Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 8/30/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 8/30/2008

Manatee County Detectives
Arrest Man, 23, on Multiple
Drug, Weapons Charges

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at about 5:00 p.m., when Manatee County Sheriff's Sergeant Kevin Pease, armed with a search warrant, went to arrest Jessie Valdez, Jr., 23, of 5315 31st Circle East, in Bradenton, he sensed the brown paper bag Valdez was holding didn't contain a can of beer or a bottle of Ripple. It didn't; it held a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Jessie Valdez, Jr.

According to an arrest report for Valdez, the search warrant was obtained to search for a firearm used in the robbery of a pizza delivery driver on August 18, 2008. The warrant was for Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Sgt. Pease, Detective Diamond and Detective Parham set up a surveillance on Valdez' apartment at the above location. Shortly afterward, Valdez exited the apartment and sat in a chair outside with the front door open.

Detective Pease approached Valdez from the north side of the building to inform him of the search warrant. As he approached Valdez, Sgt. Pease observed him holding a brown paper bag in his right hand. When Sgt. Pease was within a few feet of Valdez, Sgt. Pease calmly said "Jessie," at which time Valdez turned around, looked at Sgt. Pease, jumped out of the chair and bolted for the front door, still holding the bag.

Valdez ran inside the apartment. To prevent Valdez from harming himself, destroying evidence, and for the safety of surrounding residents, Sgt. Pease followed Valdez inside and deployed his Electronic Control Weapon (Taser), striking Valdez in the back.

As this was occurring, Valdez threw the brown paper bag to the floor which was later found to contain a loaded .45 caliber handgun.

Valdez immediately complied and was arrested without further incident.

Valdez was taken to Lakewood Ranch Medical center complaining of wrist pain and was released a short time later with a wrist brace.

During a search of the apartment, Detective Diamond located two handguns, a shotgun, several hundred rounds of ammunition, over 80 grams of marijuana (most packaged for sale), 6 grams of cocaine, and $600.00 in cash, all of which were seized from the apartment.

Valdez is a convicted felon who is not allowed to possess the firearms or ammunition.

Jessie Valdez was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, three counts of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possession Ammunition by Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives
Arrest Three Men for Exposure
of Sexual Organs in Sting

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, August 27, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives coordinated a sex sting operation in the 10000 block of Manatee Avenue West (the Causeway area) to catch men engaging in lewd and lascivious acts. The sting was in response to complaints. A sheriff's office report said the activity was occurring in the mangroves on the north side of Manatee Avenue. The operation was conducted during daytime hours. Three men were arrested for Exposure of Sexual Organs.

Above, L to R, Roy Johns, Luis Colon and Daniel Thyen

During the operation, the detectives passively waited in the area. On three separate occasions, men would offer to do sexual acts to the detectives, but the detectives said, "I'd rather watch."

Then, on all three occasions, the suspects would expose their sexual organs and masturbate.

At that time, a takedown team would be called in for the arrest.

Arrested were:

1. Roy Johns, 48, of 2311 14th Avenue West, Palmetto.

2. Luis Colon, 22, of 1007 19th Avenue West, Bradenton.

3. Daniel Thyen, 37, of 10003 Sandpiper Road, Bradenton.

All three men were transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Bank Robber Turns Self In,
Manatee Sheriff's Office Says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The man who robbed the First Bank on Cortez Road in West Manatee County on Wednesday has turned himself in, according to a press release from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Charles Whitley at the bank and his mug shot on Thursday

The press release said Charles Whitley, 44, with a last known address of 4435 Friendly Harbor Street, Bradenton, has been arrested and charged with Armed Robbery in connection with the robbery Wednesday at First Bank located at 9819 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton.

Whitley called the Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning and said he wanted to turn himself in.

Whitley called from a Shell Station in the 3700 block of Cortez Road.

Deputies responded to that location and took him into custody.

Whitley told detectives he was upset over robbing the bank and decided to turn himself in.

Whitley said he spent the stolen money before turning himself in.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Grand Theft Auto, DWLS
and Drug Paraphernalia

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at about 2:00 p.m., a Bradenton Police Officer arrested Wayne C. Mathis, 47, of 3223 3rd Street West, Bradenton.

Wayne C. Mathis

According to the arrest report, the Officer was patrolling the 1900 block of 13th Street West and was behind a black Toyota van. The Officer ran the tag and was advised the vehicle had been stolen out of Manatee County.

The Officer followed the vehicle to 3223 3rd Street West until more units arrived on scene to assist. He then conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and ordered Mathis out of the vehicle, along with two passengers.

Mathis was handcuffed and read his Miranda rights.

Mathis told the Officer Vernon Isham gave him permission to use the vehicle on Sunday.

However, Mr. Isham was called to the scene and told the Officer that when he fell asleep, Mathis took the keys to his vehicle.

A search of the vehicle incident to Mathis' arrest produced a white bottle which had been turned into a crack pipe, which tested positive for cocaine.

The report said Mathis knew his driver's license was suspended.

Mathis was charged with Grand Theft Auto, Driving While License Suspended and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff's Deputy Arrests Man
for Attempted Robbery
in West Bradenton

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Christopher A. Constantino, 22, of 5203 Harbor Road, in West Bradenton.

Christopher A. Constantino

The arrest report said on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at about 8:45 p.m., Chris jumped into Brad Milks' vehicle through the driver's side window and attempted to snatch Brad's money from his right hand by grabbing both of his arms.

Chris lost his grip on Brad's arms and Brad was able to flee the scene in his vehicle.

Brad was not injured during the incident.

Chris was later taken into custody without incident.

He was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Conveyance.

Bradenton Police Department
Warns Property Owners of
Scrap Metal Thieves

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department would like citizens to be aware that there has been a recent increase in thefts of Backflow Devices and Air Conditioner Units from residential and commercial properties. Thieves steal these items to sell as scrap metal.

The Bradenton Police Department is encouraging residents and business owners to safeguard their Backflow Devices and Air Conditioner Units with secure means i.e. caging, locking devices.

Citizens are asked to report any suspicious vehicles or persons observed in residential or commercial areas as soon as possible, especially during the nighttime hours.

Anyone having information with regards to this illegal activity is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 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.

Anyone requesting Crime Prevention Methods can call Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant L.J. Millard at (941) 932-9351.

