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Man Buys Viagra, Gets Caught
Masturbating in Traffic By One
Woman, Two Children, 10, 12

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Douglas Benkert, Jr., 49, of 10105 284th Street East, in Myakka City.

Douglas Benkert, Jr.

The arrest report said on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at about 5:45 p.m., a woman was heading westbound on State Road 70 in the right lane while Douglas was in the center lane in a blue Dodge truck next to her.

She looked over and saw that Douglas had an erect penis out of his shorts and was masturbating with it.

Douglas looked over at her and he continued to masturbate.

She slowed down, pulled in behind Douglas and called 911.

She provided the sheriff's office with the vehicle’s tag number and continued location changes.

Dep. Buird stopped Douglas at US 301 and SR 70 East.

Douglas denied masturbating but did state that he had only adjusted himself.

Douglas gave consent to search his truck and a pill bottle with some Viagra in it was found.

Douglas stated that he had just picked up the Viagra from Publix at Lakewood Ranch and SR70 and had taken half of a 100mg pill.

Publix confirmed that Douglas had just been there, had been given the highest dose of Viagra and said if he had taken half a pill, it would activate in about 1/2 hour.

The woman had her two minor children, ages 10 & 12, in the vehicle with her during the incident, but she said they didn't see anything, according to the arrest report.

Benkert told the deputy he was on his way to see his girlfriend at her place of work.

Benkert was charged with one count of Lewd & Lascivious Exhibition.

He posted a $10,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail the next day.

Sex Offender Arrested for
Failing to Obtain ID/DL

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man previously convicted in Indiana as a Sex Offender has been arrested in Manatee County.

Floyd Elwood Moyer

According to the arrest report from Det. Kim Zink, Floyd Elwood Moyer, 31, of 4328 81st Street West, Bradenton, was convicted in the state of Indiana and arrested in Florida in 2007 for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. He was sentenced to 34 months with the Department of Corrections for that violation and was released in July of 2009.

Moyer then registered with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Unit. He was told at the time to make sure he obtained a Florida ID or DL, as required under Florida law. However, he failed to do so.

A warrant was signed on Tuesday, Sept. 1st for Failing to Obtain a Florida ID/DL within 48 hours of Registering as a Sex Offender.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, a warrants deputy went to Moyer's house looking for someone else with a warrant and determined the person no longer lived there. However, during the investigation, the deputy determined Moyer was wanted and placed him under arrest.

He is currently being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Homeless Man Arrested for
Burglary, Possession of Pot

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested David Bazo, 46 years old.

David Bazo

The arrest report said David Bazo and ex-wife are divorced and David is living on the streets. David has not lived in the home in the 5900 block of 91st Street East, Bradenton, Since December of 2008.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at about 8 a.m., a neighbor saw a window open at the home and called the sheriff's office. By the time the neighbor went back outside, the window had been closed and David Bazo was seen walking out of the front door.

When the deputy arrived, he searched for David Bazo and found him behind a Sweetbay grocery store, in the woods, in the 8900 block of State Road 70.

At the time, Bazo was holding a small bag of marijuana and a marijuana pipe.

Bazo was arrested and charged with Burglary and Possession of Marijuana.

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

Same Deputy, Same Business,
Different Suspect Cutting A/C
Copper, 5 Days Later

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Richard Allen Deese, Sr., 52, a homeless man.

Richard Allen Deese, Sr.

According to the arrest report, Dep. Jason Carey caught Deese cutting copper from an air conditioning unit in back of Tienda Restaurant, 2606 14th Street West, Bradenton, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at about 10:40 a.m.

Dep. Carey also caught a man on August 28th doing the same thing to the same restaurant (see Wednesday's Local News).

Deese was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,000.

Attempted Armed Robbery, Father
of Victim Crashes Into Suspect's
Vehicle Head-On; 4 Hospitalized,
No Arrests...Yet

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- After a head-on vehicle crash on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m., in the 5000 block of 34th Street West, Bradenton, detectives were able to piece together the story that allegedly started with the attempted armed robbery of a man seeking to buy narcotics.

According to the victim, Donald Porter III, 18, on the above date he met with Michael Gesregan, 26, and others in the parking lot of Braden Lakes Apartments in the 2700 block of 50th Avenue West, Bradenton, to purchase narcotics.

Upon his arrival, he got into the suspect's truck. Gesregan produced a firearm Porter III thought may be fake but ran from the truck to his car and fled the parking lot.

The suspects gave chase and Porter III called his dad, Porter II, 40, for help.

Coincidentally, his dad was nearby and became involved in the chase resulting in the vehicle dad was in crashing head-on into Gesregan's vehicle in the 5000 block of 34th Street West.

Porter III stopped at the crash scene and took property from his dad's pockets and left before E.M.S. or law enforcement arrival. Porter III showed back up at the scene when he heard law enforcement was looking for him. He had blood on his skin and his clothes from his father.

Gesregan was taken into custody by the Florida Highway Patrol and transported to Lakewood Ranch Hospital due to his intoxicated state. Jelissa Robinson, 27, was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital by E.M.S. James Wells, Jr., 26, and Porter II were flown to Bayfront Medical Center.

Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) Detectives, along with Detective B. Lewis, were dispatched to make contact with these subjects and conduct interviews. Neither the suspects nor the involved others could be interviewed due to their medical status.

Porter III agreed to go to detectives' offices for an audio/video recorded interview, from which most of this information was developed. As questions were raised to the validity of some of his statements, Porter III invoked his right to an attorney.

As of the press release from the sheriff's office, the medical status of the hospitalized subjects are as follows:

James Wells, Jr. -- Stable with several broken bones.

Donald Porter II -- Critical but stable in I.C.U. with a ruptured spleen and numerous broken bones.

Michael Gesregan -- Medically cleared, but in and out of consciousness, due to narcotic ingestion.

Jilessa Robinson -- Intubated in I.C.U., due to narcotic ingestion.

Gesregan's vehicle, as well as Porter III’s car, were impounded for processing and search warrants.

The Florida Highway Patrol conducted the motor vehicle crash investigation.

As of Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, nobody was in jail.

