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House Cleaner Busted for
Grand Theft of Jewelry
from Victim

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Kayla Kathleen Newbern, 20, of 4710 50th Street West, Bradenton.

Kayla Newbern

According to the arrest report from BPD, on December 12, 2011, the Bradenton Police Department responded to a residence in the 3700 block of Summerwind Circle regarding a theft that had occurred.

Upon arrival of the initial reporting officer, it was learned that Newbern had been employed by the victim, Wanda Nepell, for house cleaning purposes. during the employment of Newbern, several pieces of jewelry had been discovered missing from the residence.

On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, BPD Detective Page traveled to America's Super Pawn in an attempt to located the victim's missing items. When Det. Page provided Newbern's name, the manager said she was last in the business on November 23rd of this year.

The detective was able to photograph the jewelry and showed the photos to Ms. Nepell, who positively identified all the jewelry as belonging to her.

Det. Page then interviewed Newbern at police headquarters.

Newbern said she had been employed by Ms. Nepell for about 2 years. During the summer months, Newbern began to take jewelry from the victim's residence and pawn the items in order to pay her rent and other bills, she told the detective post-Miranda.

Newbern said she received about $850 for the jewelry pawned on November 23rd.

Newbern was arrested and charged with Grand Theft After Trust and Dealing in Stolen Property.

She later posted a $2,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Manatee K-9 Captures Fleeing
Stolen Vehicle Suspect

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Russell Puhl, 27, of Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Russell Puhl and MSO K-9 Rex

A sheriff's report said on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at about 10:30 p.m., K-9 Deputy Wolfinger observed a silver Honda that had been report stolen earlier out of the Bradenton Police Department driving westbound in the area of 1st Street and Cortez Rd."

He followed the vehicle and waited for back-up to arrive.

When back-up arrived, Dep. Wolfinger attempted to initiate a traffic stop at the 4400 block of 1st Street, but the driver refused to stop. He then drove westbound on Cortez Road/44th Avenue West, then turned northbound on 14th Street West.

The driver finally stopped at 3506 14th Street West and bailed.

K-9 was directly behind the vehicle and Dep. Wolfinger's dog was released.

The driver, Russell Puhl, was apprehended by K-9 Rex.

Puhl was charged with Grand Theft Auto, Fleeing to Elude, Resisting Arrest without Violence and Driving While License Suspended (3rd or subsequent offense).

Puhl remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $11,750.

Man Threatens Woman with
"Three Bullets to Her Head"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Kronk, 29, of Bradenton.

Robert Kronk

A sheriff's report said the victim, Ami Stewart, 30, dated the suspect for two weeks, but they did not have an imminent relationship.

On Thursday, December 15, 2011, at about 1:45 a.m., the victim was at a club in the 4300 block of 26th Street West, with her new boyfriend.

Kronk told the victim he wanted to talk to her, and she told him "No."

Kronk then grabbed the victim by the wrist and dragged her toward the bathroom.

The victim attempted to break free, but was unable to until they got to the bathroom entrance.

During the incident, Kronk told the victim he was going to put three bullets in her head.

After breaking free, the victim left the club with her boyfriend.

The victim was not injured during the incident.

The suspect was located at his residence and arrested.

Kronk was charged with False Imprisonment and Battery.

As of Thursday afternoon, Kronk remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $4,250.

BPD: Lead Waitress for Local
Restaurant Stole Payments
of Customers' Food Bills

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Jennifer M. Fitts, 26, of 108 65th Street NE, Bradenton.

Jennifer Fitts

The arrest report said Fitts was employed by the Bradenton restaurant known as Firkin & Fox, 2505 Manatee Avenue East.

Between October 1st and November 17th, while working at the restaurant, Fits used a manger's card to override the computerized bill payment system to void about 60 orders, which amounted to approximately $1,500. All of he orders she voided were cash payments. Instead of putting the money in the cash register, Fitts kept the money for herself. She did not have permission to do so.

On November 21, the owner of the restaurant confronted Fitts about the theft of the money. Fitts allegedly signed a hand written statement that the owner wrote, which indicated that she had done so.

The owner of the restaurant signed an affidavit on December 5th.

On December 8th, an interview was conducted of Fitts by BPD Detective Camacho. During the interview, Fitts confessed to voiding numerous bills while she was working, the report said, but she disputed the amount. She said she only took between $500-600 in cash.

She said she took the money to help her mother with personal financial obligations, in addition to her personal addiction to prescription pain medication.

Fitts was arrested and charged with Grand Theft by Embezzlement.

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

Injured Deer Euthanized
by Manatee Deputy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy was forced to euthanize a deer on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at about 7 p.m., in the vicinity of 162nd Avenue East and Golf Course Road, in Eastern Manatee County.

A sheriff's report said a young two point buck was struck by an unknown vehicle while in the roadway.

Upon law enforcement's arrival, the deer was bleeding from its mouth and was limping along the side of the road. The deer then fell to the ground several times and ultimately landed in the ditch. The deer appeared to have a broken leg and was suffering.

F.W.C. was notified and had the director of The Animal Care and Education center respond. She advised that there was not much she could do for the deer, saying that most deer would limp into the wood line and seeing how this one could not even make it through the light brush along the road, she believed that the deer was severely injured.

Deputy Dugan euthanized the deer by shooting it two times in the head.

The deer was then removed from the area.

Palmetto's New Life Baptist
Church Hosts Gun Buyback
This Saturday

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- A church is hosting a gun buyback which will be overseen by the Palmetto Police Department.

Anyone who would like to turn in a weapon could do so at this event and receive one $25 gift certificate.

The event will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 17, 2011, just in time for the holiday season.

During the buyback, residents may turn in prescription drugs, firearms and weapons with no questions asked by any member of the church or police department.

Gift certificates will be limited to one per household, specifically awarded for gun donation and distributed on a first come, first served basis.

The New Life Baptist church is located at 609 9th St. W., Palmetto.

Sarasota Sheriff Issues
Scam Warning

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about seasonal door-to-door scams, most recently a scheme where people pose as students involved in a fundraiser.

Reported incidents indicate that well-dressed college-age young men are approaching people under the guise of raising money for a school trip. They claim that they attend local universities and that their parents live nearby.

The pitch differs, but on some occasions the suspects ask for $118 for a trip to an overseas sports tournament. If the homeowner seems hesitant they reduce the price and offer magazine subscriptions. The suspect will even present an official looking flyer and receipt, but they do not contain valid information.

