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Local/State News for week ending 4/19/2008
Manatee
County Cold Case Murder Series:
Six of Clubs, Keith Ford, 19,
Killed on March 14th, 2006
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Last year, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies, along with Crime Stoppers of Manatee County, pooled 52 of their cold case murders and caused the basic information regarding each case to be printed on card decks resembling playing cards. Those playing card decks were then distributed to inmates at the Manatee County Jail, in hopes that one of the prisoners would recognize the dead person and/or have information concerning his or her untimely death and report it to Crime Stoppers of Manatee County for a cash reward.
Playing card photo supplied by
Straight Line Services, Inc.,
producers of the cards
NewsManatee joined those law enforcement agencies in a series featuring those unsolved murders. We continue to feature one of those from time-to-time.
Today we feature Keith Ford, who was just 19 years old when he was shot and killed on March 14th, 2006.
On that date, Keith was shot and killed at the car wash located at 3106 1st Street, in Manatee County.
A witness told authorities that several Black males came over a fence at that location, armed with handguns. Numerous shots were fired, with several rounds striking Keith, causing his death.
If you have any information regarding this case, call Crime Stoppers of Manatee County, toll-free, at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Crime doesn't pay, but Crime Stoppers does.
Early Morning Holmes Beach
Blaze Totally Destroys Home
HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- An early morning fire destroyed a bayfront home at 519 58th Street in Holmes Beach on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy The Anna Maria Islander)
According to a report from West Manatee Fire Rescue, the homeowners barely escaped after they were awakened by smoke detectors.
West Manatee Fire Rescue received the call at 2:22 a.m. and units were on scene at 2:23 a.m. It took about an hour before it was called "under control," according to West Manatee Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Kurt Lathrop, who spoke to NewsManatee Thursday.
The home was a total loss, leaving only concrete walls standing. The estimated dollar value of the loss of the home was $450-500,000 dollars, not including contents, Lathrop said.
The fire was appears to be accidental, according to Lathrop. He told NewsManatee the fire started in a garbage can in the garage from spontaneous combustion of a linseed-soaked rag.
A propane tank at the home exploded, causing quite a ruckus in the neighborhood.
The homeowners, Mr. and Mrs. Kent Davis were not injured in the blaze, West Manatee Fire Rescue Dep. Fire Marshal Lathrop said.
Man Sleeping in Wal-Mart
Bathroom Arrested by BPD
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department arrested a man found sleeping on the floor of the bathroom at the Wal-Mart store, located at 5315 Cortez Road West, in Bradenton.
Rory I. Ferris-Rowan
According to the arrest report, on Wednesday morning, at about 8:00 a.m., Rory I. Ferris-Rowan, 24, of Orlando, was found sleeping on the bathroom floor and was possibly slightly intoxicated.
The store manager issued Rory a trespass warning in the presence of a BPD Officer.
Rory was released and was last seen walking west along Cortez Road West.
Then, approximately 20 minutes later, Rory returned to the store and entered the men's bathroom, where he was found sleeping for a second time.
At that time, Rory was arrested and charged with Trespass. He was transported to the Manatee County Jail.
El Jibarito Employee Busted
for Sale of Alcohol without
License
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Elmer Obdulio Vail-Ramirez, 21, of 1117 63rd Avenue East, was arrested Wednesday, April 16, 2008, for Sale of Alcohol without a License, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Elmer Obdulio Vail-Ramirez
The report said an agent of the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco purchased a one liter bottle of Rompope Coronado Vanilla containing ten percent alcohol from Elmer.
At the time, Elmer was working as a sales clerk at El Jibarito, located at 6170 15th Street East.
Elmer was charged with Sale of Alcohol without a License.
Woman Beaten, Tied Up, During
Daring Daylight Home Invasion
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was beaten and tied up during a daylight home invasion Thursday, April 17, 2008, at about 4:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Crescent Drive in near Northeast Manatee County.
The sheriff's report said at about 4:00 p.m. Linda Cramer, 47, got a call from an unknown person asking for "Pandolph." Cramer told the caller that he wasn’t there and the caller stated he would call Pandolph on his cell.
About 15 minutes later, Cramer saw an old white work van with dice around the rear view mirror pull into the driveway and the two White males got out.
The two men came to the door with a large box and rang the bell. They said they were there to deliver a package. Cramer asked where the package was from, and the men stated that it was from a cosmetic company.
When Cramer opened the door, the two men rushed her, knocking her to the ground. Cramer tried to get away, but the two men beat her about the head and body.
Cramer eventually succumbed and the two men bound her arms and legs with large zip ties and covered her head with a blanket.
The men then demanded all the drugs, money, gold and guns.
Cramer told them, "Just take what you want.”
The two men ransacked the house and then repeated the demand for the gold and the guns. Cramer told them that they don’t have any.
After about 5 to 8 minutes, the men told her that if she called the police before 20 minutes was up that they would kill her family, then her. The men then left.
Cramer eventually made it to the kitchen were she managed to get the zip ties cut off and she called 911.
As of the writing of the sheriff's report, the scene was being processed by Crime Scene Technicians and the victim was unable to inventory the home as to what was actually taken.
Cramer suffered two black eyes, a swollen and a cut up face but was otherwise fine and refused to go to the hospital, the report said.
The two men were described as: #1: White Male, 5’7” tall, stocky build, possibly named “Mike,” was wearing sunglasses; #2: White Male, 6’ tall, thin build, with short brown hair, wearing sunglasses.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Shots Fired; Damage Found
To Two Vehicles
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sgt. Rod Taylor, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, reported shots fired on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, shortly before 3:30 p.m. in the 500 block of 58th Avenue Drive East.
The report said at about 3:27 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a call of several shots heard in the area of 5800 5th Street East.
Upon the arrival of deputies, they found two vehicles with windows that had been shot out at 5810B 5th Street East.
The resident of that address stated that he heard 6 shots then looked outside and saw 2 Black males running east on 58th Avenue Drive.
Six shell casings were found in front of 505 58th Avenue Drive East, which is the location from which the two men were seen running.
Another witness told deputies that he/she saw two older Black males running north from 5th Street East and 58th Avenue Drive East.
The two Black males were not further described in the report.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
BPD Arrests Boy for Making
Home Made Bomb at Park
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department arrested a 15--year-old boy on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at about 5:30 p.m. after an off-duty police officer heard an explosion and went to investigate.
The officer found Robert Lee Vanhoose, 15, a White male, of the 4500 block of 60th Street Court West at G.T. Bray park, 5500 33rd Avenue Drive West, in Bradenton.
According to an arrest report from BPD, Vanhoose had made a home made explosive device out of bathroom cleaner, tin foil and plastic soda bottles.
The boy told police he learned how to make the bomb-like device from YouTube.com on the Internet. He said he bought the items needed to make the device at the grocery store and only paid $2.48.
The explosion was so loud that people said they could hear it from about 500 yards away, the report said.
