Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 1/17/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 1/17/2009

Man Looking for Morphine Pills
Arrested & Charged with
Home Invasion Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gerald L. Ward, 38, of Bradenton.

Gerald L. Ward

According to Ward's arrest report, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at about 8 a.m., Donna Sessions, of the 1200 block of 51st Avenue East, Bradenton, heard Ward banging on the rear door of her residence.

When Donna opened the door, Gerald shoved his way in and told her to give him her morphine pills.

Donna tried to call 911, but Gerald unplugged the phone.

Donna ran to her bedroom in the rear of the house to escape through a window, but Gerald pushed her and grabbed her by the wrist and said, "Give me the pills or I will beat you down."

Donna gave Gerald three 60 mg morphine sulfate pills and ran out the front door.

Gerald ran out the back door and hopped a fence in the rear of the mobile home park.

Deputies located Gerald at about 11:30 a.m. and arrested him.

He was charged with Home Invasion Robbery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Sexual Predator Busted in Palmetto;
Failed to Notify Change of Address

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Kim Zink has arrested Paul E. Hodges, 46, of Palmetto.

Paul E. Hodges

An arrest warrant was obtained for Paul E. Hodges, who is a Registered Sexual Predator in Manatee County, after he was found to have been living at a non-registered address for the past several months.

Mr. Hodges last re-registered in January 2009 and still maintained his previous address.

However, after investigating, Det. Zink learned he had not been there for months.

Det. Zink learned his real address, 1610 24th Street East, Palmetto (which was only one block over), and obtained an Arrest Warrant for Failing to Notify DHSMV of a Change.

Patrol units located Mr. Hodges at the above location and placed him under arrest on the warrant.

He is currently in the Manatee County Jail under a $1,000,000. bond.

Woman Arrested for Scheme
to Defraud Employer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman who worked for Arcade Lithograph as a bookkeeper in Manatee County has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Joyce Bowman

Manatee County Detectives say Joyce Bowman, 60, of Brandon, defrauded her former employer of $50,000 while working for the company from May 2004 to May 2008.

An audit showed the money was missing after Bowman was fired in June 2008 for "performance issues."

According to her arrest affidavit, Bowman used the money to pay credit card bills over the years.

Bowman was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, and charged with Scheme to Defraud.

She has since been released from the Manatee County Jail on bond.

Man Caught in Act of
Burglarizing Vehicle

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Roberto Perez, 61, of the 900 block of 21st Street East, Palmetto.

Roberto Perez

According to an arrest report from PPD, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at about 4:45 p.m., Perez was seen by the victim and his wife inside their vehicle in the 1100 block of 8th Avenue West, Palmetto. The victims had apparently been shopping and were returning to their vehicle.

As the male victim approached the 2003 Ford SUV, he observed Perez exit the vehicle.

The male victim yelled at Perez to stop, at which point Perez threw a bag of light bulbs he had taken from the vehicle under the front of the SUV.

The unnamed male victim restrained Perez until police arrived.

His wife's cell phone and a Sharp electronic device were found in Perez' pocket.

The male victim's wife confirmed the incident happened just as her husband had said.

Police arrested Perez and charged him with Burglary to an Unoccupied Conveyance.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $10,000.

Man Robbed by Two Black males
Wednesday in Broad Daylight

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2009, at about 11:45 a.m., in the 4500 block of 18th Street West, Bradenton.

The victim, Terry Gill, 54, of the 2800 block of 52nd Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton, was walking home from work and was at the above location when he was approached on foot by two Black males.

The two robbers pushed Mr. Gill down and took his cell phone and drivers license.

The robbers then fled the area northbound.

The victim's glasses were broken during this incident and victim sustained a minor scrape on his hand.

The victim continued on his way and called the sheriff's office when he arrived at his residence, approximately one hour later.

The robbers were 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.

Manatee Sheriff's Office Warning
of "Bailout" Scam; Two Victims
Already Taken for $3,500

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a scam involving the elderly.

Detectives are currently investigating a case where a 91-year-old man and his 86-year-old wife were scammed out of $3,500.

The scam involved a person calling and posing as the victim’s grandson. The caller told the victim he was in jail and then put another person on the telephone with instructions on how to wire money to get the grandson bailed out.

The call was traced to Canada.

The investigation continues, but at this time no arrests have been made.

Detectives believe there could be other cases and are asking anyone with information on this type of scam to call the Sheriff’s Office at 941-737-3011, ext. 2510 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 Bradenton Firefighters
Win Annual Mayor’s Award

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Firefighters/Engineers Douglas Huffman and Rocco Salvatori were awarded the annual Bradenton Mayor’s Award on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009.

Mayor Wayne Poston (right) presents Firefighters/Engineers
Rocco Salvatori and Douglas Huffman with the annual Mayor’s Award
(Photo by Tim McCann, City of Bradenton PIO)

The Mayor’s Award is the City’s equivalent of an Employee of the Year honor. Mayor Wayne Poston surprised the two firefighters with the award during Wednesday’s City Council meeting.

Mayor Poston said he chose Firefighters Huffman and Salvatori not only for their outstanding service to the City as longtime firefighters, but for their leadership last year during negotiations on a new contract. Firefighters Huffman and Salvatori are the Bradenton firefighters’ union representatives.

Knowing that the City faced a budget crunch because of the diminishing economy and a voter-mandated cut of property taxes across the state, the firefighters’ union agreed not to ask for raises in 2009.

Firefighters Huffman and Salvatori accepted the Mayor’s Award on behalf of their fellow firefighters, who approved the contract with the City. Firefighter Huffman has been employed by the City 23 years and Firefighter Salvatori for 10 years.

Hobo Campfire Cookouts at
Florida Railroad Museum

PARRISH, Florida [NMT] -- We all have experienced those days of being at work stressed to the max gazing out the window longing to be free from the bondage of everyday drudgery, when outside somewhere, interrupting our day-dreaming, we hear the sound of the locomotive horn blast in the far off distance. We let our mind wander to a point of thinking what it would be like to pack our bandana with our clothes, food and concerns, tie it to a walking stick, throw it over our shoulder and chase the sound of the horn to it's origin and assume a new carefree life as a hobo, riding the rails. No more hustle, no more bustle, only the sound of creaking metal rumbling along, as the old train song goes, "on the magic carpet made of steel." The worst worry is dodging the railroad cops.

Well, the Florida Railroad Museum is your answer for at least a bit of a reprieve. A totally new, exciting but restful, event is planned on various dates at the Museum. You too can become a hobo. You can ride the rails, sit around a campfire in a ghost town, roast marsh mellows and hot dogs, sip on lemonade. What more could we want? We will even hold the railroad police at bay.