In a separate but similar scam, the perpetrator claims to be a state or county worker doing tree work or other contracting in the area. On at least one occasion, the suspect has distracted the victim, entered their home and left with their checkbook or valuables.

However the scam plays out, SSO wants to remind residents to not open their door to uninvited guests, even if they claim to be neighbors or claim to be doing official work.

Anyone who feels unsafe should call the Sheriff’s Office immediately so deputies can contact the individuals and verify the nature of their business. Call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number 941.316.1201.

Police: Woman Posed as
Nurse in Home Invasion;
2 Still at Large

KISSIMMEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Kissimmee police are looking for a gunman and a woman who posed as a nurse after a 62-year-old woman was robbed during a home invasion, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, L to R, Jennifer Deliz and Robeto Gonzalez

Police said they're searching for 26-year-old Jennifer Deliz and 23-year-old Roberto Gonzalez, both of Kissimmee. Police said they were identified through an investigation after the Friday incident.

According to Kissimmee police, officers were called to a house on Oak Run Boulevard, where a woman said a woman wearing hospital scrubs knocked on her door and offered her nursing services. When the woman opened her door, a man entered the home and pointed a gun at the homeowner's chest, police said.

The man demanded money from the woman and threatened to kill her, police said. Another man outside the home told the gunman to take the woman to the bathroom to keep her quiet, police said.

The woman waited a while before leaving the bathroom and then called police.

The woman said $15,000 in jewelry was stolen from her home.

Detectives later showed the woman a photo array and she identified Deliz and Gonzalez, police said.

Arrest warrants on numerous charges, including home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping and grand theft have been issued for the pair, WKMG said.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Deliz or Gonzalez is asked to call the Kissimmee Police Department at 407-846-3333 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

FDLE Arrests 48 in Child
Computer Sex Crimes
Investigation, Including
One Man from Sarasota

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 48 child predators as part of a six-month investigation known as Operation Amalgamate. The investigation began in July after Attorney General Pam Bondi and FDLE merged the FDLE’s Computer Crime Center and the AG’s Child Predator Cybercrime Unit to more effectively investigate online child exploitation.

Stephen Mizner

The merger created specialized units within FDLE focused on investigating internet sex crimes against juveniles.

“The arrests in Operation Amalgamate show the strength of what has become one team with one goal – to find and arrest internet predators attempting to victimize our children,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “Thanks to General Bondi’s leadership, the merger has allowed FDLE to expand its squads statewide.”

"We are committed to protecting our children from cybercrimes, and I commend the law enforcement community for their continued dedication to stopping these criminals from exploiting our children," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Operation Amalgamate investigators found child sex predators in chat rooms, utilizing instant messaging, texting, dating sites, social networks and even online classified ads. FDLE agents in partnership with local law enforcement agencies arrested 48 suspects in 17 Florida counties.

“Operation Amalgamate clearly demonstrates a successful collaboration between local and state law enforcement to address this serious issue,” said President of the Florida Police Chief’s Association and Tampa International Airport Chief of Police Paul Sireci.

In addition to the arrests, FDLE assisted with nine local operations working with the Florida Sheriff’s Association, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and others. FDLE also provided computer crime investigative training to more than 700 law enforcement officers and computer safety training for thousands of Florida citizens.

Arrests in the sting included Stephen Mizner, 41, of Sarasota.

As NewsManatee earlier reported, Mizner agreed to meet with what he believed to be a mother and her 10-year-old child and have sex with both. Mizner was charged with two counts Computer Pornography, one count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device & one count Attempted Sexual Battery.

FHP: Drive Sober or
Get Pulled Over

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT/FHP] -- Gov. Rick Scott recently proclaimed December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.

As part of Florida’s focus on safe highway travel during the holiday season, the Florida Highway Patrol will join thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, a nationwide campaign targeting impaired driving, beginning tomorrow through Jan. 2, 2012.

Impaired driving is one of the deadliest crimes, especially during the holiday period. During the 2010 Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel period, approximately 35 percent of the traffic fatalities in Florida were alcohol related. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who comply with our state’s traffic laws and use sound judgment can help make the holiday period safer and less stressful for everyone.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Woman Assisting Man Who
Can't See Helps Herself
to His Money Order

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Carrie Louise Sessions, 33, of 3837 116th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Carrie Sessions

The arrest report said on Monday, December 12, 2011, at about 6 p.m., Sessions stopped by the house of the unnamed victim in the 3500 block of 53rd Avenue West. The report said the elderly man cannot see, so Sessions usually stops by every 4 days and has cooked for him and cleaned for him.

On Monday, he asked her to fill out 4 money orders, so she proceeded to do so. On one, made out to Brighthouse, she crossed out Brighthouse and filled in her own name.

Then she borrowed the man's tricycle, went to her house and got a friend to take her to Amscott to cash the money order that she had forged.

Amscott became suspicious because the name Brighthouse had been crossed out, so they called the victim.

He said he never gave her permission to fill in her own name on the money order.

Sessions was arrested and charged with Uttering a Forged Instrument and Altering an Instrument.

She later posted a bail bond of $2,000 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Woman Surprises Burglar;
Arrested Shortly Afterward

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested John Pappas-Pappakostas, 25, of Bradenton.

John Pappas-Pappakostas

A sheriff's report said on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at about 9:30 a.m., Annie Hetzner arrived at her uncle's house in the 4400 block of 57th Street West to feed his cats while he is out of town.

She discovered a White male, later identified as John Pappas-Pappakostas, inside the bedroom.

The White male fled northbound on 57th Street West as Annie called 911.

A perimeter was established and K9 responded.

John was spotted walking on 67th Street West towards Cortez Rd.

He was stopped and placed under arrest, charged with Burglary.

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

Two Arrested After Man
Stabbed Multiple Times

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Angela Hamilton, 48, and Wallace Edwards, 58, both of Palmetto.

Above, L to R, Angela Hamilton and Wallace Edwards

As NewsManatee earlier reported, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a stabbing incident that occurred on Friday, December 9, 2011, possibly around 8 p.m., at a residence in the 2600 block of 2nd Avenue East, Palmetto.

A brief sheriff's report said the victim, Kirkland Hamilton, 52, drove himself to Manatee Memorial Hospital in his mother’s vehicle.

The victim suffered several stab wounds and was transported to Blake Medical Center, with life-threatening wounds. A box cutter was used to slash Kirkland's stomach. When he resisted, he was also cut twice on his side and back.

