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"Habitual Violent Offender"
Stabs Man in Stomach in
Argument Over Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives are investigating a stabbing that occurred Wednesday night, Jan. 7, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m., in the 4200 block of 61st Street West, Bradenton.

Michael Ray Peters

The victim, Thomas Ewing, 37, was a witness to an argument between another man and Michael Ray Peters, 47, about an ex-girlfriend. Peters had made derogatory remarks to the other man about the girl. The argument was about to become physical when Ewing intervened to prevent that from happening.

According to witnesses, Peters then stabbed Ewing in the left side of the stomach.

Ewing ran to 4221 61st Street West and collapsed inside the doorway.

When Det. Lawrence Hemmer and deputies arrived, Peters allowed them to search the residence he was living in at 4222 61st Street West, near the crime scene. In the back yard, Det. Hemmer saw a wooden pallet with a knife sheath partially sticking out. Det. Hemmer lifted the pallet and found the blue folding razor knife believed to have been the weapon used in the stabbing.

Above, a blue folding razor knife,
similar to the one used in the stabbing

Peters denied he had moved the pallet, "possibly for several months." But Det. Hemmer noticed the grass had not grown over the pallet, but was folded under it and was still live; the grass would have been dead, had it been under the pallet for "several months." Also, the sheath was dry, but it had rained that day.

Peters denied the accusations that he had stabbed Ewing.

But Peters was arrested on a charge of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. Det. Hemmer noted in his arrest report that Peters is a "Habitual Violent Offender."

Back at detectives' offices, Peters was confronted with inconsistencies in his story, which kept changing, but continued to deny the accusations.

Ewing was Bayflited to Bayfront Medical Center, in St. Petersburg. He was treated for the knife wound and was expected to be released Thursday.

Peters remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Girl Tells School Resource
Officer Her Dad is Growing
Pot; Dad Later Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Patrick C. Allerton, 63, of 6133 63rd Avenue East, in Palmetto.

Patrick C. Allerton

A Palmetto Police Officer, acting in the capacity of School Resource Officer, reported Allerton's minor daughter had come to him to report her father was growing marijuana in their home.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy was dispatched to do a welfare check on the girl. The girl's mother and the School Resource Officer were contacted to verify the girl's story.

On Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at about 12:30 a.m., a Child Protective Services person and the deputy went to the residence, along with another deputy.

While one deputy went to the rear of the house, the first deputy and the CPS worker knocked on the front door.

The deputy at the rear of the house spotted a bright light and a blue tarp through the window.

Allerton came to the door and the deputy asked to speak to the daughter. Allerton would not let them in the house, but sent the girl outside.

When the first deputy learned of the "bright light and blue tarp," he asked permission to come inside, or he would get a search warrant allowing him to do so.

Allerton let them inside the home.

Inside, the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana. In the spare bedroom the deputy found eight marijuana plants growing in buckets in the closet. Also found in a dresser drawer was a plastic baggie containing 7 grams of marijuana, along with $3,615 in cash and drug paraphernalia.

Allerton said he was growing the plants for his own use.

The plants, cultivation implements, bagged pot and cash were seized.

Allerton was arrested and charged with Manufacture of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana.

Woman Arrested for Selling
Drugs to Undercover Cop

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Shannon Elizabeth Bermingham, 23, of 1467 48th Avenue Circle West, Bradenton, didn't know she was selling drugs to an undercover cop. She does now.

Shannon Elizabeth Bermingham

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at about 6:30 p.m., a deputy was working in an undercover capacity with the sheriff's Special Investigation Tactical Unit.

At about 4 p.m., he called a phone number, which is the number given him by Shannon for purpose of ordering narcotics from her. He ordered $100 worth of Lortab pills (hydrocodone). He told her he would be getting off work at about 6 p.m. She told him to call her when he got off work and that he would have to give her a ride to get the pills.

At about 6 p.m., the deputy placed another call to Shannon and told her he was on his way to pick her up.

Shannon was standing outside her residence when the deputy arrived. She got into the undercover vehicle and they drove to a location. The deputy gave her a $100 dollar bill.

Shannon went inside and came out a short time later and gave the deputy a mall baggie with 20 pink pills, later identified as hydrocodone.

They then drove to 3006 1st Street West in Bradenton, where the takedown team arrested Shannon.

When she was searched, she had three of the same pink pills in her pants pocket.

Shannon told the deputy she sells the pills to support her own drug habit.

Shannon was charged with Trafficking in Hydrocodone.

Man, Already in Jail,
Charged with Burglary;
Fingerprints Did Him In

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Todd A. Connick, 37, of 1415 28th Avenue East, Bradenton, already in jail on unrelated charges, was arrested for a burglary committed on July 3, 2008.

Todd A. Connick

The arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said on July 3, 2008, a burglary was committed at the home of a woman in the 900 block of 59th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton. Several items were taken in the burglary.

Deputies responded and collected several fingerprints from several areas.

One print was a match to the known fingerprints of Todd Connick.

On Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Dickerman went to the jail and spoke with Connick.

Connick said he knows the place where the burglary occurred, but has never been in the house in question.

After several opportunities to explain his fingerprints, Connick could offer no explanation.

Connick was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

The stolen property has not been recovered, Det. Dickerman wrote in his report.

Man Arrested for Theft
of Tools from Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Vincent Lamar Freeman, 44, of 1710 17th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Vincent Lamar Freeman

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at about 2:30 a.m., an eye witness saw a man, later identified as Freeman, enter the victim's pickup truck's attached tool box and take items from inside and then flee the area on foot.

911 was called and the description of the thief was a Black male wearing a light-colored shirt, carrying something.

Dep. Bryan Stevens responded to the area and observed a Black male matching that description carrying several plastic tool boxes.

Freeman dropped the tool boxes and said he found them on the corner.

The eye witness went to the location where Freeman was detained and positively identified Freeman as the person who burglarized his neighbor's pickup truck.

Freeman was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Conveyance.

Underage Alcohol Sales
Operation Nets 9 Stores

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s School Resource Officers conducted an undercover operation on Monday, January 5, 2009, to target underage alcohol sales by store clerks.

Two 18-year-old subjects were used to attempt the purchase of alcoholic beverages from businesses throughout Sarasota County.

During this operation, 24 stores were visited. Alcohol was purchased at nine of these locations.

Nine notices to appear were issued for selling alcohol to a person under 21 in relation to this operation.

The locations where underage alcohol sales were made are as follows:

5808 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
3155 Clark Road, Sarasota.
5604 Swift Road, Sarasota.
5415 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
5100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
13650 South Tamiami Trail, North Port.
1000 Laurel Road, Venice.
1805 South Tamiami Trail, Nokomis.
1848 South Tamiami Trail, Venice.

Detectives Arrest Purse Snatcher
Who Broke Hip of Woman, 82

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detectives arrested a North Port man in connection with a purse snatching incident at Town Center Mall in Port Charlotte on Dec. 3; the 82 year old victim incurred a broken hip in the incident. Charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching is Dustin Michael Tetrick, 26, of 4556 Flint Dr.

Dustin Michael Tetrick

Major Crimes Unit detectives said the woman was walking through the mall parking lot when a man approached her from behind, grabbed her purse, pushed her to the ground and fled in a white car driven by another man. The woman was transported to Charlotte Regional Medical Center, treated for a fractured pelvis, and is now recovering in an assisted living facility.