So, come to Parrish, hop the train, leave your cares behind. As the train pulls out of Parrish your concerns will be left to be swallowed up by the dark of the night. Sit back at the campfire in Willow where, in days gone by, a thriving townspeople worked their knuckles to the bone to produce wood for a growing Florida. Allow the smell of the smoke from the oak campfires to permeate your thoughts as you listen to the chatter of your fellow hobo campers. Your mind will travel to an era that doesn't exist anymore. A more peaceful time.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your ticket online, in advance of the event; no tickets will be sold the night of the ride. Even hobos don't mind contributing to preserving the railroad history.

The HOBO Campfire Cookout Special Trains depart at 5 p.m. on: January 17, 2009, February 21, 2009, March 21, 2009 and April 18, 2009.

Hot dogs, Marshmallows and Lemonade included.

Advance ticket purchase is required for this event. To do so, logon to www.frrm.org or call (941) 776-0906.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Arrests Man for Practicing
Medicine Without a License

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, January 15th, 2009, at approximately 4:00 p.m. Detectives with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Bureau arrested Mark A. Barclay, 56, of 790 Buckskin Court, Englewood, on one count of Practicing Medicine Without a License.

Mark A. Barclay

The arrest was a result of an investigation into Mr. Barclay’s practices at his pharmacy, Barclay Pharmacy, located at 200 North Tamiami Trail, Venice.

It is alleged that Mr. Barclay dispensed medicine to his wife without a prescription on numerous occasions, dating back to 2003.

Southwest Florida Braces
for Cold Winter Blast

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County expects a wave of frigid arctic air to enter the region over the next several days. Temperatures may drop to as low as 38 degrees by Saturday night, so residents should take the following weather precautions:

~ Use caution with space heaters. Keep them away from flammable items such as curtains and upholstery. Inspect the heater cord carefully and never use with extension cords.

~ Test all smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly.

~ Do not use charcoal or gas grills for indoor heat as they produce deadly carbon monoxide.

~ Bring pets and potted plants inside. Cover outdoor plants.

~ Protect wells and outdoor plumbing from freezing.

~ Check on neighbors, friends and relatives. The elderly and children are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.

~ Stay indoors or dress warmly, in layers for outdoor activity.

Friday night, skies will be partly cloudy with a low around 36. A northeast wind between 15 and 20 mph may have gusts as high as 25 mph. Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees with a north wind of 10 to 15 mph.

The Salvation Army will have a shelter open at 1400 10th St., Sarasota, for those in need.

Charlotte Detective Arrests Man
for Dumping 7,680 Cubic Feet
of Yard Waste

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Environmental Crimes detective arrested James Michael Earnest, 30, of 83-A Boundary Blvd., Rotonda West, on felony charges of illegally dumping 7,680 cubic feet of yard waste at 11113 Pendleton Ave., in East Englewood.

Above, the illegal dumping site
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO PIO)

On Oct. 8, Det. Tony Cimino was advised that several loads of yard waste covering an area 32 feet by 60 feet and four feet high was dumped on the vacant lot. A home owner said he rented his home to Earnest who dumped the debris from his landscaping business on the lot next to the house without his permission. Earnest said the pile of debris was temporary and he would remove it, however, Earnest vacated the home after he was threatened to be evicted.

Det. Cimino located Earnest in Rotonda West who said he hired a business to remove the debris. In subsequent follow ups, nothing had been removed and Earnest couldn’t find the name and address of the business he said was going to clean up the debris. Since then, other witnesses were located who had seen Earnest and some of his employees dump the yard debris and tree trimmings on the lot. The debris remains on the vacant lot at this time and is expected to be removed soon.

Earnest was arrested Wednesday morning, Jan. 14, 2009, and taken to the Charlotte County Jail; he is charged with Violation of the Florida Litter Law.

Bond was set at $2,500.

$8K In Crack Cocaine Found
After High-Speed Chase

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG[ -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a man accused of delivering drugs and fleeing Daytona Beach police at high speeds was arrested Wednesday after he rammed two police vehicles, according to authorities.

Robert Lee Hamilton, 24, was arrested near Willis Avenue and Lakeshore Drive following a high-speed chase.

"He's a drug-delivery guy. He's got outstanding warrants for driving without a license, for fleeing and eluding police and drug sales," Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood said. "We had information that he was going to make a delivery in a section of our city, we were able to set up with unmarked vehicles in the area ... he smashed into two of my cars -- he upped the ante. We had a brief chase ... and we were able to catch him a block away.

Chitwood said $8,000 worth of crack cocaine and a stolen gun were recovered after the chase.

"It's sad that he's pushing this poison in the county," Chitwood said. "Thank God he didn't hit anybody on the road."

Chitwood said Daytona Beach police have been trying to apprehend Hamilton for more than a year, but he would always speed away. Daytona Beach police have a safety policy of not pursuing cars at high speeds. Chitwood said the fact that Hamilton rammed two vehicles made the chase necessary.

No one was injured in the incident, WKMG said.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Clerk Issues
Alert: Jury Duty Scam Could
Lead to Identity Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Clerk, R.B. "Chips" Shore, is warning possible victims about a new scam going around the country.

Has anyone called recently letting you know that you missed jury duty?

Warning: It could be a scam.

Clever thieves continue to deceive innocent victims with intentions of stealing an individual’s identity, and the jury duty scam is one of the latest.

Other states are reporting that a person claiming to be a Clerk’s Office employee is calling innocent people telling them that a jury summons in their name has gone unanswered and that an arrest warrant has been issued.

The caller then suggests he or she can verify the arrest warrant if the unsuspecting person will provide some personal identifying information, such as Social Security Number, birth date, or credit card number. Much of this information can easily be used to commit identity theft.

"While this scam has not reached Manatee County, if you ever experience this type of call, hang up and call my office immediately at 941-749-1800," R.B. "Chips" Shore, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller said. "The Clerk’s Office does not call summoned jurors. Additionally, you cannot be arrested for missing jury duty. Please do not give out your personal information to anyone you don’t know."

It is only natural that a person may be inclined to give out personal information under threat of arrest, but in reality, court officials will never request personal information over the phone.

This scam has been reported in many states, and many more innocent victims could be at risk if they are not aware of this threat.

[Ed. Note: The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This swindle is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.]

Retired Police Officer Receives
Award; Was City's Longest
Serving Woman

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, the City of Bradenton honored Bradenton Police Department Master Patrol Officer Linda Stoops, who is the first woman in the history of the Bradenton Police Department to serve 20 years.

Above, L to R, Police Chief Michael Radzilowski,
Randy and Linda Stoops and Mayor Wayne Poston
(Photo by City of Bradenton PIO Tim McCann)

The City presented her with a 20-year service plaque during the Bradenton City Council’s meeting at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall, 101 Old Main St.

