Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 2/21/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 2/21/2009

Manatee Detective Arrests Man:
Stalked, Kidnapped Woman,
Violated Domestic Injunction

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Some men can't leave well enough alone. Now, one man is paying for violating a judge's order not to go near a woman; he's sitting in jail on a bail bond of nearly 1/4 of a million dollars.

Todd Craig Couture

Todd Craig Couture, 40, of 4422 20th Street West, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, following a harrowing ordeal that had Rhonda Hogan in fear for her life.

According to Couture's arrest report, on November 4, 2008, Rhonda and Couture attended an injunction hearing during which Judge P. Dubensky issued a final non-expireing injunction listing Rhonda as the petitioner and Couture as the respondent. Both of them signed the injunction.

Then, on January 16, 2009, Judge Logan issued a "No Contact" order stating that Couture was not to have contact with Rhonda.

Since the injunction and "No Contact" order were issued, Couture has continually violated them by calling Rhonda, sending phone text messages and having physical contact with her.

On Feb. 12, 2009, Rhonda contacted Detective Smith by phone and he went to her home to meet with her in the 2700 block of 40th Avenue West.

Rhonda told the detective that on Feb. 10th, Couture went to her home and forced her, by way of verbal threats, to go with him to his house.

Once at Couture's home, he cut up all the clothing she was wearing and gave her one of his T-shirts to wear -- all to prevent her from leaving, she told Det. Smith. He would not let her out of his sight and continually threatened her verbally.

Rhonda told Det. Smith that Couture has physically battered her several times in the past and threatened to kill her.

On Feb. 12, 2009, warrants deputies went to Couture's home to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. Couture made Rhonda hide in a closet until the deputies left, which they finally did, after about 20-30 minutes of pounding on Couture's door.

After deputies left, Couture left the house, leaving Rhonda alone. She managed to get to a neighbor's house and got a ride to her home, where she called law enforcement.

At about 5 p.m. that day, other deputies located Couture and arrested him.

During an interview with Det. Smith, Couture admitted he was with Rhonda and they were hiding in the closet.

On Feb, 17, 2009, Couture was charged with Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, Aggravated Domestic Stalking After Injunction, Violation of Pretrial Release and Obstruction.

Couture remains in the Manatee County Jail on those and 5 other earlier charges on a $244,000 bail bond.

Deputies Respond to Fight
Between Two Black Males,
Shots Fired

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office responded to a "shots fired" 911 call on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, shortly after 4 p.m.

Above, deputies question witnesses to the shooting
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Witnesses told deputies three shots were fired. One of the bullets struck a vehicle at 1013 57th Avenue Place East.

According to the sheriff's office, two Black males were fighting in the cul-de-sac at that location.

Someone gave one of the men a gun and he fired several shots, with one of them striking the vehicle, the sheriff's office said.

A request to arrest the person who fired the shots for Discharging a Firearm in Public was sent to the State Attorney's Office.

The sheriff's office would not release the name of the shooting suspect.

Several deputies responded to the call. Some of the deputies initially set up a perimeter and several deputies interviewed witnesses.

A deputy wrote in his report that the incident occupied 4 hours of their time.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Battery on His Father,
Older Than 65

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Reed Griffith, 47, of 204 46th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

Reed Griffith

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at about 10:30 p.m., Reed woke up his father, Payton Griffith, and started begging him for his car keys. Reed had been drinking, according to Payton, so Payton refused to give Reed the car keys.

The report said Reed slapped and pushed his dad to the floor and threw away Payton's cell phone so Payton couldn't phone 911. Then Reed apparently left the residence.

When Reed returned home at about 1:30 a.m., he wanted more beer, so Payton accompanied Reed to the Circle K convenience store at 904 30th Avenue East, Bradenton. When Reed got out of the car to go into Circle K, Payton got in the driver's seat and took off, leaving Reed at the store, the report said.

Payton then drove to the sheriff's office to report the incident.

Reed was arrested shortly before 5 a.m. at home.

He was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older.

Reed Griffith remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $2,000 bail bond.

Sex Offender Found Hiding Out
in Lakewood Ranch

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective, Det. Kim Zink, found Mark M. Scheuer, 50, hiding out at his mother's house in Lakewood Ranch, at 6615 Oakland Hills Drive, Bradenton. He was registered as living in Sarasota.

Mark M. Scheuer

Scheuer is a Registered Sexual Offender out of Sarasota. He had a registered address on Bay Street in Sarasota; however, according to the neighbors, he was rarely there.

Neighbors in Lakewood Ranch said he has basically been living in the Country Club for several years with his mother. In the beginning of December 2008, he physically moved his belongings out of the Bay Street address and was living full time in Lakewood Ranch.

