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Bradenton Police Department:
Man, 44, Stabbed to Death By
Girlfriend During Domestic
Dispute Overnight Thursday

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department reported a man was stabbed to death by his girlfriend on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at about 1:30 a.m., at an apartment complex in the City of Bradenton.

Above, Sheridan Place Apartments, 300 26th Avenue West, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

A press release from BPD said Bradenton Police officers responded to the Sheridan Place Apartments, 302 26th Avenue West, regarding a report of a stabbing.

Derek Adams, deceased

Arriving officers found Derek Adams, age 44, of Bradenton, Florida, laying unresponsive on the ground outside the residence.

The officers were then met by the girlfriend of Adams.

She told the officers that she stabbed Adams in the chest after a domestic dispute inside their residence.

Adams then staggered out of the residence, where he collapsed on the ground and subsequently died.

Adams' girlfriend, Alice Adams, 50, was observed to have injuries about her body and head, the press release said.

She was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.

Upon completion, the case will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

No charges have yet been filed.

According to Manatee County court records, Adams had a full page of felony and misdemeanor arrests dating back to 1999, the latest being an arrest and conviction for Uttering a Forged Instrument, for which he was sentenced to 13.8 months with the Dept. of Corrections in July of 2008. He was released from prison in April of this year. Other arrests include Possession of Cocaine, Burglary and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Court records also show Alice and Derek were having domestic problems in 2007.

Anyone having information with regard to this incident are asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

This is the 26th murder overall in Manatee County of 2009; the 5th murder in the City of Bradenton. Previously, there were 21 murders in the county and 4 in the City of Bradenton.

Man Arrested for Residential
Battle with Other Man, Two
Women, Resisting Arrest

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Shane Michael Boyce, 27, of 1011 133rd Street East, Bradenton.

Shane Michael Boyce

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, Boyce was involved in a heated verbal dispute over events that had taken place earlier in the evening at the above address; the argument turned physical.

Shane struck April Parsons one time with his fist. Shane's fist struck April below her right eye, causing a minor amount of swelling and redness.

Asya Woods, Shane's live-in girlfriend then attempted to intervene. She placed herself between Shane and April.

Asya said that Shane pushed her aside and then pushed an entertainment center over, striking the back of Asya's food, causing a minor cut.

Shane and William Lilliston then began to fight. Shane struck William with a large children's toy truck about 2 feet in length. Shane then struck William in the left side of the head, causing sever injury to William's left eye. Shane then struck William several more times with his fists.

When Dep. Georgian arrived, he witnessed Shane strike William, who was at that time defenseless, several more times with his fists

Dep. Georgian identified himself and ordered Shane to stop.

Shane continued to throw a few more punches at William, then ran to the back of the residence.

William appeared to be badly injured, so Dep. Georgian called for priority back up, took a moment to check the welfare of William, then went in search of Shane.

Dep. Georgian drew his pistol, held it muzzle down beside his right thigh and entered the room which Shane had entered.

Shane's back was to Dep. Georgian and the deputy could not see Shane's hands. He ordered Shane to show him his hands and slowly turn around.

Eventually, Shane complied and the deputy transitioned to his Taser, but did not turn it on or point it at Shane.

Shane said, "Do what you want."

The deputy attempted to take control of Shane and place him in handcuffs, but Shane pulled way. The deputy escorted Shane onto the bed and placed him in a wrist lock until he stopped struggling, after which he was handcuffed.

On the way to the cruiser, Shane attempted to pull away in an aggressive manner, so the deputy place Shane in a transporter hold for the remainder of the walk.

Shane was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery, two counts of Battery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He posted a $13,000 bail bond and was released from jail.

Man Who Stole Man's Cremated
Remains, Guns, Swords Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives arrested Luis Couvertier, 26, and charged him with Burglary.

Luis O. Couvertier

A search warrant was executed at Couvertier’s residence and detectives discovered numerous stolen items including cremains taken during a burglary on September 25, 2009.

The burglary occurred Friday in the 1100 block of Yale Avenue. Also taken in the burglary were two handguns, a video game system, a camera and other items.

The cremains have been returned to their rightful owner, Denise Littler. The cremains are those of her uncle.

Couvertier was also charged in the August 13, 2009, burglary of a residence in the 2200 block of 51st Avenue West, Bradenton. Taken during that burglary were two ivory-handled dragon swords and a .32 caliber firearm.

Couvertier's fingerprints were found on a plastic cup that once contained change.

When the search warrant was served on Wednesday at Couvertier's home, the two swords were found hanging on Couvertier's wall.

He was charged with Armed Burglary for that incident.

Couvertier is a suspect in several burglaries and additional charges against him are pending.

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

Detectives Arrest Man Who
Duct Taped 2-Year-Old's
Mouth, Hands Together

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gary Bowker, Jr., 27, of 3216 27th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Gary Bowker, Jr.

The arrest report said on August 22, 2009, at about 3 p.m., Bowker duct taped an unmamed 2-year-old girl's mouth and her hands together.

This child remained duct taped for about five minutes until her guardian untaped her.

One of the witnesses photographed the child while the tape was still on her.

The photograph was given to the Child Protection Investigative Division of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Interviews were conducted and Bowker was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and charged with Child Abuse.

As of Thursday, Bowker remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $150,000, according to the sheriff's website.

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man
For Theft of Metal Gate, Arm

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Eric Enchautegui, 18, of 3011 9th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Eric Enchautegui

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at about midnight, Eric stole a metal gate and gate arm from a property in the 3000 block of 9th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The theft was recorded on a surveillance camera.

The items were valued at over $5,000. The replacement cost would have been over $1,000, the report said.

However, the gate was found in Eric's back yard and the gate arm was found under his bed.

Eric was arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $750.

Community Service Officer
Involved in Traffic Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a crash between one of its vehicles and two other vehicles on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at about noon, in the 2100 block of U.S. 41 North, Palmetto.

The report said Community Service Officer Lenell Houser had her 2004 Ford truck stopped in front of a stop sign facing eastbound when Hardrick Houston, 86, crossed US 41, heading westbound.

Houston failed to see a black Lincoln Continental, driven by Margo Kalinowski, 45, traveling southbound in the outside lane on US 41 and collided with the vehicle.

The impact spun Houston's Nissan truck counter clockwise into CSO Houser's truck, pushing the front bumper inward and cracking the plastic.

The damage to the patrol vehicle was minor and the truck was operational.

The Nissan truck was heavily dented on both sides and the Continental received a damaged front end and hood.

None of the drivers nor the two passengers in the Continental received injuries.

FREE Walk-In Vision Screenings
By The Eye Associates
In October

ELLENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Dr. Michael Manning, of the Eye Associates, will be holding one-on-one meetings with people to discuss results of a FREE vision screening at the offices of The Eye Associates in Ellenton, located at 7915 US Hway 301 North, Suite 101.