In addition to a school resource officer, traffic officer and crime prevention officer, she started the Explorer Post, a program which gives local students interested in law enforcement an opportunity to work part-time at the police department.

Vice Mayor Bemis Smith credited the Explorers for helping improve his east Bradenton neighborhood, and he said he hopes Ms. Stoops stays involved in the community.

Master Patrol Officer Stoops began her career with BPD in November 1988 as a patrol officer. She retired in November.

[Ed. Note: We had the pleasure of working with Linda several years ago when we were assisting the City with establishing a crime watch program in the Village of the Arts under then Police Chief Dan Thorpe. We found Linda to be an exciting, dynamic woman who was always willing to help. Plus, she was fun to work with...!!]

Woman, Man Arrested for
Theft of Fishing Poles

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT} -- Late Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, shortly before midnight, Bradenton Police arrested a woman and a man after they allegedly stole several fishing poles.

Above, L to R, Amy Elizabeth Donaghy and David John Jackson

According to the arrest report from BPD, the man, David John Jackson, 60, of Naples, drove Amy Elizabeth Jackson, 29, of Bradenton, to a residence in the 3500 block of Oxford Drive, in Bradenton, for the purpose of stealing the fishing poles.

Upon arrival, Amy walked up to a pickup truck, took the poles and placed them in Jackson's vehicle, then fled the area in Jackson's vehicle.

Police were called and they almost immediately stopped Jackson's vehicle in the 2500 block of 30th Avenue East.

Jackson told police officers he knew they were going there so Amy could steal the poles and he knew the victim.

Amy told officers she stole them and was going to sell them because she needed money for food and drugs.

Both were arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Vehicle.

They both remain in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $5,000 each.

Sheriff Reports Dog Bite
to a Juvenile

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, at about 3:30 p.m., Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a dog bite complaint in the 5700 block of 11th Street East, Bradenton.

Upon arrival, deputies found neighbors were restraining a pit bull terrier.

The pit bull terrier allegedly bit the four-year-old male victim, Fernando Garfeas.

The boy was bitten in the face at approximately 3:20 p.m.

EMS paramedics responded and the child was transported to All Children's Hospital at 3:50 p.m. with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Animal control officers responded to the scene.

The sheriff's report did not indicate a disposition of the dog.

Bradenton Police, Others Heading
to 2009 Presidential Inauguration

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Twenty one members of the Bradenton Police Department are heading to Washington, D.C., Sunday morning to assist in the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

All salaries, lodging, travel and meal expenses will be reimbursed by the Washington. D.C., Metropolitan Police Department, said Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski, who called the City’s participation in the 56th inauguration “a great honor.”

The Metropolitan Police Department asked Chief Radzilowski for at least 50 volunteers to join the roughly 4,000 members of law enforcement being assembled for the inauguration – the largest number of law enforcement ever for a presidential inauguration – of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president.

Chief Radzilowski extended the offer to law enforcement agencies in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Members from the Sarasota, Palmetto and Holmes Beach police departments and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office volunteered.

Law enforcement officers received permission from their respective bosses – Chief Radzilowski, Police Chief Garry Lowe of Palmetto, Police Chief Peter Abbott of Sarasota, Police Chief Jay Romaine of Holmes Beach and Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube – to participate in the inauguration.

The team will meet at the Sarasota Police Department at 7 a.m. Sunday before departing by bus to the airport.

Capt. Russell Tibbitts of the Bradenton Police Department, commander of the Manatee-Sarasota contingency, said shifts at BPD have been adjusted to ensure against any lapses in local law enforcement.

Twenty Bradenton officers participated in the previous inauguration – a once-in-a-lifetime experience, police officials agree. Capt. Tibbitts said this will be the first time he has participated in the inauguration of the president.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

Crime Stats for 2008
for City of Bradenton
Released by Chief

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski, crime went down in every category in 2008, with the exception of Robbery, for an approximate 5.2 percent decrease.

They had 5 more robberies in 2008 than they had in 2007.

The City of Bradenton has enjoyed an overall decrease in crime for 5 straight years, Radzilowski said.

Chief Radzilowski said between 2003, when they started their Community Policing Philosophy, and 2008 overall crime has decreased a whopping 27.1 percent in the City of Bradenton.

From 2003 to 2008:

Murder was down 22.4 percent
Sex Offenses were down 59.5 percent
Robbery "broke even"
Aggravated Assaults increased 31.5 percent
Burglary was down 43.5 percent
Larceny was down 21.6 percent
Auto Thefts were down 65.2 percent

According to NewsManatee archives, there were 3 murders in the city in 2008.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Arrests Texas Fugitive for
Indecency to Child

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On January 13th, 2009, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Warrants Deputies, in conjunction with the US Marshall’s Service, Florida Regional Fugitive Taskforce, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents arrested Carlos Dante Melgar, 53, of 3818 Callindra Drive, Sarasota.

Carlos Dante Melgar

Melgar was arrested on a fugitive warrant from Harris County, Texas where he is wanted in connection to a violation of probation for Felony Indecency to a Child.

Melgar is also wanted on a US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detainer reference Deported Criminal/Aggravated Felon Status.

Melgar has been living in the Sarasota area for approximately one year.

Woman Found Dead After
Sarasota Residential Fire

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, January 14th, 2009, at approximately 6:43 a.m. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Sarasota County Fire Department responded to a house fire at 4913 Habana Drive, Sarasota.

One male subject was able to escape the fire. However, one female subject was unable to escape the home. Her body was subsequently discovered in the rear of the house.

The victim has been identified as Janice K. Engman, 59.

This incident is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office.

Grow House Raided, One Busted;
1st Charlotte Pot Grow House
for 2009; 35th since 2006

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives arrested Michael Anthony Lanzetta, 49, 2451 Suffolk St., Port Charlotte, Tuesday, and shut down the first marijuana grow house in the county for 2009.

Michael Anthony Lanzetta

Acting on a tip, a search warrant was served at 1:00 p.m. and Lanzetta let detectives into his home. The master bedroom had been converted into a grow house that contained 101 marijuana plants. These plants were growing in a hydroponic manner utilizing the usual special lights, irrigation, fertilizers and cooling systems. Lanzetta told detectives the marijuana was a hobby and it was only for his personal use.

Narcotics detectives also found 10 glass jars that contained 221.4 grams of marijuana (nearly 8 ounces, or 1/2 pound). Lanzetta was charged with Trafficking in Marijuana, Cultivation of Marijuana, Owning a Residence for Manufacturing Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and bond was set at $18,500;

Lanzetta made bond and was released Tuesday night.

The CCSO Narcotics Unit raided three grow houses in 2006; 14 in 2007, and 17 in 2008.

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).

