Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 5/16/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 5/16/2009

Physically Disabled Woman Shoved
Off Bicycle, Kicked, Punched, and
Robbed by Two White Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective Bill Waldron, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Task Force, reported a 27-year-old woman who is physically disabled and suffers from seizures was shoved off her bicycle, kicked punched and robbed on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, shortly before 9 p.m. on a sidewalk adjacent to 4419 20th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, K-9 Deputy Rosco tracked the men, who disappeared

Det. Waldron's report said on the above date and time, Jeaneen Williams was riding her bicycle south on 20th Street West from a friend’s apartment in Belmont Park Apartments.

She was heading to her residence in the 4800 block of 20th Street West when she was confronted by two men who rode up behind her on bicycles.

The culprits were wearing ski masks and dark clothing and pushed Williams to the ground.

Once on the ground the two men punched and kicked her, then took her cell phone and approximately $30-$40.00 in cash from the pockets of her shorts.

The men then fled the area south on 20th Street West on their bicycles.

A witness to this incident saw the men fleeing the area and called 911 when he learned that Williams had been robbed.

Deputies and Detectives along with K-9 Deputy Keith Sutton and his K-9 Deputy Rosco checked the area, attempting to locate these unknown robbers, who disappeared.

Williams suffered bruises and abrasions to her legs and upper body but did not require medical attention.

The robbers were described as follows:

#1 -- A dark-skinned White male, possibly Hispanic, approximately 5’06” tall, weighing 180 lbs., wearing dark clothing and a ski mask, last seen riding an unknown type bicycle.

#2 -- A White male dressed in dark clothing, possibly wearing a ski mask and black ball cap, 5’10” – 6’04” tall, weighing 200-250 lbs.

Investigation into this Robbery continues by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF).

Anyone with information is asked to contact VCTF Detective William J. Waldron at 941-747-3011 Ext. 2160, 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.

Ex-Boyfriend of Missing Woman
Gets 13 1/2 Years in Prison

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, May 14, 2009, a Manatee County judge sentenced William Cumber, 39, the ex-boyfriend of missing Holmes Beach motel owner Sabine Musil-Buehler, to 13 1/2 years in prison for Violation of Probation.

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

Cumber had been previously arrested for setting a chair on fire on the porch of a girlfriend in 2005. He had been charged with Arson and was on probation when he was picked up and arrested near Ocala, Florida, in December 2008 for Driving on a Suspended License.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Women Arrested
for Grand Theft, More,
After Brief Pursuit

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested three women said to have stolen merchandise in excess of $1,200 from two shops at the Ellenton Outlet Mall on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at about 2:30 p.m.

Above, L to R, Ebony Brice, Trenicia Bridges and Shakeshia Ward

The arrest reports said Ebony Brice, 32, of North Port, and Trenicia Bridges, 29, and Shakeshia Ward, 31, both of Bradenton, were confronted by Vanity Fair management in reference to shoplifting from their store at the Ellenton Outlet Mall.

The three fled with merchandise from Vanity Fair and Izod, totaling in excess of $1,200.00.

A security guard flagged down Dep. Cappiello and apprised him of the situation.

Dep. Cappiello stopped the car to investigate the shoplifting allegation. Dep. Cappiello asked for identification from the occupants of the vehicle, when the driver, later identified as Ebony Brice, put the car in drive and fled from the traffic stop.

The aviation unit picked up the vehicle and followed it to Tideview Mobile Home Park.

The three occupants fled from the vehicle on foot. Deputies captured all three suspects and they were arrested at that point for Fleeing to Elude and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

The vehicle was searched and several bags of stolen merchandise were found in the cab of the vehicle as well as in the trunk.

The merchandise was photographed and later returned to the store.

A drivers license check revealed the driver, Brice, had a suspended DL and was charged with that as well.

All three suspects were additionally charged with Grand Theft.

The three were transported to the Manatee County Jail without incident.

Brice posted a bail bond of $5,250. Bridges posted a bail bond of $2,750. Both were released from jail. Ward remains in jail with a bail bond of $1,750.

Bradenton Police Department
K-9 Unit Shows Off Their
Two K-9 Officers, Dogs

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- As you may know, NewsManatee has been reporting on the K-9 teams in Manatee County. Today we feature two teams from the Bradenton Police Department.

Above, L to R, MPO Ken Magown and his K-9 Duke,
and MPO Jeanine Gagliano and her K-9 Reiko.
(Photos by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Master Police Officer Magown has had his 4-year-old K-9 Duke for a while now, and Master Police Officer Gagliano has had her 6-year-old K-9 Reiko also for some time.

K-9 Officer Duke is a German Shepherd, and K-9 Officer Reiko is a Malamute.

Both dogs are trained in apprehension of fleeing criminals, narcotics searches and fugitive searches. In narcotics searches, the dogs scratch the area to alert their officer handlers to the presence of drugs. In apprehensions, the dogs are trained to bite their targets, if necessary.

Each dog must undergo 400 hours of training before they are eligible to participate with officers. In addition, they undergo 16 hours a month of retraining. The retraining is done under the auspices of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, with Deputy Keith Sutton as their trainer.

Duke and Reiko do not sniff for bombs. Those searches are done by separately trained K-9s.

Both dogs have been quite successful in their individual tasks, according to MPO Magown. In one standout incident, Officer Magown told NewsManatee Duke successfully tracked a young criminal all the way to his grandfather's house, and was later arrested.

Duke and Reiko and their handlers join the rest of the K-9 force in Manatee County, which numbers 12 at this time, and frequently cross lines between city and county, when the need arises.

The Manatee County Sheriff's office has 8 K-9 teams, the City of Bradenton has two and the City of Palmetto has one, at latest count.

West Manatee Fire Rescue has one arson accelerant sniffing dog, which serves the entire county.

Woman Robbed of Large Sum
of Cash, Drugs at Gunpoint
in Broad Daylight

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the armed robbery of a woman by a White male on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at about 5 p.m. in the 600 block of 64th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The report said Heather Southwick, 20, of the 700 block of 51st Street East, Bradenton, and her boyfriend, Douglas, drove to the above address to visit a friend.

Douglas saw a man walking around the residence in a suspicious manner.

Douglas exited the vehicle and approached the house to see what the man was doing.

As Douglas walked around the house, the man approached Heather from the other side. He pointed a black and silver handgun at her and removed an unknown amount of Oxycontin, Oxycodone and $860.50 from Heather's purse.

The man then struck Heather in the back of the head with the handgun and put the barrel of the handgun in her mouth.

The robber was disturbed by neighbors and fled on foot southbound through neighboring yards.

A K-9 team attempted to track the man, but was unsuccessful.

Heather was treated and released at the scene and only sustained minor injuries.

The robber was described as a White male, 6'02" tall, weighing 180 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black hat, shirt, bandana, and blue jeans.

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 Police Identify
Driver of Fatal Hit and Run

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has identified the driver of the vehicle that struck a man, who later died, Dep. Police Chief J.J. Lewis said.

On January 20th, 2009, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a hit and run crash occurred in the rear parking lot of Albertson’s, 7415 Manatee Avenue West.

