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25th Annual "Flight to North Pole"
For Terminally Sick Children
A Huge Success

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The 25th annual “FLIGHT to the NORTH POLE” program was a very special day for terminally ill children in our community. This year’s Flight to the North Pole took place on Thursday, December 10, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Department.

Above, Santa arrived by sheriff's helicopter; seen below are,
L to R, Sarasota Airport Fire Chief Edgar Clukey,
Santa, and Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Invitees included 83 adults/parents and 63 children, all of whom apparently had a great time. Also in attendance was a cadre of sheriff's deputies (and even the sheriff, himself) to guide and protect Santa Claus (and the kids and parents, of course).

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Department, local businesses and volunteers from several agencies assisted in Thursday's event.

Above, Santa greets the children and their parents
(Photo by Sandy Deland, NewsManatee)

Members of the Colony Cove community association provided each child with a stuffed bear, and the Shrine Clowns entertained them with balloons and typical clown antics. A local private school chorus provided seasonal songs to cheer the children and their families while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. McDonald's graciously provided Happy Meals for the children and their families. There were even pony rides...!!

Above, a Santa's Elf helps Madden with her pony ride
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Inside the Fire Station was a Santa’s workshop where the children sat with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and told them of their wish list and received their gift bags. Also, the children got a photo of themselves with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, including a video or a DVD of the whole day's event with the help of Santa’s elves.

This was a memorable event not only for the children, but also for their families and everyone involved.

The Foundation for this program started in 1985 by a number of Eastern Airline Flight Attendants.

Mom's Boyfriend Chokes Teen,
Teen Stabs Boyfriend;
Both Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kenneth "Ed" Crouse, 38, and Jeffrey Schueller, 18, both of 6913 43rd Court East, in South Manatee County.

Above, L to R, Kenneth "Ed" Crouse and Jeffrey Schueller

Jeffrey Schueller, 18, was involved in a verbal argument with his mother’s 38-year-old live-in boyfriend, Kenneth “Ed” Crouse.

The argument escalated into a physical confrontation when Crouse attacked Schueller and began choking him.

Schueller’s 15-year-old sister tried to stop the confrontation.

Schueller was able to break free, grabbed a steak knife and stabbed Crouse in the upper left side of his body underneath the armpit area.

Crouse’s injuries were not life-threatening and he refused medical treatment at the scene.

Schueller was arrested for Aggravated Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon for stabbing Crouse.

Crouse was arrested a short time later when it was determined that he was the primary aggressor and attacked Schueller first and began choking him.

Crouse was transported by deputies to a local hospital to be checked out and medically cleared before being transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Crouse was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

As of Thursday afternoon, Dec. 10th, both men remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Investigation continues by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Task Force, VCTF Detective Bill Waldron wrote.

Man, 20, Charged with Sexual
Battery of Girl Under 12

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Martin Urbano-Diaz, 20, of 2113 15th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Martin Urbano-Diaz

The Bradenton Police Department arrest report said Martin was having a relationship with a girl under 12 which had been going on for the past eight months, beginning in February of 2009.

The relationship came to light when the girl's mother received an anonymous phone call warning that the girl was seeing an older guy.

The mother then began to inquire about the relationship and discovered the girl had "hickeys" all over her breast area. She then called the police.

During an interview with the girl, she said that just before Valentine's Day they had sexual intercourse. They had been kissing when Martin removed her clothing, then his. He went to the bathroom and came out wearing a blue condom.

The girl said he got on top of her and inserted his penis in her vagina.

She said that only took place once because she didn't like it. He tried again on numerous other occasions, but she did not let him; however, she said he did penetrate her with his fingers about five times over the course of the relationship. She broke off the relationship when she found out he was affiliated with a gang, she told police.

On being interviewed, Martin admitted to the sexual intercourse, but said he did not ejaculate because they were interrupted. He said the sex was consensual and the girl told him she was fifteen; he thought she was more like eleven or twelve.

Martin was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12 by a Person Over 18.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bail.

Little Girl Hurts Kitten, Mom
Spanks Her with Wooden
Spoon; Mom Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Tommie Lee Santilli, 44, of the 2400 block of Landings Circle, Bradenton.

Tommie Lee Santilli

According to the arrest report, a sheriff's detective was called to Bradenton Christian Elementary School on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, where he met with Santilli's daughter.

The little girl had numerous red and purple marks on her right arm, let upper arm, left thigh and left cheek. Both of her left and right knuckles appeared bruised and swollen and her face had a scratch and a mark that appeared consistent with a hand print.

The little girl refused to tell the detective what she had done to hurt her kitten, but said that she got in trouble and her mother "whooped" her with a wooden spoon. This occurred in the child's bedroom while she was on the bed, she told the detective. She didn't know how many times she was hit, but said she has gotten spankings in the past, but her mother never left bruises before.

Santilli was contacted on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2009, and agreed to go to detectives' offices. She admitted to losing her temper while attempting to learn what the little girl had done to the cat. She said she hit her daughter with a wooden spoon and thought it was no more than five times. She said she never spanks her children but was upset and thought that this situation warranted it.

Neither Santilli nor her husband had seen the child's bruises before she went to school that day.

Santilli was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

She was released on her own recognizance, supervised.

No word on the condition of the cat.

Woman Busted for Child Neglect;
Failed to Protect Children

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stacey Gonzalez, 24, of 3506 14th Street West, Bradenton, currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail on other charges.

Stacey Gonzalez

The arrest report said between the dates of Nov. 22 and Nov. 29, 2009, Gonzalez lived at the Oaks of Ellenton apartments, located in the 1600 block of 36th Avenue East, in Ellenton.