Baby Cribs Recalled Over
Suffocation Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported about 535,000 Stork Craft Baby Cribs were recalled on Tuesday due to entrapment and suffocation risks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission.

Above, one of the cribs being recalled
(Photo courtesy WKMG)

The CPSC said metal support brackets used to support the crib mattress can crack and break. When one or more of the support brackets breaks, the mattress can collapse and create a dangerous gap between the mattress and crib rails.

The CPSC said 10 incidents have been reported where mattress support brackets broke, including a toddler who sustained bruises to his forehead. Another child reportedly became entrapped in the gap between the mattress and the drop rail, but did not suffer any injuries.

Any Stork Craft Baby cribs sold between May 2000 and November 2008 are included in this recall.

Retailers that carry Stork Craft cribs are: J.C. Penney, Kmart and Wal-Mart stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com and Walmart.com, WKMG said.

Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free replacement kit by calling their toll-free number at 866-361-3321 or going to the company's Web site at www.storkcraft.com.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Two
SUR-13 Gang Members, One
Other, Following Drive-By
Shooting

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Danny Duran, 18, of 2526 7th Avenue East, Bradenton; Irwin Sanchez, 18, of 603 59th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton, both known SUR-13 gang members; and Ricky Ruiz, 18, no address given.

Above, Danny Duran, Irwin Sanchez and Ricky Ruiz

A Bradenton Police report said on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2009, shortly after midnight, an officer responded to a residence in the 800 block of 23rd Street East, Bradenton, on a report of a drive-by shooting.

Upon arrival, the officer met with a witness who said she observed Danny Duran lean out the front passenger side of a small red car and fire several shots from a handgun at her brother. She said "words" were exchanged just prior to the shooting. She said Duran was the shooter and Sanchez was the driver.

The officer went to 2525 7th Avenue East, where he knew Duran hung out. He spotted the vehicle in the incident, but drove around the block while he called for backup.

Meanwhile, the vehicle started to leave that location and the officer stopped it. Inside were Sanchez, the driver in the shooting incident, and Ricky Ruiz, 18, aka "Smoke," of no listed address. The backup units arrived and both were removed from the vehicle and handcuffed.

The officer then went back to the address where he believed Duran was and asked a woman who answered the door if Duran was there. She said he was and the officer asked her to have him to step outside.

Duran was then handcuffed and a witness to the shooting was transported to the location, who positively identified Duran as the shooter and Sanchez as the driver of the vehicle.

Duran was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Display of a Weapon and Use of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony. Sanchez was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, with Knowledge. Ruiz was charged on a felony warrant of Burglary to an Unoccupied Vehicle.

Holmes Beach Police Arrest
Intoxicated Man at Bar
with Gun, Drugs

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- Holmes Beach Police have arrested James Henry Royals, 54, of 408 Clark Lane, in Holmes Beach.

James Henry Royals

Holmes Beach Police Officers Joel Pierce and Steve Wolff said on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2009, at about 2:45 a.m., Royals, a driver for Island Taxi, was at the Anchor Inn bar, located at 3007 Gulf Drive, in Holmes Beach.

While there, Royals allegedly told an unnamed victim he was going to shoot someone and asked the victim if he wanted to get shot.

The victim was in fear for his life and ran from the scene, along with two other witnesses.

Holmes Beach Police were called. They found Royals at the bar with a locked box in his possession, on his lap.

Upon opening the locked box, they found a fully loaded Jennings .380 firearm inside, along with three drugs: Diazepam, Oxycodone and Xanax.

Police discovered that Royals did not have a prescription for any of the drugs.

They said Royals blew a .119 on a Breathalyzer about 3 hours after the incident. The legal limit in Florida is .08.

Royals was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Use of a Firearm While Under the Influence of Alcohol and 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Royals remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $8,500.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Aiming Truck at Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Robert L. Sauer, 28, of Sarasota.

Robert L. Sauer

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at about 10:20 p.m., Robert L. Sauer was outside a residence in the 700 block of 65th Avenue East, spinning his tires.

Kasandra Branning went outside and yelled at him, "Are you done yet?"

Sauer stuck his head out the window and yelled something at her and told her to call the cops. So she did.

At that point, Carrie Hartley, who was Sauer's passenger, got out of the truck. She later told deputies she and Sauer had been arguing about him drinking and driving.

Sauer drove 3 houses down and turned the truck around. He then drove toward Branning. When he was about 25 feet from her, he sped up and aimed his truck at her, causing Branning to jump out of the way.

Witnesses confirmed Sauer's actions.

Sauer was arrested about two hours later in the 900 block of Wilmerling Avenue and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle.

Was This Man Robbed, or
What Really Happened?

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Now here's a weird story. A man told Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies he had been beaten and robbed, then abandoned by three men he had been playing pool with all night, plus an additional man they picked up later, but couldn't describe them, their vehicle, or where the robbery took place. Was he really robbed? You be the judge.

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at about 1:30 a.m., Matthew Mullen, 23, of 59th Avenue Drive West, in Bradenton, waved down a passing deputy at the 1500 block of Cortez Road West and claimed he had been beaten up and robbed, according to a report issued by Sgt. John Scowfoe.

Mullen had small cuts on his face and a split lip. EMS was requested and treated Mullen.

According to the victim, Mullen, he had been playing pool at Livingston's on south 14th Street in Manatee County with three Hispanic males whom he did not know. They were leaving and asked Mullen if he wanted to go "party."

Mullen agreed and got into their vehicle. They drove to an unknown area and picked up a Black male.

The four men and Mullen then drove to "a dark area" near the 1500 block of Cortez Rd., possibly behind the Best Buy store. All four suspects then dragged Mullen out of the car and beat him, then took his wallet containing $97 cash and his birth certificate, Mullen claimed.

Although Mullen did not seem to be intoxicated, he could not provide a description of any of the suspects, even after playing pool with three of them all evening, Sgt. Scowfoe wrote. He also could not provide any description of the vehicle he had been riding in, not even the color. And he could not advise where the incident had occurred, even though he had just walked from the scene to where he flagged down the Deputy.

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

2 Greedy Burglars Return
to Scene of Crime, Steal
Again; Arrested

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives arrested greedy burglars who had broken into the Embarq storage yard several times; hiring a security officer paid off.

Above, L to R, Michael Lewis Provau and Kellie Dawn Drymon

Embarq officials hired a security firm following numerous incidents the past few months when the back fence was cut and copper wire stolen; the latest two thefts occurred Jan. 6 and 7 at 4195 Kings Highway in Charlotte Harbor amounting to $4,356 in stolen wire.

Then, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at 5:09 a.m. the security officer saw a Saturn SUV back up to the rear of the fenced yard and saw a man who was wearing all black clothing cut the fence.