Manatee County Sheriff Names
August Deputy of the Month

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- During April 2008, Detective Dawn Atkinson investigated a credit card fraud with warrants issued for two persons to be arrested.

When Warrants deputies attempted to serve the warrants, no one was at home, but the deputies noticed that the residence was full of what was believed to be stolen property.

Detective Atkinson responded to the address and subsequently obtained search warrants based on several burglary cases. She continued to follow leads that connected over a hundred burglaries in several counties and the recovery property valued at several hundred thousands of dollars.

Detective Atkinson continued to assist with the cases through the process of returning of property to owners.

Detective Atkinson’s diligent work on this fraud case opened up a significant lead to develop probable cause for arrests in this series of burglaries. Her actions demonstrate good investigative tactics and the high standards of dedication of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, for which Dawn Atkinson is awarded Deputy of the Month for August 2008.

Sheriff Brad Steube congratulated Detective Atkinson.

Man, 24, Arrested for Sex
with Girl, 13 Years Old

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives arrested Joseph John Ventre, 24, 21243 Austin Ave., Port Charlotte, for having sex with a 13-year-old girl last April 2.

Joseph John Ventre

Detectives said Ventre had sex with the girl when he lived in an apartment at 2511 Luther Road, Port Charlotte.

The girl had a sleep-over at her 15-year-old cousin’s house but they left the home and met Ventre around 2:00 a.m.

Ventre drove the girls to his apartment; the 15-year-old watched TV with Ventre’s nephew while Ventre and the 13-year-old went to his bedroom and had sexual activity.

Detectives said Ventre gave the 13-year-old girl a ring and had asked her to marry him.

The girl was taken to an area hospital and released following testing while the CCSO Forensics Unit obtained the victim's clothing for evidence.

Detectives went to Ventre’s apartment but no one answered so they went to his mother’s home on Austin Ave.; his mother said he had left for New Jersey.

Ventre turned himself in and was booked into the Charlotte County Jail on three felony counts of Lewd and Lascivious Offense Against A Child Victim 12-15 Years of Age, one count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear. He is being held without bond.

CCSO Arrests Two Men on Pot
Charges in Separate Incidents

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Port Charlotte men on marijuana charges in two separate incidents.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. road deputies were dispatched to Lake Betty Park, 2215 Conway Blvd. in Port Charlotte on reports of three young people smoking marijuana.

When deputies arrived, they located the three and before they started to interview Robert Joseph Garcia, 21, 23111 Mineral Ave., they saw him drop an object about the size of a grapefruit behind him and used his foot to push it toward a trash can.

Deputies retrieved the object and found 12 clear plastic baggies; each containing marijuana. The pre-packaged baggies weighed a total of 38.7 grams.

The two juveniles were released and Garcia was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Possession With Intent to Sell or Distribute Marijuana in a Public Park, Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at 8,500.

On Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m., CCSO Narcotics detectives, K-9, Traffic Units and SWAT raided a Port Charlotte home at 23040 Bradford Ave.

Once the home was secured, detectives found marijuana, rolling papers, two metal pipes and two burnt marijuana roaches.

Arrested was 52-year-old Edmund Carl Miga. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; bond was set at $2,000.

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

Two Federal Inmates Indicted
for Murder at Florida Prison

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, August 27, 2008, United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announced the return of an indictment of Gerardo Martinez, a 29-year-old former resident of Yakima, Washington, and Osbaldo Farias, a 36-year-old former resident of Fort Worth, Texas, charging them with conspiracy to commit murder and first degree murder.

The maximum penalties Martinez and Farias face if convicted on all counts are up to life imprisonment or death, and a fine of $250,000.

According to the indictment, Martinez and Farias were incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Florida. On or about October 16, 2007, Martinez, Farias and the victim, Orlando Yazzie, also an inmate, were exercising in a recreation cage when Farias stabbed Yazzie with a “shank” approximately 13 times.

A “shank” is a slang term given to a sharp or pointed implement that prisoners used as an improvised knife-like weapon.

Martinez and Farias then punched, kicked and stomped Yazzie for approximately 45 minutes. Yazzie died as a result of those injuries.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent A. Citro.

High School Football Player
Shot in Stomach Near School

WINTER PARK, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a high school football player in Winter Park was shot in the stomach near his school, police said.

Cole Steel, 16, left campus after classes ended Wednesday but never made it to a pep rally that night.

Police said Steel was shot in the stomach on Aloma Avenue.

He was in serious condition at last report and is expected to survive the injury, WKMG reported.

An investigation into the shooting continues.

FHP Announces Labor Day
Weekend Crackdown

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol is stepping up its enforcement operations to prepare for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

“The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol will be teaming up with law enforcement officers across the state to provide the safest possible driving environment for our visitors and residents during the Labor Day holiday driving period,” stated Colonel John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

In order to promote a safe holiday experience for everyone, the Patrol statewide will increase visibility and enforcement efforts beginning at 12:01 a.m. August 29, through midnight September 1. The agency will target three specific causes of highway fatalities: speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints.

“We want the public to understand that drunk driving is no accident. It's one of Florida’s most often committed crimes and accounts for one-third of all traffic fatalities. If you choose to drink and drive during this Labor Day holiday period, law enforcement officers will catch and arrest you,” added Colonel Czernis.

By enhancing its efforts, the Patrol aims to increase public compliance of traffic laws and to provide enhanced services to motorists who find themselves in need of assistance. In addition, Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will be volunteering their time to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement weekend.

Motorists are reminded to use their cellular phones safely. FHP urges all drivers to call *FHP (*347) to report drunk or aggressive drivers. They also can use this number if their vehicle breaks down or they need assistance. Motorists should dial 911 during emergencies.

For real-time traffic and road condition reports, as well as maps and other safety tips, FHP urges the public to visit www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/. Florida drivers also can call 511 on their cell phone for up-to-the-minute updates on traffic congestion, road construction, lane closures, severe weather and travel delays on Interstates and major highways.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles encourages anyone with a valid Florida driver license or identification card to go online to www.flhsmv.gov and enter their emergency contact information. This vital information gives law enforcement immediate access to this information in cases of an emergency, which makes it easier for them to contact a family member or friend.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Deputies Arrest Man
Following Two Incidents; One
Was Battery of Woman, Other
Was Burglary with Machete

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to two arrest reports from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Monday, August 25, 2008, Adam Dean Arling, 20, of 6011 12th Avenue West, was involved in two incidents in the morning hours. One incident occurred at 5:35 a.m.; the other occurred at 7:00 a.m. The second incident involved another man, Robert J. Cooper, 22, of the same address as Arling.

