Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 5/10/2008

This website contains archived material from NewsManatee.com which is supported through private funding, supporter donations and advertising. If you are looking for the latest news in Manatee County Florida visit Newsmanatee.com or perform an archive search at Newsmanateearchive.com. NOTE: Archiving did not begin until March 14, 2008. If you are seeking articles published prior to this date, you will need to contact us directly.

Review archived pages by date OR Text search of archived pages

Local/State News for week ending 5/10/2008

Bradenton Motorcyclist Killed
Being A Good Samaritan,
Chasing Tampa Robber

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday afternoon, at about 1:30 p.m., a strong arm robber ripped some prescription pills out of a woman's hands and fled. Jason DeMarzian, 25, of 1219 51st Avenue East, in Bradenton, jumped on his motorcycle and tried to catch the thief. But DeMarzian crashed into a passing SUV and was killed.

Above, Jason DeMarzian's motorcycle down at the scene
(Photo courtesy WTVT, Fox 13)

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, a woman had just come out of the Superior pharmacy, located on Hillsborough Avenue at Town and Country Blvd. She was walking to her vehicle when a man grabbed a bag containing the woman's prescription pills, jumped into the passenger side of a Honda 4-door sedan being driven by a woman, and fled the scene.

DeMarzian, later described by his sister, Tara DeMarzian, as being a "helpful person," jumped on his motorcycle and chased the Honda west on Hillsborough Avenue.

A Ford Explorer was just coming out of a driveway, HCSO said, and DeMarzian crashed into it.

After the motorcycle struck the SUV, the bike exploded and burst into flames.

DeMarzian, witnesses said, lay motionless in the roadway.

They tried to revive him, but DeMarzian died at the scene.

Jason DeMarzian and son Joshua
(Photo courtesy WTVT, Fox 13)

He leaves behind a 3-year-old son, Joshua.

Deputies are still looking for the robbery suspects.

The male suspect is described as being 20-30 years of age, 6'-6'2" tall, 165-185 pounds, with a beard, and was last seen wearing a blue dress shirt, jeans and a blue hat.

The female suspect is described as being about 5'5" tall, 130 pounds, with long blonde hair, and was last seen wearing a white shirt and shorts.

The Honda was a 4-door sedan, tan or light gold in color, with tinted windows and no license tag.

Anyone with possible suspect information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Manatee Detectives Arrest Man
for Switching Bar Codes
10 Times; $8,700 Thefts

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Kenneth Howard Reynolds, 36, of 15363 Blue Fish Circle, in Greenbrook Village in East Manatee County, on 10 counts of Grand Theft and one count of Scheme to Defraud, after a capias request for an arrest warrant was granted by the State Attorney's Office. Reynolds was arrested on Monday, May 5, 2008.

Kenneth Howard Reynolds

Detectives say Reynolds entered BJ's Wholesale Club, a members-only store in the 8000 block of Cooper Creek Blvd. in East Manatee County, switched bar codes on a Bose home theater system valued at $1,500 dollars with bar codes from two speakers, then used a self-checkout register and paid only $69 dollars for the system.

Detectives say he did this about 10 times on various dates, costing BJ's $8,700 dollars overall.

Reynolds did this in Hillsborough County as well, according to the capias request.

Reynolds then pawned the items locally; detectives found the Bose system at a local pawn shop.

When asked why he did it, Reynolds allegedly said, "Because it was easy."

Reynolds reportedly confessed to the scheme.

He was released from the Manatee County Jail after posting a bail bond of $17,500 dollars.

A court date of June 6, 2008, has been set for Reynolds to appear.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Asks Help Finding Missing,
Possibly Endangered
Parrish Man -- UPDATE

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- As of Thursday, there is still no word on the location of a 38-year-old Parrish man who went missing Monday, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies are looking for Winston Walton, 38, who was reported missing Monday evening, May 5th, 2008, by his wife.

Above, Winston Walton

Walton was supposed to take a new job out of state and didn’t report to work on Monday.

Walton is described as a White male, 5’10” tall, 250 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

He may be driving a 4-door 1998 Silver Buick Le Sabre with Florida tag B515BV.

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.

UPDATE: Late Friday night, Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, sent the following message to local media outlets: "Winston Walton is no longer considered missing. No further information at this time."

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man
in Connection with Burglary

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Vernon D. Everett, Jr., 19, of 2125 16th Avenue West, in Bradenton, and charged him with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

Vernon D. Everett, Jr.

Police say Everett and two others were suspects in a burglary that occurred on April 25, 2008, in the 2200 block of 72nd Street East, in Bradenton.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2008, police officers say after Everett was read his Miranda rights, he admitted going to the location and breaking a window with a brick and entering the residence.

Everett said he and the others took items from the residence, but said he carried the items out in a pillow case, but denied knowing what was inside.

Idol Contestant Syesha Mercado
Coming to Bradenton on Friday

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Downtown Bradenton will host local resident and American Idol winner Syesha Mercado during a special event Friday morning, May 9, 2008.

Mercado, known to her fans as Syesha, placed in one of the top three spots Wednesday night on the popular American Idol television show. Her victory assures her return home to Bradenton and Sarasota for a special visit with her local fans.

The City of Bradenton set up a stage on Barcarrota Boulevard between Old Main Street (12th Street West) and 10th Street West Thursday in anticipation of Mercado’s visit, which is scheduled for 10:30-11 a.m. Friday.

Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston will present her with a key to the City, and Manatee County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and Gwen Brown will read a proclamation in her honor and proclaim Friday as “Syesha Mercado Day” in the county.

Mercado’s relatives, who live in Manatee County , said she may sing a song or two for her local fans. The Manatee Convention Center is providing a sound system.

Mercado, 21, attended Daughtrey Elementary and Manatee School for the Arts. She graduated from Sarasota ’s Booker High School in 2005.

Manatee County 2008
Summer Blast Camp
Information

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Summer Blast Camp is a structured recreational day camp for children ages 5 to 14. Your child will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exciting games and activities such as swimming, cooperative sports, arts and crafts, special events, movies and fun-filled field trips such as Chuck E. Cheese, MOSI, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Wheels, Park Zoo, Adventure Island, and camp carnivals.

A press release from Manatee County Parks & Recreation said, "We strive to maintain a staff to child ratio of 1:15."

Camp operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Camp Location and Dates:
G.T. Bray Park: June 9 - August 15, 2008
Lakewood Ranch High School: June 9 - August 1, 2005

Camp Fees:

Registration Fee Registration (t-shirt included) -- $30
Per weekly session -- $80/week
Optional lunch program (Monday through Thursday) -- $18/week
Optional field trips (details when registering) -- $20 - $60

Registration Location:

G.T. Bray Park Activity Center
5504 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton

For additional registration information, please call (941)742-5974.

Palmetto Construction Site
Burglary Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sometime between Monday, May 5, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at about noon, a person or persons broke into a storage trailer and stole equipment valued at over $8,000 dollars, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the burglary occurred at 4810 Moccasin Wallow Road, in the Artisan Lakes subdivision, in Palmetto.

Even though someone broke into the trailer, there were no visible signs of forced entry.

An estimated $8,330 dollars worth of property was stolen, the report said. The property belonged to Datta Construction, out of Orlando.

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 East Side Crip
Gang Member Arrested
by Sarasota Detectives

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at about 7:30 a.m., Sarasota County Sheriff's Detectives arrested Moises Martinez, 19, of 6016 9th Street Court East.

