Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 8/8/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 8/8/2009

Murdered Woman Bludgeoned
To Death, Sheriff Says; Blood,
Fingerprints Found at Scene

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Kathleen Briles, wife of prominent Palmetto family practice physician James Briles, was murdered by blunt force trauma, according to Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube, who held a press conference on Thursday, August 6, 2009, to discuss the killing. The murder weapon has been found, but Steube would not say what it is.

Above, the Briles home, 240 Bayshore Road, Palmetto
(Photo by Carole Law Atkins, NewsManatee)

Sheriff Steube also said the woman was found bound by Dr. Briles when he returned home just before 8 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2009. He wouldn't say what Ms. Briles was bound with.

There was no sign of forced entry to the home, according to Steube.

Dr. Briles has been cleared as a suspect, Steube said; his alibis held up. He was working at the time.

Substantial blood and fingerprint evidence was found at the crime scene.

Several items of value are missing from the home, but Steube declined to say what.

At a meeting on Wednesday with family members, information was received that could be "key to the investigation," Steube said.

A NewsManatee confidential source said detectives are watching a possible suspect, but no further information was given by the source.

On Tuesday, Manatee County Sheriff's spokesman Randy Warren said detectives continue to gather evidence in the murder of 48-year-old Kathleen Briles.

Detectives are also unable to mention possible motives or discuss possible suspects.

"Releasing those details could prove damaging to the investigation," Warren said.

At Thursday's press conference, Sheriff Steube declined to say whether this case is connected to home invasion robberies in Manatee and Sarasota County. "We're not ruling anything out at this time," Steube said. But he said it is unlikely, as there are several differences in the cases.

NewsManatee asked PIO Randy Warren if neighbors should be worried. "People should always be cautious," Warren said, but didn't elaborate.

However, in Thursday's press conference, Sheriff Steube said, "People should lock their doors. If they have a security system, they should use it. If they have a safe, they should lock their valuables in it." His comment was more of a general one, rather than specific to this case.

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, click here.

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.

This is the 22nd murder overall in Manatee County in 2009. There have now been 18 murder in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 murders in the City of Bradenton in 2009.

[Ed. Note: According to Sgt. Pete Rampone, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the previously designated 22nd murder, Roy Barnes, whose body was found burning and dismembered near the Sarasota-Bradenton airport has been officially declared a Sarasota case, since Sarasota Police have discovered Barnes was murdered in their city. Therefore, Barnes' murder is statistically not a Manatee County case.]

Two Juveniles Arrested in
Connection with Series of
Golf Cart Thefts

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested two juveniles in connection with a series of golf cart thefts from Plantation Village Mobile Home Park, 211 63rd Avenue West, Bradenton.

Above, Todd Dyson and Jacob Meilke

According to the arrest reports, on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at about 2:15 a.m., Manatee County K-9 Deputy Petta was on routine patrol in the 900 block of 63rd Avenue East when he saw two golf carts riding eastbound on the south sidewalk. The drivers of the golf carts did not have their headlights on. He conducted a traffic stop.

Earlier in the shift, Dep. Petta received information that three golf carts had been stolen from Plantation Village, just a few blocks away from the traffic stop.

Dep. Petta ran the ID numbers on the golf cars; both had been reported stolen.

Todd Dyson, 15, of 920 63rd Avenue East, Bradenton, and Jacob Meilke, 16, of 2404 10th Street West, in Palmetto, were both arrested and transported to the Juvenile Booking Facility (JBF).

Once at JBF, after the boys were read their Miranda warnings, Dep. Petta spoke with Jacob Meilke, who said he wanted to tell Dep. Petta the truth.

Jacob said Todd contacted him on Monday afternoon and wanted to know if Jacob wanted to trade his pocket bike for one of the golf carts. At that point, Jacob agreed, but was not informed that the carts were stolen, he said.

On Tuesday, the two boys decided to go out driving the golf carts, at which point, Todd told Jacob the carts were stolen, Jacob told Dep. Petta. Jacob said he didn't know what to do.

When Dep. Petta spoke with Todd, Todd denied knowing that the carts were stolen.

Both boys were charged with Grand Theft Auto.

According to reports received by NewsManatee, three golf carts have been stolen in the past week from Plantation Village, but only the two have been 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.

[Ed. Note: Golf Cart owners are urged to secure their carts as best they can. Unless this is done, the carts are fair game for thieves. There have been many golf carts stolen in Manatee County.]

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
In Multiple Vehicle Burglaries

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Christopher Allen Clymore, 24, of 6211 Laurel Creek Terrace, in Ellenton.

Christopher Allen Clymore

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, a BPD officer met with a female victim in the 2900 block of Norwich Drive, who said that her vehicle had been broken into.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, it was evident that the front passenger side window had a large concrete block thrown though it. The victim said that her vehicle registration and a bottle of baby wipes had been taken from her glove box.

The officer noted that at the time, Clymore was seen breaking windows out of vehicles and was eventually apprehended.

Incident to his arrest, a search of his vehicle revealed various items, including the vehicle registration and baby wipes belonging to the victim above.

The arrest report said Clymore had been involved in 9 vehicle burglaries.

He has been charged with seven counts of Burglary to a Conveyance, Bribing a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Burglary Tools, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $75,000.

Two Young Men Victims of
Ambush, Armed Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported two young men in a vehicle were victims of an ambush and an armed robbery on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at about 4:20 a.m., in the 2900 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

The report said the victims, Kyle Rhubottom, 19, and Jonathan Swinney, 16, both of St. Petersburg, were heading north on 14th street West when they were flagged down in the 3000 block by two men.

Believing the men needed help, the victims stopped their car in the 2900 block of 14th Street West.

Suspect #2 entered the back seat of the victim's vehicle and asked the boys if they wanted to buy a gun. The victims stated that they did not have any money.

At that point, suspect #1 lunged through the open front passenger window of the car, scaring the victims.

The victim then drove off with the suspects in the car.

Suspect #1 put the car in park while it was moving, bringing it to a stop.

Suspect #1 then stated that he had a gun and would shoot them; however, no weapon was seen.

One of the victims gave Suspect #1 his wallet containing $120, at which point both suspects fled East on 26th Avenue.

The area was checked for the suspects with negative results.

Neither victim was hurt during the incident.

The robbers were not described in the report.

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.

Woman's Purse Snatched By
White Male at East Side
Sunoco Gas Station

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at about 3 p.m., at the Sunoco gas station in the 5900 block of 15th Street East, Bradenton.

The report said while sitting in her car, an interloper asked Crystal Graham, 30, for some change.

As Crystal picked up her purse to give him some change, the man grabbed the purse from Crystal; she held onto it.

The thief punched Crystal in the face to get her to release the purse. The straps broke and the robber fled westbound on 59th Avenue East with Crystal's purse.

The purse contained $220, IDs and papers.

Crystal said she was not injured.

No video of the suspect could be located.

Several patrol units and a K-9 unit checked the area for the suspect, to no avail.

The man was described as a White male in his 30s, 5'8" tall, think, and was last seen wearing a white tank top and blue jean shorts

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.

AT&T Back-To-School Supply Drive
To Benefit Students and Teachers
In West Central Florida

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- AT&T is joining forces with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to collect back-to-school supplies for public school students and teachers in West, Central and North Florida.

Three local AT&T stores will serve as collection locations for the supply drive, which runs July 31-August 23. They are:

1313 Cortez Road West, Bradenton
2300 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota
5398 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

“A big part of our commitment to strengthening our communities involves advancing education and improving lives,” said Jennifer Van Buskirk, vice president and general manager, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, West, Central and North Florida. “This effort helps us to accomplish both.”