While she was living there with her boyfriend and her two children, ages 3 and 5, she witnessed her live-in boyfriend, Jontavious Brown, 19, strike her 3-year-old child with a belt on her arms that left bruises. Her boyfriend also hit the 3-year-old on her back that also left bruises.

Jontavious Brown

On Dec. 6th, he pinned the same 3-year-old against the wall by her chest and choked her for urinating her underwear. The child sustained numerous bruises to her chest, right facial cheek, neck and back.

The report said Stacey "failed to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse that could reasonably be expected to result in serious physical or mental injury."

Stacey Gonzalez was arrested on Dec. 8th and charged with Child Neglect.

She had been arrested two days earlier for Domestic Battery. She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $3,700 bail bond.

Jontavious Brown was arrested on Dec. 9th and charged with Child Abuse. He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

No word in the report on what became of the children.

Young Woman Arrested for
Warrants, Possession of
Controlled Substance

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Ashley Roman, 24, of 2807 52nd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Ashley Roman

The arrest report said on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at about 9:10 am., a detective was waiting for her across the street from her residence waiting for her to arrive home. She had 4 confirmed Manatee County arrest warrants, three of which were felonies with no bond.

When Ashley arrived as a passenger in a vehicle, she exited and the detective pulled up behind her. She took flight and tried to run inside, but he apprehended her before she could get there.

In a search incident to her arrest, he located a prescription pill bottle in her back pocket. The bottle was in her name, filled the day before with 120 Oxycodone pills.

Inside the bottle the detective found only 24 Oxycodone pills, but also found two Xanax pills, which she did not have a prescription for. Ashley could not explain what happened to almost 100 Oxycodone pills that went missing in a one-day period.

Ashley was arrested and charged with the four warrants and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Woman Arrested for Prostitution;
Solicited Services Online

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Melinda Christine Brinling, 29, of the 8100 block of Timberlake Drive, in South Manatee County.

Melinda Christine Brinling

According to the arrest report, an undercover Manatee County Sheriff's Detective with the Special Investigations Division, said information was obtained that Melinda Brinling, aka Melinda Jannette, was soliciting herself for acts of prostitution on Internet Web sites.

The detective was able to find one of Brinling's websites and made contact with her.

After general conversation, Brinling instructed the detective to meet her at the 7-11 convenience store at the intersection of Tallevast and Lockwood Ridge Road at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009.

They met and Brinling then told the detective to follow her to a residence in the 7200 block of Eleanor Circle, in South Manatee County, which he did.

They went upstairs and the detective was told to "make himself comfortable."

The agreed upon price was $120 for mutual oral sex. If he wanted more, that would cost him $200, she said.

At that point, a sign was given by the detective and a takedown team arrived at the house and arrested Brinling.

She was charged with Prostitution. She posted a $120 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Sarasota Sheriff Issues Public
Safety Advisory About Herbs
That Mimic Marijuana

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has a warning for citizens about K2, a legal mix of dried herbs that are laced with chemicals designed to mimic the effects of marijuana.

Two area high school students suffered adverse reactions this week after smoking K2. In both cases, the teens had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. One of the teens also admitted taking Xanax and Roxycodone before becoming ill.

“Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is safe,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “I am issuing this warning more as a parent than as Sheriff, because this is not a law enforcement issue. However, everyone needs to be aware of this product’s potentially harmful effects.”

The K2 package is labeled “incense” and marked “not for human consumption.” Other brands with similar products include Spice, Fire and Ice, and Tribal Warrior. These products are purchased over the internet or at some area smoke shops.

Parents or students with questions can call Youth Services, (941) 927-4190.

Walmart Clerks Fight
TV Theft Suspect

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 30-year-old Palm Bay man was arrested Wednesday night after police said he fought with Walmart clerks while trying to leave the store without paying for a 46-inch plasma television, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Antonyo Santi Johnson was charged with retail theft after Palm Bay police were called at about 9:50 p.m. Wednesday to the Walmart at 1040 Malabar Road to investigate reports of a combative man attempting to flee the store with the $740 television, police said.

Palm Bay police officers said Johnson reached into his pockets several times during the struggle with clerks. A search of his pants pockets turned up a knife and a set of cutters believed used to cut through the metal security straps that held the television in the electronics section of the store, police said.

Johnson was taken to the Brevard County Detention Center in Sharpes, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Man, 44, Arrested for Beating
Teenage Son, 16, After Son
Became 'Very Verbal'

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Christopher Lee Hill, 44, of the 400 block of 46th Street NW, Bradenton, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and charged with Child Abuse.

Christopher Lee Hill

Hill's arrest report said on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at about 9 p.m., Hill, who is in a custodial position, attempted to discipline his son verbally.

The boy approached Hill, becoming 'very verbal,' the report said.

Hill expended his arms in the direction of the boy to keep him from coming too close.

The boy then struck Hill with a closed fist, causing a cut to Hill's upper left lip.

Hill then grabbed the boy and both went to the floor of the kitchen.

During the struggle, Hill intentionally struck the boy on the right eye, as well as the back of his head, causing a minor cut and swelling to the right eye and swelling to the back of the boy's head.

A deputy wrote in Hill's arrest report, "The defendant [Hill] exceeded the boundaries of reasonable discipline and was placed under arrest."

Hill was charged with Child Abuse and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, Hill was still in the Manatee County Jail without a bond, according to the sheriff's website.

Manatee U/C Detective Arrests
Woman for Sale & Possession
Of Crack Cocaine, Prostitution

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kathleen C. Choate, 55, a homeless woman.

Kathleen C. Choate

The arrest report said an undercover sheriff's detective was working the Oneco area, looking for prostitutes when he came upon Choate.