Vanhoose was arrested and charged with Making a Destructive Device. He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC).
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Sheriff's Office Accreditation
Scheduled for Next Week
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will participate in a reassessment for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections (ACA), from Monday, April 21 through Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
During the reaccreditation assessment process, all aspects of the Corrections Bureau will be examined, including policies and procedures, management operations, including administrative, staff, and fiscal controls, staff training and development, physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, sanitation, food service, rules and discipline, and a variety of subjects that comprise good correctional practice. To receive reaccreditation, the Sheriff’s Office must meet criteria for 384 standards regarding policy, procedure and practice.
Representing ACA during the assessment will be Team Leader Michelle Van Dusen, Correctional Consultant from Coldwater, Michigan; Jim Curington, Correctional Consultant from Gainesville, Florida; and Richard Carswell, Correctional Consultant from McAlester, Oklahoma.
The American Correctional Association is the oldest and most prestigious correctional organization. Founded in 1870, ACA is the oldest association developed specifically for practitioners in the field of corrections.
The Sheriff’s Office was originally accredited in 1992 and successfully completed reassessments in 1996, 1999, 2002, and 2005.
Liquid Causing Evacuation of
Orange County Sheriff's Office
Identified: Urine
ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A liquid that leaked out of an envelope, sickening two people at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, has been identified as urine, Orlando television station WKMG reported.
Last Monday, the sheriff's office was evacuated after a substance leaked from a package in the mailroom inside the sheriff's office, located at 2500 W. Colonial Drive at John Young Parkway.
A hazmat crew and the bomb squad used a robot to remove the envelope -- which was sealed in a bag.
The envelope was urine soaked, WKMG said.
Two mailroom workers were treated for burning and watery eyes at the scene and are now okay.
Ex-DCF Spokesman Indicted:
Production of Child Porn
TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Albert Zimmerman, 41, a former spokesman for the Florida Department of Children and Families, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of Production of Child Pornography.
Albert Zimmerman
(NewsManatee file photo)
U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announced the indictment of Zimmerman, formerly of Tallahassee and Lakeland, now incarcerated in Citrus County.
Zimmerman was arrested on a federal complaint on February 11, 2008. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and up to thirty years’ imprisonment.
The indictment alleges that from October 2004, until December, 2007, in Hillsborough and Orange Counties, Zimmerman knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
According to the complaint filed in February, Zimmerman allegedly took sexually explicit photographs and videos of two minor juvenile males. The alleged incidents took place in 2006 and 2007. Both of the juveniles were paid in cash or money orders by Zimmerman for the pictures. Zimmerman sent e-mails to one victim and discussed the production of child pornography, how the photographs would be brokered in Germany, and payment for photographs.
Survey Shows Florida Youth
Drug Use Down
TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp announced the steady decline in youth drug use since 2000, as he rolled out the results of the 2007 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. The Florida Office of Drug Control Policy, state agencies, law enforcement and substance abuse prevention coalitions have partnered to reduce substance abuse across the state.
“Florida’s children are a treasure, one that we must protect,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “Drug use threatens the safety and security of our children. The survey is vital to understanding how to prevent drug use.”
According to the survey, Florida’s youth drug use is down in 20 out of 21 areas measured. Among the findings:
~ Cigarette smoking is at 8.5 percent: Thanks to education and prevention, cigarette use in the past 30 days is below 10 percent for the first time in the eight-year history of the survey.
~ Marijuana use is down 24 percent since 2000: Marijuana use is now reported at 11 percent for youth reporting use in the past 30 days.
~ Alcohol use is 31.2 percent: Alcohol remains the most common substance of use for children. While the rate among Florida youth is higher than the national average, use has decreased from 34.3 percent in 2000.
~ Gender Comparison: Survey responses indicate substance abuse among males declined more than among females, putting emphasis on a need for female-focused prevention efforts.
To increase completion rate among the survey’s youngest audience, researchers piloted a shorter version of the survey among middle school students. They took the opportunity to add questions about over-the-counter drugs and bullying.
~ Over-the-counter drug abuse is at four percent: Responses indicate that over-the-counter drugs are more widely abused than most illicit drugs and that abuse among females is twice as high as abuse among males.
~ Bullying and substance abuse: Twenty-seven percent of students report having been bullied, while 23 percent report they bullied others. While there does not appear to be a clear link between being bullied and drug use, responses do indicate a link between substance abuse and students who bully.
"The 2007 report continues the great news for Florida,” said Office of Drug Control Director Bill Janes. “Illegal drug use continues to decline. I am concerned about increases in abuse of prescription drugs, but the overall trends are excellent. We are fortunate to have the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. No other state has this valuable information to direct prevention and funding efforts."
Florida’s youth survey measures youth substance use annually across the state, and in alternate years, in each county. The 2007 edition included 7,836 valid returns from sixth through 12th graders in 43 out of Florida’s 67 counties. The full report will soon be available online at www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/publications/fysas/.
~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Manatee
County Sheriff's Office:
Illegal Alien Burglarizes Home,
Steals Jeep, Later Arrested
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 24-year-old Hispanic male burglarized a residence, took some keys, stole a Jeep and was later arrested driving the jeep, according to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Pedro Perez Damian
The report said on April 11, 2008, sometime between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., a forced entry burglary occurred to a residence in the 900 block of 60th Avenue Terrace West. Entry was made by prying open the front window to the residence. Once inside, the burglar stole the keys to a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, exited the residence and fled in the Jeep that was parked out front.
On April 12, 2008, at 5:00 p.m., Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies recovered the vehicle during a traffic stop in the 6000 block of 14th Street West. The license plate to the vehicle had been removed and replaced with an unassigned plate to conceal its identity. Deputies arrested the driver, identified as Pedro Perez Damian, 24, of unknown local address.
Damian was only charged with Grand Theft Auto at the time, since the arresting deputy did not know the vehicle had been stolen during a burglary.
Damian told detectives at the time that he knew the victim and the burglary and theft was over drugs.
However, the victim later told detectives that he does not know Damian and Damian did not have permission to be in the home and did not have permission to be driving his Jeep.
The report
said Damian is not a U.S. resident. Further inquiry with the sheriff's
office indicated Damian did not have a driver's license or Social
Security number.
Damian was additionally charged with Burglary. He was not charged with having no driver's license or using an unassigned license tag; it is unknown as to why.
He remains in the Manatee County Jail.
Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Still Searching for Armed,
Dangerous Burglar
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies are still searching the area for a suspect in numerous burglaries and car thefts, who is believed to be armed and dangerous.
Roy Whittaker
Detectives obtained arrest warrants on Monday, April 14, 2008, for Roy Whittaker, 36 (DOB 8-11-71), for Armed Burglary, Grand Theft and Grand Theft Auto in connection with a burglary that occurred last month in Ellenton.
Early Tuesday morning, April 15, 2008, Whittaker’s girlfriend, Denice Hendricks, 31, was arrested at a Sarasota Hotel for using a stolen credit card.
