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Mother, Father Arrested for
Broken Bones in Baby Girl,
7 Weeks Old

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Child Protection Investigative Division has arrested Summer Labelle, 23, and Diego Martinson, 20, the mother and father of a 7-week-old baby girl who sustained broken bones during a domestic dispute.

Above, L to R, Diego Martinson and Summer Labelle

A sheriff's office report said on Sunday, April 5, 2009, at 1 a.m., the sheriff's office was contacted and responded to Manatee Memorial Hospital in reference to a 7-week-old infant with a broken femur (upper leg bone).

The baby was transferred to All Children's Hospital where further x-rays were completed.

The baby sustained a broken femur, two fractured ribs, a fractured tibia (larger of the two lower leg bones), and a fractured spine.

Both parents were taken to the Child Protection Investigative Division where they confessed to Detectives the baby was injured during a domestic dispute at their residence in the 6900 block of Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

According to an arrest report, Summer was upset because she couldn't go out with her friends. Diego was holding the baby at the time and Summer "violently yanked the baby" from Diego, the report said. She grabbed the baby around her chest, while Diego held the baby by the legs, in an apparent attempt to retain the baby.

Diego left the residence and following that, Summer was cradling the baby in her arms trying to calm the child when the baby "slipped from her grasp and fell face first towards the floor." Summer told detectives she grabbed the baby by the legs and jerked her upward towards her knee.

Both parents were arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.

There was no indication in the report of the current condition of the baby girl.

Manatee Detectives
Still Searching for
Murder Suspect

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, as of Wednesday afternoon, April 7th, sheriff's detectives are still searching for Jonathan Cabrera, 27 (DOB 5-28-81), in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009, in the parking lot of La Escondida bar located at 5524 14th St. W., Bradenton (see the full story in Monday's Local News below on this page).

Jonathan Cabrera

Cabrera is wanted on an arrest warrant for Murder and Attempted Murder.

He is accused of shooting Rodrigo Vaquez and Samuel Castro outside of the bar.

Vaquez died a short time after the shooting while Castro remains hospitalized.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011, ext. 2557, 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.

Man Comes To Neighbor's Aid,
Winds Up Getting Arrested

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Charlie Langston, 66, of 1510 13th Street West, Bradenton.

Charlie Langston

When Charlie Langston heard a knock on his window, he knew his neighbor was in trouble and needed him. That was on Monday, April 6, 2009, at about 7:40 p.m. Charlie went outside to see what his neighbor, Mr. Ozzie Render, wanted.

Render had been involved in some kind of verbal altercation with Mr. Carl Harris; Harris was threatening Render. The knock on the window was a pre-arranged signal that Render was having a problem with Harris, as he had in the past, the report said.

Harris, who was standing in front of Render's door, said to Charlie, "And what do you have to do with this, I will kill you too."

Charlie walked back into his apartment, retrieved his BERSA 9mm handgun and walked back outside, pointing the handgun at the ground.

Charlie told officers Harris then threatened him again by saying, "Mother-[Expletive deleted], I'll kill you."

Charlie then fired two shots into the ground, the report said.

Harris later told police he thought it was three and that he thought one of the bullets hit him. It hadn't.

Police were called and neighbors milling around pointed Charlie out and said, "He's got a gun; he just shot it."

Police found two shell casings on the ground and retrieved the handgun from inside the apartment.

Charlie admitted to firing the gun into the ground.

He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Discharging a Firearm in Public.

Charlie Langston remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,500.

Man Burglarizes Mini-Storage,
Trailer, Residence, Flees;
Subsequently Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, April 4, 2009, from about 2 a.m. until 2:45 a.m., Gerald T. Burns, Jr., burglarized Florida Mini-Storage at 4777 U.S. 19 North, stole items from a locked, enclosed trailer in the storage company's yard and burglarized a home in the 1000 block of 36th Avenue East after fleeing from deputies, in an attempt to hide from them. It didn't work; they captured him.