All involved were White males, except for Jilessa Robinson, who is a White female.

Shot Fired Into Occupied
Vehicle; No Injuries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a drive-by shooting at a vehicle on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at about 9:30 p.m., in the 3900 block of Canal Road, Palmetto.

The report said on that day, sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., Patrick T. Phillips, 33, of Myakka City, was stopped at the intersection of 39th Street East and Canal Rd., in Palmetto.

A dark-colored SUV turned onto Canal Road and Phillips observed a Hispanic male hanging out of the rear passenger window with a gun in his hand.

Phillips heard a gunshot and immediately fled the scene.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at about 8:20 p.m., Phillips found a bullet hole in the rear quarter panel of his vehicle and called the police to report the incident.

Phillips was not injured during the shooting.

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.

Sculpture on loan to Manatee
County Commemorates National
Domestic Abuse Awareness Month

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] – For the next two months, visitors to Manatee County Administrative Center may notice a stark, poignant sculpture commemorating October as National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

“Battered Women Syndrome,” an 8 feet tall sculpture by local artist Ed Miracle, is on loan to the Manatee County now through October in a prominent display in the lobby of the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W.

The sculpture depicts a fallen and broken woman in chains holding up a proud, uninjured mask of herself. On the base of the sculpture are the names of local domestic violence homicide victims, along with the dates of their murders. Nearby is a plaque with the name and number for Manatee County’s certified domestic violence shelter, Hope Family Services.

Miracle’s publicist, Rose von Perbandt, said the sculpture is part of a series of sculptures exploring issues of homelessness. It was modeled in clay and plaster, then cast in Forton. She said that though domestic violence is common, it often is kept private. Miracle hopes his work provokes awareness, thought, understanding and action.

“It was designed for public places; It’s our hope that we can get more people to talk about this issue,” von Perbandt said. “The County Administration Building was a really good place because it drives home that this is something deadly we’re dealing with. I don’t think people understand how deadly. Any opportunity to talk about this in Manatee County is huge.”

Hope Family Services may be reached by calling (941) 747-8499 or visiting online at www.hopefamilyservice.org. To learn more about the sculpture, or to schedule a public discussion with Miracle on domestic violence or his art, call von Perbandt at (941) 761-8676.

Sarasota Man Busted on Warrant:
Wire Fraud, Money Laundering
Charges

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announced that Beau Diamond (age 31, of Sarasota) was arrested Wednesday night by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office based on a federal complaint for wire fraud and money laundering charges.

Beau Diamond

Diamond appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas B. McCoun, III, Wednesday afternoon, and the hearing was continued until Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Diamond was ordered detained pending the outcome of that hearing.

The complaint alleges that Diamond engaged in a fraudulent Ponzi scheme involving foreign currency trading. The complaint further alleges that approximately 200 victim investors contributed nearly $38 million into Diamond's fund for the purposes of trading, all of which was dissipated through Ponzi distributions, losing trades, and diversions to Diamond for his personal benefit.

The investigation, which continues, was conducted by the Sarasota offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton and Assistant United States Attorney Terry A. Zitek.

Charlotte Harbor Bank
Robbed Thursday

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 1:24 p.m. this afternoon of a robbery at Centennial Bank 22627 Bayshore Rd, Charlotte Harbor.

Above, Centennial Bank, Charlotte Harbor
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO PIO)

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit gave the following description of the suspect.

MCU detectives said the suspect is a White male, mid-30’s, 5’-9” to 6’ tall, wearing a green “hoody” and baggie blue jeans with a two inch rip by the right rear pocket. He was wearing white gloves and a white baseball cap and square rim reading glasses. Detectives said the man had a heavy smell of cigarettes. He may have fled on a dark colored bicycle.

No weapon was reportedly seen but the man did escape with an undisclosed amount of money.

CCSO deputies, detectives, helicopter and K-9 Units were called out and set up a perimeter. A K-9 Unit tracked the suspect west toward the YMCA and Bayshore Park where it ended; however, deputies were still checking various homeless camps in the area, late Thursday afternoon.

Detectives are working with bank officials to get a photo of the suspect from surveillance cameras.

If you have information about this suspect, please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Dad Gets 7 Years for Arranging
Sex for Son's 15th Birthday

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Central Florida man accused of arranging sex for his 15-year-old son has been sentenced to seven years in prison, Orlando television station WKMG rpeorted.

A Marion County jury deliberated for about an hour before finding the 41-year-old man guilty.

The man forced his son to have sex with a woman -- against the boy's will -- at the Palms Motel in Ocala last year.

The boy said the paid sexual encounter was his father's idea of a 15th birthday gift.

WKMG News did not identify the man, in order to protect his son.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Manatee Deputy Arrests
Would-Be Copper Thief;
His Partner Escaped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Steven Ray Abbott, 51, of 1516 18th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Steven Ray Abbott

According to the arrest report, on Friday, August 28, 2009, at about 2 p.m., witnesses observed Abbott and another unknown White male cutting the copper air conditioning pipes from the back of the Tienda Mexican Restaurant, located at 2606 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Abbott placed the cut copper into a basket on the back of his bicycle and fled east on 27th Avenue.

The sheriff's office was called by the witnesses.

Deputy Jason Carey was able to chase Abbott on foot and grab him in the 1300 block of 27th Avenue West.

Dep. Carey then removed the copper from the bicycle's basket.

The report said Abbott's "partner" was able to flee and was not located.

The owner of Tienda Mexican Restaurant, Thomas Rizzo, was contacted and told Dep. Carey that nobody has permission to be taking anything from the property.

The property is a closed business, the report said, with a roof that extends out about 8 feet in the rear of the business.

The copper was cut from that covered area that is attached to the business, the report said.

Abbott, who listed his occupation as Day Labor, was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Business.

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

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
For Burglary To Residence

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested Arturo Gomez, 18, a homeless man.

Arturo Gomez

According to the arrest report from PPD, on Monday, August 31, 2009, at about 11 a.m., Gomez broke the rear window to a residence in the 1200 block of 11th Avenue West, Palmetto.

