Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 7/19/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 7/19/2008

Gang Member Guilty of Murder;
No Incidents After Verdict...Yet,
Sheriff's Office Says

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office was expecting gang retaliation incidents following the conviction of Orlando Valenzuela on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, for Murder. So far, no such incidents have been reported.

Orlando Valenzuela

SUR-13 gang member Orlando Valenzuela is guilty of the inadvertent murder of 9-year-old Stacy Williams III on May 21, 2007; so said a Manatee County jury Wednesday evening after slightly more than 8 hours of deliberation.

Valenzuela, 16, was found guilty of Murder in the 2nd Degree.

Above, Stacy Williams III
(Family photo)

Young Stacy Williams was riding his bicycle in the 3300 block of 5th Street East when he was hit by a stray bullet fired by Valenzuela in a street fight between vehicles over a teenage girl.

Sentencing for Valenzuela is set for September 12, 2008. He faces 25 years to life in prison.

In anticipation of trouble following the verdict, Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube beefed up patrols for the neighborhoods where Stacy Williams and Orlando Valenzuela lived.

There were also Manatee County SWAT snipers stationed on the roof of the Manatee County courthouse prior to the jury's verdict. Deputies in riot gear were stationed in front of the courthouse on the steps.

Above, the Bradenton Police Department's new SWAT riot vehicle

Following the trial, Valenzuela was transported to the Manatee County Jail in the Bradenton Police Department's new SWAT riot vehicle, surrounded by sheriff's cruisers..

Earlier in the month, a sheriff's cruiser transporting Valenzuela to the jail had been followed by one of Valenzuela's relatives. Several other deputies met the deputy carrying Valenzuela, but the tailing vehicle turned off the road, U.S. 41.

Major Dennis Dumar, in charge of the sheriff's Enforcement Services Bureau, told NewsManatee Thursday afternoon that the sheriff's office intends to keep patrols beefed up in the neighborhoods they are concerned about for several more days, at least.

"Security and safety was a major concern for us during the trial," Major Dumar told NewsManatee.

Obviously, it still is.

NewsManatee will stay on top of this potentially perilous situation and post any incidents on our Breaking News page throughout the weekend, if any occur.

Anyone with any information about an impending gang retaliation 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.

Another Stupid Criminal:
Homeless Man Found
in Homeowner's Bed;
Flees, But Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Kenneth B. Dotson, 23, a homeless man, and charged him with Burglary after he broke into a man's home and was found by the homeowner in the man's bed.

Kenneth B. Dotson

According to an arrest report from the sheriff's office, on Friday, July 11, 2008, at about 2:15 p.m., the homeowner, Hector Catarero, of the 5900 block of 12th Street East, walked up to the front door of his residence and saw that the front door had been kicked in and the door frame was broken; someone had obviously forced their way into the residence.

Catarero went inside and as he was looking through the home, he saw a man, later identified as Dotson, was in a bed in one of the bedrooms.

At that point, Catarero called 911 on his cell phone.

As Catarero was doing this, Dotson got out of the bed and ran out of the bedroom, into another bedroom and fled the home through the window of that bedroom.

Catarero tried to chase Dotson, but was unable to locate him.

When a deputy responded to Catarero's home, the deputy found a wallet in the bed Dotson was sleeping in. In the wallet was Dotson's ID.

A photo lineup was organized for Catarero, who picked Dotson out of the group of photos.

Dotson was located and arrested.

Damage done to the door was about $100 dollars.

Dotson was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

Woman Claims Kidnapping
By White Male; Driven Around,
Not Harmed or Sexually Abused

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 40-year-old woman claimed she was kidnapped by a White male on Wednesday, at about 11:15 p.m., driven around for over 3 hours, then released unharmed, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported.

According to the victim, Christina McCants, 40, of the 2000 block of 60th Avenue West, was walking to work at the 5600 block of 26th Street West when a dark colored 4-door vehicle allegedly drove up beside her and an unknown White male asked her if she needed a ride.

McCants stated that she only worked up the street.

The White male got out of the car, grabbed her by the hair and forced her into the vehicle he was driving.

McCants stated the male only told her not to try anything. McCants told deputies the man drove around with her for over three hours.

The male tried to put his hand on her thigh, and she pushed his hands away.

McCants could not say where all they drove to, other than to say they went from 57th Ave. and 26th Street West down Cortez Road and out to the beach.

The male then drove her back to the same area, opened the door and told her to get out.

McCants said man stopped the car and said, "Get out," then threw her purse and took off.

McCants then stated she ran to work, knocked on the door and had staff call the police.

McCants' purse was located under some bushes where she stated the suspect threw it.

McCants stated the male did not hurt her or sexually abuse her.

The kidnapper was described as a White male, wearing a white T-shirt, blue jean shorts, a baseball hat and sunglasses. There was no further description.

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 Robbed, Threatened
with Unseen Knife

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, July 16, 2008, a woman was robbed of $600 dollars by a man who said he had a knife, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Nora L. Lapham, 21, of the 4000 block of Radnor Place, a Sarasota address, received a phone call from a friend, only known as "Mark," that he was at the Days Inn at 3506 1st Street West and he needed some money because he was going to be kicked out of his room.

Nora went to the pool area of the Days Inn and met with "Mark."

"Mark" said, "Gimme your money" and stated that he had a knife in his pocket and would hurt her.

Nora gave "Mark" $600.00 in cash. "Mark" then fled the area.

Approximately 4 hours later, Nora's husband got wind of what happened and went with Nora to the Rodeway Inn and Suites, where he heard "Mark" was staying.

Upon the arrival of deputies, they met with the victim, Nora.

"Mark" was supposed to be staying in room 143. Deputies responded to room 143, and when they knocked, a Black female answered the door. Mark was not there.

There was no physical violence in this robbery.

The weapon was implied, not seen.

"Mark" was only described as a White male.

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.

Two Black Males Invade Home
for Unknown Reason; Shot Fired

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, two Black males forced their way into a residence in the 3300 block of 8th Street East, confronted a Hispanic man and fired a shot, but didn't take anything.

The report said on July 14, 2008, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a Black male armed with a small caliber handgun forced his way into the residence and confronted Jose Cruz-Diaz, 36. Other people were in the residence, but they were not confronted by the man.

According to Cruz-Diaz, the man threatened to kill him, but did not demand any property.

The man was in the residence for several minutes before a second Black male came to the door.

When he did, Cruz-Diaz moved and the first Black male fired a single round into the ceiling of the residence.

Both men then fled southbound on 8th Street East on foot.

There were no injuries and no property taken during the incident.

Cruz-Diaz did not report the incident until Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at approximately 7:15 p.m.

The two men were described as:

1) Black male, 4' 7" tall, 130-140 pounds, wearing long, baggy shorts, yellow and a black striped shirt

2) Black male, 6' 00" tall, 170 pounds, with big, possibly braided hair

Both were wearing black masks, Cruz-Diaz told deputies.

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 Department
July Officer of the Month

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Master Patrol Officer Kenneth B. Magown, Jr., of the Bradenton Police Department, has been selected as the Officer of the Month for July 2008.

MPO Magown was nominated by Lt. Tim Christensen for catching suspects that had committed an armed home invasion.

On May 25th, MPO Magown was responding to the radio report of a home invasion that had just occurred. MPO Magown monitored a limited radio dispatch of the suspect’s description and began to search for the suspects while responding.

MPO Magown located the occupied suspect vehicle and began to follow it and coordinated the response of other officers to intercept the suspects. As a direct result of MPO Magown’s diligence and professionalism, subjects that had just committed an armed home invasion were taken into custody without incident.

MPO Magown was honored during the Bradenton City Council’s July 16th meeting.