All school supplies are needed. Suggestions include:

~ #2 Pencils
~ Colored pencils
~ Markers
~ 24-pack crayons
~ Zipper pencil bags
~ Reams of copy paper
~ Wide-rule and college-rule paper
~ Folders
~ Glue Sticks
~ Backpacks
~ Erasers
~ Pencil sharpeners
~ Child-safety Scissors
~ Mini staplers

The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations will help distribute the supplies collected. The Consortium is the professional association for the local county education foundations that serve the 2.6 million public school students and 295,000 educators throughout Florida’s 67 counties.

“We’re excited to have a company like AT&T that has such a large presence in the community helping with such an important cause,” said Mary Chance, executive director, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. “If it wasn’t for community efforts like this one, many local students wouldn’t have the supplies they need to start school.”

One Man Pistol-Whipped, Other
Man Punched During Armed
Robbery; Shots Fired

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery with shots fired on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at about 6:20 p.m., in the 5400 block of Kensington Drive, Sarasota.

The report said Paul Gadbois, Jr., reported the suspects, all acquaintances, were allowed in the home and suddenly the event began with Gadbois, Jr., being pistol-whipped to the head and Paul Gadbois, Sr., who walked in on the event, being punched in the face.

The suspects fled without taking anything and fired two rounds as they left.

The victims refused medical assistance.

A search and canvass was conducted with negative results.

This investigation has been turned over to Detectives.

The assailants were described as three unknown males, one named "Cuba" and one named “Cody,” all in their early 20s, all approximately 5’8" tall and weighing 150-160 pounds. They were all wearing black clothing and all armed with unknown type handguns.

They were last seen leaving the incident location in a newer red 4-door automobile, possibly a Toyota.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Section 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).

CCSO: 3rd Arrest Made
In Retaliation Shootings;
Witnesses Sought

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives made another arrest in connection with a March 5th shooting in Port Charlotte.

Derrick Patrick Bernard, Jr.

Arrested at the Charlotte County Jail where he is being held on other charges was Derrick Patrick Bernard Jr., 20, 16483 Chamberlain Blvd., Port Charlotte. Bernard is charged with Accessory after the Fact of Attempted Murder and Accessory after the Fact of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

Following the shooting on Almond Ave. in Port Charlotte where the driver of the car was shot in the face, detectives found the handgun May 14 when they searched a shed at a home on Loyola Rd., Venice. It was under a floorboard in the shed inside a lunch box. A witness said Bernard wiped off the .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun in Port Charlotte, wrapped it in tin foil and put in a lunch box. The witness said the Venice home was used to “hide stuff” from law enforcement and Bernard took the handgun to that home.

Bernard was arrested last Tuesday for Burglary and Grand Theft charges in an unrelated case and was in the jail when arrested on these new charges. Jethro Kis Senat, 23, and his brother Roland Carly Saintlot, 20, both of 4139 Magenta Ave., North Port, remain without bond in the Charlotte County Jail (See NewsManatee's earlier report this week).

MCU detectives say the investigation continues and more charges and arrests are expected.

MCU Detective Jason Doherty said, “We are seeking additional witnesses with information in this case and other shootings related to Senat and Saintlot.” Anyone with information is asked to please call Det. Doherty at 941-505-4644, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Fight Leads to Arrest of
Missing Girl's Dad

PALATKA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The father of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings has been arrested after getting into a fight with his wife's brother, deputies said.

Haleigh Cummings

Ronald Cummings, 25, was booked into the Putnam County Jail early Thursday morning on a felony charge of burglary with assault or battery.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Cummings got into a fight with Hank Croslin Jr., the brother of Cummings' wife, Misty Croslin, at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Hank Croslin Jr. told deputies that his sister asked for her family to pick her up because she no longer wanted to be in Cummings' company. Cummings and Misty Croslin live with his grandmother, Annette Sykes, in Welaka.

Misty Croslin told deputies that her brother called and asked if he could visit her, but she said no because it was too late. Her brother, along with her parents, went to Sykes' home and the fight ensued, she told deputies.

Misty Croslin said she was struck in the face twice while trying to break up the fight, according to deputies.

Hank Croslin Jr. was taken to Putnam Community Medical Center, complaining of head and neck injuries, deputies said.

Cummings, who is being held on $12,004 bond, refused to talk to deputies about the incident, exercising his right to remain silent, deputies said. He is expected to make his first appearance before a judge on Thursday.

The burglary charge stems from Cummings reaching into the Croslins' vehicle, deputies said.

Haleigh Cummings vanished from her Satsuma home on Feb. 10, and the Putnam County Sheriff's office said from the day she disappeared that it believes the girl was abducted. Misty Croslin was asleep in the home and Ronald Cummings was at work when Haleigh disappeared, deputies said.

After searching thousands of acres and interviewing dozens of people, the sheriff's office does not have a suspect in Haleigh's disappearance.

A reward of $35,000 is being offered in the case.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Boy, 16, Arrested for Fatal
Shooting of Teen, 18;
23rd Murder of 2009

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported that Byron Galloway, 16, has been arrested for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Dejuan Williams on Tuesday night, August 4, 2009.

Above, L to R, Byron Galloway and 4428 York Drive, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, Williams was shot and killed outside his home, 4428 York Drive, Bradenton, a few doors south of Cortez Road West, and just one block west of 14th Street West.

According to a press release from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 9:55 p.m. the victim, Dejuan Williams, returned home and learned that his sister had some unknown males in the house. His sister was not allowed male guests when she was home alone.

Dejuan and 3 friends entered the house and saw the back window had been broken and the blinds were pushed out. They began searching the area and located another teenager hiding beside a shed in the back yard.

Dejuan, armed with a baseball bat, confronted the teenager. The teenager began to apologize and then pulled a pistol from his waist and fired one shot at Dejuan.

Dejuan fell to the ground and the shooter then pointed the pistol at the witness and told him to back up; the shooter fled from the back yard.

The witness followed the shooter and saw him get into a White Chevy Malibu and flee the area.

Other witnesses went to the back yard and found Dejuan lying on the ground. They picked him up and carried him to the front yard and placed him on the trunk of his car.

Deputy Jacobus was the first to arrive and began chest compression on Dejuan. Dejuan's mother assisted with rescue breathing.

E.M.S. arrived and transported the victim to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Units from the Violent Crimes Task Force were able to gather suspect information and with the assistance of other deputies located two suspects, the vehicle and the firearm used in the crime.

The suspects were two Black males, 16 and 17 years old.

"Byron Galloway has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault," a sheriff's Public Information Officer, Randy Warren, said.

Following an investigation, the 17-year-old was not charged.

This is the 23rd murder of 2009 overall in Manatee County. There have now been 19 murders in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 in the City of Bradenton.

Man Arrested for Beating,
Strangling Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies finally caught up to Derrick A. Waters, 28, of 906 25th Street East, Bradenton, following a domestic battery incident on July 23, 2009.

Derrick A. Waters

According to the arrest report, on that date, from about 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Waters beat and strangled the unnamed female victim at a residence in the 4200 block of 78th Street West, in Bradenton.

The victim told deputies she had to wait until Waters fell asleep before she could leave the residence. She said she was in fear she would be continually beaten if she tried to leave before that, the report said.

The victim suffered several head injuries consisting of a left black eye, almost swollen shut, a badly bruised bottom lip, several scratches on her body, including on her neck.

The victim's mother took her for treatment of her wounds.

Waters was ultimately located on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, and arrested.

He was charged with False Imprisonment, Domestic Felony Battery by Strangulation and Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction.

Detectives Arrest 2nd Teen
For Prior Parrish Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Calvin Locke, 18, for burglaries that occurred on July 8, 2009. Mason Pierce, 18, had already been arrested in one of the burglaries, and now is charged with the second burglary.

Above, L to R, Calvin Locke and Mason Pierce

The arrest reports said on July 8, 2009, between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., someone entered a home in the 9300 block of 25th Street East by pushing in the back window and cutting the screen to gain access.