Gerald T. Burns, Jr.

According to the arrest report, a witness placed Burns at the scene of the crime -- the storage company. The witness described a small Toyota pickup truck that fled the area.

The responding deputy recalled seeing such a vehicle on his way to the call. He located the vehicle at a residence in the 3200 block of U.S. 301 North, in Ellenton.

Burns and another man were unloading items from the truck. The deputy told them to stay put while he ran their information.

But instead, Burns fled.

He broke into a screened-in porch just east of where he, his friend and the truck were found. A homeowner heard his dog bark and went to investigate. Burns told him he was just cutting through.

He then fled the home and hid in some bushes.

But a sheriff's lieutenant spotted him hiding in the bushes. Burns waited until two patrol cars went by, then ran across U.S. 301 North. The lieutenant then detained Burns.

The owner of the home where Burns broke in to hide from deputies positively identified Burns.

Burns was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Structure, Burglary to a Conveyance, Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Burn remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $60,500 bail bond.

Palmetto Police Seek Public's
Assistance Locating Burglar

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who burglarized the Holy Cross Manor Assisted Living Facility at 510 26th Street West.

The suspect entered the apartments and was recorded by the facility’s security cameras as he roamed through the building’s common areas and moved from floor to floor.

No residents encountered the suspect during the incident, which occurred between the evening of March 25th and the morning of March 26th.

Citizens with information about this crime or the suspect are urged to contact Detective Chris Cavazos at 723-4587 ext. 124 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.

Bomb Threat At M&I Bank;
Attempted Armed Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who said there was a bomb at the M&I Bank at 4115 US 301 North, in Ellenton, then tried to extort $25,000 dollars. The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at about 2:20 p.m., the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported.

According to a sheriff's report, an unknown male called the M&I Bank and asked for a manager. He gave the teller the name of "John" and was transferred to the manager.

The subject told her that he had placed an explosive device above the door of the bank.

He then told the manager she was to place $25,000 in a bag, take it to the business next door, and place it behind the dumpster.

He advised her she had 5 minutes to comply and then hung up.

The police were notified and the bank was evacuated.

The Bomb Disposal Unit responded.

The bank and dumpster were cleared and no device(s) were located.

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.

Dead Female Body Found
Being Called "Homicide"

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Deputies are calling a suspicious death a "homicide" at this time.

On Monday, April 6, 2009, at about 10:45 p.m., deputies were called to the scene of a suspicious death at a residence in the 2100 block of Jo Ann Drive, Sarasota.

Upon arrival, a White female was located deceased inside the residence.

Detectives and forensics services were on scene investigating the incident.

The victim is Georgann Lee Smith, a White female, 37, of 2150 JoAnn Drive, Sarasota.

Anyone with information please contact the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.

Contractor Chases Man Stealing
From Home Under Construction

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Port Charlotte man Monday after a contractor saw the burglar stealing ceramic tile from a home under construction he was building on Cannell Lane in Port Charlotte.

Leonard Paul Scurry III

The contractor observed Leonard Paul Scurry III, 29, 14567 Armada Rd., taking boxes of ceramic tile to a car with a small trailer parked in front of the home. When confronted, Scurry told him he bought the tile, they argued and then Scurry put boxes of tile on the trailer, got into a car and drove off.

The contractor followed Scurry and called CCSO Communications at 9:47 a.m. on his cell phone giving directions where the vehicle was moving. The car stopped, Scurry exited, walked back to the contractor and punched him through the open window with a closed fist. Scurry ran back to his car that had an adult female and a juvenile boy inside, and the woman drove off with Scurry. The car stopped again, Scurry got out and stood in front of the contractor’s vehicle while the car drove off. Scurry stepped aside and the contractor located the car again. This time he saw the woman and boy dumping tile from the trailer and driving off, but went back to pick up Scurry. Deputies arrived on scene 10-minutes after the original call and intercepted the car on Cornelius Blvd.