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 wants you to come in for a FREE vision screening and 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 dates and times available in October are:

Thursday, October 8, 2009 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Call 941-729-2020 for more information, or log on to the website of The Eye Associates, www.TheEyeAssociates.com, or click on their support ad at the top of NewsManatee's Cover page.

The Eye Associates wants us to be sure and tell you this is a screening and does not take the place of a comprehensive eye examination.

[Ed. Note: The Eye Associates is a premier supporter of NewsManatee.com -- our publisher had his cataract surgery at The Eye Associates, which was successful and without complications.]

SSO: Man Shot in Stomach
in Venice Wednesday Nite

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported a 33-year-old man was shot in the stomach Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at about 8:45 p.m.

According to a report from SSO, at 10:44 p.m., employees of Venice Food Mart called 911 after a man approached them asking for help.

Deputies responded to the store, 101 Shamrock Blvd., Venice, to investigate an unconscious male.

It was soon discovered that the man had a gunshot wound in the abdomen. 

The unidentified man was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in critical, but stable condition.

The man told deputies he walked to the Venice Food Mart from the shooting scene, and provided the name of the person who allegedly shot him.

Deputies responded to 349 Shamrock Blvd. and made contact with Shelby Burgess, 69, a White female.

Shelby said the man had kicked the door, breaking the jalousie glass.

She said she warned him to go away and told him that she had a gun, she told deputies.

She acknowledged shooting the man through her front door.

The two parties know one another and, according to Shelby, had a confrontation in recent days.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances of this shooting.

No charges have been filed at this time.

The wounded man's name was being withheld pending notification of next of kin, the sheriff's report said.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 941-861-1719 or Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477) or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).                    

Armed Robbery Investigation
By Sarasota Sheriff's Office

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery which occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. today at the Check n’Go, 2748 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota.

The suspect took an undetermined amount of cash and fled on foot in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a White male, 35-40 years of age, 5’11” tall, 215 pounds and clean shaven. The suspect was wearing a gray t-shirt and cargo shorts, a camouflage baseball cap and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Mark Lefebvre 941-861-4932, Criminal Investigations 941-861-4900, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

3 Girls: Man Tried To
Lure Us Into Car

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Police on Thursday continued to search for a man who tried to lure three girls into his car on their way home from an Orlando elementary school, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The girls, ages 5, 8 and 9, were near the 1800 block of South Kirkman Road in MetroWest on Wednesday when a man in a black four-door Toyota approached them.

The girls said the man, who was heavy-set, bald and appeared to be in his 30s, told them their mother sent him to pick them up.

The girls ran and returned to Eagles Nest Elementary, where they reported the incident.

It's the third similar incident to be reported in the area in the past several months, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Man, 21, Already in Jail on Child
Molestation Charges, Accused
Of More Vile Things on Two
Children, Ages 5 and 6

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- More child molestation charges have been leveled against Brian Lamar Robertson, 21, of 3406 5th Drive West, in Palmetto, already in the Manatee County Jail on previous similar charges.

Brian Lamar Robertson

The latest arrest report said on Sept. 25, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Detective James Wischer received word from the mother of two children, ages 5 and 6, that her children were disclosing further details about the crimes Robertson had perpetrated against them.

According to NewsManatee archives, Robertson was originally arrested on Sept. 21, 2009, by Det. Wischer. At that time, Det. Wischer reported he was contacted by a woman on June 8, 2009, who alleged that her two children, a girl aged 5 and a boy aged 6, had been molested and exposed to obscene material while visiting Robertson two years ago, when the girl was only 3 years old and the boy was only 4 years old.

The new details were only disclosed by the children after they were assured they "would never have to return to that house in Palmetto," referring to Robertson's residence.

During new interviews with Child Protective Services investigators and detectives, the girl said Robertson had inserted a butter knife into her vagina, that Robertson had forced the two children to "have sex" with each other (they could only simulate the act), and that Robertson had threatened them with a gun. The girl also said Robertson had touched her breasts, her vagina and her buttocks. The boy said Robertson had touched his "pee-pee" and his buttocks with a hammer. The girl said Robertson had put a BB gun in her vagina and it was bleeding.

Regarding the children "having sex" together, the little girl looked at her mother and said, "Yes, Mommy, he made us do it a lot."

NewsManatee archives show that, in the earlier child molestation investigation, both children were interviewed by a Child Protection Services investigator and told basically the same story.

The girl said that Robertson had shown her "nasty movies" in which she observed nude adults kissing and having sex. She also said that she had seen two adults having sex in her presence.

The boy at first said he was afraid to tell what happened, saying Robertson said he would "pop me in my mouth if I tell."

Eventually, the boy said that Robertson had shown him and his sister "nasty movies" where naked people were kissing. "They also did this," he said, putting two fingers together and moving them up and down. Then the boy imitated a forward and back hip motion.

The boy also said he had seen Robertson and a girl having sex. "He stuck his pee-pee in her booty," the boy related to the CPS investigator.

The boy said Robertson had asked the little girl to "suck his pee-pee," but she wouldn't do it. The boy said Robertson had touched the boy's "pee-pee."

Robertson said in an initial interview he would take a polygraph test, which was set up, but then Det. Wischer could not locate Robertson for some period of time; Robertson was apparently being evasive and not wanting to talk to Det. Wischer again.

Robertson was finally arrested on Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, and charged with Molesting a Victim Under 12, Lewd Behavior, two counts of Lewd Exhibition by a Person Over 18 on a Person Under 12, and two counts of Distributing Obscene Material on a Minor.

Det. Wischer interviewed Robertson at the Manatee County Jail on the new charges and Robertson denied them.

Now, on the new accusations, Robertson has been charged with 3 counts of Capital Sexual Battery by a Custodian, 6 counts of Lewd and Lascvivious Molestation and 1 count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.

Robertson is being held on a $1,807,000 dollar bail bond.

Man, 49, Arrested for Beating
Up Son Over Fight at School

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Curtis Bruce Shaw, 49, of 7128 Chatum Light Run, Bradenton, Florida.

Curtis Bruce Shaw

The arrest report said on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at about 4 p.m., Curtis and his unnamed 15-year-old son were driving to the boy's home in Curtis' car and they were having an argument over a fight that the boy was in at school on Friday, Sept. 25th, which was recorded and posted on YouTube.

During the argument, Curtis started to punch the boy in the arm and leg, the report said.

According to the boy, it was about 10 times. The boy told a deputy his dad also pushed his head into the car door three times.

When they arrived at the home, located in the 7200 block of Presidio Glen, in East Manatee County, they went inside and watched the video of the fight. When it was over, Curtis pushed the boy to the floor, got on top of him and started to punch him in the shoulder again several times. Curtis also pushed the boy's head into the floor, the report said.

The deputy observed that the boy had bruises on his left shoulder and a red scratch on his chest. They appeared fresh and did not appear to be injuries from the fight he was in on Friday.