Attempted Armed Robbery at
Sweetbay Supermarket Pharmacy,
Armed Robbery of CVS Pharmacy
By Same Man; Both on Same Day

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- The City of Punta Gorda Police Department reported a lone White male attempted to rob a Sweetbay Supermarket Pharmacy at 7:55 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2008, then robbed a CVS Pharmacy in Cape Coral less than an hour later.

The PGPD report said about 7:55 a.m., on Thursday, a White male attempted to rob the pharmacy at Sweetbay Supermarket in south Punta Gorda. The man asked the Sweetbay pharmacist for some controlled narcotics and when asked for a prescription, displayed a revolver which was tucked into his waistband. The pharmacist refused to meet his demands and the suspect subsequently fled the store in a white pickup truck.

Witnesses provided the following description of the suspect:

White male, late 20s to early 30s, 5’11”-6’2” tall, medium build, possibly with a slight goatee and sideburns, wearing a green paisley bandana on his head; white or light-colored zip-up hooded sweatshirt, a dark undershirt and blue jeans with dark shoes.

The same man then entered a CVS Pharmacy in Cape Coral around 8:44 a.m., demanded narcotics without a prescription, and displayed a revolver in his waistband. At the time of this incident, the man had removed the bandana and was wearing a floppy-brimmed, fishing style hat with sunglasses on top.

In both instances, the man fled the scene with a white female in a pickup truck described as an early 90’s full-size Chevrolet or GMC pickup, White in color, with oxidized, powdery-looking paint and multiple dents. The tailgate appeared to be held on to the vehicle by a dark-colored rope running horizontal to the ground.

Detectives from the Punta Gorda Police Department and Cape Coral Police Department are currently investigating the incidents.

Trap Door Leads to Underground
Marijuana Grow Operation

SILVER SPRINGS, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An anonymous tip led to the discovery of a hidden underground marijuana grow operation at a Central Florida home, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Trap door leads to underground room
(Photo courtesy WKMG)

Michael A. Klopp, 61, of Silver Springs, faces charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in connection with the discovery, police said.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, agents went to 13595 NE 1st St. Road in Silver Springs after receiving information that an individual was growing marijuana at his residence.

An investigation uncovered a shed that had a trap door inside, leading to an underground room that had been constructed behind the residence, deputies said.

Inside the underground room were three separate areas that contained 90 marijuana plants, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

The grow operation was hydroponic, deputies said. Hydroponically grown marijuana can be sold for as much as $3,500 a pound, deputies said.

Klopp is being held on $15,000 bond.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff's Detective:
Woman Charged with Vehicular
Homicide After Partner Dies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Annjanette Jackson, 21, of 5720 11th Street East, already in the Manatee County Jail on a variety of charges stemming from a vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2008, has been additionally charged in connection with the death of her partner.

Above, L to R, Annjanette Jackson and prior mug shot of Jermaine McLean, deceased

Jackson has been additionally charged with Vehicular Manslaughter, Failure to Render Aid and Driving While License Suspended with Death.

Jackson was driving a vehicle being pursued by the Sarasota Police Department when she crashed into a pole at 68th Avenue and U.S. 41 in South Manatee County.

Her partner, an occupant in the vehicle, Jermaine McLean, 24, was pronounced dead at Bayfront Medical Center on Monday, July 14, at 2:05 p.m. from injuries suffered as a result of the crash.

NewsManatee earlier reported at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2008, Sarasota Police Department contacted the Sheriff’s Office and advised they were in pursuit of a vehicle in south Manatee County.

The pursuit ended in the area of 68th Avenue West and U.S. 41 when the vehicle being pursued crashed into a pole. Jackson, McLean and Jackson's 20-month-old daughter were all ejected from the vehicle.

At first, deputies believed the driver of the vehicle was Jermaine McLean, 24, who was transported to Bayfront Medical Center. McLean was the original driver, but at Sarasota/Bradenton Airport, in the middle of the pursuit, McLean switched with Jackson, who took over driving.

Jackson left the crash scene with her 20-month old daughter, Kemijiah Keno. The child was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital approximately one hour and 20 minutes after the crash. The child was then transferred to All Children’s Hospital because of the severity of her injuries. She remains in critical condition.

Jackson was arrested and charged with Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries, Reckless Driving with Serious Injury, No Valid Driver’s License, and Driving with a Suspended License.

McLean was pronounced brain dead at Bayfront Medical Center but was kept on life support until his mother could arrive.

McLean was awaiting trial on Sale of Cocaine charges, according to Manatee County Court records, and had failed to show up for a court date. A bench warrant had been issued for his arrest and was outstanding at the time of the vehicle crash and McLean's subsequent death.

Deputy Arrests Man After
Man Threatens Another with
Knife, Says "Nobody Rapes Me"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- In a very strange arrest report, a Manatee County Deputy has arrested Joseph Anthony Defillippo, 28, of St. Petersburg, Florida, after Defillippo allegedly brandished a knife at another man.

Joseph Anthony Defillippo

The arrest report said on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at about 2:45 p.m., at 8700 U.S. 301 North, in Parrish, Defillippo pulled a knife on Donald Swimline and was holding it in his hand when he said, "I'm going to kill you. Nobody rapes me."

Swimline called the sheriff's office.

A deputy was driving toward a sheriff's substation when he noticed Defillippo next to a two-tone Ford truck in the parking lot of Roaring 20's, located at 6750 U.S. 301 North, in Parrish.

The deputy pulled into the parking lot and identified Defillippo, who said that he got into a verbal argument with Swimline and then left.

After being handcuffed and advised he was under arrest for Aggravated Assault, Defillippo told the deputy that he told Swimline that he was and is going to kill Swimline for raping him.

The report ended there.

It is unknown why Defillippo uttered the statement, and whether a male on male rape actually occurred.

Four Arrested for Vehicle
Burglary, Items Recovered

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested four people allegedly involved in a vehicle burglary on Friday, July 11, 2008, at about 2:45 a.m.

Above, L to R, David Patricio, Edgar Galvin, Jose Calderon and Betty Ann Luper

According to the arrest report, David Patricio, 29, and Edgar Galvin, 22, entered a vehicle in the 6000 block of 5th Street East by forcing open an already damaged driver's side window.

The two men then allegedly removed items from the vehicle and returned to their vehicle, in which Jose Calderon, 40, and Betty Ann Luper, 23, were waiting in the back seat and handed off the items to the pair in the back seat.

Then all four fled the area.

However, a witness who had seen the burglary provided deputies with a description of the vehicle and direction of travel.

The vehicle was located by other responding deputies who stopped the vehicle. All four occupants were removed from the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle were two car stereos, several CD cases with CDs and a stereo speaker.

The two burglars were positively identified by the witness and the owner of the burglarized vehicle identified his property which had been removed from the vehicle.

All four were arrested and charged with Burglary. In addition, Galvin, the driver, was also charged with no Valid Driver's License -- one had ever been issued to him.

Young Man Charged with
Burglary; Claims He's
Supporting Drug Habit

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Michael C. Vallier, 20, of 925 301 Blvd. and charged him with Burglary.

Michael C. Vallier

The arrest report said on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at about 5:00 p.m., Michael burglarized the vehicle of a relative, Albert Vallier.

Michael entered the vehicle through an unsecured door and took a digital camera from its case, the report said.

Michael later told the deputy he took the camera because he wished to trade it for pills that he used to control his drug addiction.

Michael was transported to the Manatee County Jail, where he was being held on a $10,000 dollar bond.

Holmes Beach Man Suffers
Bad Head Injuries in Fight;
Investigation Continues

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- Holmes Beach police continue to investigate a July 10 aggravated battery that sent one man with traumatic injuries to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the victim, identified as Jeff Haskins of Holmes Beach, continued his recovery. Emergency medical helicopter took Haskins to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg at about 10:40 p.m. July 10.

He was found in a parking lot at the Island Shopping Center on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach after an apparent fight with two patrons of D.Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Police released descriptions of the two suspects seen beating Haskins in the parking lot.