Several witnesses gave detectives a description of the man, the vehicle, and a partial temporary license tag. During the detectives' investigation, they learned that the suspect, Tetrick, was arrested Dec. 19 on a shoplifting charge and was booked into the Sarasota County Jail. His jail photo was shown to witnesses and he was identified as the man who attacked the elderly woman. Detectives said Tetrick has prior arrests and convictions in Arkansas for similar robberies.

Detectives, along with members of the Charlotte County and Sarasota County Sheriff’s warrant squads, went to a home on Broadway Ave. on the Sarasota County side of Englewood Thursday afternoon and made the arrest.

Tetrick was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Detectives say an additional arrest is pending as the investigation continues.

Good Samaritan Fatally Shoots
Store's Would-Be Robber

OCOEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Graphic video showing a man fatally shooting another man who was allegedly attacking an Ocoee store clerk was released Wednesday by authorities, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

A man who only wanted to be identified as "Chris" shot Freddie Carson, 40, of Orlando, at the Kangaroo gas station at 400 Franklin St. around 11 p.m. Monday.

Meanwhile, Ocoee police on Wednesday also said they are looking for two other people who may have been involved in the attempted robbery.

Chris, who is in his early 20s, said he went to the store and saw a suspicious man inside. He said he then went to get his cell phone to call 911 and heard the clerk scream, so he grabbed his gun from his car and fired two shots at Carson, who apparently was attempting to rob the store.

Chris said Carson was beating the clerk on the head with a bottle that he mistook for a gun.

Chris said the suspected robber told him that he had a gun.

"People that want to go out and rob and do things stupid like this -- they may want to think about the consequences that somebody else may bring to them," Chris said.

WKMG News reported that Chris was very distraught after the shooting.

"I feel very shaken, (but) I feel very glad that I was here -- that I could help my friend. I come to this store. I've lived in Ocoee for 20 years, and I'm glad I could be here. I'm glad I was able to help," said Chris, who added that he has a permit for his gun.

The clerk was transported to a nearby hospital with head injuries. She was expected to be OK.

It's not known if any charges will be filed against Chris. An investigation is ongoing, WKMG said.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Six Inmates, Including a Manatee
Man, Sentenced to 19 Years for
Attempted Felony Murder, Who
Escaped from Desoto Prison
in Arcadia, Were Captured

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Department of Corrections was looking for six men who escaped from DeSoto County Correctional Facility, 13617 Southeast Hwy 70, in Arcadia, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, including Steven E. Watson, 39, who had been sentenced by a Manatee County judge in 2000 for two counts of Attempted Felony Murder and more. All of the men were subsequently captured at about 7:51 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.

Steven E. Watson
(Mug shot courtesy DOC)

The inmates all escaped Wednesday afternoon. They were on a work farm when they made a run for it.

Corrections officials believe they may have had a couple of hours head start from the discovery of their escape.

The men were wearing prison blue jumpsuits.

The men are from Manatee and Pinellas County, and include Watson and Jorge Reyes from Manatee.

The men all have ties to both counties and law enforcement agencies around the area immediately put out BOLOS on the men, who were subsequently captured.

Their capture was confirmed around 8 p.m. by DeSoto Sheriff William Wise.

The men reportedly were found outside the prison gates and just behind the prison itself, in a compound in back of the prison's training facility. Wise said K-9 units from DCI located the escapees.

No one was hurt.

Agencies that assisted in the search included the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, K-9 units from DCI and the Arcadia Police Department, and a helicopter from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

The men who escaped are:

1) Steven E. Watson (9/22/69)

2) Jorge A. Reyes (7/24/89)

3) Raschad Whitfield (10/12/87)

4) Nicholas A. Peraza (8/18/88)

5) William E. Grace (4/1/86)

6) Frank R. Gonzalez (3/27/81)

Now, all six men face Escape charges and more time will be added to their prison sentences.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office:
Woman Arrested for Theft of
Money from Employer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Theresa M. Collins, 47, of 6617 3rd Street Court West, Bradenton.

Theresa M. Collins

The arrest report said between April 30, 2008, and May 29, 2008, Collins was an employee of Dick, Johnson and Jefferson Insurance Company, located at 1429 Flamingo Blvd., Bradenton.

During that time, the company's president began getting complaints that two accounts were short funds. The president, Judy Ackles, found that two payments, one for $1,100 on April 30 and one for $1,210 on May 29, were given to Collins and never turned into the company.

Ackles had an audit completed and found that Collins had received the payments, then failed to file the proper paperwork turning them over to the company.

Collins was released from the company as they continued their internal investigation. As part of this investigation, Ackles sent Collins certified letters explaining the evidence against her and demanding that the company be rerimbursed for the funds taken.

On October 12, 2008, Collins sent Ackles an e-mail saying that she was embarrassed for the actions she had taken and asking for an opportunity to fix what she had done.

Subsequently, Collins refused to remain in contact with the company and has made no attempt to repay the debt.

Detective Dickerman, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, made contact with Collins, who said she thought the case had been handled internally and was surprised Det. Dickerman was contacting her. Collins said she would be interviewed only with a lawyer present. Det. Dickerman advised her to arrange a time and let him know.

Since then, Collins has avoided contact with Det. Dickerman to try and resolve the issue, the report said.

Collins was arrested on Dec. 30, 2008, and charged with Grand Theft for the $2,410 she took from the company without permission.

Woman Attacks Ex-Husband
with Knife, Damages New
Flame's Truck

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Beatriz Reyes, 34, of 1805 8th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Beatriz Reyes

According to the arrest report, Beatriz and Juan Jose DeHuma were married for 13 years and have four children together. However, Juan is now seeing another woman, Sanjuana Jaramillo.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, Juan and Beatriz were on the phone and began to argue about Juan's new relationship.

Beatriz then went to Juan's residence in the 1100 block of 62nd Avenue East, Bradenton, with their kids so Juan could see them.

When Beatriz got to the residence, she began to chase Juan with a kitchen knife. She struck Juan with the butt end of the knife in the right forearm.

Beatriz then tried to cut the rear left tire of Juan's girlfriend's truck that was in the driveway. When that didn't work, Beatriz retrieved a pitch fork that was in the bed of the truck and began to break out the front windshield and the rear window. While breaking out the rear window, the pitch fork broke and fell inside the truck.

Before leaving the area, Beatriz took the license plate off of Juan's girlfriend's truck and took it with her.

Damage to the truck was estimated at $700. Deputies could not locate the owner of the truck to see if she wanted to file charges.

Beatriz was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery (Domestic).

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man
for Theft of Xbox from Motel

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Justin A. Buzbee, 21, of 2620 43rd Avenue West, Bradenton.

Justin A. Buzbee

According to the arrest report, on Jan. 3, 2009, at about 5:45 p.m., there was a burglary to a room at a local motel that Bradenton Police Detectives were later investigating. An Xbox was taken in the burglary.

A witness told detectives she could positively identify the suspect that she observed run out of apartment 5, located at 1801 14th Street West, the Sunshine Inn Motel.

On Jan. 5, 2009, a detective spotted the suspect walking on 12th Street West, holding an open container of alcohol. It was Justin Buzbee. He was arrested. The man with him was carrying an Xbox that matched the description of one stolen in the burglary at the Sunshine Inn Motel.

The victim positively identified the Xbox from certain markings.

The witness picked Buzbee out of a photo lineup.

Buzbee was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

The Xbox was returned to the victim.