Moises Martinez

The arrest report said on April 27, 2008, at about 2:30 a.m., a disturbance occurred in the parking lot of Club Escape, located at 3218 Clark Road, in Sarasota.

As the incident was going down, Martinez armed himself with a handgun and began to display the weapon in the direction of patrons and club staff.

Law enforcement was dispatched, but before they could arrive, Martinez had fled the scene in a 1991 Red Acura Integra.

The Acura was later located parked in the front yard of 2525 Hibiscus Street, in Sarasota. Through the windshield, deputies could see a black holster and ammunition. Martinez was not inside.

He was later identified by witnesses to the Club Escape incident through a photo pack.

Martinez is a documented East Side Crip gang member from Manatee County, the arrest report said.

Martinez was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, and Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.

He is being held in the Sarasota County Jail on a bail bond of $100,000 dollars. His court date is set for June 6, 2008.

Detectives Charge Teen Again;
Burglarized 150-200 Homes

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives filed more charges against Geoff Allen Milliken, 19, of 18426 Dreggers Ave., Port Charlotte, as part of the lengthy investigation after Milliken said he and others burglarized 150-200 homes.

Geoff Allen Milliken

The latest charges stem from a Mar. 25 burglary of a home at 16000 block of Chamberlain Blvd., Port Charlotte. An alert witness called the CCSO to report a suspicious Pontiac Montana minivan driving slowly in front of that home by a young white male. It appeared the driver was looking to pickup a young black male by the home. The black male walking the area pulled up a hood on his sweatshirt to conceal his face; the van drove by him then sped off.

Deputies responded and found the rear window to the home pried open and notified the owner who arrived and said a 37-inch plasma TV and a laptop computer were stolen. Thanks to the witness, detectives learned the minivan was owned by Milliken’s father, and put together a photo lineup. The witness positively identified Milliken. On Apr. 28, detectives obtained numerous ongoing investigations that Milliken and a 17-year-old black male juvenile were responsible for many burglaries and grand thefts in the county. A photo lineup was made with the juvenile suspect and the witness positively identified the youth as the one he saw suspiciously walking on Chamberlain Blvd.

On April 30, Milliken turned himself in and admitted to committing up to 200 home burglaries with the juvenile boy. Detectives have not released the name of the juvenile as the investigation continues.

Another accomplice in the home burglaries, Windsor Owen Walker, 18, of 3154 Scranton St., Port Charlotte, also remains in the Charlotte County Jail in connection with eight of the 13 home burglaries Milliken has now been charged with.

Milliken’s total charges to date are 13 for Burglary, 10 Grand Theft, and three for Grand Theft of a Firearm.

Another break in these cases came Apr. 24, when Walker was arrested and charged in connection with the Murdock Circle Apartment home invasion robbery. He drove the get-away car but was stopped by a CCSO Watch Commander. Three others in the car fled but were arrested later, and a fourth the next day. Detectives found stolen items including weapons in the car.

CCSO detectives are solving many of the burglaries every day; more arrests and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Naked Stranger Found Sitting
on Family's Toilet

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Central Florida family was shocked to come home to find a naked 57-year-old stranger sitting on their toilet and smelling of body wash, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Ocala police arrested Tom Wilkerson, 57, after he was found naked and with the family's clothes inside a home located on West Silver Springs Boulevard.

Officers said Wilkerson apparently found an outside key and let himself into the Bess family's home.

Wilkerson took a hot shower and used Lisa Bess' Victoria Secret lavender body wash, a family member said.

Bess said she believes Wilkerson was inside the house most of the day.

She said he took a pair of her underwear and other clothes.

Wilkerson was charged with trespassing, WKMG reported.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Clerk's Office:
Seven Manatee County Students
Won at Florida State History Fair

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Twenty-six Manatee County students recently returned from Tallahassee where they represented Manatee County at the Florida State History Fair held at Tallahassee Community College, May 1-3, 2008. Seven students won First and Second place prizes and will travel to Washington D. C. in June to compete in National History Day.

Above, L to R, Angelina Barnard, Elora Czaia, Adam Gomes, Peyton Thomas (behind),
Justine Rizzo, Cody Glasgow, Stephen Mida

First Place, Junior Individual Performance and Women’s History Prize: Angelina Barnard, “Old World vs. New World: Conflict and Compromise as Italian Americans,” King Middle School, Grade 7

Second Place, Junior Individual Documentary: Peyton Thomas, “Orphan Trains: A Journey of Hope,” Bradenton Christian School, Grade 6

Second Place, Senior Group Performance: Justine Rizzo, Elora Czaia, Adam Gomes, Stephen Mida, and Cody Glasgow, “Conflict in the Newsroom, Kids on Strike: The Conflict and Compromise Story of the Newsboy Strike of 1899,” Bradenton Preparatory Academy, Grade 11

Also taking home prizes were:

African American History Prize: Madison Chapman, “Ralph Bunche: Forgotten Champion of Peace,” Chapman Academy, Grade 8

Outstanding County Award: Preston Fittro and Wade Mathison, “Flagler’s Florida,” Nolan Middle School, Grade 8

The 26 Manatee County students who participated in Tallahassee were:

Ryan Meredith of Palmetto Christian School, Kayla Chesanek, Sienna Bonner, Justine Rizzo, Elora Czaia, Adam Gomes, Stephen Mida and Cody Glasgow of Bradenton Preparatory Academy, Peyton Thomas, Alexandra Watson and Lea Sifrit of Bradenton Christian School, Angelina Barnard of King Middle School, Preston Fittro and Wade Mathison of Nolan Middle School, Casey Davis of Haile Middle School, Kayla Colmorgen, Alexa Kinder, Johnny Silvers, Christopher Marchini, Kaleigh Chaffee, Tony Kimes, West Vogel, Kristen Hagaman and J.D. Rassett of Lakewood Ranch High School and Madison Chapman of Chapman Academy.

These students competed with over 700 students from around the state for prizes and a chance to represent Florida at National History Day in College Park, Maryland in June.

For more information about Manatee County History Fair, contact the Manatee County Historical Commission, (941) 749-7165.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Theft of $2,500 in Jewelry

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Bradenton Police arrested Daniel Kelly, 21, of 4550 27th Street West, Bradenton, and charged him with Grand Theft.

Daniel Kelly

According to the arrest report, Kelly stole some jewelry from his father's live-in girlfriend.

The items were listed as three necklaces and a watch, valued at $2,500 dollars.

Kelly allegedly admitted to detectives that he sold the items to a friend for $65 dollars.

The crime occurred on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at about 11 a.m., the report said.

Hispanic Male Arrested for
Stealing Items from Wal-Mart

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested David Cintron, 37, and charged him with Retail Theft.

David Cintron

A report from the sheriff's office said Cintron was caught stealing items from the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 2911 53rd Avenue East, valued at $79.32.

Cintron selected a pair of shoes, placed them on his feet, then put his old shoes back in the box and put the box back on the shelf.

Then he selected a shirt, removed the tags and put the shirt on.

He then proceeded to the front of the store, where he purchased a small item and walked out without paying for the shoes and shirt.

When he was stopped, he was also found in possession of several audio CDs concealed in his front pocket.

He was also found in possession of several debit and credit cards with several different names on them.

Drugs Found on Man Busted
on Sarasota Warrant

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When a Manatee County Sheriff's Office property clerk went through the backpack of a man arrested on a Sarasota Sheriff's Office arrest warrant, she found illegal drugs.