One suspect was described as about 28-32 years old, 160 pounds, 5 feet 7 inches tall with dark curly hair and a dark complexion. The second suspect was described as about 28-32 years old, 150 pounds, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short blond hair and a light complexion.

Police also continued to review possible evidence leading to the identity of the suspects. Video surveillance cameras exist in the area. Also, the bar uses a scanner system to check the validity of identification cards.

"We are looking into any information from the bar that can help identify the suspects," HBPD Lt. Dale Stephenson said.

HBPD detective Steven Wolff also planned to interview Haskins, who as of July 16 remained at Bayfront Medical Center listed in stable condition but unable to answer questions.

Witnesses can call HBPD at 941-778-5804, ext. 243, 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.

[Ed. Note: The report above was written by Lisa Neff, of The Anna Maria Islander. The Islander is a news partner of NewsManatee's; we frequently share reports.]

Manatee Sheriff's Office
Issues Virus Warning

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit has issued a warning about a fraudulent e-mail containing a virus in an attachment that is being circulated, purporting to be from UPS.

The warning said, "We have become aware there is a fraudulent e-mail being sent that says it is coming from UPS and leads the reader to believe that a UPS shipment could not be delivered. The reader is advised to open an attachment reportedly containing a waybill for the shipment to be picked up.

This e-mail attachment contains a virus. We recommend that you do not open the attachment, but delete the e-mail immediately."

An official statement from UPS said, "UPS may send official notification messages on occasion, but they rarely include attachments. If you receive a notification message that includes an attachment and are in doubt about its authenticity, please contact customerservice@ups.com."

Ex-Sarasota High School
ROTC Instructor Charged
with 3rd Lewd Crime to
Juvenile Boys

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Former Sarasota High School ROTC instructor Demetrius Busby, 45, was charged with his third crime after a third victim was located by Sarasota Police Department detectives.

Demetrius Busby

The arrest report said while conducting a follow-up investigation of Busby, a 16-year-old unnamed student was interviewed.

The boy stated he had been enrolling in the ROTC program at Sarasota High School since his freshman year. He identified Busby as his instructor and said they developed a close relationship. He and Busby would talk on the telephone as well as text message one another after school hours. He said Busby spoke with him regarding pornography and said Busby volunteered to make him a pornography tape and asked if he would like guy on guy or girl on girl sexual acts.

The boy said Busby told him that he could come to Busby's residence and masturbate. Busby told the boy that if he did not know how to masturbate, then Busby would show him how.

The boy also said Busby asked him if his pubic area was shaved and spoke about the size of his penis, the report said.

The incident allegedly occurred during March of 2008 when the boy was fifteen years old.

Busby has now been charged with Soliciting a Person Under Sixteen Years of Age to Commit a Lewd or Lascivious Act.

This is the third juvenile boy involved in Busby's sexual crimes.

Attempted Murder Warrant Issued
By Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff's investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for Michael Leshawn-Gabriel Green, Jr., of 2920 Leonard Reid Avenue, Sarasota.

Michael Leshawn-Gabriel Green, Jr.

Green is charged with 2 counts of attempted murder and one count fleeing to elude. He is known to be armed and frequents the area of the 2900 block of Leonard Reid Avenue.

Green is wanted for the shooting that occurred on July 8, 2008, in the 2900 block of Leonard Reid. At that time, Green shot at a vehicle striking the driver, Eric Brooks of Sarasota. A passenger in the vehicle was able to flee on foot during the shooting.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Szalbirak at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District One at (941) 861-4938 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (941) 366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

Narcotics Agents Arrest Crack
Dealer After 4th Buy; Arrest
Another in Reverse Buy Sting

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit arrested a Port Charlotte man Monday afternoon after the fourth purchase of Crack Cocaine. Arrested was Ben Keys III, 24, aka “BJ” of 21147 Glendale Ave. The undercover buys were on July 2, twice on July 9, and just before his arrest Monday.

Above, L to R, Ben Keys III and Kyle J. Ferrence

Narcotics detectives, assisted by Traffic and K-9 units, were involved in the arrest. The purchase of $100 in Crack Cocaine took place in a Walgreen’s parking lot at 1930 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. When the purchase was completed, units moved in and arrested Keys. He was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with four counts of Sale and Delivery of Crack Cocaine and four counts of Possession of Cocaine. Keys remains in the County Jail.

Narcotics detectives also were successful in arresting a North Port man in an undercover reverse buy/bust operation. According to detectives, Kyle J. Ferrence, 21, of 2920 Mayflower Terrace, called the undercover narcotics detective and said he wanted to purchase $40 of Crack Cocaine. The exchange site was set up at the same Walgreen’s parking lot. Once Ferrence gave the detective $40 for the Crack, other officers moved in and made the arrest. A search of his green Ford Truck located a glass pipe used to smoke Crack. Ferrence was charged with Criminal Solicit to Purchase Crack Cocaine, Criminal Attempt to Purchase Crack Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ferrence told detectives he, "recently got out of rehab and just started smoking Crack again." Ferrence made bond Tuesday morning.

Anyone having narcotics information can call the Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157.

Couple Found Dead in Port
Charlotte Home Identified

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit detectives have identified the couple found dead in their Port Charlotte home Tuesday as Guy R. Sabia, 76 and his wife Nanette Sabia, 74.

CCSO got a call at 9:23 a.m. Tuesday when a neighbor found the two dead in their home along with their family dog at 566 Azalea Ave.

MCU detectives said Charlotte County Hazmat determined there was a high concentration of carbon monoxide in the home.

A Toyota minivan in the attached two car garage had been running and ran out of gas.

The Charlotte County Medical Examiner was expected to do the autopsies Wednesday afternoon to determine the cause and manner of death.

A NewsManatee source said no suicide note was found at the home, so at this time their deaths appear to be accidental. However, the medical examiner will have to make that determination.

Police Sergeant Arrested, Fired
for Spanking, Sexual Battery

OCOEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Central Florida police sergeant has been fired after being arrested on suspicion of throwing a female to the ground at a party, pulling her pants down and spanking her with a belt, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Ocoee police Sgt. Tom Maroney was fired on Tuesday. He was arrested Thursday afternoon on charges of attempted sexual battery, false imprisonment and battery.

Maroney has five days to appeal the firing, WKMG News said. His attorney had no comment about the decision.

The alleged victim said she met Maroney at a party last week and did not know that he was a police officer. Sources told WKMG News that a fellow police officer hosted the party.

The victim told authorities early the next morning that Maroney sexually battered her by pulling off her pants and spanking her with a belt and his hand.

In 2004, an intern with the Ocoee Police Department accused Maroney of sexual harassment. He admitted to giving the underage intern alcohol at his home, according to an internal affairs file.

The intern said Maroney told her that he wanted to give her 21 spankings for an upcoming birthday.

Ocoee police found that Maroney violated the department's directives, and he was issued a written warning, WKMG reported.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Department:
Three Adults, Three Juveniles
Arrested in Armed Nighttime
Liquor Store Burglary

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, July 13th, 2008, at 10:16 p.m., Bradenton Police Officers responded to Zodiac Fine Wine and Spirits, 5522 Cortez Road West for a reported burglary in progress, as reported by a 911 caller. The suspects fled just before officers arrived at the scene.

Above, L to R, Top to Bottom, Aaron Hostetler, Nathan Harrod
Richard Helderman, Allen Nichols, Ryan Post and Matthew Bend

The 911 caller was able to provide a description of the vehicle the suspects were driving. The suspects’ vehicle was located and stopped by officers in the 4400 block of 26th Street West.

The suspects were taken into custody with the assistance of Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

One suspect, later identified as Ryan Post, who was armed with a handgun, fled from the vehicle. He was tracked and caught by a Sheriff’s Office K-9 in nearby woods. Nathan Harrod tried to escape into nearby woods but was unable to, after an officer used his Taser to stop Harrod.