The victim, Kirkland, remains at Blake Hospital in critical condition.

Detectives believe this was a domestic related incident.

Both Hamilton and Edwards were charged with Premeditated Attempted Murder.

They both remain in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $500,000 each.

Man Arrested for Going
Number 1, Number 2 in
Front of Witness, Deputy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Daniel Thomas Whitlock, 49, a homeless man.

Daniel Whitlock

The arrest report said on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at about 5:30 p.m., someone called the sheriff's office to report seeing Whitlock urinate in public.

Upon arrival, a deputy only warned Whitlock, as the deputy had not seen the act himself.

Immediately afterward, Whitlock walked across the street to the parking lot of Bubba's Too bar at 5435 15th Street East.

Once there, he dropped his pants and squatted, defecating in the parking lot. Both the deputy and the witness saw the act.

The witness said Whitlock's action offended her, especially since he did it in public with no regard for others around.

When the deputy went across the street and spoke to Whitlock, he said "he had several drinks today and that he was headed up to the panhandle to get more money for beer," the report stated.

The deputy tested Whitlock's breath for alcohol and Whitlock blew a .270, more than 3 times the legal limit in Florida, which is 0.08.

Whitlock was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $220.

Internet Cafe, Patrons
Robbed at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at about 3 a.m., at the Fun N Sun Internet Cafe, 6245 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said two armed Black males entered the Fun N Sun Internet Cafe, armed with guns.

They took property off the seven patrons inside, as well as property belonging to the business.

The pair fled out the scene on foot.

Many units responded, and K-9 attempted a track.

The investigation continues.

The robbers were described as two Black males, 5'8''-5'10'' and 6'0''-6'2'' tall; both were dressed in dark clothes with hoodies, and their faces were covered.

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 Walking Dog Shoots
Attacking Pit Bull; Deputies
Forced to Finish the Job

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported it was forced to euthanize a dog that had been shot on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, sometime between 10:10 and 11 p.m., in the vicinity of the 5500 block of 16th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said Richard Rucker, 52, was walking his dog on a leash when a pit bull that was chained to a tree at the above address broke free and charged him.

The pit bull began attacking Rucker's dog, and Rucker said the dog was coming towards him, placing him in fear for his safety, along with his dog.

Rucker drew his legally carried handgun, and shot one round at the pit bull, striking it.

The dog fled into the woods.

Deputies located the pit bull, who had been mortally wounded.

The dog was euthanized by deputies.

Animal Control responded.

Underground Copper Wiring
Stolen from Street Lights

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the theft of a large amount of copper wire sometime between December 6, 2011, and December 13, 2011.

The brief sheriff's report said an unknown person entered access boxes for light poles between the 5500 and 6500 blocks of Honore Avenue, in South Manatee County.

The person pulled a large amount of copper wire from under ground through the conduit it was run through during installation.

The unknown person then left the scene by unknown means in an unknown direction.

The report noted the amount and weight of the wire would have required a vehicle to transport it.

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

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

Rashad Lee Steen Arrested
for 3 Attempted Murders,
Including Bradenton Teen

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested a man they say is responsible for three attempted murders.

Rashad Steen

Sarasota Police Detectives arrested Rashad Lee Steen, 20, for Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and three counts of Attempted Murder. There are additional perpetrators involved in this shooting and the investigation is continuing.

At approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2011, Sarasota Police Officers heard multiple gunshots in the area of N. Washington Blvd and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. As officers were responding to the scene, calls were received advising of 40-50 shots fired and multiple shooting victims at 2530 N. Washington Blvd.

Officers arrived on the scene and located three victims that had each suffered multiple gunshot wounds. All of the victims had been occupants of a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. Two of the victims were still inside of the vehicle when officers arrived.

The victims have been identified as Raheem Maxwell, 20, 2300 block of Leon Avenue; Laderrius Williams, 19, 3200 block of Newtown Blvd.;, and Mikal Carnegie, 18, 600 block of 26th Avenue, Bradenton. Williams and Maxwell were transported to Blake Medical Center with critical injuries; Carnegie was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact Detective Michael Jackson at 941-954-7096.

Murder/Suicide Reported in
Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a male and female, which occurred at their residence located in the 4000 block of Carriage Dr., Sarasota, on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at about 3 p.m.

According to Wendy Rose, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, it was a murder/suicide.

The victims were identified as husband and wife; Ronald Eldredge, 69; and Beverly Eldredge, 67, who lived at the address.

They both died as a result of gunshot wounds.

Police: 3 Children Found
Home Alone; Mom Arrested

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An Ocala mother was arrested Monday on charges of child neglect after officials found three children home alone, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Tara L. Wygant, 28, was arrested on three counts of child neglect.

The children, ages 4, 6 and 9, were found in their Ocala home after their mother's abandoned car was found with the keys in the ignition.

Deputies tracked down Wygant, who said she left the children with their father. She also said she went to a friend's house when she had car trouble, but deputies said her car was in working condition.

Authorities said the children were upset and crying and said they were hungry and thirsty. The only food in the house was candy, deputies said. It's not known exactly how long the children were home alone.

The children were placed in the care of their grandfather and the Department of Children and Families was notified.

Wygant was booked into the Marion County Jail and later released on bond, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

'Tis the Season...for Shoplifting;
Three Women Arrested for
Felony Retail Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jennifer Kiger, 38, of 5315 31st Circle East; Kortney Kammerer, 18, of 833 32nd Avenue East; and Karen Castellanos, 21, of 4911 21st Street East, all of Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Jennifer Kiger, Kortney Kammerer and Karen Castellanos

Christmas is the time of year when shoplifting skyrockets. We've gathered the worst of the shoplifters over the past several days to tell you about. In the meantime, please remember: "If you see something, say something." We're sure our local retailers will appreciate any assistance they can get.

On Friday, September 9, 2011, at about 11 p.m., Jennifer Kiger entered the Big Lots store located at 5108 15th Street East and proceeded to select merchandise and conceal it inside her purse. She then proceeded to the checkout line with a full shopping cart.

MSO was called and store employees confronted Kiger wile she stood at the end of the line at the register. Kiger grabbed her purse and proceeded toward the exit, passing all points of sale. An employee retrieved a purple jewelry box and silver snowmen ornaments from Kiger's purse. Kiger then started to walk out of the store, followed by the employees.