Bryan Wayne Zeigler

Bryan Zeigler, 29, listed as homeless, was arrested on Sunday, May 4, 2008, at about 6:50 p.m. on a warrant out of Sarasota for Driving While License Suspended.

Zeigler was transported to the Manatee Count Jail.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, a property clerk found a prescription bottle inside Zeigler's backpack during her inventory of his property.

The prescription bottle had the name of Adam Moore on the outside of the bottle. inside, were 105 pills for a form of Ritalin. But the outside of the bottle said there were only supposed to be 60 pills inside.

Zeigler was questioned about the pills. He said he had no idea how the pills got into his backpack and does not know an Adam Moore.

Zeigler was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Drive-By Shooting Damages
Garage, Tire, Water Heater

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a drive-by shooting early Wednesday morning, at about 1:30 a.m., in the 3200 block of 5th Street East.

The report said the victim, Angelica Muniz, 38, and three other family members were sleeping inside their residence when she heard multiple gunshots outside of her residence.

She walked outside and noticed 8 bullet holes in her garage door.

Sheriff's deputies arrived and found 12 shell casings (9 mm) in the street in front of the residence and two live 9 mm rounds.

After photographs were taken, they were collected as evidence to be printed.

There was damage to property within the garage that included a flat vehicle tire and a damaged water heater.

In the garage, multiple bullet fragments were also collected.

There were no injuries as no bullets penetrated the interior of the residence.

The victim did not see any suspects and deputies were unable to locate any witnesses to this incident.

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.

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured
in Hit-and-Run Accident

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the driver of a 1996 Ford van that struck and seriously injured a motorcyclist Tuesday evening, at about 9:10 p.m. on U.S. 41, 100 feet South of 56th Avenue West.

An FHP report said a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle, driven by Martin B. Christ, 27, of Bradenton, was stopped for southbound traffic on U.S. 41 in the left lane.

A 2005 Ford van was behind Christ. The van failed to stop behind the motorcycle. The van's front struck the motorcycle's rear, ejecting Christ from his motorcycle onto the pavement.

After the crash, the van left the scene northbound on U.S. 41.

Christ was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

This case is pending further investigation.

Anyone with any information about the crash is asked to contact Trooper Todd Bergman at (941) 651-7647, ext. 415, 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.

Sarasota Man Electrocuted
While Trimming Tree Dies

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, at 8:43 a.m., the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to an industrial accident at 808 Bayview Drive, Nokomis.

The victim James Ray Lykins, 55, 338 East Bay Street, Osprey, was cutting a tree limb when his saw slipped and made contact with a power line, electrocuting him.

Mr. Lykins was pronounced dead on scene.

The victim was employed by H & H Tree Service, located in Nokomis.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death.

BOLO: Serial Robber Hits
7 Banks in 21 Days

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Police agencies in several Central Florida counties are searching for a man who has robbed seven banks in recent weeks, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

(Surveillance photo courtesy WKMG)

Surveillance photos from a Wachovia Bank in Lake Nona show one of several crimes described by investigators as violent in the Central Florida area.

Detectives said each time tellers were threatened.

Anyone with information concerning the crime is urged to call Orange County's Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

FDLE Launches Domestic Security
Alert Notification System
for Florida Businesses

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner (FDLE) Gerald Bailey, in conjunction with Florida’s Regional Domestic Security Task Forces and business partners, unveiled a new alert system designed to bolster the ability of Florida’s businesses to protect themselves and their communities against potential threats. BusinesSafe, a counter-terrorism program created by FDLE, allows businesses statewide to register to receive timely electronic alerts on domestic security-related issues affecting their industry.

“BusinesSafe creates a two-way communication highway that can be accessed and traveled by every single business in Florida,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “With the click of a mouse, we can directly connect with businesses ranging from restaurants to retailers to service industry providers.”

The Web-based initiative also provides businesses with sector specific safety tips that highlight ways to identify suspicious activity and better protect assets. Businesses are encouraged to pass on unusual activity through BusinesSafe’s online reporting form.

To help reach the state’s business community, FDLE is working in conjunction with private sector representatives on the state’s Regional Domestic Security Task Forces and some of Florida’s major business associations. FDLE is also partnering with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Department of State (DOS) who between them incorporate, license or regulate hundreds of thousands of Florida businesses.

BusinesSafe is accessible to businesses of all types and sizes. Alerts will be sent on an as needed basis and will include domestic security-related breaking news, possible threats, suspicious activity, and specific preparedness and prevention techniques. BusinesSafe is available at no charge to businesses or individuals.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Florida established seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces (RDSTF) to prevent, investigate, and respond to terrorist attacks. Each RDSTF includes partners from law enforcement, emergency management, fire/rescue, health, education, communication officials, and representatives from the private sector.

To learn more about BusinesSafe or to sign up for the alerts, businesses are encouraged to visit FDLE’s Web site, www.fdle.state.fl.us and click on the “BusinesSafe” icon.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Sheriff's Deputies Discover
Marijuana Grow House Operation
Following Shooting of Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies discovered a sophisticated marijuana grow house operation at 1110 63rd Avenue East, shortly after midnight on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, following the shooting of a 29-year-old man at that location.

Above, 1110 63rd Avenue East
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

On Tuesday at approximately 12:20 a.m., the shooting victim, Franklin Rosa, 29, arrived back from Miami and stopped at his aunt's house -- the 63rd Avenue location.

When Rosa stopped in the driveway, he observed the back gate open.

Rosa approached the gate just as two or three unknown subjects came running out.

As Rosa encountered the suspects, one of them fired a shot from an unknown type handgun, striking Rosa in the right thigh.

The suspects then fled in an unknown direction, possibly in a white, four door vehicle.

Rosa was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital by EMS for treatment.

Neither Rosa nor his unnamed girlfriend, who was sitting in the car, could provide a description of the suspects.

Following the shooting, entry was made into the home by Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies to look for suspects or victims that may have been inside.

Once entry was made, deputies discovered a sophisticated marijuana grow operation.

"There were 12 plants," Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office said. "We confiscated them and the equipment, plus about 16 grams of uncut marijuana. But who's to say what may have been grown there before?" Bristow added.

Bristow wouldn't say if any arrests are expected.

"It's an ongoing narcotics investigation. Obviously, when we responded to the shooting call, we didn't expect to find pot plants growing there," Bristow told NewsManatee Tuesday.

Convicted Felon Found with
Meth, Pot, Loaded Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy, working a special assignment in the 5400 block of 14th Street West on Friday, May 3, 2008, at about 3:30 a.m., smelled marijuana coming from a car, he attempted to stop it, but the vehicle sped off, crashing into a tree. Inside the vehicle, deputies located methamphetamine, marijuana and a loaded handgun.

Xavier Brown

A sheriff's office arrest report said Dep. Curtis Stuteville was working a special assignment at 5427 14th Street West, when a black Dodge truck drove by. The windows were halfway down and Dep. Stuteville said he could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which then backed into a parking space on the south side of the business. The driver, later identified as Xavier Brown, 22, of 425 40th Street East, in Palmetto, appeared to have a marijuana joint in his mouth, which he then tried to conceal from the deputy.

Dep. Stuteville walked up to the vehicle and asked Brown for his I.D. and called for backup. Brown then put the vehicle in drive and accelerated. As he was speeding off, another vehicle was backing up from a parking space. Brown swerved to avoid it and struck a tree head-on with his vehicle.