Investigation disclosed that $500.00 of liquor was stolen during the burglary.

Three adults and three juveniles were arrested:

1. Aaron James Hostetler, 18, of Bradenton - Charges: Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Failure to Register a Motor Vehicle, Driving While License Suspended.

2. Nathan Harrod, 19, of Bradenton – Charges: Armed Burglary and Grand Theft

3. Richard Helderman, 20, of Bradenton – Charges: Armed Burglary and Grand Theft

4. Allen Nichols, 17, of Bradenton – Charges: Armed Burglary and Grand Theft

5. Ryan Shane Post, 17, of Bradenton – Charges: Armed Burglary and Grand Theft

6. Matthew Bend, 15, of Bradenton – Charges: Armed Burglary and Grand Theft

Anyone having information with regards 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.

Woman in Pursuit Arrested;
Child Hospitalized; Man Died

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Annjanette Jackson, 21, on multiple charges, following a pursuit of a vehicle from Sarasota County into Manatee County on Sunday, July 13th, 2008.

Annjanette Jackson

At approximately 9:10 p.m. on July 13, Sarasota Police Department contacted the Sheriff’s Office and advised they were in pursuit of a vehicle in south Manatee County.

The pursuit ended in the area of 68th Avenue West and U.S. 41 when the vehicle being pursued crashed into a pole. At first, deputies believed the driver of the vehicle was Jermaine McLean, 24, who was transported to Bayfront Medical Center. McLean was the original driver, but at Sarasota/Bradenton Airport, in the middle of the pursuit, McLean switched with Jackson, who took over driving.

Jackson has been arrested and charged with Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries, Reckless Driving with Serious Injury, No Valid Driver’s License, and Driving with a Suspended License.

McLean was pronounced brain dead at Bayfront Medical Center but was kept on life support until his mother could arrive. He has since been declared dead.

Man Wanted for Sunday
Murder Arrested in
Hendry County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Cody Rogers, 18, was arrested Monday night in Hendry County on a warrant for Principal to Murder in connection with the shooting death of William White on July 13, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday morning, July 15, 2008.

Cody Rogers and Timothy Brooks
(Rogers' mug shot courtesy Hendry County SO)

Detectives received information last night that Rogers had possibly fled to the Clewiston area.

The Clewiston Police Department and the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and Rogers was taken into custody outside of Clewiston.

Rogers was booked into the Hendry County Jail.

On Monday, July 14, 2008, detectives arrested 18-year-old Timothy Brooks and charged him with Murder (see Monday's Local News).

On Tuesday morning, Timothy Brooks faced a judge on closed circuit TV from the Manatee County Jail during his first appearance in court.

Circuit Judge George Brown, Jr., told Lakewood Ranch High School star quarterback Brooks he was charged with murder and would be held without bond.

Hispanic Man Shot During
Armed Home Invasion
By Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a 25-year-old man was shot during an armed home invasion on Monday, July 14, 2008, at about 11:45 p.m.

The report from the sheriff's office said three unknown Black males kicked in the door of a residence in the 1300 block of 29th Avenue East and confronted the victim, Kareem Vasquez, who was on the couch in the living room.

The three intruders punched Vasquez several times but no one else in the home heard them make any demands.

The intruders then went into one of the bedrooms and escorted the victim's grandmother into the living room where they sat her in a chair. They made no threats to the grandmother and did not harm her in any way; in fact, one of the men did help her by making sure she had enough oxygen flowing from her prescribed tank.

One of the men then shot Vasquez in the upper right arm and all three invaders then fled the scene, possibly in a dark colored vehicle.

Vasquez was taken to Tampa General Hospital by helicopter for treatment. His condition is unknown at this time.

The attackers were only described as three Black males, wearing all dark clothing and black masks.

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 Pistol-Whipped, Other Men
Tied Up During Armed Home
Invasion Robbery in Palmetto

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Early Tuesday morning, at about 12:30 a.m., three Hispanic men pushed their way into two residences in Palmetto, pistol-whipped one man and tied up other men, then stole about $27,000 dollars in cash and jewelry before fleeing, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said three Hispanic men entered two residences in the 7800 block of Buckeye Road, in Palmetto, armed with black semi-auto handguns.

They proceeded to pistol-whip one of the male occupants of the residences.

The male occupants were then tied up and the robbers took approximately $25,000 in jewelry and $2000 in cash.

The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle belonging to one of the victims, which was recovered down the road.

There was only minor injury to the male occupant that was struck with the gun, but he refused EMS treatment.

The robbers were only described as three Hispanic males in their early 20s.

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 Fights Would-Be Robber,
Robber Flees Without Loot

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a 46-year-old man fought off a would-be robber early Tuesday morning, at about 4:00 a.m.

The victim, Walter Fleming, was exiting Terra Siesta Mobile Home Park, located in the 8000 block of U.S. 301 North, in Ellenton, when an unknown Black male came out of the bushes and "jumped" him.

During the struggle the attacker attempted to take Walter's backpack, but Walter fought back.

The attacker struck Walter in the had with an unknown object.

But Walter was able to fight the attacker off and he fled the scene on foot.

Walter sustained a minor cut to his forehead, which was treated by EMS on scene.

The Black male was only further described as being in his 30s and was wearing all black clothing.

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.

R.B. "Chips" Shore Speaks
to Alabama Bar Association

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, R.B. "Chips" Shore spoke to the Alabama Bar Association at their annual meeting held on July 10, 2008, at the Sandestin Hilton in Destin, Florida. Shore was invited by the Alabama Law Institute to address the Bar Association and discuss his success with the electronic filing and recording of court cases in Manatee County. Known as ‘e-filing’ and ‘e-recording,’ these processes allow attorneys to initiate, update and file cases and record documents electronically. They also allow judges to review case files online during hearings and have instantaneous access to the most current information.

Shore spoke on the development, implementation and successes of e-filing and e-recording to an audience of over 350 attendees. As the only Clerk of Court invited to speak at the meeting, he outlined how the processes work and their benefits to the public, the legal community and the courts.

"The State of Alabama has shown tremendous interest in e-recording and e-filing and it was an honor to be asked to come speak to their Bar Association and help answer any questions they may have. E-recording and e-filing have improved the level of service we are able to offer our customers and it’s refreshing when members of the legal, judicial and clerical community come together to embrace the technology that allows us to better serve our constituents by improving efficiency and lowering costs," said R.B. "Chips" Shore .

Robert McCurley, the Director of the Alabama Law Institute who invited Shore, said, "Mr. Shore’s presentation was so well received by the Bar of Alabama that we are inviting him back in August to speak to the annual meeting of the Alabama Probate Judges who are the real estate recorders in Alabama. His expert advice is just what we need in Alabama."

CORRECTION: Gas Leak at
DeSoto Junction, not
DeSoto Square Mall

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, July 11, 2008, at about 9:30 a.m., a gas leak at DeSoto Junction, 301 Blvd. and 1st Street East, caused several businesses to be evacuated, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue was called and requested assistance from the sheriff's office with a gas leak after a gas smell had been detected inside Marshall's department store.

All surrounding businesses in the plaza were evacuated and a perimeter was established near Marshall's.

The actual leak came from the rear of Marshall's and TECO responded to correct the problem.

A total of six patrol units, plus supervisors, responded until the "all clear" was given at 11:40 a.m.

There were no injuries or health problems reported and the fire department aired out the department store prior to allowing persons back inside.

[Ed. Note: NewsManatee erroneously reported the gas leak had occurred at DeSoto Square Mall. Lori McCarty, Guest Services Lead for Desoto Square Mall requested we correct the report.]