However, he never updated his Florida ID card to reflect the change and he still registered the Sarasota address when he re-registered in January 2009 at the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Scheuer was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at about 5 p.m. for Failing to Notify DHSMV of a Change of Address and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

He remains in jail on a bail bond of $2,000.

Three Black Males Try To Steal
Juvenile's Bike, He Escaped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at about 8 p.m., three black males tried to steal a kid's bike in the 4500 block of 58th Street West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, who was not named because of his age, was riding his bike northbound on 58th Street West and came upon three Black males.

The largest of the Black males grabbed the victim's arm and demanded he give him his bike, but the victim managed to free himself and flee on his bike.

All three suspects gave chase but stopped running once they realized they would not catch up to the victim.

The area was searched for the suspects with negative results.

The victim was not injured.

The would-be robbers were not further described, except to say they were wearing dark clothing.

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

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

Bradenton Man Arrested
By Sarasota PD for
Purse Snatch

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police have arrested Andreco L. Parker, 25, of 2105 16th Street East, Bradenton.

Andreco L. Parker

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m., a woman and her husband were standing outside a restaurant at 1409 Main Street, when a man, later identified as Parker, rode up to the woman, grabbed her purse and kept riding.

As Parker was riding away, a man attempted to stop him, but Parker slammed a fist into the man and kept riding.

Police later located Parker hiding behind a dumpster in the 500 block of 6th Street. The purse was in the dumpster, but a wallet containing $40 in cash and some credit cards was missing.

Parker was arrested and charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Battery.

Parker remains in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

[Ed. Note: Parker sometimes spells his first name, Andreco, as Andrico, possibly as an attempt to confuse the justice system.]

Female Pedestrian Killed
in Sarasota Hit-and-Run

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol has released details of a fatal crash on Bee Ridge Road on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009.

FHP Lt. Chris Miller said on Thursday at 2:05 AM, a fatal hit and run crash occurred on Bee Ridge Road and Asbury Place in Sarasota County.

A 32-year-old female from Sarasota was walking across Bee Ridge Road when she was struck by a westbound vehicle. The vehicle then fled the scene.

The vehicle was described as a light colored 1994-2002 Dodge pick-up. There will be impact damage to the right front corner and headlight assembly.

The woman's name has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin, FHP said.

Anyone with information on this crash or the suspect vehicle is asked to contact Corporal D. Staley with the Florida Highway Patrol at (941) 483-5911 extension 310, or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Shooting Into Occupied Dwelling
Not Random, Deputies Say

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At 2:06 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Communication received a call that there was gunshots at 9054 Bensonhurst Lane in Englewood East.

Deputies arrived at the scene and learned that a vehicle drove by the residence and fired several rounds at the house.

One of the bullets struck Jonathan Snyder inside the residence, but the injury was not life-threatening. Mr. Snyder was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital by EMS.

There was no vehicle seen or direction of travel by Mr. Snyder.

At this time, it is undetermined what the actual cause of the shooting was, but with the limited information, deputies determined this was not a random shooting.

Members of the Major Crimes Unit and CID detectives are currently working the investigation.

Drug Activity Leads to Death
of Woman, 19, Beating of
Boyfriend, 22

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orange County sheriff's investigators said on Wednesday that the death of a 19-year-old pregnant woman and beating of her 22-year-old boyfriend were related to drugs, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Suzette Aponte was found dead inside a house Tuesday night in the Stratford Place subdivision on Malverns Loop in east Orange County. The boyfriend, who would only identify himself Thomas, had a swollen and bruised face and scrapes across his neck.

According to investigators, the couple let the attackers inside their home because they knew who they were.

Thomas, who proposed to Aponte on Valentine's Day, said he knows who the attackers are, but he would not identify them.

Aponte was an aspiring model and was expecting her first child.

Neighbors had complained about suspicious activity at the couple's home.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, several 911 calls were made Tuesday night about a disturbance at the house. Officers said the victim's boyfriend was spotted driving out of the driveway in a sport utility vehicle and crashed into a mailbox before pulling back in.

Thomas was interviewed by detectives about the incident and is cooperating. He's in protective custody, WKMG reported.

Investigators said the couple was a victim of its dangerous lifestyle and Aponte had talked to her boyfriend about leaving the drug-trade business.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sex Fugitive
Arrested in Medina, Ohio,
By U.S. Marshals

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Michael B. Dilla, 42, who was convicted of a 1991 Sexual Battery in Manatee County and was sent to a Florida prison has been arrested in Medina, Ohio, by U.S. Marshals. When Dilla was released from prison, he failed to register as a sex offender and skipped town.

Michael B. Dilla
(Mug shot courtesy Florida Dept. of Corrections)

U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott announced Dilla's arrest. He said, "Dilla was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force in Medina, Ohio, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009."