Brown was ordered out of his vehicle and began to resist. Dep. Stuteville and Brown struggled and Brown struck Dep. Stuteville in the face.

At this point, patrons from the business helped Dep. Stuteville take Brown into custody.

When Dep. Stuteville searched Brown's vehicle, he found a baggie containing 11.6 grams of methamphetamine and 2.8 grams of marijuana. Another deputy, Dep. David Brady, found a loaded chrome handgun under the driver's seat.

Dep. Stuteville discovered that Brown was a convicted felon, with priors for manufacturing and possession of drugs as well as fleeing to elude law enforcement. Brown's license had also been suspended.

Brown was arrested and charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Arrest with Violence and Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge.

Detective Arrests Man, 60, for
Sexual Battery, Lewd and
Lascivious Molestation
of Girl Under 12

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested Wayne L. Kelly, 60, of 2019 5th Street West, Bradenton, after Kelly allegedly molested a girl under 12 years of age.

Wayne L. Kelly

The arrest report said on May 1, 2008, the unnamed victim, who is under the age of twelve, disclosed to family members, who lived in Parrish at the time, that Wayne Kelly had been touching her private areas and this has happened multiple times over the last four years. The little girl said the last incident was in November 2007.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office was contacted and an investigation into the allegations was initiated.

On May 5, 2008, probable cause was developed to arrest and charge Wayne Kelly with one count of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under the Age of Twelve and one count of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation on a Child Under the Age of Twelve.

At 6:21 p.m. on May 5th, Kelly was located at Orange Grove Mobile Home Park, 2600 Cortez Road West, and arrested without incident.

No Arrests in Mysterious Shooting
of Cars, Laundromat Across From
Sheriff's Substation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- There are still no arrests in the strange shooting that occurred at the 5th Street Market, across from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office District Two offices, according to Manatee County Sheriff's Sgt. Pete Rampone.

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies at the 57th Avenue sheriff's substation heard shots fired and saw a man running from the area with a pistol in his hand on Monday evening, May 5, 2008, at about 7:00 p.m., Sgt. Rod Taylor reported.

Sgt. Taylor's report said a heavyset Hispanic male pulled up to the 5th Street Corner Market, located in the 5700 block of 5th Street East, in a red Chrysler convertible and began shooting.

Deputies at the District 2 substation saw the man running from the area with the pistol in his hand.

K-9 tracked the man through a fence behind the plaza. K-9 was unable to locate the suspect but did locate the firearm that was used, which was left under some bushes.

At the scene. deputies found the car that the man had been in. It had its driver's window smashed out and had at least 4 shell casings inside the car.

Outside the vehicle, at least 6 other shell casings were found in the parking lot, all 9mm.

There was also a Suburban parked in the parking lot that was shot at least twice.

The laundromat at the location also appeared to have its windows shot out.

No victims or blood was found.

Sgt. Pete Rampone, of the sheriff's detective divison, told NewsManatee, "We're still looking into it. There may be video surveillance of the incident."

The man was described as a Hispanic Male, heavy set, and was last seen wearing a white tank top and black shorts. He had been armed with a Ruger 9mm handgun with an extended magazine.

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.

Bradenton Police Arrest
Two Men for Armed Burglary

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT]-- A Bradenton Police Officer spotted two men entering a residence in the 1600 block of 8th Avenue West on Sunday, May 4, 2008, at about 4:00 a.m. He heard the sound of metal striking metal and saw one of the men hammering the door pins out.

Above, L to R, Gregory P. Weiland and Todd D. Donahue

Officers went to enter the front door and two men, later identified as Gregory P. Weiland, 48, and Todd D. Donahue, 33, started to exit.

Donahue had a bottle of tooth paste and a bottle of aspirin in his right hand.

Weiland had a fully loaded Colt. 45 handgun in the small of his back and a 6-inch fixed blade knife on his right side.

Both men were arrested and charged with Armed Burglary to a Structure.

Weiland was additionally charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Petit Theft and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Donahue was additionally charged with Petit Theft and Possession of Burglary Tools.

FOLLOW-UP: Manatee Sheriff's Sgt.'s
Comments on Arrest of Two in
Anna Maria Beating, Robbery

ANNA MARIA, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- As NewsManatee reported on Monday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on Friday, May 3, 2008, suspected of the April 17th beating of a former Anna Maria city commissioner and robbing the home she shares with its owner. The Anna Maria Islander also reported the story on Monday, which included comments by Sgt. John Kenney, from the sheriff's office. The Islander, a NewsManatee news partner, wanted to share Sgt. Kenney's comments with our readers.

Above, L to R, former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer,
Michael Gambuzza and Christopher Dresher
(Cramer photo courtesy The Islander)

Linda Cramer was attacked at about 4 p.m. on April 17th at the door of the Anna Maria Crescent Drive residence she shares with her boyfriend by two men who pretended to have a delivery, then ransacked kitchen cabinets and bedrooms in search of gold, jewelry and guns.

They stole valuables belonging to Cramer’s boyfriend, Joe Pandolph, the homeowner, who had been lured away from the home by the suspects with a well thought-out ruse.

Michael Gambuzza, 38, and Christopher Drescher, 29, were arrested at the Days Inn, 3506 First St., Bradenton, where they were found along with some of the items stolen from Pandolph and the white van they used to visit Anna Maria and commit the home invasion, according to MCSO.

Sgt. John Kenney, who heads up the MCSO’s Anna Maria substation, called Cramer around 11:30 p.m. Saturday to give her the news of the arrests.

“Obviously, I was extremely happy," said Cramer. "I was totally confident in Sgt. Kenney and the sheriff's office that they would solve this. John told me they had two suspects in custody and it was such a relief."

Kenney credited some good police work by Sgt. Rick Gerken of MCSO's East Side Violent Crimes Unit that led to the arrests.

"He’s been working the case and received some information about where the two suspects and the white van might be found," Kenney said.

That led to the formation of a search team that included Kenney, and subsequently led to the arrest of the suspects.

"Right now, we've interviewed both of them and neither one is saying a whole lot, but we have recovered some property that we believe was taken during the home invasion," said Kenney.

According to the MCSO report, some of the recovered items have been identified by Pandolph as his.

"I was confident from the start because we had good information, but we still needed good police work by Sgt. Gerken and others," he added.

Kenney told The Islander in the days after the home invasion that the MCSO had good information and forensics -- fingerprints and DNA -- that would help them solve the crime.

Drescher was charged in January with petit theft, felony possession of rock cocaine and possession of paraphernalia. He was convicted of grand theft auto in May 2007.

Gambuzza has a lengthy criminal record that includes arrests for grand theft, fleeing to elude, possession of burglary tools, resisting without violence and other felony burglaries in 2006, and numerous instances of traffic infractions, domestic relations and other crimes in Manatee County.

Both Gambuzza and Drescher were said by MSCO to be “homeless.” Their last known addresses prior to their arrests were in Bradenton.

Cortez Landmark Restaurant,
Seafood Shack, To Close,
Owner Says

CORTEZ, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- The Seafood Shack, located on the waterfront in the Village of Cortez in West Manatee County is going to close, according to a report from the Anna Maria Islander, a news partner of NewsManatee.

(Photo courtesy The Islander)

Ham Jones, owner of the landmark Seafood Shack in Cortez made a apologetic announcement Monday. “I’m closing for good after Mother’s Day.”

