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Man Who Fell on Baby,
Killing Her, Charged with
Aggravated Manslaughter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has charged John Thomas Morico, 19, of 3807 Manatee Avenue West, Lot 11, Bradenton, with Aggravated Manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend's 11-month-old daughter on Sept. 12, 2010.

John Thomas Morico

As NewsManatee earlier reported, on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at about 8:40 p.m., EMS and the sheriff's office was called to 3708 Manatee Avenue West regarding a "medical issue" with a young child (See NewsManateearchive.com).

The baby girl, Payton Nash, 11 months old, lived at lot 11, but had been taken to a neighbor's residence.

An injury had occurred to the child and she was transported by EMS to Manatee Memorial Hospital where she was seen by a doctor. It was determined that the child had a skull fracture and was bleeding in her brain, the report said. The child was then transported by Bayflite medical chopper to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.

The child was unresponsive while at All Children's Hospital and at 3:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, the child was pronounced dead.

On that day, while at Child Protection Investigative Division of the sheriff's office at 5651 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, an interview was conducted with John Morico.

He said he was carrying Payton in his arms as he entered his residence. He tripped over the corner of the pantry that is connected to the entryway. He lost hold of her, he said, and came down upon her, forcing his elbow into her head with all of his weight as he was falling, the report said. He said when he fell on her she made a noise he could not describe.

The child began a distressful cry for about 5 to 7 minutes, he said. Then she fell silent and was placed in the bedroom by her mother, Windy Nash, presumably to go to sleep.

Morico said about 10 to 15 minute later he told his girlfriend and the mother of Payton, Windy Nash, that he had fallen on top of the baby with full force. He then began watching a movie with Windy, then exited the residence to have a cigarette. While attempting to light the cigarette, he asked Windy to go inside to get him a lighter. Windy went inside to do so.

After Windy went inside, she ran out with the baby. That is when EMS was called by the neighbor.

After his statement, Morico performed a reenactment of the incident for detectives, using a plastic lifelike doll.

Morico was originally charged with Child Neglect Resulting in Great Bodily Harm. He was being held in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond. He posted bail and was released from the jail on Sept. 16th.

Since the investigation began on September 12th, detectives have determined there were inconsistencies with the stories of the child’s mother Windy Nash, 19, and her live-in boyfriend, Morico.

According to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, who spoke to NewsManatee on Thursday, the State Attorney's Office and detectives have now determined there is sufficient evidence to charge Morico with Aggravated Manslaughter.

He was arrested in Sarasota, where he now lives, and is being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bail, and is pending extradition back to Manatee County.

Man with Warrant Tries to Flee
Deputies; 3 Others Arrested
for Aiding Escape Attempt

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested four people in connection with serving an arrest warrant on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at about 4:45 p.m. Under arrest are Justin M. Garrett, 22; Nicholas W. Easterling, 31; Brittany Garrett, 18; and Lydia Garrett, 15.

Above, L to R, Justin M. Garrett, Nicholas W. Easterling, Brittany Garrett and Lydia Garrett

A sheriff's report said COPS/East deputies were informed of a warrant for burglary out of Sarasota on Justin Garrett.

After confirming the warrant was in the system, they responded to 5305 15th Street Court East, Bradenton, where they had just seen Justin in the front yard.

Upon their arrival there, Justin was outside smoking a cigarette with Nicholas. As they spoke to him, he began to walk toward the front door along with Nicholas, asking if he was going to jail.

Deputies informed Justin they needed to talk to him, at which time he began to walk fast toward the door with Nicholas. As deputies jumped the fence (the gate was stuck), they informed him he had a warrant for Burglary.

At this time, he and Nicholas began to flee to the house and went inside through the front door; they slammed and locked it with a dead bolt.

The house was immediately surrounded to prevent anyone from leaving via windows and doors.

Numerous attempts were made to get Garrett and Nicholas to come out, with no luck.

Brittany and Lydia came to the windows and told deputies that nobody was there, that they had left and that we had no right to be there.

They were told to open the door or be subject to arrest, at which time they cursed at the deputies.

It was determined at that time that Nicholas, Brittany and Lydia would be arrested for assisting in Justin's attempt to escape.

After approximately 45 minutes, Justin came to the side door and was placed under arrest.

As deputies attempted to arrest the others for aiding Justin's escape attempt, the door slammed shut.

Entry was made by forcing the door open which was being held shut by bodies on the other side.

All above parties were arrested and transported without further incident.

Justin Garrett remains in jail with a $37,750 bail bond, because of several outstanding warrants. Easterling and Brittany Garrett each posted a $5,000 bail bond and were released. Lydia was taken to the Juvenile Booking Facility; her disposition is unknown.

Manatee Detectives Seek Wanted
Man, Ask Public's Assistance

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives are searching for Brady Mason Sprague, 42, for three counts of Grand Theft Auto.

Above, Brady Sprague and Sprague's tow truck

According to detectives, Sprague has a history of using his tow truck to steal vehicles.

Detectives believe Sprague is still in the area.

Anyone with information on Sprague’s whereabouts should contact MSO at 941-747-3011, ext. 2506, 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 Arrested at Lakewood Ranch on
Fugitive Warrants from Maryland;
Two Sexual Offenses, Assault

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Richard W. Harrison, 47, of Fort Myers, Florida.

Richard W. Harrison

Deputies learned that Harrison had fugitive warrants from Maryland.

Harrison was located near a construction site near Ranch Lake Blvd. and State Road 70, Bradenton.

He was sitting in his vehicle and was intoxicated, but was not operating the vehicle.

He was arrested and charged for Sex Offense, 3rd Degree; Sex Offense, 4th Degree; and Assault, 2nd Degree.

He is being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond, pending extradition to Maryland.

Woman Arrested for Prostitution,
Possession of Controlled Drug

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stephanie P. Sylvester, 25, of Bradenton.

Stephanie P. Sylvester

According to the arrest report, three undercover detectives were working in the sheriff's office Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit and were posing as johns attempting to solicit prostitutes walking the streets of Bradenton.

On Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at about 7:15 p.m., they drove to the 7800 block of North Tamiami Trail, where they came into contact with Sylvester.

After negotiating, Sylvester agreed to give all three detectives oral sex for $100.

They drove to a nearby parking lot, where Sylvester was arrested.

At the sheriff's operation center, Sylvester was searched and a 15 milligram Oxycodone pill was found in her possession.

Sylvester was arrested and charged with Prostitution and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,120.

Jewelry, Money Stolen During
Armed Home Invasion Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at about 10:30 p.m., in the 3800 block of 11th Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said both victims, Adrian Kennon, 26, and Chauncey Kennon, 53, were sitting outside by the front door when two men came around from the back of the duplex and ordered them in the house at gunpoint.