DUI Checkpoint Planned
by Sarasota County Sheriff

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a DUI/Safety Checkpoint on Friday, July 18th, 2008.

The location of the DUI Checkpoint will not be released.

Nationally, it is known that fatal alcohol related accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than during daylight hours.

Motorists will recognize a Checkpoint operation by the staging of appropriate signs, warning devices, and the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel. The operator of each vehicle will be asked to display a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. A visual safety check will be made from outside the vehicle for proper seatbelt usage, and for identifying persons who are operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment. Law enforcement personnel will also be checking for individuals who are operating a motor vehicle without proper insurance, tag, or driver’s license. During this time, the operator will also be observed for any signs of impairment and/or open containers of alcohol in plain view.

If the driver can show all appropriate documentation, that occupants are using seatbelts, that there are no open containers of alcohol or other contraband in plain view, and no signs of impairment by alcohol or drugs, the vehicle will be allowed to leave. In cases where it appears the driver is under the influence or has committed some violation, they will be directed to a safe location off the immediate roadway for further investigation.

Bodies of Two Elderly People
Found in Port Charlotte Home

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, July 15, 2008, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit was on scene at 566 Azalea Ave., in Port Charlotte.

The bodies of two elderly people were found inside the home.

CCSO received the call at 9:23 a.m. Tuesday.

The Charlotte County Hazmat Unit was also called to the scene.

MCU Detectives entered the house to investigate.

As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities weren't certain as to whether their deaths were an accident, or a planned event.

No other details are available at this time.

Voodoo Doll, Photo Threatens
Volusia County Commissioner

DELTONA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 5-inch voodoo doll with a picture of a Central Florida city commissioner's face attached to it and several pins stuck in the doll's body was left near her mailbox, according to a report from Orlando television station WKMG.

Voodoo doll found in Deltona
(Photo courtesy WKMG)

Zenaida Denizac, of Deltona, and her husband discovered the doll at about 5 p.m. Saturday, according to a Volusia County sheriff's report.

Denizac told sheriff's deputies that she has also received several anonymous letters criticizing her work as president of the Volusia County Hispanic Association, the report said. She said the letters also criticized her job as city commissioner, according to the sheriff's report.

Denizac, who is a teacher at Pine Ridge High School, was elected to the Deltona City Commission, District 1, in November 2005, according to the city of Deltona Web site.

She was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and moved to Deltona in 1986, according to the city's Web site.

Denizac received her masters' degree in educational leadership from Nova University and her bachelor's degree in education from Antillian College, the city's Web site said.

Sheriff's deputies are investigating the unusual incident, WKMG reported.

FDLE Partners with United Kingdom
Law Enforcement to Fight
Organized Crime

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, July 15, 2008, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey and the United Kingdom’s Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) Deputy Director David Armond signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that affirms cooperation between the two agencies in exchanging relevant investigative and intelligence information to fight organized crime in Florida and the United Kingdom. Commissioner Bailey, a delegate on Gov. Charlie Crist’s trade mission, signed the MOU with Armond, the Deputy Director for Intervention Proceeds of Crime, in London, England.

Under the MOU, FDLE and SOCA commit to work together to share information that will help further each agency’s mission to detect and dismantle organized criminal activity and to mitigate the harm and threat to public safety posed by organized crime.

"Criminal activity crosses international borders and often leads to complex and highly sophisticated investigations," said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. "This partnership offers new opportunities to dismantle trans-continental organized groups."

The MOU was signed as part of Governor Charlie Crist's Florida Trade and Business Development Mission to the United Kingdom, France, Russia and Spain to encourage trade and investment in Florida and its international partners. The trade mission is focusing on climate change, aerospace, aviation and alternative and renewable energy.

SOCA is a relatively new agency in the United Kingdom and represents the consolidation of several UK agencies into a singular agency. SOCA is an intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers and harm reduction responsibilities.

FDLE is committed to intelligence and information-led policing. The Department houses Florida’s Fusion Center, a multi-agency round the clock operation that hosts various systems and sources to provide a centralized communication point for Florida law enforcement. FDLE agents are assigned throughout the state to serve as intelligence liaisons to the criminal justice community. In recent months, FDLE held a series of regional intelligence meetings in Florida to discuss intelligence sharing statewide, assess current capabilities and develop a comprehensive plan to close any gaps in information and intelligence exchange. Local, state and federal agencies, including SOCA, attended these meetings. The partnership between SOCA and FDLE will enhance Florida’s ability to investigate and prosecute international organized criminal groups that pose the greatest threats to Florida’s citizens and visitors.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Detectives Arrest LRHS QB
for 1st Sunday Murder, Seek One
Other Involved Lad

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested 18-year-old Timothy Brooks, of 1604 27th Avenue East, Bradenton, and have charged him in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday, July 13th, 2008. Brooks was arrested on a warrant for Murder and booked into the Manatee County Jail with no bond. Brooks is a star quarterback for Lakewood Ranch High School.

Above, L to R, Timothy Brooks and Cody Rogers

Detectives believe Brooks shot and killed William J. White, 19, a White male, in the 1600 block of 27th Avenue Drive East, in Bradenton. White and another subject drove to the area to purchase marijuana when they were confronted by Brooks and Cody P. Rogers, also 18 years old.

Brooks and Rogers were known to White and the other subject, the driver of the car, Jacob Cunnien.

White was shot and killed inside the car at the above address. White was a passenger in the car; he was shot in the neck. The incident happened at about 8:24 p.m. on Sunday.

When they arrived at the location, White and Cunnien were approached by Brooks and Rogers. The suspects said something to White and as Cunnien began to drive away he heard a gunshot. When he looked over, he saw the victim had been shot.

Cunnien drove to Manatee Memorial Hospital where the victim was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m.

Detectives believe robbery was the motive for the shooting. Before the shooting, Rogers ripped a necklace from the neck of the victim.

Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Rogers for the charge of Principal to Murder.

Anyone with information on this case, including the whereabouts of Rogers, is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-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.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office:
No Arrest Yet in Sunday's
West Side Murder

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- There is no arrest yet for a murder that occurred on Manatee County's west side, where a Black male was shot and killed outside of a residence at 2118 53rd Avenue West at about 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2008.

Above, 2118 53rd Avenue West
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The victim's name is Damarius Brinson, 31, of the above address. EMS responded and transported Brinson to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A perimeter was set up and K-9 tracked with negative results. There are no suspects or motive at this time.

Damarius Brinson, deceased

Early information is that there were two unknown males involved in that shooting. Sources say Brinson was shot eight times.

Investigators say there were kids inside the house at the time of the shooting, but it's not clear if the victim was their father. Those kids are now with their mother.

Deputies were talking to a witness to try to figure out what happened, and they were waiting for a search warrant to enter the house.

According to NewsManatee archives, this and the other murder that occurred in the 1600 block of 27th Avenue Drive East on Sunday, less than an hour later (see first report above), would be the 4th and 5th murders in Manatee County in 2008. There was also a murder in the City of Bradenton and another in the City of Palmetto, for a total of 7 murders this year overall in the county and cities.

Anyone with any information about either incident 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.

Sarasota Police Pursuit
Ends in Manatee County
Crash with Serious Injuries

MANATEE/SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Information from both the Sarasota Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said a pursuit by SPD ended in a Manatee County crash with serious injuries on Sunday, July 13, 2008. The crash occurred at 9:10 p.m., according to both Captain Stan Duncan, of the Sarasota Police Department and Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Jermaine McLean

Captain Duncan said two officers from the Sarasota Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle in the 1400 block of 18th Street.

The driver of the vehicle attempted to hit the officers and then sped away. The officers gave chase but briefly lost sight of the vehicle when it entered the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport.

The suspect vehicle was spotted again northbound on U.S. 41 and the pursuit continued.