Mr. Walter S. Dzik age 89, of Omaha, Nebraska, parked his silver mini-van at the rear parking lot of Albertson’s and was run over as he began walking to a business in the plaza. He was transported to a bay area hospital for treatment and later died as a result of the injuries he received.

The case was turned over to Bradenton Police Department Traffic Homicide Investigators who began an extensive investigation.

On May 13, 2009, Traffic Homicide Investigators identified and located the driver of the vehicle that struck Mr. Dzik.

The driver is identified as Geri A. Konecy age 53, of Manatee County. Mrs. Konecy did admit to hitting Mr. Dzik and leaving the scene, Dep. Chief Lewis said.

Charges are pending at this time.

Anyone having information with regard to this incident is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 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.

7-11 Store Robbed
By Lone White Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the 7-11 convenience store, located at 4427 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, was robbed early Thursday, May 14, 2009, at about 1:20 a.m.

The report said the robber entered the store using the hood of his sweat shirt to conceal his face. The man had pulled the drawstrings so tightly that the hood of his sweat shirt had concealed the majority of his face.

The man implied that he had a gun and demanded cigarettes and money from the clerk, then fled the area and was not located.

No one injured.

The robber was described as a White male, approximately 5'3" tall, in his late 30s, and was last seen wearing a black jacket and pants and a gray hoodie.

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.

Attempted Robbery of Woman
By Another Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted robbery early Thursday, May 14, 2009, at about 1:15 a.m. in the 2700 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

The report said the victim, Shanacqua Saunders, 36, was walking on 14th Street West when she was approached by a White female, who is known to Saunders.

The White female asked Saunders if she had any money and Saunders told the woman that she didn't.

The White female then told Saunders that she would shoot Saunders in the head and reached into her bag as if to grab something.

Saunders later told deputies that she never saw a gun, but believed the woman was armed and wanted to take her money.

The White female then fled the scene in a blue and silver pickup truck which was driven by a White male.

Saunders did not lose any money and was not injured.

She flagged down a BPD officer in the 2500 block of 14th Street West, who then notified the sheriff's office.

Neither the White female nor the White male were further described in the report.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office
To Hold Gun Buy Back Event

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office will be holding a Gun Buy Back event on Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the Sheriff's District 2 Office, 407 57th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Gun Buy Back program is a safe, no questions asked way to give the public an opportunity to dispose of any working firearm.

This initiative is one of several anti-crime measures being implemented by the Florida Attorney General’s Gang Reduction Strategy and is being funded by the asset and forfeiture fund.

Persons will receive a prepaid credit card for each firearm they turn in:

A $100 prepaid credit card will be handed out for each Assault Weapon (Uzi, AK-47) turned in.

A $50 prepaid credit card will be handed out for each Rifle, Shotgun, or Handgun turned in.

NewsManatee urges you to participate in this event.

Elderly Man Savagely Beaten,
Locked In Rental Property
He Was Showing

SANFORD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An elderly man suffered a broken skull when he was beaten and left for dead Tuesday night while showing a rental property in Sanford, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

William Savage Butler, 76, a 30-year veteran of the Navy, was showing the property, located in the 2400 block of South Cedar Avenue, when he was beaten unconscious.

Butler, who has a form of bone cancer, was discovered by an acquaintance and taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital with a cracked skull, broken clavicle and broken bones in his face.

"They stole his car, his cell phone, his wallet -- everything he had on him -- and left him for dead in the middle of the apartment, (and they) locked the doors on the way out," said Peter Butler, William's grandson.

William Butler's car was also stolen.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, but no information about the assailants is known, WKMG said.

Update from Florida DOH on
Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases:
63 Confirmed Cases

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida now has 63 confirmed cases in the following counties: one each in Osceola, Alachua, Indian River, Marion, Clay, Collier, Lake, Manatee, Flagler, Seminole, Okeechobee, and Duval; two each in Brevard and Palm Beach; 3 each in Pinellas, Sarasota, and Orange; 7 in Lee; 8 in Hillsborough; 11 in Dade; and 12 in Broward.

New confirmed cases:

Palm Beach: An 18-year-old male and a 75-year-old male

Broward: A 60-year-old male

Orange: A 21-year-old male

There are 2 probable cases in Okaloosa County.

CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory confirmed case of influenza A H1N1 consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures.

A public health emergency was declared by the State Surgeon General.

A toll free information line has been established for Swine Flu information. The number is 1-800- 775-8039.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Woman Charged with Child Neglect,
Tasered; Cocaine Found in Van,
Along with Two Toddlers

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy pulled over a van on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at about 7 p.m., he found a woman, two children and cocaine inside.

Amy Solomon

According to an arrest report, Amy Solomon, 39, of the 700 block of 8th Street West, Palmetto, was pulled over in the 1600 block of 21st Street East, Palmetto, in a gold van for a license tag not assigned to that vehicle.

Solomon initially gave a name of Cassandra Miller.

Deputy Hernandez wrote a warning for the tag.

Dep. Hernandez then asked for permission to search the vehicle.

Solomon exited the vehicle with her two children, 3 and 4 years old.

A piece of crack cocaine was found between the two front seats on the floor.

Dep. Cruz went to arrest Solomon and Dep. Hernandez took the two children back to the van.

After putting the kids in the van, Dep. Hernandez looked back and saw Dep. Cruz fighting with Solomon on the ground.

Dep. Hernandez warned her that if she did not stop resisting Dep. Cruz's efforts to arrest her, she would be Tasered.

At that point, the two kids exited the van and ran towards their mother. Dep. Hernandez yelled at the kids to get back in the van. The kids did not get back in the van, so Dep. Hernandez had to escort them back to the van again.

Solomon continued resisting, ignoring the deputy's warnings. Then Solomon kicked Dep. Hernandez, so he drive-stunned her twice before she became compliant, and Cruz was able to get her handcuffed.

Solomon was put in the back of the patrol car. That is when Solomon said that she gave a false name. When her real name was run, her license came back suspended.

Amy Solomon was charged with Child Neglect, Possession of Cocaine, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement and Driving While License Suspended, 2nd or Subsequent Offense.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $17,620.

It is unknown what became of the two children; the arrest report didn't say.

According to the sheriff's website, Solomon was also arrested in February and March of this year. In both arrests, she was charged with Defrauding a Pawn Broker and Driving While License Suspended, 2nd or Subsequent Offense.

Man, 28, Arrested for Burglary
Threatened Arson Homicide,
Manatee Detectives Report

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives say a man broke into a mobile home, stole money, then later threatened to burn down the home with the victim inside.

James M. Haberle

According to an arrest report, on Sunday, May 10, 2009, sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 12:45 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2009, James M. Haberle, 28, of 5310 14th Street West, lot 82, broke into a mobile home belonging to the victim, Kevin Smith, at the same address, lot 62.

Haberle then allegedly stole $1,000 cash from a kitchen cabinet. Haberle had cut a rear screen door to the enclosed lanai before entering the unlocked trailer and stealing the money, the report said, then fled prior to the incident being discovered.

The victim reported the theft when he discovered it.

On Monday, May 11, 2009, at about 9 a.m., the victim, Smith, was approached by Haberle, Smith later said. Haberle told Smith that if he dropped the charges, he (Haberle) would pay Smith $500 on Wednesday, May 13th and the rest on Friday, May 15th. The conversation was witnessed by the victim's friend, Lisa Cantrill, the report stated.