Gomez unlawfully entered the residence and while inside, he gathered an Xbox 360, two Xbox game controllers and a power supply. The items were valued at approximately $450, the report said.

The resident came home and called the police after seeing the broken window.

An officer responded and found Gomez hiding in the bedroom next to the items he had gathered to steal.

Gomez was arrested and charged with Burglary.

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

Cab Driver Robbed By Rider
Using a Ruse

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A cab driver who works for Bruce's Taxi company was robbed on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at about 2 a.m., in the 6000 block of 40th Avenue West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the victim, Kenn Cole, 58, of the 3600 block of 115th Street Court West, Bradenton, arrived at the location above to take a fare to the Sanctuary Apartments.

When he arrived, he told the fare that he had to get paid in advance.

The would-be fare went up stairs and acted as if he was getting money from his grandmother.

When the man returned, he had cash in his hand and explained he needed change.

When the driver got his wallet out, the robber punched the driver and grabbed his wallet.

The victim struggled and the wallet ripped.

The robber fell backwards with approximately $150 and part of the wallet. He got up and got on a bike and fled north from the scene.

The cab driver was not injured.

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

The robber was only described as an unknown Black male, dressed in a white tank top.

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

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

Man Robbed, Threatened in
Strong Arm Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Carman Caobanese, 42, of the 5300 block of 26th Street West, was robbed on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at about 9:45 p.m., in the 3700 block of 26th Street West, in Bradenton.

The report said while Carman was walking in the 3700 block of 26th street west, a Black male who was armed with a small silver pocket knife cut the victim on both of his arms and stole his wallet.

The robber took $250 cash and Carman's identification out of the wallet and told him not to call the police because he had Carman's ID and knew where he lived.

The thief then fled on foot northbound on 26th street and threw the wallet down.

Carman sustained two small lacerations and declined EMS.

Carman told deputies that at the time of the incident he was afraid to call the police because the robber did have his ID that had his correct address.

The robber was described as an unknown Black male with a shaved head, 5'09" tall, weighing about 160 pounds, with a tear drop tattoo under his right eye. He was armed with a silver pocket knife.

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.

Woman Claims She Was Raped
in June of 2009

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the alleged rape of a woman on June 27, 2009, at about midnight, at a residence in the 4500 block of 30th Street West, in Bradenton.

The report said a woman identified only as "A.A." said she was very intoxicated at a party at the above address in late June.

A man identified only as "Zack" picked her up off the ground and carried her into a bedroom.

"Zack" had vaginal intercourse with "A.A" against her will, the report said.

The report didn't say why the woman waited this long to report it.

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.

Rays Tickets To Help Pay For
Honor Guard Uniforms

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to City of Bradenton Public Information Officer Tim McCann, a portion of tickets to the Sept. 19 Tampa Bay Rays game will go toward buying new uniforms for the Manatee County Honor Guard.

Tickets are $20 each for seats in the left field sections of 143 and 145, and $6 from each ticket will go to the honor guard, McCann said.

Fire Marshal Ken Langston, Fire Inspector Rick Findlay and Firefighter Ron Beach represent the City of Bradenton in the Manatee County Honor Guard.

The Rays take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 7:08 p.m. at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field on the 19th.

Call Fire Marshal Ken Langston or Fire Marshal Rick Findlay at (941) 708-6233 to get your tickets.

No Charges in Missing Child
Amber Alert Case

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office announced it will not file criminal charges in the missing child case of September 1, 2009, for which an Amber Alert was issued and later canceled.

The investigation revealed the incident was related to a domestic disagreement.

The child was released to the custody of his biological father.

The information will be passed on to the Florida Department of Children and Families for additional follow-up, the report said.

DUI Checkpoint Planned By
Sarasota Sheriff Over
Labor Day Weekend

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a DUI Checkpoint over Labor Day Weekend. The location will not be released, but the hours of operation are from 10:00 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2009, to 3:00 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009.

Motorists will recognize the Checkpoint operation by the staging of appropriate signs, warning devices and the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office made 438 DUI arrests in 2009 through the end of July, compared to 303 for the same period in 2008, a 45% increase.

“A crash involving an impaired driver is not an accident,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “Motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a danger to themselves and to the citizens of Sarasota County, and we don’t want them driving on our streets.”

Charlotte County Detectives
Arrest Two in Drug Raid

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detectives arrested two men Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2009, as a result of a raid on a Port Charlotte home at 3534 Faith St.

Above, L to R, Kenneth Richter and Jason Putman

Narcotics detectives had the home under surveillance and observed a car leave the property at 4 p.m. They made a traffic stop moments later and arrested Kenneth Louis Richter, 27, 4012 Conway Blvd., Port Charlotte.

After Richter’s car left the home, detectives served a search warrant and found three adults and a 15-year-old female juvenile in the house.

Detectives located Oxycodone pills and arrested 31 year old Jason Michael Putman.

Putman and Richter were transported to the Charlotte County Jail. Both were charged with Possession of Oxycodone; Putman was additionally charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Neither have posted bond.

If you have information about illegal drug activity, please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Police: Man, 44, Lured, Raped,
Bribed Girl, 12 Years Old

DeLAND, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 44-year-old DeLand man was arrested on allegations that he lured a 12-year-old girl into his house Sunday night and raped her, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Antonio Hernandez was arrested on charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the girl's mother called 911 Sunday night to report that her daughter had been sexually assaulted.

The girl said she was walking in the neighborhood Sunday night when Hernandez called her over, according to the sheriff's office. The girl said she knows Hernandez and felt comfortable walking up to him, the sheriff's office said.

According to deputies, Hernandez told the girl that he had some of her things and that she could come in the house to get them. The girl agreed and went inside of Hernandez's home on South Brooks Avenue just west of DeLand.

Once inside, the girl said that the man forced himself on her and started kissing her, according to deputies. The girl said she tried to leave, but the defendant grabbed her and prevented her from leaving, the sheriff's office said. The girl told deputies that Hernandez then raped her.

The girl said Hernandez gave her $20 and told her not tell anyone, according to the sheriff's office.

The girl then ran to a neighbor to get help, deputies said.