She got into the U/C detective's vehicle and asked what he was looking for. He replied he was looking for some "hard," referring to crack cocaine.

She said she could supply that and they drove to a residence in the 5700 block of 7th Street East. She went inside, came back a minute later with 3 pieces of crack cocaine, one of which she kept for herself and showed the U/C detective that.

She asked if she could do anything else for him and the U/C detective said he wanted [expletive deleted, meaning oral sex]. She told him that would cost him $20.

The detective gave a sign to waiting patrol units and they zoomed in and arrested Choate.

She was charged with Sale of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine and Prostitution.

As of Wednesday afternoon, she remained in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a $6,120 bail bond.

Man Arrested for Burglary
Outside 1st Street Gym

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Troy D. Sawyers, 44, of 5530 8th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Troy D. Sawyers

According to the arrest report, on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at about 11 a.m., a witness who was at "You Fit" gym, 4015 1st Street East, Bradenton, saw a White male, later identified as Sawyers, suspiciously walking through the parking lot and looking into the parked vehicles.

The witness left the gym and went to check on her vehicle. After getting inside her vehicle, she observed Sawyers walk by her vehicle. He attempted to open her tool box, which is mounted on the bed of her truck. The lid was locked and Sawyers was unable to open it.

He then proceeded to another truck where Sawyers reached into the bed of the truck and took a pair of white tennis shoes and walked away with them.

Sawyers then saw that he was being followed by the witness and dropped the shoes to the ground. He continued walking until a deputy approached him.

The owner of the vehicle from which the tennis shoes were taken had left the area, but the deputy said he would follow up and additional charges would be filed.

For now, Sawyers has been charged with Burglary.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $25,000.

Sawyers is awaiting trial on a Grand Theft charge from earlier in the year.

Two A/C Units Stolen from
Scalawags in South Manatee

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported two air conditioning units were taken from behind Scalawags, 1112 Whitfield Avenue, in South Manatee County.

According to the report, sometime after closing on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, and the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, unknown person(s) cut the wires and copper tubing leading to and from the two A/C units.

The unknown person(s) took both A/C units and fled in an unknown direction.

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.

Crime Trend: 4 Cars Burgled
In University Park Area

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported several cars were burglarized in the University Park area of Manatee County on between 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8th and 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, 2009.

Unknown person(s) entered the cars by smashing out the rear passenger windows.

Mostly small electronic items were stolen, i.e., an in-dash 7" DVD, and an Ipod).

The vehicles were not dusted for fingerprints, due to moisture on the exterior of the cars.

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 Killed in Crash on
State Road 70 Tuesday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal vehicle accident on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at about 11 a.m., on State Road 70 at Post Blvd., Bradenton.

The FHP report said a vehicle being driven by Joanne Klinetop, 55, of Phoenix, New York, was traveling westbound on State Road 70, approaching its intersection with Post Blvd.

Another vehicle, being driven by Josephine Malenich, 85, of Tamarac, Florida, was traveling southbound on Post Blvd., approaching the same intersection with a stop sign.

Ms. Malenich failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection and into the path of Klinetop's vehicle.

Klinetop's vehicle's front struck Malenich's vehicle's left side.

Ms. Malenich was pronounced dead at the scene.

Charlotte Detective Finds Man on
MySpace Wanted for Impregnating
14-Year-Old Girl

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s detective located a man in Clovis, New Mexico, wanted on a warrant for impregnating a 14 year old girl a couple years ago. Charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery and returned to the Charlotte County Jail Tuesday night, Dec. 8, 2009, was 41-year-old Herbert Clinton Miller, formerly of Harbour Heights.

Herbert Clinton Miller

Detectives said after Hurricane Charlie damaged the home of a woman and her two children, they moved in with Miller, a family friend. The report said Miller and the girl started having sex between October of 2004 and during 2005; she was 14 then and he was 37.

The girl became pregnant and had the baby in August of 2006.

The girl finally came forward and named Miller as the father. Attempts to locate Miller were unsuccessful until detectives checked MySpace.com to see if Miller had a profile, which they found.

Numerous photos were posted on his site and included the girl and their baby, and various blog entries.

Miller was arrested in Curry County, New Mexico, and extradited back to Charlotte County.

He remains in the County Jail in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

Masked Intruder Shoots, Kills Man
During Armed Home Invasion

DeLAND, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a man was shot and killed Tuesday night by a masked man during a home invasion in DeLand, deputies said.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was shot inside a home on Helen Drive before 11:30 p.m., according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said a neighbor on Pearl Street called 911 and reported hearing yelling and multiple gunshots. Three minutes later, another caller said that a masked intruder had barged into a house and shot his friend.

The victim's body was found outside the home, deputies said.

Investigators said the shooting does not appear to be a random act, WKMG said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

ALERT: Cleaning Service
Woman Arrested for Theft
of Jewelry, Checks from
Two Cleaning Clients

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman who operates a cleaning service, apparently by herself, Cathy Cornwell, 23, of 5411 3rd Street East, Bradenton, has been arrested for theft of jewelry and checks from two of her clients.

Cathy Cornwell

According to arrest reports from the sheriff's office, on November 11, 2009, at about 2:30 p.m., and on November 18, 2009, at about 5:15 p.m., Cornwell entered into pawn transactions with Cash America Pawn at 5416 14th Street West.

She presented her Florida drive license and signed pawn tickets, with a thumbprint on each, for a men's gold ring with a coin on it, a 22" gold chain and a female Greek key wedding ring.

Detective Theron Robinson met with the victim, Kathy Fine, who told Det. Theron that the jewelry on the pawn tickets was her missing jewelry.

Ms. Fine said Cathy had been allowed in her house in the past as a person who cleans her house and did not have permission to take or sell the items.