Two children were with Hendricks and were taken into protective custody.
Another child, the 9-year-old son of Whittaker, is believed to be with Whittaker.
The hotel room where Hendricks was arrested was full of stolen items and a stolen 2001 Lexus with several weapons inside was also recovered in the hotel parking lot.
The bond for Whittaker's arrest warrants is $300,000.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Man Found Hiding Inside
Ex-Girlfriend's Residence
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Carlos J. Castellon, 25, of unknown local address, and charged him with Burglary to a Dwelling after Castellon was found hiding inside his ex-girlfriend's residence in the 5300 block of 14th Street West.
Carlos J. Castellon
The arrest report said on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at about 9:15 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the address regarding a person inside the mobile home without the homeowner being at home.
They found Castellon hiding inside a closet located inside the enclosed porch of the mobile home. There were no lights on inside or outside. the deputy said.
During an investigation of the incident, a deputy learned that the owner of the residence has a child with Castellon and that the woman has an active injunction against Castellon.
The woman was contacted and said she did not give Castellon permission to be in her home.
Damage was found to the porch door; the woman said there had been no damage when she left earlier.
The woman said Castellon had been continuously calling her on the phone.
Castellon refused to answer any questions.
Castellon was additionally charged with Violation of a Domestic Injunction and Criminal Mischief.
Two Brothers Arrested for
Striking Each Other
with Baseball Bat
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Joseph and Anthony Demarco after they allegedly struck each other with a baseball bat.
Above, L to R, Joseph and Anthony Demarco
The arrest report said on Monday, April 14, 2008, at about 10:30 p.m., Joseph Demarco, 46, and Anthony Demarco, 39, both of 219 33rd Street West, in Palmetto, were arguing with each other.
Apparently, Joseph wanted to drive his mother's vehicle, but Anthony wouldn't let him because Joseph doesn't have a driver's license.
Anthony told the deputy that Joseph became angry, picked up a baseball bat and struck Anthony twice on the left side of his body.
Anthony then picked up the bat and his Joseph several times in the head, leaving Joseph's lip, left eyebrow, left elbow and left temple bleeding.
The deputy arrested them both and charged them with Domestic Aggravated Battery.
Woman Ambushed, Slugged in
Robbery, Vehicle Burglary
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman working late in her office saw her vehicle had been burglarized; she went outside to investigate and was ambushed and slugged by the burglar who turned robber and stole her cell phone, earrings, cash and credit cards, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at about 11:40 p.m., Annalisa Mast, 42, of the 6000 block of 34th Street West, was working alone at Real Estate Special Programs, Inc., located at 7456 16th Street East, when she looked outside at her pickup truck and noticed that the driver's side door was open and the passenger side door window was broken.
She went outside to investigate. She was in the process of dialing 911 as she looked into her truck.
A man, possibly a Black male, came up behind her and struck her on her head with a small piece of flat concrete. Ms. Mast fell forward into the side of her truck bruising her right elbow.
The robber grabbed her cell phone, took her earrings and took money and credit cards from her pockets. He fled in an unknown direction.
Ms. Mast made her way about 200 yards to the east in the business park and contacted a newspaper delivery person. She used his phone to call 911.
Ms. Mast was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital by EMS. She was treated for cuts and abrasions and released.
The victim never got a good look at her attacker, however she did notice that the color of his skin on his hand was dark brown or black.
He was wearing white sneakers and blue jeans.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Manatee DUI Checkpoint
Planned This Weekend
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- As part of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office continuing crackdown on drunk drivers, a DUI checkpoint will be conducted this weekend.
The checkpoint will begin on major a roadway in south Manatee County on Friday, April 18, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. and conclude on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 4:00 a.m.
The exact location will not be announced.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the checkpoints will be the Florida Highway Patrol, the Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key and Palmetto Police Departments.
Also assisting will be the Manasota Chapter of M.A.D.D. and the Salvation Army.
Deputies Catch Three Men
Stealing Boat, Trailer
PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three men early Tuesday morning for stealing a boat and trailer from a home at 3525 Sunrise Terrace, in Port Charlotte.
Above, L to R, Michael Fusi, Kenneth Smith and Noe Magallanes
CCSO received a call at 1:42 a.m. from a man who said his neighbors notified him that three men cut a chain in his front yard that secured his father’s boat and trailer. He said three men drove off with the boat and trailer pulled by a silver Jeep Cherokee. A BOLO was issued and as a deputy was responding, he observed the suspect Jeep with stolen boat and trailer on S.R. 776 at Flamingo Blvd. and stopped the vehicle. The driver was identified as Michael Joseph Fusi, 19, 4486 Nutsedge Rd., El Jobean, and his passengers Kenneth Michael Smith, 19, 17096 Ursula Ave., and Noe Magallanes, 21, 3341 Lakeview Blvd., both of Port Charlotte. The deputy observed a large pair of bolt cutters in the back of the Jeep in plain view.
Deputies ran a check of the boat number and called the owner, Kenneth Austin, who lives in Venice. Austin said he was keeping his boat at his son Shawn Austin’s house on Sunrise Terrace. Initially the three men told deputies a man named Justin Huntley said they could get the boat so they could go boat riding. When told the owner of the boat and trailer was not Huntley, all three said they made up the name. Fusi said he cut the lock that secured the boat and trailer. Deputies said Fusi insisted he talk with Austin, the owner, so they could apologize in hopes he wouldn’t prosecute or make a deal. Fusi was asked what they planned to do with the boat when they were done joy riding; he said they would have left it afloat in the harbor.
The owner arrived, identified his stolen boat and trailer, and said he wanted to prosecute the men. Deputies arrested Fusi, Smith and Magallanes and took them to the Charlotte County Jail. All three were charged with felony Grant Theft of a Boat and Possession of Burglary Tools. Bond was set at $5,000 on each man.
Teacher, 29, Arrested Second Time;
had Sexual Intercourse with Boy, 15;
Prior Arrest was for Sex with Boy, 14
TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On April 15, 2008, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Stephanie Ragusa, 29, in connection with a second juvenile victim, 15 years old, and charged her with Lewd or Lascivious Battery and 2 counts of Sex with a Certain Minor. Ragusa was also arrested recently for sex acts with a 14-year-old boy who was one of Ragusa's students.
Stephanie Ragusa
On February 15, 2007, at 12602 Fox Terrier Court, in Tampa (Ragusa's residence at the time), the victim, who was 15 years old at the time, had sexual intercourse with Ragusa, who was twenty-seven years old at the time and was the victim's teacher at Davidson Middle School. Ragusa also provided the victim with a contraceptive for the sex act.
On March 10, 2008, Ragusa and the young victim were communicating via cell phone text messages and they both agreed to meet at the victim's residence. While there, Ragusa, who was twenty-eight years old at the time, engaged in oral sex and sexual intercourse with the victim.
During the course of the victim and Ragusa's relationship, Ragusa provided the victim with alcoholic beverages and engaged in sexual intercourse more than twenty times.