Investigators interviewed Hernandez on Tuesday, and he admitted giving the girl $20 but initially denied touching her, deputies said. The sheriff's office said he eventually admitted having sexual contact with the girl, telling investigators: "I'm guilty for what I did, and I'm sorry for my family."

Hernandez was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach but was released Wednesday morning after posting a $10,000 bond, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Attempting
To Pass Two Bad Checks At
Lowes, Best Buy Stores

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested John Zimmerman, 44, of 2745 9th Street East, in Bradenton.

John Zimmerman

According to the arrest report, on the afternoon of Monday, August 31, 2009, Zimmerman entered the Lowes store at 14th Street and Cortez Road West and attempted to use a Bank of America check to purchase gift cards in the amount of $600. The check was made out to Lowes and was signed in the name of Carlton Bullock.

The attempt was unsuccessful. Lowes told him that there was a problem with the check and he left with it before there was a further investigation.

Then Zimmerman went to the Best Buy store located at 4210 14th Street West, Bradenton, in the same shopping plaza as the Lowes store. Once there, Zimmerman attempted to pass a Bank of America check made out to Best Buy in the amount of $600. He tried to purchase gift cards with that check. The check was made out to Best Buy and signed by Zimmerman.

When Best Buy's computer system checked the authenticity of the check, a Best Buy employee was informed the check had not been issued by Bank of America. A Bank of America representative was contacted and told the Best Buy employee the check in question was counterfeit.

The sheriff's office was then called.

Upon the arrival of Deputy Stevens, Zimmerman gave Dep. Stevens a false name and identification; however, Dep. Stevens was able to obtain Zimmerman's correct name.

During a search incident to Zimmerman's arrest, a small baggy of marijuana (less than a gram) was found in his right front pocket by Dep. Stevens.

In a later interview with Detective Atkinson, Zimmmerman confessed to the crimes, the report said.

He said he had purchased six checks from someone in North Port that morning for $100.

John Zimmerman was arrested and charged with two counts of Forgery and two counts of Uttering a Forged Instrument, Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement and Possession of Marijuana.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $4,870.

Man Arrested for Threatening
Woman with Firearm

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Anthony J. Migliore, 25, of 3518 47th Avenue West, in Bradenton.

Anthony J. Migliore

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at about 1:20 a.m., Christine Sky, of the above address, called 911 and stated Migliore had pointed a gun at her head.

Sky also told a neighbor, whose phone she used to call 911, that Migliore put a gun to her head.

Both Sky and Migliore fled the scene before the arrival of deputies.

Sky was located about 1 1/2 hours later at her mother's house.

Migliore was arrested a short time later without incident.

He was charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Violation of Probation.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Man Arrested for Attempting
To Strangle His Sister

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested David K. Woodrich, 50, of 6630 7 Pines Drive, Bradenton.

David K. Woodrich

According to the arrest report, on Monday, August 31, 2009, at about 6 p.m., Woodrich and his sister, Cynthia Hall, were involved in an argument.

Hall told deputies the argument escalated to physical violence when Woodrich put both of his hands around her neck and pushed her back onto a vehicle which was parked in the garage at the above location. Hall said that he squeezed her neck with his hands, making it difficult for her to breath.

She also later told deputies that when Woodrich had his hands around her neck, he said that he wanted her dead, the report said.

Upon questioning, Woodrich said that he did put one hand up to her throat and pushed her away as he told her to get the [expletive deleted] away from him. He denied the accusation of putting both hands around Cynthia's neck and strangling her.

While en route to the Manatee County Jail, Woodrich told Dep. Huff that he wouldn't take it back and that she would be sorry when their mother returned.

Woodrich was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

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

Palmetto Police Detective
Arrests Man for Robbery

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Ramon Pacheco, 26, of 412 11th Street Drive West, Palmetto, currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail.

Ramon Pacheco

The arrest report from PPD said on July 4, 2009, at about 7:30 a.m., an unnamed victim was out in front of his home in the 500 block of 13th Street West, Palmetto, with several other people, when he observed a Hispanic male, later identified as Pacheco, assaulting his neighbor.

The unnamed victim tried to intervene and Pacheco struck him with an object the victim said may have been a beer bottle.

Pacheco then reached into the victim's pocket and grabbed $97, which fell to the ground. Pacheco reached down, picked up the money and fled the scene.

The victim described his assailant to officers, saying he was a Hispanic male with a medium to heavy build and said his assailant had a short neck and his head was always to one side when he walked.

A Palmetto Police Detective remembered a case where a man was arrested for robbery with the same description; that he always walked with his head to one side.

A photo pack lineup was prepared with Pacheco among the photos. The victim positively identified Pacheco.

Pacheco was arrested at the Manatee County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated, and charged with Robbery.

He remains in jail on a $20,000 bail bond for the above incident and two $250,000 bail bonds for Armed Robbery and Armed Home Invasion for previous incidents for which he was arrested on August 16th.

Man Claims He Accidentally
Shot Himself While Driving

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Richard Geary, 39, of Sarasota, accidentally shot himself on Tuesday, at about 3:45 p.m., while he was driving on U.S. 41 at the intersection with Tallevast Road.

The report said Geary was driving south on U.S. 41. Geary was the only person in the vehicle.

At the traffic light at Tallevast Road, Geary was clearing his handgun.

While doing so, the handgun, a Taurus 1911, .45cal firearm, accidentally went off, Geary told deputies.

The bullet struck Geary just above the right ankle, entered into his leg and exited the bottom of his foot.

Geary pulled off to the side of the road and called his friend.

The friend called 911.

EMS was called; the report didn't indicate an outcome, medically.

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.

Palmetto House Stripped
Clean, Deputies Report

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a house located at 1140 49th Street East, in Palmetto, was stripped clean sometime between August 1, 2009 and August 31, 2009.

The report said unknown person(s) entered the above location and removed all the doors, windows, bathtub, water heater, and wiring.

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

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

Bradenton Police Name
Officer of the Month

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT} -- Bradenton Police Officer Jay Gow has been selected to receive the Officer of the Month award for the month of September 2009.