Then, on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Smith allegedly received a phone call from Haberle stating, "If he finds out that Smith didn't drop the charges, he was going to burn down Smith's house with Smith in it," according to the report.

That day, an interview was conducted by detectives with James Haberle. Haberle denied breaking into Smith's residence, denied having the conversation witnessed by Cantrill and denied calling and threatening Smith.

Haberle was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling, Grand Theft and Tampering with a Victim.

Haberle remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $12,000.

Woman Arrested for Burglary
To Ex-Boyfriend's Truck Was
'Just Out of Drug Rehab'

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Leah Marie Madden, 25, a homeless woman just released from drug rehab, according to an arrest report, was arrested for burglarizing her ex-boyfriend's truck on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at about 3:45 a.m.

Leah Marie Madden

Madden's arrest report said Leah and Adam Weber are ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend who have a child together.

Adam told a deputy that Leah has never had a job, is on drugs and has never lived with him at the residence where the burglary occurred, 2112 51st Avenue West, Bradenton.

On the morning in question, a witness, Kevin Webb, who is Adam's neighbor, saw Leah wheel a dolly over to Adam's truck, look around and then open the truck. She proceeded to pull out a speaker box to place on the dolly, Webb later told the deputy.

Webb confronted Leah and apprehended her until the deputy arrived.

Leah was arrested and charged with Burglary To a Conveyance.

After her arrest, Leah told the deputy that she and Kevin had been broken up for six months and that they did not live together. Leah also told the deputy she had just been released from a drug rehab program, where she was for the past six days. She said, "I took the speaker box to get some money for a hotel."

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

Shots Fired At Teenager
By 4-5 Black Males for
Unknown Reason

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an 18-year-old pedestrian was accosted by 4-5 Black males on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at about 9 p.m., in the 600 block of 60th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

The incident report said the victim, Cedric Robinson, 18, was walking to his home when he was approached by 4 to 5 Black males; one of them pulled out a pistol.

Cedric threw a soft drink at the man with the gun and fled to his home nearby.

As Cedric was running away, the man with the gun fired 4 to 5 shots in Cedric's direction.

Cedric was not injured and no damage was found to any structure or vehicle in the immediate area.

The culprits fled south from the area.

Cedric was not cooperative with deputies and fled the area soon after the first deputies arrived, the report said.

Several .40 caliber shell casing were located in the road. They were photographed, secured and placed into property and evidence.

The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) responded and assisted with the investigation.

The Black male assailants were not further described, except to say they were all dressed in black clothing.

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.

Shots Fired Into Occupied
Dwelling; No Injuries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported shots were fired into a residence in the 700 block of 60th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton, at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Three people inside, including two juveniles, were not injured.

The report said unknown person(s) in a white Acura drove by the victim’s house and fired at least 3 shots towards the home.

Two of the bullets hit the stucco wall. One of the rounds went through a window and hit the victim’s television. The projectile came to rest between the coffee table and the couch.

The suspects fled east on 60th Ave Terrace.

There were no injuries to the victims.

Two shell casing and one projectile were recovered at the scene.

Patrol deputies were able to process the scene and collect the evidence.

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.

Attempted Domestic Strong Arm
Robbery Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man tried to steal his girlfriend's purse on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at about 8:40 p.m., at a residence in the 4800 block of 47th Avenue West, Bradenton, according to an incident report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the victim, Constance Zaborowski, 48, and her live-in boyfriend, Albert Gloster, 50, got into an argument over him wanting more beer.

Constance was lying on the couch with her purse under her head.

Albert allegedly grabbed her and attempted to pull her off the couch in order to get her purse because he needed money to buy more beer.

They began to struggle for the purse and Constance was able to get her purse away from Albert and flee to a neighbor’s house.

By the time the deputy arrived, Albert had already fled the area.

Constance was not injured during the altercation.

According to the sheriff's website, there is no arrest for Albert at this time.

Manatee County Students
Win Big at Florida State
History Fair

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Twenty-four Manatee County students represented Manatee County at the Florida State History Fair held at Tallahassee Community College, May 7-9, 2009.

They are: Alexis Szelwach, Hannah Hedgcock, Samantha Latimer, Hall Knox, Sienna Bonner, Mitchell Cobb, Ariana Czaia, Nicholas Fabre, Shelby Carollo, Matthew Boerner, Meredith Gardner, Sarah Tedesco and Atticus DeProspo of Bradenton Preparatory Academy, Brett Hiskes of Bradenton Christian School, Mackenzie Yaryura of Nolan Middle School, Jackson Thomas of Haile Middle School, Nicholas Contessa of Buffalo Creek Middle School, Bridget Maltese, Emily Butler, Alec Bacon, Adam Droz, and Jamie Marchini of Lakewood Ranch High School, Juliette Dunbar, Homeschooled and Madison Chapman of Chapman Academy.

These students competed with 860 students from around the state for prizes and a chance to represent Florida at National History Day in College Park, Maryland in June.

Several Manatee County entries won prizes at the State Competition.

The first and second place winners, Mackenzie Yaryura, Mitchell Cobb, Ariana Czaia, Nicolas Fabre, Shelby Carollo, Matthew Boerner, Sarah Tedesco, Madison Chapman, Nicholas Contessa, and Meredith Gardner will travel to College Park, Maryland in June to compete at National History Day.

The students were sponsored by the Manatee County Clerk of Courts, R.B. "Chips" Shore, through the Manatee County Historical Commission.

For more information about Manatee County History Fair, contact the Manatee County Historical Commission, (941) 749-7165.

Charlotte Narcotics Deputies
Arrest 2 Men in Undercover
Operations

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detectives arrested two Deep Creek men on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, stemming from four undercover marijuana purchases.

Above, L to R, Harold W. Coleman and Robert Milton Vigo

Arrested at each of their homes were Robert Milton Vigo, 32, of 26603 Barraquilla Ave., and Harold W. Coleman, 38, of 27296 Deep Creek Blvd.

Narcotics detectives made three marijuana purchases from Vigo on Dec. 29, Dec. 30 and Jan. 14 totaling 257.4 grams (9+ ounces). Coleman’s arrest was for selling 26.7 grams (nearly an ounce) of marijuana to undercover detectives on Dec. 12.

Vigo was charged with three felony counts of Sale and Delivery of Marijuana and three felony counts of Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams. Coleman was charged with Sale and Delivery of Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana over 20 Grams.

Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail; Vigo made his $15,000 bond and was released this morning while Coleman remains in the jail on $5,000 bond.

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).

Man Shoots, Kills Wife, Self
At Shop In Front Of Son

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a man shot and killed his wife at a Fruitland Park shopping plaza Tuesday night before killing himself, police said.

The murder-suicide occurred at about 7:40 p.m. at the Cain Pole South Bait and Tackle Shop -- which the couple owned -- off U.S. Highway 441 east of Dixie Avenue in Lake County.

According to police, Ronnie and Tonya Warren were in a back office with their son when the shootings took place.