MSO arrived and employees pointed to Kiger, saying, "That's her." Kiger was arrested and charged with Felony Retail Theft. Why? The items she took were only worth $8. But the arrest report said a computer check revealed that Kiger had previously been convicted 4 times; in 1997, 1998, 2008 and 2009. So, what might have been a misdemeanor is now a felony.

Then, on Saturday, December 10, 2011, Kortney Kammerer and another female entered the Walmart store located at 6225 State Road 64 East. She went to the women's section, selected items, removing the tags, placing the items in Walmart shopping bags and exited the store, passing all points of sale. Loss prevention personnel stopped her in the parking lot and MSO was called. Kammerer told a deputy that she was told by the unknown female to remove the tags and put everything in the bags and walk out.

Total value of the stolen and recovered merchandise was $322.77. Kammerer was charged with Grand Theft Retail.

Finally, on Monday, December 12, 2011, at about 8 p.m., Karen Castellanos entered the Kohls Department Store located at 5205 University Parkway. She selected numerous items, including jewelry, clothing and fragrances, and a large purse, and headed into a fitting room. When she left the fitting room, loss prevention noticed the fitting room was empty. None of the merchandise she had selected was in there, nor was it in her hand.

Castellanos passed all points of sale with the merchandise concealed in her purse, making no attempt to pay. Loss prevention stopped her in the parking lot and MSO was called. Loss prevention told a deputy that Castellano was also in two weeks ago and attempted to take about $1,000 in merchandise, but she dropped her bag prior to leaving the store.

The amount of merchandise she attempted to take this time was valued at $855.50.

Castellanos was charged with Grand Theft Retail.

Because her bond was revoked on a previous felony retail theft charge, Kiger remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $6,000. Kammerer was released from the jail on her own recognizance, supervised. And Castellanos posted a $1,000 cash bond and was released.

Man Inadvertently Tells Deputy
Where He Stole a Bike From

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dennis Cline, 31, of 1308 111th Street East, Bradenton.

Dennis Cline

According to the arrest report, on Monday, December 12, 2011, at about 12:30 a.m., Cline entered the Hess gas station located at 11002 State Road 64 East and asked the clerk, Patti-Ann Sheehan, if he was allowed to take the 7-Up shelving in the dumpster.

The clerk gave him permission and Cline loaded the shelving and also took a black bicycle parked next to the dumpster belonging to Sheehan.

He didn't count on passing Dep. Joel Taylor, who observed Cline's SUV pulling a trailer at the stop light on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and SR 64 East.

When Dep. Taylor was at Upper Manatee River Road and SR 64, the SUV and trailer crossed over the road. Once both the deputy and Cline were on Upper Manatee River Road, the deputy noticed several white cardboard pieces fly off the trailer and continue traveling north.

When the deputy saw this, he made a U-turn and began following Cline. The deputy noticed the trailer had no tag light and initiated a traffic stop.

The deputy has dealt with Cline in the past and knew his license was suspended.

When the deputy asked Cline where he got all the items on the back of his trailer, he said it was "all his stuff" and he just got the shelves at the Hess gas station.

The deputy had another deputy respond to Hess to confirm Cline's story, and learned that the Hess clerk, Sheehan, had just had her bicycle stolen.

After about ten minutes, Cline admitted that he took the bike.

The value of the bicycle is $400. It was returned to Sheehan.

Cline, however, was arrested and charged with Grand Theft.

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

According to the sheriff's website, this is the third jailing for Cline since September 15th.

Feisty Female Battery Suspect
Punches Manatee Jailer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Lisa Sheffield, 45, of 7719 24th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Lisa Sheffield

According to one of two arrest reports for Sheffield, on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at about 10:15 p.m., she was at the above location.

She and the victim, John Mann, live together as a family and are related.

At that time, Sheffield got into an argument with Mann because she takes multiple prescription medications.

The argument turned physical when Sheffield intentionally scratched at the victim's neck, leaving a laceration about 2 inches in length. Sheffield sustained no injuries.

Then, at about 1 a.m., at the Manatee County Jail, a deputy was doing a pat-down of Sheffield. During this, Sheffield was ordered to spread her feet apart.

She refused all orders given and the deputy used her right foot to widen Sheffield's stance.

Sheffield turned off the wall and punched the deputy in the face.

The incident was captured on a jail video recording.

Sheffield was charged with Domestic Battery and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $2,250.

Man Smashes Beer Bottle
on Other Man's Face

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Magdle Garcia-Ordonez, 22, of 709 60th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

Magdle Garcia-Ordonez

The arrest report said on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at about 2:45 a.m., Magdle and Leopoldo Morales were drinking beer outside of the listed residence when they got into a dispute.

The dispute turned physical when Magdle took a beer bottle and hammer-fisted Morales on the left side of his forehead.

The resulting blow caused the beer bottle to break on Morales' head. When the bottle broke, the glass caused a deep laceration to the side of his head.

Magdle then fled the scene on foot.

EMS responded and treated Morales, who declined to be transported to the hospital.

The surrounding area was searched for Magdle, who was eventually located hiding in a shed in the neighboring yard.

He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm.

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

Brazen Daytime Burglary
Nets Thief Over $25,000
in Stolen Jewelry, Guns

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary on Monday, December 12, 2011, to a residence in the 2200 block of 67th Street Court East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said unknown suspect(s) entered the listed residence sometime on Monday between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Once inside the suspect(s) ransacked the master bedroom, taking between $25,000-$30,000 in jewelry, along with several firearms.

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.

Sons of the American Revolution
Remember 70th Anniversary
of Attack on Pearl Harbor,
December 7, 1941

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The majority of Americans living today were likely not born until the attack on Pearl Harbor was ancient history. Most can now place where they were when those four aircraft commandeered by terrorists destroyed a lot of American real estate, and many lives, on September 9, 2001.

Left to Right: Col. Chuck Sweeney, Adjutant of the Florida Society, SAR;
WW II Veterans: Richard Quigley, U.S. Army; Richard Kichline,
U.S. Navy; Robert Grant, Sr., U.S. Marine Corps; and
Charles Riegle, President, Saramana Chapter, SAR
(Photo by Billie Lowe, Korean War Veteran,
Publicity Chair, Saramana Chapter, SAR)

Billie Lowe, Publicity Chair of the Saramana chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, can do both. On December 7, 1941, he was coming home from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, in the back seat of his aunt's 1935 Chevy Coupe. He was 13 years old.

Last February, the Saramana Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, in partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, recognized 26 living recipients of that decoration. This was not meant to be a one-time event.