Above, L to R, Adam Dean Arling and Robert J. Cooper

In the first incident, at about 5:35 a.m. Arling got a a ride home from Jennifer Strong and he tried to convince her to have sexual intercourse with him, according to the report. When Jennifer refused to have sex with him, Arling got upset, walked up to Jennifer and struck her several times about her chest and face with his hand.

Jennifer pushed him away from her and was able to get in her vehicle and flee the scene and call the sheriff's office.

Deputies observed red marks about her chest and face and reported Jennifer was visibly upset over the incident.

A search of the area did not reveal where Arling had fled to and a capias request to the State Attorney's Office was written for a charge of Battery.

In the second incident, which occurred a short time later at 7:00 a.m., Christopher Donald, 23, and Randall Brich, 24, were awakened at their residence in the 4500 block of 20th Street West by someone beating on their front door.

Donald and Randall slowly approached the front door and saw Arling walking from his vehicle armed with a machete and wearing black gloves.

Arling walked to the front door and began to beat on the door again. Arling then opened the front door and walked inside holding the weapon and yelling, "If you don't come out, I will f*** you up."

Donald and Randall became afraid and hid down the hallway.

Arling stopped yelling, closed the door and walked back outside.

Donald and Randall saw Arling walk to the side of the house and enter a storage closet and start moving things around. Then they saw Robert Cooper exit Arling's vehicle and help Arling load speakers and a speaker box in his vehicle and leave.

Deputies interviewed Donald and Randall and obtained directions to Arling's house.

Deputies then set up a perimeter to Arling's house and awaited the arrival of detectives, who requested a search warrant.

After a six and a half hour standoff, the search warrant arrived and was served.

An initial search of the residence produced no Arling. However, Arling was then located in the attic space in the southwest corner, hiding in the insulation.

After a sheriff's office announcement, Arling came out and was arrested.

Adam Arling was charged with Armed Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling with Assault, Battery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Robert Cooper was also arrested and charged with Armed Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling.

Armed Bank Robbery Reported
in West Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported at approximately 2:00 Wednesday afternoon, August 27, 2008, deputies responded to an armed robbery at First Bank located at 9819 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton.

Above, First Bank, 9819 Cortez Road West, Bradenton
(Photo by Charles Mills)

According to witnesses, the suspect entered the bank and produced a note demanding money.

The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the bank.

After the robbery, he was seen getting into the passenger seat of a faded maroon mini-van.

The suspect was armed with a handgun.

Above, First Bank surveillance photo

He’s described as a white male, approximately 40-50 years old, 5’7”, 180 pounds, and was wearing glasses, tan shorts, a red shirt and tennis shoes.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Employee Charged with
Grand Theft from Bealls
Headquarters

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An employee of the local Bealls headquarters, located at 1806 38th Avenue East, Bradenton, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office for theft of property from Bealls.

Gilbert Nieves

According to the arrest report from the sheriff's office, Gilbert Nieves, 41, of 5620 12th Street East, Bradenton, had been systematically stealing property from Bealls meant for sale.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m., while Gilbert was at work, loss prevention personnel observed Gilbert open two boxes of merchandise which contained items of jewelry.

Gilbert selected and removed some items from the box. Then he concealed the merchandise into his pants and walked into the restroom. Once there, he removed the merchandise from its package and discarded the empty package in a garbage can. Gilbert then returned to work.

During a scheduled break, Gilbert walked to his car, got in and removed the jewelry from his pants and placed it under the driver's seat.

All of this was recorded on video surveillance.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy was with loss prevention personnel while all of this was going on. Just before the scheduled employee break, the deputy and a loss prevention person went to the parking lot. When the break occurred, the deputy and the loss prevention person observed Gilbert walk to his car, enter it, reach into his pants and reach under the driver's seat.

They confronted Gilbert and asked him to return the company's merchandise. Gilbert complied with the request. Then Gilbert was asked if there was anything else in the car and Gilbert said, "There might be some stuff in the trunk." When the trunk was opened, there was more of Bealls merchandise inside.

When asked what he was doing with the merchandise, Gilbert said he was giving it away.

Gilbert was arrested and read the Miranda warning. In the middle of the warning, he said he would like to talk to his lawyer and said he needed one because he was guilty and that was the best thing to do, the sheriff's office report said.

The items taken in a previous incident which were recovered from the trunk of Gilbert's car were valued at $470 dollars. The items taken in the current incident were valued at $440 dollars.

Gilbert was charged with Grand Theft and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Man on Probation Arrested
for Possession of Drugs,
Torching Roommate's Shirt

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Darren M. Rioux, 26, of 1810 49th Avenue West, Bradenton. Deputies say he set his roommate's shirt on fire and was found in possession of illegal drugs.

Darren M. Rioux

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at about 9:50 p.m., Darren's roommate called Darren's probation officer to tell her that Darren had been consuming alcohol, which was a violation of Darren's probation.

Darren had been convicted in 2007 of Leaving the Scene of an accident in Pinellas County and was placed on drug offender probation for 1 year and six months.

That phone call upset Darren, who took a small handheld lighter and set the bottom of his roommate's shirt on fire, the report said.

The roommate immediately put the fire out and Darren fled the residence on foot. The roommate was not injured.

The sheriff's office was called by the roommate and, upon arrival, observed the burn mark on the bottom of the roommate's shirt.

Darren returned at 1:15 a.m. and the roommate called the sheriff's office again.

The deputy said Darren denied the incident, but smelled strongly of alcohol.

Upon searching Darren, the deputy found a container with Diazepam and 800 mg Ibuprofen pills inside.

Darren Rioux was arrested and charged with Battery and two counts of Possession of an Illegal Drug without a Prescription. He had previously been charged on August 6, 2008, with Violation of Probation and is awaiting a court appearance on that charge.

Manatee Detectives Search
for Man Wanted on Warrants

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives are searching for Brady Sprague, 40, (DOB 2-10-68), for one count of Grand Theft Auto and one count of Fraudulent Owner/Seller Affidavit. Detectives have arrest warrants for these two charges.