Dilla was wanted out of Florida for Assault – Felony Domestic Battery, Assault – Battery/Coerce by Retaliation and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force developed information that Dilla had fled to Ohio and requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force with locating and apprehending Dilla.

On Friday morning, the task force located Dilla in a vehicle in the 800 block of West Liberty Road in Medina, Ohio. The Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers attempted to arrest Dilla at that time and he refused to cooperate when asked to exit the vehicle. Dilla also held off authorities by holding a knife to his own throat.

The Medina County Sheriff’s Office and Medina Police Department responded to the scene to assist the task force. A negotiator from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office was successful in communicating with Dilla over a period of time. At approximately 9:45 a.m., Dilla exited the vehicle and peacefully surrendered to the law enforcement officers. Dilla was transported to the Medina County Jail to await extradition to Florida.

U.S. Marshal Peter J. Elliott ssaid, "This is another case which proves that desperate fugitives make desperate decisions which can place themselves and others in harms way. I am thankful that this situation was able to be resolved in a peaceful manner and this is credited to the professionalism of all of the law enforcement officers involved."

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

Female Multiple Bank Robber
Arrested by Multiple Agencies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The woman police say is responsible for multiple bank robberies recently in Manatee County and the City of Bradenton has been arrested.

Above, L to R, Michele Lee Blalock and
surveillance photo of one of the robberies

An arrest team consisting of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the Bradenton Police Department and the Sarasota Neighborhood Enforcement Team arrested Michele Blalock, 38, of 11910 45th Avenue West, in Cortez, Florida.

Blalock was located in Sarasota on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, and was arrested without incident.

According to a press release from the Bradenton Police Department, Blalock has confessed to committing the bank robberies.

A witness in one of the robberies recognized her and called law enforcement, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Blalock told detectives she robbed the banks because of family drug problems.

The banks in Manatee County and the City of Bradenton that Blalock robbed were:

Jan. 30 -- Fifth Third Bank in the 6600 block of Manatee Avenue West
Feb. 4 -- Fifth Third Bank 6600 block of Cortez Road
Feb. 14 -- Bank of America in the 3400 block of Cortez Road

She has been charged with 3 counts of Robbery and remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

In addition, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Detectives have charged Blalock with one count of Robbery with a Firearm for a bank robbery that occurred on February 10th, 2009, at the Bank of America, 5457 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

Bradenton Cop arrests Man
for Burglary, Grand Theft,
Violation of Parole

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police Officer Gow has arrested Johnnie A. Burston, 52, of 2011 7th Street West, Bradenton.

Johnnie A. Burston

The arrest report from BPD said on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at about 9:30 a.m., Burston entered a garage in the 600 block of Virginia Avenue, Bradenton, and stole a concrete saw valued at $900 and a gas blower valued at $125.

A witness saw Burston loading the items in his 1987 Toyota Camry station wagon and confronted Burston, who told the witness his friend said he could take the items. Burston then fled the scene with the witness in pursuit.

The witness lost Burston, but managed to get the license tag number on Burston's Toyota and called police.

Police traced the tag number and initially went to Burston's home, but Burston wasn't there.

Then, after talking with the witness and the victim, police went back to Burston's home and surrounded it, but Burston wouldn't open the door.

Police then contacted Burston's parole officer (Burston is on parole until 2016 for Burglary) and Burston's sister. They went to Burston's home and met with police. Then they entered Burston's home and found him there.

Burston wouldn't admit to the theft. He would only say he was out that morning, "taking care of business."

Burston was arrested and charged with Burglary, Grand Theft and Violation of Parole.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Manatee Detective Busts Woman
for Prescription Forgery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested Maria M. Gonzales, 38, of 2151 5th Street West, Bradenton.

Maria M. Gonzales

According to the arrest report, Gonzales went to Walgreens, 4220 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, with three prescriptions to be filled. They were for Percoset, Valium and Roxicodone.

One of the prescriptions had a prescription strength that doesn't exist. So Maria went outside and came back in with a prescription strength in the proper dosage.

The pharmacy clerk called the physician whose name appeared on the prescriptions and learned the prescriptions had not been written by him.

Maria, who apparently has mental issues (multiple personality disorder), according to the report, said her friend wrote the prescriptions. When asked if her friend was one of her personalities, Maria allegedly said, "Yes." She also said she would bring her "friend" to court with her.

Maria was taken to Manatee Glens mental health center for evaluation.

She was later charged with 3 counts each of Forgery of a Prescription and Uttering a Forged Prescription.

The prescription pad was not recovered.

Maria remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,000.

Man Arrested for Assault
with a Knife

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Randall Pevy, 33, of 1225 17th Street West, Bradenton.

Randall Pevy

The arrest report from BPD said on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, shortly before 8 p.m., Pevy's roommate, a woman, engaged in a physical altercation with a neighbor lady.