More recently, the Saramana Chapter and the Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution recognized four of its own members from that era.

There are currently less than two million of these "warriors," and they are dying off at the rate of over a thousand per day. They will soon be just a memory, so it behooves all Americans to recognize those that are still living now.

We all are their legacy; our world as we know it would be very different without their service.

We thank them all, living and dead.

Florida Highway Patrol Makes
False Imprisonment Arrest;
Was Going to Abandon
Wife in the Everglades

VENICE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested Tonie Antwan Kennerdy, 30, of Venice.

Tonie Kennerdy

On December 10, 2011, at 5:55 pm, the Florida Highway Patrol, Fort Myers Regional Communications Center began receiving calls from a female who claimed to be in a Dodge Durango, being held against her will by her husband. The caller advised that they were heading south on Interstate 75 from the 195 mile marker. The caller stated that the driver advised he was taking her to the Everglades, where he was going to abandon her.

It was also learned that the driver had apparently made a comment to the victim that she would be lucky if she survived. According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Kennerdy allegedly told her, “If you can survive this, you can survive anything.”

She continued to supply the Fort Myers Regional Communications Center with an updated location as her husband drove the Durango. The Fort Myers Regional Communications Center dispatched the call and notified the Troopers with the updated information.

The vehicle exited at Jacaranda Boulevard. It then reentered northbound Interstate 75. The caller advised that the driver told her he was taking her home and that she needed to remove her property from the residence once they got home. The duty officers continued to relay the appropriate information to the Troopers in an attempt to intercept this vehicle and investigate the caller's claims.

Troopers were able to intercept the vehicle and conduct a traffic stop in the area of the 207 mile marker northbound on Interstate 75. They were able to safely detain the driver and the passenger (complainant).

After conducting an investigation, probable cause was developed and the Florida Highway Patrol charged the driver, Kennerdy, with False Imprisonment and Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence.

The suspect was arrested without incident and transported to the Sarasota County Jail.

This incident between the husband and wife did not become physical.

Woman, 70, Attacked, Beaten
with Soda Can

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a 70-year-old woman was attacked and struck in the head with a soda can during a robbery attempt in Orlando, authorities said.

The woman was attacked Saturday night while walking near the Carver Park Apartments near downtown Orlando.

According to authorities, two men approached the woman from behind and one of them hit her in the head with a soda can.

The men tried to rob the woman, but she didn't have any money, authorities said.

The woman was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. Her condition is not known.

A detailed description of the assailants was not known, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Justin Bieber Poster Thief
Arrested for Molesting Girl,
15; He is a Registered Sex
Offender in Pinellas Co.

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested David M. Dowling, 23, a transient. NewsManatee reported Dowling stole a Justin Bieber poster at DeSoto Square Mall in August and was arrested for that. Now he has been charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a 15-year-old girl, and other charges.

David Dowling

According to the complaint filed on December 1st, BPD Detective Page was assigned to investigate a burglary in the area of Bayshore Gardens. Upon investigating, several suspect names were obtained from people in the area. One of the names provided was of an Asian/White male known only as "Dave," and that his age was 17. Further investigation led Det. Page to discover that "Dave" was David Dowling.

A BPD officer traveled to the burglary location and made contact with the underage victim; she is the granddaughter of the victim in the burglary that was being investigated. The officer learned that Dowling was known to the girl, and that he had told her that he was 17.

The officer reported to Det. Page that he believed that Dowling and the 15-year-old victim had been involved in a romantic relationship with each other.

Det. Page went to the victim's residence and made contact with her and her mother. With her mother present, the victim was asked how old she was, to which she answered "15." She was then asked how she met Dowling. She said the two met while hanging out a a friend's residence sometime during the summer months.

The relationship started off as friends, and then they began to date. She told Det. Page that Dowling had told her he was 17.

The girl said Dowling would fondle her breasts and her buttocks, both above and under her clothing, as well as kiss. Dowling had told her that he wanted to have sexual intercourse, and on several occasion would ask the girl to perform oral sex on him, but she denied his requests, the report said.

The girl said Dowling never told her he was 23 years old.

Det. Page learned that Dowling had been designated as a Sexual Offender in Pinellas County in October of 2008.

Dowling was arrested on a warrant on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, in the 6000 block of 14th Street West.

Since then, Dowling has been charged with Lewd & Lascivious Molestation on a Person 12-16 Years Old, Failure to Notify DHSMV of an Address Change, Contempt of Court for Failure to Appear on the Bieber poster shoplifting charge, and his bond on that charge was revoked.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

NewsManatee has also learned through a reliable confidential source that Dowling had also been seen hanging around Lee Middle School. Parents of children at Lee Middle School and Bayshore Elementary School have been notified of Dowling's sex offender status.

Autopsy Performed on Murdered
Woman, 29, Preliminary Cause
of Death Known, Not Released

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a body was found Sunday morning in Southeast Manatee County.

Nicole Scott, deceased
(Prior mug shot)

A press release said at approximately 11:00 a.m. Sunday, December 11, 2011, deputies responded to a body of a female, possibly in her 20s, in a ditch at the end of University Parkway in Southeast Manatee County.

The body was discovered by a man who was riding his motorcycle in the area.

The body was in a ditch to the north of University.

The victim has been identified as Nicole Rose Scott, 29, of Sarasota.

Detectives believe the victim died sometime in the two days prior to the finding of her body.

An autopsy was performed on Monday, December 12, 2011, which provided a preliminary cause of death. However, the cause of death is not being released at this time, the sheriff's office said.

Detectives continue to work the case as a homicide.

A confidential NewsManatee source informed us that the body was stripped of all clothing. That same source said the body had "trauma."

Scott has several arrests over the years in both Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

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.

This makes 16 homicides for the year overall in Manatee County; 12 in unincorporated Manatee County, 2 in the City of Bradenton and 2 in the City of Palmetto.

Man Stabbed During
Domestic Argument

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Glenna E. Slaughter, 45, of 2804 18th Street West, Bradenton.

Glenna Slaughter

The arrest report said Slaughter and William Gipp had been girlfriend and boyfriend for 17 years.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, at about 6:20 p.m., they got into an argument. An unnamed witness said they were both drunk and had been arguing since they picked up the witness.

The witness said she observed Gipp push Slaughter to the ground and she stepped in and told Gipp to stop.

She then observed Slaughter come out of the house with a big steak knife and then attacked Gipp with the knife.