The victims complied and as they entered the house, the suspects had the victims disrobe and stay in the bathroom.

The suspects stole an undetermined amount of money and jewelry after ransacking the house.

There were no injuries reported during the incident.

The perpetrators were only described as two unknown men, dressed completely in black, with T-shirts around their faces.

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.

Multiple Calls Received
Regarding Random
Shots Fired

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office received two calls regarding shots fired on Tuesday night, outside a residence in the 1600 block of 1st Avenue West, Palmetto.

The first call was received on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at about 7 p.m. The second call was received shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

A check of the area at the time of both calls revealed no persons matching the description of that given to dispatch.

A house matching the description given by the caller was located and a spent shell casing was found at the northeast corner of the property. It was sent to the lab for latent prints and firearm impressions.

No other information was given in the report.

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.

Bike Helmet Giveaway
Planned for Saturday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Palmetto Police Department, provide continued emphasis on traffic safety and want to ensure our youngest citizens are safe while traveling on our roadways.

For that reason, these agencies in partnership with the Amscot Corporation will be conducting a bicycle helmet giveaway on Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. at Amscot Financial Services of Bradenton, 3611 1st Street East, Bradenton, in the DeSoto Junction shopping center.

At the event, law enforcement personnel will be on hand to distribute bicycle helmets to those persons in need. They will also provide information on bicycle and roadway safety information.

Man Arrested for Unlawful
Sex Act in Car

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested Jesus M. Perez, 28, of the 3500 block of Coronado Drive, Sarasota.

Jesus M. Perez

On Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, the Sarasota Police Department responded to a complaint of a person acting suspiciously in a vehicle in a parking lot off of Tuttle Avenue just north of Fruitville Road.

Witnesses on the scene, reported a person believed to be masturbating while parked next to a day care center.

On officers arrival, the suspect was leaving the area and was stopped for further investigation. He was found with his pants unbuttoned at the time.

He was identified by the witnesses and brought to the Sarasota Police Department.

Detectives advised that Perez admitted to masturbating in his vehicle, but claimed to be watching pornographic videos on his cell phone.

Jesus Perez was booked into the SSO Jail and charged with Lewd & Lascivious Exhibition in the presence of a victim who is less than 16 years of age.

At no time were any of the victim(s) in any danger.

Halloween Haunted House
in Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Police Athletic league of Sarasota County is prepared to scare at its annual House of Horror Haunted House.

Held at the PAL Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, this year’s haunted house has more than 15 rooms of terrifying fun. The experience is not for the faint of heart, so attendees must be at least 12 years old.

The House of Horror Haunted House is open October 21-23 and October 28-31, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds support PAL programs for the youth of Sarasota County.

For more information call the PAL office (941) 316-8108 or visit www.sailorcircus.org.

Burglary of Salvation Army,
Theft of A/C Copper, Under
Investigation

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating $4,200 in damages to the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 2735 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte, and theft of the air conditioners copper wiring.

CCSO received the call Wednesday that someone attempted to get into the building and did extensive damages to an exterior wall, and also damaged a shed on the property in an attempt to gain entry. The air conditioner unit outside the Salvation Army was dismantled and the copper inside was removed.

Crime Scene responded and found fingerprints on the a/c unit lid, and shoe prints in the area which were submitted for evidence.

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

Woman, 81, Missing
After Trip To Store

LAKE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities in Lake County on Thursday continue to search for a missing 81-year-old woman who uses a walker, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Janet Louise Patrick

Lake County sheriff's deputies said Janet Louise Patrick left her home on Monday to go grocery shopping but never returned.

Friends checking on Patrick on Wednesday discovered that she was missing, deputies said.

Patrick was described as a white woman with gray hair, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 100 pounds. She was last seen wearing a green and red plaid short-sleeved shirt. She also suffers from memory problems, deputies said.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Palmetto Officer Hospitalized
After Crash with Two Bulls
in PPD Cruiser

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a vehicle crash on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at about 10:50 p.m., between a Palmetto Police Department patrol vehicle and two big black bulls.

Above, Officer Travis Ellison's cruiser after colliding with bulls
(Photo provided by Lt. Scott Tyler, PPD)

According to an FHP report, Officer Travis Ellison, of the Palmetto Police Department, was southbound in a marked police vehicle on State Road 45 (U.S. 41) in the right lane, 300 feet south of Rock Payne Road, in North Manatee County.

Two large black bulls were standing in the right lane and Ellison did not see them.

The front of the PPD cruiser struck the first bull, which caused the bull to be thrown onto the hood and into the windshield of the cruiser. That first bull then went over the top of the cruiser and came to rest in the right lane.

Above, a brangus bull; they weigh approximately 2000 pounds and up

The left front of the cruiser then struck the second bull, causing it to rotate and come to rest in the right lane, FHP said.

The cruiser continued south after impact, traveling 1,988 feet, where the cruiser moved across the center median and across the northbound lanes of the road.

The vehicle then left the paved portion of the road and traveled 337 feet, where it came to final rest.

Officer Ellison was seriously injured upon impact with the bulls and was apparently unconscious after the collision, the FHP report said.

He was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in serious condition.

Lt. Scott Tyler, of the Palmetto Police Department told NewsManatee on Wednesday, "He was very fortunate indeed, judging from the damage to the patrol car."

As of Wednesday, Officer Ellison was in good condition at the hospital, Lt. Tyler said, with several bruises and cuts, some of which had to be sutured, and a nasty bump on his head.

He was expected to be released from the hospital, after observation for a while as a precaution, in case of a concussion or other complication, Lt. Tyler said.

The two brangus bulls, which belonged to the sheriff's office ranch, did not survive the accident, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff. Incidentally, according to Bristow, a brangus bull is a cross between a brahma bull and an angus bull.

A third bull was said to be on the loose, and deputies were stationed in the area to warn motorists to slow down, Bristow said. As of Wednesday afternoon, Bristow told NewsManatee, the third bull had not been located.

Man, 34, Arrested for Sexual
Battery on Family Member,
a Juvenile Girl

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gerald Demetric Bell, 34, of Parrish.

Gerald Demetric Bell

A press release from the sheriff's office said on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, the sheriff's office received information that the victim, a girl who is now 16, was possibly molested by a family member.

Subsequent investigation by detectives provided details of several incidents where Bell molested the victim.

The incidents started when the girl was 11 and continued until she was 14.

The earlier incidents occurred in Sarasota County and those charges are pending.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office charged Bell with 3 counts of Sexual Battery by a Familial Authority and 7 separate counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Bell remained in jail without bail.

