FL - Damon Becel, child abuse & animal cruelty, daughter recorded abuse, Destin, Jan 2020 *Arrest*

[FLmom777]

A 14 year old girl secretly installed a camera in her bedroom to record abuse. Her father is wealthy and from a prominent family so reports to police were ignored in the past.

14-year-old girl installs cameras to record proof of alleged abuse when no one would believe her

 

[glorybug]

From what I've gathered, the girl has tried to report the father for years, according to her mother. Nothing happens because the father and grandfather are rich and own multiple resorts/businesses in the area. One of them is even a "partner" in the local law enforcement group committee or something.

Sounds like the mother lost custody almost immediately after birth and has been to court over custody over the last 14 years.

The mother has again filed this week for a change in custody, since athough the father supposedly cannot be near her until he's charged or charges dropped, she and her dogs are supposedly now in the custody of the father's best friend, since he supposedly still has custody and can determine who she'll live with.

So far, four local judges have recused themselves from his hearing. He has already filed an appeal asking to have the custody hearing part put off so he can refute the separate charges of abuse the other has been making all along.

Seems like he's pretty confident that he'll get out of this with a slap on his wrist and retain custody. Sounds like he plans to again retaliate, since he has already filed in court again that the mother is not fit to have custody. And, I've also heard that the teen's been made clear she'd better keep her mouth shut.

Sounds like a classic case of filing for divorce/custody from an abusive spouse, and then having that rich spouse fight you in court, pay people off, and gain custody by claiming that the parent trying to protect their children has substance abuse issues or mental problems, or is making up lies to be vindictive or for money. So the judge gives the children to the abuser instead. It happens a lot to mothers. It happened to me and my children.

I have no idea how that abuser can get a slap on the wrist, considering that horrific video, but I don't have much faith in the system anymore or trust in justice for victims.

 

[FLmom777]

This girl is really a sweet girl. Her grandparents had custody for years. Her father got custody recently, not sure exactly how long ago.

 

[FLmom777]

Nancy Grace is on it now. Court Docs: ‘Dad’ threatens daughter after she records him beating her & abusing dog. FIVE judges recuse themselves from case [UPDATE]

I’ve met this young lady before. I can’t say much but she really is a sweet girl. My daughter was her teacher for three years.

 

[Hope4u]

Man arrested on child abuse and animal cruelty charges

"According to arrest reports, Damon Becnel, 47, of Destin, was arrested January 2nd, but the report says the incident happened in December.​

The report says on December 24th, the victim reported that Becnel had been physically abusive the day before. A few days later, the victim gave the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office video evidence of the incident, according to the report."
​

My question, why did it take this long to arrest him once the video was given to authorities? Was she back in his care from Dec 24th to Jan 2nd?

 

[Indy_ar]

From what I've gathered, the girl has tried to report the father for years, according to her mother. Nothing happens because the father and grandfather are rich and own multiple resorts/businesses in the area. One of them is even a "partner" in the local law enforcement group committee or something.

Sounds like the mother lost custody almost immediately after birth and has been to court over custody over the last 14 years.

The mother has again filed this week for a change in custody, since athough the father supposedly cannot be near her until he's charged or charges dropped, she and her dogs are supposedly now in the custody of the father's best friend, since he supposedly still has custody and can determine who she'll live with.

So far, four local judges have recused themselves from his hearing. He has already filed an appeal asking to have the custody hearing part put off so he can refute the separate charges of abuse the other has been making all along.

Seems like he's pretty confident that he'll get out of this with a slap on his wrist and retain custody. Sounds like he plans to again retaliate, since he has already filed in court again that the mother is not fit to have custody. And, I've also heard that the teen's been made clear she'd better keep her mouth shut.

Sounds like a classic case of filing for divorce/custody from an abusive spouse, and then having that rich spouse fight you in court, pay people off, and gain custody by claiming that the parent trying to protect their children has substance abuse issues or mental problems, or is making up lies to be vindictive or for money. So the judge gives the children to the abuser instead. It happens a lot to mothers. It happened to me and my children.

I have no idea how that abuser can get a slap on the wrist, considering that horrific video, but I don't have much faith in the system anymore or trust in justice for victims.

Yes, it is sad that our legal system gives so many advantages to the super-rich. A friend of mine went through the same, she had originally been given custody of her daughter after a court appointed specialist ruled that she was fit (contrary to the ex-husband claims of mental issues). The ex told her clearly that he would drag the case until she was broke. His main motivation was avoid giving alimony or child support. After my friend had used up her money in attorneys, he asked to bring his own expert to evaluate her and of curse the expert ruled her incompetent. She did not have any money left to fight and she ended up loosing custody and child support.

 

[whatsnext]

What a brave and determined girl, kudos!!