Bradenton Police Officer Jay Gow

Officer Gow was nominated by District II, Zone 5 Commander, Lieutenant Nancy Castellow for going above and beyond his patrol duties.

Officer Jay Gow, through his own investigations, wrote one arrest warrant and three search warrants. In these warrants, he seized two loaded firearms (one of those was stolen in a burglary where the victim did not even know it had been stolen), two marijuana plants a over a quarter pound of marijuana, powder cocaine, ecstasy, xanax and numerous pieces of paraphernalia. Also out of these warrants he made three arrests.

All this was in addition to Officer Jay Gow performing his normal patrol officer duties.

"This speaks highly of Officer Jay Gow's work ethic and self motivation to get the job done," said Lieutenant Castellow.

Officer J. Gow has served with the Bradenton Police Department since 1996. He is currently assigned to Patrol Operations.

Bradenton Man Is 4th Person
Arrested in Grand Theft
Auto Case

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested David P. Lawrence, Jr., 22, of Bradenton, the fourth suspect wanted in connection with the Grand Theft Auto case involving a 1980 Chevy Malibu stolen from C and S Corvettes in May 2009.

David P. Lawrence, Jr.

Lawrence is charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure and Grand Theft Auto.

Other suspects previously arrested in this case include Sam Blanton, Hobert Roberts, Jr., and Erik M. Walker.

Man Arrested on 13 Drug Charges
By Charlotte County Cops

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit arrested a Port Charlotte man on 13 drug charges after entering his home at 850 Fairfax Terr. at 3:41 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2009. Arrested was 61-year-old Danny Dale Neal.

Danny Dale Neal

When Narcotics officers entered Neal’s home they found numerous pills around the house, and drug paraphernalia that included a mirror and straws with cocaine residue, scales, grinders, rolling papers, a smoking device and plastic baggies.

Total weight for all the cocaine was 7.1 grams, and 49 grams of marijuana.

Neal was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Xanax and Eudocet, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, and Possession of Lunesta, Valium, Ativan, Xanax, Roxycodone, MSIR, and Marinol. He also was charged with Possession of Prescription Pills without a Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Neal was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and remains there on $29,500 bond.

If you have information about illegal drug activity in Charlotte County, please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Two Bradenton Men Charged
With Bank Burglary

FORT MYERS, Florida [NMT] -- United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announced that Milton Andre Almeida, 23, and Ryan Michael Hoy, 30, both of Bradenton, were charged on Monday, August 31, 2009, in a criminal compliant with the burglary of a SunTrust Bank in Collier County, Florida.

If convicted, Almeida and Hoy each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The defendants made their initial appearance in federal court on Monday. They will remain in custody pending a detention hearing on September 3, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Douglas N. Frazier.

According to the complaint, members of the FBI’s Southwest Florida Violent Crime Task Force followed Almeida and Hoy as they drove a 1990 Cadillac Fleetwood from Bradenton to Collier County last Sunday night. Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday morning, the agents watched the two men break into the night deposit box at the Suntrust bank. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office, working in cooperation with the FBI, then stopped the Cadillac and arrested the men. The men were found to be in possession of a large amount of cash. Inside the Cadillac, agents found a cordless reciprocating saw, a long pole with a large metal hook on one end, a black sweatshirt, and black gloves. They also found a number of SunTrust Bank plastic deposit bags.

A criminal complaint is merely an initial charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southwest Florida Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the Sarasota Police Department and the Bradenton Police Department. Also assisting was the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.

Man Shot, Killed In Crowded
Bar; Shooter Held By Cops

MELBOURNE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a customer at a Melbourne bar was shot and killed late Monday night by a man who fired up to five shots inside the crowded establishment, police said.

According to Melbourne police, Donald L. Kautz fatally shot Noel Randall II following an altercation at at the Just 1 More bar, located on Sarno Road near Apollo Boulevard.

About 30 people were inside the bar when the gunfire broke out at about 10 p.m., police said. No one else was injured.

Melbourne police said Kautz apparently got into an argument with Randall at the bar before going to his car and returning with a handgun.

Four or five patrons then tackled the shooter and held him there until police arrived, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
for Lewd & Lascivious Acts
Against Two Teen Sisters

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Charles L. Sleeth, 50, of 1420 5th Street West, in Palmetto.

Charles L. Sleeth

According to the arrest report, Sleeth and an unnamed female teenager became friends sometime before March of 2008 through mutual friends, also young teens, who would hang out with Sleeth mainly because he would provide alcohol and a place to hang out.

In March of 2008, the girl came home intoxicated and told her mother she had been drinking at Sleeth's house with friends.

Both the teenage girl and her teenage sister said that Sleeth would often grab and pat their buttocks outside of their clothing in a lewd manner.

The girl told detectives there was a cookout at Sleeth's home on August 22, 2009, during which Sleeth provided alcohol to her and her minor friends.

Just prior to the cookout, Sleeth went to the first girl's house without the knowledge of her mother and asked her to help him to prepare foods for the cookout. She agreed and went to his home with him. As they arrived, Sleeth picked her up, carried her into the home, then grabbed her cheeks with his hands and kissed her on the lips. He said that he loved her and gave her a man's wedding band, engraved with "I love you."

The girl told her stepfather about the incident.

The next day, Sleeth went to the victim's residence and gave their mother a lighter, saying it was for the girl.

On Saturday, August 29th, Sleeth went to the residence while both parents were at work and knocked on the door, but the girl told her sister and others there to be quiet, so Sleeth would not know they were there.

After Sleeth left, the girl called her mother at work. The mother called Palmetto Police, who arranged for a controlled phone call between the victims and Sleeth.

During that call, on Sunday, August 30th, Sleeth admitted kissing the girl, but denied touching either of their buttocks. He also made reference to having knowledge of drinking alcohol with her and her minor friends.

Later, in an interview with Sleeth at the Palmetto Police Department, he admitted to kissing the girl, but said it was on the cheek and was to thank her for helping him prepare for the cookout. He denied the other allegations.

Sleeth was arrested and charged with two counts of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

He remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $22,000 as of Monday.

Deputies Arrest Young Man
Who Robbed Two Men
at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Michael Smith, 19, of Sarasota, who is suspected of robbing two men at gunpoint.