Security contacted CCSO and as K-9 and deputies arrived, the suspect, Michael Lewis Provau, 32, 21798 Edgewater Dr., Port Charlotte, jumped over the fence and fled into a wooded area.

Detectives said Provau’s girlfriend, Kellie Dawn Drymon, 35, 205 Pompano Ave., Venice, was found inside the SUV. Also inside were bolt cutters, a glove, hatchet sheath, saws, flashlight and several tools. A hatchet was found inside the storage yard where 100 feet of copper wire had been attempted to be stolen; it was valued at $2,195. The hatchet was used to cut up the wire into pieces. Also located in the SUV was an unlawful police/fire scanner which was turned on.

About an hour later, a deputy saw Provau running from behind a vehicle at Edgewater Dr. and Bayshore Rd. wearing no shirt (in 40 degree weather) where he was detained. Detectives said his boots matched boot marks in the Embarq storage yard.

Provau and Drymon were taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Grand Theft, Possession of Burglary Tools, Burglary, and Possession of an Unlawful Police/Fire Scanner. Bond was set for both at $11,000.

Crack Dealer Arrested After
3 Undercover Purchases

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, Jan. 11, 2009, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detectives arrested a crack cocaine dealer after three undercover purchases were made in December.

Sherwood "Woody" Barthelus

Detectives arrested Sherwood “Woody” Barthelus, 21, of 23136 Allen Ave., Port Charlotte; the buys were made at undisclosed locations Dec. 8, 23 and 29.

A CCSO Narcotics detective saw Barthelus in a restaurant parking lot on Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte, and had probable cause to arrest him stemming from the three previous undercover purchases of crack cocaine. Backup deputies were called and arrested Barthelus. When he was taken into custody he had two plastic baggies in his lap that contained 2.1 grams of crack.

Barthelus was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with three counts of Sale and Delivery of Crack Cocaine, four counts of Possession of Crack Cocaine, and one count of Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia. Barthelus is a convicted felon.

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).

Judge Bans Woman from
McDonald's Restaurant
After Ruckus

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 20-year-old woman accused of attacking the father of her baby while he was on the job at McDonald's has been banned by a judge from the fast-food outlet, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Sabrina Lynn Sprague, of Palm Bay, was charged with battery and also ordered not to have any further contact with the man. She has a hearing on the charges Jan. 26.

Palm Bay police said Sprague went to the McDonald's at 4705 Babcock St. on Friday and confronted the man about the child.

A police report indicates that the man repeatedly asked Sprague to leave. The woman then yelled obscenities and struck the man in the face, the report said.

Police arrived and took Sprague into custody.

She was later taken to the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes, WKMG said.

FDLE, Others Commemorate
Amber Alert Awareness Day

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner (FDLE) Gerald Bailey joined Florida’s local, state, federal, and private partners yesterday, Jan. 13, 2009, to commemorate National AMBER Alert Awareness Day.

Above, Amber Hagerman

Each year, on January 13, the U.S. Department of Justice remembers the abduction and brutal murder of nine-year-old Amber Hagerman that occurred 13 years ago in Texas, and for whom the AMBER plan was named after.

“In today’s world everyone has technology at their fingertips,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “We’re asking Floridians to sign up today to help law enforcement save lives. Our goal is to send out an alert that reaches every person in this state and enlists them in the search for an abducted child.”

FDLE, in conjunction with the Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Association of Broadcasters, Inc., established the Florida AMBER Plan in 2000. Florida was the second state in the nation to take the partnership for AMBER Alerts statewide. Since that time, the AMBER Plan has expanded to include billboards, dynamic highway message signs and lottery machines.

Each year, approximately 49,000 children are reported missing in Florida, with the majority of those being runaways. In 2008, the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse issued 12 AMBER Alerts. Since the program’s inception in 2000, 137 AMBER Alerts have been issued and 45 children have been located as a direct result.

Also yesterday, the U. S. Department of Justice kicked off the Missing Children Poster Contest. The annual contest invites fifth-grade students to develop artwork that focuses on bringing missing children home safely. The winning artwork will be displayed at the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony in May in Washington, D.C. For more information on the poster contest, visit http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/programs/postercontest/

To learn more about Florida’s AMBER Plan or to sign up to receive alerts, visit www.missingchildrenalert.com or www.fdle.state.fl.us.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Thieves Attempt Robbery
of Bank's ATM; K-9 Tracks,
Thieves Escape

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Monday, January 12, 2009, at about 2:53 a.m., thieves attempted to steal an ATM machine from the Bank of America branch located at 5315 39th Street East, Bradenton.

Above, Deputy K-9 Vito

A bank alarm was received from the ATM and several deputies responded to the scene within moments.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the ATM machine had been stolen and the thieves left behind a front end loader.

The ATM transmitted a GPS signal until it reached the intersection of Plantation Circle and Honore Avenue. At that point, the GPS signal ended and a canvas of the area was conducted.

The vehicle with the ATM inside was located in the parking lot of the Fresh Market, located at Honore and University.

K-9 handler Deputy Petta, and his Dep. K-9 Vito were called in to track the thieves. Dep Petta and Dep. K-9 Vito tracked along University until they reached Park Blvd. At that time, the scent vanished and there were no more leads to follow.

The ATM representative arrived and examined the machine. Initially, the representative said no money was taken and no deposits on initial inspection were removed. That will be confirmed at a later time, he said.

The front end loader at the original scene and the vehicle with the ATM were towed and impounded for processing.

The vehicle with the ATM was registered out of Dade City, Florida, and is believed to have been stolen.

The investigation continues.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man, 27,
for Lewd & Lascivious Act on
Teenage Boy

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Marcos Contreras, 27, of 4504 20th Street West, Bradenton.

Marcos Contreras

A report from the Bradenton Police Department said on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at about 8 p.m., Manatee County Sheriff's Sergeant Andy Ramdath approached a vehicle in the 5500 block of 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton. The vehicle was parked with no lights on in a darkened area at the location.

When Sgt. Ramdath approached, the occupants sat up from a reclined position.

When Sgt. Ramdath spoke to the victim, a boy between the ages of 12 and 15, he told the sergeant Contreras promised him they would go to a Wal-Mart store. Instead, Contreras drove to the darkened area and parked.

After parking, the boy said Contreras reached across in front of the boy, reclined the seat in the vehicle and removed the boy's seat belt. Conteras then touched the boy's genital area over his clothes, the report from BPD said the boy said.

Sergeant Ramdath contacted the Bradenton Police Department, as the incident occurred in BPD's jurisdiction.

When BPD interviewed Contreras, Contreras said he was only trying to get a CD off the floor board and brushed the boy's genital area with his hand and then again as he was removing his hand from the floor board area.

Contreras was arrested and charged with a Lewd and Lascivious Act on a Child 12-15 Years Old.