"They were going through a divorce," Fruitland Park Police Chief J.M. Isom, Sr., said. "From what we can gather thus far, they had an argument."

Tonya Warren had a restraining order against her husband, but he was still allowed to be at the business, WKMG said.

Update from Florida DOH on
Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases:
59 Confirmed Cases

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Florida has 59 confirmed cases in the following counties: one each in Osceola, Alachua, Indian River, Marion, Clay, Collier, Lake, Manatee, Flagler, Seminole, Okeechobee, and Duva; two each in Orange and Brevard; 3 each in Sarasota and Pinellas; 7 in Lee; 8 in Hillsborough; and 11 in Dade and Broward each.

New confirmed cases:

Flagler: a 51-year-old female
Broward: a 14-year-old female
Dade: a 10-year-old female
Sarasota: a six-year-old female

There are 3 probables in the following counties: Palm Beach has one probable and Okaloosa has 2.

CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory confirmed case of influenza A H1N1 consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures.

A public health emergency was declared by the State Surgeon General.

A toll free information line has been established for Swine Flu information. The number is 1-800- 775 8039.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Faulty Wiring in House's Attic
Caused Fatal Blaze in West
Manatee; Man, 43, Perished

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- West Manatee Fire Rescue was called to a single family structure fire at 812 36th Street West, Bradenton, at about 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

Above, 812 36th Street West, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Upon arrival four to five minutes after the first call, firefighters found the house "heavily involved with flames and fully-charged with smoke," Captain Tom Sousa, of West Manatee Fire Rescue later told NewsManatee.

Neighbors across the street from the residence had first noticed the blaze and tried desperately to awaken the lone resident inside the home by banging on the doors and windows, and yelling out to the resident.

The man, William Loran Yoakum II, 43, did not respond to the neighbors' frantic pleas to get out.

He was found later by firefighters inside, just short of the rear door of the residence, deceased.

Yoakum likely died from smoke inhalation, according to NewsManatee sources, but the Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to officially determine the cause and manner of death.

Kurt Lathrop, Deputy Fire Marshal from West Manatee Fire Rescue, told NewsManatee, "It looks like the fire was accidental and started from faulty wiring in the home's attic." A thorough investigation of the cause of the fire has not yet been completed. The home was built in 1946, Lathrop said.

Capt. Sousa said the house is now uninhabitable.

There were no injuries to firefighters, Capt. Sousa said.

The Bradenton Fire Department assisted with extinguishing the early morning blaze.

Man Arrested for Threatening
11-Year-Old Boy with Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man for threatening an 11-year-old boy with a gun on Monday, May 11, 2009, at about 8:30 p.m.

Jerome Miller

According to an arrest report, the 11-year-old unnamed victim was standing in the roadway at the 6700 block of 46th Avenue West with two other juveniles when a Black male suspect, who the victim described as wearing a white tank top shirt and having a white bandage on his neck, arrived as a passenger in an unknown type vehicle, and jumped out next to the victim.

The victim stated that the Black male began yelling at him and calling him names for unknown reasons.

The victim stated he observed a small black handgun in the car between the front passenger seat and the car door that the suspect had just exited from.

The victim then told suspect he was going home to tell his dad what had happened. Then, according to the victim, the suspect removed the handgun from the car, held it at his side while facing the victim, and told him, "I’m going to ambush your dad’s house tonight."

The victim, who was in fear, then ran home and told his father what had happened and the sheriff's office was called.

Upon our arrival, the suspect, Jerome Miller, 20, was found standing outside his residence located at 6720 46th Avenue West, in Bradenton. Miller was wearing a white tank top shirt and had a white bandage on his neck.

Miller stated he spoke to the victim but denied having a gun in his hand. Miller stated he did step out of the car but only had a laptop computer bag and a charger in his hand.

Miller was arrested by patrol units while VCTF secured his residence for a search warrant.

During the search of the residence, two firearms, powder cocaine and rock cocaine were found.

Miller was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $100,000 bail bond.

Bradenton Police Charge Man
with Child Abuse After Man
Refused to Leave Home

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to an arrest report from the Bradenton Police Department, Star E. Stewart, 24, of 379 34th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, was arrested for Child Abuse after Stewart refused to leave a woman's residence and violently swung a newborn child around in a confrontation with police.

Star E. Stewart

The report said on Monday, May 11, 2009, at about 2 p.m., Stewart was visiting his newborn premature twin girls at the children's mother's residence, located in the 300 block of 10th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Stewart and the unnamed mother argued and the mother asked Stewart to leave the residence. Stewart refused and the mother called police.

When police arrived, they found Stewart sitting on a couch, holding one of his newborn girls. Police asked Stewart to exit the residence and speak to the officer, but Stewart cursed the officer and refused to leave the home.

Then Stewart became angry and confrontational with the officer, while still holding the baby. The officer gave Stewart several chances to exit the home and hand over the baby, but Stewart then became angry and started swinging his arms violently while holding the child, and telling the officer to arrest him.

The officer noted that the newborn child's head was swinging violently as Stewart was swinging his arms.

After a short standoff and after several other officers arrived on scene, Stewart turned over the baby and was taken into custody.

The child was not injured.

Stewart was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $15,000.

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man
Who Fled Accident with
Injuries to Passenger,
Property Damage

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Joshua Vernon Snyder, 30, of 2817 40th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Joshua Vernon Snyder

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m., Snyder was operating a 1966 Ford Mustang, heading eastbound on State Road 64 in the 5400 block and was driving in a careless manner, exceeding the speed limit, witnesses later told police.

Snyder lost control of the Mustang, crossed over the median and crashed into the driver's side rear of another vehicle that had been traveling westbound on SR 64. and was in the process of entering the driveway of Taco Bell.

Both cars went into a spin and the Mustang struck a pole on the driver's side, causing the passenger of the vehicle to have serious bodily injury that required him to be Bayflited to Bayfront Medical Center.

The Mustang then struck a parked car. When the car finally stopped, Snyder got out o the car and fled the scene.

Witnesses and the unnamed passenger were later able to identify Snyder as the driver of the Mustang.

Police learned Snyder's license had been suspended for 10 years as of November 2004.

The Mustang was not legally registered, nor did it have any insurance.

The injured passenger was found to have a fractured arm and possibly other injuries.

The pole that was struck was estimated to have $10,000 worth of damage.

Snyder was located on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at a residence in the 5400 block of 26th Street West and arrested.

He was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash without Rendering Aid, Driving on a Suspended License Causing Serious Bodily Injury, three counts of Leaving the Scene of a Hit and Run Accident with Property Damage and Failure to Notify DMV of an address change.

Snyder remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $23,120 bail bond.

Career Criminal Arrested
for Attempted Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who has been arrested in Manatee County for 24 felonies since 1992, when he was 16 years old, has been arrested again; this time for an attempted burglary which occurred at a Jehovah's Witness Church, 3915 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Matthew Fleming Evans

According to Det. Shirley, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, several burglaries and attempted burglaries occurred on November 26, 2008, at about 7:15 p.m. in the church's parking lot.

During one of the burglaries, an ID was stolen and a woman was later found to be using it fraudulently. She told detectives that Matthew Fleming Evans, 33, of unknown address, gave it to her.