EMS was requested by the mother to check out the boy's injuries. EMS said the injuries were not severe and the boy was left in the care of his mother.

Curtis told the deputy he and his son were arguing over the fight on Friday at school and that Curtis punched the boy several times in the arm asking if he liked being beat on and that the boy might have hit his head on the window.

Curtis said essentially the same thing about punching the boy after watching the video on YouTube.

Curtis was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

On Wednesday, he posted a bail bond of $10,000 and was released from jail.

Burglar Arrested After Chase
By Witness Shortly Afterward

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Paul L. McDowell, 34, of 103 40th Street Court Northwest, Bradenton.

Paul L. McDowell

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at about 8 a.m., McDowell entered a residence in the 900 block of 78th Street NW, Bradenton, via a rear sliding door while the occupants were asleep.

McDowell went into the bedroom of the owner, who was asleep in the room and took a 'fanny pack' containing personal identification, medication, credit cards and other items belonging to the owner.

McDowell then attempted to flee out the sliding door when he was seen by another residence, who gave chase.

Deputies were called and McDowell was later seen by Deputy Butler exiting a retention pond with a bulge under his arm.

McDowell attempted to hid on the front porch of another residence in the 700 block of 77th Street NW and was seen by Dep. Butler hiding an object.

A showup was conducted and the witness positively identified McDowell as the burglar.

The item McDowell had hidden was recovered. It was the owner's 'fanny pack.'

McDowell was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling.

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

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
For Robbing Another at
B of A at Knifepoint

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Jason D. Gaylord, 32, of 6343 Rock Creek Circle, Ellenton, Florida.

Jason D. Gaylord

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at about 6 p.m., Gaylord approached the unnamed victim, who had just gotten into his vehicle at the Bank of America, located at 700 8th Avenue West, in Palmetto.

Gaylord demanded money from the victim while displaying a large knife.

Gaylord was located at about 6:20 p.m. at 3600 U.S. 301, in Ellenton.

The victim positively identified Gaylord as the robber.

Gaylord was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery.

As of Wednesday, Gaylord remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $500,000.

Deputy Shoots Suspect Being
Stopped; Possible Burglar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office shot a suspected burglar, who attempted to back up on the deputy when the deputy attempted to stop his pickup truck, a press release from the sheriff's office said.

Jacob Cunnien

According to the press release, at approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday afternoon, Sept. 30, 2009, deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on Broughton St. in the Whitfield area of south Manatee County. The person driving the pickup truck was a possible suspect in recent vehicle burglaries in the Whitfield area.

The driver of the suspect vehicle, Jakob or Jacob (we have it spelled both ways) Cunnien, 18, didn’t pull over and continued to Westmoreland Dr. where deputies were blocking the road.

As deputies began to approach the suspect vehicle on foot, Cunnien started backing up toward one of the deputies. The deputy ordered Cunnien to stop but he didn’t and the deputy fired his service weapon and struck Cunnien in the arm.

Cunnien was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital with a wound which was not life-threatening.

Charges against Cunnien are pending.

There was another person in the truck who is being interviewed but he has not been charged with a crime.

The deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on routine administrative paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation, the sheriff's press release said. The deputy was not identified by the sheriff's office.

However, a NewsManatee confidential source said the deputy involved in the shooting was Dep. Curtis Studeville, but we have been unable to confirm that as yet.

According to NewsManatee archives, Cunnien was the driver of a car in which William J. White, 19, a passenger in Cunnien's vehicle, was shot and killed at about 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2008.

White and Cunnien had driven to the area of the 1600 block of 27th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, to purchase marijuana when they were confronted by Timothy Brooks, 18, and Cody P. Rogers, also 18 years old.

When they arrived at the location, White and Cunnien were approached by Brooks and Rogers. The suspects said something to White and as Cunnien began to drive away he heard a gunshot. When he looked over, he saw the victim, White, had been shot in the neck.

Detectives believe Brooks shot and killed White. Brooks and Rogers were known to White and Cunnien.

Cunnien drove White to Manatee Memorial Hospital where White was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m.

Detectives believe robbery was the motive for the shooting. Just before the shooting, Rogers ripped a necklace from the neck of the victim.

Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested both Brooks, who was a star quarterback for Lakewood Ranch High School, and Rogers. They have both been charged with White's murder. Brooks is scheduled for trial on November 23rd of this year. Rogers' trial is set for February 1, 2010. Cunnien will likely be the state's star witness at both trials.

Man Sitting in Car
Robbed at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at about 5:20 a.m., in the parking lot at 5400 26th Street West, Bradenton.

The victim, Christopher Simmons, 22, of that address, was sitting in his car in the parking lot when the unknown Black male walked up and pointed an unknown type handgun at him and mumbled something.

Simmons gave the male $25 and the male fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Simmons was not injured.

The robber was described as a light-skinned Black male wearing a black hoodie and black and silver gym shorts.

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 Struck 'Intentionally'
By Vehicle Driven By Boyfriend,
She Tells EMS Personnel

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman was listed in critical condition on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, when she was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by her husband in the 5000 block of State Road 64 East, Bradenton, at about 11:40 p.m.

On that date, Deputy Sutherland saw several vehicles pulled off on the side of the road at the above location.

He went to investigate and discovered a female, Stefanny Rachel Pretto, 40, had been struck by a vehicle and the vehicle fled the scene.

EMS was contacted and responded.

FHP was contacted and responded to conduct the hit-and-run investigation.

Pretto was transported to a hospital where she was listed in critical condition.

While en route to the hospital, Pretto named her "husband" as the person who struck her.

FHP determined it was an intentional act and therefore referred it back to the sheriff's office.

The investigation continues with no arrests at this time.

Detectives have learned that the victim and suspect lived together, but are not married. They are boyfriend and girlfriend only.

The suspect was not named in the sheriff's report.

Manatee County Clerk Partners with
AMSCOT to Expand Traffic Fine
Payment Services

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Office has partnered with AMSCOT to offer another alternative for paying traffic tickets.

Drivers who receive a traffic ticket from any law enforcement agency in Manatee County have long had the option to come to the Clerk’s office to pay their traffic ticket in person or pay with a credit card online at www.ManateeClerk.com.

Now, for customers who prefer to pay cash, they can bring their traffic ticket to any AMSCOT location and pay their fine with cash.

AMSCOT charges and retains a non-refundable $2.00 convenience fee for using their service.

"The Manatee County Clerk’s office has joined other Clerk’s offices in the state in partnering with AMSCOT for the added conveniences it provides our customers. Recent legislative cuts have reduced our staffing numbers and increased our customers’ wait time when they come into the office. Partnering with AMSCOT made good business sense in terms of trying to maintain our high level of customer service. Drivers who have received a citation in Manatee County can pay their ticket with cash at any AMSCOT location in the state. And AMSCOT has the added convenience of being open 24 hours a day in most locations, which is extremely helpful for people who work non-traditional hours," says R.B. "Chips" Shore, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

Operation Casa Verde Nets
Massive Haul of Marijuana

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Sept. 30, 2009, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office announced the successful culmination of Operation Casa Verde, a long term joint narcotics trafficking investigation with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) extending from Sarasota to Miami-Dade Counties.