Det. Robinson also reported that on November 13, 2009, Maureen Gee had a check valued at $831.02 taken from her residence.

On Nov. 21st, Ms. Gee reported that the check had been stolen and uttered. She was notified by her bank that the check had been cashed at Amscot check cashing, at 2708 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. The bank said Cornwell signed and cashed the check.

Cornwell was arrested and charged with two counts of Dealing in Stolen Property, two counts of Defrauding a Pawn Broker and one count of Uttering a Forged Check.

As of Tuesday afternoon, she remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,000, according to the sheriff's website.

Records show Cornwell was also arrested on Dec. 3rd on similar charges. On that occasion she posted a $6,000 bail bond and was released. She awaits trial on those charges.

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 Arrest Man for
Hit-and-Run Crash That Caused
$10,000 in Property Damage

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Jared J. Calkins, 26, of 4601 66th Street West, Bradenton.

Jared J. Calkins

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at about 11:20 p.m., Jared got into an argument with his friend, Ms. Chelsey Robertson.

Jared left his apartment complex and, in doing so, struck a vehicle that was parked in one of the parking spots.

Jared left the scene without speaking to anyone.

Ms. Robertson noticed the vehicle that was struck as she was leaving the complex and notified the owner.

Ms. Robertson then contacted Jared and asked him if he hit a truck as he was leaving; Jared said he did, the report said.

Ms. Robertson then gave a Bradenton Police Officer Jared's name and cell phone number.

Contact was made with Jared, who admitted he had struck the parked vehicle and had left the scene without offering any information to the owner.

The damages to the truck were estimated at $10,000.

Jared was arrested and charged with Hit-and-Run Accident with Property Damage, Leaving the Scene.

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

Palmetto Publix Store Burglarized;
One of Two Men Arrested

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department reported the arrest of one of two men who allegedly burglarized the Palmetto Publix grocery store at 1101 8th Avenue West, Palmetto, on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009.

Albert V. Salazar

According to the arrest report, the Publix store's alarm went off at about 1:45 a.m. on Sunday.

Upon investigation, it was learned that someone smashed glass at the store, broke into the liquor department and stole four twelve packs of Corona beer and four bottles of vodka.

Surveillance video revealed that two Hispanic males entered the closed business through the hole in the glass and stole the alcohol.

At about 3:30 a.m., Albert Salazar, 36, of 513 14th Street West, Palmetto, was found walking around only one block away from the supermarket.

Salazar was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Structure and Loitering and Prowling.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a $10,120 bail bond.

The other man was apparently not located.

When Pigs Fly, Part Deux:
Cruiser Damaged Monday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a 2nd collision between a sheriff's cruiser and two hogs on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at about 6:20 p.m., in the 28000 block of State Road 70 East, Myakka.

Above, a large black hog

The report said Detective Derek Pollock was traveling eastbound on SR 70 at approximately 60-65 MPH in his issued vehicle.

He struck two black hogs standing in the roadway.

The hogs were killed, and the front end of Detective Pollock’s issued vehicle number 731 suffered about $1500 damage.

Detective Pollock was uninjured, and was able to drive the vehicle from the scene.

[Ed. Note: Inmates of the Manatee County Jail might look forward to pork chops someday soon.]

Front-End Loader Dumps in
Water off Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT/AMI] -- A NewsManatee U-reporter ("You-Reporter") sent us photos of a front-end loader working on demolition of the old pier in Holmes Beach that got dumped in the water.

Above, the front-end loader in the water
(Photo by Kevin Fitzgerald, Holmes Beach)

Through a window from her Cafe on the Beach office, Dee Schaefer has a view of beachgoers, the Manatee Public Beach pier and the seemingly endless Gulf waters.

But in the past month, demolition vehicles have obstructed that view as they crumbled and removed the old pier.

Some decking at the end of the pier remained Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, when the makeshift roadbed of rubble that leads to the pier end in the Gulf, collapsed and sent the driver and the excavator into about 5-feet of water.

The front-end loader was ultimately removed from the water.

[Ed. Note: The Anna Maria Islander, a news partner of NewsManatee, contributed to this report.]

FHP: Man in Wheelchair Dies
Following Crash with SUV

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at about 6:30 p.m., on U.S. 41, just north of 66th Avenue West, Bradenton.

The report said a vehicle being driven by Robert Stannard, 69, of Bradenton, was southbound on US 41 in the left lane.

A wheelchair being driven by Theodore C. Evans, 74, of Bradenton, crossed all northbound lanes of US 41 and stopped in the center turn lane, facing North.

Stannard changed lanes into the center turn lane.

Evans' left front collided into the left front of Vehicle-2.

Evans was then ejected onto the center northbound lane of US 41. He expired at the scene.

Evans was operating an electric wheelchair.

Neither Robert Stannard nor his wife Sally were injured in the crash.

No charges were filed.

Search On for Bank Robber;
Held Up Englewood Bank

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect who robbed Englewood Bank, 1805 Englewood Rd (SR776) in Englewood, just before 3:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2009.

Above, surveillance photo, Englewood Bank

Deputies are searching for a White female, approximately in her 40's, 5’3”-5’5” tall, with brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, red hat and sunglasses.

Witnesses say she was possibly trying to look like a man.

She was last seen on foot leaving the bank.

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).

DUI Checkpoint Planned
By Sarasota Sheriff
This Weekend

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a DUI Checkpoint this weekend. The location will not be released, but the hours of operation are from 10:00 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2009, to 3:00 a.m., Saturday, December 12, 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 590 DUI arrests in 2009 through the end of October, compared to 456 for the same period in 2008, a 29% increase.

“Motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a danger to themselves and to the citizens of Sarasota County,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “A crash involving an impaired driver is not an accident, so we are committed to keeping these offenders off our roads.”

Girl, 10, Thwarts Purse Thief
At Englewood Wal-Mart

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man for stealing a purse out of a woman’s shopping cart after an alert 10 year old girl saw the theft and notified the owner.

Gregory Allen Sisemore

The incident took place in the Englewood Wal-Mart Sunday evening, Dec. 6, 2009, around 9:30 p.m.

The girl witnessed Gregory Allen Sisemore, 25, 219 Broadmoor Lane, Rotonda East, reach into the shopping cart as a couple were looking at meats in the meat department. The girl walked over to couple and told them that she saw a man reach into her cart and run off with her purse.

The victim’s husband chased Sisemore and caught him as he slipped running around a corner in the store. Sisemore then tried to run away again but the victim’s husband bear hugged him and took him to the floor. Sisemore was detained until deputies arrived.

The purse and its contents, valued at $550 was recovered and returned to the owner.

Sisemore was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with felony Grand Theft. He remains in jail in lieu of a $3500 bond.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office warns that women should never leave their purse in a shopping cart, in or outside a store. Dozens of purses annually are stolen this way, or thieves easily take wallets out of purses that are left open in the cart.

Woman Found Dead
In Burned Bedroom

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives continue investigating the death of a woman found deceased Monday afternoon, Dec. 7, 2009, in her home in the 23000 block of Midway Blvd. in Port Charlotte.

Above, the home in the 23000 block of Midway Blvd., Port Charlotte
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO PIO)

The CCSO received a call at 2:34 p.m. from a man who entered the home and reported the woman was dead in her bedroom and the room had had a fire.

Detectives at this time said they do not suspect foul play, however, the body was removed from the home around 6:30 p.m. She was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an Autopsy to determine cause of death.

Two State Fire Marshals were called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire that apparently burned itself out.

No one in the neighborhood heard or noticed the fire that was contained inside the bedroom; the entire home did suffer smoke damage.

Also in the bedroom, a dog and a bird were found dead. One dog survived that was outside in a fenced porch area. Animal Control was called to take possession of the animals.

MCU detectives continue asking neighbors, family and acquaintances when they last saw the 57-year-old woman to determine when the fire may have occurred. It’s possible the fire may have been sometime a couple days ago.

The name of the victim has not been released, pending notification of family.

OCSO: Man, 19, Shot
Multiple Times Dies

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The Orange County Sheriff's Office said a man was fatally shot Monday in the area of 41st Street and South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

At about 6:20 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff's Office Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting a possible shooting. When deputies arrived to investigate, they found a 19-year-old man on the ground who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at about 6:55 p.m.

The victim has not yet been identified, police said.

Homicide detectives are investigating the shooting, and said that there is no known motive at this time, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
For Sexual Battery By
Sodomy of Other Man

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Edward Williams, 46, of the 1800 block of 16th Street East, Bradenton.

Edward Williams

The arrest report said on Friday, Dec. 4th, 2009, at about 4 a.m., Williams forced an unnamed adult male victim into a bathroom of the residence and locked the door, refusing to let the victim out.

Williams asked the victim to give him oral sex and the victim refused, the report said.

Williams then physically bent the victim over the bathroom sink, stuck on of his hands down the victim's seat pants and penetrated the victim's anus with a finger, the report stated.

The victim's unnamed girlfriend had awakened and heard the victim saying, "No, no."

The girlfriend then started banging on the bathroom door.

Williams then unlocked the door and the victim ran out.

Both the victim and the victim's girlfriend gave an audio and videotaped interview attesting to the above facts.

Williams refused to talk with detectives.

He was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery (Sodomy), and False Imprisonment.

As of late Monday afternoon, Edward Williams remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $78,500.

Office at Hancock Fabrics
Burglarized; Suspect
In Custody

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a rear office at Hancock Fabrics, 811 Cortez Road, Bradenton, was burglarized on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at about 3 p.m.

Willard Dean Purvis

According to an arrest report, the manager of the fabric store noticed Willard Dean Purvis, 39, of 3711 37th Street West, Bradenton, hanging out near the rear office.

The manager told deputies she had locked the office at about 2:15 p.m. When she looked back at the office at about 3:15 p.m., she saw Purvis near the office door.

She went to check the office and saw that the door had been broken.

Purvis was making a hasty retreat out the front door. She and another employee followed him and told him to stop.

Purvis entered Bed, Bath and Beyond and shed an article of clothing, then made it out an emergency entrance.

Law enforcement had already been called and a deputy spotted Purvis in the parking lot. He approached Purvis.

The manager of Hancock Fabrics positively identified Purvis as the person seen by the office and who had fled when told to stop.

The article of clothing was recovered, as well as the tools used to break the office door.

No word on whether a wallet belonging to an employee of Hancock Fabrics that was taken in the burglary was recovered.

Purvis was arrested and charged with Burglary.

His bond for a previous arrest for two counts of Grand Theft was revoked.

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

Two Arrested on Drug Charges
After Domestic Squabble

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Andrea Clark, 32, and Ronny Howe, 52.

Above, L to R, Andrea Clark and Ronny Howe

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at about 5:15 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to Wal-Mart on State Road 64 on a report of a White male beating a White female in the parking lot.

The report said Clark and Howe have been in a relationship for the past year and a half and live together.

Clark and Howe had been in a verbal altercation after Clark accused Howe of cheating on her. The altercation turned physical and the pair left the parking lot in a white pickup truck heading in a westerly direction.

The deputy caught up to the pair a short time later in the 2600 block of 7th Avenue East.