Then, fingerprints found on a vehicle's owner manual later came back to Evans, Det. Shirley wrote in his arrest report of Evans.

Det. Shirley found Evans incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail, where he is currently awaiting trial on other felonies.

Evans initially denied that he had committed any burglaries at the church's parking lot, but said he was on heroin at the time and might have done the burglaries and attempted burglaries.

On Monday, May 11, 2009, Evans was charged with Attempted Burglary to a Conveyance and remains in the Manatee County Jail.

Man Struck, Robbed By
Two Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery early Tuesday morning in the 3000 block of 1st Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said at approximately 2 a.m., the victim< Marvin Permenter, Jr., was approach by 2 Black males who attacked him, hitting him on the head.

They took his wallet with $110 and fled in an unknown direction.

The victim called the sheriff's office and the area was searched.

The victim was not located until about 3:30 a.m. at another location. He told deputies he fled the area because he was scared.

The victim was not seriously injured during the incident.

The robbers were only described as 2 Black males, 5'6" tall, weighing 140 pounds, both dressed in all black clothing.

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.

Sarasota Bank Robber
Apprehended at Motel

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff's Detectives, with assistance from the Sarasota Police Department, have arrested Joseph Colantuano, 31, for the robbery of the Bank of America, 3600 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, that occurred on Monday, May 11, 2009, at about 12:30 p.m.

Joseph Colantuano

Later in the day, after viewing bank surveillance video from the robbery, Sheriff’s Detectives identified Colantuano as the robber and obtained an arrest warrant for him.

During the evening hours after viewing the media report of the bank robbery, a witness came forward and contacted the Sarasota Police Department. The witness also identified Colantuano as the bank robber and provided his last known location, the Sunrise Motel on North Tamiami Trail.

With assistance provided by the Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s detectives were able to locate Colantuano and take him into custody.

Colantuano was cooperative with investigators. As a result, one hundred thirty-four dollars and seventy-five cents was recovered from his person and the clothing he wore during the robbery was recovered from a dumpster located close to the area of the bank.

Colantuano was booked into the Sarasota County Jail. He was charged with Robbery and is being held without bond.

Sarasota Attorney Sentenced
in Mortgage Loan Fraud

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, May 11, 2009, United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announced that United States District Judge James D. Whittemore sentenced John A. Yanchek, 49, of Sarasota, to five years in federal prison for a conspiracy to commit loan fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The court also ordered Yanchek to forfeit $7.6 million. Yanchek had pleaded guilty on February 4, 2009.

According to court documents, Yanchek was a licensed Florida attorney who did business as the law firm of John A. Yanchek, P.A., in Sarasota, Florida. Yanchek represented G & T Land Development LLC and Steeplechase Properties LLC, legal entities owned and/or controlled by his co-conspirators, that purchased and developed commercial real estate in the Sarasota area. Yanchek also functioned as a closing agent.

According to the plea agreement, Yanchek entered into a conspiracy to make false statements to federally-insured banks in connection with applications for commercial loans used to purchase vacant land in the Sarasota/Manatee area for development. The object of the conspiracy was to obtain enough loan money to allow the conspirators to purchase the property without contributing any equity of their own and to receive excess loan proceeds for their personal use. Yanchek, as the closing attorney for the loans, made false statements to the banks regarding the financial resources of the borrower, the amount and source of equity contributed by the borrower, compliance with the seller's obligation to provide marketable title to the property, and distribution of the loan proceeds.

Yanchek cooperated with the government and testified at the jury trial of his codefendant, Larry P. Nardelli, who was convicted on February 19, 2009 and is awaiting sentencing.

Yanchek's co-defendant Michael A. Tringali also has pleaded guilty and has cooperated with the government. Tringali received a 41-month sentence.

Yanchek's co-defendant Neil M. Husani remains a fugitive.

Man Sought In Sexual Battery
Of Teen Girl, Under 16

MARION COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities in Marion County are searching for a man wanted in the sexual battery of a girl, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Stephen Vealey, Jr.

Stephen Vealey Jr., 27, of Ocala, is wanted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office for lewd and lascivious battery on a person under 16 and giving alcohol to a minor.

Vealey and Kyle Thompson, who was arrested last week, picked up a runaway in the area of the Florida Highlands on April 28 and gave her alcohol and sexually battered her before dropping her off at a friend's house, deputies said. The girl was later located by her family.

Vealey initially stated he would cooperate with detectives but has not, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Vealey was described as a white man about 6 feet tall and 185 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, WKMG said.

If you know Vealey's whereabouts, call the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Palmetto Police Arrest
Man for Domestic Battery,
Child Abuse; Threw Child

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- A man who allegedly threw his 2-year-old boy during a domestic argument with his domestic partner was arrested by Palmetto Police on Friday, May 9, 2009, at about 8:30 p.m.

Martin S. Espinoza

The arrest report from PPD said Martin Espinoza, 26, of the 600 block of 13th Street West, Palmetto, was involved in a domestic battery with his live-in girlfriend, who was not named in the report.

The two have a 2-year-old boy together, the report said.

During the incident, Martin grabbed the 2-year-old boy's arm and threw him on a bed.

Both the mother and the boy went to the hospital for injuries from the domestic incident.

The boy had pain in his arm causing him to cry and a swollen red mark on his forehead from being thrown.

Child Protective Services and Palmetto Police conducted a co-investigation of the incident at the hospital.

Martin was arrested and during the arrest he told the woman that he would come back and kill her, the report said.

The woman told police she is afraid of Martin and afraid he will carry out that threat. She faces displacement from her home and a loss of her job if Martin is released because of his threats, she told police.

She said Martin is often violent and abusive and has hit her about three times before this incident. He has also physically abused the child in the past, according to a statement in the report from the woman.

Martin was charged with Domestic Battery and Child Abuse.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $252,500.

Woman Assaulted By 5 Men
With Knives Following
Traffic Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested one of five men involved in a traffic crash with a vehicle driven by a woman.

Fredrico Mendez

According to the arrest report, on Friday, May 9, 2009, at about 2:40 a.m., an unnamed woman was dropping off a friend in the 500 block of 32nd Avenue East, Bradenton, when she was involved in a traffic accident.

The driver and four passengers of the other vehicle, a van, all jumped out of the van holding knives.

Both parties argued for a few minutes before all 5 occupants of the van fled on foot.

When the deputy arrived, there were 2 Hispanic males and the female victim on scene.

They were able to give the deputy the direction of travel of the fleeing men.

The deputy located 3 Hispanic males heading southbound on 4th Street East.

The deputy chased them on foot and was able to apprehend one of them in the 3300 block of 4th Street East; the other two fleeing men continued south on 4th Street East into the Manatee Woods apartment complex nearby.

Arrested was Fredrico Mendez, 18, of an unknown address on Cortez Road West, in Bradenton.

The female victim positively identified Mendez as one of the men who had assaulted her with knives.

He was charged with Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Mendez remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Woman Arrested for Burglary,
Strangling Other Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Arlene D. Williams, 50, of 1438 17th Street Circle East, Bradenton.

Arlene D. Williams

The arrest report said Williams and two other people went to a residence in the 400 block of 34th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, on Thursday, May 8, 2009, at about 9:40 p.m.