The witness then went and locked herself in a room until law enforcement arrived.

Dep. Silva observed that Gipp had a stab wound to his midsection. He was then transported to Blake Medical Center where he was treated for his injury.

Slaughter gave consent to search her house and the knife was found and bagged by Deputy Lake, and placed into Property and Evidence.

Slaughter suffered a half an inch cut on her left forearm, which was treated at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Slaughter was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.

As of Monday afternoon, she remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $300,000.

According to NewsManatee archives, Slaughter was arrested in November for Felony Prostitution.

Man Arrested for Armed
Robbery at Bleachers

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Corey M. Crews, 25, of 1809 Harvard Avenue, in Bradenton.

Corey Crews

A sheriff's report said on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at about 7:30 p.m., Michael Barbre, 57, was standing in the parking lot of Bleachers bar located at 5606 14th Street West when Crews came up behind him, held a knife to his neck, and demanded Barbre's wallet.

Crews grabbed the wallet and fled into Southernaire Mobile Home Park.

Deputies arrived on scene and quickly established a perimeter.

A K-9 unit arrived and began to search the MHP for Crews who was later found hiding in a shed and placed into custody.

Crews was positively identified by an independent witness and placed under arrest. Crews was in possession of drug paraphernalia at the time.

VCTF took over the investigation and interviewed Crews.

Crews was also charged with a snatch and grab robbery earlier in the day, at about 4 p.m., at the 7-11 convenience store located at 5640 14th Street West, where he stole two cartons of cigarettes.

The charges against Crews are Armed Robbery, Petit Theft (2nd offense), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trespass.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $250,870.

Bradenton Police Take
Another Gun Off Streets

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Terrence Lilly, 21, of 1318 14th Street East, Bradenton.

Terrence Lilly

Lilly was stopped by BPD on Friday, December 9, 2011, at about 11:20 p.m., in the 1800 block of 13th Avenue East for having dark window tint.

During the traffic stop, an officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

After Lilly exited the vehicle, officers found 3 small bags of marijuana and a .357 Smith & Wesson handgun that was loaded with 5 rounds.

The gun was found under the driver's seat and was wrapped in a sock.

Lilly told the officers that it used to belong to his dad, who is deceased, and he was taking it to his uncle to be cleaned.

Lilly did not have a Concealed Weapons Permit, the report said.

He was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

He later posted a bail bond of $2,120 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man Shot in Leg During
Armed Robbery Attempt

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted armed robbery on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at about midnight, in the 500 block of 58th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said two Black males dressed in all black were on foot standing on the street approximately 50 feet from the victim, Juan Enriquez-Lopez, 44.

One of the Black males stated, "Give me money."

The Black male brandished a firearm and fired numerous rounds towards the victim.

The victim was struck by a bullet on his left lower leg.

The injury was not life-threatening.

He was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The would-be robbers were described as two Black males, one possibly named Alex, 5'8" tall, dressed in black clothing.

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 Says No to Pimps, Gets
Kicked, Punched, Robbed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at about 2 a.m., outside 1011 35th Avenue West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said Andres Perez, 23, reported that he and his uncle, Eber Perez, 29, were sitting outside by the back door to their apartment drinking some beers when they were approached by a White female and two Black males. Perez stated that they had never seen any of them and they asked Perez and his uncle if they wanted to do some "business."

Perez explained to a deputy that "business" meant to buy a prostitute.

Perez stated that when he and his uncle told them that they did not want to, one of the Black males kicked his uncle and began kicking his uncle while on the ground.

Perez stated that the other Black male and the White female then began punching him and he too fell to the ground.

A. Perez then felt one of them reach into his back right pocket and take out his wallet which contained $300 in cash.

The subjects then fled Westbound on 34th Avenue West.

The culprits were described as two Black males, wearing black shirts and blue jeans, 5'5" to 5' 10" tall, 165 pounds, both about 19 years old; and a White female, 5'4" tall, 135 pounds, between 19-25 years of age, last seen wearing a white shirt and black jeans.

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

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

Six Vehicles Burglarized;
One Stolen -- Crime Trend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported six vehicles were burglarized overnight between 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2011, and 7 a.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2011; one of those vehicles was stolen.

A sheriff's report said an unknown suspect entered multiple unlocked vehicles at the DeSoto Estates Mobile Home Park, 1219 51st Avenue East, Bradenton.

He found one with the keys in it and stole that car. He dumped it at the 2900 block 15th Street West, behind the car wash.

This incident could be related to a stolen/recovered auto in another case.

In that case, items were found inside the vehicle that possibly came from burglaries in Trailer Estates Mobile Home Park.

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.

Sheriff's Office Annual
Awards Announced

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has announced its annual awards. The awards were presented at the Sheriff's Office annual luncheon on Friday, December 9, 2011.

Detective Salvatore Levita was awarded Deputy of the Year for his quick and appropriate actions when a co-worker's teenage son went into a seizure during a Halloween party after experiencing a head injury earlier in the day.

Christian Rojas was awarded Employee of the Year for his expertise in lifting and transferring fingerprints of a decomposed body and submitting them for analysis, which resulted in an identification of the body.

Deputy Dan Whidden was awarded the Beall's Humanitarian award for his continuous support of students and his work to benefit the athletes through the Palmetto High School program, including uniform upkeep, facilities and field maintenance and coaching.

Reserve Deputy Thomas DeRouen was awarded the Robert Molter Memorial Volunteer award for 3,654 hours in assignments, including patrol, traffic and aviation, while also working full-time as an air traffic controller at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Missing Mom's Family Works Out
Custody Arrangement for Twins

SANFORD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A new custody agreement has been reached between the family of Michelle Parker, a missing mother of three who was last seen in mid-November, and her ex-fiance Dale Smith, the Parker family attorney told Fox News, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Parker vanished Nov. 17 after she appeared on an episode of "The People's Court" with Smith, who is the prime suspect in her disappearance. He has not been charged with any crime, however.

Smith, 40, has custody of the couple's 3-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. Parker also has an 11-year-old son from another relationship.

In an interview with Geraldo Rivera on Sunday, Parker's sister, Lauren Erickson, and Parker family attorney Matt Morgan said a new custody arrangement has been worked out.

"We were able to come to an agreement in regard to visitation with the granchildren," Morgan said.

Parker's mother, Yvonne Stewart, will now get to spend time with her grandchildren on a regular basis, said Morgan, who added that Stewart decorated a Christmas tree with the twins on Sunday.