The victim positively identified Ragusa and also positively identified two tattoos Ragusa has in her pelvic area, which can only be seen when Ragusa is naked.
Text messages obtained from a court authorized search warrant on Ragusa's cell phone verified the ongoing relationship between the victim and Ragusa.
The search warrant also verified the meeting between the victim and the defendant on March 10, 2008.
The investigation continues.
Airport Bathroom Investigated
After "Ceiling-Peeper" Claim
ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A woman who claims she was watched by a stranger above her in an Orlando International Airport bathroom has prompted an investigation, according to Orlando television station WKMG.
The woman said someone was watching her through a vent in a public bathroom ceiling on March 30.
Investigators checked the vent and did not find anything.
They blocked off a crawl space in the ceiling where someone may be able to gain access to the bathroom, WKMG reported.
~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Racist
Remarks Punctuate
Neighbors' Disagreement;
Horn Honking Leads to
Display of Gun at Kids
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies were called to 2903 23rd Street East on Friday, April 11, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m. over a man displaying a gun because of a dispute with his neighbors.
Kyle Lewis Widner
According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Kyle Widner, 22, of the above address, lives next door to Toni Stuart and her two children, the victims in the incident.
Toni's sister had driven to Toni's residence and began to honk her car horn.
At that time, Kristin Strapp, Kyle's girlfriend, went outside to get Toni's sister to stop honking the horn.
The two began to verbally argue. During the argument, Kristin threw a broom at Toni and her children. The children are aged 10 and 14. The two women then continued to verbally argue.
Kyle then walked over to where Toni and Kristin were arguing and began to wave a black handgun in the faces of Toni's children, placing all three of the victims in fear for their lives.
While Kyle was waving the firearm, he was calling Toni and her children the N-word and telling them to come onto his property, so he could shoot them, the report said.
The sheriff's office was called and, upon arrival, deputies arrested Kyle for 3 counts of Aggravated Assault.
After placing Kyle under arrest and arrival at a sheriff's substation, Kyle made statements that, "They better watch out and if they want to act racist, I'll treat them like a racist."
Widner posted bond and was released on Saturday, April 12, 2008.
Deputies Charge Man with
Armed Trafficking in Cocaine
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Corey Christopher Matthews, 19, of 619 14th Street East, Palmetto, after they found Matthews in possession of powder and crack cocaine and a .40 caliber handgun early Monday morning, April 14, 2008, shortly before 2 a.m.
Corey Christopher Matthews
Deputies said they were dispatched to Manatee Woods apartments, 358 34th Avenue Drive East reference a trespass.
Upon arrival, deputies saw two security guards standing by a stairwell with a Black male, later identified as Corey Matthews, who was sitting on the stairs. They had stopped Matthews for playing his car stereo very loudly. They wanted Matthews trespassed off the property.
One of the deputies noticed Matthews appeared extremely nervous.
Meanwhile, another deputy walked up to Matthews' vehicle and noticed in plain sight several baggies of what appeared to be drugs and a handgun. He announced that to the other deputy.
At that time, Matthews tried to flee and struck one of the security guards.
Deputies captured Matthews.
The owner of the vehicle, who had loaned it to Matthews earlier, gave consent to search the vehicle.
Inside were several baggies containing powder and crack cocaine and a .40 caliber semi-automatic Smith and Wesson handgun.
The weighed amount of the drugs was not stated in the report.
Matthews was arrested and charged with Armed Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of a Concealed Firearm, Battery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.
Hispanic Male Storms Into
Mobile Home, Tears Down
American Flag, Screams
Obscenities, Leaves
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- For some unknown reason, Fernando A. Lopez-Castillo, 48, stormed into a mobile home in the Tradewinds Mobile Home Park while the residents were at home and tore down an American Flag that was hung in a window. The incident occurred in the afternoon on Monday, April 14, 2008.
Fernando A. Lopez-Castillo
Then he started to yell and scream obscenities and exited the mobile home.
The resident chased Fernando outside and snatched the flag back, a Manatee County Sheriff's Report said.
Fernando attempted to punch the flag's owner, but missed.
He then fled the scene prior to the arrival of deputies.
A deputy went back to the park later and located Fernando, who tried to escape, but the deputy used his Taser on Fernando and arrested him.
Fernando was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling.
Woman Ambushed, Robbed
At Red Light on 63rd Avenue
East Tuesday
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was ambushed at about 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, as she waited for a red light to change.
The victim, Melissa Micochero, 19, had stopped in the left turn lane in the 1500 block of 63rd Ave E. waiting for the green light when a Black male stepped up to her car.
He opened the driver's door, grabbed her by the shoulder and demanded money.
Melissa handed him a Winnie-the-Poo diaper bag containing $20 and her ID.
The robber then fled on foot westbound on 63rd Ave.
During the incident, Melissa's 14-month-old baby was also in the vehicle.
No one was injured and the area was searched but the suspect could not be located.
The robber was described as a Black male, approximately in his late 20s to early 30s, 6'00" tall, about 200 pounds, last seen wearing a black hoodie and black pants with the left pant leg rolled up and black shoes.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Armed Robbery Reported By
Pedestrian on 14th St. West
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man walking in the 3500 block of 14th Street West was the victim of an armed robbery, according to a report by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said Cain Williams, 26, of the 5000 block of 19th Street West, was walking southbound on the street at about 10:35 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2008, and was directly in front of the entrance to Palm Village Mobile Home Park, when two Black males approached him in a white Honda sedan.
The two men drove up to Williams and did not exit their vehicle. The passenger brandished a chrome-colored handgun and demanded Williams' wallet.
Williams complied and gave the man $33 dollars and a brown wallet.
The robbers drove off northbound on 14th Street West.
Williams was not injured and no shots were fired.
The robbers were described as two Black males. One of them was 23-33 years old and had a nylon cap and gold teeth. The other man was 20-30 years old and had dreadlocks.
The vehicle was a Honda type car with a partial tag of "H47."
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Freedom Village To Host
Health and Safety Fair
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Freedom Village will be hosting a Health and Safety Fair on Friday, April 18, 2008, at 1:00 p.m.
Freedom Village is located at 6406 21st Avenue West; Parking will be available at the Church of the Nazarene, 59th Street West and 17th Avenue West with Shuttle bus service to Freedom Village.
You’ll have the opportunity to listen to informative presentations from Captain Larry Leinhauser with the Department of Public Safety, Deputy Dawn Stroup with Manatee County Crime Prevention and by Tyler White, Blake Hospital Emergency Department Director.
There will be vision screening, blood pressure screening, hearing aid cleaning and a mobility aid demonstration. File of life kits will be distributed.
Through safety awareness and knowledge of the latest tools available, they hope to educate attendees on how to live a safer lifestyle within their homes.
Ellenton Man Arrested By
Palmetto Police for Burglary
PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested Thomas L. Cox, 33, of 3317 15th Street East, in Ellenton, after Cox was seen burglarizing a residence in Palmetto.