Williams forced her way into Natassua Stewart's house.

She was there to pick up her God-son, but Stewart said Williams couldn't have him, whereupon Williams allegedly strangled Stewart, causing Stewart to urinate on herself. Stewart told deputies that while she was being strangled by Williams' hands, she had trouble breathing.

Williams then left and the sheriff's office was called.

After an investigation, Williams was arrested on Friday, May 9, 2009, at about 1:15 a.m.

She was charged with Burglary with Battery.

She posted a $2,000 bail bond and was released from jail on Sunday, May 10th.

Man Kicks, Drags Woman
By Neck Outside Residence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Dustin L. Soos, 27, of the 6800 block of Whitman Way, in South Manatee County, following a violent confrontation with a woman.

Dustin L. Soos

The arrest report said on Thursday, May 8, 2009, at about 9 a.m., an unnamed woman and Soos became involved in a verbal argument, which quickly became physical.

The woman told deputies Soos violently kicked her. The woman then kicked him back in self defense.

The argument further escalated when Soos picked the woman up by her neck, cutting off her airway by strangulation.

Soos then dragged the woman by her neck from the bedroom all the way outside of the front door of the house.

The woman said her airway was obstructed by Soos during the attack.

Soos was arrested about an hour and a half later at the residence, without further incident.

He was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

Soos posted a $5,000 bail bond the next day and was released from jail.

Two Las Vegas Residents
Arrested for Burglary To
Vehicle; $7K Items Taken

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested two people who gave a Las Vegas, Nevada, residential address.

Above, L to R, Shane Swan and Lillian Lopez

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at about 2:30 a.m., Shane Swan, 20, and Lillian Lopez, 21, both of 4533 Diamondhead Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada, burglarized a vehicle in the 400 block of 77th Street East, Bradenton.

Witnesses called the sheriff's office.

Deputies apprehended the pair in the 500 block of 77th Street East, Bradenton.

According to witness statements, the pair had entered an unoccupied, unlocked vehicle and took phone equipment and a cardboard box containing marine/boat electronics.

The value of all items taken was $7,150, the report said.

Both Swan and Lopez admitted their involvement in the burglary, the report indicated.

They were both arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Conveyance.

They remain in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,000 each.

Two of Four Juveniles Arrested
After Armed Robbery of Bicyclist

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, four juveniles, one armed with a handgun, robbed a bicyclist on Monday, May 11, 2009, at about noon.

The report said the victim, Mayolo Fuentes Tamariz, of the 5900 block of 13th Street Court East, Bradenton, was riding his bicycle south on 12th Street East and was in the 6100 block when four Hispanic male Juveniles approached him. One suspect was armed with a handgun.

The victim was robbed of his jewelry and cash.

The victim followed the suspects until Law Enforcement could be called.

The sheriff's office responded deputies to the area of Harllee Middle School. The school was placed on lockdown for the duration of this incident.

Two of the four suspect were located and apprehended.

The firearm used was also located and recovered.

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.

Four Found with Burglary Tools
Released; Deputies Say It Was
"Suspicious Circumstances"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, May 10, 2009, at about 10:30 p.m., Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies found four people with burglary tools in their vehicle, along with electronic devices that had not been reported stolen. Deputies are calling the incident "suspicious circumstances," in their report.

The report said a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 5100 block of U.S. 41 North on a vehicle with no taillights.

The deputy noticed the two back seat passengers, ages 15 and 17, had a pair of large bolt cutters in between them on the seat and they were attempting to conceal it with their legs.

Backup arrived and the deputies got consent to search the vehicle.

Inside the passenger compartment they found a notebook with handwritten instructions on how to commit a burglary. When the deputies opened the trunk, they found a plastic bucket with numerous pieces of cut copper (each piece was approximately 1 – 2 feet in length) inside of it. There were several other tools in the trunk, such as handheld clippers, a screwdriver, a hammer and a machete. There was a backpack with a crowbar, a hammer and a hacksaw inside of it. There was an old Playstation, computer keyboard, Nintendo Wii and several other electronic devices as well.

All items with serial numbers were checked with negative results.

All of the occupants, including the 18-year-old driver and an 18-year-old passenger in the front seat, were interviewed and released.

None of the items in the vehicle could be tied to a crime at this time.

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.

Sarasota Bank Robbery
Monday, Robber Escaped

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Early information indicates that the Bank of America at Bee Ridge Road and Beneva Road (3600 Bee Ridge Road), Sarasota, was robbed Monday at about 12:30 p.m., according to a press release from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Doug Reynolds, NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter, said a man was described as a White male in his 30s, 5' 11'' tall, thin, wearing black pants, a grayish-blue button down shirt with a white T-shirt underneath, brown hair, a thin "chin strap" beard, and a tattoo on the back of his neck.

The robber was carrying a black backpack and gave the teller a note demanding money.

He allegedly said there was a bomb in the backpack, Reynolds reported.

He left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash that he put in his backpack.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Charlotte Deputies Capture
9-foot 1-inch Alligator Near
Myakka River Elementary School

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 6:21 a.m. this morning of a large alligator on a sidewalk near Myakka River Elementary School. The 9-foot 1-inch alligator was near Coliseum Blvd. and Darnell Ave.

Above, L to R, Trapper Beau Davis, DFC John Majka (with rope),
Watch Commander Brian Harrison and Sgt. Floyd Davis look on.
Beau Davis is Sgt. Davis’ brother, CCSO said.
(Photo by Bob Carpenter, CCSO PIO)

Deputies blocked off the area while the roundup progressed.

Beau Davis, a licensed trapper, was called to the scene and lassoed the gator; he then gave the rope to Deputy First Class John Majka. Trapper Davis then managed to subdue the alligator and secured it to a fence.

Fish and Wildlive Conseervation (FWC) responded and removed the alligator shortly before school started.

Police: Man Paid For Hit
On Ex-Wife

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting an Orlando man was arrested after he tried to hire a hit man to kill his ex-wife, sheriff's deputies said.

Tommy Carlton, 35, of Orlando, was arrested late Friday night on charges of Solicitation to Commit Murder.

Osceola County sheriff's deputies said they received an anonymous tip that Carlton wanted to hire a hitman to kill his ex-wife because he was upset over a child custody fight.

Carlton paid undercover detectives acting as hit men to carry out the slaying, deputies said.

Carlton was being held on no bond, WKMG said.

Update from Florida DOH on
Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases:
55 Confirmed Cases

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Florida now has 55 confirmed cases in the following counties: one each in Osceola, Alachua, Indian River, Marion, Clay, Collier, Lake, Manatee, Seminole, Okeechobee, and Duval, two in Orange, Brevard and Sarasota, 3 in Pinellas, 7 in Lee, 8 in Hillsborough, and 10 in Dade and Broward each.

The increase in confirmed cases is primarily due to the cleaning of a CDC testing backlog of samples from probable cases previously submitted.