The woman and boy were released; Scurry, however, was taken to the Charlotte County Jail. He is charged with Burglary to a Structure, Burglary to a Conveyance, Battery and Petit Theft. No bond was set, pending first appearance Tuesday morning.

Scurry has 14 bookings with 35 records; he was released from the County Jail on Feb. 28 after serving time for previous crimes.

Woman Admits Shooting
Husband -- "Accidentally"

WINTER SPRINGS, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- In a jailhouse interview, a Winter Springs woman admits she shot her husband, but insists it was an accident, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Kimberly Boone
(Mug shot courtesy Seminole County Sheriff's Office)

Kimberly Boone is being held at the Seminole County jail, charged with trying to kill her husband, Rob Boone. He was shot several times in the chest, but did suffer life-threatening injuries.

The couple has been married for eight years and she said she would never hurt her husband intentionally.

Investigators said Kimberly Boone initially said a burglar shot her husband. She can be heard on the 911 tape telling her husband that she did not shoot him.

Boone's attorney, Corey Cohen, said his client's defense will likely be that she shot her husband accidentally and lied because she panicked.

Investigators are still looking into a house fire that destroyed their family home in December. Rob Boone nearly died in the fire and detectives are investigating whether that fire was Kimberly Boone's first attempt to kill her husband.

The couple's two children are staying with their paternal grandparents in Maryland, WKMG said.

Big Rig Driver Arrested
In Fatal Bus Crash

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting the tractor-trailer driver who rear-ended a Marion County school bus near Citra in September, killing an eighth-grader, was arrested Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Reinaldo Gonzalez, 30, was charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving with serious bodily injury in the Sept. 23 crash.

Frances Margay Schee, a 13-year-old North Marion Middle School student, was killed in the crash. The bus had stopped on U.S. Highway 301 to let students off when it was struck.

Gonzalez was on his cell phone prior to the crash, troopers said. Investigators also believe Gonzalez violated federal regulations by driving too many hours.

Several other children, the bus driver and Gonzalez were injured in the crash, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Man Tries to Run Down Two
Deputies; Arrested for That
and Possession of Cocaine

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies assisting in a traffic crash investigation were nearly run down by a driver who rear-ended another vehicle at the scene on Sunday, April 5, 2009, at about 8:30 p.m., in the 5300 block of 15th Street East.

Sergio Cabrera

According to the arrest report, deputies saw a white Pontiac rear-end a green vehicle.

The driver of the Pontiac, later identified as Cabrera, backed up and attempted to flee.

Two deputies ran over to the Pontiac and told the driver to stop, roll down his window and unlock the door. Cabrera refused.

Instead, Cabrera put the vehicle in reverse, turned the wheel to the right and hit the gas, which caused one of the deputies to jump into the southbound lane of traffic.

The deputies then repeated the order and Cabrera, looking directly at them, again refused, but the deputies managed to extract Cabrera from the Pontiac and arrest him.

Incident to the arrest, deputies searched Cabrera and found a small bag of powder cocaine in a pants pocket, which tested positive.

Cabrera was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Cocaine and Having No Driver License.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $4,000.

Woman Arrested for Trying
To Run Man Down, Drug
Possession

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kimberly Sue Bishop, 43, of 407 Bryn Mawr Is, Bradenton, Florida.

Kimberly Sue Bishop

The arrest report said on Friday, April 3, 2009, at about 7:30 a.m., Bishop drove to 216 58th Avenue East, Bradenton, allegedly in search of drugs.

When she arrived, she asked if the man she was looking for was there. Another man said the man she was looking for doesn't live there.

Bishop argued with the man and said she'd drive into the house and run him over. Bishop then drove toward him as he ran. She drove over a bike, took out 18 feet of a fence in the back yard and took out a 5 foot palm tree, as he ran away.

Then she attempted to drive off, but deputies were arriving.

One deputy pursued Bishop for a short distance, finally catching her in her van, while another took statements from those at the location.