At the time of his arrest, Bell was employed by the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County. At this time, there is no evidence of Bell being involved in any criminal acts while working at the Boys and Girls Club.

If anyone has information regarding this case, you can contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, ext. 1905, 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.

Ice Cream Vendor Nearly
Robbed at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted armed robbery on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at about 5:10 p.m., in the 300 block of 61st Avenue East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Valentin Hernandez, 32, of Plant City, Florida, is an ice cream vendor who was selling his goods from his push cart at the above location when he was approached by two Black teenagers, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The armed suspect approached Valentin displaying a firearm and demanded money from him.

The suspect then knocked Valentin to the ground.

The second suspect stood a short distance away and acted as a lookout.

Both suspects were scared off when a neighbor came out of their residence and yelled at them.

The suspects fled on foot and were not located.

The would-be robbers were described as both being Black male teenagers. One was 6'3" tall and was last seen wearing all black clothing. The other was about 5'9" tall and was last seen wearing a gray and red shirt and gray 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.

68-Year-Old Man Dies
in House Fire

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Nathaniel Brown, 68, died in a house fire on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at about 9:45 p.m., at 1404 21st Avenue East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said at approximately 9:45 Tuesday night, Mr. Brown's house was observed by neighbors with black smoke coming from the roof.

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue was dispatched and arrived within minutes to a fully engulfed structure fire.

Mr. Brown was located lying on his left side in the living room, approximately 8 feet from the front door.

Mr. Brown was removed from the residence by fire personnel and had 2nd and 3rd degree burns over his entire body.

He was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center by helicopter, but passed away while en route.

The Fire Inspector and State Fire Marshall were on scene.

At this time, the fire appears to be accidental.

Death of 19-Year-Old Male
Under Investigation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of Tyler John-Anthony Deblasis, 19, of 12539 Highfield Circle, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said on Monday, October 18, 2010, sometime between 3 and 4 a.m., Tyler's grandmother, Donna Brierton, spoke to Tyler. At that time, his speech was slurred.

Donna told Tyler and Christian to go to bed because they had to get up early.

At about 9:30 a.m., Christian tried to wake up Tyler and could not get a response.

EMS and the sheriff's office were called.

Upon arrival of a deputy, EMS personnel were upstairs working on Tyler. He had a gray look about him, the report said.

EMS transported Tyler to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 10:36 a.m.

The cause of Tyler's death is unknown, pending completion of an autopsy.

Pit Bull Found Abandoned
at Residence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported that they responded to an abandoned animal call on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, at about 12:45 p.m.

According to a sheriff's report, Animal Services asked the sheriff's office to respond to a residence at 729 26th Avenue West, Bradenton, to assist them in gaining custody of the pit bull.

The dog had been abandoned for about a week with no food, the report said.

The pit bull was taken into custody by Manatee County Animal Services.

Bradenton Announces Fifth
Annual Haunted Trail

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Fifth Annual Bradenton Haunted Trail will be open to visitors from dusk until 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, and dusk until 10:30 p.m. the following Sunday, which is Halloween. A growing tradition in the Ballard Oaks neighborhood, the Haunted Trail is at 1218 18th Street West.

Above, the Bradenton Haunted Trail

The entrance is hard to miss – it’s the facade of a large, medieval castle. The entrance changes each year.

Neighbors Shawn Troxel and Tony Cordero created the Haunted Trail five years ago as a scary, fun and safe place for the neighborhood. Troxel has a professional background in special effects makeup and haunted house construction.

The Bradenton Police Department is helping sponsor the event with traffic patrols.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. Costume attire is welcomed.

A $5 donation is requested to help offset the cost of creating the Haunted Trail.

New scares in the works include an asylum, a redneck area, a military zone, a spider tunnel and a graveyard.

For more information visit the Haunted Trail’s new website at www.bradentonhauntedtrail.com or call Shawn Troxel at (941) 812-5666.

Sarasota County Sheriff Makes
Child Pornography Arrest

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Luis Ernesto Rosas, DOB 7/4/1978, 1825 Marbeth Street, Sarasota, and charged him with Possession of Child Pornography.

Luis Ernesto Rosas

Internet Crimes Against Children detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Marbeth Street this morning and discovered Rosas, who lived next door, was using his neighbor’s wireless network to access the internet. A search of Rosas’ computer revealed he had downloaded child pornography.

Investigators determined that Rosas is in the United States illegally, so he was booked into the Sarasota County Jail and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an administrative detainer on him.

The Florida Attorney General’s Child Predator Cybercrime Unit and the Sarasota Police Department also assisted in this investigation.

Parent Arrested for Threat to
Blow Up Elementary School

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s School Resource Officer arrested a Deep Creek man Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2010, who threatened to blow up Deep Creek Elementary School at 26900 Harborview Road.

Jason Charles Beach

CCSO received a call at 12:28 p.m. that a disgruntled parent, Jason Charles Beach, 28, 1205 Capricorn Blvd., went to the school and made a threat to blow up the school when students were off campus. He was at the school to remove his child for a Health Department appointment at the request of the Department of Children and Families regarding a burn mark on his child’s arm. The report said Beach made the threat after he learned a school staff member notified DCF regarding a burn mark on his child's arm. School employees are required to report such injuries to students.

The school principal said she had legitimate concern regarding Beach’s threat as she knew him to be a hostile and aggressive parent from previous encounters and he would carry out the threat. Beach was previously trespassed from Peace River Elementary School in Port Charlotte for being aggressive and hostile to staff there.

The SRO and two other deputies went to Beach’s home and talked to him about the threat which he said was done jokingly. Due to the witness statement, there was probable cause to charge Beach with Threat to Discharge a Destructive Device. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail with no bond was set, pending first appearance Wednesday.

DCF and the CCSO continue their investigation into the report of injuries to the child.

Deputies Raid Port Charlotte
Pot Dealer's Home, Bust 2

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives, assisted by Street Crimes Unit deputies, made a forced entry into a home at 22330 Hernando Ave., Port Charlotte Wednesdday morning, Oct. 20, 2010, at 7 a.m. Arrested were Mark Edward Foreman, 55, and Amy Marie Wilson, 30.

Above, L to R, Mark Foreman and Amy Wilson

A search found a total of 87.6 grams of marijuana (3+ ounces), a grinder, a scale, an electric marijuana pipe and numerous plastic baggies with marijuana and residue. Most of the marijuana was found in a bedroom safe. The home is located 570 feet from Lake Betty Park, 2215 Conway Blvd., which means an additional felony charge.