The location where the marijuana grow house was found
(Photo provided by Sarasota County Sheriff)

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office detectives, working in conjunction with the North Port Police Department, executed search warrants on three houses in North Port on Tuesday morning,
September 29th, and found 288 marijuana plants. Overall during this months-long operation, 750 plants have been seized in Sarasota County, weighing approximately 375 pounds, with an estimated street value of $1.5 Million. Weapons and vehicles were also seized.

Suspects arrested during this operation will face federal prosecution, a press release said; the individuals arrested were not named in the release.

“This is a large scale indoor marijuana grow operation,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “We will not allow these individuals to come into our community and endanger our neighborhoods. We will continue to put all available resources into initiatives like this to keep our county safe.”

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office personnel from Warrants, SWAT, Emergency Response Team, and Special Investigations were involved in Tuesday’s operation.

Other parts of this investigation were carried out by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, and Naples Police Department.

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
Finds Decomposed Body

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives and forensics units were on scene on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, where a decomposed body of a man was found at 9:05 a.m. in a heavily wooded area off Albatross Rd., by Boundary Blvd., in an area called Rotonda Lakes.

Above, the crime scene at Rotunda Lakes
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO PIO)

Detectives say it might be a missing man in his late 20’s but cannot confirm at this time as to identification and will be up to the Medical Examiner and detectives.

The CCSO got a report Tuesday from a woman about her brother who was last seen Sep. 17. Ground and air units searched the last known location where the man might have been but called off the search due to darkness last night.

The search resumed this morning after receiving new information that narrowed down the search area.

The body was located 30-40 feet off Albatross Rd. under very heavy pepper tree coverage.

Forensics team members worked carefully removing brush so they could look for evidence around the body.

At the scene, Sheriff Bill Cameron said, “We do not know if he crawled under the trees or was placed there, so due to the circumstances, at this time we are calling it a suspicious death.”

Once the investigation is complete, the body will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Police: Mom Killed Toddler
With Bra, Hands

LONGWOOD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A mother was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with strangling and killing her 2-year-old daughter using her hands and bra, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Nioshka Bello

Nioshka Bello was charged with first-degree murder as she was being released from South Seminole Hospital.

Bello's daughter, Janessa Sandoval, died Saturday after being found unresponsive in her Casselberry home.

Bello, 22, was hospitalized on Saturday after an apparent drug overdose.

The medical examiner determined Janessa was strangled and killed.

During an interview with Casselberry police, Bello told investigators she used her hands and bra to strangle her daughter.

Bello is being held at the Seminole County Jail, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
For Robbing Another in
Glazier Park at Knifepoint

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Natalio Deleon, 20, of 825 17th Street East, Bradenton.

Natalio Deleon

According to the arrest report, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at about 11:15 p.m., the unnamed victim and a witness were sitting on a park bench in Glazier Park when they were approached by Natalio, along with another male companion.

As they were approaching, Natalio said "What are you doing here? We run this place." Then Natlaio pulled a knife from his pocket, the report said.

Natalio demanded money from the victim and the keys to his vehicle, removing the keys from the victim's pocket while holding a knife to the victim's throat.

The victim received a small cut from the knife being held to his throat.

After handing over the keys, Natalio's accomplice, who was not named in the report, then went to the victim's vehicle, unlocked it and entered it. Once inside the vehicle, the accompolice took a laptop computer from the back seat and $800 dollars in cash from the victim's wallet.

The pair then fled the area eastbound through the park until they were out of sight.

Police were called and given descriptions of both Natalio and his accomplice, including the vehicle Natalio was driving.

When shown a picture of Natalio, the victim immediately identified him as the robber.

Police caught up to Natalio in his truck at about 3:30 a.m. that same night.

Natalio was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery and Burglary.

He posted a $25,000 bond on Sept. 27th.

According to the sheriff's website, Natalio was also arrested for Burglary and Dealing in Stolen Property on Thursday, Sept. 24th, the night before this latest incident.

Young Man, 19, Arrested for
Sex with Girl, 15 Years Old,
That Ended with Pregnancy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Eric B. Parker, 19, of 5030 60th Drive East, Bradenton.

Eric B. Parker

According to the arrest report, the unnamed female victim, who is 15 years old, reported to the sheriff's office that she and Eric began dating in June of 2009 and that the two met through Eric's brother.

They became friends and they started hanging out together.

Eric, who was 18 years old at the time, wanted to become boyfriend and girlfriend; she told him she was 16 years old, the report said.

A week after they started dating, the girl told Eric her real age of 15.

Eric continued the relationship with the girl, which became sexual on June 6, 2009.

Eric and the girl continued the sexual relationship and he had sex with the girl 4-10 more times up to the date of Sept. 14, 2009, when Eric ended the relationship.

The girl found out she was pregnant through a home pregnancy test, which was later confirmed at Lakewood Ranch Hospital.

Eric told essentially the same story when he was interviewed by detectives, except he was unaware that the girl is pregnant.

Eric was arrested on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

He posted a $1,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man, 18, Arrested for Multiple
Sex Acts With Girl, 15, that
Led to Pregnancy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Alejandro Mireles, 18, of 126 11th Street Court West, Palmetto.

Alejandro Mireles

The arrest report said in the middle of June, 2008, Mireles started dating the then 15-year-old unnamed victim.

Both parties entered into a relationship that became physical almost right away, acording to the victim.

Mireles would come to her house, where they would have sexual intercourse in her apartment and in his vehicle out in front of her apartment.

The sexual intercourse occurred almost "every other day" up until they split up in late February into early March.

The girl is now approximately 7 1/2 months pregnant and told deputies Mireles is the father.

On Sept. 28, 2009, Mireles went to detectives' offices on his own accord.

He told the same story about the time line of the two dating and having sex.

He also admitted that he knew she was 15 yeasr old and agreed that he is the father of the unborn child.

Mireles was arrested and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

He was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

He posted a bail bond of $2,500 and was released from jail, pending a court appearance.

Man, 46, Arrested for Hitting,
Choking Daughter, 17

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested James R. Winters, 46, of 7028 Chatum Light Run, Bradenton.

James R. Winters

According to the arrest report, on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at about 7 a.m., Winters pushed his 17-year-old daughter in a hallway as well as choked and hit her multiple times in the hallway.

Winters then allegedly followed the girl into her room and pushed her down onto the bed, then chest-bumped her against the wall, pinning her.

Winters then took her to school and while en route to the school, hit her multiple times on the arm, the report said.