Upon searching the van, deputies located marijuana roaches and Xanax, and discovered Bishop's license had been suspended multiple times and was currently suspended. She knew it, the report said.

Bishop was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Mischief and Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $25,120 bail bond.

Deputies Arrest White Man for
Threatening to Cut Two
Black People

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Brian R. Guiles, 46, of 5218 5th Street West, Bradenton.

Brian R. Guiles

According to the arrest report, on Friday, April 3, 2009, at about 5:30 p.m., Guiles was in the parking lot of the Wendy's restaurant located at 5411 U.S. 41, Bradenton when two Black people pulled into the lot.

Guiles allegedly called them the N-word.

The went up to Guiles and asked him what his problem was.

All three got into an argument and Guiles allegedly said he had a knife and was going to cut them.

Guiles then pushed the one half of the Black pair and attempted to hit him with a beer bottle he had in his hand.

The two victims were able to control Guiles and put him on the ground. They then attempted to run to their car before Guiles got back up. He finally got back up and continued to try and hit the pair when officers arrived and separated both parties.

While questioning the victims, they told deputies that Guiles said he had a knife.

Guiles was asked if he had any weapons and Guiles said he didn't.

However, upon searching Guiles, a deputy found a large bulging object in his right front pocket. It was a large black box cutter with the blade extended.

Guiles was charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Battery and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

Guiles remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $3,750 bail bond.

Woman Stabbed Man After
Argument, Deputies Say

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, at about 9:30 p.m., a woman stabbed a man in his back after they had a verbal argument at their residence in the 6000 block of 12th Street East, Bradenton. She was later arrested.

Griselda Cardenas

The report said Jose Moncada, 24, and his live-in girlfriend, Griselda Cardenas, 21, who is the mother of his child, had a verbal argument that became physical when Jose punched her on the side of her head.

Griselda then grabbed a knife and stabbed Jose on the back side of his left shoulder.

Jose lost a lot of blood and said that he did not know who stabbed him, the report said.

EMS responded and transported Jose to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Griselda was interviewed and she allegedly confessed.

Griselda was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

Jose was notified of her arrest; he refused to sign an affidavit.

Griselda remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Man Cuts Friend's Hand in
Argument Over Beer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An argument over beer turned physical on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at about 9 p.m., and one man had his hand cut by his knife-wielding friend. The incident occurred at a motel located at 6926 15th Street East, Bradenton.

Anthony Sowers

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Anthony Sowers, 43, and William Vega are acquaintances and live in the same motel.

William went to the store to get more beer for Anthony and himself. When he returned, he drank more beer than he was supposed to, the report said. This angered Anthony, which caused a verbal argument.

The argument turned physical when Anthony grabbed William by the neck twice with one hand. Anthony squeezed his thumb under William's right ear, causing minor redness.

William backed up and put his hand, palms out, in a defensive stance.

Anthony swung his hand and made contact with Williams's left palm.

William had not seen a knife, but when he looked down he had a 2-inch laceration on his left palm.

William called 911 to report the incident.

Anthony was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Battery.

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

Two Die, Three Seriously Injured
in Crash East of Parrish. FHP says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported two people died at the scene of a head-on crash Sunday, April 5, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m. on State Road 62, west of Corbett John Road, east of Parrish.

The FHP report of the accident said a pickup truck being driven by James T. Jones, 40, of Avon Park, Florida, was eastbound on State Road 62 in the eastbound lane.

An SUV being driven by Janice D. Zonneveld, 59, of Palmetto, was westbound on SR 62.

The pickup truck started to cross the center line and enter the westbound lane.

Ms. Zonneveld saw Jones entering her path and began to take evasive action to the right, partially entering the north shoulder of SR 62.

The left front of Jones' pickup truck struck the left front of Ms. Zonneveld's SUV.

After impact, Jones' pickup truck rotated and overturned.

Both Jones and Zonneveld died at the scene.