Foreman was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana Within 1,000 Feet of a Park; Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Wilson was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were transported to the Charlotte County Jail; Foreman’s bond was set at $28,500 and Wilson’s at $2,000. Wilson is a convicted felon and has 12 bookings with 18 records.

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

Masked, Gloved Gunmen
Rob Orlando Bank

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported two masked men wearing gloves and carrying guns robbed an Orlando bank Tuesday morning, according to authorities.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, two men wearing black clothes entered the Fifth Third Bank, located at 13043 S. Orange Blossom Trail, around 10:15 a.m. and demanded money from a teller.

Deputies said the men fled in a late 1990s Jeep Cherokee.

The assailants were described as black men in their early 20s with long dreadlocks.

No one was injured in the robbery, WKMG said

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Child Neglect
After Infant Found Outside,
Crying and Screaming

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Matthew Enchautegui, 20, of 5310 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Matthew Enchautegui

The arrest report said on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at about 5:15 p.m., a man and his children were walking through Garden Walk condos and observed a young infant banging on a front door to a condo. The infant was crying and screaming. The witness stayed with the infant for 15 minutes, while looking for the parents. When the witness could not locate the infant's parents, he called 911.

After 20 minutes, Matthew and his wife approached the witness, saying they were the parents.

Upon arrival of a deputy, Matthew was holding the infant in his arms.

The witness pointed Matthew and his wife out and Matthew began jogging away from the scene, with the infant in his arms.

The deputy ordered Matthew to stop, but Matthew ignored the deputy's orders, continuing to flee.

The deputy ran after Matthew, grabbed him and demanded Matthew stop.

Matthew became very verbal and was extremely irritated that someone had called the sheriff's office.

Matthew and the infant's mother explained that they believed the infant was sleeping and said their son could open doors and that he was now able to exit the residence.

The deputy wrote that the infant is about 2 feet tall and weighed no more than 20-25 pounds.

Matthew was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

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

Man Arrested for Armed
Robbery of Stop 'N Shop

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jacob A. Soos, 33, of 2622 28th Avenue East, Palmetto.

Jacob A. Soos

According to the arrest report on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, at about 2 p.m., Soos and an accomplice entered the Stop 'N Shop located at 3602 U.S. 301 North, in Palmetto.

They robbed the store at gunpoint. Soos was carrying a baseball bat and a back pack, while his accomplice was carrying a semi-automatic weapon.

Soos jumped the interior wall, while his accomplice held the store owner at gunpoint.

Soo went directly to the back room, where he opened up the top desk drawer and empties out the cash inside it.

Soos then ran out the front door with his accomplice and fled northbound.

Soos left the baseball bat he was carrying on the desk in the office. The bat was recovered as evidence.

The whole incident was capture on surveillance video from three angles.

On Oct. 11, 2010, a controlled phone call was made to Soos. During the call, Soos confessed he had committed the robbery.

He then called Detective Sam Levita and confessed again.

Soos said he was in Illinois and Det. Levita told him to be back in town by Oct. 15th and turn himself in to the sheriff's office.

On Oct. 15, 2010, Soos turned himself in and was arrested on a charge of Armed Robbery.

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

Woman Arrested After
Punching Pregnant
Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stacy L. Taylor, 23, of 2318 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton.

Stacy L. Taylor

The arrest report said on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at about 2:15 p.m., Taylor went to the house of a woman who is 2 months pregnant located in the 2600 block of Cortez Road West, Bradenton, and asked the woman if she could use the phone.

The unnamed woman refused to let Taylor use the phone, at which point Taylor told the woman, "I will beat your ass."

The victim said Taylor grabbed her by the hair and began punching her in the head with a closed fist.

The female victim said she grabbed Taylor by the hair to restrain her and called 911.

Taylor then fled the area on a bicycle.

Taylor was located about 45 minutes later in the 2500 block of 51st Avenue Drive West.

Taylor admitted she knew the victim was pregnant, the report said.

She was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim.

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

Teen Arrested for Grand
Theft of Dirt Bike

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Brent Lee Hamilton, 18, of 1512 28th Street West, Bradenton.

Brent Lee Hamilton

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at about 3:30 a.m., Brent drove to a residence in the 1100 block of 67th Street NW, Bradenton, and loaded up a dirt bike into his father's white Chevy pickup.

Brent drove the white pickup to another teen's house and left the dirt bike there.

The dirt bike was not located by deputies.

Brent was arrested and charged with Motor Vehicle Theft.

He later posted a $7,500 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Deputies are still looking for an accomplice who helped Brent with the theft.

DUI Wolfpack Planned
for This Friday Night

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol will conduct a DUI Wolfpack Operation commencing on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 5:00 PM and ending on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 3:00 AM.

The Wolfpack Operation will take place somewhere in Manatee County with a central focus on alcohol and drug impaired drivers. The exact location will not be announced.

Troopers will saturate areas that are known for having a high concentration of crash related injuries, fatalities and impaired drivers.

Enforcement efforts will also include speed, seatbelt and aggressive driving violations.

There were 398 alcohol related crashes in Manatee County during 2009. These crashes have resulted in 296 injuries and 17 fatalities. Driving Under the Influence is a crime and these deaths were preventable.

The Florida Highway Patrol takes this crime seriously and has a zero tolerance policy for impaired drivers.

Suspect Identification Needed
in Attempted Robbery

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s office is asking the public for assistance identifying the suspect in an attempted armed robbery at a Bank of America ATM in Sarasota.

On October 12, 2010, around 11:30 p.m., the victim was trying to make a withdrawal from the branch at 3600 Bee Ridge Road when the suspect approached her and demanded cash.

The suspect fled on foot without getting any money and the victim escaped unharmed.

The suspect is described as a White male, about 5’3” tall, who was dressed in dark clothing and a white hat. He was possibly armed with a handgun.

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

Children’s Halloween
Safety Tips

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- There are many ways to keep children safe during Halloween, when they are susceptible to accidents and injuries. The excitement of children at this time of year sometimes makes them forget to be careful.

Sarasota County Fire Marshal Jane Ross, offers the following tips for keeping children safe during Halloween:

~ Make or purchase a costume that is safe, one that’ being fire proof and has eye holes large enough for good peripheral vision.

~ Make sure jack-o-lanterns with candles in them aren’t in traffic areas so costumes won’t accidentally be set on fire.

~ If a child’s costume includes a prop, such as a knife or a pitchfork, the tips should be smooth and flexible to avoid causing injuries.

~ Each child should carry a flashlight, glow stick or have reflective tape on their costume to make them visible to cars.

~ Young children should be accompanied by an adult or responsible teen.

~ Adults should carve pumpkins. Let children clean out the pumpkins and draw faces on them.