"We’re fighting a stacked deck that included a poor season,” said Jones.

His regrets center on two bridges closing, gas prices, employment woes and all that goes with operating a large restaurant in today’s economy.

This was the 38th year for Jones’ Seafood Shack on the Cortez waterfront and Mother’s Day will be the finale, the last day for the Shacks grill -- grouper sandwiches, burgers, clam chowder, and other favorite entrees of his patrons will be no more.

“With the terrible economy, along with the planned closing of the humpback bridge after Mother’s Day, financial disaster is inevitable if we attempt to continue,” he wrote to his employees on April 30.

He does, however, hold open the door to reopen in November if the humpback bridge replacement and the October-November closure of the Anna Maria Island Bridge are finalized.

“It is possible we would reopen around November,” he said, “if the property has not been sold.”

He bought the land in 1970 and built a 150-seat restaurant to which he added 215 more in 1976. Waiting lines were long, so in 1980, he tore down the old building and built a 700-seat replacement. Then he added the big paddlewheel Showboat that docked alongside the restaurant, which he eventually sold.

He had it all sold in 2001, but the next year took it back. Then in 2004, at the request of the supposed new owner, he closed the second floor dining room. That forfeited his earnest money and pulled out.

It’s been on the active market ever since -- just in time to hit the market’s post-boom downturn.

Charlotte Detectives Ask Help
Finding 3 Who Stole 21 GPS
Units from Wal-Mart

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Deputies of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to WalMart in Murdock last Friday morning, May 2, 2008, around 1:00 a.m. after three people, shown on store video, stole 21 GPS units valued at $5,326.

Above, surveillance photo from Murdock Wal-Mart

According to detective Corporal John Schmidt, a WalMart Loss Prevention Officer viewed the security tapes and observed two black females and one black male trying keys to various display cases and were able to open a glass display case in the electronics department. The trio put them in their shopping cart, and then placed the units in an empty ceiling fan box. They proceeded to a checkout counter and paid $35 cash for the fan.

This is a Switch and Pay scam that has been done before taking large box items, removing the original property from the box, discarding the original item, and placing more expensive items inside and paying for it as it was the original item. The offense is not noticed until the discarded item is found stashed somewhere within the store.

Surveillance showed the unidentified man exiting the store with the cart and box containing the GPS units. The two females followed about a minute later. All three got into a maroon Ford F-150 pickup and drove off. Crime Scene was able to lift one good fingerprint in the display case.

If anyone has information which may help solve this case, please call Cpl. Schmidt at 941-258-3925; or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

'SCUZ ME? Florida Teacher
Accused of Wizardry

LAND 'O LAKES, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A substitute teacher in Pasco County has lost his job after being accused of wizardry, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Teacher Jim Piculas does a magic trick where a toothpick disappears and then reappears.

Piculas recently did the 30-second trick in front of a classroom at Rushe Middle School in Land 'O Lakes.

Piculas said he then got a call from the supervisor of teachers, saying he'd been accused of wizardry.

"I get a call the middle of the day from head of supervisor of substitute teachers. He says, 'Jim, we have a huge issue, you can't take any more assignments you need to come in right away,'" he said.

Piculas said he did not know of any other accusations that would have led to the action.

The teacher said he is concerned that the incident may prevent him from getting future jobs, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Man for
2007 Murder of Man, 59, During
Armed Home Invasion

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police Detective Greg Price has arrested William H. Caldwell IV, 21, of Bradenton, for the June 1, 2007 murder of Robert Prater.

William H. Caldwell IV

On June 1, 2007 at 2:40 a.m., Officers from the Bradenton Police Department responded to 1311 17th Street Court East in response to a report of a home invasion.

Upon their arrival, they discovered that three male suspects had kicked in the front door of the residence.

Upon entering the residence, one of the three suspects shot and killed one resident, Mr. Robert Prater, 59. The suspects then fled the residence on foot.

Officers searched the area thoroughly for the suspects to no avail. The suspects were last seen wearing dark clothing with black hoods.

On Monday, May 5, 2008, Bradenton Police Homicide Detective Greg Price charged William H. Caldwell with the murder of the late Mr. Robert Prater.

Detective Price was able to establish probable cause for the arrest of Mr. Caldwell after a year-long investigation which included DNA and fingerprint evidence, along witness testimony.

Mr. Caldwell was incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail on unrelated charges when he was served by Detective Price with an arrest warrant for the charge of Murder.

Anyone having information with regard to this incident is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 OR to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) -- 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 Stoppers Tips, Investigation
Lead to Capture of Three Men in
April CVS Pharmacy Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Three men have been arrested in connection with the April 23, 2008, robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 6204 14th Street West, in South Manatee County. The drugstore was robbed at knifepoint that early Wednesday morning at about 1:30 a.m., during which three to five bottles of Hydrocodone were taken.

Above, L to R, Justin R. Sowards, Christopher M. Lyon and Steven C. Davis

A sheriff's report at the time said two unknown White males entered the CVS store. One of the men, dressed in a red and black hooded pullover, blue jeans, and white sneakers, went to the back of the store where the pharmacy is located.

The man pulled out a knife and jumped over the counter. He told the pharmacist to "Hold it," but the pharmacist ran out of the pharmacy toward the front of the store.

Meanwhile, the second White male went to the photo counter and asked about photos. When he saw the other man run out of the store, he followed the first one out.

Apparently, there was a third man outside waiting in a getaway vehicle.

After the robbery, local media, including NewsManatee, ran the story and a photo of one of the men. Several crime stopper tips were received regarding the robbery.

Then, on Sunday, May 4, 2008, at about 5:45 p.m., while investigating a domestic call, patrol deputies received information the suspect with the knife in the CVS robbery was Justin Sowards, 23. Detectives also learned the suspect at the photo counter was Christopher Lyon, 23.

It was also determined Soward and Lyon were at Gardenwalk Apartments, in Bradenton.

A perimeter was established by the Violent Crimes Task Force and K-9 units. Soward and Lyon were apprehended.

Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Hartman interviewed both suspects and both admitted to their involvement.

Steven Davis, 23, was identified as the driver of the getaway car. Davis was then apprehended by the Violent Crimes Task Force at his apartment at Sanctuary Condos, in Bradenton, without incident. He also admitted to his involvement and implicated the other arrested individuals.

All three men were charged with Armed Robbery, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Bradenton Cops Arrest Woman
for Grand Theft After Victim's
Boyfriend Turns Woman In

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Bradenton Police Department, Elizabeth A. Schumacher, 24, of 113 7th Avenue West, in Bradenton, has been arrested and charged with Grand Theft.

Elizabeth A. Schumacher

The arrest report said a theft report was made to BPD on April 3, 2008, regarding stolen jewelry. The victim was Schumacher's sister.

The case was inactive for several weeks until May 2, 2008, when the victim's boyfriend went to BPD with pawn tickets from Value Pawn and Cash America Pawn, with dates in January, March and April of 2008.

Schumacher was asked to come to BPD, where she was interviewed by detectives and agreed to speak with them.

Schumacher confessed to theft of jewelry from her sister and mother. She said she did not have permission to take the items but took them to pay bills. She said she was hoping to get them back before anyone noticed they were missing.

Purse Snatched from Woman, 80,
in Trailer Estates

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies said a purse was snatched from Emma Santostefano, 80, of the 1600 block of Minnesota Avenue, in Trailer Estates in South Manatee County on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at about 11:00 p.m.

