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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

NewsManatee has begun its semi-annual vacation; our respite will continue until January 5, 2009, when we will publish the first edition of the new year.  

Only very serious Breaking News will be published during our vacation.  Breaking News recipients will be notified, if any occurs. All others may check our Breaking News page periodically.

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~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bank of America Night Deposit
Box Ripped Out by Burglars,
Causing $12,000 in Damage

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Early Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2008, burglars ripped out a night deposit box at a Bank of America branch, 6160 14th Street West, Bradenton, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, L to R, Bank of America, 6160 14th Street West, Bradenton, and
closeup of empty hole where night deposit used to be before burglary
(Photos by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

A sheriff's office report said at 4:16 a.m., dispatch received a call from a paper carrier that he could see two subjects hooking up a chain to the night deposit box at the Bank of America.

A minute later, an alarm was received from that location.

As Deputies were responding to the scene, the paper carrier advised that a dark blue Suburban had pulled the night deposit box out of the wall.

Examination of the scene, revealed that the deposit box itself had been pulled out and was lying in the bushes, however, the deposits actually drop into a safe underneath.

The paper carrier observed the subjects attempting to hook a chain to the drop safe portion when they saw him watching and fled the scene.

He followed them and saw them get their vehicle stuck at the corner of Roslyn Ave. and Marilyn Ave., then saw two subjects flee the vehicle.

Arriving Deputies secured the scene and the vehicle. A K-9 Unit arrived and attempted to track, without success.

The vehicle registration did not belong on the vehicle and the VIN did not indicate an owner but a tag on the front of the vehicle suggested it may have been stolen in Palmetto.

The passenger door lock was punched and the steering column was broken open.

The manager of the Bank arrived on scene and advised that nothing was missing from the deposit drop safe, however, damage to the night deposit and the building was estimated at $12,000.

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

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

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

Homeless Man Arrested for
Armed Robbery of Hair Salon,
Grand Theft, Other Robberies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee Count Sheriff's Detective K. Carter arrested Louis E. Keller, 38, a homeless man, for the December 15th armed robbery of First Choice Hair Cutters, 6231 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Louis E. Keller and First Choice Hair Cutters
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

According to the arrest report, on Dec. 15, 2008, about 6:30 p.m., Keller entered the hair salon and pulled a black pistol from his waistband, pointing it at two victims inside.

He said, "This is a robbery, give me your money."

The first victim, identified in the report as "A.B.," who was counting the business drop bag which contained $200 inside, gave Keller that money. She then gave him the money from the register, which contained $254.15, both totaling $454.15.

The second unidentified victim was scared and dropped to the ground, telling Keller to just take whatever and not to hurt them.

Keller was developed as a suspect in that robbery other robberies and a grand theft case.

Keller was arrested on the grand theft case on Dec. 19th.

On Dec. 20, Det. Carter showed victim "A.B." a photographic lineup with Keller's photo in it. She immediately picked Keller out and said he was the one who robber her and her store.

"A.B." was positive it was him because she had nightmares with his face and voice in it that she could not forget, she said.

Keller remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $165,000, charged with Armed Robbery, Grand Theft and Resisting a Merchant.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse
of Boy, 2 Years Old

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Jose Hernandez-Bonilla, 31, of 5120 14th Street West, Lot 48.

Jose Hernandez-Bonilla

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at about 3 p.m., the 2-year-old boy walked alone approximately two blocks to the baby-sitter's house and back home.

When deputies arrived at the scene, the child was observed sleeping on the outside porch of the mobile home, next to piled up trash.

Jose was found inside asleep and locked in his bedroom.

The report said there was no food, medical supplies or clean clothing for the child, who was covered in filth and had numerous insect bites on his body.

Jose was charged with Child Abuse for neglecting to provide his child with care, supervision and nutrition. He was also charged with 4 counts of Violation of Probation for earlier charges, plus Failing to Answer a Summons from the Court.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $12,000, plus no bond on the VOP charges.

Man with Gun Charged with
Aggravated Stalking

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have charged Gerald E. Hinkle, 40, of 923 17th Street West, Bradenton, with Aggravated Stalking and Improper Display of a Firearm.

Gerald E. Hinkle

According to Hinkle's arrest report, on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at 3:45 p.m., after repeatedly harassing a woman, and making threats to shoot her and at her house, Hinkle was seen driving past the woman's house in the 3700 block of 18th Street East and pointing a gun towards the house.

At that time, Hinkle was instructed by a deputy to avoid the woman's road.

But then, at about 7:45 p.m., he drove by her house and told her that he would shoot her and her house.

The woman told deputies she was in fear for her life.

Hinkle was located in the 3100 block of 15th Street East shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday and arrested.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $55,000.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Burglary to a Shed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Deputies have arrested Nicholas Lee Rosenberger, 19, of 824 22nd Place East, Bradenton.

Nicholas Lee Rosenberger

On Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at about 8:35 p.m., Deputies were called to a suspicious circumstances incident at a residence in the 2700 block of 6th Street West; possible burglary of a shed.

After a short investigation, deputies located Rosenberger at a house nearby.