Pevy then engaged in a verbal altercation with the neighbor woman's husband.

Pevy later would say that the man allegedly pulled out a baton and threatened to do harm to Pevy.

At that point, Pevy allegedly pulled out a knife and presented it in a manner consistent with impending attack. He threatened to stab the neighbor if he didn't back off, the report said.

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

The alleged baton was not found; the knife was.

There is no indication in the report as to what the arguments were about.

Pevy remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $25,000.

Teen Stabbed at Basketball
Court in Pride Park

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sgt. Keith Noordzy, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, reported an 18-year-old boy was stabbed on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at about 1 p.m.

According to Sgt. Noordzy's report, the victim, Carlos Ramirez, Jr., told deputies he was exiting the basketball court at Pride Park when he was approached from behind by an unknown subject(s) and he was stabbed on his left lower side.

Ramirez said he didn`t get a look at the attacker(s) and he was the only one at the court.

The victim's brother said he was also with him and drove the victim to Manatee Memorial Hospital and dropped him off.

Ramirez was being treated for a laceration to his side that was not life-threatening.

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

Three Sisters Arrested
in Drug Raid

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit raided a Port Charlotte home Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 17, 2009, at 3647 Harbor Blvd., and arrested three sisters on various drug charges.

Above, Candice, Jessica and Sarah English

Arrested were Candice English, 28, Sarah English, 22, and 25 year old Jessica Rae English. The search warrant was served at 3 p.m. and detectives said Sarah English answered the door and there were four small children in the home. A search of the home found marijuana, marijuana seeds, three pipes, a bong, rolling papers, plastic baggies, and a scale, all with marijuana residue. Detectives seized $768 in cash from Candice English’s bedroom. Detectives said all the items located were easily accessible to the small children in the home.

As detectives were about to serve the warrant, they saw Jessica English drive off in her car which was stopped at Harbor Blvd. and Easton Dr. A search of her car found marijuana inside. Detectives then went to a convenience store on Tamiami Trail and arrested Candice English, a store clerk. In her purse, detectives found Clyobenzaprine pills without a prescription.

All three sisters were arrested and charged Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Candice English and Sarah English were both charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in Close Proximity of an Infant/Toddler. Candice English was also charged with Possession of Clylobenzaprine Without a Prescription.

Narcotics detectives said the house was, "A complete mess and in disarray." The Department of Children and Family Services was called and will open an investigation. A family relative took possession of the children.

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

Tip to Cops, One of 1200, Claims
Dad's Girlfriend Wasn't Home
When Haleigh Vanished

PALATKA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Investigators in a missing Florida girl case said on Tuesday that they are following a tip claiming that the girl's father's live-in girlfriend may not have been at home when the 5-year-old disappeared, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Haleigh Cummings

An Amber Alert was issued last week for Haleigh Cummings, and more than 1,200 tips have poured into a Crimestoppers hotline about the case, said investigators, who revealed that one of the tips suggested that 17-year-old Misty Croslin may not have been home the night Haleigh vanished.

Investigators in Putnam County said they are looking into the Croslin tip as a possibility.

Haleigh was reported missing from her Satsuma home just after 3 a.m. last Tuesday. Croslin told authorities she woke up and found the child missing. Within minutes, Croslin and Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, placed frantic calls to 911.

A massive search was under way by first light and an Amber Alert was issued.

Since the investigation began, Croslin has told detectives and WJXT-TV that she put Haleigh and the girl's younger brother to bed at about 8 p.m., and that at 10 p.m. both children were still in bed. Croslin tearfully described waking up, finding the back door of their mobile home open and Haleigh gone.

Croslin said when she awoke at about 3 a.m. to use the bathroom she noticed Haleigh was missing.

"I didn't make it to the bathroom. I seen the kitchen light on and I walked in the kitchen and the back door is wide open," Croslin said. "I go in the room and she's gone. And that's all I know. When I went to bed she was there and then when I got up and she was gone."

Detectives said the lead that Croslin may not have been home when Haleigh went missing is just one of many tips they are looking into.

Officials said all tips are welcome and anyone with information about Haleigh's disappearance should call at 888-277-TIPS or the FDLE's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.

FHP Troopers Fire 12 Shots
At Car, Killing Woman

ORMOND BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a woman was shot dead in Ormond Beach Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, after several Florida Highway Patrol troopers fired more than a dozen shots at her car when she would not comply with their orders, witnesses said.

The shooting took place at the intersection of Williamson and Granada boulevards.

According to police reports, the driver was reported endangered and armed out of Port Orange and was spotted by troopers on Interstate 95.

Troopers followed the car to the intersection, where they surrounded the vehicle and ordered the woman to exit the car.

She refused and troopers opened fire, witnesses said.

What appeared to be a black handgun was located next to the woman's black car. It's not known if the gun belonged to the driver.