The suspect lost control of his vehicle near U.S. 41 and 68th Avenue, Duncan said. The vehicle slid sideways off of the road and struck a utility pole. That's where Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies took over the handling of the incident.

The driver of the vehicle, Jermaine McLean, 24, was ejected and transported to Bayfront Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

Two other subjects who were believed to be in the vehicle during the pursuit showed up after the crash at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Annjenette Jackson, 21, and her child, 1-year-old Kemijiah Keno, were not at the scene of the crash when authorities arrived. Jackson was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening; the child was transferred to All Children’s Hospital in Tampa where she is listed in critical condition, according to Dave Bristow.

Deputies are trying to determine whether the two subjects were injured as a result of the crash or sometime before the crash during the pursuit.

According to Manatee County court records, the driver, McLean, is awaiting trial for a Possession of Cocaine arrest in late 2007 and has numerous other felony and misdemeanor arrests.

McLean failed to appear for his Cocaine trial and a bench warrant was issued for him early this year.

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.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Beating Son, 5, with
Extension Cord

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Donald N. Harris, 32, of the 11000 block of 2nd Avenue East, after Harris allegedly beat his 5-year-old son with an extension cord.

Donald N. Harris

According to the arrest report, on Friday, July 11, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., deputies were called to the address above.

Upon arrival, Harris told a deputy, "I hit my kid with a belt, but it does not usually leave marks like that."

When the deputy interviewed the boy, he got a different story.

The boy told the deputy he had been bad at summer camp. When he got home, he took a shower and his dad, Harris, was waiting for him outside the shower.

The boy ran and hid under his bed, but Harris pulled him out from under the bed and began beating the boy with a white extension cord. The boy said he was struck was about 5 or 6 times.

The deputy observed large raised red marks on the boy's back in a loop pattern, "consistent with an extension cord," the deputy wrote in his report.

The boy said this wasn't the first time he had been hit and he was afraid of his father.

The father then told the deputy where to find the extension cord. "Since my kid told you what happened, the extension cord is in the garage," Harris reportedly said to the deputy.

Harris was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.

Bicyclist Breaks Manatee County
Deputy's Leg in Two Places

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, July 12, 2008, at about 3:45 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy, Jeff Cowling, executed a traffic stop on Jose Fidel-Perez, 20, of unknown address, in the 200 block of 60th Avenue Drive West for operating a bicycle without a light on the front.

Jose Fidel-Perez

The deputy, in a marked car and uniform, identified himself to Jose, who dismounted his bike and began approaching the deputy.

As Dep. Cowling began to get closer, Jose turned and fled. The deputy pursued Jose for two blocks, ordering Jose to stop, finally catching up to Jose and tackling him.

Jose got to his feet, but Dep. Cowling took him to the ground again.

As Dep. Cowling did so, Jose used his had on Dep. Cowling's left leg, pressing down on it for leverage to help himself up.

At that time, Dep. Cowling felt a sharp pain in his leg and was unable to get back up. Dep. Cowling drew his Taser and ordered Jose to the ground. Jose then complied.

Other deputies arrived in response to Dep. Cowling's call for "Officer Needs Assistance" and arrested Jose.

Dep. Cowling was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where doctors confirmed his leg was broken in two places.

Jose was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest with Violence. He was also issued a citation for Failing to Have a Light on his Bike.

Young Man Nabbed with
2 Ounces of Marijuana,
Passed Out at Wheel

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Jeffrey L. Neill, 22, of 5606 19th Street West. Neill was found passed out at the wheel of his vehicle and was subsequently found to be in possession of two ounces of marijuana and a large sum of cash.

Jeffrey L. Neill

The arrest report said on Friday, July 11, 2008, paramedics from Cedar Hammock fire rescue were called to the 2600 block of Bayshore Gardens Parkway, where they found Neill passed out at the wheel of his vehicle. He had to be shaken several times before he woke up. EMS then called the sheriff's office.

When deputies arrived, Neill was being checked out by EMS. The deputy smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a container of alcohol in a cup holder in the center console.

A deputy gave Neill a sobriety test, which he passed.

In the meantime, another deputy walked back to the car because of the odor of marijuana and located two plastic baggies that contained a green leafy substance that later tested positive for marijuana. The total weight was 56.8 grams (2 ounces).

A deputy also found $552 dollars in cash in Neill's wallet, separated into smaller bundles.

Neill became verbally abusive and claimed the deputies "planted" the drugs and said he would "have their jobs."

Neill was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell and Driving on a Suspended Driver's License.

Tropical System Forms in
Caribbean Sea; Could
Affect Florida

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A new tropical system has formed in the Eastern Caribbean Sea that could affect Florida.

The low pressure system is located about 1000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and continues to increase in organization.

According to the National Weather Service in Miami, the system has a greater than 50% chance of developing into a tropical depression.

If that happens, it may be later today or tomorrow.

The system is currently moving west-northwest at 10-15 mph.

Man Shot in Stomach During
Armed Robbery Attempt

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting during an attempted armed robbery early Monday, July 14, 2008, at about 4:50 a.m., in the 3300 block of 5th Street Court East.

A sheriff's office report said the victim, Francisco J. Perez-Ruiz, was leaving his house to go to work.

He was approached by a Black male wearing a mask over his face; he was armed with a black revolver.

When the robber demanded money, Perez-Ruiz picked up a plastic lawn chair and threw it at the would-be robber.

The robber then shot Perez-Ruiz in the lower left abdomen.

The shooter then fled towards Manatee Wood Apartments, the report said.

The shooter was described as a Black male, 5'3" to 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and had a mask over 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.

2 White Male Teens Shoot
at Residence Sunday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, July 13, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m., two White male teens fired shots into a residence in the 3700 block of 11th Street Court East, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said several victims were all asleep inside the residence except Biron Perez, who was lying on the couch.

Perez heard a knock on the door and when he looked out the window he saw two people, described only as White male teens and laid back down.

He then heard 4 shots come in through the East front window and a single shot came in through the North side window.

Nothing was said during the incident and nobody was injured.

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 Avoids Robbery By Saying
"I'm a Cop and Have a Gun"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a man avoided being robbed by a man with a gun on Sunday, July 13, 2008, at about 2:00 a.m.

The victim, Louis Drost, came home to his residence in the 5000 block of 81st Avenue Trail East with his wife.

As Drost attempted to exit his vehicle, he was approached by 2 Black males. One of the Black males was armed with an unknown type revolver.

He hit Drost twice, at which point Drost yelled, "I'm a cop and have a gun and I'm going to kill you."

The would-be robbers then fled in an unknown make white SUV driven by another Black male.

Drost sustained no injuries during the altercation and the robbers did not get any property.

The robbers were described as 3 Black males, approximately 18-20 years of age.

1) was 5'8" tall, 155 pounds, armed with a revolver
2) was 5'10" tall, 155 pounds
3) Unknown driver

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.

American Red Cross Hosts
Teen Disaster Camp

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The American Red Cross, Manatee County chapter, is hosting a week-long Disaster Camp for teens July 14-18 at 10311 Malachite Drive, in Lakewood Ranch.

Teens attending the Disaster Camp will learn about the disasters that could affect Manatee County.

They will learn how to prepare themselves and their families, and be trained to help the community when disaster strikes.

Disasters the teens will encounter this week include a tornado, flood, hazardous chemical release, and hurricane.

A second camp will be offered at the Red Cross facility at 2905 59th Street West, in Bradenton, on July 28th through August 1st, Youth Coordinator Debbie Tapp announced.

City of Punta Gorda Detectives
Make Arrests in Isles Yacht Club
Boat Motor Theft

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- On July 12, 2008, while investigating an unrelated burglary on San Mateo Drive, observant Punta Gorda Police Detective Terry Cochran noticed a suspicious vessel in the canal behind the victim’s home operating without its running lights. The occupants were identified as Nicholas Jones, 19, of Port Charlotte, Scott Lundblad, 17, of Port Charlotte, and two other juveniles.