New confirmed cases are:

Osceola: 6 year-old male; Brevard: a 7 year-old female and a 7 year-old male; Sarasota: a 2 year-old male and a 10 year-old female; Pinellas:19 year-old female and a13 year-old male; Hillsborough: a 27 year-old male and an 11 year-old female; Broward: a 12 year-old female, a 9 year-old male, a 17 year-old female, a 3 year-old male, a 23 year-old male, and a 42 year-old male, Dade: a 23 year-old male; a 7 year-old male; a 16 year-old male, a 12 year-old female, a 16 year-old female, an 11 year-old female, and a 6 year-old (unknown sex); Lee: a 10 year-old male, a 7 year-old male, a 21 year-old female, an 18 year-old male, an 8 year-old female, a 7 year-old male, and a 60 year-old female; Manatee: a 2 year-old female; Marion: a 17 year-old female; Lake: a 29 year-old male .

DOH has 4 probable cases in the following counties: Flagler, and Palm Beach each have one probable, Okaloosa has 2.

CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory confirmed case of influenza A H1N1 consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures.

A public health emergency was declared by the State Surgeon General.

A toll free information line has been established for Swine Flu information. The number is 1-800- 775 8039.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bank of America Branch Robbed;
Suspect Tracked By Sheriff's K-9,
Arrested Within 30 Minutes

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported at approximately 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, May 8, 2009, deputies responded to a bank robbery at the Bank of America branch located at 7223 55th Ave. E., Bradenton.

Above, Bank of America, 7223 55th Avenue East, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

According to witnesses, a White male wearing a long brown wig entered the bank and demanded money. He implied he had a gun, but no weapon was seen.

The robber took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the bank.

However, as the robber fled, a dye pack exploded inside a day planner the man used to conceal the ill-gotten booty. He dropped the package, which was found by a bystander.

The robber was tracked by a sheriff's K-9 team and located behind Publix at 7290 55th Ave. E., Bradenton, hiding in a ditch. The man, later idenfitied as Andrew Huddleston, 30, of unknown address in Sarasota, was bitten on an arm by the K-9. He was taken to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for treatment, then transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Andrew Huddleston

There was a report Huddleston had arrived in a pickup truck and used a bike to commit the crime. The bike was never located, but the pickup truck was found leaving the strip mall with the robber's brother driving it. He was questioned and released.

Huddleston was charged with Armed Robbery.

Huddleston was serving a two-year probation in Sarasota for drug possession when he was captured. According to Sarasota County court records, Huddleston has been arrested in the past for numerous crimes, including Armed Home Invasion, Check Forgery and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.

Andrew Huddleston remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
for Brandishing Handgun
at Crowd, Possession of
Cocaine, More

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested Derrell A. Richardson, 20, of 503 25th Street East, Palmetto.

Derrell A. Richardson

A Palmetto Police Department arrest report said on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at about 2:20 a.m., a Palmetto nightclub, The Hall, located at 1330 U.S. Hwy 301 North, was letting out.

Richardson began to argue with a large crowd while walking toward his vehicle in the parking lot.

Richardson reached his vehicle and grabbed a black revolver handgun and pointed it towards the crowd, and one victim in particular.

He told the victim, "I'm going to kill you and your family."

When police arrived, a detective observed the crowd arguing and screaming that Richardson had a gun. When the detective approached Richardson, she saw him close the driver's rear passenger door. The crowd screamed that Richardson had thrown the gun into the back of the driver's seat area.

While the detective searched Richardson, a lieutenant proceeded to look into the vehicle and observed the gun in plain view located on the rear floorboard.

Richardson was then placed under arrest.

Incident to his arrest, a search of the vehicle also revealed a small brown pill bottle that appeared to be crack cocaine. The substance tested positive for cocaine.

Richardson was charged with Aggravated Assault, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Cocaine and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Richardson remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

He was serving a probation for a conviction for Grand Theft, Forgery and Credit Card Fraud.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Lewd & Lascivious Act
With Minor

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Miguel Calderon-Gonzalez, 25, of the 1600 block of 15th Street West, Bradenton.

Miguel Calderdon-Gonzalez

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, an unnamed mother went to the Bradenton Police Department with her unnamed 13-year-old daughter to report that Calderon-Gonzalez had sex with her daughter in July of 2008.

Bradenton Police Detectives interviewed Calderon-Gonzalez on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at his residence.

He said he was living with the victim and her mother last year while his wife was out of town.

Calderon-Gonzalez admitted to having consensual sex with the victim, believing her to be 17 years of age at that time, the report said.

He was read his Miranda rights and asked for an attorney. The interview was concluded at that time and Calderon-Gonzalez was arrested. He was charged with a Lewd & Lascivious Act with a Victim Less Than 16 Years of Age.

Calderon-Gonzalez remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,000.

Detectives also placed a hold on him with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, as an apparent illegal alien.

Deputies Arrest Woman for
Theft of $1,000 in Jewelry
from Bealls Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Tammy Lynn Polston, 26, of 5616 24th Street East, Bradenton, was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Tammy Lynn Polston

The arrest report said on Wednesday, May 7, 2009, at about 12:30 p.m., Polston entered the Bealls store located at 7365 52nd Place East, Bradenton.

Once inside, Polston proceeded to put 12 items of jewelry into a shopping cart, along with some clothing items and a pair of shoes, which were in a shoe box.

She then entered a dressing room and concealed the jewelry in her personal clothing.

She then put the jewelry boxes in the clothing that she had picked up and took the clothing to the return desk at the front of the store and then left the store, without paying for the items.

Loss prevention personnel stopped her outside the store and took Polston into custody.

The value of the jewelry and other items totaled $1,014.90.

Polston was arrested by a sheriff's office deputy and charged with Grand Theft (Retail).

She remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a $1,000 bail bond.

Lone Employee Robbed
At Platinum Relaxation
By Three Armed Thugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a lone female employee of Platinum Relaxation, 2435 1st Street East, Bradenton, was robbed on Friday, May 8, 2009, at about 11:45 p.m., by three people armed with guns.

The report said the victim was working alone at the above listed address when she heard a knock at the door.

The victim checked the monitor, looked out the peephole and observed suspect #1 outside the door. When she opened the door, three suspects entered the business with suspect #1 placing a silver-colored revolver against her head.

All three suspects forced the victim into the employee lounge area where suspect #1 went through her pockets, removing an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspects also located an envelope and removed cash belonging to the business, then fled the area.

The victim was not injured and the investigation is ongoing.

The robbers were described as follows:

#1: Black male, approximately 6'00" tall, medium build, 18-25 years old, with a light colored T-shirt wrapped around his face similar to a bandana, shoulder length dreadlock style hair, armed with a silver in color revolver, wearing a black T-shirt, blue jean knee length shorts and black tennis shoes or flip-flops.

#2: Light skinned Black female or possibly a White female, approximately 5'05" tall, 120 lbs., 18-25 years old, wearing a light colored full ski mask over her head, baby blue in color T-shirt with light colored cutoff sweat pants or Capri pants and black tennis shoes, armed with a black in color semi-automatic handgun.

#3: Black male, approximately 5'07" tall, 160-170 lbs., 18-25 years old, light colored T-shirt worn as a bandana over his face, wearing a black T-shirt, knee length blue jean shorts, white tennis shoes, possibly armed with a black in color handgun.

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.