Brady Sprague

Detectives believe Sprague stole a vehicle on July 1, 2008, from an apartment complex in Bradenton and then delivered the car to a scrap yard where he received $325.

Sprague is a tow truck operator and is suspected of towing vehicles without the owners consent and selling the vehicles for scrap.

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
Announces DUI Checkpoint
This Weekend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- As part of the Sheriff’s Office continuing crackdown on drunk drivers, a DUI checkpoint will be conducted this weekend.

The checkpoint will begin on major a roadway in south Manatee County on Friday, August 29, 2008, at 10:30 p.m. and conclude on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 4:00 a.m.

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the checkpoints will be the Florida Highway Patrol, the Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key and Palmetto Police Departments.

Also assisting will be the Manasota Chapter of M.A.D.D. and the Salvation Army.

Sarasota Attorney, 49, Charged
with Capital Sexual Battery
of Girl, 10 Years Old

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Paul Ingram, 49, of 3423 Pine Valley Drive, in Sarasota. Ingram stands accused of Capital Sexual Battery of a girl in 2002.

Paul Ingram

According to the arrest report, Ingram was arrested on a warrant on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at his home.

The report said on June 13, 2008, a Sarasota County Sheriff's Detective interviewed the now 16-year-old victim. The girl disclosed that Ingram had been a family friend of her mother and stepfather and they would see him on a regular basis.

One night in August of 2002, when the girl was only 10 years old, around her mother's birthday, Ingram was at their house on Pine Valley Drive, in Sarasota, for a party. The girl told a detective Ingram was too intoxicated to drive home, so he was allowed to sleep in a spare bedroom.

At some point in time during the night, Ingram crawled in bed with her and started touching her breasts over her clothes. Then Ingram placed his fingers in her vagina under her clothing, the girl said. She told the detective how it hurt when Ingram did that.

The girl ran downstairs crying and told her mother that Ingram had touched her.

The girl's stepfather was also interviewed by the detective. He remembered the night and how Ingram went upstairs to sleep in the spare bedroom. The stepfather said after the little girl came downstairs crying, Ingram said, "I think I just did something really bad."

Ingram then called a cab and left.

The family hasn't contacted Ingram since, the stepfather told the detective.

The detective tried to interview Ingram on August 20, 2008, but was contacted by Ingram's attorney and was told Ingram would not be making a statement.

Copper Thieves Steal 12,000 Feet
of Wire from Kids Baseball Field

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call Tuesday from the grounds keeper at the North Charlotte County Park, 1185 O’Donnell Blvd., Port Charlotte, reporting thieves stole 12,000 feet of copper wire from five baseball fields and a disc golf field at the park.

Several electrical boxes next to the light poles were found open, wires were cut and missing; value of the copper wire is estimated at $14,000. This part of the park is still under construction. The park is in a secluded area with no business or houses nearby.

This is not the first time thieves have hit this park with multiple kids' sporting activities. On Aug. 1, Charlotte County Parks and Recreations reported theft of 10,000 feet of insulated copper electrical wire from the soccer field lights. Ten electrical boxes were opened and copper wire was cut and missing; value of the labor and materials to replace was about $16,000.

CCSO detectives are asking for the public’s help, seeking any information that may lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for both copper thefts at the popular park in northwest Charlotte County.

If anyone has information, please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101; or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Deputies: Teen Had
Loaded Gun at School

TITUSVILLE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a 16-year-old student carried a loaded revolver into his classroom at a Brevard County school on Tuesday, but was caught without incident, law enforcement and school officials said.

The student, Kevin Freeman, has been charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and violation of probation. He was being held at the Brevard County’s juvenile detention center.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office said a teacher at the North Area Alternative Learning Center in Mims noticed the boy "walking funny" around the campus.

The boy then pulled out a black bag from his waistband and put it inside a three-ring binder, according to the sheriff's office.

Later, the student was sitting in his classroom, when his teacher noticed what he thought was a weapon sticking out of a three-ring binder, officials with Brevard Public Schools said.

When the student asked to use the restroom, the teacher called administrator Bill Dugan, who called the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

Two deputies responded to the school and said they found a .22-caliber revolver with two loaded rounds, WKMG reported.

"The student claimed that he had found the gun at the school," Brevard County sheriff's Lt. Mike DeMorat said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Woman Arrested for Child Abuse
After Pummeling Boy, 4, with
Hair Brush Several Times

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County grandmother was arrested and charged with Child Abuse after she allegedly struck her 4-year-old grandson on the face several times with a hair brush.

Maria A. Ramos

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Maria A. Ramos, 43, of the 5800 block of 9th Street Court East, in Bradenton, struck the boy on Monday, August 25, 2008, at about 6 p.m.

After the boy came home from school, Maria heard that he had been in a fight on the bus with another student.

Maria was upset with him and began to strike the boy's face with a brown hair brush, the report said.

The strikes caused a small cut above the left eye, swelling around the left eye and left side of the face, two cuts to the inside of the boy's upper lip, swelling to the upper lip, marks to both sides of the boy's chin and a small cut to the underside of the left forearm.

After Maria was read her Miranda warning, she told a deputy she heard some boys coming off the bus saying "that boy keeps trying me."

She added, "I never hit my grandkids with anything other than my hand."

Maria Ramos remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $5,000 dollar bond.

Ex-Boyfriend Arrested for
Burglary, Domestic Battery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Raul Morey-Arenas, 49, of 9612 Oak Run Drive, Sarasota, after Raul allegedly entered his former girlfriend's house without invitation, drank beer and shoved her when she tried to get him to leave.

Raul Morey-Arenas

The arrest report said on Monday, August 25, 2008, at about 9:30 p.m., Linda Contarino received a call from Raul who told her that he was at her house.

When Linda arrived home, in the 5800 block of Carriage Drive, in South Manatee County, she found him lying on the master bedroom bed. Linda told deputies that Raul drank beer that was in her refrigerator.

Linda asked Raul to leave. She tried to have him go out the front door, but Raul pushed Linda with both hands. She got him to leave, but he reentered the home through a broken sliding glass door. He finally left after Linda told Raul that she was calling the police.

Linda told a deputy that she never gave Raul permission to come into the house and he did so uninvited.

Linda said that she and Raul used to date and that he stayed over at times.