Buzbee remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $10,000 for the Burglary and $120 for the liquor violation.

West Manatee Man Arrested
for Flattening Man's Tires

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective Jerry Crotty, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, has arrested Carl A. Johnson, 65, of 10315 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

Carl A. Johnson

According to the arrest report, on October 23, 2008, at 9:50 p.m., Michael Peter was sitting at his home located in the 4200 block of 61st Street West, Bradenton, when he heard a loud hissing noise coming from his carport.

Peters walked outside and saw a White male he had never seen before flattening his tires on his vehicle which was parked inside the unenclosed carport.

The White male then got up and ran with a noticeable limp in his left leg to a vehicle described as a Cadillac that was parked to the south of Peter's residence. As the vehicle drove off, Peters was able to rip the license tag off the vehicle.

A deputy responded to the incident and ran the Illinois tag. It was registered to Carl A. Johnson.

When Peters heard the name, he remembered that his caller ID showed that he received a call from an Illinois number with the name of Carl Johnson.

Peters does not know a Carl Johnson, he told the deputy. The caller told Peter that he needed to "quit harassing Maureen, and to leave her alone."

As the deputy and Peter were talking, Peter received a call from Maureen Mullen asking if anything bad had happened to him lately. Peter heard a voice in the background which Peter said was the same voice on the call from Carl Johnson.

Mullen and Peter have had "ongoing problems for years," the report said. Johnson was apparently attempting to help Mullen from being "stalked" by Peter.

To make a long story short, Det. Crotty did some follow-up investigation and wound up arresting Carl Johnson on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009.

Johnson was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling and causing intentional Criminal Mischief to Peter's vehicle. Damages were estimated at $300.

Two Men Arrested By SSO
in Separate Carjacking,
Kidnapping Incidents

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have made arrests in connection with two incidents that occurred in December, 2008.

Above, L to R, Paul Gadbois and Kyle Kennedy

Paul N. Gadbois, 23, and Kyle R. Kennedy, 33, both of 5415 Kensington Street, Sarasota, were arrested on one count each of Kidnapping and one count of Robbery with a Weapon for an incident that occurred on 12/23/08. Kennedy was also arrested one count of Carjacking for a separate incident that occurred on 12/31/08.

Both incidents occurred in the area of Honore Avenue and Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

The victims in these cases were elderly females, 75 and 85 years of age, who were approached as they entered their vehicles in shopping center parking lots. The suspects implied that they had a weapon and then robbed the victims of their cash and credit cards. The suspects then drove off in the victims’ car. One of the victims was forced to drive the suspects to a more remote location a short distance away where she was robbed of her belongings and her vehicle.

Suspects were developed in the case using forensic evidence left in the vehicles.

Both suspects subsequently admitted to their involvement in the crimes.

They are both being held in the Sarasota County Jail.

SPD Drug Search Warrant
Yields Man, Woman

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On January 7, 2009, Detectives from the Sarasota Police Department Strategic Narcotics Unit completed a three month investigation into two targets involved in the selling and using of prescription drugs. Both targets did sell prescription pills (Oxycodone 30mg) to an undercover detective. As a result, a search warrant for the target's residence was issued at 1942 Magnolia Street.

Above, L to R, Stuart Benson and Angela Bush

The search warrant was executed on Wednesday. Upon entry to the residence, the targets of the investigation, Stuart Benson and Angela Bush were in the front living room of the residence. Benson and Bush were in the process of injecting oxycodone, crushed and heated on a spoon, into their veins. Both subjects had their right upper arms tied off in a tourniquet, with a bra strap, with fresh injection sites to their veins. The couple's infant daughter was seated in a swing, awake, in the living room just a few feet away from her parents' activities.

Located inside the residence by detectives were loaded syringes with blood and oxycodone, numerous spoons with crushed oxycodone and a plastic container with additional crushed oxycodone on the livingroom coffee table where the couple were taken into custody. Additional prescription pills and drug paraphernalia were located inside the residence.

The following two people were arrested:

1) Stuart Alexander Benson, 22, Sale of a Controlled Substance w/in 1000 feet of a Church, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintain Dwelling for Using, Selling, Keeping Controlled Substance and Child Neglect.

2) Angela Nicole Bush, 21, Sale of a Controlled Substance, Driving While License Suspended, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintain Dwelling for Using, Selling, Keeping Controlled Substance and Child Neglect.

Teen Arrested in Shooting
of Juvenile December 23rd

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Bobby Jo Arrington, 18, of 8179 Heck Dr., North Fort Myers, in connection with shooting a 17-year-old boy in the foot during an armed robbery Dec. 23, 2008.

Bobby Jo Arrington

The incident occurred at the end of Williams Drive in the southern part of the county near the Lee County line. This is where CCSO deputies have been cracking down on ATV’s, vehicles, motorcycles, and various illegal activities in this problem area.

Arrington was charged with Robbery with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery Using a Deadly Weapon.

Two teens known to the boy left the area after shooting him and taking his personal items. The boy walked to his home nearby in Lee County and called the LCSO who then notified the CCSO.

Arrington was arrested by Lee County Sheriff’s deputies on other charges and was a warrant was served Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, for his arrest at the LCSO jail and he was transferred to the Charlotte County Jail to face charges in the shooting/robbery incident here.

The case is still under investigation.

Arrington is being held on no bond.

Man Caught Burglarizing
9 Boats at Warehouse

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's road patrol deputies did a routine business check at Boater's Warehouse, 4295 Laura St., Charlotte Harbor, at 12:10 a.m. Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, 2009, and caught a burglar taking items from nine boats.

Sean Caleb Foulk

Charged with nine counts of felony Burglary and one count of Grand Theft is Sean Caleb Foulk, 19, 23346 Aberdeen Ave., Port Charlotte.

Deputies noticed a pickup truck parked in a vacant lot next to the business and checked the hood; it was still warm. Upon further checking, Foulk came out and gave himself up. When deputies asked what he was doing, Foulk said, "I was bored and looking at boats." Deputies found matching shoeprints on one of the boats.

Foulk then admitted to burglarizing nine sports boats and taking various items. He then told deputies he burglarized several other boats at the same business on Dec. 19 and stole two seat cushions. Charges are pending on that incident.

Foulk was transported to the Charlotte County Jail; bond was set at $23,000.

Police: UPS Driver, 35,
Exposed Self To Girl, 13

PORT ORANGE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A UPS driver was arrested on suspicion of exposing himself to a 13-year-old girl in Port Orange, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Michael Woodward, 35, was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition in front of a child.

According to police, Woodward admitted to dropping his shorts in front of the girl while he was delivering packages last week, WKMG said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff Steube
Sworn in for First Full Term
of Office as Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff W. Brad Steube was sworn in on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. by the Honorable Judge Marc Gilner. The ceremony was held at the Manatee Civic/Convention Center.

Above, Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube and his wife, Debbie,
after swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 6th
(Photo by Carole Atkins, NewsManatee)

Sheriff Steube told NewsManatee, "It's an honor and a privilege to be sworn in to represent the people of Manatee County. It was nice to have all of my family in attendance, including my oldest son Greg, who was just returning from Iraq during the last ceremony."

Sheriff Steube went on to say, "There are a number of initiatives that we began since taking office 20 months ago. One of the most important issues that we have been working on is the way in which we communicate with our citizens. We have updated our website, which provides numerous links to other sites designed to assist with the prevention of crime. We began business and community e-watch, which makes notification of crimes or trends, that may be occurring in individual neighborhoods."