The girl was able to escape the vehicle en route to school and Winters drove a short distance and returned to pick her up.

During this time, the girl called 911 for help, at which point Winters pulled beside her and forced her back into the vehicle. The girl hung up the phone.

Police pulled the vehicle over on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. at State Road 64.

There were no independent witnesses to the occurrences.

Winters claimed that the girl was the aggressor. Upon initial questioning, Winters claimed he had made no physical contact with the girl.

However, when Winters was interviewed later by Child Protective Services, he twice added to his statement to include that he pushed her twice.

The report said the girl did have a red discoloration on her left upper arm.

Winters was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

As of Tuesday, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,000.

Detective Arrests Sex Offender
For Failure to Report

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective Kim Zink, of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Unit, has arrested Edwin Marin Chirinos, 37, of 1215 35th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Edwin Marin Chirinos

The arrest report says Chirinos was convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Battery in 2006. He was designated as a Sexual Offender and sentenced to 180 days in county jail.

After his sentence was complete, Chirinos was deported by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

On Sept. 28, 2009, Chirinos was stopped by a sheriff's patrol unit after he committed a traffic infraction. During the stop, the deputy found Chirinos was driving on a license that had expired over 7 years ago and arrested Chirinos.

It was later detemined that Chirinos was a Sexual Offender who had not registered in the state of Florida (or anywhere else), the report said.

After an investigation, Det. Zink charged Chirinos with two Sexual Offender felony violations: (1) Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, and (2) Failing to Notify DHSMV (failing to renew his driver license).

Chirinos remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $3,620.

INS also has a hold on Chirinos.

Man Chases Man with Gun
After Being Robbed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at about 2:15 p.m. in the 7100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Bradenton.

According to the report, Thomas Avera, of the 7100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Bradenton, pulled into his driveway and a pickup truck pulled in behind him.

The driver of the pickup truck pulled a handgun and demanded money.

Thomas gave up the twenty dollars he had.

The robber fled.

Thomas got into his truck and chased the robber.

The pickup truck crashed at 800 Southern Pine Lane.

Thomas confronted the robber and grabbed his shirt, which tore. The robber pulled the gun a second time and was able to flee again.

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.

Manatee Sgt. Tom Frank Awarded
Deputy of the Month

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On August 17, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Sergeant Thomas Frank was driving on US 301 North in his personal vehicle when he saw a woman stop her vehicle in the median and go to the passenger’s side to render emergency assistance to a man who had gone into anaphylactic shock as a result of fire ant bites.

After watching several vehicles pass by, Sergeant Frank stopped and saw that the man had labored breathing and his face and neck were swollen to the point that his tongue was protruding from his mouth and blocking his airway.

The couple did not have a cell phone, so Sgt. Frank called 911 and then helped provide first responder care until EMS arrived.

Because Sergeant Frank stopped to assist, medical assistance was summoned promptly and he also helped to maintain the composure of others on the scene, for which he is awarded Deputy of the Month for September 2009.

Sheriff Brad Steube congratulated Sgt. Frank.

SSO Issues Silver Alert
For Woman, 89, Later Found

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, through the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) has issued a Silver Alert for a missing elderly White female with dementia, who family members believe is lost.

Above, Grace Jamieson

The woman is identified as Grace Jamieson, 89 (DOB 12/28/19), 5'4" tall, 125 pounds.

She was last seen Tuesday morning, Sept. 29, 2009, when a neighbor noticed Jamieson leaving her home at 248 Freeport Drive, Sarasota. She was wearing a pink top and blue pants.

Jamieson was driving a white 1989 4 Door Plymouth Acclaim, Florida tag F208RV.

Tuesday afternoon, the Florida Highway Patrol received a report of a vehicle matching this description driving recklessly southbound on I-75, but the vehicle has not been located.

Ms. Jamieson was located late Tuesday in Collier County. She is safe and her family members are en route to pick her up, the sheriff's office reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number (941) 861-4260.

Charlotte Sheriff Arrests Man
For Marijuana Distribution

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Warrant Squad arrested Phillip Richard Khork, 26, of 581 Michigan Ave., Grove City, for selling marijuana to undercover Narcotics agent on March 24 and 27. The transactions at that time were from his Boundary Blvd. apartment in Rotonda West.

Phillip Richard Khork

Narcotics detectives said the combined total of purchases was over 54 grams. The marijuana was sent to an FDLE lab and confirmed for weight and contents.

An arrest warrant was issued, but Khork left the area. He was finally located and arrested Monday afternoon.

Khork is charged with two counts of Sale and Delivery of Marijuana, two counts of Possession of Marijuana, and two counts of possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Khork was released after posting a $12,000 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).

Bank Robberies In Bradenton,
Orlando and Melbourne
May Be Linked

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Police are investigating the robbery of a Central Florida SunTrust bank and believe the robber may be connected to other bank robberies in Florida, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, L to R, Bradenton bank robber and Orlando bank robber

Orlando police arrived at the SunTrust on South Orange Avenue Monday after the robbery was reported just after 9 a.m.

A White man between 25 and 30 years old wearing a black messenger-style bag stole an undisclosed amount of money from the bank, police said.

Police said the man passed a note to the bank teller and implied he had a weapon.

As NewsManatee reported last week, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a bank robbery at the Lakewood Ranch branch of the SunTrust Bank. It appears to be the same individual (see photos above).

A press release from the sheriff's office said at approximately 9:15 Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, 2009, deputies responded to a bank robbery at SunTrust Bank located at 6135 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch.

According to witnesses, the suspect entered the bank and handed a note to the teller demanding money. The suspect implied he was armed but no weapon was seen.

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

The suspect is described as a White male in his 20s, short dark hair, approximately 5’5"-5’8" tall, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and shorts.

On Sept. 16th, bank surveillance images show a man in his 20s wearing a black messenger-style bag at a Chase bank in Melbourne, where he passed a threatening note to the teller and demanded cash.

All three robberies occurred just after the banks opened at 9 a.m.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the appropriate law enforcement agency 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 of up to $1,000.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Man Dies While in BPD Custody
Following Traffic Stop, Pursuit,
Taser Deployment

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Deputy Police Chief J.J. Lewis, of the Bradenton Police Department, issued a press release on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, describing events that led to the death of a man in police custody.

Derrick Humbert, deceased
(Prior mug shot)

While patrolling the area of the 700 block of 27th Street East, at about 12:18 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, officers initiated a traffic stop involving Derrick Humbert, 38, of Bradenton, Florida.

Humbert refused to stop when directed to do so by the officers.

Humbert then fled on foot from the officers, running through various yards of private residences.

One of the pursuing officers utilized his Taser which stopped Humbert, allowing the officers to place him in custody.

EMS was called to transport Humbert to the hospital for medical clearance prior to being taken to the Manatee County Jail.