~ Treat kids to a Halloween dinner. They will be less likely to eat the candy they collect. That helps prevent choking and gives parents an opportunity to inspect candy.

~ Teaching children everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing the street and crossing when the lights tell them to, will help make them safer when they are Trick or Treating.

'Aroma Therapy' Woman
Busted for Prostitution

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An undercover Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detective arrested a Port Charlotte Woman on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, at 2:45 p.m., on charges of Prostitution. Charged was Bonnie Annmarie Wilson, 33, 3200 Cabaret St.

Bonnie Annmarie Wilson

CCSO received complaints of possible prostitution and drug activity at Aromatherapy Plus, 2695 Tamiami Trail, Unit-C. Detectives called a phone number found on the internet and spoke to a female who identified herself as “Sun.” She told the narcotics detective there was a “door charge” of $30, and she “worked for tips.”

The detective entered the business and was greeted by three women. He said he had spoken to “Sun” and they introduced him to Wilson, aka “Sun.”

He was then escorted to a private room, asked to pay the $30 and to “get comfortable.”

Wilson asked the undercover detective to pay the tip of $150 for “a massage” and he put the money on a table.

Wilson then left to get a condom and when she returned was asked what the condom was for and she replied she has to use them for oral sex or regular sex.

When Wilson undressed, a signal was given and other Narcotics detectives entered and arrested Wilson.

She was transported to the Charlotte County Jail. Bail was set at $1,000.

If anyone has information about illegal activity such as prostitution or drugs, please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Students Return After
Online Death Threats

POINCIANA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported security will be tight at an Osceola County high school where a teen made an online threat to kill himself and eight female classmates, law enforcement said.

School leaders and deputies said there is no chance the teen would have been able to pull off his plot at Poinciana High School, but the school is working to calm the fears of parents and students and deputies were at the school in full force on Monday. There were at least six marked Sheriff's Office cars at the school on Monday.

Detectives said former student Troy Michael Campbell, 15, posted online that he was unhappy with his life, he had a high-powered gun in his locker and that he planned to shoot up the school. In the threat, he also called out eight girls who he planned to kill before turning the gun on himself, detectives said.

Classmates said they were stunned to hear about the extent of the threats, but they have known Campbell to start trouble before.

Campbell was expelled from Poinciana three weeks ago for letting mice loose in the cafeteria. He has since moved to Texas.

Deputies said Campbell admitted to posting the threat, but said it was a joke.

He could now face 15 years behind bars or a $10,000 fine.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

BPD Reports Man Found
Dead in City, Stabbed;
11th Murder of 2010

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police detectives are currently investigating a homicide which occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 16, 2010.

Above, the crime scene house located at 2221 14th Avenue East, Bradenton, and Clarence Gaskin, Jr.
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee lead photographer)

The victim, Clarence Gaskin, Jr., 32, of Bradenton, Florida, was found by a local resident in the resident's yard located in the 2200 block of 14th Avenue East, according to Bradenton Police Major Bill Tokajer. Gaskin lived one block north of the crime scene in the 2200 block of 13th Avenue East, Tokajer said.

Gaskin's body was discovered at about 1:15 a.m., but the man waited to report it to police until 5 a.m., because he earlier believed the man had been sleeping.

Gaskins was deceased when Bradenton police officers arrived at the scene.

The cause of death is pending further investigation by detectives and the Medical Examiner's Office.

However, a local report said Gaskin had been stabbed to death.

Major Tokajer confirmed that information. "I believe the man was stabbed to death. Of course we'll have to wait for the results of the autopsy, which I haven't seen yet," Tokajer told NewsManatee Monday afternoon.

Bradenton Police are being tight-lipped about the crime.

They didn't release any information about the murder until late Monday afternoon.

Major Tokajer said they are following up leads at this time, and didn't want to compromise the case with the prior release of information.

No other details are available at this time and no arrests have yet been made.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective James Curulla at 941-932-9311 or the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 OR to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) 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 11th homicide in Manatee County overall in 2010. There have now been 8 murders in the county, 2 in the City of Palmetto and 1 in the City of Bradenton.

Man Arrested After Taking
Keys to Victim's Vehicle
Off the Bar at Strip Club;
10 Charges Overall

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Nazario Martinez-Martinez, 26, of 5750 Wauchula Road, Myakka City.

Nazario Martinez-Martinez

According to the arrest report, Nazario was at DaVinci's topless strip club, 105 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, and had been drinking alcohol.

Another man, Dennis Putrino, the victim in this case, was also there drinking alcohol.

During the course of the evening, Nazario had asked Dennis five different times what kind of vehicle he was driving.

At about 10 p.m., Dennis told Nazario he was going to take a cab home, leaving his car in the parking lot.

Dennis left the establishment a few minutes later and was about to get in a cab when he realized he had forgotten his keys to his car.

Meanwhile, Nazario took Dennis' keys off the bar.

Dennis went back inside to retrieve his keys and discovered his keys had been stolen.

He went back outside and found Nazario a few feet from the car in the parking lot. Dennis restrained Nazario until law enforcement arrived and took his keys back.

A deputy viewed a surveillance tape and saw Nazario take the keys to Dennis' car.

Nazario was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto and Theft for that incident. He was also arrested on several outstanding warrants for 3 counts of DUI with Property Damage, 4 counts of DUI with Personal Injury and Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid License.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a total bail bond of $21,740.

It is unknown how he received the injuries in the mug shot above; the report did not say.

Woman Taken to Hope Shelter
After Boyfriend Strangles Her
Over Crack Problem

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dylan Wooldrige, 41, of 4416 Sanibel Way, Bradenton.

Dylan Wooldrige

The arrest report said Dylan has been dating Beverly Jannelli for about two years and they have lived together for a year.

Beverly told a deputy Dylan has had a bad drug problem for about a year and when he said to her that he wanted to go out into the garage and smoke some crack cocaine, she confronted him about the problem.

That was on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, at about 3 a.m.

As they both were in the garage, Dylan grabbed Beverly with both hands around her neck and started to choke her to the pointthat she could not yell and was unable to breathe.

Dylan told her as he was choking her that she would not tell him what to do, the report said.

Then he threw Bverly to the ground. That is when Beverly ran to her room and called the sheriff's office.

Both Beverly's children were in the home at the time, but only her daughter heard them arguing.

Beverly declined EMS treatment. The deputy observed her neck to be very red. She was very upset and crying to the point that she could hardly explain what had happened.

She and the kids were taken to the Hope Women's Shelter for the evening.

Dylan had left the area before the sheriff's office arrived, but was located later at about 9 a.m. at the residence and arrested.