Sheriff's spokesman Dave Bristow later told NewsManatee the sheriff will continue to concentrate the efforts of the sheriff's office on drug roundups and the gang situation in Manatee County. "Drugs and gangs are responsible for the majority of violent crimes in the county and we intend to reduce them significantly," Bristow said.

Bristow added the sheriff's office will continue to use the RICO act to prosecute the gangs and gang members.

Bristow also said the sheriff's "district concept" where various captains are in charge of each district is working well and will continue to be employed.

Sheriff Steube added, "These are tough times and we face many challenges. However, we will continue to evolve, making changes that will assist us in providing our citizens with a safe environment in which to reside."

Steube ran unopposed in the November 4, 2008, general election.

Gov. Charlie Christ appointed Sheriff Steube in March of 2007 after former Sheriff Charlie Wells retired before his term expired.

UPDATE: Man Stabbed to Death
At Palmetto Boarding House;
First Manatee 2009 Murder
(From Breaking News Page)

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 6:40 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a stabbing at a boarding house at 2211 4th Ave. E., Palmetto, and found one man with multiple stab wounds.

Above, L to R, Joseph Scott and Deborah K. Williams
(Photo of Mr. Scott is from 1996)

When deputies arrived, they discovered that Joseph Scott, 71, (DOB 7-22-37), of the above address, had been stabbed several times with a steak knife.

Scott was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives have charged Deborah K. Williams, 50, (DOB 12-5-58), of unknown address, with Murder and Attempted Murder.

In addition to stabbing Scott, Williams attempted to stab a witness at the scene, Sylvester Mitchell, 56 (DOB 7-12-52). Apparently, Mitchell had tried to separate Williams from Scott when he got stabbed by Williams.

According to Williams' arrest report, Mitchell saw Williams and Scott on the floor. Williams was on the side of the victim, Mitchell said, then Williams started stabbing Scott and "blood started squirting everywhere." Mitchell then finally separated Williams from Scott and disarmed her.

Another woman who had been at the scene and had left was questioned by detectives, then released, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

Detectives believe Williams was upset with Scott because of his possible involvement with another female. However, it’s unclear as to what the past relationship was between Williams and Scott, Bristow said.

The Bradenton Herald reported Williams, who they say was an ex-girlfriend of Scott's, had been stalking him for months prior to the stabbing incident, according to a person interviewed by the Herald subsequent to the stabbing incident.

Williams remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

This is the first murder of 2009 in Manatee County.

Cops Arrest Man, 24, for
Lewd and Lascivious
Molestation of Girl, 10

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective John Finley has arrested Jorge David Villa, 24, for molesting a 10-year-old girl. The incident allegedly occurred at a residence in the 3200 block of 18th Street East, Bradenton.

Jorge David Villa

According to the arrest report, on January 5, 2009, at about 1 a.m., Villa entered the little girl's room while she was sleeping, went over to the bed and allegedly patted and rubbed her buttocks on top of her clothing while she was lying on her stomach.

The little girl also told Det. Finley Villa allegedly stuck a few fingers into the back waistband of her shorts, but did not stick his whole hand inside of her shorts.

She also said Villa rolled her over on her back and allegedly touched the little girl's vagina area over her clothing.

She said she was pretending to be asleep during the incident.

Villa was interviewed and admitted to touching the clothing covering the little girl in a lewd and lascivious manner.

Villa, whose address is the same as the little girl's, was arrested shortly before midnight on Jan. 5, 2009, and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a Child Under 12.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $50,000.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse,
Domestic Battery, After Kicking
Daughter, 10, Whipping Daughter,
21, with an Extension Cord

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Dale C. Woodard, 48, of 5127 15th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Dale C. Woodard

Woodard's arrest report said on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at about 7 p.m., Woodard came home and was upset about his financial situation.

Woodard entered the house and confronted his 10-year-old daughter about her "whining." The two got into a verbal argument that became physical after Woodard kicked the little girl in the right thigh.

The little girl then screamed and ran outside where Woodard's 21-year-old daughter was sitting.

The older daughter then entered the house and confronted Woodard about what had happened.

Woodard then grabbed a nearby extension cord and hit his older daughter several times in the thighs, causing red marks in the shape of a folded cord, the deputy wrote in his report.

The two victims then ran over to a neighbor's house and called the sheriff's office.

The arriving deputy observed that Woodard appeared to be extremely intoxicated.

Woodard was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and Domestic Battery.

Man Struck by Hit-and-Run
Driver Dies; Police Still Ask
Public's Help Identifying
Driver of Vehicle

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public to locate and identify the driver and vehicle involved in a hit-and-run traffic crash resulting in the death of an elderly pedestrian.

The hit-and-run occurred on Monday, Jan. 4, 2009, at approximately 12:00 p.m., in the rear parking lot of Albertson’s, 7415 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

It is believed that Walter S. Dzik age 89, of Omaha, Nebraska parked his silver mini-van at the rear parking lot of Albertson’s and was run over as he began walking to a business in the plaza. He was wearing gray pants, a white T-shirt and white sneakers at the time.

Mr. Dzik was transported to a bay area hospital for treatment and later died as a result of the injuries he received.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to call Bradenton Police Master Patrol Officer David Grubbs 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.

Juvenile Girl, 8, Reported Missing;
Later Recovered

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has recovered an 8-year-old girl who was reported missing on Monday, Jan. 5. 2009, at about 7:45 p.m.

The juvenile girl, named only as "Z.W." in the report, disappeared from her home in the 3800 block of 78th Avenue Circle East, following a disagreement with her mother, Shon Poole, 28, over cleaning her room.

Her mother called the sheriff's office after briefly trying to find the child.

After an unsuccessful search of the home and yard, an all out area search was initiated, and detectives were notified.

The blood hound, helicopter, and multiple deputies scoured the area.

Two hours and 20 minutes after the child had disappeared, she was located hiding on the roof of her home.

She was uninjured.

Air Conditioning Scam
Reported in Manatee

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has reported there is an air conditioning scam operating in Manatee County.

MSO Detective Dunlap has a case where a company allegedly called "Affordable Group, Inc." called a victim offering a $34.00 air conditioner inspection.

The 88-year-old victim agreed to the service and once they came to the house they told her that she had mold and they would clean it for $3,000.

The victim felt pressured and was in fear.

Luckily, she called her neighbor who came over and asked the guys what they were going to do.

He was told they would change the filters and blow air into the air ducts.

The neighbor did not see any tools or professional type equipment, so the service was not provided to the elderly woman.

If you have been contacted by Affordable Group, Inc. call Detective Dunlap at 747-3011, ext. 2543.

Sarasota Police Arrest Woman
for Scheme to Defraud, Grand
Theft of Nearly $50,000

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police have arrested Beth Ann Slack, 34, of 3658 Waffle Terrace, North Port, after detectives say Slack stole $46,965.98 from her employer.

Beth Ann Slack

The arrest report said SPD was contacted by a Sarasota County Sheriff's Detective after he had been contacted by Prudential Palms Realty, 130 N. Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. Prudential Palms believed they had been defrauded out of several thousand dollars.

On Dec. 29 and 30, 2008, an SPD detective met with a representative of Prudential Palms, who provided the detective with copies of 10 checks that Slack had issued over the course of the past year in the amount of $46, 965.98.