Humbert died while being treated at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

It was subsequently determined that Humbert had an outstanding arrest warrant for Possession of Marijuana.

The Bradenton Police Department is conducting an investigation and awaiting autopsy results to determine Humbert’s cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing; therefore, no further details will be released by the Bradenton Police Department until the conclusion of the investigation.

Manatee County court records show Humbert had been arrested several times in the past for numerous felonies and misdemeanors, some involving Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana and Child Abuse.

Woman Arrested for Trying
To Run Over Hubbie Twice

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Allyn C. Bennefield, 37, of the Manatee RV Park, in the 6300 block of U.S. 41 South, in Ruskin, Florida.

Allyn C. Bennefield

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at about 5:30 p.m., Deputy Brandon Gard was called to the 4500 block of 26th Street West, Bradenton.

The victim, Robert Bennefield, told Dep. Gard the incident occurred when Allyn texted Robert and told him that she was coming to get their 4-year-old son and take him back to Hillsborough County for good, and if he came to the RV Park he would be arrested.

When Robert went back to his apartment, he saw Allyn coming out of the apartment with a handful of items.

She saw Robert and ran to the car and got in. Robert went around the back of the car to get his son. As he began to walk behind the car, she put the car in reverse and began to back up. The vehicle struck Robert; he stumbled back. She turned around, looked at him and laughed, and backed up again, hitting him again.

Robert then moved to the side of the car and swung at the window, hitting it and breaking it unintentionally, the report said.

Allyn then left the area.

When Dep. Gard arrived, there was glass on the ground and Robert had minor cuts.

Another deputy went to 2008 20th Avenue West, Bradenton, to speak to Allyn after she called into the sheriff's office.

Allyn Bennefield was arrested at Dep. Gard's request. The child abuse hotline was called.

Allyn was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon (Motor Vehicle).

She has since posted a $2,500 bail bond and has been released from jail.

Manatee County court records show Allyn is awaiting trial on Possession of a Controlled Substance charge from July.

Woman Charged with Child
Neglect After Leaving Three
Kids in Hot Car

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Waldina E. Madrid, 30, of 632 23rd Street East, Bradenton.

Waldina E. Madrid

According to the arrest report, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at about 11:15 a.m., Bradenton Police Officers were dispatched to the Bravo Supermarket, 2004 14th Street West, in reference to several children who were locked inside a vehicle that was not running.

Upon arrival, an officer was directed to a Ford Sports Utility Vehicle. Inside the vehicle, the officer observed three children, including an infant baby, ages 3 weeks to six years of age, it was later determined. The vehicle's front windows were open, but the vehicle inside was "uncomfortably high," the officer wrote.

One of the children told the officer their mother was inside the store, buying juice.

The infant was in a carrier, was crying and was sweating profusely.

The officer opened the rear driver's side door and removed the infant, placing the baby in an air conditioned patrol vehicle.

EMS was called, who transported the baby to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Shortly after that, the mother came out of the store. She said she had only been in the store about 5 minutes.

However, the officer checked the store's video surveillance system and determined the mother had been inside the store for about 15 minutes.

The mother said she was taking the children to a playground and had stopped at the store to buy juice for them.

The officer wrote that the incident appeared to be one of carelessness, not malice.

Waldina was arrested and charged with Child Neglect.

She was later released from jail on her own recognizance.

The report did not say what became of the children.

Detectives, Deputies Arrest
Man on Warrants, Discover
95 Baggies of Heroin

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Joseph Jean Cadet, Jr., 18, of the 700 block of 234d Street East, Bradenton.

Joseph Jean Cadet, Jr.

According to the arrest report, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at about 2:20 p.m., detectives and deputies arrested Cadet on 2 outstanding felony warrants (Armed Robbery and Armed Kidnapping) in the Howard Johnson Motel parking lot, located at 6511 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Cadet was approached by K-9 Deputy Thames in the northern parking lot. Cadet was seen throwing a sandwich baggie containing a brownish substance (suspected heroin) on the ground by Dep. Thames.

Once Cadet was secured on the ground, a detective located another sandwich baggies containing a similar brownish substance in Cadet's left front pocket.

Cadet also had 2 cell phones, a Florida driver's license, $48 in his front right pocket and $400 in his right sock.

A test and weight were later performed on the suspected heroin. From the bag that was thrown to the ground, there were 37 smaller baggies that weighted 5.3 grams and tested positive for Heroin. The other sandwich baggie contained 58 smaller baggies, weighing 9.4 grams and tested positive for Heroin. The total weight of the Heroin was 14.7 grams, with the baggies.

Cadet was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Heroin, in addition to the two outstanding warrants.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $600,000 bail bond.

Argument Leads to Serious
Head Wounds on Victim

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an argument between two men escalated into the victim receiving serious head wounds on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at about 3 a.m. at 5106 14th Street West, Bradenton.

The victim, John Gates, Jr., 23, of the 2400 block of North Wellesley Drive, in Bradenton, became involved in a verbal altercation with a Black male.

The Black male grabbed an unknown type blunt object and struck Gates in the head several times.

The blows caused 2 large lacerations.

Gates was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was expected to be treated and released.

His attacker was described as a Black male, who goes by the name "Tony." Tony is 5'9" tall and weighs 190 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

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.

Bank Bag Swiped from Woman
In Early Morning Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, shortly before 7 a.m., a woman was robbed of a bank bag to a business she manages located at 5610 14th Street West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said deputies responded to 5610 14th Street West in reference to a robbery.

The victim, Melissa Sorg, 43, had left the business she manages when an unknown male subject came up behind her and knocked her to the ground.

Sorg lost her glasses when she was knocked to the ground.

At this time it appears the suspect took the business bank bag which contained an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then fled on foot to the north.

Numerous units, including Traffic Units, responded to the scene and established a perimeter.

K-9 tracked and did not locate a suspect.

Sorg was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital where she was treated for a leg injury and released.

The investigation is ongoing.

The robber was described as an unknown male having a dark complexion, 5'05" to 5'07" in height and weighed between 150-180 pounds; with an unknown clothing description.

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.

Hispanic Man Victim of
Attempted Armed Robbery
By Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted armed robbery on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at about 9:15 p.m., in the 600 block of 28th Avenue West, Bradenton.

The sheriff's report said three Black males confronted Jose Cerrato-Rivera, 35, as he pulled into his driveway.

Suspects #1 and #2 approached the victim while #3 remained in the street.

Suspect #1 demanded money from the victim and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim. The victim stated he did not have any money.

Suspect #1 then racked the slide on the gun and repeated his demand. Again the victim stated that he had no money.

All 3 suspects fled East on 28th Avenue then North on 6th Street West.

Units arrived on scene quickly, established a perimeter and tracked with K-9 with negative results.

The victim was not injured during the incident.and nothing was taken.