While inside, the burglar(s) removed a digital camera, a drawer full of old credit cards and broke an urn that contained the remains of the home's father that the homeowner had been holding for 15 years.

Fingerprints were found on the urn that belonged to Pierce.

Pierce was arrested on Monday, August 3, 2009, and charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling. The report said Pierce confirmed the incident and said it was Locke's idea to burglarize the home, and Pierce was being cooperative with detectives.

Then the two lads burglarized the other half of the duplex at the above address. They broke a back window to gain access.

While inside, they took $6-8 in pennies. Then they took the money to a grocery store to spend.

Both boys were charged with the second burglary on Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

Pierce remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $20,000.

Calvin Locke, already in jail on unrelated charges, admitted his involvement in the burglaries.

He also remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $20,360.

Alleged Rape Reported
By Impaired Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 28-year-old White female alleged she was raped by a White male in his 40s, but when deputies tried to investigate the incident, they found she was uncooperative.

The unnamed victim drove to Lakewood Ranch Hospital where she reported to hospital staff she was raped. Staff called MSO and rape crisis.

Upon arrival of deputies, Dep. Zimmerman had trouble conducting the initial interview because the victim appeared substance impaired.

The victim made the allegation that she was violently accosted and vaginally raped by the suspect.

After the incident, she eventually went to her husband’s work. He drove her to Lakewood Ranch Hospital for treatment.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sergeant observed the victim was uncooperative with hospital staff. She then began walking out of the hospital. He introduced myself to her. He observed her behavior was very erratic. He explained why they were there and how her cooperation with the investigation would benefit her case. She thanked him for the information, but refused to speak with rape crisis, let the deputy take photographs, or let the hospital staff complete a rape kit. She said she didn't want to cooperate with the Sheriff’s Office, and they would take care of the problem themselves. Then she walked away.

An east side deputy tried to re-contact her at her home and the crime scene, to see if she changed her mind, but he was unable to make contact.

The deputy who checked the area did speak with people who identified a possible name and address for the victim.

The incident is under investigation.

City of Bradenton To Begin
Red Light Camera Traffic
Safety Program

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, August 5, 2009, the City of Bradenton announced the activation of the red light camera photo enforcement system at one Bradenton intersection on Thursday, August 6. Safety experts consider red light cameras to be important law enforcement tools that allow police to maximize resources while deterring people from causing accidents by running red lights.

The City of Bradenton has partnered with ACS Inc, a Dallas-based company with a national reputation in red light photo enforcement systems, to manage the red light camera program. Under Florida law, the citations issued through the Traffic Safety Program are civil infractions, no insurance premiums are impacted and no points are added to a violator’s license.

For the first phase of the Traffic Safety Program the photo enforcement camera will be activated at the intersection of southbound 301 and Manatee Ave. W. and S.R. 64. The next three locations will be located at the intersections of:

Westbound Manatee Ave. E. and southbound 301.
Eastbound 7th Ave. E. and 9th St. E.
Eastbound Manatee Ave. W. and 15th St. W.

The City will eventually have a total of 10 monitored intersections.

The system will operate as follows:

~ When a vehicle illegally runs a red light, the car passes a laser detection unit triggering the first photo of the vehicle entering the intersection. The camera is only activated when the light is red (not yellow or green).

~ A second photo is taken, showing the vehicle proceeding through the intersection, with the red light clearly in view. The third photo is a duplication of the first photo, only enlarged to show the license plate number.

~ All images are processed at the ACS Processing Center where each photo is carefully reviewed to determine if a violation occurred based on the city business rules and the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle is acquired. The images are then forwarded to the City of Bradenton Police for final approval.

~ The $125.00 citation is then mailed to the violator.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports in 2005 alone, nearly 9,200 people died and approximately one million people were injured in intersection-related crashes—approximately 40-45 percent of all crashes. According to 2005 data from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, crashes caused by red light running (RLR) resulted in an estimated 805 fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that red light camera enforcement, in conjunction with public awareness, can modify behavior and has been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes.

Holmes Beach Police Arrest
Two in Island Burglary

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- The Holmes Beach Police Department reported the arrest of two men in connection with a burglary in the island community.

Above, L to R, Samuel Lott and Derick Vanci

According to a press release from HBPD, on Tuesday, August 5, 2009, at about 5 a.m., police responded to an alarm in the 600 block of Key Royale Drive.

It was determined that unknown persons had broken a rear sliding glass window and gained entry to the home.

While en route, backup officers observed 2 males leaving the Key Royale area on foot.

These men were stopped and subsequently arrested after investigation showed they were involved in the burglary, the release said.

Arrested were Samuel Lott, 21, of Bradenton Beach, and Derick Vanci, 25, of Bradenton Beach.

They were both charged with Burglary.

Two Sought in Roy Barnes'
Murder Arrested in Arkansas

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Lt. Pat Ledwith, of the Sarasota Police Department, reported local Arkansas authorities have arrested brothers Jemar, 17, and Corderia Davis, 19, in connection with shooting death of Roy Barnes, Jr., 35, whose body was found burning and dismembered just outside the Sarasota-Bradenton airport on July 24th.

Above, L to R, Jemar Davis and Corderia Davis

Authorities in Blythesville, Arkansas, followed up leads developed in the search for the brothers while working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service.

Jemar Davis was taken into custody without incident.

Corderia Davis turned himself in to authorities in Blythesville.

Two Arrested for Attempted Murder
In Retaliation Shootings

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested two North Port men in connection with a March 5th shooting in Port Charlotte.

Above, L to R, Jethro Senat and Roland Saintlot

Charged with Attempted Murder, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, were Jethro Kis Senat (aka "ZOE"), 23, and his brother Roland Carly Saintlot (aka "RABBIT"), 20, both of 4139 Magenta Ave., North Port.

MCU detectives have worked months on this case they call “retaliation” going back to 2007 at The Club Millennium night club in Port Charlotte when several people were shot in the parking lot, none fatally. The ongoing feud resulted in both Senat and Saintlot being shot outside a Circle-K in Port Charlotte on Feb. 14.

The Mar. 5 shooting occurred in front of a home in the 23500 block of Almond Ave. Port Charlotte. A car pulled up to a car parked in front of the home; nine bullets hit the car and one hit the house. A woman who was the driver was severely injured by a bullet that struck her on the left side of her face. She was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital Trauma Center and survived. Her male passenger was not injured.

Through detective’s intensive investigation, a search of a home on Loyola Rd., Venice, located a .40 caliber handgun and ammunition in a lunchbox hidden in a shed. The weapon was sent to FDLE for analysis comparing it to 10 recovered casings found at the Mar. 5 shooting. FDLE Firearms Section confirmed the gun was that used in the shooting.

Senat and Saintlot were arrested in the Charlotte County Jail Tuesday where they are being held on other charges. Saintlot was arrested June 28 in connection with a shooting at the Charleston Cay Apartments parking lot, on Harborview Rd., Charlotte Harbor, where a man received a single gunshot wound to the abdomen and transported to LMH. Saintlot was charged with Attempted Murder and Aggravate Battery with a Deadly Weapon in that case.

MCU Detective Jason Doherty said, “We are seeking additional witnesses with information in this case and other shootings related to these two suspects.” Anyone with information is asked to please call Detective Doherty at 941-505-4644, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Girl, 5, May Have Shot Self,
Police Say

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a 5-year-old girl who was shot in the stomach Tuesday night while standing in the doorway of her apartment was shot accidentally, police said.

The girl was struck just before 11 p.m. at the Willow Bend apartments located on Silver Star Road between Pine Hills Road and Princeton Street.

Police said it is possible the girl shot herself.

"It just shouldn't have happened. Especially because our community -- negative things are always happening over here," said neighbor Liz Sears.

