, 2018
FBI had been investigating stabbing suspect for a year
Stuart Kaplan interviewed on teenager involved in stabbing in Ballen Isles
Feb. 28, 2017
Document outlines more local activities of accused arms trafficker
“Either they’re going to be used for the drug trade, or for people that are engaged in lawlessness, or perhaps they’re going from Brazil to Syria, or to Iran,” said Stuart Kaplan, former FBI agent, now an attorney based in Palm Beach Gardens. Kaplan said potential scenarios like these are why the United States requires licensing of arms exporters.
Feb. 27, 2018
CNN TONIGHT WITH DON LEMON 2/26/18
Stuart Kaplan guest on CNN Don Lemon
Feb. 21, 2017
Gun store tied to accused Parkland shooter is 'temporarily' closed
Stuart Kaplan, an attorney who represents the business owners says the decision to close temporarily is for two reasons: respect and concerns about internet threats. The Broward Sheriff's Office says Nicolas Cruz legally purchased the AR-15 he used to gun down 17 students from this store. "They are very very respectful and sympathetic and they are also grieving, as all of us should be," Kaplan said.
Feb. 17, 2017
Former FBI agent: Even with mistake, continue to 'See Something, Say Something'
Even with Friday's announcement by the FBI, that a potentially vital tip slipped through the cracks, former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan says it's important that the public continue to follow "See something, Say something." “Many, many occasions where someone has seen something and they have said something, local, state and federal law enforcement has gone out, we haven't heard about it, and I can tell you without any hesitation or reservation we are safer. It's not a perfect science...mistakes are going to be made."
Feb. 17, 2018
CNN Don Lemon (02/17/2018) Breaking News
Stuart Kaplan guest on CNN Don Lemon
Feb. 16, 2018
Parkland school shooter bought rifle from Sunrise Tactical Supply last year
Sunrise Tactical Supply owners Michael and Lisa Morrison closed the store Thursday. They are represented by attorneys Stuart Kaplan and Douglas Rudman. More Parkland School Shooting Headlines Timeline of shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Who were the victims of the Parkland school shooting? Sea of candles fills park during Parkland school shooting vigil "The purchase of the AR-15 to Nikolas Cruz took place on Feb. 11, 2017," attorney Stuart Kaplan told reporters. Kaplan said Cruz returned seven days later to pick up the rifle, which came with a magazine.
Feb. 15, 2018
Gun shop owners distraught over selling rifle to ‘maniac’ who killed 17 at school
Stuart Kaplan, an attorney representing the corporate entity, Sunrise Tactical Supply, said shop owners ensured that Cruz filled out a firearms transactions record form, called an ATF Form 4473, that is issued by the Department of Justice. He included a copy of his driver’s license, his name, address, date of birth, sex, height, weight, and answered “no” to questions about whether he had been adjudicated for mental illness or whether he had been institutionalized for mental health illness, Kaplan said. “What I understand is that was answered appropriately,” said Kaplan, who is a lawyer with Palm Beach Gardens-based Kaplan and Parker. “I think the bigger question is: We know that he suffered from some sort of mental health illness. I guess we need to decide or find out whether or not he was being treated ...and I think that loophole is whether or not a mental health professional who is treating an individual should have some sort of reporting requirement or is there some sort of database that would collect this information so that in an event that a particular person would go to purchase a weapon, we could at least screen them?”
Feb. 15, 2018
Nikolas Cruz passed background check, including mental health question, to get AR-15 rifle
Stuart Kaplan, an attorney representing the business, called for raising the age to 21 to purchase an AR-15 style weapon, but he said the law allowed for the weapon to be legally sold to a teenager at the time of sale.
Feb. 15, 2017
Gun store says school shooter 'fell through the cracks
Stuart Kaplan, an attorney representing the corporate entity, Sunrise Tactical Supply, said Cruz filled out a firearms transactions record form - an ATF Form 4473 which is issued by the Department of Justice. Cruz answered 'no' to questions about whether he had been adjudicated for mental illness or whether he had been institutionalized for mental health illness. Kaplan, who is an attorney with Palm Beach Gardens-based Kaplan and Parker, said: 'What I understand is that was answered appropriately.
Feb. 12, 2018
Husband of missing woman scheduled for court hearing
Lewis Bennett, the husband of a woman reported missing at sea, is scheduled to be sentenced in court for transporting gold and silver next week. Bennett is potentially facing ten years in prison. Bennett’s family have been writing letters to the judge about the couples’ daughter asking for leniency since her mother is still missing.