The suspects were described as 3 Black males in their early 20s. In addition, #1 was 5'05" tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair in dreadlocks and brown eyes, last seen wearing a black shirt and black shorts; #2 was 5'05" tall, 130 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a brown or black shirt and jeans; and #3 was 6'03" tall, 180 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a dark shirt and dark jeans.

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.

Vehicle Burglary Nets Burglar
$20,000 in Cash, 20 Vehicle
Titles, More

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a vehicle burglary on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2008, sometime between 6:40 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in a church parking lot at 2802 9th Street West, Bradenton.

The victim, Miguel Lopez-Tovar, 43, of Ellenton, owns an auto sales business in Sarasota (A Lopez Tires).

While he was attending church services at the listed address, unknown person(s) smashed the rear passenger side window to his vehicle and removed a briefcase.

The briefcase contained $20,000 cash, the titles to 20 automobiles, and his wallet containing personal identification and a debit card for the business.

There were no witnesses and no surveillance in the area of the incident.

A teletype was sent to Sarasota requesting additional patrols in the area of the victim's business.

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 Found Dead; Investigation
Underway By Sheriff's Office

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a death investigation of a man who was found dead in his home at 6031 15th Street East, on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at about 7 p.m.

Michael West, 46, was found unresponsive by his wife slumped over in a chair, the sheriff's office said.

EMS was summoned and Michael was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation is ongoing, the report said.

2 Teenagers Killed Fleeing
Marion County Deputy

MARION COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported two 18-year-olds were killed Sunday morning during a high-speed chase with a Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to an FHP report, James K. Van Wagner lost control of the 1999 Chevrolet Camaro that he was driving when he came upon slower traffic on County Road 329.

The vehicle, which was fleeing from the deputy, veered onto a shoulder and collided with a pole and several trees.

The car overturned, and both Van Wagner and his passenger, Brandon Cordwin, were ejected.

The car traveled more than 250 feet before coming to a stop.

Cordwin and Van Wagner were both pronounced dead on the scene.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said the pursuit began when a deputy saw the Camaro "reckless driving."

Another deputy reported seeing the Camaro, turned his siren lights on and proceeded to pursue the Camaro.

The deputy said the vehicle got so far ahead, he lost sight of it until he came upon the accident scene.

The Gainesville Sun reported the two victims were students at Sante Fe College and were 2009 graduates of North Marion High School in Citra, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Violent Crimes Task Force,
Other Deputies Arrest Man
For Armed Robbery, Agg.
Assault of 'Friends'

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jonathan J. Johnson, 26, of 4025 Dover Drive East, in Bradenton.

Jonathan J. Johnson

According to a sheriff's office report from Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) Sgt. Kevin Pease, on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at about 2:50 p.m., two victims, Kelsey Pearce, 19, and Aaron Stewart, 18, were at Johnson's residence to "hang out."

At some point, Johnson pulled a gun, pointed it at the head of Stewart and stole cash from him.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Johnson at his home.

The suspect was positively identified by the victims and arrested.

The deputies were inside the residence speaking with the suspect when they observed a handgun or pellet gun and some ammunition.

A search warrant was obtained and executed for the residence by VCTF and East COPS.

A black BB gun, three live rounds of .357 caliber ammunition, and a marijuana bong were located in the bedroom belonging to Jonathan Johnson.

The BB gun matched the description of the weapon used by Johnson and described by Pearce.

Johnson was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Armed Robbery. Johnson was also charged with Aggravated Assault for pointing the gun at the girl and threatening her.

As of Saturday, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $50,000.

Further charges are pending for the Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

According to Manatee County court records, Johnson has been arrested in the recent past for several misdemeanor and felony charges, including Grand Theft, Burglary and Dealing in Stolen Property.

One of Johnson's neighbors told NewsManatee, "It is very scary to find out someone like this was living right next door to us."

Master Key Machine with
Master List to 112 Banks
Stolen in Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives are actively searching for the person(s) responsible for the burglary of a van in the parking lot of RBC Bank, 7366 52nd Place East, Bradenton, at about 2 p.m. Friday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2009. More importantly is the ongoing search for a master key machine stolen in the burglary.

Above, an example of a master key machine

The sheriff's report said unknown person(s) stole a master key machine from an employee's van while he was working on an air conditioning unit at the above location.

The key machine contains a master list of all the banks in the State of Florida (112 total). The key machine is capable of making entry keys to all of the banks outside and inside doors.

The key machine cannot key the locks to any safe containing US currency.

The bank made notifications and made arrangements to secure their property.

The key machine is valued at $5,000 and weighs approximately 150 pounds.

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 Sought on Two Warrants
Arrested for Possession of
Heroin, Other Drugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dennis W. Smalls, 32, of 5320 15th Street Court East, Bradenton. He was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at about 9:45 p.m.

Dennis W. Smalls

The arrest report said units were dispatched to the above address to arrest Smalls on two arrest warrants.

Lt. Thomason, with Deputies Cardoso and Boldin, responded and set up across the street to monitor the residence for Smalls.

Dennis Smalls pulled up in a maroon Cadillac and, when deputies attempted to take him into custody, he resisted arrest.

Deputy Boldin grabbed Smalls and they fell to the ground. Lt. Thomason then drive-stunned Smalls on his upper back with her Taser twice before he complied.

The warrants were confirmed and Smalls was placed into a patrol car.

While running the vehicle information, crack cocaine was seen in plain view in the ashtray of the front seat. A search of the vehicle revealed 3 baggies of rock cocaine, a baggie of marijuana and a large baggie containing 85 individually wrapped packages of heroin.

He was transported to the jail.

Smalls was charged with Possession of Heroin with Intent to Sell, Possession of Rock Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Arrest without Violence, Habitual Driving While License Suspended and the two Contempt of Court warrants.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Deputy Arrests Man
For Domestic Battery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stephen C. Moberg, 62, of 570 57th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Stephen C. Moberg

The arrest report said on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at about 10:45 p.m., Moberg was in a verbal argument with his wife, Rosalind, who he lives with.

Moberg wanted Rosalind to call Bright House and obtain home phone service.

Rosalind called on her cell phone once, but had to call back.

Moberg was irate that she had not immediately called Bright House back and taken care of it.

While Rosalind was sitting in a recliner, Moberg yelled at her, the report said. Then he placed his hand on her chin and pushed her head back.

Rosalind told a deputy that caused her pain because she had recently been in a car accident.

Moberg was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery.

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

Man Arrested for Theft of
Pair of Shoes from Sears

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Charles Anthony Wade, 28, of 609 64th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

Charles Anthony Wade

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at about 4:20 p.m., Wade entered the Sears store in the DeSoto Square Mall, selected a pair of shoes from the display shelf, then removed the shoes he was wearing and put the new shoes on his feet. Wade put his old shoes in the shoe box.

Wade then exited the store, passing all cash registers, without making an attempt to pay for the shoes.

Loss Prevention agents apprehended Wade and escorted him back to the office, where the merchandise was recovered, the report said.