The girl's mother told deputies that her apartment door was open and her daughter was standing outside when she heard a shot and saw her girl fall.

The girl's mother attempted to drive her daughter to the hospital and did not call 911 because she was panicked, deputies said. The mother flagged down a deputy on the way to the hospital, and the girl was later transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital, the sheriff's office said.

The girl remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery overnight, WKMG said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Local Doctor's Wife Found
Murdered in Palmetto Home;
Detectives Remain Tight-Lipped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives remain tight-lipped concerning the Monday, August 3, 2009, murder of the wife of a Palmetto family practice physician, who is well-known and loved by many.

Above, 240 Bayshore Road, Palmetto
(Photo by Carole Law Atkins, NewsManatee)

On Tuesday, Manatee County Sheriff's spokesman Randy Warren said detectives continue to gather evidence in the murder of 48-year-old Kathleen Briles.

The results of the autopsy will not be released at this time, Warren said.

Detectives are also unable to mention possible motives or discuss possible suspects.

"Releasing those details could prove damaging to the investigation," Warren said.

Deputies were called to the scene at 240 Bayshore Road, in the Terra Ceia section of Palmetto, at 7:50 p.m. Monday.

The owner of the residence, Dr. James Briles, says he came home to find his wife dead inside the residence.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, but due to evidence found at the scene the case is being treated as a homicide.

Dr. Briles has a longtime family practice in Palmetto.

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.

This is the 22nd murder overall in Manatee County in 2009.

There have now been 18 murder in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 murders in the City of Bradenton in 2009.

[Ed. Note: The previously designated 22nd murder, Roy Barnes, whose body was found burning and dismembered near the Sarasota-Bradenton airport has been officially declared a Sarasota case, since Sarasota Police have discovered Barnes was murdered in their city.]

Woman Held In Own Home
By Ex-Boyfriend; Deputies
Capture Him After Taser

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies reported a woman was held in her own home in the 4600 block of 19th Street West, Bradenton, by her ex-boyfriend, on Monday, August 3, 2009, at about 10:15 p.m.

Andrew Kutt

According to the sheriff's report, At approximately 10:15 p.m., Karl Hughs was on the phone with his girlfriend, Leslie Bair, 34. He heard her arguing with Andrew Kutt, 37, an ex boyfriend, then the phone went dead. He attempted for approximately 30 minutes to call her phone and was unsuccessful.

Upon Deputy Silva's arrival, he made contact with Kutt through the front door. Kutt refused entry and was uncooperative.

Sgt. Orval Walker arrived and ran a check on Kutt which came back with a Domestic Injunction against Kutt by Bair.

The outside of the home was checked and while by the side bedroom deputies heard what sounded like furniture being moved.

Deputies began a dialogue with Kutt. He stated he would have Bair call Sgt. Walker's cell phone.

Approximately 3 minutes later, Sgt. Walker received a call. In the background, he could hear a female sobbing. He also heard a man's voice which he knew to be Kutt from speaking with him through the window. Kutt stated, "You had better [expletive deleted] talk to him," then the phone hung up. Sgt. Walker called the number back and got a voice mail recording that it was Bair’s cell phone.

It was decided Sgt. Walker would advise Kutt we knew Bair was inside. He was told to let her out the front door. A minute later we could hear them moving to the front door. Lt. Couch and Sgt. Walker positioned themselves at the front door. We could hear Kutt saying, "If you let them in, I’ll kill you” and the victim replied "You’re gonna kill me?"

At this point, the door was unlocked; Lt. Couch pulled it open and Sgt. Walker moved in to cover Kutt with his Taser and ordered him to the ground.

Bair was pulled out of the house by Lt. Couch.

Kutt began arguing and Lt. Couch had moved into position beside Sgt. Walker, who ordered Kutt a final time to get on the ground. When he did not comply, Lt. Couch deployed his Taser, striking Kutt in the chest and stomach area. Kutt fell to the floor and was secured without further incident. The probes were removed at the scene and photos were taken of the signature marks.

Upon interviewing the victim, she stated Kutt pulled her in the house during the argument, made threats to her not to cry out, held her down on the bed and slammed her on the metal frame of the bed, causing her to have back pain.

E.M.S. responded and treated her at the scene. She told deputies she would go to the hospital later.

Kutt was arrested and charged with Kidnapping, Motor Vehicle Theft and Violation of Domestic Injunction.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Woman Arrested for Slugging
Neighbor, Threatening To
Cut Neighbor's Throat

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Sandra L. Masterson, 39, of Bradenton.

Sandra L. Masterson

According to an arrest report, in a series of two related incidents on Monday, August 3, 2009, Masterson duked it out with an upstairs neighbor, then later in the day threatened to cut the neighbor's throat. The incidents occurred at apartments located in the 4500 block of 70th Street West, in Bradenton.

The report said at about 7:30 a.m. that day, Shannon Palmer, the upstairs neighbor, said that Masterson was yelling in the early hours of the morning and they told her to be quiet.

Later, Masterson returned and yelled up to them, "Good [expletive deleted] morning!" Palmer stepped outside her front door and told Masterson to "shut the [expletive deleted] up," a which time, Masterson became belligerent and told Palmer to come downstairs and she (Masterson) would whip her (Palmer).

Masterson then charged up the stairs and grabbed Palmer by the hair and tried to drag her down the stairs. The two women fought and Palmer defended herself until Masterson let go and went back downstairs.

Palmer suffered only minor bruises.

Later in the day, at about 1:45 p.m., after a verbal exchange between the two women, Msaterson pulled out a large knife and started climbing the stairs toward Palmer, saying that she (Masterson) was going to cut Palmer's throat.

Palmer retreated inside her apartment and called 911.

At the time of her arrest, Masterson was wearing a large fixed blade knife in a sheath on her right side, the report said.

Masterson was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of Battery.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,750.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for $15K Credit Card Fraud
Using Mom's Credit Cards

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police Detectives have arrested Derek Scott Dillender, 38, of the 2800 block of Oxford Drive West, in Bradenton.

Derek Scott Dillender

According to the arrest report, Dillender's mother was on vacation for about two weeks in July. During this time, her son, Derek, made contact with several credit card companies and had new credit cards sent to the residence without the permission of his mother. He also asked for an increase in the limits of the credit cards. He used his mother's phone number to do this and also provided the companies with his cell phone number.

Derek then took the credit cards and proceeded to charge about $15,000 in credit card charges, with a majority of the charges occurring at the Wal-Mart store located at 5315 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. He was with other people at the time, but those people have not yet been identified. Those charges were confirmed by Wal-Mart security personnel and video surveillance tapes.

Ms. Dillender told detectives she has had a similar problem with Derek in the past due to his drug dependency issue, the report said.

Derek immediately vacated the Dillender residence to an unknown location, but detectives discovered he was in the Manatee County Jail on felony Petit Theft charges, as well as a Violation of Probation charge.

Derek was charged with Grand Theft and Credit Card Fraud.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Parrish Teen Burglarizes Home,
Breaks Urn with Man's Remains

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mason R. Pierce, 18, of 9950 52nd Street East, Parrish.

Mason R. Pierce

According to the arrest report, on July 8, 2009, at about 1:30 p.m., a home in the 9300 block of 25th Street East, Parrish, was burglarized. The burglar pushed in the back window and cut a screen to gain access to the home.

Fingerprints were found on the urn that belonged to Pierce.

Pierce was arrested on Monday, August 3, 2009, and charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling. The report said Pierce confirmed the incident and said it was another person's idea to burglarize the home, and Pierce was being cooperative with detectives.

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

Man, Already In Jail, Arrested
for Theft of $260 Lottery Tickets

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested David Ling, 32, in connection with the theft of $260 worth of lottery tickets.

David Ling

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at about 5:30 a.m., Ling walked into the gas station at 5929 14th Street West and began talking to the clerk on duty.