After an investigation, Clark was arrested for Domestic Battery and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, because of a crack pipe found under her seat.

She told the deputy Howe had "meth" in his wallet.

The deputy found a small baggie containing methamphetamine on Howe.

Howe was then arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Snake-Bitten BPD K-9, Blitz,
Returned to Work Monday

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Blitz, the Bradenton Police Department’s German shepherd who nearly died after suffering a snake bite, returned to work on Monday.

Above, Bradenton Police K-9 Blitz
(Photo by Tim McCann,
City of Bradenton PIO)

Blitz, the department’s new K-9, was conducting a training session along Barcarrota Boulevard in downtown Bradenton last Tuesday with his handler, Master Patrol Officer Jeanine Gagliano, when Blitz lost consciousness and was unable to breathe, the victim of an apparent snake bite, said Deputy Chief J.J. Lewis.

Blitz collapsed on the spot.

Blitz was rushed to an animal hospital where he was stabilized and treated for what was later confirmed as a snake bite to the neck. The type of snake was unable to be determined by the veterinarian.

Blitz is okay and is awaiting clearance to resume his training. He did get to come back to work on Monday, but he’s on inactive duty.

Officer Gagliano said Blitz might get clearance to resume training as soon as Wednesday.

"He showed some swelling around the neck, but he was in a playful and energetic mood for the press conference at 4:30 p.m. Monday," City of Bradenton PIO Tim McCann told NewsManatee.

Blitz is a 3-year-old German shepherd mix who was born and trained in Holland. He scored a 427 out of 440 on his training, making him an excellent candidate to be a police dog. He still needs to go through training with BPD and hopefully that will resume shortly.

Blitz lives with Officer Gagliano, McCann said. She described him as fast, a good listener and very loving – although he’ll bite on command without hesitation!

Palmetto Home Damaged by
Blaze Following Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary, followed by a fire, on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at about 8:40 p.m., in the 9800 block of 40th Avenue East, Palmetto.

The report said after Edgar Oran, 58, left his home, unknown person(s) entered his rear garage, removed his acetylene tanks, and brought them into his home after breaking a window to gain entry.

Once inside, he/they used the torch to cut through the lock on his safe and removed a Rolex watch and a diamond ring.

Also, a pistol was stolen from under his mattress.

He/they left a mechanic light in the attic, just above the safe. It appears that this light was left on and started a fire in the insulation, causing significant damage to the home.

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.

Village of the Arts Holiday
ArtWalk December 18-19

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bright lights flicker, music wafts through the air and people smile as they explore the 40 galleries, stores, and cafés that line the streets of the Village of the Arts.

On Friday, December 18th from 6:00 pm till 9:30 pm the Village hosts a second ArtWalk to celebrate the season.

Shop owners and artisans extend an invitation to all to come join in the holiday festivities and enjoy the Holiday in Paradise theme carried throughout the Village.

The ArtWalk continues Saturday, December 19th from 11:00 am till 4:00 pm.

There is plenty of free street parking and shoppers are encouraged to bring cash and/or checks as most galleries do not accept credit cards.

Deputies Issue 25 Citations
To Juveniles Smoking at Mall

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Street Crimes Unit issued 25 citations to juveniles caught smoking outside Town Center Mall in Port Charlotte last Friday evening, Dec. 4, 2009. On Nov. 20, deputies issued 9 citations.

According to CCSO Captain Ron Chandler Jr., “During the Christmas season deputies are monitoring all shopping centers in Charlotte County in marked and unmarked vehicles. One of the secondary problems we’ve encountered, especially at the mall, is juveniles and juvenile smokers.” Capt. Chandler said deputies will continue their crackdown on teen smokers.

Sergeant Jill Roguska, head of the CCSO Juvenile Unit said, “Juveniles caught smoking under the age of 18, are issued a civil citation; fines start at $35 and they are required to attend a four hour anti-tobacco class conducted by the Charlotte County Health Department.” Sgt. Roguska also said, “Business compliance checks are being increased during the holidays looking for those underage purchasing alcohol and tobacco products.”

According to Amity Chandler, Director of Drug Free Charlotte County, “In Charlotte County, 74 percent of high school students and 90 percent of middle school students report not smoking. The 2009 student social norms survey implemented by Drug Free Charlotte County indicates that youth smoking is at an all-time low in Charlotte County. Continued enforcement and education should continue to drive these figures down.” She further stated, “A 2008 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey indicates that Charlotte County students' exposure to second hand smoke is among the highest in the state. It showed 63 percent of middle school students and 70 percent of high school students report being exposed to second hand smoke on a weekly basis. These figures are 10 percent higher than the state average.”

Elementary Teacher Arrested
On DUI Charge, More

DUNNELLON, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Marion County teacher was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Pamela Jean Weingartner, 57, a third-grade teacher at Romeo Elementary School in Dunellon, was arrested early Saturday morning on state Road 40 after failing a field sobriety test, deputies said.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Weingartner's blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Deputies said Weingartner was also cited for speeding and reckless driving, WKMG said.

FDLE and DOC Launch
“12 Days of Fugitives;”
Rewards Offered

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil today announced an intensive public outreach blitz designed to generate tips and information about the whereabouts of 12 of Florida’s oldest and most violent prison escapees. The “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign offers a reward and a toll free tip line and will focus on one fugitive each day in hopes the public will provide authorities with information leading to their capture.

The campaign is timed to reach the public during the holiday season when investigators believe the wanted men are most likely to be contacting friends, family and loved ones. More than $22,000 in reward money is available. The reward money is being offered by FDLE, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and DOC. FDLE and DOC will enlist the assistance of Florida’s police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service in tracking down and apprehending the fugitives.