Erickson said the twins have not been told about their mother's disappearance, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Punching,
Kicking, Groping Woman
Against Her Will Charged
Only with Simple Battery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jason David Berninger, 40, of 6735 Mauna Loa Blvd., in Sarasota.

Jason Berninger

According to the arrest report, late Thursday, December 8, 2011, at about 11 p.m., Rachel Rowe and her ex-husband went across the Myakka River to 30750 Shady Lane Terrace, in Myakka City, to look at his friend's trailer.

When they arrived, they met up with her ex-husband's friend.

At that time, a neighbor, later identified as Berninger, who was unknown to both Rachel and her ex-husband, arrived at the trailer on an ATV.

Rachel asked Berninger if she could go for a ride on the ATV. Berninger agreed and the pair left the trailer and went into the woods on the ATV.

After about 5 minutes, Berninger stopped the ATV and turned himself around on the ATV. Then he kissed her.

She asked him not to and he punched her in the face. She said he then pulled her off of the ATV and threw her onto the ground.

While on the ground, Rachel screamed and tried to get him away from her.

She said that he kicked her and then allegedly groped her breasts under her shirt and groped her vagina on the outside of her pants, the report said. She said she yelled at him to stop and he did. She then got up and ran away, out of the wooded area and back to her ex-husband.

They left the scene and went back to their house to contact the sheriff's office.

Deputy Matthew Kenyan wrote in the report: "The victim suffered a swollen and bloody lower lip and scratches on her right leg."

A showup with Rachel was conducted and she stated she was 110% positive that [Berninger] was the person who attacked her in the woods.

Berninger was arrested and charged with Simple Battery.

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

Man Arrested for Battery on
Mute Pregnant Girlfriend;
She Couldn't Scream
for Help

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mohd Daifallah, 26, of 428 50th Street West, Palmetto.

Mohd Daifallah

The arrest report said on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at about 8:30 p.m., Mohd and his girlfriend victim, Stella Combs, got into a verbal argument.

Mohd and Stella have been boyfriend and girlfriend for about three months and have been living together for over a month.

Stella was alleging Mohd sold her phone to someone else at a friend's house.

When they returned home, they continued the verbal argument about the phone and Mohd showed her that he broke her phone a week ago and didn't sell it.

Stella kicked his dog for no reason, so he kicked her cat in a cage out of the garage.

Then Stella said Mohd got physical with her when he grabbed her by the upper body and pushed her against the wall. She was able to get away and Mohd locked her out of the house.

Stella is 9 weeks pregnant with Mohd's unborn child and he knew it, the report said.

Stella is mute and cannot talk or hear very well, but she wrote an affidavit about what occurred.

Stella complained about stomach pains. EMS arrived and transported her to a local hospital for treatment.

Mohd was arrested and charged with Battery on a Pregnant Woman.

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

Inmate Accused of Exposing
Himself to Female Deputy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Eddie Hill, 50, currently an inmate at the Manatee County Jail.

Eddie Hill

The arrest report said on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon, Hill exposed himself to a female deputy at the jail.

At 9 a.m., she saw Hill standing up, masturbating in his cell and looking at her.

The deputy verbally counseled Hill regarding his inappropriate behavior and warned him if it continued, she would take disciplinary action.

Then, at about noon, she saw Hill in his cell masturbating while looking at her again.

She was able to see Hill's fully erect penis from about 40-50 feet away.

Again, she ordered Hill to stop.

It was learned that Hill has a "hold" out of Charlotte County for indecent exposure.

A detective investigated the incident and charged Hill with Exposure of Sexual Organs and Indecent Exposure in Public.

His bail for those two charges is $2,500.

Man Arrested for Robbing
Acquaintance

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jason Royer, 26, 315 Montgomery Avenue, Sarasota.

Jason Royer

A sheriff's report said on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at about 3:20 p.m., Kelvin Oakley, 20, was riding with Jason Royer in the 5800 block of 5th St. East when Jason pulled over telling Kelvin to get out and give him money Kelvin allegedly owed him.

When Kelvin refused, Jason became violent and started a physical confrontation with Kelvin.

During the confrontation, Jason reached into Kelvin's pocket and took $40 from him.

Jason jumped back into the vehicle and fled.

Kelvin told deputies that he has known Jason for about two months and provided his address.

Jason was located at the address and admitted to taking the money out of Kelvin's pocket, because he said the money was owed to him.

Kelvin denied owing Jason any money.

Jason was arrested without incident.

He was charged with Robbery and Pick Pocket Petit Theft.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,240.

K-9 Unit Arrests Woman
Driving Stolen Car

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Krystal L. Hardin, 25, of Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Krystal Hardin and MSO K-9 Ranger

A sheriff's report said on Friday, December 9, 2011, at about 3:15 p.m., K-9 Deputy Franklin observed a 2001 Ford with Ohio license plates that he believed to be stolen and the driver had a warrant for her arrest. As he turned around on the vehicle, it took off from him.

Dep. Franklin activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to catch up to the fleeing vehicle and tried to radio in his situation. As he did so, the suspect vehicle crashed into a ditch in the 1000 Block of 61st Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

The driver and sole occupant, Hardin, fled from the vehicle on foot.

Deputy Franklin released K-9 Ranger, who chased down and bit Hardin on the left arm.

Hardin was taken into custody. Her driver’s license was found to be suspended and she had an active Violation of Probation warrant.

The vehicle was recovered and released to the owner, Rachel Reed, 43, of Bradenton.

Hardin was charged with Grand Theft Auto, Fleeing to Elude, Resisting Arrest without Violence, Driving While License Suspended, and the warrant, which was for Contempt of Court for Violation of Supervised Released on an earlier Prostitution charge.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $12,750.

Three Juveniles Arrested
for Vehicle Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested three juveniles for vehicle burglary; one was arrested with the assistance of Dep. Bertolino's K-9 Frankie.

Above, Manatee County Sheriff's Office K-9 Frankie

A sheriff's report said on Friday, December 9, 2011, at about 1:15 a.m., a citizen called the sheriff's office to report a trio of juveniles breaking into cars in the West Glenn Subdivision located at 5133 39th Street West, Bradenton.

Deputies responded, along with K-9 Deputy Bertolino and the Aviation Unit.

K-9 Frankie began a track along the path the suspects took, as the helicopter arrived overheard.

The trio was then seen by the helicopter crew running north west through the woods into Wildwood Springs Condos.