Deputies went to the house and located Rosenberger.

After some brief questioning, including Miranda warnings, Rosenberger confessed to burglarizing the shed.

The stolen property was recovered and returned to the victim.

Rosenberger was arrested and charged with Burglary.

Intoxicated Man Arrested for
Pushing Woman, Striking
Man with Loaded Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Daniel Peisch, 78, of 3708 70th Street East, Palmetto, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office on multiple charges.

Daniel Peisch

The arrest report said on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at about 7:35 p.m., at the above address, Peisch grabbed a woman by the left arm and pulled her against her will.

A man intervened in her defense.

Peisch then went into his bedroom and retrieved a loaded Rossi .38 caliber revolver and struck the man in the head with it several times, the report said.

Peisch then fled outside and across the street.

When deputies arrived, the firearm was in Peisch's front pocket, still loaded. He appeared intoxicated, deputies said.

He was arrested.

When deputies got Peisch to jail, his breath tested .123 and .122 of alcohol, exceeding the legal limit.

Peisch was charged with Aggravated Battery, Battery, Using a Firearm While Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

Peisch posted his bail and was released.

Sarasota Sheriff's Office
DUI Checkpoint Results

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office hosted a DUI Safety Checkpoint on Friday, December 19, 2008, at the 13000 block of US 41 in North Port.

During the night’s operation, there were 8 DUI arrests, and 4 arrests for No Valid Driver’s License. In addition, there were 110 traffic citations issued for various violations.

Also participating were officers from North Port Police Department, Sarasota Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Burglars Tunnel Into Central Florida
Radio Shack; Three Arrested

LONGWOOD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported two men and a girl were arrested in connection with a burglary of a Longwood Radio Shack that was accessed by tunneling into the store from a print shop next door, according to police.

The break-ins took place Monday at about 1 a.m. at the stores located in the 900 block of West State Road 434.

Longwood police said officers discovered the incident as it was happening, but the two men fled after being alerted about arriving authorities by the girl.

The men drove off and abandoned their vehicle at the Regency Oaks Apartments in Casselberry but were later arrested, Longwood police said. The girl was arrested after being found near the store, police said. The culprits were not identified.

Longwood police said they believe the trio is responsible for other burglaries in Seminole and Orange counties, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies:
Two Women Proposition Man
for Sex, Try to Rob Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said two women propositioned a man for sex, then tried to rob him. The women were both arrested.

Above, L to R, Laverne Seltzer and Lashebra Richards

According to the report, deputies were dispatched to a robbery in progress on Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at about 2:15 a.m., at a residence in the 1000 block of 33rd Avenue East, Bradenton.

Upon their arrival, two females, Laverne Seltzer, 42, of 610 33rd Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, and Lashebra Richards, 35, of 353 34th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, were located and detained.

Casimiro Ramirez-Casiano, the victim, told deputies that the two women knocked on his door, and he opened it. They walked in uninvited, and propositioned him for sex.

They followed Casimiro to his bedroom where they sat on his bed and they conversed for about a minute.

The victim felt sorry for them, and gave them some quarters.

They were upset with the quarters, and demanded he give them money from his wallet. He refused.

The two women then took CDs from beside his TV, and jumped on him.

They were trying to get his wallet from his back pocket, Casimiro said.

Witnesses awoke, and saw the suspects atop Casimiro, taking his wallet. The witness called 911.

The victim recovered his wallet and CDs.

Post Miranda, one of the defendants alleged it was a vice deal gone bad. The other denied any involvement.

However, deputies found Casimiro's back pants pocket was torn.

Both women were arrested and charged with Attempted Robbery.

Angry Man Strikes Tow Truck
Driver with Flashlight

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a man, apparently angry over the cost of a tow, struck the tow truck driver with a flashlight when the driver's back was turned.

Jose Garcia-Rivera

The report said on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at about 7:10 a.m., Jose Garcia-Rivera, 29, of 900 21st Street East, Palmetto, called an unnamed tow truck company after his vehicle broke down.

After the vehicle was towed to the warehouses behind El Paisano's Bar, 5803 15th Street East, the driver asked for payment of $80 before he took the vehicle off the truck.

Jose gave the driver $80 in cash.

When the driver turned his back, Jose hit him in the back of the head with a flashlight, the report said.

The driver dropped the money to defend himself and a struggle ensued.

As soon as the driver was able to get away, he drove to El Paisano's parking lot and called 911.

The driver suffered minor injuries: a bump on the back of his head and skinned knees.

Jose had no visible injury.

Jose claimed that the driver poked him in the left side of the face with his finger, then punched him in the same area, but not very hard.

The report said Jose was very uncooperative and just repeatedly said, "Take me to jail."

So, the deputy did.

Jose was charged with Aggravated Battery.

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man, 49,
for Giving Boy, 11, Sex Act

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Jessie J. Montgomery, 49, of 1110 8th Street East, in Bradenton.

Jessie J. Montgomery

Police said on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, Montgomery spent the night at the Bradenton home of an unnamed 11-year-old boy.

Montgomery has known the family for years, the report said.

The report said Montgomery had been drinking and "the devil got into me."