No other information, including the victim's name, was immediately released, WKMG said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Deputy
Arrests Woman for Theft
of Car, Antique Handgun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Jessica Jill Marsh, 29, of 3820 115th Street West, Bradenton, after Marsh allegedly stole a car and an antique handgun from someone she knew.

Jessica Jill Marsh

According to the arrest report, on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at about 8:30 a.m., Marsh took the keys to a Mazda from David Knox and Terrance Britton, who she apparently lives with. The address of the theft is the same as Marsh's home address in the report.

Then Marsh took an antique handgun off a coffee table, entered the Mazda and left the residence with both the car and the handgun.

The theft was immediately reported.

A deputy came upon the car 20 minutes later in the 2500 block of 14th Street West and pulled it over. Marsh was driving the Mazda.

Inside the car, the deputy located the stolen handgun under the front driver's seat.

Two glass pipes consistent with the type used for smoking cocaine were found on the back seat of the car. Marsh admitted they belonged to her, the report said.

The pipes tested positive for cocaine residue.

The deputy noted in his report that Marsh had been convicted of Robbery on 11/7/97, a felony.

Marsh was arrested and charged with Armed Burglary, Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $22,120 bail bond.

Woman Arrested for Child
Neglect After Boy, 6,
Found Home Alone

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective, Todd Sellitto, has arrested Cherfina Johnson, 28, of the 300 block of 60th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Cherfina Johnson

According to the arrest report, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, Johnson made arrangements with a friend to take a trip to Miami with a friend.

Johnson has 4 children and made baby sitting arrangements for 3 of the 4 children. A 6-year-old boy was left home alone, with no adult care of supervision, the report said.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, an acquaintance of Johnson's went to Johnson's home to remind her to take out the trash (due to the holiday) and knocked on the door.

The 6-year-old boy answered the door and told Johnson's friend that his mother was not home and when he woke up she was gone.

The friend took custody of the boy and brought him to her home while she tried to get hold of his mother.

Det. Sellitto was told by the friend that Johnson told her that she was in Miami and the boy was left home because he didn't want to go with his brothers to the baby sitter.

Det. Sellitto then spoke with Johnson on the phone. She denied leaving her child home alone and said she doesn't know how he got back home. She said she thinks that the boy hid in the car and sneaked back in the house, unknown to her.

There were no injuries to the boy. He was taken into state custody by order of the Office of the Attorney General.

Johnson was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, and charged with Child Neglect.

Young Man, Already in Jail,
Charged with Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Thomas James Holderness, 20, of 2305 Florida Blvd., Bradenton, currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail on related charges, has been additionally charged with Burglary.

Thomas James Holderness

According to his latest arrest report, on December 9, 2008, at about 2 p.m., Holderness entered a residence in the 6400 block of 26th Street West and stole numerous items, including jewelry and a computer valued at $1,100. To do this, Holderness was not afraid of or run off by the victims dogs in the house, the report said.

Several days later, a friend of Holderness approached the victim and told her that Holderness was bragging about going into her house and taking the missing items. The friend of Holderness gave the victim back a piece of jewelry given to her by Holderness as proof.

Holderness was later found to have pawned most of the items reported as missing during the next few weeks and was arrested on those charges.

Det. Dickerman, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office made contact with the friend of Holderness and she told Det. Dickerman that Holderness gave her a necklace as a gift and told her to be careful with it because it was stolen. Holderness had admitted to his friend that he had just "walked in the front door" and was not afraid of the dogs that were in the home.

The friend told Det. Dickerman that Holderness told her that he had pawned most of the items, but sold the computer to an unknown person for $1,100.

On Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, Holderness was additionally charged with Burglary.

The total bail bond for Holderness is $44,500. He remains in the Manatee County Jail.

Man Steals Cigarettes,
Threatens Two with Gun,
Falls Asleep in Car; Busted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- It was a busy evening for Donald C. Zes, 36, of 1600 1st Avenue West, Bradenton. It's no wonder the cops found him sleeping.

Donald C. Zes

According to his arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at 5:42 p.m., Zes entered the Shell gas station convenience store and asked for a carton of Marlboro and a carton of Newports. He also selected a bag of pork rinds.

As the clerk turned around to check the price of the pork rinds, Zes stole the two cartons of cigarettes from the counter, exited the store (without the pork rinds) and ran to a 1992 red Lincoln 2-door. The clerk got the license tag number.

The car fled south on 34th Street driven by a White female, later identified as Brenda Mileski, the owner of the car. Brenda later signed an affidavit stating that she drove him to the Shell station and that he came out and told her to leave quickly.

Then, three minutes later, at 5:45 p.m., at a residence in the 3500 block of 7th Avenue West, for some reason Zes pointed a firearm at two individuals and said he was going to shoot and kill them. Both victims told deputies they were in fear for their lives and thought Zes was going to shoot them.