The report did not say whether the boy was being molested by Contreras.

Contreras remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Man Tries to Shoot Ex-Wife's
Boyfriend; Juvie Son Intervenes,
Struggles with Dad & Unloads Rifle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jeff Lowery Pearson III, 38, of 4302 37th Street East, Bradenton.

Jeff Lowery Pearson III

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, shortly before 5 p.m., Pearson's ex-wife, their juvenile son and the ex-wife's new flame drove to Pearson's 5-wheel camping trailer, where Pearson lives, to retrieve the juvenile son's belongings. Pearson knew they were coming.

When they arrived and drove down the driveway, they were met by Pearson, who was holding a rifle and aiming it in the direction of the ex-wife's boyfriend, saying, "I'm gonna shoot you. Get off my property."

Pearson's juvenile son jumped out of the vehicle and wrestled with Pearson for control of the rifle. While doing this, the boy unloaded the weapon, but was unsure if he got all the shells out, he later told deputies.

Pearson then turned the rifle around, using it like a baseball bat and came at the vehicle, yelling at the ex-wife's boyfriend to leave, the report said.

Meanwhile, the ex-wife called 911 and the three drove down the street to wait for deputies.

Deputies found the rifle in Pearson's camping trailer, with one round inside.

Pearson was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Pearson later posted a $15,000 bond and was released from jail.

Ice Cream Vendor Beaten,
Robbed; Culprits Escaped

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the robbery of an ice cream vendor on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, shortly after 5 p.m.

According to the sheriff's office, Bernardo Salina, 57, of Bradenton, was in the 5900 block of 8th Street Court East, in Bradenton, when he was attacked.

Salina told deputies two men approached him and struck him with a bat, took about $170 in cash from him, then ran off, but not before striking him again with the bat.

Deputies could not locate the culprits, who were not described.

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

Manatee County Creating
Online Database Directory
to Link Neighborhoods

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County government is asking all homeowners associations, neighborhood groups and Crime Watch organizations to sign up for a new directory that’s being compiled to help the county keep in touch with the people who live here.

Debbie DeLeon, neighborhood specialist with Manatee County Neighborhood Services Department, said the county will use the new neighborhood directory to contact specific areas when news or events arise.

“We’ll use this as a tool for communication when things happen,” DeLeon said. “The database could be used if there are conferences, training seminars or happenings in your area. We’ll also be able to contact residents as we seek their input on certain topics.”

The county’s Information Outreach division plans to collect community feedback by using the registry to reach citizens. Information Outreach aims to send occasional brief surveys to residents, polling specific areas on topics pertinent to their community.

“We want to give Manatee County residents another avenue for communicating with local government,” said Nicholas Azzara, Information Outreach coordinator.

Registering on the database is free and easy. HOA presidents and neighborhood leaders may find the registration form at www.mymanatee.org.

Anyone interested may also call Debbie DeLeon at (941) 749-3029 or Nicholas Azzara at (941) 745-3771 to learn more or to obtain a directory form.

E-mail addresses and phone numbers submitted as part of the directory will become a public record.

Sarasota Police Investigating
Pedestrian vs. Vehicle Crash

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at 6:55 p.m., Sarasota Police were called to a crash at 12th Street and Lockwood Ridge Road.

The facts in the case determined Manuel Ramos Patino was walking south on Lockwood Ridge Road at 12th Street. Ramos Patino disregarded the traffic control device and proceeded to cross the road.

He was struck by a 1991 Toyota driven Matthew T. Gregg of the 6000 block 28th Street East, in Bradenton.

Gregg's vehicle sustained approximately $1,000 in damages.

The investigation is being handle by SPD's Traffic Unit due to serious injuries sustained by the pedestrian.

Charges are pending.

DUI Checkpoint Results
from Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office hosted DUI Safety Checkpoints on Friday, January 9th, 2009, at the 1300 block of Beneva Road; Stickney Point Road and Avenue A; and the 3600 block of Tuttle Avenue.

During the night’s operation, there were 9 DUI arrests, and 4 arrests for No Valid Driver’s License, and one arrest for Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams.

In addition, there were 55 traffic citations issued for various violations.

Also participating were officers from North Port Police Department.

14-Year-Old Dies in Cave-In
Accident in Port Charlotte

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit released the name of the 14-year-old North Port teen killed in a construction site cave-in Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2009, in Port Charlotte. Danilo Riccardi, Jr., of 3043 Lemay Lane, was extracted from the cave-in hole about three hours after the incident occurred.

The father, Danilo Riccardi, Sr., had gone to the parking lot construction site for the new Bethani Seventh Day Adventist Church at 24300 Harborview Rd. He asked his other sons, ages 12 and 14, along with Danilo Jr., to come with him. Danilo reportedly went into an 8-10 foot deep hole to get water to mix cement when the cave-in occurred. It is uncertain how long he was under the muddy mixture of sand and water. When Danilo, Jr., was located in the hole, the boy’s father tried unsuccessfully to save him.

The CCSO got the call at 3:26 p.m. and arrived six minutes later; two deputies also tried to get the boy out to no avail. Charlotte County Fire and EMS arrived and started the long process of shoring up the hole to prevent further cave-ins on rescue workers. The boy’s body was finally recovered shortly after 6 p.m. and taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

CCSO Major Crime’s detectives also contacted OSHA who will begin their investigation into the death at the construction site.

Man Arrested for Robbing
Bowling Alley Moments
After Crime

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Leonard Lavern Robertson, 33, of 4567 Mongite Rd., North Port, for armed robbery of Treasure Lanes Bowling Alley, 1059 Tamiami Trail at 7:18 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009.

Leonard Lavern Robertson

Robertson went in, pulled a knife on a cashier and demanded cash.

As he exited with some cash, two patrons followed Robertson out into the parking lot; one was an off-duty North Port Police officer. The two of them held Robertson until deputies arrived.

CCSO Major Crime’s detectives were called to the scene. They located Robertson’s vehicle not far from the bowling alley with the keys in the ignition.

Robertson admitted to MCU detectives that he had robbed the employee at the register.

Robertson said he committed the crime because he wanted money for drugs because he was almost down off his high.

Burglary Tip Uncovers Home
With Drugs, Guns; Three
Arrested

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a witness to a suspected burglary called authorities about the incident, leading Orange County authorities to a house equipped with surveillance cameras that contained drugs and guns, deputies said.

More than a dozen Orange County sheriff's deputies late Sunday night entered a home on Jamajo Boulevard, north of state Road 50 near Orlando Executive Airport, to search for two burglary suspects.

Six people were inside the home, two of whom were arrested on burglary charges and another who was arrested on an outstanding warrant, deputies said.