Above, L to R, Nicholas Jones and Scott Lundblad

The detective also noticed the boat motor, a 15hp Yamaha two-stroke, appeared too big for the boat. Due to recent boat motor thefts, the serial number was later run through a computer check and was determined to be stolen from the rear of the Isles Yacht Club, 1780 West Marion Avenue. The theft occurred between June 26, 2008 and July 1, 2008.

Detectives went to the Port Charlotte residence of Scott Andrew Lundblad. He admitted to stealing the motor with his friend, Nicholas Jones. The boat motor was recovered and both males provided detectives with statements.

Nicholas Jones was arrested and taken to the Charlotte County Jail. He was charged with Grand Theft and held on $2,500.00 bond.

Scott Andrew Lundblad was arrested and taken to the Charlotte County Jail. He was charged with Grand Theft and later released to a parent.

The investigation into other recent boat motor thefts is ongoing.

Man Found Dead Under Jeep
in South Gulf Cove Canal

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigated the death of a South Gulf Cove man who was found dead under the rear of his Jeep in the canal behind his home Sunday afternoon.

Major Crimes Detectives said the Medical Examiner will rule in the cause of death of Richard L. Rita, 54, of 14170 Keystone Blvd.

An Englewood District road deputy responded at 4:44 p.m. to a call from Rita’s wife Kathy who had been out of town since early Friday morning, came home Sunday and could not locate her husband.

While en route to the call, dispatch advised that a body was located under the rear of a Jeep in the canal behind the home.

EMS was called and Rita was pronounced at the scene.

MCU detectives said it appears Rita was mowing his yard when the mower got stuck on the bank of the canal at water’s edge. Rita apparently used his Jeep in an attempt to pull out the stuck mower when the Jeep rolled backward, dragging Rita into the canal.

Detectives do not suspect any foul play and are awaiting the Medical Examiner's ruling.

Gun Held to Baby's Head During
Armed Robbery of Restaurant

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- One of several armed men who robbed a Central Florida pizza restaurant held a gun to a baby's head and threatened to pull the trigger during the crime, according to Orlando television station WKMG.

Police said three men burst into the family-owned Mr. Pizza restaurant located on Winegard Road in South Orange County near the Florida Mall and demanded money late Sunday. A fourth man apparently stood guard outside the business, police said.

As the crime happened, a woman tried to pull her baby out of a playpen at the front of the business, but one of the men pointed a gun at the baby and threatened to kill the child.

The bandits escaped with an undisclosed amount of money. The child was not injured.

There are no specific descriptions of the men, but detectives are checking surveillance tapes, WKMG reported.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

This Week's Stupid Criminal:
Man Asks Deputy To Wait....
While He Knocks Other Man
Unconscious; Gets Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- This is pretty strange; you never hear a man ask a deputy to wait while he knocks another man out and then comes back and tells the deputy, "You can arrest me now."

Robert Eugene Anderson

On Thursday, July 10, 2008, at about 9:30 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy responded to 6225 State Road 64 East. He took a complaint from Robert Anderson, 49, a homeless man. Anderson had been shoved by Joel Shepperd, another homeless man.

The deputy was in the process of filing a request from the State Attorney's Office about the case.

However, Anderson was not satisfied with the deputy's decision. Anderson said he was going to find Joel and take care of it himself. Then he told the deputy, "I'll return in a few minutes and then you can take me to jail." Anderson asked the deputy to be gentle with him when he was arrested.

The deputy told Anderson to just leave the situation alone and go in a separate direction.

Anderson said, "No sir, I have to do what I have to do."

Anderson then left the deputy and found Shepperd sleeping behind the Race-Trac gas station in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Kay Road.

Anderson punched Shepperd several times, rendering Shepperd unconscious.

Anderson then walked back to the deputy and said, "Go ahead and arrest me; I just knocked him out. He probably needs medical attention."

Anderson told the deputy he had punched Shepperd three times -- once when he stood up and twice when he was on the ground.

The deputy went to check Shepperd behind the gas station. Shepperd was on the ground, covered in blood, the deputy wrote in his report. Shepperd had a broken nose and a tooth had been knocked out. He also wrote that both Anderson and Shepperd were very intoxicated.

Anderson was arrested and charged with Felony Battery.

Man Arrested for Aggravated
Child Abuse After Kicking His
17-Year-Old Pregnant Daughter
in the Stomach, Grabbing Throat

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Keith Cocroft, 40, of the 1000 block of 59th Avenue Drive East, after Cocroft allegedly battered his 17-year-old pregnant daughter.

Keith Cocroft

The arrest report said the unnamed daughter is 5 months pregnant and Cocroft knows this.

On Thursday, July 10, 2008, at about 7:30 p.m., the father and daughter got into a verbal argument over the girl's boyfriend.

The argument then turned physical.

Cocroft allegedly grabbed the girl by the throat and kicked her in the stomach.

She told Cocroft to "get out of my face" and went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife. She wanted to get away from him as he was beginning to concern her, the report said.

Cocroft attempted to take the knife away and, in the process, was cut in the hand. A deputy later observed a small laceration on Crocroft's right hand, approximately 1" long.

Then the girl ran outside, grabbed a brick and threw it through a window at the front of the house and grabbed a stick.

She then his car and mailbox.

Cocroft waved a deputy down from the front of his house.

The girl was standing across the street from the house at the time, yelling at Cocroft.

Cocroft was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.

The report did not say if the girl was examined for possible injuries to the fetus.

Homeless Man Arrested for
Attempting Copper Theft
at FPL Substation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, July 10, 2008, at about 2:15 a.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy found Charlie Gordon Dees, 50, a homeless man, hiding at an FPL substation.

Charlie Gordon Dees

The arrest report said Dees was found on the property of FPL at 1851 Whitfield Avenue, in South Manatee County.

Dees was wearing black clothing and looking through some coiled wire.

Dees admitted entering through a fence that had been cut. He also said it wasn't the first time he had been on the property, the report said.

Dees told the deputy he was looking for copper wire.

Dees was driving a tan Chevy S-10 pickkup truck which had wire cutters and bolt cutters inside.

Dees was arrested and charged with Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Deputy Arrests Man on Warrant,
Discovers He Had Hit Boy, 3

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Jimmy F. Coleman on Thursday, July 10, 208, on a Violation of Probation warrant out of Sarasota and discovered Coleman had struck a 3-year-old boy several times.

Jimmy F. Coleman

At the time of Coleman's arrest on the Sarasota warrant, Coleman's girlfriend, Meagan Davis, told the deputy on July 7, 2008, when she arrived home she found her son with flip-flop prints on both sides of his buttocks.

When Meagan confronted Coleman about the bruises, he said, "I beat his ass and will keep doing it if he doesn't listen."

Then, on July 9, 2008, when Meagan was getting the boy ready for be, she noticed a large hand print bruise on the boy's upper left thigh, she told the deputy.

The deputy observed the above marks on the boy and photos were taken. There were also some older bruises on the boy's lower back, the deputy wrote in his arrest report.

Coleman was arrested and charged with Child Abuse, in addition to the Sarasota arrest warrant.

The arrest and incidents occurred at a trailer park located at 2600 Cortez Road West.

Mother Arrested for Hitting
Stepdaughter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Bobbi Osborne, 34, of the 7000 block of 43rd Avenue East, in Ellenton, after Osborne allegedly slapped and hit her 14-year-old stepdaughter on Thursday, July 10, 2008, at about 5:30 p.m.

Bobbi Osborne

The arrest report said Bobbi and her unnamed stepdaughter got into a verbal altercation, during which Bobbi disciplined the stepdaughter with an open hand slap.

After sending her stepdaughter to her room, Bobbi continued the argument in the stepdaughter's room at which time Bobbi began to hit her stepdaughter.