A passenger in Jones' pickup truck, Betty Jones, 36, was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

Curtis Jones, 14, another passenger in the pickup truck, was flown to All Childrens Hospital in Tampa, with serious injuries.

His brother, Jimmy Jones, 3, was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

Three Given Scholarships
By Daughters of American
Revolution at Luncheon

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Three students were given scholarships by the Osceola Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at a luncheon on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the Bradenton Country Club.

Above, L to R, Dr. Lenore Horner, Osceola DAR; Kathleen Matthews, MCC;
Daniaka Loggins and Heather Gore, Palmetto High School and MTI; and
Rosemary Powell, Treasurer, Osceola Chapter DAR
(Photo by Dick Powell)

Palmetto High School seniors Heather Gore and Daniaka Loggins are attending Manatee Technical Institute's Practical Nursing Program. Kathleen Matthews is their Career Counselor and Instructor of Nursing Program.

Above, Michael Barrett, Manatee Community College
accepting his DAR scholarship.
(Photo by Dick Powell)

The third scholarship recipient is Michael Barrett, a Bayshore High School graduate now attending Manatee Community College majoring in Political Science with a 3.14 GPA.

Debbie Kelly at MCC is the Foundation Scholarship Coordinator.

The three students were chosen for their scholarships by a panel of counselors and administrators at their respective schools.

Dr. Lenore Horner is the Chair person for the Osceola Chapter's Scholarship Fund.

SSO Arrests Man for Growing
Marijuana at Residence

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, April 5th, 2009, officers from North Port Police Department received a call reference a suspicious incident at 1047 North San Mateo Drive, North Port.

Ernesto Tejera-Gonzalez

When arriving at the above address, officers made contact with Ernesto Tejera-Gonzalez, 27. Tejera-Gonzalez allowed officers inside the residence where they discovered 68 marijuana plants and an assortment of marijuana growing paraphernalia.

Based upon the above information, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau detectives executed a search warrant at the above residence at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Monday April 6th, 2009. Detectives found 71 additional marijuana plants in a detached garage on the property.

Tejera-Gonzalez has been arrested on one count of Cultivation of Marijuana, one count of Trafficking in Marijuana over 25 lbs., and one count of Possession of a Residence for the Purpose of Manufacturing Marijuana in relation to the search warrant.

Woman Kills Son, Self
At Gun Range

CASSELBERRY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting a woman with a history of mental illness shot and killed her 20-year-old son before killing herself at a Casselberry gun range, police said.

Marie Moore, 44, of Altamonte Springs, shot her son, Mitchel Moore, before committing suicide at about 4:20 p.m. at Shoot Straight Gun Range & Store, which is located on U.S. Highway 17-92.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has a database of people declared mentally ill or unfit by a court of law, and it's used to screen permits when people apply to purchase a firearm.

The state does not check, however, to see if gun owners have mental health problems when their licenses are renewed, WKMG said.

Tampa Doctor with Palmetto Residence,
Three Others, Charged with Illegally
Distributing Prescription Pain Pills

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, April 6, 2009, United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announced the indictment and arrest of four individuals, each charged with conspiring illegally to distribute and dispense Oxycodone, Morphine, Hydrocodone, and Alprazolam, and 12 counts of distributing and dispensing controlled substances without a valid medical purpose and outside the course of professional practice.

Those charged are: Dr. Jeffrey Friedlander, 50, of Palmetto, Physician’s Assistant Troy Wubbena, 43, of Tampa, Emergency Medical Technician Carl Ehresman, 42, of St. Petersburg, and Sarah Ehresman, 43, of St. Petersburg.

Each defendant each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

All four defendants were arrested Monday morning and had their initial appearances in federal court Monday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Thomas G. Wilson.