Thomas L. Cox
According to an arrest report from PPD, on Friday, April 11, 2008, at about 1:00 p.m., a witness saw Cox entering a residence in the 1000 block of 1st Avenue Court, Palmetto.
The witness told police the residents were at work at the time.
Cox allegedly entered the residence through a window and, once inside, took money and miscellaneous CDs. Total value of the loss was estimated at $2,880 dollars.
Cox was located at his residence at about 9:30 p.m. and arrested.
He was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Residence.
The witness positively identified Cox as the man who burglarized the residence, the PPD report said.
Red Flag Warning Continues;
Brush Fire Monday Afternoon
SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- A Red Flag Warning has been posted for Central Florida counties, including Sarasota and Manatee. A brush fire erupted in Sarasota County on Monday.
NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter Doug Reynolds reported Monday, April 14, 2008, a brush fire started in the median of I-75 about 4 miles south of Clark Road around 4:30 p.m., just in time to bring rush hour traffic to a standstill.
The Nokomis Fire Dept., along with 2 engines and a rescue wagon from the Sarasota County Fire Dept. fought the blaze that threatened to jump the highway.
The Florida Division of Forestry dispatched a bulldozer to help extinguish the blaze, which was very thick. SSO Air 1 made several water drops to extinguish the fire.
Reynolds said 3 to 5 acres were burned.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Northbound and Southbound I-75 lanes in the vicinity of the 201 mile marker were periodically closed between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. due to the brush fire. As of 10:30 p.m., all I-75 lanes were open.
Deputy Police Chief Accused
of Sex with 16-Year-Old Girl
MULBERRY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A deputy police chief is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old girl, according to Orlando television station WKMG.
Jody Beaudry, who is the deputy chief in Mulberry, allegedly had a sexual relationship in 2004 with the 16-year-old.
Beaudry surrendered to Polk County sheriff's deputies Monday.
He was charged with felony sexual battery and engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor, WKMG reported.
Beaudry has been suspended without pay.
Sarasota Construction Company
Owner Pleads Guilty to Willfully
Filing False Income Tax Returns
TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announced Randall C. Key, 51, of Sarasota, pled guilty to three counts of willfully making false federal income tax returns.
The maximum penalty Key faces on each of the three counts is three years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release.
According to the plea agreement in the case, Key was the sole officer and sole shareholder of a construction business, Keyco, Inc (“Keyco”), a corporation operating out of Sarasota.
During tax years 2003, 2004, and 2005, the defendant caused the preparation and filing of Federal Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040 with the Internal Revenue Service that were materially false. He willfully failed to report income derived from various sources on his individual tax returns.
In each of those years, the defendant had significant unreported income that was derived by depositing checks written from his construction company, Keyco, into his personal bank account and by charging personal expenses on a Keyco corporate credit card. The defendant also made material false statements on his individual tax returns by including on his Schedule E (relating to supplemental income and loss from rental real estate) fictitious rental expenses that he created in order to fraudulently reduce his tax liability relating to property that he rented to Keyco.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert T. Monk.
~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Deputies
Arrest Hispanic Man
After He Threatened Juvenile
with Machete Following
Residential Burglary for
Bottle of Shampoo
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Nehemias Delacruz Baten, 22, of 3712 11th Street Court East and charged him with Armed Burglary of an Occupied Residence, during which Baten allegedly threatened a juvenile with a machete.
Nehemias Delacruz Baten
According to Baten's arrest report, on Saturday, at about 6:00 a.m., Baten, who had been drinking, armed himself with a machete and walked across the street to a residence at 3709 11th Street Court East.
He went into the back yard to the eastside bathroom window and opened it.
A juvenile occupant heard a noise, went to investigate the source of the sound and saw Baten at the window.
The juvenile then confronted Baten in the back yard.
Baten raised the machete, then went back toward his house with the juvenile victim following him.
The juvenile victim saw Baten put the machete back behind his house.
The juvenile then called the sheriff's office.
After interviewing both the juvenile and Baten, Baten was arrested.
Deputies said he had broken the plane of the bathroom window and removed a bottle of shampoo.
Baten was transported to the Manatee County Jail, where he was being held on a $10,000 bond.
Detective: Former Employee Caught
On Surveillance Video Burglarizing
Sandwich Shop
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested James M. Christiansen, 26, of 6435 Berkshire Place.
James M. Christiansen
Christiansen's arrest report said on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at about 6:20 p.m., Christiansen entered the rear door at Jersey Mike's Sandwich Shop, located at 8210 Tourist Center Drive, just north of University Parkway and west of I-75.
Christiansen then went to a metal box in the office area where petty cash is kept.
He took $100 dollars in currency from the box and exited the rear door.
The entire act was captured on an in-house surveillance system.
Emloyees were able to identify Christiansen, because he is a former employee.
Christiansen was arrested at his residence on Sunday, April 13, 2008, and charged with Burglary.
Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Threatening Woman
with Handgun
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Donald C. Pope, 47, of 1705 13th Street West, Bradenton, after Pope allegedly threatened a woman with a handgun.
Donald C. Pope
According to the arrest report, Pope approached a woman in the 1800 block of 13th Street West and told her he had $5 dollars. The woman later told police she believed he was wanting to purchase narcotics. She told Pope to move on.
Pope then called her "the police." He told her he would kill her.
Pope then rode his bike to his residence and came back with a silver handgun and pointed it at the woman.
She told him she had called police and Pope then rode back home on his bike, then came back out of his house without the gun.
A witness confirmed the woman's story.
Police arrested Pope for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.
The incident occurred early Monday morning, April 14, 2008, at about 1:00 a.m., the report indicated.
Two Held by Palmetto Police
After Stabbing Another Man
PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested two men after one of them reportedly held another man while the second man stabbed the other man.
Above, L to R, Delfino Carvallo and Alvino Carvallo
According to a report from the Palmetto Police Department, on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at about 3:15 p.m., Delfino Carvallo, 23, and Alvino Carvallo, 21, both of 506 14th Street West, in Palmetto, became involved in a verbal altercation with an unnamed victim at 508 14th Street West, Palmetto.
Alvino allegedly held the victim from behind as Delfino allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest once with a kitchen knife.
The victim and the victim's wife positively identified Delfino and Alvino as the perpetrators.
The victim was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.
Delfino and Alvino were both arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.
Manatee Detective Arrests Teen;
Stole Handicapped Man's Wallet
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested James Edward Willey, 18, of 919 23rd Street West, Bradenton, after Willey stole a wallet from a handicapped man.
James Edward Willey
The arrest report of Willey said on April 3, 2008, a Robbery by Sudden Snatching occurred at 6904 Manatee Ave. West.
Three people, including Willey, went to the home of a 38-year-old mentally handicapped victim. After being let inside the residence, Willey tricked the victim into leaning over to look at something. When the victim leaned over, Willey removed his wallet from the victim's right rear pocket. There was a struggle, but Willey managed to break free and fled the scene.