Feb. 7, 2018
MS-13 members targeting our schools, Trump remarks at round table
“The gang activities are now in our high schools, even in our middle schools,” Stuart Kaplan said, defense attorney and former FBI agent. “It’s interfering with children who want to go to school, and want to get an education. Unfortunately, they’re in fear because they are being targeted and that is a major problem."
Dec. 7, 2017
Inside the files of an officer charged with grand theft
Use of force investigations popped up nine different times in West Palm Beach Police officer Zachary Immler’s records. Eight of them were cleared, but in one of those investigations he’s accused of beating Attorney Stuart Kaplan’s Client Keenoen Stafenie in 2012. “Officer Zachary Immler to his own admission said with a closed fist, he basically as a hammer came down and struck him [Stafenie] I think five or six times,” said Kaplan.
Dec. 4, 2017
FactChecking Trump’s Criticism of the FBI
In a phone interview, Hunt told us he did not experience any instances of FBI agents placing someone under oath during an interview in his seven years at the agency. Stuart N. Kaplan, a former FBI agent for nearly 11 years who is now a lawyer in private practice, separately told us the same thing.
“When conducting interviews subjects/targets and or witnesses are NOT put under oath,” Kaplan said in an email. “As long as an FBI agent properly identifies him or herself and it’s in the official capacity of his job lying to that agent under 18 UCC 1001 is a crime.”
Kaplan emphasized that the false statements “must be intentional or intentionally misleading” for the subject to be charged with a crime. Clark noted that the false statement must be “material” to the investigation.
Dec. 2, 2017
850 TV: Illegal Immigrant Not Guilty In The Murder Of Kate Steinle
Nov. 17, 2017
NEW: Russian couple’s spat reveals financial deals, disputes, lawsuits
Stuart Kaplan stood next to Natalia and made a stunning claim: that his client and her husband fought because Ilia Mogilevsky had taken Natalia’s cellphones, obtained bank account passwords from them and cleaned out the couple’s accounts of $110,000. “There’s an ongoing investigation right now,” Kaplan told The Palm Beach Post on Tuesday. He did not say by whom or otherwise elaborate.
Nov 2, 2017
Attorney of man killed by Martin County deputy says evidence is missing, destroyed
Kaplan says as he has been preparing for the lawsuit, he has not been able to get his hands on a couple pieces of key evidence, he says. That includes an aerial map, which Kaplan says Warren would have used to mark where he was in location to the victim at the time of the shooting. “That map, we believe, is very critical because we believe it was inconsistent with the physical evidence that was left behind,” Kaplan said.
Oct 16, 2017
No charges will be filed in deadly deputy-involved shooting
Attorney Stuart Kaplan says he just received a letter from the state attorney's office to palm beach county sheriff Rick Bradshaw stating they will not pursue charges against deputy Justin Rigney for shooting and killing Ricky Whidden last year. the letter is dated september13. I was never optimistic for-- that the outcome was going to be that the state attorney was going to file charges against Justin Rigney. I never hoped or thought that would happen.
Oct 12, 2017
Parents plan to file suit against The King's Academy Preschool after alleged 'force-feeding'
"We thought they were going to do the right thing. It's King's Academy, it's what they stand for, their Christian faith," said Jamie Cleary, the mother of the child involved.
Sept 26, 2017
PBSO sued after West Palm Beach man shot in the face
Kaplan claims surveillance video shows Cabrera put himself in harm's way, " making the conscious decision to park his patrol car on one side of the only available lane ... thereby causing a road block scenario." Showing Contact 5 the video, Kaplan claims it "completely shows that this deputy exited his vehicle and ran approximately 30 yards toward the direction of the vehicle that was now coming back out of the parking lot. There is a general rule you do not shoot at moving vehicles," said Kaplan.
Sept. 19, 2017
Shot in the face by deputy, West Palm Beach man sues PBSO
Attorney Stuart Kaplan, who is seeking an unspecified amount of damages for Jett, said the location of shell casings and video of the incident belie Cabrera’s claims. “Clearly, no other conclusion can be drawn than Cabrera fired from a position out of the path of Jett’s (vehicle) and that Cabrera continued to fire his weapon at Jett’s vehicle after it was passing him,” Kaplan wrote in the 39-page lawsuit.
July 11, 2017
Family suing over deputy-involved fatal shooting
Family suing over deputy-involved fatal shooting
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March 9th, 2016
Deputy Joshua McGehee's mother, Annette Marvin, is Sheriff Ric Bradshaw's executive assistant. Attorney Stuart Kaplan also claimed PBSO cleared McGehee of wrongdoing because of his personal con-
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