As later seen on surveillance video, while the clerk was walking around, Ling reached over the counter three times and took the lottery tickets.

David was seen later in the morning passed out in a car at a different gas station. In the car were numerous lottery tickets.

Ling was arrested at the Manatee County Jail, where he is currently being held on unrelated charges. He was charged with Petit Theft.

He remains in jail without bond.

Ling is no stranger to law enforcement. According to Manatee County court records, Ling has two pages of felony and misdemeanor arrests.

Driver, Passenger Escape Injury
When SUV Flips in Rain

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a NewsManatee reader who happened to be at the scene of an accident and took photos, both the driver and the passenger of an SUV, both unidentified males, escaped injury on Monday, August 3, 2009, at about 2 p.m. when their SUV flipped in the rain.

(Photo courtesy of Dan Thorpe)

The driver was on a wet roadway, the vehicle hit the curb, dug into the soil and flipped onto its side, the reader reported.

The incident occurred on State Road 70 East, at the entrance to the Creekwood subdivision.

Both the driver and passenger were wearing their seat belts.

Parrish Man Dies in 3-Vehicle
Traffic Crash Monday Morning

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a Parrish man, John P. Jorge, 35, died Monday morning, August 3, 2009, at about 11:00 a.m. in a 3-vehicle crash at State Road 64 and Kibler Ranch Road, in Manatee County.

The FHP report said a 2007 pickup truck driven by Charles Mcleod, 20, of Sarasota, was eastbound on SR 64.

A tractor-trailer driven by Jesus Torres, 39, of Wauchula and a 2007 pickup driven by Jorge were westbound on SR 64.

For an unknown reason, Mcleod moved into the westbound lane.

The left side of Mcleod's pickup collided with the left side of the tractor and its trailer.

Mcleod's continued into the westbound lane and the front of Mcleod's pickup collided with the front of Jorge's pickup.

Upon collision, Mcleod's pickup rotated counterclockwise coming to final rest in the roadway facing west. The tractor-trailer came to a controlled stop on the north shoulder. Jorge's pickup came to rest on the north shoulder facing a northerly direction.

Jorge was pronounced deceased on scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, the FHP report said.

The tractor-trailer spilled approximately 35 gallons of diesel fuel onto the roadway and shoulder.

McLeod was ticketed for Crossing Over Center Line.

3 Teens Arrested in Series
of "Car Hopping" Burglaries

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigation resulted in the arrest of three teens in a series of “car hopping” burglaries of unlocked vehicles in Port Charlotte from July 24-31. A Total of 25 charges have been filed so far and detectives say 20 to 30 unlocked vehicles may have been involved in this crime spree and more charges are expected to be filed.

Above, L to R, Joshua McCurdy, William Layton and David Kingsley

Detectives said one of the victims who made a report July 31 about two of her unlocked vehicles being burglarized called deputies back later in the day saying she saw three teens on bicycles near her home who may have been involved in the burglaries. A road deputy located the three and they voluntarily went to the district office for questioning. As a result of questioning, detectives found probable cause to arrest the three teens, who were taken to the Charlotte County Jail.

Charged are Joshua James McCurdy, 18, 702 Ellicott Circle, William Anthony Layton, 16, 17840 Murdock Circle, and David Allen Kingsley, 14, 18128 Dublin Ave., all of Port Charlotte.

The eight unlocked vehicles were on Felda, Fenway, and Omar streets, Ellicott Circle, Broad Ranch Dr., and Dobell Terrace. Items stolen were wallets, GPS and XM radios, faceplates to stereos, sunglasses, a laptop, $95 in coins, and a backpack. Some of the items have been recovered.

McCurdy and Layton were both charged with six counts of felony Burglary, three counts of Grand Theft and two counts Petit Theft. Kingsley at this time has been charged with one count each of Burglary and Petit Theft. An additional charge of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card was filed on McCurdy for using a stolen credit card taken from one of the wallets and using it to make purchases at the Murdock Wal-Mart. McCurdy remains in the Charlotte County Jail while Layton and Kingsley were released to a parent or guardian.

Human Remains Discovered
At Central Florida Park

CLERMONT, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Human remains were found at a Clermont park, and an investigation has been launched into the identity of the person, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The skeletal remains were discovered Friday by a city worker at a park off North 12th Street, police said.

The medical examiner collected the skeletal remains and they were taken to the pathology lab at the University of Florida, police said.

It was determined that the remains are of an adult, and a pathology team from the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida collected more remains at the site, police said.

All the remains, which officials said appear to be more than two years old, were taken back to the pathology lab for testing, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton SWAT Team
Donations to Compete
Are At Zero, Nada, Zip

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Donations for the Bradenton Police Department's SWAT Team to compete in the annual SWAT Round-Up competition stand at zero. That's right, they have received no donations, despite an earlier plea from local media, including NewsManatee. We here at NewsManatee urge you to contribute to this team's event -- they stand a very good chance of winning, not only making us proud of them, but they will be sharpening their skills for use in our local police department's SWAT activations.

Above, the Bradenton Police Department SWAT Team

A press release from City of Bradenton Public Information Officer Tim McCann said the Bradenton Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is seeking the community’s help to send the team to Orlando for the annual SWAT Round–Up International Competition/Training in November.

The City of Bradenton Police Department wants to send eight members to the competition, but the current economic crisis has made it impossible for the department to cover the event’s costs.

The SWAT Team hopes to raise about $5,800. Below is a breakdown of funding requirements:

Lodging and Transportation: $3,000
Food (Team for week): $2,000
Team Registration fee: $800
Total: $5,800.00

The department’s SWAT Team has competed in this event every year since 2001. Its top finish was 18th place in 2004.

Police Chief Michael Radzilowski has authorized the time for the SWAT Team to compete as long as the members are able to secure donations to cover the cost.

The competition combines the latest education and training for SWAT Teams and competition in expertise. Eighty SWAT Teams and Special Operations Units from across the globe are expected to compete in this year’s event.

Please send donations to:

Bradenton Police Department
Attn: Sgt. James Racky
100 10th St. W.
Bradenton, FL 34205

For more information, contact:

Sgt. James Racky, SWAT Team Leader, (941) 932-9350, or e-mail him at: james.racky@cityofbradenton.com.

BPD Arrests Man, 43, for Raping
Girl, 12-18 Years Old

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested William Steve Griffin, 43, of 1911 5th Avenue West, Bradenton.

William Steve Griffin

The arrest report from BPD said on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at about 1:15 a.m., Griffin allegedly forcibly raped a girl between the ages of 12 and 18.

The unnamed girl went to Bradenton Police, filled out a complaint and picked Griffin out of a photo lineup. She told detectives Griffin held her down during the sex act. She also said Griffin performed oral sex on her.

When Griffin was later interviewed, he initially stated he was with the victim earlier in the evening, but nothing sexual happened.

Then Griffin changed his story and said they had sex, but it was consensual.

He said the victim told him she was 18 years old; she wasn't.

Griffin denied holding the victim down.

Griffin was arrested and charged with Forcible Rape of a Victim 12-18 Years of Age.

He posted a $10,000 bail bond and was released from jail.

Man Arrested for Domestic Battery,
Taser Deployed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kyle Seymour, 20, of the 3800 block of Lake Bayshore Drive, Bradenton, after a domestic situation which on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m.

Kyle Seymour

The report said Kyle lives with his mother, Debra, 35, and his grandmother, Beverly, 69.

On Saturday, they got into a verbal argument which turned physical.

Debra attempted to call 911, but Kyle ripped the phone out of her hands so it was initially dispatched as an unknown law enforcement problem.

Upon the arrival of deputies, Kyle was still argumentative and causing a scene. Deputies determined that they had probable cause for an arrest, and attempted to take him into custody.