A sheriff's office report said Emma was walking from her car to the front door of her residence getting ready to unlock the front door, when two unknown men wearing "skeleton" Halloween masks came up from her left side making "monkey" noises.

One of the men grabbed her handbag, causing Emma to fall to the ground.

Then the two men fled east towards the getaway car. The two got into the car and fled south from the scene.

Emma then called 911.

There were no injuries and no weapons seen or implied.

Inside the handbag was a crossword puzzle, Advil and some ink pens. Total value of loss of the items is estimated at $15.00.

The thieves were described as 2 unknown males, of unknown race, wearing all black and skeleton Halloween masks, driving an older red unknown make car.

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.

'Accidental' Shooting Reported
at El Paisano's Restaurant/Bar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office took a report of an accidental shooting that occurred on Saturday, May 3, 2008, sometime between midnight and 4 a.m. at El Paisano's restaurant/bar located at 5803 15th Street East.

Gilbert Juarez-Alvarez, 38, listed as a homeless person, told deputies he was at El Paisano's and there were some random shots fired by an unknown person or persons.

Alvarez was struck in the right leg by a stray round, but said he did not report the incident, because "it was an accident."

However, some friends of Alvarez called 911 on Saturday afternoon at about 1:30 p.m. and Alvarez was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Manatee Sheriff's Office to Return
Confiscated Property
from Burglaries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to return property confiscated in a burglary investigation.

Roy Whittaker

On April 18, 2008, Detectives arrested Roy Whittaker in connection with numerous burglaries in the area.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Whittaker is a suspect in at least 100 burglaries in Manatee County and numerous other burglaries in surrounding counties.

During the investigation, detectives confiscated approximately $350,000 worth of stolen property.

Detectives are now working on returning the property to its rightful owners. Seventy-five (75) victims have already been identified.

If you live in Manatee County and were burglarized between the dates of March 2007, and April 2008, you can call 941-747-3011, ext. 2218.

You must have a police report of the burglary.

An appointment will be made for May 7th or 8th to view the property.

Manatee County Clerk Collected
$25M for Child Support in 2007

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County’s Child Support Enforcement division (CSE), which began as a pilot program in 1985, has seen exponential growth in the number of child support enforcement cases since its inception. With a staff of 53 managing over 13,000 cases annually, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, R.B. "Chips" Shore, utilizes technology as another way of meeting customer demands and expectations.

Shore redesigned the CSE portion of the Clerk’s website, www.ManateeClerk.com, to include more customer services. The online features include the ability to report changes of address or employment and the ability to make online child support payments for non-custodial parents. For custodial and non-custodial parents, there is the ability to access court case information and employers can use this site to report termination of employment for employees who pay child support through income deduction. The public can also use this site to provide information to help locate a person wanted for child support or to learn general information about the CSE program.

“With the high volume of calls our CSE office receives every day, we knew there had to be a better way to handle some of the routine calls our office takes,” says Shore, “The services that are available online allow our customers to report their information at their convenience. In the 17 months since we launched the CSE webpage, it has received over 11,000 hits and over 1,000 customers have used it to send us updated information. The public is definitely using it.”

Started in 1985 as a pilot project, Manatee County’s CSE program collected $60,000. In 2007, Manatee County’s CSE collected $25 million in child support payments for Manatee County children.

Palmetto Woman Loses Life
in ATV Accident

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported Jennifer L. Varnadore, 44, of 3408 105th Street East, in Palmetto, was killed Saturday afternoon, May 3, 2008, at about 4:00 p.m. when she lost control of an ATV she was driving.

The FHP report said Varnadore departed her residence on a 2005 Kawaski ATV.

She was heading eastbound on 105th Street East when she lost control of the ATV and traveled off the south side of the road.

The front left of the ATV struck a palm tree, located in the front yard of 3215 105th Street East.

The ATV came to final rest next to the palm tree; Varnadore was ejected.

She was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

Varnardore was not wearing a helmet and blood alcohol tests are pending.

Vote for Syesha Mercado Asked
by Fan Organizers for Local 'Idol'

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Edward Bailey, of Palmetto, has issued a press release asking locals to vote for Syesha Mercado tonight, May 6, 2008, after Syesha's American Idol performance on Fox 13, WTVT.

Above, Syesha Mercado

Bailey said local Syesha Mercado fans are organizing a local/national VOTE for Syesha Mercado day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

"We're encouraging all her fans to vote from the time the polls open up at 9 p.m. until they close at 11 p.m. A lot of her fans are unaware that you can vote more than once or twice," Bailey said.

"We need to rally everyone on Tuesday and tell them to spread the word that Tuesday will be declared Vote for Syesha Mercado Day so we can keep her in the contest and make her the next American Idol," Bailey added.

Detectives Arrest 3 Boys,
Solving Five Burglaries

ENGLEWOOD, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives solved five home burglaries in Englewood with the arrest of three Englewood juvenile boys. Arrested were Jacob Daniel Andreano, 17, 6353 Roberta Dr., Jordan Bradley Berry, 16, 820 5th St. and Jonathan Lloyd Hartzell, 16, 801 5th St.

Above, Jacob Andreano, Jordan Berry and Jonathan Hartzell

All three boys who attend Freedom Academy, each were charged with five counts of Burglary and two counts of Grand Theft.

The burglaries occurred between Apr. 13 and May 1 to homes on 5th St., 7th St., Lampp Dr., and Bay Oaks Circle. Items stolen were liquor, depth finder, vacuum cleaner, vehicle jumper box, watches, antiques, china, LCD flat screen TV, speakers, headphones, BB gun and batteries.

Andreano told detectives he committee these crimes because he has a drug problem; Hartzell said he was trying to help a family member with financial problems, and Berry said he went with his friends to be their lookout.

All three boys were booked into the Charlotte County Jail and transported to DJJ in Ft. Myers.

Boy, 10, Shot in Face During
Drive-By Shooting

SANFORD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 10-year-old was shot in the face and a 17-year-old was also injured after they were apparently targeted in a drive-by shooting outside of a Sanford home, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Investigators said the two boys were sitting in a car at a home on McKay Street in the Washington Oaks subdivision Sunday night, May 4, 2008, when they were shot.

The mother of 17-year-old victim Arkeen Mobley said her son yelled that he was shot.

Neighbors said they heard at least four shots fired.

The boys were transported to hospitals.

Police are looking for a dark-colored Dodge Charger in connection with the case. It was not known how many people were involved in the shooting.

A motive for the shooting was not known, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Two Homeless Men Arrested in
Beating, Home Invasion Robbery
of Ex-Anna Maria City Commissioner

ANNA MARIA, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested two homeless men in connection with the April 17, 2008, beating of former Anna Maria Commissioner Linda Cramer, 47, and home invasion robbery of a Crescent Drive home where Cramer was living.

Above, L to R, former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer,
Michael Gambuzza and Christopher Dresher
(Cramer photo courtesy The Islander)

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the homeowner of the residence at 305 Crescent Drive, in Anna Maria, Florida, is Joe Pandolph. He was lured away from his residence in reference to a business proposition in the 22000 block of SR 64. Pandolph had received a phone call on April 16, 2008, from a man who said he had bought property out on SR 64 and wanted Pandolph to cultivate the land for him. They agreed to meet on April 17, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. Pandolph responded to the area at that time.