 

[EvilOlivE]

I think it's now up to SIX judges that have recused themselves. Can anyone on here post the court document? It's an interesting read. I saw it on SM, so I can't link it and have no idea how to find it online.

 

[SuziQ]

I think it's now up to SIX judges that have recused themselves. Can anyone on here post the court document? It's an interesting read. I saw it on SM, so I can't link it and have no idea how to find it online.

,

I wonder if any of the judges in the past custody battles should have recused themselves. I hope there is an investigation into them. And into LE that clearly dismissed this child's claims.

Watching this go after the dog with a knife was a huge trigger for me. I am 60 years old, and will never recover from the same type of abuse as a child. I wish this brave girl the very very best in life.

 

[EvilOlivE]

Man arrested on child abuse and animal cruelty charges

"According to arrest reports, Damon Becnel, 47, of Destin, was arrested January 2nd, but the report says the incident happened in December.​

The report says on December 24th, the victim reported that Becnel had been physically abusive the day before. A few days later, the victim gave the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office video evidence of the incident, according to the report."
​

My question, why did it take this long to arrest him once the video was given to authorities? Was she back in his care from Dec 24th to Jan 2nd?

This dbag, Damon Becnel is the PRESIDENT of the Destin police department. That probably has something to do with it. He is also a gun collector. He owns a military tank, and drives around in a bulletproof military Hummer. Also, from the charging documents filed with the court, he's banging his nanny.

 

[EvilOlivE]

This dbag, Damon Becnel is the PRESIDENT of the Destin police department. That probably has something to do with it. He is also a gun collector. He owns a military tank, and drives around in a bulletproof military Hummer. Also, from the charging documents filed with the court, he's banging his nanny.

Sandestin Police Department, Inc. - Company Profile

 

[DropthePuck]

This dbag, Damon Becnel is the PRESIDENT of the Destin police department. That probably has something to do with it. He is also a gun collector. He owns a military tank, and drives around in a bulletproof military Hummer. Also, from the charging documents filed with the court, he's banging his nanny.

I saw that. After he was done terrorizing the poor girl and her dog, she had to endure listening to him and the nanny on the couch. This guy is a giant d-bag and worthless . It makes me sick that he's given carte blanche because of all his money.

 

[DropthePuck]

The father of DB has issued a statement through the family's PR firm: "My granddaughter is in a very comfortable, safe home with her two dogs. She is trying to resume a normal life of school and activities. I ask that you give the family the time and privacy that we need to help my granddaughter return to the normal life of a 14 year-old child. The incident that took place before Christmas is not indicative of my family’s values or behavior. I hope my son gets the treatment he needs and you will give us the privacy we need at this time to heal."

Family of Okaloosa County man charged with child cruelty issues statement

 

[SuziQ]

Nancy Grace is on it now. Court Docs: ‘Dad’ threatens daughter after she records him beating her & abusing dog. FIVE judges recuse themselves from case [UPDATE]

I’ve met this young lady before. I can’t say much but she really is a sweet girl. My daughter was her teacher for three years.

His lawyer is a piece of work and needs a complaint filed against him. On behalf of the dad, he threatened this poor girl with foster care, if she kept talking. That is flat out witness intimidation. Then he calls the allegations fabrications. Hello! It is on video!

 

[SuziQ]

The father of DB has issued a statement through the family's PR firm: "My granddaughter is in a very comfortable, safe home with her two dogs. She is trying to resume a normal life of school and activities. I ask that you give the family the time and privacy that we need to help my granddaughter return to the normal life of a 14 year-old child. The incident that took place before Christmas is not indicative of my family’s values or behavior. I hope my son gets the treatment he needs and you will give us the privacy we need at this time to heal."

Family of Okaloosa County man charged with child cruelty issues statement

Sorry grandpop. Don't use your granddaughter in hopes everyone will move along and forget what a *** your son is.

 

[Barbieshell]

I'd be getting the kid and the dogs out of that horrible bastards house, he's a crazy, nasty bully and nobody should have to put up with that ffs.

 

[scapa]

Lots on the web about the man charged in this case. He sued about a Sherman tank he'd bought a while back. Seems like a piece of work even then:

Florida man who bought a $297,738 Sherman tank sues, says he never got it – The Mercury News

 

[EvilOlivE]

He apparently checked himself into a mental rehab facility.

 

[SuziQ]

Becnel abuse charges spark community backlash, custody dispute in Destin

Snip
Becnel is scheduled to be tried March 9 on the felony charge of child abuse and misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals. Gontarek is also the judge slated to hear that case.

 

[Vail]

What a disgusting human being. I am so happy this girl has the strength to get him caught and defend her furry friends. He's lucky he wasn't mauled to death or shot.

He sounded drunk in the video. I wouldn't be surprised if he has other substance abuse issues.