A sheriff's deputy read Wade his Miranda Rights, after which Wade allegedly confessed.

The total value of the shoes was $49.99.

Wade was arrested and charged with Retail Petit Theft and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

He posted a $120 bail bond and was released from jail.

Man Arrested for Battery of Dad;
Deputy Deploys Taser

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested James L. Kain III, 25, of 1205 Orlando Avenue, Bradenton.

James L. Kain III

The arrest report said on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at about 6 p.m., Deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance call at 4507 9th Street West, Bradenton.

Upon arrival, deputies found James had blood on his chest and mouth and was very agitated.

While deputies were there, James began to yell and went after his father, Jim Kain, hitting him.

Deputies intervened and took James to the ground.

He continued to be uncooperative and Dep. Chapman deployed his Taser to gain control of James.

After pulling one of the probes out himself, James was handcuffed and arrested.

He was charged with Domestic Battery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He posted a bail bond of $2,750 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Woman Robbed at Gunpoint
By Lone Known Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at about 1:30 p.m., at Sanctuary Condos, 5400 26th Street West, Bradenton.

According to the report, Tiffany Wilson, 23, was sitting in her car with 2 associates, Manda Laughlin and Justin Miller, in front of building "I."

The robber, known as "Frankie," approached the vehicle, pointed a handgun at Tiffany and demanded her money.

Frankie took $300 and fled on foot to a 90s red Chevy 4-door and then drove out of the complex.

Tiffany told deputies Frankie stays at apt I-144 with Justin's baby's mother.

As of Sunday, "Frankie" had not been arrested.

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.

ALERT: Infant's, Children's
Tylenol Products Recalled

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Johnson & Johnson’s McNeil unit said Thursday it is voluntarily recalling 57 lots of infants’ and children’s liquid Tylenol products because of possible bacterial contamination.

The products being recalled were made between April and June and include almost two dozen Tylenol medications.

Johnson & Johnson said it has contacted wholesalers and retailers about the recall.

An inactive ingredient didn’t meet internal testing requirements, the company said, and B. cepacia bacteria were detected in a portion of raw material that went unused in the finished product.

The company said in a letter that no bacteria were found in the finished product, and that the likelihood of a serious medical event is remote. However, in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration, the company decided to recall the products.

"It was decided, as a precaution, to recall all product that utilized any of the raw material manufactured at the same time as the raw material that tested positive for the bacteria," the company said.

UPDATE: Deputy Involved
Shooting in Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A preliminary investigation by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office regarding a shooting September 24, 2009, found deputies responded to the report of a man with a gun at 2:57 p.m., at 1222 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.

Jonas Guerrero

Upon arrival, uniformed Deputy Tom Shirley was confronted by Jonas Guerrero, 18, near the doorway of the residence armed with a handgun. Shirley drew his weapon as Guerrero fled into the residence while pointing the gun in Deputy Shirley’s direction. Shirley fired three rounds from his department-issued handgun, striking the door as Guerrero entered the residence and the door closed.

Deputies subsequently entered the residence and located several subjects inside, including three males and two females. It was discovered that Guerrero had dropped the gun near the doorway and fled the residence. Guerrero was captured approximately a quarter mile away. Detectives learned from witnesses at the scene that Guerrero armed himself with the handgun during a verbal altercation with a resident that took place just prior to the deputies’ arrival.

Two of the subjects inside the residence suffered injuries and were transported to Doctor’s Hospital, where they were treated and released. Andrew Mullen, 20, was located just inside the doorway of the residence. He suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. Terrance Morgan, 20, Guerrero’s cousin, was also located just inside the doorway of the residence. He suffered an injury to the leg as well, that may also be a result of the gunfire.

As a result of a search of the residence, detectives located the fully-loaded Glock 40 caliber handgun, along with a pound of marijuana and $1,300 of U.S. currency.

Guerrero has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, and Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.

Deputy Shirley is on paid leave during the administrative investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing its criminal investigation, and results of both will be sent to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

Sarasota Sheriff's Detectives
Seek Bank Robber

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2009, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a bank robbery that occurred at Trustco Bank in the South Bay Shopping Center, located at 1300 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey.

A male subject entered the bank and demanded cash. He implied that he had a gun.

The suspect left with an undetermined amount of cash.

He was last seen on foot heading in a westerly direction behind the South Bay Shopping Center.

The suspect is described as a White male, approximately 30-40 years of age, 5’10” to 6’ tall, medium build, with a slight goatee beard. He was last seen wearing a dark green baseball cap, yellow t-shirt, white shorts and white tennis shoes (see surveillance photo above).

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-1719 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).

Driver Shot, Killed Saturday
Morning in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- A man was shot and killed while behind the wheel of car on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2009, at about 5 a.m., on 21st Street near Coconut Avenue, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

William N. Holley, 33, had just driven by a robbery in progress and had interrupted the robbery. Then he was shot.

The car continued for about 150 to 200 yards on 21st Street toward the next intersection with Panama Drive. He died at the stop sign there, SPD Capt. Bill Spitler said.

Police said Holley lived in Sarasota and worked in Bradenton.

Anyone with any information about Holley’s death can contact Sarasota Police Sgt. Holmes at 954-7070 or remain anonymous and possibly become eligible for a cash reward by calling Sarasota CrimeStoppers at (941)366-TIPS(8477).

Shooting Incident Reported;
Man Was 'Hallucinating'

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting incident on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at about 4:20 a.m., at 2128 Inncer Cass Circle, in Sarasota.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting. It was reported that Kenneth R. Blair, Sr., 58, was hallucinating and armed himself with a handgun thinking someone was trying to break into the house.

Blair’s son, Kenneth R. Blair, Jr., 20, attempted to take the gun away from his father and was eventually shot in the chest.

Ken Blair, Jr. was transported to Bayfront Medical Center and was reported to be in stable condition.

Ken Blair, Sr., suffered an apparent heart attack following the incident and was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the SSO report said.

IPod With Child Porn Seized
At Elementary School

WINTER HAVEN, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a Central Florida man has been arrested after his girlfriend's son showed child pornography images on the man's iPod Nano at an elementary school.

Brian Jennings

Brian Jennings's girlfriend's son took the iPod to a Winter Haven elementary school with him, deputies said.

A teacher was alerted by another student that the device had pornographic images on it and the student was showing it to his peers.

The boy told detectives the iPod belonged to Jennings, 28, and he accidentally discovered the images while listening to music. He said he took the iPod without Jennings' permission.

The school confiscated the MP3 player and gave it to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives said they determined that of the nearly 1,000 pornographic images on the device, at least 20 were child pornography.

Deputies said Jennings admitted to downloading child pornography onto the iPod.

Jennings was charged with 10 counts of sexual performance by a child and booked into the Polk County Jail, WKMG said.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 10/3/2009 2:00:06 PM

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