Slack was the company's bookkeeper and she had allegedly issued the checks to two people known to her, who then cashed the checks.

On Jan. 5, 2009, Slack was arrested and charged with Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft.

Pedestrian Dies as a Result
of Traffic Crash in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department reported at approximately 5:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to Hawthorne Street and US 41 in reference to a pedestrian struck by a car.

The investigation revealed a Volkswagon was northbound on US 41. The vehicle was driven by Connie hind, 40, of the 300 block of Triano Road, Venice.

A White male attempting to cross US 41 from the west was in the middle of the road and was struck.

The pedestrian was not airlifted due to weather and was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment, where he later died.

He is identified as Mark Michael Brodsky, 46, a White male. He resided at 716 Conesus Lane, Winter Springs, Florida.

SPD's investigation indicates the pedestrian was at fault in the crash.

UPDATE: Charlotte County Cattle
Rustler Arrested in Ocala

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's detectives report that Andres Trujillo, 34, of Tampa, was arrested in Ocala by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and charged at this time with Dealing in Stolen Property.

Andres Trujillo

CCSO Agriculture Deputy Justin Treworgy said the nine cows and a bull were recovered at the Ocala Livestock Auction.

They were stolen sometime early Monday morning when a white truck with cattle trailer pulled off southbound I-75 between the Airport Road overpass and Jones Loop Road exit-161. The fence was cut and the 10 animals were put in the trailer and left the area.

Deputy Treworgy said Staci Murphy, 41, of Arcadia, was keeping her cattle on pasture land owned by John McQueen along the interstate.

McQueen contacted Murphy when he believed some of her cattle were missing. Fortunately, all had a "6-R" brand on their hind quarters and marks on their ears.

Murphy started calling livestock markets around the state of Florida and received a call back from the Ocala business that her cattle were brought to them to be sold by Trujillo.

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrived and arrested Trujillo; more charges are expected to be filed.

The case remains an open investigation and Deputy Treworgy said he is still looking for witnesses who may have seen the truck and trailer parked along I-75. Anyone who may have witnessed the event, please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

'Silver Alert' Issued for Woman,
85; Suffers From Memory Loss

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Palm Bay Police have searched the streets, combed the city and area canals from a helicopter, and talked with her friends and family, but so far there has been no sign of an 85-year-old missing woman.

Above, Frances J. Sentner
(Photo courtesy WKMG)

A week after 85-year-old Frances J. Sentner stepped into her car and rode off, detectives still are struggling to find even one clue that might lead to the missing woman's whereabouts, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Palm Bay police issued a "Silver Alert" -- a special public bulletin for missing and endangered elderly adults -- within hours after Sentner's daughter reported her missing.

The 85-year-old woman was driving a gray 1991 Oldsmobile station wagon with a tag number of X90 VGX.

Ms. Sentner's daughter said the woman has recently began suffereing memory loss.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Palm Bay Police Department.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Young Man Threatens
Girlfriend's Father with
Hammer, Rake, Handgun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Joshua Gordon, 18, of 2215 Bayshore Gardens Parkway, Bradenton, for an incident that occurred at 6432 Wellesley Drive, Bradenton, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008.

Joshua Gordon

According to a report from the sheriff's office, on Dec. 31st, John Tison stopped home on a break from work to get a drink. As he pulled up, he saw Gordon climbing into his daughter's bedroom window. The report didn't give the daughter's name or age.

John went into the house to his daughter's bedroom door. He heard his daughter crying and attempted to unlock the door. When he couldn't, he asked his daughter what was wrong.

Gordon yelled that it was John's fault she was upset.

John said he heard his daughter telling Gordon to leave.

Gordon then said he was going to stab John and ran outside to his vehicle, then ran to a neighbor's house and picked up a hammer and a small garden rake. Gordon then ran back towards John waving the hammer and saying he was going to kill John.

Gordon then took a bottle of shower gel and poured it over the inside of house, the report said.

John's daughter got in between the two of them.

Gordon walked towards his vehicle and said he was going to get a .357 handgun and kill John, but left the area instead in a black Honda.

There is no reference in the report as to what the incident was all about.

Deputies were unable to locate him at the time, but did find him at his residence on Jan. 2nd.

Gordon was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.

The incident between Joshua Gordon and John Tison has since been referred to Domestic Relations court.

Attempted Grand Theft Auto
Stopped While in Progress

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Jessie Moreno, 32, of 2631 33rd Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, after Moreno apparently attempted to steal a truck.

Jessie Moreno

According to Moreno's arrest report, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at about 7 p.m., Richard Guerrero saw Moreno sitting in the driver's seat of his father's truck, which was parked in the driveway at 2511 33rd Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Richard asked Jessie what he was doing and Jessie replied, "What?"

Jessie then exited the truck with what looked like a screwdriver in his hand.

Richard ran inside the house to get his father, Ruben, and when Ruben walked outside, Jessie was gone on foot.

The sheriff's office was notified and Deputy Hurd stopped Moreno at 29th Avenue East and 27th Street East about 15-20 minutes later. Moreno was breathing heavily.

Richard was brought to the scene and positively identified Moreno as the man he had seen in his father's truck.

Back at the truck, deputies discovered about $500 in damage had been caused by Moreno to the steering column of the truck. The plastic around the ignition was broken and the wires were hanging out.

Moreno was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Conveyance, Attempted Vehicle Theft and Criminal Mischief.

Bradenton Cops Bust Woman
for Vehicle Burglary at Scene

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Lee A. Fisher, 38, of 2611 26th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Lee A. Fisher

According to the arrest report, Fisher was seen by the victim, Thomas Larzelere, enter his vehicle at 3801 Manatee Avenue West on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at about 10:30 p.m. and called the police.

Larzelere told arriving officers she attempted to remove change and other items from the vehicle.

He confronted Fisher as she was sitting in his truck on the passenger seat and she had change in her hand, Larzelere told officers.

Fisher told officers she thought it was her friend's vehicle, but a check on her friend's name didn't indicate any vehicle registered to the alleged friend.

Fisher was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Vehicle.

Man Arrested for Threats
to Employer for Not Being
Paid for Work Already Done

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- When a man wasn't paid for stucco work he had done, he threatened the man who had hired him, according to a report from the Bradenton Police Department.

Ralph L. Hicks

The report said on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, Ralph L. Hicks, 44, of 320 15th Street East, Bradenton, was at 802 15th Street East when the unnamed victim drove up and asked Hicks why he hadn't completed the stucco work he was working on.

The victim told Bradenton Police Officers that Hicks then asked for his money for the work that had been completed.

The victim said Hicks then grabbed him through the window of his truck. The victim pushed Hicks back through the window, at which point Hicks pulled out a stucco trowel, about 12" long and told the victim he [Hicks] would cut the victim's throat.

The victim left the scene immediately and called police.

Police found Hicks still at 802 15th Street East and arrested him.

Hicks was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill.

Bradenton Police Ask Help
Finding Hit-and-Run Driver
Who Seriously Injured
Elderly Person Monday

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public to locate and identify the driver and vehicle involved in a hit and run traffic crash resulting in the serious injury of an elderly pedestrian.

The hit and run occurred on Monday, Jan. 4, 2009, at approximately 12:00 p.m., in the rear parking lot of Albertson’s, 7415 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

Investigation has revealed that a 90 year old man parked his silver mini-van at the rear parking lot of Albertson’s and was run over as he began walking to a business in the plaza.