"The bottom line is this: People are getting tired of being victims of crimes, and citizens and even off-duty deputies are seeing crimes (taking place), and they're calling 911. Those are the people who help us catch the bad guys," Spike Hopkins of the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

Stolen items, an assault rifle, handgun and other weapons were also found inside the house, Orange County sheriff's deputies said.

Surveillance cameras were mounted in different places outside the home, and deputies said they are investigating to see if drugs were being sold from the house, WKMG reported.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Deputies Arrest Three
for Premeditated Armed
Robbery Friday Night

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Three of four people who planned to commit an armed robbery were arrested Friday night at about 10:30 p.m. following the commission of the crime, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, L to R, Stephen Hartley, Krystal Hartley and Januel Ruiz

The report said Stephen Hartley, 21, Krystal Hartley, 18, Januel Ruiz, 19, and Michelle McClellan planned to rob Gozalez Mateo and Cesar Aivares with a knife and toy gun.

The victims, Mateo and Aivares, were brought to the robbery location, 501 37th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, by Krystal Hartley while Michelle McClellan and Stephen Hartley retrieved Januel Ruiz to commit the crime.

The victims were invited into the home by Krystal Hartley. It was her residence.

Michelle McClellan returned with Ruiz and Stephen Hartley.

McClellan then waited in the running getaway car a block away while Ruiz and Stephen Hartley walked to the crime scene.

Stephen Hartley was armed with a knife and Ruiz was armed with a toy gun.

Stephen Hartley and Ruiz entered the home, displayed the weapons, and battered the victims. The victim’s wallets were stolen from the victims’ persons.

Meanwhile, a neighbor called 911 while watching the incident unfold.

Upon law enforcement's arrival, McClellan was confronted in the getaway car. Krystal Hartley approached the getaway car on foot and was detained.

Moments later, Ruiz and Stephen Hartley returned to the getaway car. They saw deputies on scene, turned and ran and hid as deputies announced and gave chase.

Both were subsequently arrested.

The victims' wallets were recovered from Ruiz' possession. The knife and now broken toy gun were recovered from the crime scene.

Two initially uncooperative witnesses were found, who confirmed in affidavits that the crime was preplanned and executed by the listed suspects. The witnesses were not named in the report.

Stephen Hartley, of 5004 21st Street West, Bradenton; Krystal Hartley, of 501 37th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton; and Januel Ruiz, of 610 60th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton, were all charged with Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, and two counts of Armed Robbery. Stephen Hartley and Ruiz were additionally charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence. Michelle McClellan, of 2427 Eugene Street, in Sarasota, was apparently not charged; there is no record of her arrest on the sheriff's website.

Stephen Hartley, Krystal Hartley and Januel Ruiz remain in the Manatee County Jail.

Man, Woman Arrested
in Bradenton Beach
Smoking Crack, Pot

BRADENTON BEACH, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- According to a report from the Anna Maria Islander, Bradenton Beach Police have arrested Lynn L. Hostetler, 57, of Palmetto, and Jeannette Lee White, 26, of Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Lynn L. Hostetler and Jeannette Lee White

The Islander report said on Sunday, January 4, 2009, Bradenton Beach Police Officers stopped at a parked vehicle in the 800 block of Gulf Drive South, eight blocks south of Cortez Road West (Cortez Beach).

Police noticed a strong smell of drugs coming from the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, police found crack cocaine, crack pipes and marijuana. They also found $383.

Hostetler was charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. White was charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana.

Both have since bonded out of jail.

[Ed. Note: The Anna Maria Islander is a news partner of NewsManatee and we frequently share stories.]

Several Juveniles Take on Cops;
Three of them Lose, Get Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at about 3:30 a.m., a juvenile with a warrant was spotted walking with several other juveniles. In an attempt to arrest the wanted kid, three of them got arrested, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said several juveniles were observed walking at the 600 block of 57th Avenue East. One of the juveniles was known to have an active warrant.

Detective Parham and Sgt. Pease attempted to stop the wanted juvenile, but three fled on foot.

As the fleeing subjects were chased, three others began to follow and were ordered to stop by Detective Parham.

One of the juveniles pushed Detective Parham twice and was restrained.

As Detective Parham restrained this subject another juvenile grabbed his arm in an attempt to prevent the arrest.

Both juveniles were then arrested for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

The third juvenile was arrested for Obstruction by arriving Deputies as he approached Detective Parham in a threatening manner after being ordered to leave.

The juvenile with the warrant was not located.

The juveniles were not named in the report.

Hispanic Male Beaten, Robbed
By 4 Hispanic Males; One Was
Armed with a 9mm Handgun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the beating and robbery of a pedestrian on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at about 10 p.m.

The report said while Napoleon Lopez, 22, was walking home from the store he was approached by 4 unknown Hispanic males in the 900 block of 35th Avenue West, Bradenton.

One of the men hit Lopez in the head with a bottle and the others began to beat on him also, the report said.

One of the men took Lopez' necklace and they all fled in a white car.

Lopez had a large lump on the right side of his forehead and a one-inch laceration. Lopez refused medical treatment.

Lopez did not have an answer to why he waited almost 4 hours to report the crime.

The attackers were described as 4 Hispanic males. One was wearing a black shirt and was armed with a black 9mm handgun; another was wearing a blue t-shirt and two others were wearing white T-shirts. All four had black hair. The "white car" the attackers allegedly escaped in was not further described.

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

Pedestrian Robbed of Bike
By Black Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a Black male stole James Cartwright's bike on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at about 12:45 a.m.

Cartwright, 53, of the 1900 block of 31st Avenue East was walking to a friend's house from the Circle K at 30th Avenue West and 14th Street West, Bradenton, when he was approached from behind by a Black male.

The Black male had a pocket knife in his left hand, but it was not open. He then punched Cartwright several times and took his bicycle.

The robber then fled east on 34th Avenue West.

The area was searched by deputies, but the robber was not located.

Cartwright was not injured.

The robber was described in the report as an unknown Black male in his 30s, 5'10" tall and weighing 160 pounds.

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

Bradenton Man Loses Life
in Motorcycle, Van Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal collision Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at about 9:45 a.m. in the 4600 block of U.S. 41 between a van and a motorcycle.

According to FHP, Matthew S. Grommes, 24, of 6727 11th Street West, Bradenton, was eastbound, exiting a driveway of Bradenton Donuts, 4616 14th Street West to U.S. 41 (14th Street West). He was driving a 2007 Chevy van.

A motorcycle, driven by Edward A. Watts, 31, of 519 51st Street West, Bradenton, was southbound on U.S. 41 in the center lane, approaching the driveway of Bradenton Donuts.

The drier of the van said he was turning left out of the driveway to travel northbound on U.S. 41 and entered the path of the motorcycle.

The driver of the motorcycle applied both front and rear brakes, but was unable to avoid contact with the van.