“These men are out there somewhere living undetected in our communities,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “We’d like nothing more than to give holiday cash in exchange for information that will bring these bad guys back to prison - where they belong.”

“Those of us who have lost loved ones during the year often feel their loss more acutely during the holidays. I can only imagine that those who have lost a loved one to violence feel that loss even more,” said Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil. “Our message to those who caused that violence and loss is simple: No matter how long you’ve been gone, we will never stop looking for you.”

The “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign will focus its efforts on finding the following fugitives: Julio Bonchea, Robert Finley, Robert Baldwin, Glen Chambers, Phillip Donovan (a Bradenton fugitive), Jano Evans, Frederick Schueler, Gary Prater, Harry Braswell, Michael Salem, Fred Barrett, and Oscar Richardson. The fugitives range in age from 49 to 75. The most recent escape occurred in 2000; others have been on the run for 30 years.

In 2008, FDLE and DOC embarked on a joint initiative to locate some of the state’s most violent prison escapees. On Oct. 28, agents in FDLE’s Tampa Regional Operations Center located and captured Edward Morales, 55, who was wanted for escaping from a southwest Florida road prison 21 years ago.

To learn more about the “12 Days of Fugitives” and the individuals sought, visit www.fdle.state.fl.us. Citizens with information are asked to call the tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Manatee County Sheriff: Man, 45,
Killed Stepmother, 83, Arrested;
28th Murder of 2009

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At 11:30 Friday night, Dec. 4, 2009, a 45-year-old man called the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to report he had just killed his 83-year-old stepmother at a residence at 219 62nd Street NW, Bradenton.

Above, 219 62nd Street NW, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

A sheriff's office report said sheriff's dispatchers received a call from a White male, Patrick Hampton, 45, later identified as the suspect, stating that he had just killed someone and that he would be waiting outside the residence.

Deputies responded and Hampton was standing in the driveway when they arrived.

The victim, Maxine Hampton, 83, a White female, was discovered in the master bedroom, lying on the floor, deceased. The victim had blunt trauma to her upper body, according to the sheriff's office.

Patrick S. Hampton

The sheriff's arrest report said Dep. Debra Kirkland observed blood spatter on the wall near the victim, as well as on her body and the floor where she was found. A bloody pillow was also covering her face. Several items were also observed that included broken glass, a frying pan, and a knife with the handle broken off. Those items appeared to be weapons, Dep. Kirkland wrote in her report.

Patrick Hampton was taken to Criminal Investigations to be interviewed and invoked his constitutional rights; he was not interviewed after that.

He was charged with Premeditated Murder, according to the sheriff's website.

Hampton remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond at this time.

The incident appears to be a domestic situation where Patrick Hampton became angered with Maxine Hampton and killed her, the report said.

Patrick Hampton is the stepson of Maxine Hampton.

No one else was at the residence when the incident occurred.

The husband of the victim was recently hospitalized for health reasons and was in an area hospital at the time of the incident. Kermit Hampton passed away at Blake Medical Center on Saturday in the Intensive Care Unit.

This is the 28th homicide overall in Manatee County in 2009. There have now been 23 murders in unincorporated Manatee County and 5 in the City of Bradenton.

Man Struck Girlfriend with
Baseball Bat, Kicked Her,
Pistol-Whipped Her

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Fernando Valle, 46, of 6004 9th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Fernando Valle

On December 2nd, 2009, at about 11:45 p.m., Nilda Torres, 41, and her live-in boyfriend, Valle, had a verbal argument about his suspicions of her cheating on him.

The argument became physical when Valle struck Nilda on her shoulder with an aluminum baseball bat. When Nilda fell to the ground, Valle began kicking her in the ribs.

When he stopped, she grabbed a small black handgun and had suicidal thoughts. Valle grabbed the gun and struck Nilda on the left side of her head.

Then, on Friday, Dec. 4th, at about 7 p.m., Nilda and Valle had a verbal argument.

Nilda walked around outside for approximately two hours and then went down the street to her daughter's house. Her daughter drove her to the Emergency Room at Manatee Memorial Hospital, where she was treated for bruises on her shoulder and ribs and a large knot on the left side of her head. Nilda was also x-rayed; it revealed no broken bones.

Deputy Ensign responded to Nilda's residence where he was able to arrest Valle and also was able to recover the baseball bat and handgun that turned out to be a pellet gun.

Fernando Valle was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.

As of Saturday, he remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

According to the sheriff's website, Valle was also arrested on October 17, 2009, on a bench warrant for failure to appear on a charge of Domestic Battery; he is awaiting trial on that charge.

This Week's Stupid Criminal:
Man Arrested for Grand Theft
Motorcycle After Admitting It

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Phillip Claude Pitts, 22, of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Phillip Claude Pitts

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 2009, at about 9:45 p.m., Pitts was involved in a verbal argument with his ex-girlfriend in the vicinity of the 9200 block of Old Tampa Road, Bradenton, and decided to return to St. Petersburg.

Pitts stopped the motorcycle at the entrance to the neighborhood and more words were exchanged with the ex-girlfriend.

For some reason, Pitts decided to push the motorcycle north on Old Tampa Road.

Just as Deputy Bertolino was passing by, Pitts pushed the motorcycle over in the grass. Dep. Bertolino saw the motorcycle laying in the grass and thought it was a crash, so he turned around and pulled up behind Pitts and the motorcycle.

Pitts originally told Dep. Bertolino he was working on the motorcycle and was going to push it up to the gas station to get gas. Dep. Bertolino asked Pitts why the motorcycle didn't have a license tag on it. Pitts replied, "Because it's not registered."

While Dep. Bertolino was talking to Pitts, his ex-girlfriend mouthed, "It's stolen."