When deputies caught up to Raul at about 11:30 p.m., he told them Linda had invited him to come over and that he lived on and off with her at the house for about 2 1/2 years, and that he received bank mail there. But, he said, he moved out of her house about 4 months ago.

Raul was arrested and charged with Burglary and Domestic Battery.

Man Arrested Moments After
Stealing Car Stereo

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, August 25, 2008, at about 5:20 p.m., a man approached Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Escher and told Dep. Escher that a man had stolen his car stereo.

Ray Rodriguez

According to an arrest report, Francisco Mendoza waved Dep. Escher down while Escher was on patrol in the neighborhood of the 3700 block of 19th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Mendoza told Dep. Escher that he had run into his house for no longer than five minutes to change his clothes. When he exited the house and entered his vehicle to leave, he noticed that his car stereo was missing.

Mendoza drove down the road and noticed Ray Rodriguez, 47, of 2508 18th Street East, Bradenton, walking in the 1700 block of 36th Avenue East. That was within one minute of his radio being stolen. He noticed that Rodriguez was holding something under his shirt.

At first Rodriguez denied holding anything under his shirt, but finally showed it to Mendoza. It was Mendoza's radio, and he took it from Rodriguez.

At that time, Rodriguez took off running. That's when Mendoza flagged down Dep. Escher, who located Rodriguez in the 1600 block of 34th Avenue East.

Rodriguez tried to say that a Black guy and a Hispanic guy driving a red car gave him the radio to get rid of. Rodriguez then told Dep. Escher that the guy gave him the radio 10 minutes prior to the theft.

However, Dep. Escher didn't buy his story and arrested Rodriguez for Burglary to a Vehicle.

Manatee Deputy Uses Taser
on 14-Year-Old Boy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy used a Taser on a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at about 10:00 a.m.

The report said Deputy's Keller and Wolfe were investigating a domestic incident in the 5900 block of 6th Street East, Bradenton, involving a mother, Christina Montanez, 30, and her 14- year-old son, named only as "C.K." in the report.

When C. K. returned to the scene, Dep. Wolfe attempted to arrest C. K. because C. K. allegedly punched Montanez in the stomach.

C. K. pulled away from both deputies and after several attempts to gain control over C. K., Dep. Wolfe Tased C. K.

The probes struck C. K. in the chest and stomach and had immediate results.

C. K. was taken into custody and transported to a sheriff's office substation where photos were taken.

EMS responded and paramedics cleaned the single puncture (chest area) and applied a Band-Aid.

C.K. was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Man, 25, Suffers Seizure, Loses
Control of Car, Strikes Pole;
10-Month-Old Child Okay

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a 25-year-old Manatee County man suffered a seizure on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, on Florida Blvd., east of Marina Drive and lost control of his vehicle. The incident happened at about 12:05 p.m., FHP said.

The report said Clinton Townsel, of Bradenton, was eastbound on Florida Blvd., in Bradenton and suffered a seizure while driving his 1991 Toyota.

The seizure caused Townsel to lose consciousness.

As a result, Townsel lost control of his car, causing it to travel in a northeast direction across the westbound lane, where it entered the north shoulder of Florida Blvd.

The Toyota's left front struck a pole.

No skid marks were found at the scene.

Townsel's passenger, 10-month-old Bernard Townsel, appeared to be okay.

Clinton Townsel was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital. There was no indication of his condition in the FHP report.

Charges are pending.

Manatee Sheriff Plans
Two DUI Checkpoints
This Weekend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Local law enforcement agencies will beef up patrols and man two checkpoints this Labor Day weekend in a crackdown against drunk drivers, Sheriff Brad Steube announced Monday during a press conference with Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The two DUI checkpoints will be at U.S. 41 and Orlando Boulevard, and U.S. 41, just north of Florida Boulevard.

The checkpoints will be manned by Manatee County Sheriff's Office Deputies and the Florida Highway Patrol. MADD will also be on hand.

In addition, Steube said MADD's Traffic Observation Program, or TOP, has trained six citizen volunteers who will ride in pairs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night this weekend.

If they get behind a driver who is acting impaired by driving erratically, they will call 911 and report it.

The MADD volunteers are not authorized to make traffic stops, Steube said.

To learn more about Mother's Against Drunk Driving, logon to www.madd.org/

Wanted Man Arrested for
Business Burglary After
Citizen Tip Pays Off

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man wanted in connection with the burglary of "Yummies Donuts" on August 18, 2008.

Lawrence Albert Wagle

According to a press release from SSO, Lawrence Albert Wagle, 45, of 2190 Woodmere Road, in Venice, was charged with one count of Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure for the donut shop burglary at 5005 Englewood Road, in Venice.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office received numerous tips following a press release issued on August 22, 2008, which included surveillance photographs of Wagle.

A witness came forward saying that he had seen Wagle wearing the clothing shown in the photographs.

Approximately $10,000 dollars in damage was caused by Wagle during the commission of the burglary, the sheriff's office said.

Charlotte County Sheriff
Schedules Multiple DUI
Checkpoints This Weekend

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff John Davenport announced that the Sheriff’s Office will be conducting low manpower DUI checkpoints, and a full DUI checkpoint, between now and Sunday (Aug. 26-31).

Deputies will stop traffic and conduct various test procedures looking for impaired drivers at multiple locations around the county.

The Sheriff does not announce days, times, or locations in hopes it will deter those who may drink and drive, or use drugs and drive.

Mother of Missing Girl Wanted
to Give Her Up for Adoption,
Released Documents Say

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The mother of Caylee Anthony wanted to give her unborn daughter up for adoption, according to documents released on Monday, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Caylee Anthony

More than 400 pages of documents were released in the discovery phase of Casey Anthony's child neglect case, including an interview with a high school friend of Casey Anthony, who said she was interested in adopting the child.

Casey Anthony was charged with child neglect and filing a false statement in mid-July, about a month after she said she last saw her then 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, according to WKMG.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy
Arrests Woman Who Drove Car
at Other Woman, Two Children

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy Tom Peel was called to a residence in the 4100 block of 35th Street West, Bradenton, on Friday, August 22, 2008, at about 2:35 p.m.

Jennifer S. Boucher

Upon arrival, he spoke to Alicia Ziegler, who told Dep. Peel she and Jennifer S. Boucher, 38, of the 4200 block of 35th Street West, Bradenton, had gotten into a verbal argument over money.