In the following days Detective Hemmer was able to get the listed suspect identified, with the victim picking him from a photo lineup.
Hemmer further developed a possible location of the suspect. Willey apparently commonly hung around the Publix shopping center in the 3900 block of Manatee Ave. West.
With the assistance of Detectives Carter and Waldron, the suspect, James Willey, was taken into custody at that location.
Willey was transported to the detective's office, where he was interviewed by Detective Hemmer and subsequently gave a full confession to the crime.
Willey was arrested at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2008, and charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching.
Woman Ambushed, Punched
by Ex-Boyfriend
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, April 10, 2008, Kathleen Piergrossi was ambushed by her ex-boyfriend, Christopher P. Jones, Jr., 22, of 3708 36th Street East.
Christopher P. Jones, Jr.
According to an arrest report, at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, after leaving the 7-11 at Whitfield Avenue and 15th Street East, Kathleen pulled on to Whitfield Avenue, heading east. She was stopped at the light at the intersection. There was an unknown vehicle in front of her and a vehicle behind her.
Christopher Jones exited the passenger side of the vehicle stopped in front of her and walked to the driver's side door of Kathleen's vehicle and began arguing with her about them breaking up.
Christopher allegedly said, "If I can't have you, no one can." He then attempted to take Kathleen's keys out of the ignition, but couldn't reach them.
Kathleen attempted to get away from Christopher, but he had the driver's door blocked so she could not get out. She then tried to call 911 on her cell phone.
Christopher grabbed her cell phone from her hand. Kathleen took it back, but Christopher grabbed it again and punched Kathleen underneath her left eye.
It is unknown what happened next -- the report didn't say -- but Christopher was arrested at about 10:15 Thursday night and charged with Robbery.
Search Warrant Yields Marijuana,
Cocaine, Cash, One Arrest
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at 1212 Princeton Avenue, in the Bayshore Gardens subdivision of Manatee County.
Kevin Edward Adams
Inside the residence were two people. One of them, Kevin Edward Adams, 19, wound up being arrested.
Detectives say they found $1,110 dollars, 103.4 grams (3.6 ounces) of Marijuana and 1.2 grams of powder cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia and packaging apparently meant for sales of the marijuana.
Adams was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Bradenton Bank Robber
Arrested Sunday
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On April 13, 2008, Marcello Gallardo, Jr., 30, of Bradenton, Florida, arrived at the Bradenton Police Station accompanied by his attorney.
Marcello Gallardo, Jr.
Mr. Gallardo, while being interviewed by detectives, confessed to robbing the Fifth/Third Bank on Saturday, April 12, 2008.
The stolen money was not recovered, according to Bradenton Police Department Major J.J. Lewis.
Gallardo stated that he spent the money, using it to buy illegal drugs.
Gallardo was arrested and Charged with Robbery with a Firearm.
He was delivered to the Manatee County Jail.
Bradenton Police, Task Force
Arrest 20 Gang Members
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- In an effort to eliminate illegal street gangs and illegal gang activity, the Bradenton Police Department Gang Unit, in partnership with the Multiagency Gang Task Force (MAGTAF), conducted an operation in central Bradenton on April 12, 2008.
This area was identified as a haven for the gang called “SLAUGHTER HOUSE” and/or “12th AVE BOYS."
During this operation, twenty people were arrested, charged with offenses from Drug/Weapons Possession to Violation of Probation and Driving While License Suspended.
A total of five vehicles were also seized, along with currency and narcotics.
Other Agencies involved in the operation were:
~ Manatee
County/State Probation and Parole
~ Bradenton Fire Department
~ Bradenton Code Enforcement
~ Manatee County State Attorney’s Office
~ Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office
~ Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office
~ Hillsborough County Sheriff Office
~ Plant City Police Department
~ Palmetto Police Department
~ Tampa Police Department
~ ICE
Efforts of the Bradenton Police Department Gang Unit and Task Force are continuing.
Samoset Bar-B-Q with Sheriff
Set for Friday Afternoon
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Brad Steube announced Monday he and his staff will be holding a barbeque for the Samoset community on Friday, April 18, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Samoset Community Center, 3124 17th Street East.
The event is part of an ongoing effort by the sheriff's office to interact with the community.
A press release from the sheriff's office said "everyone is invited at no cost."
Convenience Store Robber
Captured by Detectives
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, April 13, 2008, at 12:13 a.m. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Andrew M. Pinney, 22, of 248 Rio Terra, Venice, on charges of Robbery and Burglary with Battery.
Andrew M. Pinney
Pinney was arrested for a robbery that occurred Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at approximately 12:50 a.m. at the Mobil on the Run convenience store located at 1678 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.
During the robbery, the night clerk, Jan Buckmaster, 69, was severely battered and incapacitated for a short time.
Ms. Buckmaster, who is now doing well, was transported to the Venice Regional Hospital and released after 3 days.
Deputy Catches Teen Stealing
Items from 8 Boats
PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputy caught a 19-year-old man stealing GPS and other marine equipment from eight boats early Sunday morning at Ingman Marine, 1189 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte.
James Joseph Raimer, Jr.
The deputy was dispatched after an alarm was activated and upon arrival observed James Joseph Raimer, Jr., of 13401 Markham Ave., Port Charlotte, inside a fenced area at Sunbelt Rental, adjacent to Ingman Marine. Raimer was reportedly sweating; his clothes were torn and stained. When asked why he was inside the closed business at 2:00 a.m., Raimer said he was looking for his cell phone he may have lost in one of the boats he and his father were looking at last week.
Deputies checked the area where Raimer was found and located six marine GPS units and fish finders valued at $4,000. Footprints in both secured areas matched Raimer’s shoes. Footprints were also found on several boats in front of the business that also matched. A CCSO K-9 unit was brought in and the track led to where Raimer and the electronic devices were found. The owner of Ingman Marine reviewed the surveillance video with deputies and detectives and Raimer was clearly shown around the boats where the thefts occurred. All eight boats burglarized were on consignment through the business.
Raimer told deputies he was at Emerald City Bar and got into a vehicle with three men to purchase drugs and was dropped off at Ingman Marine. When confronted with all of the evidence and the K-9 tracking, Raimer began making threats against Officers. He also asked how much time he was going to have to serve for this crime and that he was already out on bond for two other cases. Raimer then asked, “when am I gonna get my shoes back?”
Raimer was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with 12 counts of felony Burglary to a Conveyance (boats), Burglary of a Structure, and Grand Theft ($4,000). This is Raimer’s ninth arrest with 27 records.
Bandits Tied Up Clerk with
Shoe Laces During Robbery
KISSIMMEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported several armed men pistol-whipped a clerk and a customer during a robbery of a cell phone store that involved the men using shoe laces they brought to the crime, police said.
Investigators said several men walked into the My Wireless store located at 3400 W. Vine St. in Kissimmee Saturday and asked for phone cards.