Montgomery performed a sex act on the boy, according to the report.

He told police he knew it was wrong and hadn't done it before.

BPD investigators reported Montgomery said the boy asked him to do it.

Manatee County court records show prior numerous felony and misdemeanor arrests of Montgomery for drug and battery charges, but no sex crimes. FDLE records show no crimes for Montgomery.

Montgomery was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, and charged with Sexual Battery on a Child Under 18, a capital felony.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Pedestrian Robbed at Knifepoint
By Man and Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at about 8:45 p.m., Erick Kirby, 34, of the 2600 block of 5th Street East, Bradenton, was robbed after he was picked up by would-be Good Samaritans.

Kirby told deputies that he was walking in the 2600 block of 9th Street West when a black Ford Ranger pulled up and the occupants offered him a ride.

He got in and the truck was driven as far as the 3000 block when the female occupant pulled a knife and demanded his money.

Kirby gave her $30 and said that was all he had.

The driver then stopped, he got out and the truck drove away.

Kirby, who was not injured, said that the male driver, in his 40s, with salt and pepper hair, was also wearing a hearing aid.

The pair of robbers were not further described, except to note that they were possibly named "Chuck" and "Laura."

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.

Hispanic Man Ambushed,
Robbed by Black Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was struck and robbed by a Black male on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at about 9:50 p.m.

The victim, Israel Mendoza, 27, was walking home from a party and was in the 600 block of 61st Avenue Terrace East, Bradenton, when he was approached by an unknown Black male.

The Black male hit Israel in the head and took his money.

The victim was very intoxicated and could not provide specific information regarding the incident.

He did suffer a laceration to his head, but it is unknown what sort of weapon was used, if any.

He was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital Emergency Room by EMS.

The robber was not further described.

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.

Narcotics Street Sweep
Nets 27 on Drug Charges

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27 subjects on Friday, December 19, 2008, on drug related charges.

The street sweep is a result of a month-long undercover operation where narcotics (mainly crack cocaine with some prescription narcotics) were purchased at various locations around Manatee County.

The investigation led to arrest warrants for 52 subjects with a total of 87 charges.

The operation continues with more arrests expected.

The drug sweep is part of a continuing effort to crack down on illegal narcotics in Manatee County.

Sarasota Sheriff Seeks
Englewood Bank Robber

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a Bank Robbery that occurred today, Friday, December 19th, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at RBC Bank, 39 North Indiana Avenue, Englewood.

Above, RBC Bank surveillance photo

The suspect entered the bank and demanded money. The suspect then left the bank with an undetermined amount of cash and was last seen on foot heading toward Dearborn Street.

The suspect is described as a white male, in his twenties, approximately 5’6” tall, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a red pullover sweatshirt and faded blue jeans, with one multicolored bandana on his head and one covering his face. He also was wearing large wire framed sunglasses.

Anyone with information regarding the above incidents should contact Detective Sheila Sullivan with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District III Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861- 1708. They 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).

Sarasota County Investigating
Armed Home Invasion Robbery;
Three Schools Locked Down

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an Armed Home Invasion Robbery that occurred Friday, December 19th, 2008, at 2488 Booker Avenue, Sarasota.

Two Black male suspects entered the home and threatened the home owner with a gun and demanded money. The suspects then fled the scene on foot.

Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputies and the Sheriff’s Office helicopter were called to assist in locating the suspects.

The investigation is ongoing.

Due to the proximity of this incident to Booker Elementary, Middle and High Schools, all three were placed on lockdown from approximately 10:13 a.m. till 10:41 a.m.

Anyone with information regarding the above incidents should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District 1 Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4900. They 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).

Charlotte County Narcotics Unit
Raids Grow House #17 for 2008

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit raided grow house #17 Friday afternoon, Dec. 19, 2008, at 4:30 p.m., four more than last year at this time.

Above, pot plants in one of two garage rooms
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO)

The latest was a home at 6700 Cleveland Ave., east of Punta Gorda.

Detective Kathy Ayers said the home was located off the gated road and the home hidden by very dense growth. Two rooms full of marijuana plants were found in a detached garage, and a room under the stilted home was used for starter plant operations.

Det. Ayers said a total of 61 plants were confiscated. The grow house operation included the usual air conditioning units, transformers, grow lights, fertilizer containers, light shades, fans, electric diversion and the walls were covered with insulation.

No arrests have been made at this time according to detectives.

Anyone with illegal drug information is asked to please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Remains ID'd As Caylee Anthony's;
Meter Reader Found Them

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported skeletal remains found in the woods are that of Caylee Anthony who has been missing since mid-June, and her death is considered a homicide, a county medical examiner said Friday.

Above, Caylee Marie Anthony
(2005-2008)

A utility worker stumbled upon the remains last week, less than a half-mile from where the girl lived.

DNA tests confirm that the remains match Caylee Anthony's genetic profile, said the medical examiner, Dr. Jan Garavaglia.

Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony, 22, remains jailed on first-degree murder and other charges.

She has insisted that she left the girl with a baby sitter in June, but she didn't report her missing until July, WKMG reported.

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