After a brief struggle, Dep. Rivera deployed his Taser. One of the probes bounced off of Kyle and the other one struck his mother, Debra, rendering it ineffective. The probe hit Debra in the torso. It was removed and the area was treated by EMS on scene.

Kyle was still non compliant and was sprayed with pepper spray. Deputies were then able to handcuff him without any additional problems.

He was charged with Domestic Battery, Battery on a Person Over 65 and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail as of Monday with a bail bond of $2,750.

Woman Arrested for Breaking
Glass Jar Over Man's Head

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Sharon L. McCullough, 33, of 1553 82nd Street Court East, Palmetto.

Sharon L. McCullough

The arrest report said on Friday, July 31, 2009, at bout 1 a.m., Sharon and a male friend, Rickey Brooks, were arguing when she got mad, grabbed a glass jar and hit him in the head several times with the glass, causing it to break into pieces.

When Brooks started to bleed, she left the area, the report said.

Brooks called 911 and said he had been attacked.

A deputy arrived and observed that Brooks had several cuts on his head. He had two cuts on his face; one above each eye. He also had a cut on the back of his neck and two more cuts on the right side of his head.

EMS was called to check Brooks out and said a couple of cuts would require stitches. Brooks declined EMS treatment and said he would drive himself to the hospital.

McCullough was located at her residence and arrested. She was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

She posted a $5,000 bail bond and was released from jail.

Woman Arrested for Allowing
Son, 14, to Drive Friends
To Wal-Mart

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gwendolyn Thomas, 34, of the 6500 block of Anchor Loop, in Bradenton.

Gwendolyn Thomas

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at about 9:30 p.m., Gwendolyn went to Sarasota and picked up four of her 14-year-old son's friends to have a sleepover at her house.

She then intentionally sent and allowed her son to drive her vehicle with his juvenile friends to Wal-Mart to get some snacks. Also, her cousin, who was let in her care, was in the vehicle.

During this unsupervised trip to Wal-Mart, the kids got into a verbal altercation with other juveniles which caused them to be followed by an unknown vehicle, from where deadly missiles were thrown at the vehicle, causing extensive damages to the vehicle, but no injuries to its occupants.

Gwendolyn was arrested by deputies and charged with 5 counts of Child Abuse and 5 counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

She was released from jail on her own recognizance.

Six Stores in DeSoto Square
Mall Burglarized Overnight

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported six stores in DeSoto Square Mall were burglarized overnight, between Sunday, August 2, 2009, at 6 p.m., and Monday, August 3, 2009, at 10 a.m.

A sheriff's report said unknown suspect(s) entered the following stores:

Natures Food’s rear door was pried open. During this incident, the key/combo safe was taken from the rear room.

Regis Hair Salon's front gate was bent and appears to be the point of entry. The suspect(s) took cash. Nothing else was taken from the scene.

El Gaucho had the plexiglass removed from the front door and the suspect(s) unlocked it from the inside. Cash was taken from the cash register drawer

All Dressed Up’s front gate was bent and also appeared to be entry point for suspects. Cash was taken.

Candy Barrel’s front gate appears to be the point of entry. Things were moved around but nothing was taken.

Lids' front roll-down gate was bent and appears that they reached under the gate and unlocked the gate. The cash register box was taken.

Detectives are investigating.

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 Report Burglary,
Recovery of Stolen Vessel

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary and the recovery of a stolen vessel on Sunday, August 2, 2009, at about 9 p.m., in the 2600 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

According to the report, Dep. Escher responded to the listed address to investigate a burglary in progress. The incident occurred to an enclosed storage yard. The yard held metal appliances and a large amount of stainless steel.

During the investigation Dep. Escher noticed a lot in Lloyd's Mobile Home Park, 1419 26th Avenue West #9, in Bradenton, with a large amount of debris in the yard including stainless steel and appliances. Also plainly visible on the lot were generators, stainless water filters, A/C components, the shells to 11 televisions and computer monitors, and construction equipment.

Attached to the front of the trailer secured by a lock was an inflatable boat. The boat's FL# was run through FCIC/NCIC and discovered the boat was stolen in 2006.

Residents in the park stated that late at night the residents from trailer #11 "go back and forth to lot #9."

The owner of the property in the original burglary responded and identified numerous items located on lot #9 as belonging to him. A property release was completed and the property was released back to the owner.

The owner of the stolen boat was unable to be located. The boat was towed to Barfield's impound lot, pending the owner's location and notification.

Other items located on the lot were taken to the bike barn for safekeeping to include a generator, some construction levels and a dolly.

The incident is under investigation.

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.

Arrest Made in Burned,
Mutilated Man's Murder

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Lori Shea Blaisdell, 50, of the 4400 block of N. Lake Drive, in Sarasota, has been arrested by the Sarasota Police Department in the connection with the murder of Roy Barnes, Jr., 35, of Sarasota.

Lori Shea Blaisdell

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burned body was found near the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009.

A press release from the sheriff's office said at approximately 5:30 Wednesday morning, a person driving in the 7900 block of N. Tamiami Trail (near the Sarasota Bradenton Airport) noticed an orange glow to the east of the road.

That person, who has not been identified, realized it was a fire and called 911 to report it.

Cedar Hammock Fire Department responded and put out the fire. Firefighters discovered it was a body that was on fire and deputies responded to the scene.

Blaisdell was the operator of the pickup truck used to transport the remains of Mr. Barnes to an area north of the airport in Manatee County, Lt. Pat Ledwith, of SPD, said Monday, August 3, 2009.

Detectives from the Manatee Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota Police Department worked together on this case.

Blaisdell has been charged with Accessory After the Fact (Murder) and her bond is $250,000. She remains in the Sarasota County Jail.

Ms. Blaisdell has a prior arrest with this agency in 2008 for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Above, L to R, Corderia Davis and Jemar Davis

The two suspects in this murder, Corderia Davis, 19, and his brother, Jemar Davis, 17, are still not apprehended and considered armed and dangerous, Lt. Ledwith said.

The suspects may have fled to Arkansas.

A $1,000.00 reward has been issued for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these two suspects.

Please contact the Sarasota Police Department or the U.S. Marshall Service if you have information (941-954-7070).

The investigation into the circumstances involved in the death of Mr. Barnes continues.

[Ed. Note: Because Mr. Barnes was murdered in Sarasota County, it is no longer considered part of Manatee County's 2009 murder statistic; murders now stand at 21 for 2009, county-wide. Therefore, there have officially been 17 murders in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 murders in the City of Bradenton for 2009...so far.]

Charlotte Bank Robber May Be
Same Who Hit Bank Last Week

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives say the man who robbed the Bank of America branch in Charlotte Harbor Monday morning, August 3, 2009, may possibly be the same man who robbed the BOA in Punta Gorda July 28th.

The bank reported the robbery at 9:57 a.m. A White male entered the bank, handed a teller a note and requested money. He said, "This is a bank robbery."

The suspect took an undetermined amount of money and the note and fled on foot. No weapon was seen.

A CCSO K-9 unit tracked the robber west of the building but the track ended abruptly indicating he left in an unidentified vehicle.

CCSO Watch Commander Lt. Keri DeHart said, “The description given does match the suspect in last week’s Bank of America robbery in Punta Gorda.”

The White male suspect was wearing glasses, beige floppy hat with strings hanging down, gray polo shirt, short, approximately 5’-5” tall, 140-150 pounds and clean shaven.

Detectives said they had no description of the robber’s vehicle and road deputies and CCSO helicopter were searching for a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was used in last week’s bank robbery in Punta Gorda.

No other details are available at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CCSO Detective Jason Doherty, Major Crimes Unit, 941-575-5361 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Detective Goes Undercover;
Prostitute Arrested

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detective went undercover over the past weekend and arrested Susan Reece O’Neal, 41, of 25301 Padre Lane, Deep Creek, for Prostitution.