The men then went behind the counter and used shoe laces to tie up the clerk, police said.
The man was seen on surveillance begging for his life.
"They brought their own things to tie him up with and it was very well calculated," Kissimmee police representative Stacie Miller said.
The store employee was pistol-whipped by the men, investigators said.
During the crime, police said a customer walked in and was also pistol-whipped.
The men then fled the store.
The culprits are described by the victims as Hispanic males, WKMG said.
~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Man Previously
Arrested for Sex
with Girl, 15, and Lewd Act with
Girl, 14, Charged with Six Counts
of Possession of Child Pornography
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Robert Chippendale, 24, currently in the Manatee County Jail on two sex-related crimes with minors, has been additionally charged with Possession of Child Pornography.
Robert Chippendale
According to a report from Detective Todd Sellitto of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Chippendale was arrested on the additional charges at the jail on Thursday.
On March 23, 2008, a search warrant was executed on Chippendale's residence. A cell phone that Chippendale apparently used only to take photos and was not hooked up to any telephone service was seized.
On that cell phone, multiple images of a 15-year-old girl that Chippendale had sexual intercourse with was found. The unnamed victim went through the pictures with Det. Sellitto and confirmed they were of her. There were 5 images showing the victim in the nude and 1 full nude shower video.
Chippendale confessed to taking the pictures and said he only uses that phone for that purpose.
Chippendale was charged with six counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
NewsManatee previously reported Chippendale was arrested on Thursday, March 20, 2008, and charged with 3 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on that same 15-year-old girl for having sexual intercourse with her.
Then, Chippendale was arrested on April 4, 2008, at the Manatee County Jail for an incident involving using his fingers in the private area of a 14-year-old girl while they were in the shower at Chippendale's residence. He was charged with Lewd or Lascivious Battery for that incident.
Chippendale had picked up both girls at their respective schools and had taken them to his residence.
There may be more victims.
Det. Sellitto has asked that anyone who has any knowledge of juvenile contact with Chippendale should call him at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, (941) 747-3011, ext. 1909.
In the alternative, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Man Arrested for Soliciting
Sex from Daughter
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Ronald Lee Smith, 36, of the 5200 block of 5th Street Circle West and charged him with one count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation and one count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct.
Ronald Lee Smith
According to the arrest report, beginning January, 2008, Smith began acting inappropriately toward his daughter. The unnamed 15-year-old girl and her mother lived with Smith at the above address, the report said.
Smith allegedly "pinched" his daughters nipples more than once. Smith also allegedly told his daughter if she would have sexual intercourse with him, he would allow her to see her older boyfriend.
In a recorded phone call between Smith and his daughter Smith allegedly apologized for requesting sex from her and did not deny the "groping" allegations.
When Smith was arrested at his home on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., he told detectives he knows what he said to his daughter in the recording "sounds pretty bad." He then tried to explain that he did not refute his daughter's allegations because it would upset her, the report said.
However, Smith maintained his innocence and said his daughter was lying.
28-Year-Old Man Arrested for
Having Sex with Girl, 15
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Frederick Goolsby, 28, of 302 26th Avenue West for having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old unnamed girl.
Frederick Goolsby
The arrest report said on April 10, 2008, the sheriff's office was contacted to respond to a possible Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a 15-year-old victim.
Upon arrival it was alleged the 15 year old victim has been having sexual intercourse with a 28-year-old man named "Fred" for the past 4 months.
"Fred" was identified as Frederick Goolsby.
During the investigation, Frederick Goolsby admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim on several different occasions.
On April 11, 2008, Detectives with the Crimes Against Children Unit responded to Frederick's last known address of 415 10th Avenue East in Bradenton, but he was not located.
A canvas was conducted of the area and Frederick was located at the 200 block of 10th Avenue East. Frederick was arrested without incident.
Goolsby has been charged with 3 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery.
Man Arrested for Auto Burglary,
Theft of GPS Unit, Use of
Victim's Credit Card
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Christopher R. Horn, 20, of 8120 Glenbrooke Place, in Manatee County, currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail on unrelated charges.
Christopher R. Horn
According to the arrest report, Detectives say Horn burglarized an unlocked vehicle in the 6200 block of Cypress Bend Court on March 13, 2008, shortly after midnight.
Once inside the vehicle, Horn stole the victim's wallet from the center console and the victim's GPS unit from the dashboard. The value of the GPS unit was estimated at $1,800 dollars.
Then, Horn found the victim's credit card and PIN number inside her wallet. He used that credit card to purchase $50 dollars worth of gas at the Site gas station located at Lockwood Ridge Road and 53rd Avenue East.
Horn then used the same credit card to withdraw $600 dollars from four area banks, detectives say.
Horn allegedly admitted to the burglary and use of the credit card, as well as 30 other vehicle burglaries in the Palm Aire subdivision of Manatee County this year.
The GPS unit was impounded by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office during an unrelated arrest.
The victim's credit cards were seized from Horn's residence.
Drunk Driver, More Than 3 Times
Over Legal Limit, Arrested
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man with a blood alcohol level more than 3 times over the legal limit was arrested for DUI, Fleeing and No Valid Driver's License early Saturday morning, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Ricardo Garcia
The report said on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Deputy Baurle observed a gold Saturn traveling eastbound on 10th Street East with no lights on. Deputy Baurle followed the vehicle to Haben Blvd. as it weaved from lane to lane where it stopped for the red light.
When the light turned green, the driver spun the tires and took off at a high rate of speed.
Deputy Baurle activated the emergency equipment in his patrol car to initiate a traffic stop but the vehicle continued northbound on U.S. 301 at 60 mph for 7/10 of a mile before the driver pulled over and stopped at the 2400 block of U.S. 301.
The driver, Ricardo Garcia, 18, of Palmetto, failed a Field Sobriety Test and was arrested for DUI, Fleeing to Elude, No Driver's License, Failure to Register Vehicle and Unlawful Use of Temporary Tag.
A search of the vehicle incident to arrest yielded an open can of beer and a case of beer on the passenger floorboard.
Garcia's Blood Alcohol Level measured .210 and .193.
In Florida, a person is considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if his or her blood alcohol level is over .08.
Woman Shot in Leg During
Armed Home Invasion
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, at about 10 minutes past midnight, a woman was shot in the leg during an armed home invasion at a residence in the 5700 block of 11th Street East, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said Corey L. Howard, 34, heard a knock on the door. He got up and answered the door.
Three unknown Black males pushed their way into the residence and forced Corey Howard, Ashly Carrizales, 23, and Cierra Stephens, 19, to the ground in the rear bedroom.
One of the males kept yelling, "Gimmee all your money."
One of the males shot a round from a handgun and struck Carrizales in the right leg just below her knee. The round went in just below her knee and exited about 3 to 4 inches below that, then appears to have struck the floor, chipping the ceramic tile.
Corey pulled cash out of his pocket and gave it to the robbers.