According to the indictment, the defendants operated “Neurology & Pain Center Clinics” located at the following locations: 8451 Shade Avenue, Suite 108, Sarasota, Florida; 9301 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida; 10033 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida; 1810 Lakeland Hills, Lakeland, Florida; 823 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida; 1525 East Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida; 1680 Dunn Avenue, Unit #34, Jacksonville, Florida, and 500 Park Street North, St. Petersburg.

According to the indictment, it was part of the conspiracy that the defendants distributed and dispensed drugs:

(a) without adequate verification of the patient’s identity or medical complaint;
(b) without adequate and reliable patient medical history;
(c) without performance of a complete or adequate mental or physical examination;
(d) without establishment of a true diagnosis;
(e) without the use of appropriate diagnostic or laboratory testing;
(f) without sufficient dialogue with the patient regarding treatment options and risks and benefits of such treatments;
(g) without establishment of a treatment plan;
(h) without consideration of, or discussion with the patient, regarding, alternatives to treatment other than narcotics;
(I) without referral of patients to specialists in an effort to identify and correct the cause of pain;
(j) without any assessment of risk of abuse for individual patients;
(k) without provision of a means to follow up with the patient or to monitor the patient’s response to the medication or compliance with medical usage; and
(l) without maintaining true, accurate, and complete medical records that justified the course of treatment for each patient, including but not limited to medical history, physical examination results, diagnostic therapeutic and laboratory results, evaluations and consultations, treatment plans and objectives, discussions of risks and benefits,
records of all medications prescribed, dispensed, or administered, instructions and agreements, and periodic reviews.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health & Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Florida Division of Fraud, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathy J.M. Peluso.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Murder at Manatee West Side
Hispanic Bar Parking Lot;
11th Murder of 2009

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- One man was shot and killed and another was wounded early Saturday, March 4, 2009, at about 1:00 a.m., outside La Escondida nightclub, 5524 14th Street West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, deputies investigate the shooting at La Escondida
(Photo by Heather Chadwick)

The nightclub is in a group of stores between Value Pawn just to the north of the shooting location and the 7-11 convenience store on the corner of 57th and 14th Street West. That whole area was taped off with crime scene tape, NewsManatee reporter Heather Chadwick said. Chadwick was on scene following the shooting.

The sheriff's report said five Hispanic males who were related were inside LaEscondida. The shooter was upset with one of these men because he did not like the man. The shooter kicked the chair of Albert Morales (the one he was mad at) and said "Let’s take it outside."

The two went outside to fight, but everyone in the bar followed to watch. They decided not to fight, so the shooter went to a gold in color Nissan Maxima and retrieved a firearm. The other five subjects started walking next door to Value Pawn to their vehicles to leave, to prevent any further trouble. The shooter then fired numerous shots, striking the two victims, the sheriff's report said.

Friends of Rodrigo Vasquez, 20, realized that he had been shot and placed him into the back seat of a Buick that they were driving. When deputies in the area heard the gun shots, they went to investigate and realized that his condition was not good. They removed him from the car and started performing CPR on him.

Vasquez was transported to Bayfront Hospital by Bayflite helicopter where he expired at 4:32 a.m.

Above, deputies search a black vehicle
(Photo by Heather Chadwick)

Chadwick said multiple deputies responded to the incident. Deputies were looking for shell casings at the 7-11 and searched a black vehicle there.

It was learned that there was a second shooting victim by the name of Samuel Castro, 31, who was one of the five subjects trying to leave the bar area. He was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital; his condition is unknown at this time.

The investigation continues with detectives searching for the shooter.

This is the 11th murder in Manatee County in 2009. There have now been 9 homicides in unincorporated Manatee County and 2 in the City of Bradenton.

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.

Man Arrested for 70 Counts
of Child Porn Possession
on His Computer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, April 2, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Todd Sellitto, of the Sheriff's Child Protection Investigations Unit, arrested Robert Horrow, 62, of 3677 Longfellow Drive, in South Manatee County.

Robert Horrow

According to the arrest report, on September 10, 2008, Horrow took his computer into Digital Doctors, 7333 52nd Place East, Bradenton. Horrow's intent was to copy his hard drive and load the copy into a new computer; his old computer had broken down.