Dep. Bertolino ran the VIN, confirmed it was stolen out of St. Pete, and arrested Pitts. Pitts said the motorcycle was given to him by a friend.

Pitts was placed in another patrol vehicle. While that deputy was completing some paper work in his cruiser, he asked Pitts if the key was in the motorcycle when he stole it, because that is a question on the sheriff's office recovery form.

Pitts replied, "That's why I took it."

Pitts was charged with Grand Theft Vehicle. He later posted a $2,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man Arrested for Striking Victim
With Ash Tray After Smoking
Marijuana

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Cecil Marvin Berkley III, 40, of 4430 86th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Cecil Marvin Berkley III

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 2009, at about 9 p.m., Berkley and the unnamed victim were in the back yard of the above residence smoking marijuana.

The victim told a deputy Berkley got into an argument with the victim over his keys.

At that time, Berkley went inside, grabbed an ash tray and hit the victim in the face.

The victim suffered a 1-inch cut under his left eye that required stitches to close.

Berkley told the deputy he did hit the victim in the face, but did not remember what it was with.

No ash tray was recovered.

Berkley was arrested and charged with Felony Battery. He later posted a $1,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Woman Charged with Felony
Retail Theft from Bealls

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Julisa Rae Wescott, 23, of Syracuse, New York.

Julisa Rae Wescott

The arrest report said on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, shortly before 9 p.m., Wescott entered the Bealls Department Store, located at 6355 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

She selected numerous items off the shelves and proceeded to the woman's restroom. When she left the restroom, she had none of the items which she entered with.

She then proceeded more items and entered the fitting rooms. When she exited the fitting rooms she had none of the items she entered with.

Both the restroom and fitting rooms were checked after she exited them and no items were located inside.

Julisa then proceeded to the front of the store, past all pay points and left the store. At that point, she was stopped and detained by Bradenton Police and Bealls Loss Prevention personnel.

The items were found under her sweat shirt and totaled $377.92.

Julisa was charged with Felony Retail Theft.

She was transported to the Manatee County Jail, where she remains in lieu of a $1,000 bail bond.

Armed Robbery on West Side
By Two White Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 2009, at about 11:40 p.m. outside the Harbour Point Apartments, 4530 70th Street West, Bradenton.

The report said at approximately 11:40 p.m., the victims, Jeremy Howe, 37, and Francis Amidon, 55, were walking in the parking lot of Harbour Point apartments when they were approached by two White males.

One was armed with a dark pistol and the demanded everything they had.

The victim gave them $20.00 and a cell phone. He started running up the steps and was told by the suspect that he would shoot him.

The suspects then fled north out of the parking lot.

K-9, the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) and several patrol units responded; a track was conducted with negative results.

The robbers were only further described as being 5'10" tall, 150 pounds, and were last seen wearing dark hoodies and dark 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.

Man Struck with Golf Club in
Argument Over Clothing in
Laundry Room

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was struck and injured by a golf-club wielding man on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m., in the laundry room of Sunset Village Mobile Home Park, 3715 14th Street West, Bradenton.

According to the report, while at the Sunset Village MHP laundry room, the victim, Charles L. Mathews, 57, and a Hispanic male had an argument over a basket of clothes.

The suspect struck Charles on the left side of his head with a golf club causing Charles to sustain a large gash that continued to bleed.

Charles was transported by EMS to Manatee Memorial Hospital for his injuries.

The area was searched for the suspect and golf club with negative results.

The assailant was described as possibly being a 25-28 year old Hispanic male, 5'4" tall, 180 pounds, named Juan Valdez.

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 Found Dead After
House Fire Extinguished

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, Dec. 4th, 2009, at about 10:45 a.m., the Bradenton Fire Department responded to a report of a suspected house fire at 4205 33rd Avenue Drive West.

Upon arrival moments later, BFD personnel found a fire had occurred inside the residence and self-extinguished prior to arrival.

One occupant, a 68 year-old female, was found deceased inside the residence, Deputy Fire Chief David Ezell said. Her name was not released.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Additional responding agencies included resources from the Bradenton Police Department, West Manatee Fire Department, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Charlotte County Sheriff Reports
Grinch Stole Christmas Favorites

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call Thursday afternoon, Dec. 3rd, 2009, from Jamie White, 56, of 23212 Rountree Ave., Port Charlotte, reporting his Santa, Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh inflatable decorations were stolen.

Deputies said the front lawn Christmas ornaments are valued at over $300 and constitute felony Grand Theft charges.

Vandalism and theft of Christmas decorations are common this time of year and deputies warn that those caught will be arrested.

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

Gov. Crist Gives Wrong Number for
KidCare: To Sex Line Instead

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- In a recording played for parents placed on hold while calling the state about a health insurance program, Gov. Charlie Crist directed the callers to a sex line, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

"You can apply at www.flkidcare.org or by calling (the phone number)," the recording with Crist's voice says.

But the number the governor gave had nothing to do with KidCare, instead sending callers to a number that eventually sent them to a recording that says, "Hey there, sexy guy, welcome to an exciting new way to go live one on one with hot (expletive) girls waiting right now to talk to you."

"(Crist) read it right, the script was wrong," said Sterling Ivey, a spokesman for Crist, in a phone interview. "We had transposed the numbers in drafting the script in error, just had the phone number there."

The governor's office said callers have been hearing the wrong number for at least two months, but it's not known how many people called the sex line.

Officials said the recording was removed as soon as the problem came to light, WKMG said.

"It is strange," Ivey said. "There was no malice intent from the governor's office. It was an error in drafting a script and no one had any clue that the incorrect information was as bad as it is."

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NewsManatee Archive Created 12/12/2009 2:00:06 PM

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