Susan Reece O'Neal

The operation took place at The Relaxation Station, 1225 Tamiami Trail, in unit B-3, in Port Charlotte.

Detectives, acting on numerous tips about prostitution at this location, assigned a detective to enter the business and ask for a massage.

O’Neal motioned for the detective to walk up the stairs and go to a room at the end of a hall.

Conversation started and the detective then gave O’Neal $40 to start a massage which led to inappropriate contact by touching the officer who then identified himself as an undercover detective. At that point, other detectives entered the building and O’Neal was arrested.

She was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and she posted a $500 bond Saturday.

Police: Man Shot, Killed
Friend; Motive Unknown

MASCOTTE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a man was arrested in Mascotte Sunday in the shooting death of his friend, police said.

Ricardo Lupian-Barajas was arrested on a charge of homicide in the death of Efrain Sebellos-Gonzalez, who was shot at a home on Anderson Avenue, police said.

Mascotte police said a bullet struck Sebellos-Gonzalez's wrist and then hit his chest, killing him.

Investigators said a motive for the shooting is not yet known, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Lakewood Ranch Cinema Asst. Mgr.
Arrested for Sexual Battery of
Female Employee, 17

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An Assistant Manager of Lakewood Ranch Cinema, 10715 Rodeo Drive, Bradenton, James Dale Anderson, 36, of 5106 18th Street West, Bradenton, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of Sexual Battery of a former 17-year-old female employee.

James Dale Anderson

According to the arrest report, during July through September of 2008, Anderson, who was at the time a co-worker at the same movie theater with the girl and who was in fact her immediate supervisor, had sexual intercourse with the girl on six different occasions; four times in Manatee County and twice in Sarasota County.

The girl told Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives that Anderson had gotten into the habit of "hanging out" with her and some of the other co-workers during their off hours.

In late July 2008 she and some other co-workers, including Anderson, had gone out for the evening. Toward the end of the night, they all returned to the theater. She said that once there, they all went to the roof top to watch stars.

The girl said that Anderson brought an air mattress from his car and that they all sat on it for a while. One by one, the other co-workers went home, leaving only her and Anderson alone on the roof top.

She said that Anderson began kissing her. Then they had sex.

"James moved quickly -- I was afraid to say no to anything because I knew that he held power over my job and I thought that if I didn't have sex with him, it would be worse than if I did," the girl told detectives, the report said.

The pair consummated the sex act five more times between July and September, the report said.

Anderson was going through a difficult time with his wife, the girl said, but eventually Anderson and his wife made up and he went back to her.

Shortly after that, the general manager fired her, but Anderson kept his job.

In an interview with detectives Anderson admitted having sex with the girl.

Anderson was arrested on Thursday, July 30, 2009, and charged with four counts of Sexual Battery on a Child Between 12 and 18 Years of Age.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $40,000.

Two Arrested After Man Lured
Into Robbery By Woman
He Met on MySpace

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Evangele Butler, 19 and Marlon Capers, 18.

Above, L to R, Evangele Butler and Marlon Capers

According to a report from Sgt. Kevin Pease, of the Violent Crimes Task Force, on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at about midnight, the victim, Bo Yrabedra, received a phone call from a female he was communicating with on "My Space."

The female told the victim she wanted to meet him and hang out. The female told the victim to drive toward her house on 27th Avenue East and 15th Street, and when he was in the area to call her back for further directions on how to get to her home.

The victim drove to the area of the female's home on his motorcycle, stopped on the side of the road in the 1600 block of 27th Avenue Drive East, then called the female back for further directions.

A male subject answered the phone and, as Bo began to speak, three Black males approached him and knocked him off his motorcycle. One of the Black males pointed a handgun at the victim's head and said "Are you ready to [expletive deleted] die?" The suspects then continued to punch and kick the victim while he was on the ground. The suspects then stole the victim's back pack which contained $200 in cash and a car charger for a cell phone. The suspects then fled the area on foot.

As Deputy Williamson was arriving in the area, he spotted a white Cadillac turning north onto 15th Street east from U.S. 301 with no lights on. Deputy Williamson conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle turned south on 17th Street East then west on 27th Avenue where the unknown driver fled from the vehicle.

The front seat passenger, Marlon Capers, stayed in the vehicle and was detained. A black .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun was seen on the raised section of the floorboard between the driver and front seat passenger. The gun was in plain view and was clearly visible to both occupants of the front seat. A black ski mask was seen on the ground just a few feet in front of the car.

Detective Sevier was directed to a nearby home to speak with Capers' cousin, Evangele Butler, as to their whereabouts this evening. Detective Sevier located Evangele Butler and discovered he had multiple warrants for his arrest. Butler had no information to provide.

The victim was then brought to the scene and positively identified both Evangele Butler and Marlon Capers as two of the three subjects who robbed him.

Both subjects refused to talk about the incident.

Butler was charged with Armed Robbery, Burglary, Theft and was also arrested on an outstanding contempt warrant. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $114,000.

Capers was charged with Armed Robbery. He remains in jail on a bail bond of $100,000.

Man with Baseball Bat
Arrested for Assault

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Luke Jarrod Adkins, 19, of 3514 19th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Luke Jarrod Adkins

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m., Adkins went to the unnamed victim's residence in the 1900 block of 82nd Street NW, Bradenton, armed with a baseball bat and began yelling at the victim to come outside and fight.

Adkins struck the light post which stood in the east lawn of the residence, causing about $100 in damages.

Adkins continued to threaten the victim with the baseball bat.

He then left the area, yelling, "I'm going to get a pistol and come back and shoot both of you."

The victims were in fear for their own safety and called law enforcement.

Adkins was located a short time later in the 1800 block of 81st Street NW and taken into custody.

He was charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Criminal Mischief.

He was released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance.

Ellenton Outlet Mall Burglar
Captured; Tool Box, Tools
Recovered

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has captured a man who stole a tool box and tools from a vehicle in the Ellenton Outlet Mall.

Kenneth Mixon

A sheriff's report said on Friday, July 31, 2009, at about 7 p.m., a burglary to a vehicle was dispatched at the Ellenton Outlet Mall parking lot.

The victim's vehicle, a pickup truck, had a toneau cover on it and an unknown person lifted the toneau cover and took a tool box out of the back of the truck. The tool box and the tools were valued at approximately $1000.00.

A witness saw a Black male take the tools out of the truck and left a note on the truck with the tag number and a description of the Black male.

Patrol units responded and initiated a burglary report.

COPS north units responded to assist with the investigation. They located the vehicle driving eastbound on 17th St. E., in Palmetto. An investigative stop was initiated.

Through investigative technique, deputies obtained probable cause to arrest the suspect, Kenneth Mixon, 40, of 5625 36th Court East, Ellenton.

The tool box and its contents were recovered and returned to the owner.

Mixon was arrested without incident and charged with Burglary to a Conveyance and Dealing in Stolen Property.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $11,000.

Drug-Related Armed Home
Invasion Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at about 10:45 p.m., at an apartment complex located at 3506 14th Street West, in Bradenton.

The report said Jason Clum, 33, and the Alvarado twins, Alberto and Arnaldo, both 26, were home playing video games when a White male knocked on the door.

Clum opened the door and 3 men -- two of them Hispanic -- ran into the home.

One of the Hispanic males was armed with a machete and began fighting with Clum.

Clum grabbed the machete causing a laceration to his hand. Ann Marie Freeman, 28, arrived home to find the man who had the machete on top of, and fighting with her boyfriend (Clum).

Freeman grabbed the man and began punching him and pushed him out the door, whereupon all of the suspects fled the scene.

Clum was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.

The victims appeared to have cleaned the crime scene prior to law enforcement arrival.

The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The machete and a piece of the suspect's shirt were placed into evidence.