He was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

As of Monday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail without bail.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse
After Refusing Entry to Home
to Stepson, Punching Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mark Mong, 53, of 1100 block of 66th Street NW, Bradenton.

Mark Mong

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at about 8 p.m., Mong's stepson called his mother, who told him to come home after being gone for a few days.

The boy tried to get into the house, found the front and back door locked and pounded on the door for several minutes until his stepfather, Mong, answered the door.

Mong told his stepson that he was not allowed to come inside the home.

Then Mong punched the boy on the right side of his face and pushed the boy, causing the boy to fall to the ground. The punch caused a dime size abrasion right below the boy's right eye.

The boy then got up and walked back to his girlfriend's house for help.

Mong told a deputy he had not seen his stepson since the child walked out of the house on Thursday.

Mong was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

As of Monday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail without bail.

Young Man Arrested for
Grand Theft Scooter,
DWLS Habitual

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Matthew S. Harrod, 21, of 2415 51st Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Matthew S. Harrod

The arrest report said on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at about 11 p.m., Deputy Parham was turning onto 9th Avenue from 14th Street West and saw a yellow scooter turn into the 7-11 parking lot at that intersection.

Dep. Parham knew there was a yellow Schwinn motor scooter on the stolen vehicle hot sheet.

He pulled in behind the scooter and ran the Florida tag, which confirmed the scooter as stolen.

Dep. Parham watched the driver, later identified as Harrod, get off the scooter and walk into the 7-11. He waited in the parking lot in his unmarked patrol vehicle until Harrod came back out to the scooter.

Dep. Parham then walked up to Harrod and told him he was under arrest.

The deputy told Harrod the scooter was reported stolen and Harrod said he borrowed it from a friend. When Dep. Parham asked for the keys to the scooter, Harrod said there were no keys. Dep. Parham found a screwdriver under the seat.

When asked if he had a Driver License, Harrod said he did not know that he needed one to drive a scooter.

Dep. Parham learned Harrod did not have any ID on him because his Driver License had been suspended on Dec. 15, 2009, for Driving on a Suspended License, Habitual, following four traffic citations for Driving on a Suspended Driver License in 2008 and 2009.

Harrod was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto (Scooter).

As of Monday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $7,620.

Four Juveniles Arrested for
Multiple Vehicle Burglaries;
Apprehended with K-9 Help

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested four juveniles following multiple vehicle burglaries in the vicinity of the 3600 block of 19th Street East, Bradenton, on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, around 11:30 p.m.

Above, MSO K-9 Dep. Rex

A sheriff's report said four juveniles were seen by several neighbors going through vehicles near the address above.

Deputies converged on the neighborhood and Deputy Wolfinger located two of the juveniles walking on 36th Avenue.

Two more juveniles were seen by Deputy Wolfinger in a vehicle parked a short distance away and challenged them with his K-9, Rex. One juvenile ran and the other surrendered. The juvenile who ran was caught a short time later.

All four juveniles, who were 10, 11, 12, and 15 years old, were positively identified and arrested.

Two of the subjects admitted to being lookouts while the other two checked the vehicles.

One subject was armed with a large folding knife when he committed the crimes. The knife was recovered.

The property that was taken was recovered and returned to the owner.

Supper with the Sheriff
Planned for Thursday;
Public Invited

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will host “Supper with the Sheriff” on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at 6:00 p.m., at the Police Athletic League, 202 13th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Supper with the Sheriff is a community event that gives citizens an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern with Sheriff Steube and his staff.

Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., followed by discussions with the sheriff.

Reservations are not necessary.

Dress is casual.

The cost is $3.00 per person.

Detectives Investigating Death
of Man Arrested Last Week
for Molesting Boy, 8

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives are investigation the death of 46-year-old Gregory Angelo Pacheco, of 3291 Elkcam Blvd., Port Charlotte.

Gregory Angelo Pacheco

CCSO received a call at 9:55 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, from a man who discovered Pacheco’s body.

Pacheco was found across the street from his home alongside a vacant house at 3308 Elkcam Blvd.

MCU detectives said they do not suspect foul play, however, the investigation is continuing. The Charlotte County Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy.

As NewsManatee earlier reported, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested Pacheco last week on two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation on an 8-year-old boy. Pacheco, along with his attorney, turned himself in to detectives at the Charlotte County Jail.

CCSO detectives received a report from a Department of Children and Families investigator about a possible sexual battery involving the juvenile that occurred between Aug. 6 and 7 and periodically over the past two years at Pacheco’s home. The boy was interviewed by a Child Protection Team in another Florida county that revealed the boy who was visiting had been touched inappropriately, possibly on numerous occasions. Other witnesses also met with detectives concerning the case.

CCSO MCU Detective Ian Alvarez said, “During my investigation, I discovered potentially more victims who may have been molested by Gregory Pacheco, including the visiting boy’s friends.

Baby Snatched During Home
Invasion; Shots Fired

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a 7-month-old baby was snatched from his mother's arms during an apparent home invasion, Orange County deputies said.

The baby was returned safely nearly an hour and a half later by the child's uncle, who was also forced from the home at gunpoint.

Two or three men ambushed the family in the doorway of their apartment on Silver Hills Road late Sunday night, according to deputies.

The men grabbed the baby and pushed the child's mother onto the ground, Orange County deputies said.

They also forced the child's uncle down a stairwell.

During the altercation, one of the attackers fired a gun toward the apartment, according to deputies.

They are still on the run and deputies are questioning the uncle who was taken from the apartment about what happened, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Anna Maria Doctor Arrested
for Allegedly Operating
'Pill Mill' in Tampa

TAMPA, Florida [NMT/TBO/BH/SHT] -- Tampa Police have arrested Dr. John Lanning, 75, an Internist, of 215 Sycamore, Anna Maria, on charges of operating a pain management clinic without a license -- a new Tampa city ordinance that toughens rules for pain clinics.

Dr. John Lanning

According to TBO.com, after employees at Clinic for Injury Rehabilitation and Integrated Medicine, 4475 W. Gandy Blvd., were warned not to dispense prescriptions without a city permit, the clinic shut down and tried opening three blocks away – also without a permit, police said Friday.

The clinic's doctor, John Lanning, and its manager, 52-year-old Kevin O'Malley, were arrested Thursday on charges of violating the city ordinance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

Lanning, of Anna Maria, and O'Malley, of Tampa, each was released from jail on $500 bail.

Following complaints from South Tampa residents, police launched an investigation last month into the Gandy Boulevard clinic, McElroy said.

Investigators visited Oct. 7 and confirmed it was operating as a pain management clinic and providing prescriptions while its permit application was pending, TBO.com said.