Later, at about 8:30 p.m., Zes was located in the 3900 block of 42nd Street West sleeping in the same vehicle he was in when he stole the cigarettes.

Also found in the vehicle was a black air gun.

Zes was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Retail Theft. There was also a minor drug charge.

Zes remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $15,240.

Banana Factory Burglarized,
Car, Person Seen on Video

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, Feb. 16, 2009, between the hours of 3:40 a.m. and 5:45 a.m., the Banana Factory Bar and Grill, located at 6916 14th Street West, in South Manatee County, was burglarized.

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, an unknown White male forced entry through a front window of the business, then forced open the door to the office and stole several items.

The burglar then left through the back door.

A NewsManatee reader reported there is surveillance video of the person, with his face covered, and the car the burglar left in, apparently a Cadillac.

The reader also reported the burglar apparently knew the layout of the popular drinking and eating spot.

The burglar alarm had not been set for some reason, the reader said.

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

DeSoto County Jail Escapee
Captured in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Jorge Emelio Delgado, 42, escaped from the DeSoto County Jail on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at about 8 p.m. He was captured on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at 2:05 p.m. in Charlotte County.

Jorge Emelio Delgado

Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies confirmed the capture on Tuesday afternoon of the escapee from DeSoto County Jail.

Delgado stole a pickup in a home invasion Tuesday morning. It was located in a shopping center in the parking lot by Burnt Store Café and Home Depot at 1:40 p.m.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit was tracking the escapee who headed south. Delgado was stopped by a Fish and Wildlife Conservation officer (FWC) and handcuffed at Burnt Store Road at 2:05 p.m. Tuesday.

The area is south of where the truck was abandoned.

Delgado was booked into the Charlotte County Jail without bond.

Man Snatches $45K Watch
From Jewelry Store Clerk

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities in Orlando are searching for a man who snatched a $45,000 watch from a worker at a Mall at Millenia jewelry store, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The Rolex watch was stolen on Friday from a worker at Park Promenade Jewelers.

According to Orlando police, the man asked the worker to show him the watch, and he snatched it from his hand.

The thief ran through the mall as the clerk screamed for help, police said. The man then drove off in a newer-model gray Toyota Camry, police said.

Orlando police were reviewing surveillance video of the incident but have not released it, WKMG said.

Fire Lieutenant Arrested
On Child Porn Charges

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a Volusia County fire lieutenant was arrested Tuesday on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography, according to a federal indictment.

Steven Bussard, 30, of Sanford, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at Station 31 in Orange City, according to a Volusia County spokesman.

Bussard has been with Volusia County Fire Services since 2000.

The firefighter, who is married, will be suspended without pay, the county spokesman said.

The child pornography was not on a county computer and it was not downloaded at the fire station, WKMG reported.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Two Men Shot, Wounded in
Sudden Ambush; Possibly
Gang-Related

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at about 8:45 p.m., a lone Hispanic male jumped out of some bushes in the 1200 block of 57th Avenue West and fired multiple rounds at three people standing near a residence at that location, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, one of the victims was just loaded into an EMS wagon
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

The report said Anthony Lugo-Vasquez, 20, Jon Merino, 18, and Ana Rivera, no age given, were standing just off the roadway at 1206 57th Avenue East.

An unknown Hispanic male came from behind several bushes and fired 5-6 shots at the victims from a black semi-automatic handgun, then fled on foot to the west.

Ana Rivera fell to the ground when the suspect opened fire and was not hit. Lugo-Vasquez was hit in both of the upper legs and Merino was struck on the right side of his upper body.

After being shot, the victims ran inside the home at that location and collapsed in the living room.

A deputy who was in the area heard the shots and located the victims shortly after the shooting.

EMS responded and transported both victims to Bayfront Medical Center with what appeared to be injuries that were not life-threatening.

Multiple deputies responded to the area, but the shooter could not be located.

The shooter was not further described, except to say it appeared he was in his 20s.

According to Manatee County court records, one of the victims, Anthony Lugo-Vasquez, had an arrest in 2008 that included two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Jon Merino had no records of arrest.

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

Bank Robbery by Same Woman
Who Robbed Three Other Banks
Reported by Sheriff's Office

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at about 12:45 p.m., a woman robbed the Bank of America branch located at 3401 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, the woman who robbed one bank on Jan. 30th
is suspected of being the robber in this incident.

The report said a White female entered the bank and presented a note.

She was given cash and left the bank with the note.

She was wearing a green army style jacket, white pants, a white scarf and sunglasses. A surveillance photo was not immediately available.

Deputies were called to the scene and canvassed the area, but could not locate the robber.

Detectives believe the woman is the same one who has successfully robbed three other banks and attempted to rob another since the first of the year.