It was later discovered that the three invaders had taken an ounce of marijuana from the victims, the report said.

A large amount of drug paraphernalia was taken from the victim's residence, which included a scale and packaging materials.

The invaders were described as an unknown White male, an unknown Hispanic male, and a Hispanic male who was about 25 years old, 5'7" tall, 190 pounds, with a stocky build. He had a round face with a mole near his mouth, 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.

Bank Bag Snatched from Beall's
Employee at Creekwood; Good
Description of Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A bank bag was snatched from a Beall's employee on Sunday, August 2, 2009, at about 2:15 p.m., at the Beall's store located at 7379 52nd Place East, in Bradenton.

Above, a look-alike maroon Toyota Rav4

According to the report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the victim is employed with Bealls and was leaving work. The victim was holding the bank deposit under her right arm.

As the victim started to approach her car, an unknown White male snatched the bank bag from the victim. The victim did not see the suspect approach her.

The victim was able to obtain a partial description of the suspect's vehicle. The suspect vehicle was described as a maroon Toyota Rav4, last seen southbound towards SR 70.

Responding units searched the area with negative results.

The robber was not further described.

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.

1-Year-Old Boy Killed When
Father Ran Into Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident that occurred on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at about 11:20 p.m., at 430 34th Avenue Drive East, the location of Manatee Woods Apartments.

According to the FHP report, a vehicle belonging to Miguel A. Aragon-Castro, 32, of the above address, was parked southbound in a parking lot there.

His 1-year-old son, also named Miguel A. Aragon-Castro, was inside their apartment.

The father stated that as he attempted to start the 2000 Hundai car, the vehicle lunged forward and drove up and over the concrete curbing.

At the same time, his 1-year-old son had exited the apartment with his brother and moved into the path of the Hyundai.

The front of the Hyundai struck the boy and pinned him against the wall of the apartment.

No skid marks were found on the parking lot.

The boy was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Charges are pending, the report said.

Van Window Shot Out During
Duplex City Shooting Incident

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting into an unoccupied vehicle on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at about 11 p.m., in the 900 block of 61st Avenue East, Bradenton.

The report said the victim, Juan Antonio Garza-Tello, 34, heard gunshots outside his home.

He went to investigate and saw two Black males running east from the scene.

Juan noticed his rear passenger window on his van was shot.

The inside of the vehicle was searched and no projectile was located.

There were no injuries.

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

The alleged shooters were described as 2 Black males, 6' tall, wearing black shirts and brown pants.

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.

$60,000 in Jewelry Stolen
from Vehicle's Trunk

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the burglary of a vehicle and theft of $60,000 in jewelry on Thursday, July 30, 2009, from a garage in the 5000 block of 45th Street West, Bradenton, the location of the Glenn Lakes subdivision.

The report said the victim, Avina Krishna, 18, parked her car in the garage at the above location with her jewelry in the trunk.

Krishna said the jewelry was valued at approximately $60,000 dollars.

Krishna was staying with her mother at another location and parked her car at the above location to keep it safe.

The rear sliding glass door to the residence was forced open by unknown means and the trunk of the vehicle was pried open with an unknown object.

Krishna said that her brother had access to the truck once last week and had two friends with him who possibly saw the jewelry.

No arrests have been made as yet.

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.

Juvenile Boy, 14, Arrested for
Sexual Battery of Niece, 3

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 14-year-old White male for sexually battering his 3-year-old niece.

The sheriff's report said at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009, the unnamed boy, the victim’s uncle, sexually battered his 3-year-old niece.

The incident occurred at a residence in the 5200 block of 8th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

According to a post-Miranda confession, the 14-year-old had his niece lick his penis for approximately 1 minute.

The boy admitted this was the second time during the past month this happened, but he could not remember the date of the pervious occurrence.

He was arrested and transported to the Juvenile Booking Facility, charged with Sexual Battery of a Child.

Pound of Pot, $4K Cash
Recovered by FHP After
Traffic Stop

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested Robert C. Martin, of Lakewood Ranch.

The FHP report said on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 4:24 p.m., Trooper Richard Moore conducted a traffic stop on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. just south of State Road 70 in Manatee County.

As Trooper Moore interviewed the driver, he detected the strong odor of marijuana.

A search of the vehicle revealed a pound of marijuana and $4,450 in cash.

Trooper Moore seized the contraband as well as the defendant’s vehicle, an Oldsmobile Intrigue.

Robert C. Martin of Lakewood Ranch, was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell/Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and misc. traffic charges.

A mug shot of Martin was not available.

Sarasota Sheriff Arrests Man, 62,
for Sexually Molesting Girl, 13

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Richard Allen Mayo, 62, of 4708 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, after an investigation that was initiated following a complaint by a 13-year-old female victim.

Richard Allen Mayo

Mayo is charged with two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct, one count of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition, one count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, and four counts of Sexual Battery.

The arrest affidavit said the girl went to Mayo's house to perform yard work and was lured inside his house, where sexual acts occurred on several occasions.

Anyone with information on this suspect or related crimes is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Three Armed Robbery Suspects
Captured by FHP Following
3-County Pursuit

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Three Manatee County men have been captured by the Florida Highway Patrol, following a 3-county pursuit.

Above, L to R, Julius Lee Brown and Travis Deon White

According to a report from FHP, on July 31, 2009, 4:54 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol received a BOLO from the Fort Myers Police Department for armed robbery suspects driving an older model Mercury Grand Marquis.

Trooper Booker Ferrell spotted the vehicle on I-75 at the 146 mile marker. Trooper Ferrell attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspects refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued through Charlotte into Sarasota County. Venice Troopers Xavier Beorlegui, J. Drake, Jeff Vanarsdale and Carl Hupchick responded to the area.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies deployed spike strips at the 200 mile marker. The suspect attempted to avoid the spike strips and sideswiped another vehicle. The suspect then lost control of the vehicle and entered the center median.

All three suspects fled the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. The suspects ran across the southbound lanes and were apprehended on the shoulder without further incident.

The driver, Julius Lee Brown, 20, of Palmetto, was arrested for Felony Fleeing to Elude, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Resisting Arrest without Violence. He remains in the Sarasota County Jail on a bail bond of $2,500.

Travis Deon White, 24, of Bradenton, was charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence. He remains in the Sarasota County Jail on a bail bond of $750.

The other passenger was also charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence and has been positively identified as Latroy Waiters, 23. His mug shot was not available.

There were no injuries in this incident.

Public Urged To Be Alert In
Wake of Lawn Equipment,
Trailer Thefts

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a rash of lawn equipment thefts that has taken place over the last three months in unincorporated areas of Sarasota County.

There have been nineteen reported thefts of lawn equipment, including twelve where trailers containing equipment were taken and seven cases where thieves stole only the lawn equipment.

Most thefts are occurring late at night or in the early morning hours.

Investigators have identified a connection between Sarasota and Hillsborough Counties based on the recovery location of abandoned trailers and vehicles related to the case.

Information is being shared with other law enforcement agencies and detectives are attempting to identify suspects.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office urges lawn care and maintenance companies to be vigilant and take extra precautions in securing equipment.

Patrol deputies are on a heightened level of awareness regarding such thefts and will be conducting late night stops of vehicle and trailers suspected of being involved in such thefts.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is asking that members of the community report any related suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Orange County Teacher Charged
With Having Child Porn

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An Orange County elementary school teacher who has also been a foster parent to nearly 20 children has been charged with receiving child pornography, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Robert Sewell Barth

Robert Sewell Barth, a 57-year-old second-grade teacher at Cheney Elementary in Orange County, was released on bond Thursday from the Seminole County Jail.

School officials said Barth was placed on "relief duty" in December. His status will remain the same, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Barth was hired by the school district in 2004, WKMG reported.

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