The business was told to close until it could comply with the ordinance.

Instead, McElroy said, it reopened Thursday at 4707 W. Gandy Blvd., Suite 6.

An undercover officer went there and paid cash to get a prescription for Oxycodone and Xanax.

The clinic saw 45 patients in the few hours the officer was there, police said. Most of the patients lived outside the city.

In May, about a dozen protestors went to a Bradenton pain clinic where Lanning worked, accusing it of being a pill mill, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Lanning told the newspaper the clinic helped chronic pain sufferers and that patients needed to show documentation of injuries.

According to the Bradenton Herald, The 1910 Medical Clinic, which recently moved from Bradenton to 905 25 Drive East in Ellenton, has drawn criticism and protests.

The clinic's owner, Warren Gold, met Lanning, and Lanning agreed to act as the clinic's medical director. But protestors forced the clinic to move to Ellenton. Lanning left the clinic shortly afterward, the Herald reported.

According to Gold, "Lanning operated in an unethical manner in his office, writing prescriptions for patients he did not examine, and accepting fake MRIs," the Bradenton Herald's former reporter Robert Napper wrote recently.

Bradenton Cop, with MSO K-9,
Arrest Two Men for Holding
Ounce of Marijuana, Bong

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Mark Fiasco, 23, and Matthew Hawley, 23, both of 2013 5th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Mark Fiasco, MSO K-9 Dep. Chico and Matthew Hawley

According to the arrest reports from BPD, on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at about midnight, a vehicle driven by Mark Fiasco was pulled over by an officer for not having the rear license plate light illuminated.

Fiasco was sitting over his seat belt and did not have insurance or registration information. Also, he had moved about a month ago and had not notified DMV.

Both men were asked if there were any drugs in the car and both said no.

However, just prior to the traffic stop, the BPD officer had requested an MSO K-9 Deputy. Deputy Gerholdt showed up with K-9 Dep. Chico. Chico alerted on the trunk of the vehicle.

Inside the trunk, Dep. Gerholdt found a baggie with marijuana inside weighing 29.3 grams.

The deputy also found a bong inside a plastic shopping bag.

Both men said the marijuana was theirs and had been purchased just hours before the traffic stop.

One man, said he thought an old roommate had stolen the bong. The other man said the other man's brother had broken one of a pair of specially made bongs several years ago during sexual intercourse and this was the only one left.

Both men were charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, Fiasco was also charged with Failure to Notify DMV of his address change.

Hawley posted a $1,120 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail. Fiasco posted a $1,240 bail bond and was released.

Woman Denies Chasing Man
Inside His Residence with
Taser, Butcher Knife

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Latonya Pate, 20, of 1205 35th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Latonya Pate

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, Pate went to the residence of an unidentified victim in the 900 block of 35th Avenue West, Bradenton, with a butcher knife and a Taser in her hands.

She started walking toward the victim, telling him that she was going to kill him.

The victim was forced to get behind his truck and eventually run inside his residence to call 911.

When two deputies arrived, they observed no injuries to the victim and obtained affidavits from the victim and witnesses.

A deputy went down the street to where the offender lived, but the offender approached another deputy in the meantime.

The victim was brought to the scene and positively identified Pate as the offender who threatened him.

Pate was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Post-Miranda, Pate said she had gone to bed, was never outside, didn't go down the street and didn't threaten anyone. She said the neighborhood "is saying everything about her because of a recent incident she was involved in."

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

Man Arrested for Biting,
Choking Girlfriend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Derek Charles Gladkowski, 29, of 619 Palm Avenue, Ellenton.

Derek Charles Gladkowski

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at about 9:30 p.m., Derek and his girlfriend got in an argument that became physical when Derek grabbed the unnamed victim around the neck, cutting of her ability to breath.

He then poked her in the face with his finger.

He let her go, but then put his hands around her neck again, cutting off her ability to breathe. The victim thought that she would pass out, the report said.

He also bit her face.

A deputy observed a faint half bite mark on her right cheek. There were also faint marks on the left side of her neck.

The victim did not require any treatment by EMS.

Derek was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation. There was also a warrant for Non-Support out against him.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bail.

Deputy Arrests Man for
Carrying Concealed
Weapon

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Malcolm Jamal Matthews, 23, of 2804 4th Street East, Bradenton.

Malcolm Jamal Matthews

The arrest report said on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at about 9 p.m., a deputy responded as backup for another deputy on a traffic stop.

Upon arrival of the second deputy, the first deputy informed him that he had stopped the vehicle because the tag was not assigned to the vehicle. The first deputy also said that when he initiated his traffic stop by turning on his blue lights, he saw an object thrown from the passenger window.

The 1st deputy stopped and picked up the object and found that there were unknown prescription pills inside.

At that point, he detained the persons inside the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, the 1st deputy found a Kel-Tec 9mm handgun underneath the rear passenger seat where Matthews had been sitting. It was loaded with a magazine and another magazine was found in the box in which the gun was found.

The 2nd deputy asked Matthews about the weapon and Matthews allegedly said, "Yeah, it's mine. I usually keep it in a box."

He was asked if he had a Concealed Weapons Permit and Matthews said, "No."

Matthews was arrested and charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $2,000.

Man Arrested for Burglary,
Dealing in Stolen Property

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jose Quinones, 38, of an unknown address in Bradenton.

Jose Quinones

The victim, Felicia Quinones, called to report a burglary at her residence in the 4000 block of 7th Street East, Bradenton. The items stolen were a camcorder from her locked bedroom, a painting and a converter. Felicia believed her son Jose may have been involved because he has a drug problem and he was there when she went to visit a family member.

Through Investigation, Deputy Escher discovered that Jose frequented the Flea Market at 5612 15th Street East.

Dep. Escher went to that location and found a painting that matched the description of the one missing from Felicia's home at one of the booths belonging to Javier Ramos.

The victim, Felicia Quinones, positively identified the painting as hers. She also located a lawn mower that belonged to her but never reported it stolen.

Jose was identified as the person who sold the painting and lawnmower to Javier.

Jose was later located in the 1200 block of 57th Avenue West and arrested.

He was charged with Burglary, two counts of Theft, two counts of Dealing in Stolen Property and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $9,860.

Woman Robbed Outside
Hi Way Bar in Bradenton

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was robbed by a White male on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at a few minutes before midnight, outside the Hi Way bar, 420 301 Blvd. East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said deputies were dispatched to the above location.

According to the victim, Christine Ann Cundiff, of the 2000 block of 13th Street West, Bradenton, she was outside of the Hi Way Bar waiting on a cab.

An unknown White male in his 30s approached her asking her if she wanted a ride. The male pulled up in gold SUV.