Robert Michael Smith

As NewsManatee reported on Monday, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office responded to an armed robbery on Sunday, August 30, 2009, at about 1:15 a.m., in the 5900 block of 36th Street West, Bradenton.

The victims, Jack Aguero, 29, and one other person, were outside of the location when a White male approached them; he was brandishing an unknown type handgun.

The gunman ordered them to the ground and demanded money. $150 cash was taken from Aguero and $1 was taken from the other victim.

During the incident, the shirt that the robber had tied around his face fell off. The victims recognized the suspect, who is known to them as "Robert."

"Robert" then fled Eastbound through the complex.

The victim told deputies the robber wears glasses, works at a Publix store and drives a Blue Chevy S-10 type pickup truck.

Detectives were able to put together a photo pack with "Robert" as one of the photos. The victims positively identified Robert Smith.

At about 9 p.m. that same day, Smith was taken into custody at his place of employment, the Publix store located at 2875 University Parkway, in South Manatee County.

Smith was charged with two counts of Armed Robbery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $50,000.

Two Sunday Afternoon Burglaries;
Burglar Captured Same Day

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested James Bradley Moore, 21 years old, following two afternoon burglaries on Sunday, August 30, 2009.

James Bradley Moore

The sheriff's report said on Sunday, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the residents at 2728 17th Street East, Bradenton, called the sheriff's office to report a burglary in progress.

The residents saw a White male in his 20's cut a screen in the rear and enter the porch.

The suspect became startled and left the scene before making entry to the residence and before deputies could arrive. The suspect was seen fleeing in a black and gray older model Chevy pickup, but no tag was given.

Later in the afternoon, the sheriff's office received another burglary in progress call at a residence in the 1900 block of 45th Street Court East, Bradenton, in which a witness observed a White male exit the residence with property and flee in a black and gray older model Chevy pickup. The witness was able to get the tag number.

Dep. Hayes was still investigating the first burglary and had received information from a neighbor that the suspect truck was parked at 1712 27th Avenue East. The suspect was in the process of hiding the truck under a tarp and spray painting it all black.

Dep. Hayes coordinated responding units to surround the residence in a tight perimeter.

James was confronted in the front yard and taken into custody without incident.

The witnesses from both burglaries responded and positively identified James and his truck at both burglaries.

In plain view in a shed by the truck was several items believed to be taken in the burglary.

James was charged with two counts of Burglary, one count of Theft, two counts of Criminal Mischief and two counts of Trespassing.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $21,990.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Stealing Pressure Washer

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Dave Joseph Williams, 27, of 1314 22nd Street West, in Bradenton.

Dave Joseph Williams

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, August 30, 2009, at about 6 p.m., Williams was seen walking in the 1700 block of 10th Avenue West, along with some friends.

A neighbor saw Williams walk up to his neighbor's house and take a pressure washer valued at approximately $150.

The witness told his neighbor's girlfriend that their pressure washer had just been stolen and that the thief was walking down the street with it.

The girlfriend went outside, found Williams and confronted him, saying he should give back the pressure washer or she would call the cops.

Williams cursed the woman, then gave the pressure washer back. She called police anyway and they caught up to him shortly afterward.

Williams admitted he took the pressure washer, the report said, because he thought it was broken. He said he intended to pawn it. He tried to get away from the officer.

Williams was arrested, charged with Burglary, Theft and Resisting Arrest.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,870.

West Manatee Fire Rescue
Raises $5,262 for MDA

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Firefighters from West Manatee Fire and Rescue raised $5,262 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at a recent “Fill the Boot” drive.

Above, WMFR Firefighter Jorden McPherson
Holds Up "Fill the Boot" Boot

The generous donations by citizens will enable MDA to purchase two sets of leg braces or wheelchairs, send one child to camp and cover two clinic visits.

The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon is this coming weekend.

Sarasota County Detectives Arrest
Woman for Defrauding Elderly
Woman of $25,000 Deposit

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Wanda C. Alfano, 53, for Grand Theft from a person over 65 years old.

Wanda C. Alfano

Alfano is the president of Wandalan Inc., a recreational vehicle dealership located at 760 N. Tamiami Trail in Nokomis.

This is Alfano’s third arrest in the past 10 months for alleged fraudulent practices at the dealership.

The latest arrest on August 26, 2009, is related to the theft of a $25,000 deposit given to Alfano in August of 2008. The 81-year-old victim ordered a custom manufactured home from Alfano who was supposed to contract with a third party builder. Detectives say Alfano never forwarded the deposit or placed the order.

On July 9, 2009, Alfano was arrested for Grand Theft of $40,166.94, for the purchase of a modular home. Detectives say Alfano never paid the third party provider for the home which led to repossession. Prosecution is pending.

Alfano was also arrested on October 13, 2008, for Grand Theft and Title Fraud. In this case the victim alleges that Alfano sold his travel trailer on consignment in December of 2006 without telling him and provided a forged title to the new buyer. In March 2008 Alfano contacted the victim and asked him if he had picked up the trailer because it was missing. The trailer related to this case remains with the new buyer pending the case outcome, which goes to trial in September.

Citizens who think they might also be a victim should contact Criminal Investigations at 941-861-1719.

Two More Jet Skis, Trailers
Stolen; Total of 11 Taken
Since July 14th

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating two more trailer thefts and three more Jet Skis (personal watercraft) stolen which brings the total to six trailers and 11 Jet Skis stolen since July 14. The latest thefts occurred at 182 Allworthy St., and 1243 Talbot St., both in Port Charlotte, over the past weekend, Aug. 30-31, 2009.

On Allworthy, a trailer with two Kawasaki Jet Skis, were stolen. The owner told deputies he had a chain locked through one of the trailer wheels, but, thieves hitched up the trailer and drove off. On Talbot, a trailer with a Sea Doo that was parked on the front lawn of a home was stolen. Detectives said the trailer was pushed into the roadway, hitched up, and thieves drove off with everything.

Sheriff’s detectives again warn owners of trailers with Jet Ski’s on trailers, to take extra precaution in securing these items. Even trailers with tongue locks are easily cut off as in two of the cases.