The victim was wearing gray pants, a white T-shirt and white sneakers at the time.

He was transported to a bay area hospital for treatment.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to call Bradenton Police Master Patrol Officer David Grubbs 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.

Man Stabbed, Hit With 2x4
During Attempted Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, Jan. 4, 2008, at about 6:45 p.m., a man was stabbed in the stomach and struck with a 2x4 during an attempted armed robbery in the 2000 block of 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Thomas Kearney, 42, of the 2700 block of 52nd Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton, was walking along 20th Street West near 53rd Avenue when a Hispanic male approached him and stated, "Give me what you got." Kearney replied, "I don't have anything."

At that point, the would-be robber hit Kearney over the head with a 2x4, the report said.

Kearney told deputies that they then began fighting over the 2x4, when the culprit pulled out a knife a stabbed Kearney in the stomach.

The robber then fled on foot.

Kearney walked to his residence where he called his girlfriend, who then called 911.

Kearney was Bayflited as a precaution with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The robber was described only as a Hispanic male, 5 foot tall, weighing 145 pounds.

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

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

Man Accidentally Shoots
Himself in Leg

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man accidentally shot himself in the leg on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2008, at about 1:45 p.m. The incident occurred at a residence located at 5107 19th Street West, Bradenton.

The report said while Timothy McGrath, 53, was sitting on the floor cleaning his handgun, the gun discharged.

The bullet ricocheted off the floor and grazed the inside of McGrath's calf.

McGrath's wife transported him to Blake Medical Center for treatment of a 2 cm cut to his calf.

No further action was taken by the sheriff's office.

Accelerant Used to Start
Arson Fire at Residence
(From Breaking News Page)

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A fire was intentionally set by an unknown person Sunday night, Jan. 4, 2009, shortly before 7 p.m. at 6537 5th Street West, Bradenton, according to Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Al Lobeto.

A report from Cedar Hammock said Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS responded to the single story house fire at 6:54 p.m.

Emergency units arrived shortly after dispatch and were directed to stage safely nearby by Battalion Chief Lobeto after receiving reports of a person with a weapon on scene.

Initial dispatch also reported that the fire was intentionally set to a rear porch area.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office Deputies secured the scene for fire units.

First in fire units found light smoke and flames at the exterior of a rear enclosed porch (lanai).

The sole occupant of the structure was outside.

Fire attack and search and rescue operations were conducted and the fire was brought under control at 7:07 p.m., BC Lobeto said.

Damage to the structure was estimated at $3,000 and the fire was contained to the rear porch and soffit area.

No firefighters or civilians were injured.

The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary and is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue.

Battalion Chief Al Lobeto told NewsManatee evidence of an accelerant was discovered at the scene.

No person with a weapon was found when authorities arrived on scene.

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.

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.

FREE Walk-In Eye Screenings
Planned for January
in Ellenton

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Not seeing as well as you used to? Think you might have a cataract? Do you have a family history of glaucoma?

Come in for a FREE vision screening at The Eye Associates office located at 7915 US Hwy 301 N, Suite 101, Ellenton, between 9:00 and 11:00am and find out about the options available.

Dr. Michael Manning, a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your results and answer any questions you may have.

The screenings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from 9:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 9:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 9:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 9:00am to 11:00am

Call 941-729-2020 for more information.

The Eye Associates is a premier supporter of NewsManatee.com. Their support ad may be seen at the top of our home page. Click on it to learn more about them.

Infant Cut with Knife by Mom
During Domestic Fight;
Two Arrested

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police have arrested a mother and her boyfriend after the two got into an altercation and a baby got cut. The incident occurred on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at about 6 p.m. at 1661 Oak Street, Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Stacie Carr and William Geeslin

According to the report, Stacie Carr, 38, and her boyfriend, William Gesslin, also 38, were both arrested by Sarasota Police.

Carr allegedly cut the child, whose age was not given in the report, on the face and then attacked Geeslin, who was holding the baby.

When paramedics arrived, Geeslin refused to give up the baby and backed himself into a corner.

Police Officers were able to get the child away from Geeslin.

The baby was treated and released to his grandmother.

Carr and Geeslin were both charged with Aggravated Child Abuse by Aggravated Battery and Domestic Battery. Geeslin was also charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence and Battery on an EMS worker, after he spit on the worker and crunched her hand.

Punta Gorda Police Initiative
Seeks to Foster Interaction
Between Officers, Community

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- The Punta Gorda Police Department has launched a new community-policing pilot program designed to bring officers and citizens closer together.

For the next several months, Police Department Supervisors and the new Canine Officer will be sporting their name and rank on their patrol vehicles. Although officers have traditionally patrolled in vehicles marked with a numerical unit number, the goal of this program is to promote community interaction and develop a stronger rapport with members of the Punta Gorda community.

Although no law enforcement agencies in Southwest Florida currently implement such a program, the idea of placing officer names on police vehicles was embraced by former Jacksonville Sheriff Nathaniel Glover several years ago. Although the program was met with some skepticism initially from Jacksonville police officers, the community responded very positively to the concept and officers soon came to appreciate the benefits of the innovative program.

“Our police officers don’t want to be an identification number in an air-conditioned police vehicle” stated Chief Albert Arenal. “They want to be a face, a name, and a representative of their community.”

The car name program is viewed as an extension of a more comprehensive community-policing plan intended to foster greater interaction between police and the public and make officers more approachable. Other recent community-based initiatives include increased community foot patrols, a new Safe Car program, citizen-based customer service surveys, introduction of a Customer Service Training Program, and other various crime prevention programs.

The Police Department is seeking feedback from the public on the new pilot program and input can be submitted via the internet at police@ci.punta-gorda.fl.us.

Were You Driving on I-75 in
Charlotte County Monday?
Detectives Asks Public
To Say If They Saw a
Cattle Rustling Incident

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives are asking the public if they saw anything early Monday morning, Jan. 4, 2009, along I-75 related to cattle rustling. The brazen incident occurred along the busy interstate sometime betwee midnight and daybreak.

Detectives say nine cows and one bull were loaded into a fifth-wheel cattle/horse trailer pulled by a truck which was parked alongside southbound I-75 between the Airport Road overpass and Jones Loop Road exit-161.

The cattle thieves cut the fence to the adjacent pasture, then herded the cattle into the trailer, and then drove off.

Anyone with information about the cattle rustling is asked to please call CCSO Detective Richard Nix at 941-575-5374 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Child Porn Suspect Arrested
By Feds After Scaling Hotel

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a fugitive wanted on child pornography charges who authorities said may have been hiding out at sea was arrested early Monday morning after scaling down six stories of balconies at a New Smyrna Beach hotel, police said.

Alton Everett Smith, 46, was arrested outside of the Oceania Beach Club, located at 421 S. Atlantic Ave., after U.S. marshals and New Smyrna Beach police located him in room 605, police said.

When authorities knocked on the room door, Smith exited the room through the balcony and began climbing down the building, New Smyrna Beach police said. When Smith reached the ground, he was taken into custody, police said.

Smith was wanted on 37 counts of possession of sexual performance by a child.

Investigators said they discovered hundreds of images and videos at Smith's Palm Coast home while looking into claims that his daughter, Kristilyn Smith, 25, was operating a prostitution ring.

Deputies said they believe most of the photos and videos were taken at Alton Smith's photography studio, which was called Hot Shots A1A. The studio closed about 18 months ago.