They believe they know the woman's identity. A possible female suspect's name was included in the report, but we were asked not to release it.

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

Deputy Arrests Man Found
Sleeping in Burglarized
Vacant Residence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested William J. Meyers, 24, who gave his address as 945 Alderwood Way, Sarasota.

William J. Meyers

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at about 9:45 a.m., the property manager for 1372 Hidden Circle East, Bradenton, found Meyers sleeping in a bedroom of a vacant apartment.

The sheriff's office was called and Dep. Steven Luke responded.

Dep. Luke discovered that Meyers had broken into the apartment by breaking a front window with an unknown object.

Meyers did not have permission to be in the apartment and was not a resident of Hidden Circle Apartments, the report said.

Meyers was arrested and charged with Burglary.

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

Man Who Spit on Store's Floor,
Walls, Tasered After Attempt
to Arrest Him Goes Awry

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Lonnie McCall, 38, after McCall spit on the floor and walls of Pick 'n Pay at 2303 U.S. 41 North, in Palmetto on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at about 8 p.m.

Lonnie McCall

An arrest report said Lonnie McCall was in Pick ‘n Pay spitting on the floor and walls.

The owner, Alli Saleh, asked McCall to leave and he spit on the floor and walked outside. Then McCall walked back in to the store and spit on the floor again.

Alli told Dep. Denmark, who was already on scene, that he wanted to give McCall a trespass warning. Dep. Denmark walked outside and met with McCall who was standing in front of the store on the walkway. Dep. Denmark told McCall he was being trespassed and McCall said he was not leaving.

Since McCall was refusing to leave, Dep. Denmark confirmed with Alli that he wanted him arrested for trespass after warning.

Dep. Denmark gave McCall several more warnings to leave and he continued to refuse. Dep. Denmark grabbed McCall‘s arm and told him he was under arrest.

McCall pulled away and Dep. Denmark told him not to resist and grabbed his arm again. Dep. Denmark escorted McCall to the hood of his patrol car. McCall was still resisting and was able to pull away from Dep. Denmark.

McCall then used an open hand and pushed Dep. Denmark on the chest. Dep. Denmark pulled his Taser out and challenged McCall. McCall turned away and attempted to leave. Dep. Denmark gave McCall one final warning, which was ignored, and fired his Taser.

McCall fell to the ground and subsequently received a minor cut to the back of his head. Other deputies arrived and he was placed in handcuffs.

EMS transported McCall to Manatee Memorial Hospital for the laceration to his head.

Once he was discharged, he was taken to the jail charged with Trespass after Warning and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $2,500.

Dep. Denmark was not injured.

Pedestrian Robbed By
Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at a few minutes before midnight, Mario Domingo, 26, was robbed in the parking lot of the 5th Street Market, 5700 5th Street East, Bradenton.

A report of the incident from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Mario was walking in the parking lot while talking on his cell phone.

He was approached by three Black males wearing black T-shirts. One of the three asked to use Mario's phone and he refused.

Two of the men pointed handguns at Mario and demanded money. Mario didn't have any money, so the three men took his cell phone and ran east.

Mario walked home after the incident, then walked back to the area of the robbery a short time later and saw the men, now wearing white T-shirts.

Mario walked to the sheriff's office District Two station nearby and alerted deputies, who searched the area, but were unable to locate the robbers.

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

Man on Bike Robbed By
Four Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a man riding a bicycle was robbed by four Black males on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at about 1 a.m.

The report said the victim, Joe Fobbs, 41, of Palmetto, was riding his bike home from a friend’s house and was in the 2100 block of 3rd Avenue East, Palmetto.

Fobbs saw the four Black males hanging out at the above location on the corner and they approached him as he got close.

The four men asked Fobbs for a cigarette and when he reached in his pocket to get one, one of the robbers with dreadlock style hair pulled out a dark colored handgun. He told Fobbs to give him the bike and the camcorder that Fobbs had around his neck.

Fobbs gave the camcorder to the robber and dropped the bike.

Fobbs was not injured.

The suspects could not be located by deputies.

The robbers were generally described as four Black males. One of them was wearing blue jean shorts, a dark shirt and had ear length dreadlock style hair. All were approximately 5'10" tall and thin. The other three robbers were only described as wearing dark clothes. The report said all four were of an unknown age range.

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

Two Robbers Fire Shots
Near Victims When They
Come Up Empty in Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted robbery Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at about 2 a.m. in the 400 block of 60th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The report said the victims, Luis Santiago, 35, and Jose Rivera, 22, were outside drinking in their driveway when two Black male suspects approached and demanded money.

The victims advised that they had no money and both would-be robbers then produced handguns; each fired a shot over the victims' heads.

The robbers then fled back onto 5th Street East.

Neither victim was injured and nothing was taken from them.

