Two County Misdemeanor Cases Now Pending Against Alleged Florida Threat Maker

Craig Jungwirth, at the center of attention for allegedly making terroristic threats against Wilton Manors residents, already has a date with the law next week, albeit on significantly more minor charges.

Jungwirth, the owner of Beach Bear Weekend, made the news this week when he threatened to launch a Labor Day attack against Wilton Manors "faggots" with a ferocity that would make Orlando's Pulse massacre seem mild.

"My events are selling out cause you faggots are total patsies. None of you deserve to live," Jungwirth allegedly wrote on Facebook. "If you losers thought the Pulse nightclub shooting was bad, wait till you see what I'm planning for Labor Day."

After the Facebook posts went viral, community members from Orlando to Wilton Manors notified multiple law enforcement agencies. Jungwirth has now been interviewed and reportedly advised them he was not responsible for the posts. SFGN did verify at the time the posts were made there were several "Craig Jungwirth" profiles on Facebook with at least one appearing to be fake.

Terry DeCarlo, the Executive Director of the Orlando LGBT Center, advised SFGN he has been in touch with Central Florida authorities, who have promised them "they are watching this very closely."

Additionally, on a local level, Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O'Connell has been communicating with SFGN that they are actively investigating the threat allegations.

He wrote that "In the meantime ... WMPD and our local law enforcement partners will provide extra patrol visibility for our community throughout the holiday weekend." He also noted that he's been having to reply to false rumors that the Orlando police had taken Jungwirth into custody yesterday.

Jungwirth, who has a long legal past, from evictions against him to restraining orders by three different judges in different states, now faces Judge Ginger Wren next week, for two misdemeanor cases, one accusing him of criminal mischief, and the second, for defrauding an innkeeper.

The January, 2015 case for fraud evolved out of a 'dine and dash' incident at the Courtyard Caf� on Wilton Drive in the Manors. Jungwirth ordered food, ate a meal, and then simply walked out without paying.

The police were called, charges were filed, Jungwirth was arrested, and in June of 2016, pled no contest, agreeing to enter a diversion program where he had to pay a nominal fine and do community service hours. However, he failed to do so, and was booted out of the program for 'non-compliance' and being 'combative.' Had he completed the program, the charges would have been dropped.

As a result of Jungwirth's failure, the case has now been reset for trial for the two-week period commencing September 12, 2016. A calendar call is set for September 9 before Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren. Local attorney Ron Baum represents Jungwirth.

While the defendant would not necessarily have to appear at the calendar call, the prosecutor's office could petition the court to change the conditions of Jungwirth's bond on his cases. The judge also has the authority to do it on her own.

The owner of the Courtyard Caf�, Nick Berry, is also the victim in the second misdemeanor case pending against Jungwirth. Earlier, this year, he was accused of spray painting and defacing the windows and property of Rumors Bar and Grill, also owned by Berry.

Jungwirth's actions resulted in a new charge of criminal mischief, which is set for a calendar call on Sept. 23. It is also before Judge Lerner-Wren.

A week later, on September 30, Jungwirth will face a circuit judge on a petition filed by local businessman Jeff Black for a restraining order. Black has documentation showing how Jungwirth has physically threatened himself and others, including Dawn Holloway at Pink Submarine.

In Facebook posts about the shop, Jungwirth falsely accused and defamed the establishment by alleging their manager, Ryan Dixon, was allowing "AIDS infected blood" to get into sandwiches. "He needs to be stopped," Black warned. Indeed, it was Black who first came to SFGN earlier this year to expose Jungwirth's misconduct with the Beach Bear Weekend.

Additionally, Jungwirth had also filed suits of his own in Orange County Court against Hunter's, the Manor, and PJ's Corner Pocket Bar, alleging that they all owed him money for promotions he sponsored on their behalf. Each owner denied the charge, and the court has now dismissed two cases when they learned that Jungwirth submitted filing fees with checks that were returned for "insufficient funds."

Meanwhile, Nick Berry intends to appear at the calendar calls and ask the court to place additional pre- trial legal restrictions against Jungwirth.

"He clearly presents a present danger not just to me or my businesses, but the entire LGBT community. We need to act to protect ourselves. This is a lot more than a case of a guy spray-painting my wall. It is a person threatening our community," Berry said.