The motorcycle struck the left front and side of the van.

After the impact, the motorcycle traveled southbound without its driver, Watts, and came to rest in front of McDonalds restaurant, traveling 133 feet.

Watts was thrown from the motorcycle and came to rest on U.S. 41 in the area of the crash.

He was flown to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Grommes was cited for Violation of Right of Way from a Driveway.

Kid's Bike Almost Stolen
By Two Teenagers

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a juvenile's bike was almost stolen on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at about 8:45 p.m.

The victim, who was not named in the report, was riding his bike by the football field at G.T. Bray park, 5504 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, when he was approached by two White males, approximately 17 years old.

One of the teenagers kicked the victim in the leg and the other punched the victim in the face.

Both teenagers demanded the victim give them his bike.

The victim was able to hold on to his bike and ride away.

The victim had a red mark on the left side of his face and refused any medical attention.

The would-be thieves were not located.

They were only further described as wearing jackets.

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.

Tennis Legend, Nick Bolletieri To Be
Keynote Speaker for Leadership
Prayer Breakfast; Benefits
Underprivileged Kids

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The tennis legend and president of IMG Academies, Nick Bollettieri, will be the keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual Leadership Prayer Breakfast to benefit Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.

Above, Nick Bollettieri

Nick Bollettieri will inspire the audience on Thursday, February 5th at 7:30 a.m. at the Renaissance on 9th, Bradenton. The Leadership Prayer Breakfast includes many local dignitaries, religious leaders, educational and community leaders. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the powerful and proven success of the Take Stock in Children college scholarship and mentor program. The event will raise awareness, motivate the community to mentor students, and raise scholarship dollars that are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Sponsorships of the event are available.

Take Stock in Children is a college scholarship and mentor program for low-income, at- risk students. The Take Stock in Children program accepts students as early as the sixth grade through an application process. Once the student is selected, the student along with their parent or guardian, sign a performance contract committing to good grades and behavior, remaining drug free and crime free, and most importantly, to meet with a mentor for thirty minutes per week, every week during the school year, on the school campus. Upon graduation, as long as the student has maintained their agreement, they receive a 4 year college scholarship. The Take Stock in Children program has a 96% success rate, of keeping students in school, receiving their diploma, attending college and entering the workforce.

Nick Bollettieri is one of the most influential people in the world of tennis. He brings his own passionate style to everything he does and a message that cannot be ignored. He has always relied on his resilient and positive attitude and unique strengths to enable him to attain his current level of success. Nick is extremely zealous about giving back to the community and is especially inspired by programs that help children. The Leadership Prayer Breakfast is mirrored after the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C. since 1953. Every U.S. president since Dwight D. Eisenhower has participated in the breakfast. The event is an opportunity to bring leaders together to develop relationships that might not otherwise happen.

Sarasota County Deputies
Arrest Two for Theft of
Lifeguard Vehicle

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, January 8th, 2008, Sarasota County detectives arrested two suspects who stole a Sarasota County lifeguard vehicle.

Above, L to R, John P. Schutz and Rhonda J. Tolbert

The 2003 Ford Ranger truck was stolen from 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, sometime between December 28th and December 29th, 2008.

The vehicle and equipment was recovered by deputies on December 29th, 2008, in the parking lot of 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Detectives charged John P. Schutz, 18, with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and Rhonda J. Tolbert, 23, with Trespass in a Conveyance.

Both subjects are homeless, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office report said.

Charlotte Detectives Solve
Multiple Crimes with Arrest
of Prison Escapee

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives solved multiple crimes and filed 12 more charges on Brandon Jeremy Bonds 25, of Port Charlotte, the Miami DOC escapee arrested in Port Charlotte Thursday. Bonds escaped from the Miami North Work Release Center Dec. 19th. He was located behind businesses at 1225 Tamiami Tr. Detectives located a stolen vehicle from Port St. Lucie near where Bonds was arrested; inside were numerous stolen items.

Brandon Jeremy Bonds

Detectives charged Bonds with four counts of Burglary to a Residence, three counts of Grand Theft, two counts of Burglary to a Vehicle, and three counts of Criminal Mischief. The cases solved were at three locations in the 1400 blocks of Stamford St., and one on Hayworth Rd., Alton Rd., and Atwater St. Items stolen included laptops, X-Box, games, movies, CD’s, camera, wallet, DVD’s, televisions, DVD players and stereo.

At Barb’s Pool Service, 1225 Tamiami Tr., three work vehicles had $3,500 in damages and someone wrote in the morning dew, the name “Jeremy” and “Brandon J. Bonds” plus other graffiti in reference to Satan. In one of the homes damaged, several satanic figures were drawn on the walls. Detectives also found a group of letters on the wall with “A-Y36” and three more numbers blocked out. Detectives believe this was in reference to Bond’s prison inmate number Y36684.

CCSO detectives continue the investigation and more charges are expected, including theft of the vehicle located behind Emerald City. Bonds was a convicted felon here in Charlotte County on four counts of Grand Theft Auto and released from the Charlotte County Jail July 31, 2008, then sent to the DOC facility in Miami.

Bonds was charged Thursday with Escape and is being held here without bond. His former local address was on Atwater St.

Sources: Casey Anthony
Intentionally Killed Caylee

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Sources close to the Casey Anthony case told Orlando television station WKMG News on Thursday that they have overwhelming evidence showing that she intentionally killed her young daughter, Caylee, and was solely responsible for the toddler's death.

Above, Caylee Anthony, 2 years old

Anthony, 22, remains jailed on first-degree murder charges in her daughter's death. Caylee was 2 years old when she was reported missing in mid-July, a month after she had last been seen. Human remains discovered last month in a wooded area near Caylee's grandparents' home were identified as the missing girl.

Sources also said investigators have now established a time frame of death that dates back to June, according to reports returned by forensic botanists and entomologists brought in to anaylyze the terrain and insect growth where Caylee's remains were found. Sources said plants were growing through the skeleton and bug evidence was also recovered, both of which helped scientists reach their conclusion.

Orange County sheriff's detectives believe Anthony took actions that led to her daughter's death June 16, which corresponds to the June time frame of death, WKMG News reported.

Investigators believe Anthony dumped Caylee's body around June 18 in the wooded area where the remains were found, sources said.

According to test results conducted on the trunk of Anthony's car by the Oakridge National Laboratory, the girl's body spent at least two days there before it was dumped, sources said.

A hair, which showed signs of decomposition, was also found in the trunk. Sources said the hair matches hair taken from Caylee's remains.

Sources said the time frame coupled with other evidence -- duct tape found over the mouth of Caylee's skull, high levels of chloroform detected in the trunk and cell phone pings from Anthony's phone that place her near the crime scene in mid-June -- points only to Anthony as the killer, WKMG reported.

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