The victim said the suspect came up from behind and pushed her to the ground.

The suspect then grabbed her by the neck and demanded money.

The victim said she gave the suspect $40.00 in cash.

The suspect then fled in an unknown direction.

There was no further description of the robber in the report.

Infant, 17 Months Old, Taken to
Hospital with Burns on Legs;
Under Investigation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an infant child with burns was taken to a local hospital. The story given to medical staff doesn't appear to be the truth.

A sheriff's report said on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, at about 5:15 a.m., a 17-month old child was brought into Manatee Memorial Hospital with 2nd degree burns to both inner thighs.

It is unknown what exactly caused the injury, but it was alleged that the injury was a rash from the child being left in an extremely soiled diaper for several days.

The injury does not appear consistent with that allegation, the report said.

Child Protective Services was contacted and the investigation is continuing.

The child, whose name and address were not given, was released to a family member, Lt. Barry Overstreet said.

Sarasota Sheriff Makes
Child Pornography Arrest

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Thomas M. Wetherington, 40, of 1715 Pattison Avenue, Sarasota, and charged him with nine counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

Thomas M. Wetherington

In May, detectives received a complaint reporting that Wetherington had inappropriate pictures on his cell phone.

The resulting investigation discovered the suspect had stored nine pornographic images of children, possibly between the ages of eight and 14 years old, on his phone.

Wetherington was arrested on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, and booked into the Sarasota County Jail.

Woman Arrested for Child
Abuse and Child Neglect

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Warrant Squad arrested a woman Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, on Child Abuse and Child Neglect charges, following an investigation that began May 3. Arrested Wednesday was Jessica Dawn Nicol, 24, at 2310 N. Beach Rd.

Jessica Dawn Nicol

A deputy was flagged down by Nicol and her boyfriend, Jonathan Snyder, near Chadwick Park who said her mother had her two-year-old daughter and would not return her.

The deputy met with her mother who said she was reluctant returning her granddaughter to her mother due to suspected abuse. The deputy reported, “Nearly every body part had a bruise of some extent. It appeared that the bruises were in different stages of developing. There was a cut under her armpit and behind both ears; the child’s upper and lower lips were cut.” The abuse was reportedly was occurring at Nicol and Snyder’s residence then in the 1800 block of Shadow Lane, Englewood.

Major Crimes Unit detectives responded and also called the Department of Children and Families to the home to investigate. It was determined that the child should be left with the grandmother until all agencies' investigations were completed.

The case against Nicol was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office and an arrest warrant was issued.

Nicol was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and posted a $10,000 bond. Snyder has failed to come in for interviews and the case remains open at this time.

Palmetto Doctor Gets 9 Years
for Illegally Prescribing Pain
Medication, Medicare Fraud

TAMPA, Florida [NMT/USAG] -- On Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich sentenced Doctor Jeffrey Friedlander, 50, a physician from Palmetto, Florida, to nine years, and Troy Wubbena, 44, a physician's assistant from Tampa, to ten years, in federal prison for conspiring to defraud Medicare and for
illegally prescribing controlled substances, primarily Oxycodone, Morphine, Hydrocodone, and Alprazolam.

Jeffrey Friedlander

The court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $317,047.13, for which Wubbena and Friedlander were held jointly and severally liable. This amount represents the value of the proceeds the defendants received as a result of their illegal activities.

The Court also ordered the forfeiture of Wubbena’s right, title and interest in his Florida Physician Assistant License and Friedlander's right, title and interest in his DEA Registrations and Florida Medical License.

According to court documents, Friedlander was a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida in the areas of Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pain Management and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He practiced primarily out of a medical business known as " Neurology and Pain Center," (NPC) with clinics located in Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. Wubbena, a physician assistant with an active license to practice in the State of Florida, was prohibited from dispensing, administering, or prescribing controlled substances. He worked under the supervision of Doctor Friedlander and was part owner of the clinics with Doctor Friedlander. Doctor Friedlander, was also a participating physician in Medicare who submitted claims for reimbursement under Medicare Part B, and wrote prescriptions for controlled substances to Medicare beneficiaries that were filled under Medicare Part D.

According to court documents, during the course of the operation of the NPC, Friedlander had allowed the prescribing of controlled substances to patients by unauthorized employees, including Wubbena, without his presence, participation and adequate supervision. They would use blank prescription forms pre-signed by Doctor Friedlander. Many of these prescriptions were issued for controlled substances to patients without conducting adequate physical exams, making proper diagnosis or considering alternative treatment options. The defendants know that the patients were misusing or abusing the controlled substances. This practice of illegally prescribing controlled substances was confirmed through the use of undercover detectives of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office who posed as patients. The agents visited Neurology and Pain Center clinics on six occasions.

Court documents also state that between 2005 and March of 2009, Friedlander and Wubbena caused the submission of false claims to Medicare for reimbursement for services that had not been performed. Additionally during that time, Friedlander and Wubbena caused to be submitted false claims for Medicare reimbursement for office visits that were coded at the highest degree of complication requiring detailed interface with the treating physician when in fact they had not been performed or coded. As part of the scheme, Doctor Friedlander and Wubbena entered and caused to be entered false information in patient files to create false documentation to support the claims submitted to Medicare.

Bradenton Man Gets 10 Years for
Promoting Tax Fraud Scheme

TAMPA, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew sentenced Joseph Nelson Sweet, 66, of Bradenton, to ten years in federal prison for conspiring to impair and impede the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by promoting an unlawful tax avoidance scheme.

Sweet was found guilty by a jury on March 10, 2010 of four charges related to the tax scheme, including two counts of contempt. According to court documents and testimony at trial, Sweet began marketing and selling tax-defier materials in the mid-1990's. He and co-conspirator Jack Lee Malone (who was sentenced on June 15, 2010), joined forces in 1999 to sell and promote a scheme by which they claimed that purchasers could legally avoid the payment of federal income taxes by, among other things, placing income and assets in 'sham' trusts called Unincorporated Business Trust Organizations (UBTOs).

They sold these trusts and other materials through two of their own UBTOs, "The Joy Foundation" and "EDM Enterprises." Further, Sweet and Malone instructed their clients that income generally is not taxable and that filing a federal income tax return is a strictly voluntary act. The evidence also established that Sweet and Malone instructed clients to submit obstructive paperwork or otherwise deceive the IRS and to illegally conceal their income and assets. At trial, records of The JoY Foundation showed that Sweet and Malone had recruited more than 1300 members across the nation. At the sentencing hearing today, Judge Bucklew determined that Sweet was responsible for a tax loss to the United States of more than $3.8 million.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 10/23/2010 2:00:17 PM

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