The verbal altercation turned physical when Boucher backed her vehicle up, drove off the roadway and onto the front lawn of Ziegler's residence.

Boucher drove her vehicle towards Ziegler, causing Ziegler to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by Boucher's vehicle.

Ziegler told the deputy that she was extremely afraid that she and her two children were going to be hit by Boucher's vehicle.

The children were about 12-15 feet away from where the vehicle came to rest, Dep. Peel wrote in his report.

Dep. Peel also wrote, "The victim was very upset for the safety of her children and herself while I was on scene."

Boucher was arrested and charged with three counts of Aggravated Battery with a Motor Vehicle.

After her arrest, Boucher told the deputy, "I'm human, I'm sorry."

According to the arrest report, Boucher then said, "I'm not done with them yet."

This Week's 1st Stupid Criminal:
Young Man Burglarizes Two Cars
Across Street From His House;
Witness Knew, Saw Burglar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy planet. This kid wasn't too bright.

Dylan Reed Wallace

On Saturday, August 23, 2008, at about midnight, Dylan Reed Wallace, 18, of 7928 50th Place East, in the Creekwood subdivision in East Manatee County, went to a residence at 5025 79th Street East -- across the street from his home -- and began opening the doors on two vehicles.

However, the victim and a witness were standing on the north side of the house when they heard the door open on their Ford Explorer.

They walked toward the vehicle and saw Wallace look through the console of the Explorer, close the door, light a cigarette and walk to the other vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, and open the driver's door.

The witness walked up to Wallace, who was inside the jeep and asked him what he was doing. Wallace turned around quickly and said he wasn't doing anything, the report said.

Then the witness and victim watched Wallace walk toward his home.

The witness and the victim, presumably boyfriend and girlfriend, went inside the home on 79th Street East and woke up another victim, presumably the girl's father.

About 10 minutes later, the sheriff's office was called.

The witness told Dep. Bryce Meade that he has lived in the Creekwood subdivision for 12 years and knows Wallace by face as Dylan Wallace, who lives at 7928 50th Place East.

One of the victims told Dep. Meade that $20 dollars had been taken from the Explorer's passenger seat.

Wallace was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary to a Conveyance. He is being held at the Manatee County Jail on a $2,500 dollar bond for each count.

Deputies Arrest 18-Year-Old
for Residential Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Michael A. Hulley, 18, of 6308 98th Street East, Bradenton.

Michael A. Hulley

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at bout 2:30 p.m., Hulley entered a residence in the 6000 block of 33rd Street East, Bradenton, without consent.

Hulley began preparing various household components for removal.

Someone called the sheriff's office and upon the arrival of a deputy, Hulley fled on foot.

The deputy called a BOLO and a perimeter was quickly established.

Hulley was located about a block and a half away and taken into custody.

The homeowner was contacted and went to the scene. After an inspection of his home, he determined that that Hulley had damaged his home in an attempt to steal copper. The damages were estimated at less than $1,000 dollars.

Michael Hulley was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

Woman Arrested for Hitting
Live-in Boyfriend with Urn

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Denise M. Jordan, 44, of 4119 55th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, was arrested for Felony Domestic Battery on Thursday, August 21, 2008.

Denise M. Jordan

The report said Denise and Thomas Gallagher are girlfriend and boyfriend.

At about 8:00 p.m., they got into a verbal argument and Gallagher attempted to leave.

Jordan became enraged and began punching Gallagher in the face multiple times while wearing rings.

Gallagher told her that she was not hurting him and she would only go to jail for it, then he walked out of the residence. Jordan followed. Gallagher reentered the home.

Then Jordan hit him with a candle and began hitting him with a metal urn.

Gallagher had multiple lacerations to his forehead, left forearm and back. He also had a head injury, according to his medical release papers, a deputy wrote in the report.

Woman Kidnapped at Hispanic
Bar Parking Lot, Taken to
Unknown Place, Raped;
Victim Stabbed Suspect

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a 30-year-old Hispanic woman was kidnapped early Sunday, August 24, 2008, at about 3:30 a.m., taken to an unknown location and raped by a Hispanic male.

The report said the woman was in the parking lot of El Paisano's Bar, 5803 15th Street East, Bradenton, when she was approached by a Hispanic male who frequents Las Primas Bar and El Paisano's. He grabbed the woman and placed a blanket or shirt over the woman's head, threatened her and forced her into a black sedan, the woman later told deputies.

Then the man drove the woman to a residence in Oneco, she said, and forced her to have vaginal intercourse and battered her.

Eventually, the woman broke free, obtained a knife, stabbed the man and fled the area, she said.

She called her boyfriend who picked her up and took her to the Bradenton Police Department. BPD called the sheriff's office and a deputy picked the woman up and took her to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The victim had lacerations, contusions and bruises.

The Hispanic man was described as being between 26-30 years old, 5'6" tall, thin build with short curly hair. He was last seen wearing black pants. He is possibly from Puerto Rico.

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.

Holmes Beach Man, Out of Work,
Arrested for Burglary, Attempted
Burglary, Resisting Arrest

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- A man who told Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies he had been out of work for a month was arrested Friday, August 22, 2008, at about 1:15 p.m. for Burglary, Attempted Burglary and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Zachary James Provin

A sheriff's office arrest report said Zachary James Provin, 26, of 7106 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, was on a property at 840 South Bay Blvd. The property owner called the sheriff's office and said there was a suspicious person on his property.

When a deputy arrived, Provin said he was having car trouble. The property owner told the deputy he only wanted Provin to leave. So, the deputy gave Provin's car a jump start. Provin then told the deputy he was leaving and was en route to his residence.

About two hours later, a call was received from 112 Elm Avenue. The homeowner said Provin had entered her residence. She also said Provin was walking around several houses in the neighborhood.

When the deputy who had given Provin's car a jump start arrived, he observed Sgt. Kenney attempting to handcuff Provin. Provin was attempting to squirm out of it.

The deputy observed a plastic bag containing $380 dollars, a package of Camel Light cigarettes, a small flashlight and a lighter.

Provin told the deputy he was in a residence at 111 Elm with two other people. The deputy and another deputy knocked on the door a number of times. After receiving no answer, they forced entry. Nobody was found inside.