At 4:00 p.m., Linda Cramer was at Pandolph’s home and received a phone call for him. She explained to the unknown person calling that he wasn’t at home at the moment. About 5 minutes later, there was a knock at the front door. She looked out the window and noticed a white work van in the driveway; two men were at the door with a large cardboard box.

Cramer opened the door and one of the men asked for Pandolph and said that he had a delivery for Pandolph. She told the man that Pandolph wasn’t at home and inquired about what was in the box. The man told her that Pandolph had ordered cosmetics and showed her a clipboard with an invoice in the name of Pandolph.

At that moment, the men forced their way into the home, beat Cramer about the face and bound her with zip ties. They demanded gold, money and drugs. Cramer denied having any of these items. The men then searched the residence and left with several items, including guns, cash and jewelry.

On Friday, May 2, 2008, Sgt. Gerken from the sheriff's office received a tip implicating Michael Gambuzza, 40, and Christopher Dresher, 29, as suspects in the robbery. Some property from the robbery was recovered as a result of the information received. The vehicle used in the robbery, a white van, was identified. The property recovered was positively identified by Joe Pandolph.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, Gambuzza and Drecher, both reported to be homeless, were located at the Days Inn on 1st Street in Bradenton by the Violent Crimes Task Force and arrested. They were both charged with Home Invasion Robbery with a Deadly Weapon (Firearm) and False Imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Anna Maria Islander reported last week that former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer was continuing to recover following the incident on April 17.

“I’m recovering physically, but mentally, to be honest, it’s too bizarre of an incident to not think about it. They obviously targeted this house,” Cramer said.

She is now more cautious when leaving her house, entering her car or a store, or even when just passing people on the streets. She checks locks, windows and doors to ensure she’s secure, the Islander reported.

“To think that something like this could happen in Anna Maria. When it happens to you, it’s pretty scary. It just shows you how desperate people are. This is a desperate time in the economy,” Cramer told the Islander.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information 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, click here.

https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=348

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.

[Ed. Note: The information above that came from the Islander was reported by Rick Catlin, reporter for the Islander. NewsManatee and the Islander are news partners and frequently share stories.]

Man Arrested for Grand Theft
Auto After Pursuit; Gun,
Crack Cocaine, Mask,
Gloves Found

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Laderrian Frazier, 20, who is known to law enforcement, was found driving a stolen car belonging to 62-year-old Gary Jones on Friday, May 2, 2008, at about 5 p.m. in the 5700 block of 14th Street West.

Laderrian Frazier

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy Hottman observed a suspicious vehicle at the Shell gas station at the 5700 14th Street West.

As Deputy Hottman got behind the vehicle, he recognized the tag as coming back to a stolen vehicle.

The vehicle tried to get away from Deputy Hottman by traveling south on U.S. 41.

Deputy Hottman caught up to the vehicle at 60th Avenue West and initiated his lights and siren.

The car did not stop and turned West onto 60th Avenue, pulling away from Deputy Hottman.

The vehicle came to a stop at 2022 Canal Drive and the suspect, Laderrian Frazier, fled the vehicle. Deputy Hottman located the vehicle just after the suspect fled the area.

Frazier was apprehended within a few blocks by a perimeter unit. A witness partially identified Frazier. Frazier confessed to being the driver and the only one in the vehicle.

The vehicle was searched, revealing items such as a ski mask, gloves and a black jacket that were possibly used to commit robberies. Two containers with crack cocaine were discovered as well as a silver .38 caliber handgun with extra ammo.

Frazier was arrested on multiple charges, including Grand Theft Auto, Fleeing/Eluding Law Enforcement, Possession of a Concealed Firearm, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, and Driving While License Suspended. He also was arrested on a warrant for Contempt of Court for Failure to Appear.

According to Manatee County court records, Laderrian Frazier was previously arrested in July of 2007 for Possession of Cocaine and in September of 2007 for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Domestic Battery.

Man Without Driver's License
Rams Police Cruiser, Flees
After Fight at Local Club

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A man fleeing the scene of a fight rammed a police cruiser with his vehicle and then attempted to flee, but was caught and arrested.

Charles Edward Saffore

Bradenton Police were called to Club RJ's on Martin Luther King Avenue West, in Bradenton, on Thursday, May 1, 2008, to break up a fight. As an officer was arriving, he was told a vehicle was leaving the scene.

The officer spotted the green Chevy Impala as it came around a corner in reverse at a high rate of speed. It showed no signs of slowing down as it approached the officer's cruiser. The officer activated his lights and siren.

The driver of the speeding vehicle, later identified as Charles Edward Saffore, 28, of Bradenton, failed to stop his vehicle and struck the patrol cruiser with such force that the hood folded in half, forming an upside down V-shape.

Upon impact, Saffore continued to reverse his vehicle in to the cruiser, causing the cruiser to slide backwards at least 8-10 feet, leaving visible skid marks on the road.

The Impala finally stopped and Saffore fled on foot.

The officer gave chase and caught Saffore in the 1000 block of 8th Street West and subdued him.

Saffore told the officer he was scared because his driver's license was revoked.

Saffore was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Driving without a License, Obstruction/Resisting Arrest and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage.

Deputies Arrest Man After
He Was Robbed, Beaten

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies wound up arresting a man after he was robbed and beaten on Saturday, April 3, 2008, at about 8:15 p.m.

Mitchell Pukansky

A sheriff's office report said Mitchell Pukansky, 47, of the 3700 block of 17th Street West, was walking through the parking lot of Lowes Home Improvement store in the 4200 block of 14th Street West. He saw two men sitting in a car and asked them to give him a ride to a bar on Cortez Rd.

Pukansky got in the car and the men drove to the 900 block of 33rd Avenue West. Upon arrival, the passenger got out of the car and dragged Pukansky out.

The driver began to hit Pukansky with a hammer and the passenger took cash out Pukansky's left shirt pocket.

The two men then got back into a 2001/2002 Blue Ford Contour type vehicle and fled from the scene.

Pukansky sustained a laceration to the back of his head, his left shin and a split lip. He was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, which were not life-threatening.

But then, deputies discovered Pukansky had outstanding warrants for Prostitution and Resisting Arrest.

Pukansky was subsequently arrested before leaving the hospital and transported to the Manatee County Jail without incident.

Pukansky's assailants were only described as two unknown White males, one wearing no shirt, blue jean shorts and carrying a hammer.

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 Gets Worst End of Deal
After Tussle with Deputies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 19-year-old man thought he'd take on a couple of Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies following a traffic accident, but he got the worst end of the deal.

Christopher Hodge

A sheriff's office report said deputies responded to 2923 47th Avenue West on Sunday, April 4, 2008, at about 2:20 a.m., in reference to a called stating a crash had occurred, a person was lying in the road and was possibly shot.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke to several witnesses who said a man who was involved in the crash was at 2923 47th Ave. W.

Dep. Stevens and Dep. Petta made contact with a man later identified as Christopher Hodge, 19, of 3520 Bear Bay Road, in Myakka City.

Dep. Petta attempted to talk to Hodge, who was irate and confrontational from the beginning. Hodge was flailing his arms around and yelling at the deputies saying they were going to have to fight him.

Hodge began walking towards Dep. Petta and refused to obey lawful commands, the report said.

Dep. Petta believed Hodge was going to strike him so Dep. Petta deployed his Taser.

Dep. Stevens grabbed Hodge in a headlock at the same time, taking Hodge to the ground.