The six thefts occurred July 14 and 22 in Harbour Heights, July 28 in Port Charlotte, Aug. 17 in Placida, and twice again this past weekend in Port Charlotte.

Anyone with information about thefts of these six trailers and 11 Jet Skis is asked to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Charlotte County Detectives Probe
2nd Drive-By Shooting
At Same House

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives are investigating the second drive-by shooting in nine days into a Port Charlotte home at 21538 Gibralter Dr. The first occurred Aug. 19 at 11:30 p.m., and the latest last Friday (Aug. 28) around 9:30 p.m.; no injuries have been reported in both shootings.

MCU Detectives said the family was in their home Friday night and they heard “loud pops” then the sound of glass breaking. Detectives said they observed a bullet hole in the lower part of the front door and a hole in the living room couch where a woman was lying. Detectives found bullet holes in the front of the house and located six spent bullet casings.

In the Aug. 19 shooting, a neighbor sitting under his carport around the corner on Birchcrest Blvd. saw a car stop in front of the Gibralter Dr. home and heard gunshots. He said one shot hit the carport wall where he was sitting. Detectives said a couple and their small child were in the Gibralter Dr. home when they heard six gunshots. The car in their carport had two shots in the windshield, one in the hood, one in a front headlight, and one in their carport ceiling.

MCU detectives are continuing their investigation and ask the public if they have any information about the two shooting incidents to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Disabled Man Stabbed
In Home Invasion

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a man with cerebral palsy was attacked and was stabbed multiple times by three men during a New Smyrna Beach home invasion, police said.

The man was stabbed in his arms and hands at his home just before 1 p.m. Sunday, police said.

According to police, three men broke into the home and asked the 27-year-old victim: "Where's it at?"

The man said he didn't have anything, and the intruders stabbed him, police said.

The victim was taken to a hospital but has been released.

A description of the culprits was not released, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Three Men Arrested for Stealing
Large Appliances from Freedom
Village, Later Selling Them to
Bill's Discount Center

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested David Snyder, 36, John Baumgarten, 24, and John Yoswe, 27, all of Bradenton.

Above, L to R, David Snyder, John Baumgarten and John Yoswe

According to the arrest report, on August 18, 2009, at about 10 a.m., Snyder and Baumgarten entered an apartment at Freedom Village to steal two large appliances while Yoswe served as a lookout.

Yoswe's job was to radio the other two if and when someone was in the area, so they could get out of the apartment, the report said.

Snyder and Baumgarten then stole the two appliances and loaded them into Baumgarten's vehicle.

Then they sold the appliances to Bill's Discount Center, 1001 9th Street West, in Bradenton.

After interviewing the three men separately at the Bradenton Police Department, detectives went to Bill's Discount Center, where they spoke to the manager, Jimmy Lake.

Lake said that Snyder and Baumgarten sold him the appliances and he paid them more than $200 for the merchandise, which were still in their boxes. Lake also said the men told him the appliances were not stolen. The men confirmed to detectives that they had told Lake the appliances were not stolen.

The appliances were valued at over $1,000.

The appliances were removed from Bill's Discount Center and returned to Freedom Village.

The three men were arrested on separate dates: Aug. 20th, Aug. 21st and Aug. 27th.

They were each charged with Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property.

They have posted a $2,000 bond each and have been released from the Manatee County Jail.

Baby Sitter Goes Shopping,
Leaves Child, 3, in Car

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of Marlin Lovely, 31, of 5312 17th Street West, Bradenton, on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at about 5 p.m.

Marlin Lovely

Lovely was baby-sitting her friend's 3-year-old daughter and decided to take her to DeSoto Square Mall.

Lovely told deputies that while en route to the mall the child became fussy so she turned on the car radio in hopes that the music would calm her down, as she was stopped at the light on Cortez and 14th Street West.

Lovely turned around and noticed that the child had fallen asleep; she then drove to the mall and parked near the Macy's entrance.

Lovely forgot the child was in the vehicle and entered the mall to do some shopping.

A concerned citizen saw the child in the vehicle crying and alerted mall security, who then called 911.

EMS, along with the sheriff's office, arrived and noticed that the child appeared to be in distress and broke out the back window of Lovely's vehicle and removed the child.

The child was immediately treated by EMS and transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Deputies were able to find a phone number for Lovely in her vehicle and were able to make contact. Lovely returned to her vehicle and post-Miranda stated that she simply forgot that the child was with her and did not intentionally leave her in the car, Lovely also claimed that she had been in the mall for approximately 30 minutes before receiving the call from deputies.

The child was treated for dehydration and released to her mother.

Child Protective Services responded to the hospital and conducted an investigation.

Lovely was arrested and charged with one count of Child Neglect.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,000.

Undercover Detective Arrests
Young Man for Trafficking
in Hydrocodone, More

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Lucas Frederick Blue, 20, of 2208 15th Street West, Bradenton, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office after multiple purchases of illegal drugs.

Lucas Frederick Blue

According to the arrest report, the undercover detective had bought illegal drugs from Lucas Blue on three separate occasions and had set up a fourth drug buy operation.

On August 18th, the U/C detective had purchased 4 30 mg Oxycodone pills for $60.

On August 20th, the U/C detective had purchased 4 more 30 mg Oxycodone pills for $60 and 20 Percocet pills (5 mg Oxycodone pills) for $50.

Later again on August 20th, the U/C detective purchased 3 100 mg morphine pills for $60.

The Percocet pills weighed approximately 10.7 grams, to quality as a trafficking amount.

On August 27th, the U/C detective again met with Lucas Blue to purchase 70 Lortab pills (7.5 mg Hydrocodone pills) for $140.

After the money and pills were exchanged, a takedown team swiftly arrived and arrested Lucas Blue.

On his person, 8 more Lortab pills and 3 morphine pills were found.

He was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $52,000.

Man Arrested for Robbery
After Snatching Woman's
Cell Phone

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jose M. Nieves-Rivera, 35, of 2807 26th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Jose Nieves-Rivera

According to the arrest report, Jose lives with Ana Rosado and have a child together. They are having relationship problems, the report said.