Provin was arrested and his car was towed, presumably to an impound lot; the report didn't say.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Identifies Murder Victim

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, August 24, 2008, at about 11:53 p.m., Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputies found a person who had been shot and killed.

Leandro M. Henriquez, deceased

An overnight report from SSO said deputies responded to the 5600 block of Fruitville Road, in Sarasota regarding an unconscious man in a vehicle.

Upon arrival, they found the man appeared to have been shot.

Responding deputies attempted to perform CPR, but the man was already dead, the report said.

The victim has been identified as Leandro M. Henriquez, 27, of 811 Greystone Lane, Sarasota.

The mug shot above was taken on June 3, 2008, at the Sarasota County Jail when he was arrested on a warrant for Sale or Delivery of Heroin & Sale or Delivery of Cocaine.

The investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

Anyone with information on this case should call the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 861-4900 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at 366-TIPS (8477).

CCSO Looking for Two Church
Vandals, Thieves

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's detectives are looking for two Port Charlotte men who vandalized and ransacked a Port Charlotte church then stole nearly $3,000 worth of items. Warrants have been issued for W/M Chad Randall Ferguson, 26, of 4192 Gingold St. and B/M Jamarr Jacob Wood, 20, of 1221 Price Circle. Detectives said these were the last known addresses for both men.

Above, L to R, Chad Ferguson and Jamarr Wood

Pastor Richard Badgerow of Praise Tabernacle Church, 18350 Edgewater Dr. contacted the CCSO last Friday after he found the church broken into, several rooms vandalized, ransacked and numerous electronics items stolen. Road deputies arrived and found a glass door had been shattered to gain entry. Items stolen included three keyboards, an acoustic guitar, a 32-inch television, a 15-inch Dell monitor and a surround sound system. In the kitchen area, food was thrown on the floor, cabinet doors ripped off and a metal cabinet broken into that housed the surround system and speakers.

During their investigation, deputies and detectives developed information about possible suspects and went to Ferguson's home on Gingold Street. They watched the house until a search warrant was obtained. All stolen property from the church was recovered inside the home as well as property stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Aug. 20 at 18279 Driggers Ave., Port Charlotte. Taken from a Ford Mustang was a Jenson amp, a 12 inch Dub Audio Ban woofer, all valued at $450.

Detectives said they believe Ferguson and Wood are hiding somewhere in the Charlotte County area and are asking the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of both men. Detectives said other burglaries may be cleared up once these arrests are made, but gave no further details.

If anyone has information that may lead to the arrests, please contact CCSO Detectives John Schmidt and Jason Zakowich at 941-639-2101; or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Man, Woman Arrested for Armed
Carjacking; Third Person Busted
for Carrying Concealed Weapon

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested two men in connection with an armed carjacking incident that occurred on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at about midnight.

Above, L to R, Sidney Colcord and Carlos Montana

The arrest reports said according to the victim, Gerardo A. Rivas, he was driving home from a soccer game at about 11:30 p.m. At about midnight, he drove by 61st Avenue East, where he encountered a White female asking for a ride. The woman was later identified as Sidney Colcord, 27.

Rivas gave Colcord a ride to a residence in the 1000 block of 61st Avenue Terrace East and parked on the side of the road to drop Colcord off.

Carlos Montana, 31, then approached Rivas on the driver's side. He was holding something in his hand and ordered Rivas out of the car. Rivas believed Montana was holding a weapon and did as he was told.

Montana and Colcord then drove away in Rivas' vehicle.

The vehicle was located soon after at the 7-11 located at 5640 14th Street West. It was occupied by Montana and Colcord; Montana was the driver.

Christopher Chatman

A third person, Christopher Chatman, 24, was in the vehicle. It was determined Chatman was not involved in the carjacking. However, a handgun was located under the passenger seat where Chatman was seated.

Rivas positively identified Colcord and Montana as the two people who had ordered him out of his car and then had taken it.

Colcord and Montana were each charged with Armed Carjacking. Colcord was additionally charged with Violation of Probation.

Chatman was charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

Manatee County Deputy
Shoots, Kills Man Who
Was Stabbing His Wife

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 11:20 a.m., on Friday, August 22, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at 7710 Westmoreland Drive, in south Manatee County.

Above, 7710 Westmoreland Drive
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The person who called 911 said her husband was trying to kill her.

When Deputy Larry Teeters and Deputy George Barbosa arrived, they approached the residence and heard a woman crying inside the house.

The deputies forced their way into the residence and witnessed a man attacking a woman with a knife.

Deputy Teeters fired a single shot, striking the man.

The man was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:56 p.m.

The woman was transported to Bayfront Medical Center with stab wounds to the chest and neck that were not life-threatening.

The man has been identified as Michael J. Knowles, 50, of the address above.

The woman was identified as his wife, Carol Banton, 46, of the same address.

Deputy Teeters, who shot Knowles, has been placed on routine administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting.

Wachovia Bank Branch
on Cortez Road West
Robbed Friday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reports the Wachovia Bank branch located at 1510 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, was robbed on Friday, August 22, 2008, shortly after 5:00 p.m.

The sheriff's office said at 5:05 p.m. an unknown White male entered the Wachovia Bank.

Upon entering, the suspect walked up to a bank teller and demanded money. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash and walked out of the bank.

The suspect said he was armed but no weapon was seen.

There were no reported injuries from the incident.

At 5:08 p.m., deputies, including K-9 Deputy David Brady and his K-9 "Rosco" responded to the scene and attempted to track the suspect with negative results.

Detectives responded to conduct an investigation. Crime scene technicians responded and processed the scene.

According to the descriptions from witnesses, the robber is a White male, in his mid 20s, with blond hair; he was clean shaven.

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, 38, Arrested for Lewd
& Lascivious Molestation
of Girl, 9

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Hispanic man, 38, was arrested by Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives for molesting a little girl when she was 9 years old.

Candido Morales-Martinez

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, an unnamed 13-year-old girl told them her "Uncle Beto" molested her when she was nine years old. "Uncle Beto" was identified as Candido Morales-Martinez, of the 5900 block of 1st Street East, in Bradenton.

The report went on to say that sometime in 2005 the girl's family was having a party at their home. Candido saw her in the front yard and asked her for a hug. He then touched her vaginal area, buttocks and breasts over her clothing. But he put a hand down her shirt and did get his hand on one of her bare breasts under her training bra.