Investigators are urging parents who used the studio to call authorities if they think their children may have been victimized.

Alton Smith will be transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail on bond of $925,000.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Missing Woman's Boyfriend's
"Mystery Man" Located,
Interviewed; Boyfriend
Back in Manatee Jail

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On December 22, 2008, William J. Cumber, the boyfriend of missing Holmes Beach woman Sabine Musil-Buehler, was arrested in Marion County, Florida, for Driving on a Suspended Driver License. He was driving a 1992 Ford pickup truck with an expired registration. His passenger, the man who owned the pickup truck, now known to be Joseph Whitesell, of Bradenton, was released at the time by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies. The mysterious passenger, Whitesell, who police initially refused to identify, has since been located in Bradenton by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and interviewed by detectives.

Above, L to R, William J. Cumber and Sabine Musil-Buehler

Cumber, 39, was held in the Marion County Jail until Dec. 31, 2008, when he was released to Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies and returned to Manatee County, where he was booked into the Manatee County Jail for Violation of Probation on an earlier Arson of a Dwelling charge. Cumber had been released from prison in September, 2008, on that charge and placed on probation. He violated that probation when he left the county without notification to his probation officer and for the driver license charge.

Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube told NewsManatee Joseph Whitesell has provided certain information to detectives. Steube said, "The contents of the interview are not being released at this time." The sheriff had earlier said Cumber may have disclosed information about Musil-Buehler's disappearance and/or an arson fire at Musil-Buehler's motel to Whitesell during the 2-hour drive from Manatee County to Marion County.

Detectives intend to re-interview William Cumber based on Whitesell's interview.

Cumber had recently been questioned several times by the sheriff's office regarding the disappearance of Musil-Buehler, and by Holmes Beach police in the Nov. 16, 2008, arson fire that destroyed a duplex unit at Haley’s Motel in Holmes Beach, partially owned by Musil-Buehler with her former husband, Thomas Buehler.

Cumber is being considered a "person of interest" both in the disappearance of Musil-Buehler and in the arson fire at the motel. Cumber has said he is "being framed."

Musil-Buehler, 49, was last seen on November 4, 2008.

In the early morning hours of November 6, 2008, deputies located Musil-Buehler’s white Pontiac convertible in the 1200 block of 26th Ave W., Bradenton.

Subsequent investigation revealed a small amount of Musil-Buehler’s blood in the vehicle.

After much investigation and continuing area searches that may eventually turn up Musil-Buehler's body, detectives have surmised that she is likely already dead, according to a NewsManatee confidential source. Musil-Buehler's husband, Thomas, also believes she is dead.

The Gold Star Club of Manatee County is offering a reward in the disappearance case of Sabine Musil-Buehler.

The reward is for up to $5,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Musil-Buehler and/or information leading to the person or persons responsible for her disappearance.

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.

Two Brothers Arrested
Following Melee At
New Year's Party

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When one brother got thrown out of a New Year's party, he left and returned with his other brother; a free-for-all ensued.

Above, L to R, Jordan Demers and Jeremy Demers

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on January 1, 2009, Jordan Demers, 24, showed up at a party at about 1:45 a.m., at 7368 Black Walnut Way, in Bradenton.

Jordan got into an argument with some of the other guests and was told to leave.

A short time later, at about 3:00 a.m., Jordan returned to the party, along with his brother, Jeremy Demers, 28.

The two knocked on the door and rang the bell, but no one would let them in, so they kicked the door in and entered the residence.

Once inside, Jordan and Jeremy attacked Billy Moser, Christopher Cassidy, Chelsea Wolfe and David Cassidy by punching, kicking and throwing chairs.

Billy Moser got thrown into a wall hard enough to put a huge hole in the wall. Christopher Cassidy had a swollen right cheek, a split lip and knots on his head. David Cassidy had a knot on his forehead. Chelsea Wolfe had a cut on her big toe and red marks on her arms.

When a deputy arrived and entered the residence, he observed the front door jam was on the floor, there was a lot of blood on the floor and up the stairs in the dining room. He also observed a huge hole in a wall and a small hole in another wall.

EMS responded to the location but all victims refused to go to the hospital.

Jordan and Jeremy were both arrested and charged with Burglary to a Dwelling with Battery,

Woman Stabs Man After He
Leaves Her at Bar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a stabbing incident on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at about 3:45 a.m. at a residence located at 2607 40th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Holly Moore

Barry Albritton, 47, and Holly Moore, 46, are husband and wife who live together.

Moore got mad at Albritton because he left her at the bar and they began to argue.

Moore picked up a knife and stabbed Albritton in the left shoulder causing a 1-inch laceration which was treated by EMS at the scene.

Moore was arrested and charged with Domestic Aggravated Battery (Stabbing) and transported to the jail.

Vehicle Burglar Captured
Red-Handed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Martin, 19, of 709 59th Ave. Terr. West, Bradenton, after Martin was captured in an auto burglary at "Blessed Auto Sales," 6033 15th Street East, Bradenton, on Dec. 31, 2008, at about 5:30 a.m.

Robert Martin

Robert Martin was seen breaking into a gold '84 Cutlass Supreme which had been parked in the front of the car lot to be sold for the owner, Terry Davis.

Martin used a crow bar to break to break out the front driver's side and was attempting to pry open the trunk. He removed the stereo system, TV, and speakers from the car interior and had placed them into his car, a yellow with black stripes '82 Olds Cutlass.

The incident was called in by a tenant who lives on the property.

Deputies responded and they found Martin hiding inside the yellow Cutlass upon arrival, which he had parked directly next to the victim's car.

Martin was arrested and confessed to the burglary, a sheriff's report said.

Inside his vehicle they found the radio, TV, and stereo, along with various burglary tools.

Photos were taken, the stolen items were returned to the victim, and the burglary tools were placed into Property and Evidence at the sheriff's office.

Martin was charged with Burglary, Grand Theft, felony Criminal Mischief, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Bradenton Police Ask Public's
Help Identifying Thieves

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, November 22, 2008, at 8:21 p.m., Bradenton Police Officers responded to Beall’s, 4902 Cortez Road, regarding a grand theft that had just occurred.

Investigation revealed that a male and female entered the store and stole approximately fifty articles of clothing at a value of more than $300.00.

The suspects fled the area in a white 2-door car with the clothing.

Bradenton police officers searched for the suspects to no avail.

The suspects can bee seen in the surveillance photograph above.

Bradenton police detectives are requesting the assistance of the community to help identify these suspects.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to call the Detective Jason Nuttall at 941-932-9314, 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.

Brother Claims He'll Kill
Sis's Cat; Sis Cuts Him
on Face with Axe

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A brother and sister got into a nasty situation early in December. The sister wound up being arrested after cops found her.

Farrah Jo Bentley

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, in early December 2008, Joseph Bentley told a friend of his sister, Farrah Jo Bentley, 18, that he was going to kill Farrah's cat because it ruined his clothes.

They live at opposite ends of the same duplex located at 1003 57th Avenue Terrace East.

The friend told Farrah and on Dec. 7, 2008, at about 7 p.m., Farrah went over to Joseph's side of the duplex to confront him.

An argument ensued and Farrah struck Joseph with the sharpened side of a dull axe on the upper left side of his face.

Joseph sustained a laceration about 1 inch long with a swollen abrasion around it.

Farrah fled the scene and Joseph was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Farrah was subsequently located on Dec. 30, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m. at 1005 57th Avenue Terrace East and arrested.