Late Night Dinner Interrupted
By Armed Home Invaders

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery Friday, May 8, 2009, at about 11:45 p.m., in the 1000 block of 37th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The victims, Antonio Gonzalez and Jose Louse, were sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner when they heard a knock at the front door.

Antonio answered the door and a Black male and White female pushed their way in.

The Black male was armed with a small silver revolver and pointed the firearm at Antonio.

The White female grabbed the cell phone Antonio was holding in his hand, then went through his pockets and removed an undetermined amount of cash.

Jose ran out the front door, but was chased by the Black male.

The Black male caught Jose outside and pinned him up against a vehicle parked on the east side of the residence.

The two invaders then fled the area.

The victims were unable to give a mode or direction of travel.

The area was checked with negative results.

There were no injuries.

The invaders were described as a Black male, 6'04" tall, 180 pounds, in his 20s, with long braided hair, and was last seen wearing a short sleeve blue button up shirt and blue jeans; and a White female, 24-25 years old, 5'00" tall, 120 pounds, with long straight black hair, last seen wearing jeans and a black T-shirt.

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 Stops to Urinate,
Robbed at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When a man stopped to urinate Friday afternoon, on May 8, 2009, at about 4 p.m., he was ambushed by an armed robber, a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

The report said John Forehand, 39, was driving home from work when he felt the urge to urinate. He didn't think he would make it home or to a store so he pulled onto Woodstock Road, off Rye Road in East Manatee County. Forehand stopped at about the 500 block of Woodstock Road.

As Forehand exited his truck, a White Toyota Tercel pulled up rapidly behind his truck and blocked Forehand's truck in.

The Toyota's passenger then quickly exited the vehicle and approached Forehand, while pointing a black semi-automatic handgun at him, and demanded Forehand's wallet.

Forehand gave the man his wallet and the man returned to the Toyota.

The man with the gun and the driver of the Toyota then fled back down Woodstock Road and from there in an unknown direction.

Forehand got back into his vehicle and drove to a nearby fire station where he called 911.

Forehand was not injured during the incident.

The robbers were described as both being Hispanic males, 20-30 years of age. The driver was only described further as bald, wearing a white tank top. The passenger was further described as being 5'09"-5'11" tall, with a medium build, white tank top, black baggy shorts, tennis shoes, teardrop tattoo on his left eye and an unknown name tattoo across his chest. He had a mild Spanish accent, and was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun.

The 1990s model Toyota had rear end damage and damage to the driver's front fender/door area, 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.

Attempted Armed Robbery of
Man By Two White Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted robbery of a pedestrian on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at about 2 a.m.

The report said the victim, Craig Konopa, 49, was walking home from the Drift Inn and stopped at the 7-11. As he continued to walk home from the 7-11 he noticed two White males following him on foot.

They confronted him in the 1700 block of Cortez Road West and he noted that the "big guy" was armed with a gun.

They demanded money and the suspect held the gun to Craig's head.

When Craig did not relinquish any money, one of the robbers swung at Craig, but Craig stepped back.

Then they tackled Craig, took him to the ground and searched his pockets.

Craig fought back and the robbers kicked him numerous times.

They were unsuccessful in obtaining any money and fled on foot back towards the 7-11.

The culprits were described as two White males, not known to Craig, both in their 20s. One had black hair. The other was a big guy in a dark shirt, armed with a handgun.

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.

Deputies Respond to Report
of "Explosive Device"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, May 7, 2009, shortly before 10 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy was called to the 5700 block of 8th Street Court East, Bradenton, on a report of an explosion.

Upon the deputy's arrival, he discovered a small plastic water bottle in the gutter with pieces of aluminum foil near it on the ground.

A fire department unit responded to make sure the device was no longer a threat and that no one was injured.

Deputy Paxton placed the device in the hazardous materials locker at the sheriff's bomb office.

No further action was taken.

Sarasota County Sheriff
Investigating Stabbing

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is investigating a stabbing that occurred on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at about 4:30 a.m.

Deputies responded to the 100 block of Oak Street, in Osprey, for a battery and found a man had been stabbed.

The victim, Gary Webster, 40, of Venice, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center with 3-4 stab wounds in the stomach and armpit.

Exact details of the incident are still being determined. The investigation is being handled by detectives.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 941-861-4900 or Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477) or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Man Cleans Up With $900
Toothbrush Theft

SOUTH DAYTONA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities in Volusia County were searching Thursday for a thief with an apparent appreciation for dental hygiene, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

A man walked into the CVS on Ridgewood Avenue in South Daytona at about 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, filled a shopping basket with $866 worth of electric toothbrushes, brush replacements and teeth-whitening strips and exited through the store's rear emergency exit, police said.

The man then drove off in a white car, police said.

Former Spokesman for Dept. of
Children and Families Gets
24+ Years in Federal Prison
For Child Porn Production

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, May 8, 2009, U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced Albert Andre Zimmerman, 41, the former spokesman for the Florida Department of Children and Families, to 24 years and four months in federal prison on a charge of Production of Child Pornography.

Albert Andre Zimmerman

Zimmerman, formerly of Tallahassee and Lakeland, had pleaded guilty on January 21, 2008.

Zimmerman was arrested on a federal complaint on February 11, 2008, and was indicted on April 16, 2008.

According to Zimmerman’s plea agreement, from October 2004 until December 2007, in Hillsborough and Orange Counties, Zimmerman became friendly with six minor males, one under the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Zimmerman persuaded these minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct and then send him pictures of the conduct via email. At times, Zimmerman instructed the minors concerning the poses they should assume for the photos. Zimmerman told the minors that he would pay them money for the pictures, and he did indeed pay some of the minors. Zimmerman also told some of the minors that he was selling the pornographic photographs to another individual, who would in turn sell them overseas.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Jacksonville Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum's CyberCrime Unit, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Tampa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Murphy-Davis prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Florida DOH Swine Flu Update;
One Probable Case in Manatee,
Two in Sarasota County;
23 Confirmed in State

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Florida has 23 confirmed cases in the following counties: One each in Alachua, Clay, Indian River, Okechobee, Orange, Seminole, and Pinellas; two in Dade, three in Lee, five in Broward, and six in Hillsborough.

The increase in confirmed cases is primarily due to the cleaning of a CDC testing backlog of samples from probable cases previously submitted.

New confirmed cases are:

Hillsborough: an 18-year-old male, a 21-year-old male, a 22-year-old male, a 19-year-old female, a 12-year-old male, and a 24-year-old female; Clay: a 15-year-old female; Okeechobee: a 27-year-old female; Indian River: a 15-year-old male; Alachua: a 19-year-old female; Seminole: an 18-year-old male; Pinellas: a 25-year-old male; Dade: a 13-year-old female; a 47-year-old male; Broward: an 11-year-old female, a 22-year-old female, a 3-year-old female, a 26-year-old female

There are 18 probable cases in the following counties: Manatee, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Lake, Duval, Collier, Pinellas, and Marion have one probable case each. Lee and Sarasota have two each. Broward and Dade have three each.

The CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory confirmed case of influenza "A" H1N1 virus consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures.

A public health emergency was declared by the State Surgeon General.

A toll free information line has been established to address an increasing number of calls from the public requesting Swine Flu information. The number is 1-800-342-3557 and it is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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