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A Blur of the Badge — The Cases of Terrance Williams and Felipe Santos
Police’s only suspect was one of their own
Signaling their presence, red and blue headlights of police vehicles arrive at the scene of crimes, the occupational purposes of those inside to protect and serve the public. But for two men who disappeared in similar circumstances three months apart, they were last seen by the same officer, placed at the same convenience store, and were apprehended for the same charges.
Bound by coincidence, Felipe Santos, 23, and Terrance Williams, 27, vanished shortly after interacting with Corporal Steven “Steve” Calkins. The victims were from different parts of Collier County, Florida, an area that comprises both the city of Naples and the census-designated location of Immokalee. Located close by is the Florida Everglades, a sprawling wetland with alligators and other dangerous wildlife roaming about.
Santos was an undocumented immigrant mainly working jobs in construction and farming. Leaving behind a young daughter and wife, he went missing on Oct. 14, 2003. Calkins arrived at a minor car accident in which Santos was driving and took him into custody for driving without a license or insurance. In the vehicle with him were three other Hispanic males including his brothers, but since Santos drove, he bore the brunt of the law.
Camille Lach, the driver who was hit in the crash, stated that Santos had tried to flee after the collision, but she cornered the car in a nearby shopping center, eventually flagging down Calkins for help. During the ensuing investigation, the other men left and Lach was picked up by another car to get to work, leaving Santos alone with the police officer.
Through conversing with him, Calkins deemed him “polite and cooperative,” then decided that he did not want to take the man to jail for the violations. Santos was given citations as well as a mandatory court appearance, then according to Calkins, he left the scene, but not before dropping Santos off at a Circle K convenience store in Naples.
Santos was never seen again.
There was a complaint filed on Oct. 30 against Calkins by the victim’s brother, citing an inattention to duty and carelessness in performance, but he was…