There was no further description of the robbers.

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

Thousands in Lawn Maintenance
Equipment Stolen from Golf Club

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office responded to the River Club Golf Club at 6300 River Club Blvd., Bradenton, on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at about 7 a.m. reference the theft of thousands of dollars in lawn maintenance equipment.

According to a report from the sheriff's office, sometime between Friday, Feb. 13th at 3:30 p.m., and Monday, Feb. 16th at 7 a.m., unknown person(s) entered the fenced-in compound and broke into a storage shed.

The subject(s) stole several thousand dollars worth of lawn maintenance equipment from the shed, the report said.

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

Stolen Mercedes Used in
Business Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a Mercedes stolen out of Sarasota County was used in the burglary of 4 Star Products, 6110 33rd Street East, Bradenton. The burglary was discovered Monday morning, Feb. 16, 2009, at 7 a.m.

A sheriff's office report said unknown person(s) committed a burglary in Sarasota. During this burglary, the person(s) stole a white Mercedes.

The person(s) drove this Mercedes into Manatee County and committed a burglary at 4 Star Products.

The person(s) entered the business and stole several items, then fled the business by means other than the Mercedes, as it was recovered at the scene of the burglary.

A portion of the stolen property was recovered inside the Mercedes. Other stolen property was found south of the business alongside the roadway.

The stolen vehicle was recovered for Sarasota law enforcement.

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

Young, Depressed Woman
Reported Missing; Sheriff
Asks Public's Assistance

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 23-year-old woman who is reportedly depressed has gone missing. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating her.

A media release said Morgan A. Woodland, 23, of 10000 block of 46th Avenue West, Bradenton, has been depressed and failing to care for herself for several weeks.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at about 5 p.m., Morgan was last seen in the 2000 block of 26th Avenue East in Bradenton.

Morgan is a White female, 5 foot 5 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what she was last seen wearing.

Morgan's parents are concerned for her safety and the sheriff's office should be contacted via 911 if Morgan's whereabouts is discovered.

Fishing Vessel Collides
with Barge, Fuel Spilled
into Port Manatee Waters

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a fuel spill into water at the entrance of Port Manatee on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at about 8:00 p.m. following the collision of a fishing vessel with a barge.

According to the report, a 72-foot fishing vessel collided with a 95-foot barge that was being pulled by a 66-foot tug boat.

The crash caused a large hole in the fuel tank of the fishing vessel and around 1500 to 1600 gallons of diesel fuel leaked into the waters at the entrance of Port Manatee.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Weather hampered cleanup efforts, so the Coast Guard waited until Friday morning to begin the cleanup.

Booms were put around the oil spill and it was subsequently removed from the water.

Sarasota Man Charged with
Scheme to Obstruct IRS

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton, along with Tracey Montaño, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging Carel A. Prater, aka Chad Prater, 70, of Sarasota, with corrupt interference with Internal Revenue Service laws; aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns; failure to file a tax return; criminal contempt; structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements; and false declarations before a grand jury. If convicted on all counts, Prater faces maximum penalties of 33 years' imprisonment and a fine of $1.95 million.

According to the superseding indictment, Prater, who operated New Found Freedom doing business as "Tax Escape Service," engaged in a fraudulent scheme to interfere with the internal revenue laws by selling services that he claimed would legally remove his customers from the federal tax system. Prater advocated the position that income earned in the United States is generally not taxable, and, in exchange for fees, Prater prepared false tax returns and bogus documents that were submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and recorded in the public records. Prater also advised his customers to conceal assets and income from the IRS through shell limited liability companies (LLCs) and unincorporated business trust organizations (UBTOs) and by transferring ownership of assets to nominees. Between 2000 and 2003, Prater’s gross receipts exceeded $2 million.

In December 2002, a federal district court in Tampa enjoined Prater from promoting his anti-tax views and business. The superseding indictment alleges that Prater violated that injunction, and subsequent orders from the court, by continuing to provide false tax advice to customers and concealing revenue derived from his business. The superseding indictment also alleges that Prater made false declarations to a grand jury investigating the matter.

U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton stated, “As we begin moving into the tax-filing season, we want to remind tax payers to beware of individuals promoting anti-tax views and promising people and businesses tax relief by illegal methods. Millions of citizens pay their fair share of taxes, and those who don’t will be investigated and prosecuted.”

Man With Knife In Stomach
Found Using Payphone

MELBOURNE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Police in Melbourne discovered a man who had a knife protruding from his stomach while he was using a payphone after someone called 911 to report a possible stabbing, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Melbourne police said they received the call just before 7 p.m. Thursday.

The man was found at the BP gas station at 1165 Sarno Road, police said.

Medical personnel transported the victim to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

It's not known if the man was trying to call police.

An investigation into the stabbing is under way, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

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