She was charged with Aggravated Battery.

Attempted Murder, Suicide
Reported in West Manatee
(from Breaking News page)

MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA [NMT] -- At approximately 10:45 Sunday morning, Dec. 28, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a shooting at 4110 78th St. W., Bradenton.

Jeremiah Edland, deceased

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Chris Sharts, 32, of the above address, was shot once in the upper body by a 32-year-old man who then shot and killed himself.

The shooter has been identified as Jeremiah Edland, of 4001 Gulf Drive North, Holmes Beach. Next of kin has been notified.

Sharts was taken to Blake Hospital by Melissa Swafford, 26, also of the above address. Sharts was then transported to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Sharts remains hospitalized in critical condition as of Monday, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The shooting occurred after Edland went to the above address Sunday morning to talk with Miss Swafford, who is his ex-girlfriend.

While at the residence, Edland confronted Sharts about his relationship with Miss Swafford.

The confrontation ended with Edland shooting Sharts and then shooting himself.

A 3-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy and a 17-year-old babysitter were in the residence at the time of the shooting.

It’s unknown at this time as to what was actually seen by the children.

Brave Circle K Customer Throws
Hot Coffee on Armed Bandits,
Escapes Robbery Attempt

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at about 2 a.m., William Rybka, 51, of Vero Beach, Florida, was confronted by two armed bandits outside the Circle K convenience store located at 3006 14th Street West.

Rybka told Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies he had just purchased a cup of coffee at the Circle K. As he was leaving, he was confronted by the two men in the parking lot.

One of the men showed a pistol and demanded Rybka's money.

At that point, Rybka said he threw his hot coffee on them and they ran away without getting anything.

Rybka then walked north on 14th Street to the 2100 block where he found a Bradenton Police Officer and related his story to him.

The BPD Officer then called the sheriff's office, who dispatched deputies to the scene.

The would-be robbers were described as two White males, both about 5'10" tall and 180 pounds. One was wearing a gray hoodie; one was wearing a black hoodie and was armed with an unknown type handgun.

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

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

Man Fends Off Two Men
Attempting Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at about 6 p.m., a man was able to fend off two men who attempted to rob him at his residence in the 2800 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Alvaro Rodriguez, 49, was watching TV inside his residence when he heard his front window break.

Rodriguez exited his front door and saw two men standing by his front porch.

One of the men pointed a screwdriver at Rodriguez and said, "Give me your watch."

Rodriguez pushed the man backwards and both men fled on foot.

Rodriguez told deputies he has seen the two men before and said they are homeless.

No items were taken and Rodriguez was not injured.

The would-be robbers were described as a White male in his 30s, 6'0" tall, wearing a plaid shirt; and a Hispanic male in his 20s, 5'5" tall, 140 pounds, with black hair, last seen wearing a black shirt.

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.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered;
Submerged in Palmetto Pond

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has recovered a vehicle stolen from Peter Proll, 27, in May of 2008.

On Dec. 29, 2008, the vehicle was spotted in a lake by a parasail pilot.

The pilot notified the Sheriff's Office and Deputies located the vehicle submerged in a pond located in the 9100 block of 49th Avenue East, Palmetto.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Dive Team responded and the vehicle was removed from the pond.

The vehicle had been reported stolen in Manatee County in May 2008.

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.

Bank Robbers Captured
Shortly After Robbery
on Friday in Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a bank robbery at the Bank of America branch located at 3930 Cattlemen Road, in Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Heath L. Cowger and Courtney Hanshew

A man had entered the bank and approached a teller. He produced a note implying that he had a gun and demanded money.

The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and man fled the bank.

A witness observed the man get into a small white pickup truck driven by a woman. The witness was able to provide the vehicle's tag number to a 911 operator.

Responding deputies began searching the area and located the vehicle southbound on I-75. Deputies stopped the vehicle without incident in the area of Jacaranda and Sklar Drive.

A note, firearm, cash and a disguise were recovered from the vehicle. The female driver was also found in possession of Xanax and marijuana.

Heath L. Cowger, 32, and Courtney Hanshew, 22, both of the 5900 block of Regent Road, in Venice, were both arrested. Cowger was charged with Robbery with a Firearm and is without bail. Hanshew was charged with Principal to Armed Robbery, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Xanax) and Possession of Marijuana (less than 20 grams). Her bond is $51,120. Both remain in the Sarasota County Jail.

Sarasota Bank Robbery; Man
Turned Self in Week Later

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police responded to a bank robbery alarm at the Suntrust Bank on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008. The bank is located at 3577 Fruitville Road. A lone perpetrator had entered the bank and produced a note demanding money. The subject fled on foot and was at large.

William Scott Supplee

Then, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, Officer Harry Ross was working an off duty security job at whole foods, 1451 1st street. At approximately 4 p.m. He was approached by a citizen.

The citizen advised he wanted to turn himself in. Officer Ross asked if it was for "something good." The subject replied, "Yes. I'm a bank robber." Officer Ross asked, "Which one?" The subject stated the Suntrust at Fruitville and Beneva.

Office Ross took the subject into custody and transported him to the Sarasota police department.

The subject is identified as William Scott Supplee, 52, of the 5400 block of Belmont Blvd., Sarasota.

He was charged with Bank Robbery.

Woman Arrested for
Scheme to Defraud

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Kimberly R. Cooper, 38, of 3711 Locust Avenue, Sarasota, for Scheme to Defraud and False Report to Law Enforcement.

Kimberly R. Cooper

In November 2008, Cooper went to at least 9 residents in Sarasota and represented herself as a repossession agent for Southern Recovery. She told the victims that she was going to repossess their vehicle unless they gave her money. The victims gave Cooper money believing she was going to repossess their vehicle.

Cooper was also charged with False Report to Law Enforcement. On December 8, 2008, Cooper reported that two suspects tried to kidnap her in Sarasota. During the investigation Cooper admitted she made the story up.

Sarasota Sheriff's Office
Reports Juvenile Shot

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On New Year's Day, January 1, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m., Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 3001 Newtown Blvd. reference a shooting.

When deputies arrived, they discovered a Black male juvenile, later identified as Jadavian Shird, 16, had been shot while riding his bicycle on Newtown Blvd.

The shooter had fled the scene northbound on Newtown Blvd., the sheriff's report said.

Shird was flown by Bayflite to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, where it was determined that he had been shot in the leg and the injury was not life-threatening.

The shooter was described as a Black male, about 18 years old, wearing a white top, black bandana, black jacket and blue jean shorts.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4900 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 366-TIPS (8477).

Man Busted for Lewd Behavior
in Children's Section of Store

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a Dunnellon man was arrested on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, on accusations of masturbating while walking through the children's section of an Ocala outlet store, police said.

Justin Shuman

An officer found Justin Shuman, 35, standing with his genitals exposed about 3 feet from a 10-year-old girl in the store, authorities said.

Police said that when the officer approached him, Shuman began walking away and attempting to return his genitals to his pants. He was caught and handcuffed by the officer.

A store employee told police that video surveillance had showed Shuman following children in the store while making lewd motions with his hands.

While he was being arrested, police said Shuman continually said that what he had done was "stupid." Police said he also told the officer that he was in the children's section because "they are young and wouldn't understand."

Shuman was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior with a victim less than 12 years old and indecent exposure in public, authorities said.

He was being held in Marion County Jail in lieu of $16,000 bond, WKMG said.

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