In the process of copying the hard drive, a technician at Digital Doctors saw images he described as "girls that looked to be underage."

Law enforcement was notified.

After receiving written consent from Horrow, the computer was seized and analyzed by the sheriff's office.

Two of the images were found to be "real victims known," as identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

After carefully reviewing the rest of the images, it appeared that there were 68 other images of children of pre-pubescent age posing and conducting sexual activities, Det. Sellitto wrote in the arrest report.

When confronted with the findings, Horrow invoked his rights.

Horrow was arrested and charged with 70 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He was taken to the Manatee County Jail, where he was being held on a bail bond of $70,000.

Horrow posted bond and was released from jail.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office was the arresting agency, since Horrow's residence address is in Sarasota County, even though it is geographically located in South Manatee County.

Man Arrested for VOP;
Heroin, More Found

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, April 2, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Office Warrants Deputy served an arrest warrant for Violation of Probation on Derrick Randall, 34, of 5444 18th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Derrick Randall

After Randall was arrested for the VOP warrant, deputies found heroin, cocaine, hydrocodone and drug paraphernalia in Randall's vehicle, which he was seen in moments before the VOP arrest.

The arrest occurred in the 1500 block of Suponic Avenue.

In addition to the warrant arrest, Randall was charged with 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond because of the VOP charge.

Man Wanted for Questioning in
Homicide Gives Cops the Slip

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, April 5, 2009, at about 1 a.m., Frazier Suave, 20, of 1118 5th Street West, was pursued by Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies and a Bradenton Police K-9, but he got away.

A report from the sheriff's office said at 1:09 a.m., MSO's Sgt. Walker stopped to speak with Deputy Ambrus while Ambrus worked his off-duty security detail.

As they were talking, Deputy Ambrus noticed a Maroon VW going around the back of a closed business at 3515 14th Street West that has been burglarized several times in the past.

Sgt. Walker responded to the location and approached on foot to investigate the suspicious vehicle. As Sgt. Walker walked down the side of the building, the lights of the car came on and it began to leave.

Sgt. Walker took cover behind an A/C unit, because the area was well lit, until the vehicle was close to his position. He stepped out and identified himself and ordered the vehicle to stop. The driver's face was lit up by his flashlight; he looked directly at Sgt. Walker and accelerated out of the parking lot.

Sgt. Walker advised Deputy Ambrus to give chase while Sgt. Walker investigated the business.

Deputy Ambrus completed the pursuit within agency policy and it lasted approximately 3 minute when the suspects fled from their vehicle.

Sgt. Walker responded to Deputy Ambrus’ scene along with VCTF units. Sgt. Walker was informed that the vehicle is the one driven by Frazier Suave.

Detective Carter showed Sgt. Walker a picture of Frazier and he positively identified him as the driver. Frazier Suave has two outstanding warrants and is wanted for questioning in an unsolved MCSO homicide.

The vehicle was searched by Deputy Ambrus. He located some rock cocaine, Suave’s cell phone and a box of .38 Caliber bullets. These were taken and placed into property and evidence at the Operations Center.

BPD responded a K-9 to assist in the search of the area. The K-9 tracked directly to Suave’s mother’s house.

The scene was secured and a search warrant was obtained for the residence however Frazier was not located.

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.

Man Pistol-Whipped During
Armed Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, April 2, 2009, at about 10:30 p.m., a man was struck in the head with a gun and robbed outside his residence in the 900 block of 35th Avenue West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Hipotal Zafra, 41, was taking out the trash and his wife, Yolanda, was standing in the doorway.

An unknown Black male approached Yolanda, pointed a black handgun at her, and demanded money.

Hipotal attempted to defend Yolanda and the robber struck him on the left side of the head with the handgun.

The robber then pointed the handgun at Hipotal and demanded money. Hipotal gave the robber his wallet which contained identification cards and cash.