The aviation unit continued to track the trio as they ran, while Dep. Bertolino and K-9 Frankie tracked a short distance behind.

The trio was then located at the rear of a condo.

Two of the three, named in the report as "R.G." and "J.C.," both 17 years old, were arrested by patrol and the third, 16-year-old "J.M." was apprehended by K-9 Frankie.

Stolen property was recovered and the investigation is ongoing.

The 16-year-old who was apprehended by K-9 Frankie was taken to Blake and released to join his two friends at the Juvenile Booking Facility.

All three were charged with Vehicle Burglary.

Armed Home Invasion
Nets Invaders Little

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at about 9 p.m., at a residence in the 3200 block of 17th Street East.

A sheriff's report said Charlie Chapman had just arrived home when he and his daughter were approached by two unknown Black males who forced them into their home at gunpoint.

The suspects told the daughter to sit on the floor while they took Chapman into the kitchen. They tied his hands with a cell phone charger cord.

One of the suspects then began leading Chapman into the north bedroom.

Chapman was able to free himself from the restraints and a struggle ensued.

The second suspect then came over and placed his firearm to Chapman’s head and threatened to kill him.

It was at this time Chapman's nine-year-old daughter ran from the house to a neighbor’s to call 911.

At some point, the suspects rummaged through the drawers in the kitchen, television stand, bedroom drawers and under the mattress in Chapman's room.

The suspects were apparently not looking for money as they left over $100 in cash on the living room floor.

The suspects then fled the residence, possibly in a white SUV, with Chapman's wallet and cell phone.

Evidence of Narcotics were found in the victim's residence, the report said.

Neither Chapman nor his daughter were injured.

The invaders were not further described.

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 Flees from Traffic Stop;
Taser Deployed, But Misses

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man fled from a deputy following a traffic stop in the 5800 block of 11th Street East, Bradenton, on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at about 9:30 p.m.

A sheriff's report said the man, a Hispanic male, fled from a traffic stop at the above location.

Deputies gave chase and deployed a Taser.

However, the deployment was not successful and the suspect continued running.

A search was done of the surrounding areas, but the suspect was not located.

The man was described as being a Hispanic male, about in his late 20s to early 30s, 5'6" to 5'8" tall, and weighing 120 pounds.

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

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

Family Dollar Store Victim
of Large Clothing Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the Family Dollar Store located at 3626 1st Street was the victim of a clothing rip-off on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at about 1 p.m.

A sheriff's report said a Black male and a Black female exited the store with arms full of clothes without paying for the merchandise.

The manager of the store ran out and saw them get into a vehicle that was parked on the side of the store. She obtained a license tag number of the gold 4-door vehicle.

The car was gone upon arrival of a deputy.

The surveillance video only showed the backs of the couple as they walked out of the store.

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 Stabbed in Back
Multiple Times

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a stabbing incident that occurred on Friday, December 9, 2011, possibly around 8 p.m., at a residence in the 2600 block of 2nd Avenue East, Palmetto.

A brief sheriff's report said the victim, Kirkland Hamilton, 52, drove himself to Manatee Memorial Hospital in his mother’s vehicle.

The victim suffered several stab wounds to his back and was transported to Blake Medical Center.

The victim remains at Blake Hospital in critical condition.

Detectives believe this was a domestic related incident.

The investigation continues and, at this time, no arrests have been made.

3 Suffer Serious Injuries in
Early Morning Shooting,
Including Bradenton Teen

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department reported a multiple person shooting on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at about 1 a.m.

According to SPD, at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday, Sarasota Police Officers heard multiple gunshots in the area of N. Washington Blvd and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. As officers were responding to the scene, calls were received advising of a shooting at 2530 N. Washington Blvd.

Officers arrived on the scene and located three victims that had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. All of the victims had been occupants of a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. Two of the victims were still in the vehicle when officers arrived.

The victims have been identified as Raheem Maxwell, 20, 2300 block of Leon Avenue; Laderrius Williams, 19, 3200 block of Newtown Blvd.; and Michael Carnegie, 18, 600 block of 26th Avenue East, Bradenton. Williams and Maxwell were transported to Blake Medical Center; Carnegie was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

The victims’ injuries are described as serious.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact Detective Johnathan Todd at 941-954-7091.

Man, 26, Arrested for Sexual
Battery of a 4-Year-Old Boy

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has charged Casper Dustin Milford Michael, 26, of 3016 22nd Street, Sarasota, with two counts of Sexual Battery on a 4-year-old boy.

Casper Michael

Detectives say during a forensic interview at The Child Protection Center, the five-year-old victim, who was four when the crimes occurred, described in detail how Michael sexually battered him on numerous occasions.

The victim first reported the activity to his uncle last week. The uncle contacted the child’s mother who alerted authorities.

When detectives went to Michael’s place of employment to question him today he confessed to the crime.

Michael was arrested and booked into the Sarasota County Jail.

SSO Arrests Man for
Doctor Shopping

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Michael Flanagan, 33, of 3805 School Avenue, Sarasota, and charged him with 14 counts of Withholding Information from a Practitioner in Order to Obtain a Controlled Substance, also known as doctor shopping.

Michael Flanagan

Investigators with the Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit found that Flanagan had visited three different pain clinics in Sarasota and Tampa between April 2010 and July 2011, and was able to obtain approximately 11,580 controlled substance pills of Xanax, Oxycodone, Oxycontin and MS-contin. This equals about 772 pills a month.

In each case, Flanagan signed documents affirming that he understood he needed to inform the doctor of use of medications from other physicians and would not attempt to obtain any controlled substances from other doctors.

Narcotics Investigation Results
in Search Warrant & Arrest

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested Dexter Mills, 49, of 1770 29th Street, Sarasota.

Dexter Mills

On December 8th, the Sarasota Police Tactical Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Strategic Narcotics Unit, the Street Crimes Unit and Uniform Patrol officers successfully executed a search warrant at 1770 29th Street.

Detectives seized approximately 15.3 grams of powder cocaine, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia and a box containing 9 mm ammunition.

Mills was charged with Possession of Cocaine With Intent To Sell/Distribute within 1000 feet of a Place of Worship, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

Many of the Sarasota Police Department’s narcotics investigations start based on information provided by concerned citizens who are attempting to improve their neighborhoods.

Information can be reported anonymously to the Sarasota Police Department by calling the Narcotics Hotline 941-954-7050.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 12/17/2011 2:00:06 PM

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