The second incident took place when she was in the 4th grade, the girl told detectives. The family was having a birthday party for her twin brothers. Candido saw her at one end of the house when her family was at the other end of the house. On that occasion, Candido was allegedly drunk and squeezed her vaginal are, her buttocks and breasts.

During an interview with detectives on Thursday, August 21, 2008, Candido denied any involvement. However, he inquired why the detectives were investigating an incident that occurred seven years ago. But the detectives had made no mention of any time frame.

Candido was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 12.

Grand Theft Charged After
Man Stole "Birthday Gifts"
from Toys 'R Us Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, August 21, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Aaron Bradley arrested Michael Xavier Escobedo, 27, for stealing toys on three separate occasions from Toys 'R Us, located at 512 Cortez Road West, in Bradenton.

Michael Xavier Escobedo

According to the arrest report, on February 22, 2008, Michael entered the store and left with Star Wars light sabers, a radio-controlled car and a remote-controlled helicopter without paying for them. The value of the items was $480 dollars.

Then, on February 23, 2008, Michael once again went into the store and stole more light sabers. The value of the items was determined to be $400 dollars.

And, on February 25, 2008, Michael took more light sabers from the store and left without paying for them. The value was determined to be $360 dollars.

However, in the February 22nd incident, a store employee got Michael's license tag number and he was identified.

During an interview with detectives, Michael admitted to the thefts. He said he had given all of the merchandise away as birthday presents and no longer had any of the toys.

He was charged with 3 counts of Grand Theft.

Attempted Armed Home Invasion
Reported in Whitfield Estates

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, August 21, 2008, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted armed home invasion robbery at 7205 Manatee Street, in Whitfield Estates in South Manatee County.

The sheriff's office report said at approximately 11:30 p.m., Zachary Ullisch was doing laundry when he heard a knock at his front door. Ullisch answered the door and found a Hispanic male wearing a striped shirt and blue jeans.

The suspect asked Ullisch if this was a good place to buy narcotics. Ullisch said no and then noticed three other males wearing all black, including masks, start running for the door from his carport.

Ullisch ran to the back bedroom where Kristel and Christopher Farley were watching TV.

Ullisch and Christopher Farley held the bedroom door shut while Kristel Farley called 911.

The sheriff's office responded and several units converged on the residence within minutes.

Deputies found the would-be robbers had already fled.

Ullisch told deputies he saw at least two of the masked subjects armed with black semi-automatic handguns.

Nothing appeared to be taken during the incident.

The Hispanic male at the door was only further described as being in his 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.

Seven Arrested During Reverse
Prostitution Sting

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday evening, August 22, 2008, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Tactical Unit conducted a Reverse Prostitution Sting at an undisclosed location in Manatee County.

The operation was set up using an undercover female deputy posing as a prostitute to target "johns" in the area.

The sheriff's office used Special Intelligence Division detectives, along with the assistance of VCTF and COPS deputies, to handle the monitoring, takedown and processing of arrested subjects.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Operations Center was used as the temporary booking area.

The Patrol Transport Unit was utilized to transport the arrested subjects to the jail.

Deputies were able to effectively arrest 6 persons for Solicitation for Prostitution and 1 person for Attempted Purchase of Crack Cocaine.

Several of the subjects were charged with additional traffic related offenses.

1. Timoteo Ortiz-Martinez, Hispanic male, 28, Habitual DWLS
2. Balmore Santiago, Hispanic male, 26
3. Fabio Monroy, Hispanic male, 35
4. Alfredo Garcia-Bautista, Hispanic male, 30, no DL
5. Marvin Owens, Black male, 35
6. Eric Fowler, White male, 38
7. Timothy Ivey, White male, 46, Att. Purchase Crack Cocaine, Tampering w/Evidence, Resisting Arrest without Violence

Man Torches Family's Residence
After Arguing with Stepfather

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, August 24, 2008, at about 5:30 a.m., Juan Santana-Andrade, 25, set fire to his family's home in the 1500 block of 1st Avenue East, in Palmetto, after getting into an argument with his stepfather, Victor Saenz, 30, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Juan Santana-Andrade

The sheriff's report explains Juan Santana-Andrade and Victor Saenz got into a domestic disturbance at their home. Victor is Juan's stepfather. Juan battered Victor during the incident, in a fight in the front yard.

When Jaun realized his mother was calling 911, he ran back into the house. While inside and deputies were en route, Juan apparently set the home on fire purposely.

All but 1 of the other family members were outside during the disturbance.

When the deputies arrived, the home was nearly fully engulfed.

Deputy Begley had to break a window to get the attention of Vincente Molar, 18, who was asleep inside, then pulled Vincente out through a window.

At first, it was thought Juan also was inside, but after the fire was under control, firefighters searched and found no one in the home; he had apparently fled.

The Arson investigation was complete and all authorities had cleared the scene, except for Deputy Whidden. He was with the family waiting for the Red Cross to come and aid the now homeless family.

A family member spotted Juan nearby and pointed him out to Whidden.

Whidden BOLO'd the sighting and other units responded; Juan was captured after a short search of the area.

Saenz was treated and released on scene for the injuries sustained by the fight wit Santana. Molar was transported for smoke inhalation.

Juan Santana-Andrade was arrested and charged with Arson of an Occupied Structure and Domestic Battery.

Bank Robbery Reported
in Palmetto, Man Arrested

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, August 22, 2008, the Horizon Bank at 501 8th Avenue West was robbed at about 2:15 p.m.

Daniel Kevin Drinan

The robber implied he had a weapon, but no weapon was seen.

The man escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

Nobody was injured during the robbery.

Based on video surveillance footage and witness statements, Palmetto Police Department investigators were able to locate the bank robber at his home a few blocks from the bank shortly after the robbery.

Daniel Kevin Drinan, 42, of Palmetto, was arrested and charged with Bank Robbery.

He was booked into the Manatee County Jail.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Requests Public's Help in
Identifying Burglar

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in identifying a burglar who broke into a business last week.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are investigating a business burglary that occurred at “Yummies Donuts” at 5500 Englewood Road in Venice on August 18th, 2008, at approximately 10:30 p.m.

The suspect is described as a White male, and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a Hawaiian type shirt and a white baseball cap.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District III Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-1719.

You may also leave anonymous information on the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (941) 366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or text “TIP109” and a message to CRIMES (274637).

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