The robber then fled the area on foot.

Hipotal suffered a one-inch laceration to his head.

The area was searched by patrol units, aviation and K-9; however, the robber was not located.

The robber was described as an unknown Black male, dressed in black with a black hat.

Bradenton Police Seeking
Retired Cops to Volunteer

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department is looking for retired law enforcement officials who are interested in volunteering some time with the department.

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) the department is seeking will assist sworn officers by following up with victims regarding misdemeanor cases.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have no criminal history, pass all background checks, and be a former law enforcement officer in any state.

Anyone interested should call Sgt. L.J. Millard at (941) 932-9300 ext. 351 or email lj.millard@cityofbradenton.com.

Single Engine Plane Crash
Kills Pilot, Injures Passenger

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department investigated a single-engine plane crash that occurred on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at about 2:30 p.m., at the dead end of Paul Morris Drive, in Englewood.

A report from SPD said the plane crashed in a wooded area at the above location.

There were two occupants, both White males, the report said.

The pilot, Donald James Gayner, 68, from Englewood, was dead at the scene.

Gayner's mechnic/passenger, Jeff Kramer, 47, from Grove City, was Bayflited to Bayfront Medical Center, in St. Petersburg in serious condition. He is expected to survive.

The Sarasota Sheriff's Office, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA) are conducting an ongoing investigation of the crash.

Late Saturday, The wreckage was still in the process of being removed.

Gayner, an experienced pilot, was performing stunts in the "experimental" plane before it crashed, witnesses said.

Man Murdered in Sarasota,
SPD Says; Suspects Arrested

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at approximately 10 p.m., Officers of the Sarasota Police Department responded to the 1300 block of 25th St. in reference to the report of a homicide.

John "Chico" Stephens

Upon their arrival, officers found the body of the victim in this case, Cedric Jackson, 30, lying on the ground against a wooden fence just north of 25th St. Mr. Jackson was found to have been shot a number of times resulting in his death.

Through investigation it was determined that the individual who was responsible for the death of Mr. Jackson was a John "Chico" Stephens, 18, of 2900 Maple Ave., Sarasota. Stephens was taken into custody at the Sarasota Police Department Friday afternoon and was questioned by detectives prior to being booked into the Sarasota County Jail on one count of Murder.

Also arrested as a result of this investigation were two associates of Stephens: Xavier Eldridge, 19, and Davon Gordon, 21. Eldridge was charged with one count of Principal to Murder, Gordon was charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

All three of these individuals are documented gang members under the guidelines set forth by the State of Florida.

The investigation is ongoing and the public is urged to contact the Sarasota Police Department at (941) 954-7025 or Crime Stoppers (941) if they have any information regarding the murder of Cedric Jackson.

SSO Reports Purse Snatch
on Friday Afternoon

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On April 3, 2009, at approximately 1:45 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a purse snatch robbery in the 3900 block of Maceachen Blvd., adjacent to the Publix, at 3690 Bee Ridge Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victim, Phyllis Angell, of unknown age, was walking across Maceachen, pushing a grocery cart, when an unknown White male grabbed the purse off her arm and ran towards the rear of Publix.

Several witnesses observed the purse snatcher enter a blue Saturn driven by a White female and flee northbound on Beneva Road.

The suspect was described as a White male, 20's, thin build, wearing a yellow shirt and gray shorts.

Police: Man Rented Out Home
He Didn't Own

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 60-year-old man was arrested Friday on charges that he rented out a vacant home that he did not own to an unwitting tenant, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Paul Jesse Mosher

Paul Jesse Mosher, 60, was arrested on Scheme to Defraud charges.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Mosher rented out a vacant home located at 850 Jade Forest Ave. and was arrested while trying to collect rent.

The homeowner, Mark Schemidt, found out about the situation when neighbors informed him.

Orange County sheriff's detectives said they're concerned that other unknowing renters may exist in the area, WKMG said.

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