The three then fled out the door in an unknown direction.
They called 911 and upon arrival of deputies, Carrizales was sitting on a car parked on the north side of the residence.
A perimeter was set up and Deputy David Brady and his K-9 "Rosco" attempted to track, with negative results.
EMS was contacted and Carrizales was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for the gunshot wound. Carrizales was treated and expected to be released for the gunshot injury. The injuries were not life-threatening.
The robbers were only described as 3 Unknown Black males wearing all black, black masks and black gloves; all three were carrying small handguns.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Man Stabbed with Box Cutter,
Robbed Following Crash
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Justin Burkholder, of the 10000 block of Silverado Circle, in the River Club subdivision in Manatee County was stabbed by a man with a box cutter following a traffic crash on Friday, April 11, 2008, at about 5:20 p.m.
The report said Burkholder was driving in the 1200 block of 63rd Avenue West when an early 90s model Gray or Silver Monte Carlo pulled out of a parking lot and sideswiped Burkholder's vehicle.
Burkholder pulled off the roadway and was approached by a heavyset Black male who was the driver of the Monte Carlo.
The man asked Burkholder if he was okay and, according to Burkholder, the man then pulled out a box cutter and stabbed Burkholder in the left forearm.
Burlholder ran from the scene and when he turned back to see where the man with the box cutter was, he saw that the man was in his vehicle removing items from the front seat.
Burkholder returned to his vehicle and drove to his home in River Club and called the Sheriff's Office. He reported that the man had removed a PSP and $140.00 in cash that were in the front seat.
Burkholder received a small puncture wound to his left forearm which did not require medical attention.
The culprit was described as a heavyset Black male in his early 30s, with short dreadlock-style hair.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Thief Gets $22,000 in Jewelry
in Rosedale Residential Burglary
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said a home in the Rosedale subdivision of Manatee County was burglarized and the thief made off with $22,000 in jewelry on Friday.
The report said the burglary occurred in the 4900 block of 88th Street East on Friday, sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
When the homeowner, Mary Zabaga, 64, arrived back home at 2:30 p.m., the burglary was discovered.
Unknown suspect(s) forced their way into the residence thru the front door, the report said.
While inside, the suspect(s) took several pieces of jewelry totaling $22,000, according to the report.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Reports of 'Bank Examiner' scam;
Bradenton Police Warn Citizens
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department is asking citizens to be cautious of a scam that has occurred in the area recently.
According to BPD's Sgt. L.J. Millard, the con artist calls the potential victim and identifies himself as a police detective, bank examiner or other official title. The scammer says the police or bank are investigating a possible theft or embezzlement at the victim’s bank and they need the victim’s help.
The scammer directs the victim to go to the bank and withdraw a certain amount of money (usually in the thousands). The scammer tells the victim that the bills will be marked because they want to catch the crooked teller in the act.
The victim is told to give the cash to an official who will meet them in the parking lot so they can inspect and record each bill. The scammer claims the money will be re-deposited in the victim’s account. The scammer shows up dressed professionally, takes the victim’s money and disappears.
Sgt. Millard did not give specifics on the recent case(s).
If you have any information regarding the above type of crime, please contact Sgt. L.J. Millard at 941-932-9300 ext. 351, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Ellenton Walgreens Robbed
of 487 Oxycodone Pills
ELLENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the Walgreens store pharmacy, located at 5945 U.S. 301 North, in Ellenton, was robbed of 487 Oxycodone pills by a lone male on Friday, April 11, 2008, at 1:22 a.m.
The sheriff's office report said the man walked into the Walgreens wearing a full-faced motorcycle helmet with a smoked visor down, passed the shift manager and said hello. He then made his way back to the pharmacy.
Once at the pharmacy, he reached into his pocket and produced a yellow sheet of paper listing his demands (Oxycodone) and stated he had a gun.
The pharmacist surrendered all the Oxycodone he had (487) in variety of milligram doses, and watched the man run towards the front of the store.
The man passed the shift manager again, still running.
The manager followed as best he could, only to see the man run west through their parking lot into a Hungry Howie's construction area. The man ran out of sight as he neared the Applebee's parking lot.
A perimeter was set up immediately. Deputy Brady and his K-9 Rosco tracked to Woody's River Roo parking lot, but the man was gone.
The manager was not injured and handled himself well. The manager downloaded the a surveillance video to disc, and that disc was placed in evidence.
The perpetrator was not further described in the report.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Alleged Drive-By Shooting;
Rear Window Shattered
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A man told Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies that his ex-wife and her new boyfriend shot out the rear window of his vehicle early Sunday morning, April 13, 2008, at about 4:10 a.m.
Hiram Santoni, 31, alleged that his ex-wife, Paula Santoni, 29, and her new boyfriend, Robert Lopez, 55, shot at his vehicle as he drove home from work on County Road 675.
Hiram Santoni's vehicle sustained a shattered rear window from the incident.
No gun was seen and the suspects fled the area northbound on County Road 675 prior to arrival of deputies.
It is unknown if deputies recovered a bullet from the alleged shooting; the report did not say.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .
Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Woman, 64, Dies in Traffic Crash
in City of Sarasota Friday
SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department reported a fatal traffic crash on Friday, April 11, 2008, in which a 64-year-old woman died.
The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit investigated the fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Waldemere Street at about 4:15 p.m.
Preliminary information indicated that one vehicle was southbound on U.S. 41 when a second vehicle that was northbound on U.S. 41 turned left into the path of the southbound vehicle.
The southbound vehicle struck the other vehicle on the front passenger door killing the passenger.
The victim has been identified as Joann Hogan, 64, of Venice.
Her husband, Arthur Hogan, was operating the vehicle that turned in front of the southbound vehicle. Mr. Hogan had minor injuries.
The driver of the southbound vehicle has been identified as Maia Walker, 25, of Sarasota. Ms. Walker was not injured.
The investigation is continuing and charges may be filed later.
Results of Sarasota County
DUI Checkpoint Friday
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office hosted a DUI Checkpoint in the 800 block of Siesta Drive, in Bay City Park on Friday night, April 11, 2008.
During the night's operation, deputies were able to make 10 DUI arrests.
In addition, 4 people were arrested for Driving While License Suspended and 1 person was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
There were also 63 traffic citations issued for various violations.
Also participating in the checkpoint were officers from the North Port Police Department.
Orlando Bank ATM Ripped Out
By Front-End Loader Missing
ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported at least one person used a giant front-end loader to rip out and steal an ATM from a Central Florida bank.
Investigators said the construction machinery was stolen from a nearby site and driven to the Washington Mutual bank on Kirkman Road in Orlando.
When police arrived at the scene early Friday, April 11, 2208, the ATM was missing and a front-end loader with the number 624 on it was parked near it.
Police said there may have been several people involved in the crime.
They planned to check surveillance video at the bank Friday, WKMG said.
Anyone with information concerning the crime is urged to call Orange County's Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
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