On Thursday, August 27, 2009, at about noon, he entered Ana's place of work asking to see her cell phone, which was in her hand. He wanted to see who she was talking to.

He went for the phone in her hand, but she moved away and he couldn't pull it out of her hand, so he then wrapped his arms around her and pried the phone from her tightly clenched hands to take the phone from her.

He then started checking her received calls to see who has been calling her, after which he then left with her cell phone.

Jose was arrested later that day at about 7:15 p.m.

He was charged with Robbery.

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

Two Robbed at Gunpoint
in West Manatee

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Sunday, August 30, 2009, at about 1:15 a.m., in the 5900 block of 36th Street West, Bradenton.

The victims, Jack Aguero, 29, and one other person, were outside of the location when a White male approached them; he was brandishing an unknown type handgun.

The gunman ordered them to the ground and demanded money. $150 cash was taken from Aguero and $1 was taken from the other victim.

During the incident, the shirt that the robber had tied around his face fell off. The victims recognized the suspect, who is known to them as "Robert."

"Robert" then fled Eastbound through the complex.

A perimeter was established and a track was conducted with negative results.

The Violent Crimes Task Force responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Neither victim was injured as a result of the incident.

The robber was described as a White male, about 6'0 tall and weighing 150 pounds with black hair. He was last seen wearing black and white checkered shorts and a teal shirt.

The victim told deputies the robber wears glasses, works at a Publix store and drives a Blue Chevy S-10 type pickup truck.

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.

Palmetto Cops Search for
Stolen Dump Truck

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department is asking the public's help in locating a stolen dump truck.

According to Lt. Scott Tyler, of PPD, sometime between Friday evening and Sunday morning, August 28-30th, unknown person(s) stole a large dump truck pulling a trailer from the 1600 block of 12th Street East, just off Canal Road, in Palmetto.

The truck is a red 2001 Peterbuilt dump truck with “Semper Fi” decals on the doors and the number “6” on the front. It has Florida tag N5955K. The trailer was manufactured by the Wallace Pintle Company. It is a yellow 28 foot flat bed bearing Florida tag 7378CB.

The trailer had an asphalt roller on it. The asphalt roller is a yellow Caterpillar CB224E, with a serial number of 22403133.

The combined value of all three stolen items is approximately $124,000.

Anyone with information on this theft or the whereabouts of the truck and equipment is urged to contact the Palmetto Police Department at 721-2000 Tip by computer, .

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

Man Calls Fox 13 Threatening
'Suicide By Cop;' Deputies
Baker Act Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Clyde Carpenter, 63, of the 6900 block of Coconut Grove Circle, in Ellenton, has been taken into custody after he threatened to commit suicide, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported on Sunday, August 30, 2009.

The report said at about noon on Sunday Carpenter called a local news agency, Fox 13, and began to make suicidal remarks.

At one point during the conversation, he implied that he would commit "Suicide by Cop."

The news agency contacted sheriff's dispatch and allowed them to monitor the call.

Units responded to Carpenter's location and a deputy was able to talk him into coming outside, where he was taken into custody under the Baker act without incident.

FREE Walk-In Vision Screenings
Offered by The Eye Associates
in Ellenton

ELLENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Eye Associates is offering a free walk-in vision screening at their Ellenton offices, 7915 U.S. Hwy 301, Suite 101, on five separate dates in September.

Above, Dr. Michael Manning

Not seeing as well as you used to? Think you might have a cataract? Do you have a family history of glaucoma? The Eye Associates welcomes you for a free vision screening on the dates listed below to find out about the options available.

Dr. Michael Manning, a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your results and answer any questions you may have.

The Eye Associates points out that these are screenings and do not take the place of a comprehensive eye examination.

The dates and times of the vision screenings are:

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 9:00am to 11:00am

You may call (941) 729-2020 for more information. You may also logon to www.TheEyeAssociates.com to learn more about The Eye Associates.

[Ed. Note: The Eye Associates is a premier supporter of NewsManatee. Their support ad can be found on our Cover page. Our publisher recently had a cataract removed by The Eye Associates, without complications.]

Art Dealer Arrested for Scheme
To Defraud, Grand Theft

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested Robert Preiss, 44, of 443 South Polk Drive, Sarasota.

Robert Preiss

Detectives say Preiss was given a number of art works on consignment, including a sculpture entitled "Winged Triton" by Salvador Dali, which Preiss allegedly sold for $22,000, but never turned over the profits to the owners of the pieces, repeatedly stalling the final transactions.

Police also served a search warrant on Priess' home, looking for documents and art works.

Priess owns R&R Bond Gallery, located at 18 South Blvd. of the Presidents, Sarasota.

Priess was arrested on Friday, August 28, 2009, and charged with Scheme to Defraud and 3 counts of Grand Theft Over $20,000.

Preiss was being held in the Sarasota County Jail on a bail bond of $25,000.

Sarasota Deputies Conduct
Search Warrant, Arrest One

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, August 28, 2009, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducted a narcotics-related search warrant at 3600 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, in Sarasota.

The search resulted in the seizure of 47 grams of Cocaine (1.7 ounces), 53.5 grams of Hydrocodone, 13.6 grams of Oxycodone, 20.9 grams of Alprazolam and $5,415.00 in U.S. currency.

Dennis Reesor, 57, a White male, was arrested and charged with: Trafficking in Cocaine, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone; Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts) and Possession of Paraphernalia.

A mug shot of Reesor was not immediately available.

400 Animals Removed From Home
In Marion County

CITRA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported more than 400 animals, including cats, dogs, turtles, chicken, rabbits, sheep and goats, were removed Friday from a Marion County home, officials said.

According to Marion County officials, the animals were discovered at the home, located at 7680 Northeast 192nd Place just east of Citra, after fire-rescue officials were called when a man found his wife unconscious at the house.

The couple was described only as middle-aged. The woman's condition is not known.

The animals, most of which were inside the house, also included quail and parrots, county officials said. There were 18 dead chickens at the house, and the health of the animals ranged from poor to healthy, officials said.

Citra is located about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, WKMG said.

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