Hodge continued to resist the deputies, so, as only one Taser probe struck Hodge, Dep. Petta drive-stunned Hodge in the lower back.

After the drive stun deployment, Hodge complied and was arrested without further incident.

Hodge was charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest/Obstruction.

Mother, 10-year-old Killed
in Friday Traffic Crash

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a mother and one of her several children, a 10-year-old, were killed in a traffic crash on State Road 64 at 48th Street Court East, Bradenton, on Friday, May 2, 2008.

Above, Christopher Charles

The FHP report said a 1996 Toyota, being driven by Christine E. Crews, 43, of 4305 78th Street Court West, Palmetto, was eastbound on State Road 64 in the left turn lane to 48th St. Ct. E.

A 2002 Ford SUV, being driven by Christi A. Charles, 33, of 317 Beacon Harbour Loop Road, Bradenton, was westbound on State Road 64 in the right lane, approaching 48th St. Ct. E.

The driver of the Toyota attempted to make a left turn onto 48th St. Ct. E. on a solid green light, entering the SUV's path.

The Toyota's front struck the left rear of the SUV.

The SUV began to rotate counter-clockwise after the impact and overturned onto its right side, then overturned one and a half times, ejecting the 33-year-old mother, Christi, and her 10-year-old son, Christopher, from the SUV.

The SUV came to final rest on its roof facing eastbound in the westbound lanes of State Road 64.

Christi and Christopher passed away from their injuries at the scene. Neither was wearing a seat belt, FHP said.

Heather Charles, 13, a passenger in the SUV, suffered serious injuries. Four other children in the Charles family, ages 2, 5, 6 and 9, also passengers in the SUV, suffered minor injuries. Brian Crowl, 7, also a passenger in the SUV, suffered minor injuries. Michelle Glass, 28, of 4305 78th Street West, Bradenton, a passenger in the SUV, suffered serious injuries.

The driver of the Toyota, Ms. Crews, suffered minor injuries.

Crews was charged with Violation of Right of Way by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Undercover Detectives Bust
Man for Sale of Illegal Drugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two undercover detectives successfully purchased drugs from a known drug dealer on Thursday afternoon, May 1, 2008, at about 3:30 p.m. and arrested the man.

Clarence Clifford Johnson

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the two detectives arranged a meeting with Clarence Clifford Johnson, also known as "C," to purchase illegal drugs.

The meeting took place in South Manatee County at a Circle K parking lot, during which drugs were exchanged for marked money from the sheriff's office.

After the exchange, other units moved in and arrested Johnson.

The drugs were weighed and counted; detectives said there were 16 Hydrocodone pills, 3 Xanax pills, and 4.6 grams of marijuana.

Also, found in Johnson's possession at the time of the arrest was a vial containing 0.1 grams of crack cocaine.

Johnson was charged with Trafficking in Illegal Narcotics, Sale of a Controlled Substance, Sale of Marijuana, Possession of Rock Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Grand Theft Auto

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Travis M. Edwards, 20, of 818 17th Street East, Bradenton, after they spotted Edwards driving a stolen auto.

Travis M. Edwards

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, May 1, 2008, at about 4:00 p.m., deputies spotted Edwards driving a 1997 Lexus which was reported stolen on April 30, 2008.

With the held of other deputies, Edwards was stopped and arrested without incident.

Edwards told deputies he borrowed the car from a friend named Eric. Edwards provided a phone number for Eric, but it turned out to be a wrong number.

Deputies discovered Edwards only had an ID card and a check with DHSMV confirmed that Edwards had at least 4 suspensions on his license, the most recent being February 11, for Failure to Pay a Fine.

Edwards was charged with Grand Theft Auto and Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge.

Man Arrested for Theft of
Shirts from Nautica store
in Ellenton

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] --Jorge Funes, 25, from Naples, was arrested on Thursday afternoon, May 1, 2008, at about 2:00 p.m., after he attempted to leave a store at the Factory Shops Center, in Ellenton, with shirts he hadn't paid for.

Jorge Funes

An arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Funes was seen putting three shirts in a brown paper bag. He took the bag and two other shirts to the counter to pay for the two shirts, which he did.

But the manager of Nautica, located at 5589 Factory Stores Blvd., clearly saw the other three shirts in the bag; Funes did not attempt to pay for them.

When Funes tried to exit the store, the manager detained him and locked the front door until deputies could arrive.

Funes was arrested and charged with Retail Theft.

New China Restaurant Robbed
at Gunpoint By White Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The New China Restaurant, located at 6045 26th Street West was robbed on Saturday evening, May 3, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said an unknown White male entered the open back door of the business, grabbed a paper bag and told Qiu Chen to fill it with money; the robber was holding an unknown type silver handgun.

Qiu put $50.00 and change in the bag and the robber fled out of the open front door.

K-9 responded but was unable to locate a track.

No one was injured and no shots were fired.

The robber was described as a White male, 5'6" tall, medium build, and was wearing a blue jean jacket with a hoodie and blue jean shorts. The robber also had a multi-colored bandana covering his face.

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.

Accidental Shooting Reported
in South Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies reported a man accidentally shot himself on Friday, May 2, 2008, at about 6 p.m.

A sheriff's office report said Christopher Downie, 39, of 5217 Canterbury Drive, accidentally shot his left "pinky" finger.

He told deputies he was attempting to change the barrel on his Glock handgun.

Downie was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment of the wound, which was not life-threatening.

Bradenton Police Department
Seeks Volunteers

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The City of Bradenton Police Department is seeking volunteers for the reception desk at the downtown police station.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and submit to fingerprints, reference checks and a background investigation.

The department needs volunteers with good people and telephone skills to greet visitors as they enter the station. The volunteer will direct people to the proper department or to the correct downtown location if they are lost. Volunteers also will assist with answering and transferring incoming calls.

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program started in July of 2006. The department currently has more than 20 volunteers who work in clerical positions and as Explorer advisors, but may extend the volunteer program to road patrol support in the future.

Anyone interested in joining the VIPS program this year should plan to attend a meeting from 2-4 p.m. May 15th at the Bradenton Police Department, 100 10th St. W. The meeting will include an introduction of the program, orientation and basic training. Once the volunteer application is approved, the volunteer will begin on-site training with a current volunteer.

For more information, please contact Sgt. L.J. Millard at 941-932-9300 ext. 351.

Sarasota Police Arrest Woman
for Grand Theft, Mortgage
Fraud, Identity Theft

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Roberta Olson, 32, of Sarasota, a senior relationship banker at RBC Centura, was arrested Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the RBC Centura bank at 1549 Ringling Blvd by Detectives of the Sarasota Police Department and charged with grand theft of $50,000, Mortgage Fraud, and identity theft.

Roberta Olson

The victim, Fabio Freitas, had learned while on his honeymoon in New York City that a $50,000 loan had been opened in his name after being contacted by the Bank. Frietas, who was unaware of the loan, was informed by a Bank representaive that $3,522 had been debited from his personal bank accounts in order to cover the first payment, leaving him without money for the last three days of his honeymoon.

He was fortunate that family in the area was able to come to his aid so that he and his bride could stay in New York until their flight on April 26. Upon his return to Sarasota, he made contact with Olson who told him that the loan was a bank error and that she would take care of it.

Freitas became suspicious and contacted another bank representative who informed him that the loan had been acquired in January. He contacted Olson who according to Frietas told him that she had taken the money because she was going through a divorce and was behind on her house and car payment.

Frietas then contacted the Sarasota