This resulted in numerous scratches all over the stepdaughter's arms, legs, and face, the report said.

Bobbi was arrested, charged with Child Abuse and taken to the Manatee County Jail without incident.

The child alternates residences, spending one week with her father and one week with her stepmother, the report said.

Two Hispanic Males Robbed
At Gunpoint By 3 Black Males;
Victims Forced to Remove Pants

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, July 13, 2008, at about 3:30 a.m., two men were robbed by 3 Black males at Center Court Apartments, 4221 52nd Place West, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Miguel Ajoy, 26, and Diego Datino, 24, were walking between two apartments at Center Court Apartments when they were approached by 3 unknown Black males.

The Black males punched Datino in the face, knocking him to the ground. One of the Black males pulled out a small silver handgun and pointed it at Datino and Ajoy and told them to give them everything they had.

They then told the victims to remove their pants and hand them over. Datino and Ajoy complied and gave the trio their pants.

Both Ajoy and Datino had wallets, cell phones, ID's and credit cards in their pants pockets.

The 3 Black males fled westbound through the complex on foot.

K-9 tracked with negative results. A BOLO was put out for the suspects.

There were no shots fired and no injuries.

The only description of the robbers was: 3 unknown Black males, all wearing dark clothing with hoods and bandanas over their faces; one was carrying a silver handgun.

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.

Lakewood Ranch Bank ATM Stolen,
Several Cows Escaped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an ATM belonging to Community Bank, 2025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., was stolen in the middle of the night on Saturday, July 12, 2008.

The sheriff's office report said on Saturday, at approximately 4:30 a.m., an unknown male used a large Cat Model 938G end loader and took the ATM machine.

The unknown man stole the end loader from a location south of the bank.

He then drove through a field, knocking down a fence and allowing several cows to escape.

Once at the bank, the unknown man dumped dirt in the drive-through to cushion the ATM. The thief used the end loader and loaded the ATM onto an unknown vehicle.

The ATM had an unknown amount of cash.

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 Home Invasion Robbery;
Shot Fired, No Injuries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Saturday, July 12, 2008, shortly before 10:00 p.m., at a residence in the 1000 block of 35th Avenue Drive East.

The report said the victim, Pablo Tarez-Diaz, 37, was sitting outside his home talking on the phone. He noticed a White male and a Black male walking East past his house and thought nothing of it.

The two men then came back around the rear of the house with their shirts pulled up over their faces. They were armed with semi automatic pistols and ordered the victim to the ground.

The White male suspect went through the victim's pockets and when he found nothing asked were the money is. The victim told him it’s in the house.

The Black male suspect held a gun on the victim while the White male suspect entered the house and confronted Teodora Gonzolez, 28. The robber went through some of Diaz’s property and it is unknown at this time what property was taken.

As the two robbers fled, the White male suspect fired a shot in the air.

There were no injuries to any of the victims.

The area was searched for a possible shell casing and none was found.

The robbers were described as: 1) Unknown Black male, 5'9", 175 pounds, with short black hair, armed with a large frame semi auto pistol dressed in all black; and 2) Unknown White male, 5'11", 170 pounds, light brown hair, armed with a small frame pistol.

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.

Pedestrian Robbed at Gunpoint
By Two Black Males, Shot Fired

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Early Friday morning, at about 12:30 a.m., Eric Davis, 22, of the 1300 block of 30th Avenue East, was robbed at gunpoint by two Black males, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Davis was walking northbound in the 4700 block of 30th Street East when he was approached by two Black males who each pointed a gun at Davis and told Davis to give them everything he had.

At first, Davis refused and one of the suspects cocked his gun and again pointed it at Davis.

Davis then handed the robbers his backpack and cell phone.

The robbers then ran northbound and while holding their guns down at the side, Davis said, one of the weapons discharged.

The robbers ran to a waiting vehicle and after entering the vehicle drove northbound.

Davis tried but was unable to get the tag number, the report said.

The robbers were not further described, other than to say they were wearing dark-colored hooded sweatshirts. Their vehicle was described as being an unknown type dark green.

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.

Two Manatee County Men Die
In Sunday Morning Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported Travis M. Fricke, 25, of 5304 Ithaca Lane, in South Manatee County and John Clay Gordon, 32, of 7311 Westmoreland Drive, also in South Manatee County, died Sunday, July 13, 2008, at about 2:20 a.m. when they lost control of their vehicle, cartwheeled over four other vehicles and crashed the 2003 Mustang they were in.

The report from FHP said the Mustang was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed in the right lane of U.S. 41, approaching a curve at Braden Avenue.

John Gordon was the driver. Gordon lost control while negotiating the curve and the vehicle began to rotate.

The front left wheel of the Mustang struck a curb 70 feet south of Hernando Avenue and continued to rotate as it traveled through the parking lot of Goodwill Industries, located at 7981 U.S. 41.

The Mustang struck several small trees and small concrete poles, as well as a chain link fence and began to cartwheel through the parking lot, striking four parked vehicles, and causing one of them to overturn from the impact.

The Mustang continued to cartwheel over the top of the parked vehicles and struck a Goodwill sign.

Gordon was ejected from the Mustang and landed on the north side of the parking lot. The Mustang continued and overturned onto its roof and slid across the marking lot of the Jo-To restaurant located at 7961 U.S. 41.

Both Gordon and Fricke died at the scene.

There was no indication in the FHP report of whether alcohol was involved or whether the men were wearing seat belts.

Man Dies in Waters Off
Bradenton Beach

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man died in waters off Bradenton Beach on Friday at about 6:00 p.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said on Friday, July 11, 2008, at about 5:30 p.m., the victim, Chester Delvalle, 77, of Tampa, went for his daily walk in the Gulf of Mexico, near 105 Seagrape Lane, in Bradenton Beach.

According to family and friends, Chester would usually wade out to waste deep water and walk south to a sandbar about 200 yards away and then walk back.

On Friday, Chester was seen walking by sister-in-law Elizabeth Delvalle and a family friend, Samantha Taylor, around 5:45 p.m., as normal.

Just before 6:00 p.m., Chester was seen floating face down in the water by his brother Emilio and a neighbor, Thomas Gallogly.

911 was called and both men went into the water to retrieve the victim.

CPR was started and continued until EMS took over.

Chester was transported to Blake ER and later pronounced deceased.

The sheriff's report said there was nothing suspicious about the death and no signs of trauma were observed on the victim.

Mr. Delvalle's doctor, Dr. Shingala out of Tampa, told deputies he will sign the death certificate and that the man did have some medical ailments.

Gas Leak Caused Evacuations
at DeSoto Square Mall Stores

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, July 11, 2008, at about 9:30 a.m., a gas leak at DeSoto Square Mall, at 301 Blvd. and 1st Street East, caused several businesses to be evacuated, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue was called and requested assistance from the sheriff's office with a gas leak after a gas smell had been detected inside Marshall's department store.

All surrounding businesses in the plaza were evacuated and a perimeter was established near Marshall's.

The actual leak came from the rear of Marshall's and TECO responded to correct the problem.

A total of six patrol units, plus supervisors, responded until the "all clear" was given at 11:40 a.m.

There were no injuries or health problems reported and the fire department aired out the department store prior to allowing persons back inside.

Tuesday Teen Court Hearings
Canceled, County Clerk Says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A press release from the County Clerk's Office said Manatee County Teen Court and Teen Court Too hearings scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2008, have been canceled.

Cases scheduled for that evening will be reassigned to Tuesday, July 22, 2008.

Teen Court and Teen Court Too are diversionary programs for first time juvenile offenders administered by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, R.B. “Chips” Shore.

For more information about Teen Court or Teen Court Too, please visit the county clerk's website at www.Manateeclerk.com or call Jon Messick at 708-6001 ext. 239.

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