His FBI Claim Doesn't End Well for Him

On January 23, 2024, at approximately 12:18 hours, Officer Calvert and I (Officer Arguello) were dispatched to 211 Duval Street (Green House) regarding an employee who was struck in the face by a customer later identified as Jesse Allen. Dispatch stated that Allen had left the area and was heading towards 0 Duval with his girlfriend. I checked Mallory Square and several other places in the area, but I could not locate Allen.

I met with Valentine at the Green House. Valentine stated that Allen came into the store and purchased some items. Valentine stated that Allen was being disrespectful and appeared intoxicated. Valentine stated that Allen returned to the store and was calling his co-worker "Fat". Valentine told Allen he needed to leave the store, and that's when Allen struck him in the face (right side) and then on the back of the head. Valentine stated that Allen removed his shirt before he took off running. Valentine stated he would like to press charges.

The Manager at the Green House provided me with video footage of the incident. In the video, I saw Allen walking inside the store and talking to Valentine's female co-worker. In the video, you can hear Allen saying something about the female being "fat". Valentine told Allen to stop harassing his co-worker, then Allen proceeded to get in Valentine's face, and they were verbally arguing before Allen struck Valentine in the face and the back of his head. Allen and his girlfriend left the store and began running North on Duval Street.

While speaking with the staff outside the store, I noticed Allen and his girlfriend walking by the Green Room (501 Greene Street). Allen and his girlfriend were still wearing the same clothes from the video I had just watched. I immediately walked towards Allen and ordered him to turn around and place his hands behind his back; he complied. I placed handcuffs on Allen. I informed Allen he was being arrested for battery. Allen initially denied striking Valentine, but then he stated he was sorry and wanted to apologize to Valentine.

I transported Allen to the Monroe County Detention Center. On the way to the Jail, I asked Allen for his date of birth to be able to identify him; he refused to give it to me. Allen stated he was not required to give it to me. I warned Allen that failure to provide his date of birth for the purpose of identifying him will result in another charge; he still refused to provide his date of birth. Allen continued asking why he was going to jail; I told him again for punching Valentine. He became upset and began yelling that he did not punch him; he stated he struck him with an open hand. I explained to Allen that whether open or closed hand, it was still battery. Allen began banging his head against my patrol car's partition several times. I advised Key West Dispatch of Allen's actions and to have deputies respond to assist me at the jail. Allen stated he was going to kill me, and that if I wanted to keep my job, I would let him out immediately. Allen stated he has a lot of money and knows several different politicians. Allen's threats and aggressive behavior continued all the way to the jail.

Upon arrival at the jail, Allen stated he was going to hurt me. Several Detention Deputies arrived to assist before attempting to take Allen out of my patrol vehicle. I opened the door and noticed blood on the back of Allen's neck. I told Allen to exit the vehicle; he refused. Several Detention Deputies attempted to get Allen out of the vehicle, to no avail. We were able to get Allen out of the patrol vehicle and place him in the jail’s restraint chair; he actively resisted and would not cooperate with our orders. We took off the handcuffs to place Allen's hands in the restraint chair, and he pulled away. Allen aggressively pulled his arms away and would not comply with our orders. A Detention Deputy drive-stunned Allen on his back with their taser, but he was still resisting. After a couple of minutes of struggling with Allen, we were able to secure him in the jail’s restraint chair. Allen had a laceration on the back of his head from hitting his head inside my patrol vehicle.

Based on the facts, evidence, and my direct observation, there is probable cause to believe that Jesse Allen committed the following offenses:

1. BATTERY - TOUCH OR STRIKE 784.03-1A1
2. CORRUPT BY THREAT PUBLIC SERVANT OR FAMILY 838.021-3B
3. RESIST / OBSTRUCT OFFICER W/O VIOLENCE 843.02