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Manatee Violent Criminal
Sentenced in Federal Court
to Nearly 20 Years in Prison

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- One of Manatee County's most violent criminals will stay behind bars for many years.

Atwon Stuckey

On Thursday, December 5, 2012, in U.S. District Court, Antwon Stuckey was sentenced to 19.5 years in Federal prison, followed by 5 years of Federal probation.

On May 4, 2010, a six-month joint investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit and the ATF cumulated in the arrest of Antwon Stuckey on a variety of federal firearms violations.

"Homicide Detectives targeted Antwon Stuckey due to his propensity to commit violent crimes and his suspected involvement in numerous homicides within the county over the past few years," Randy Warren, Assistant Public Information Officer for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

For example, according to NewsManateearchive.com, on October 16, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives arrested Antwon Stuckey, 21, in connection with the September 17, 2009, fatal shooting of Julius Brown at 618 20th Lane E., Palmetto. Stuckey is charged with Murder and Armed Burglary. Stuckey was arrested shortly after the shooting on an unrelated charge of Armed Robbery and had been in the Manatee County Jail since September 17th.

Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives said Stuckey, of the 500 block of 21st Street, Palmetto, was the "prime suspect" in the murder of Julius Lee Brown, 21, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at about 7 a.m., at Highlands Apartments, 618 20th Lane East, Palmetto, across the street from the address where Stuckey was arrested on the armed robbery charge.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7:10 a.m., an unidentified person, now believed to be Stuckey, entered Julius Brown's grandmother's apartment and, according to a 15-year-old boy inside, killed Brown while he slept, then demanded money from the boy or he would be killed, too. After a struggle with the boy, the killer fled the apartment.

The killer was described as a Black male, about 5'6-5'8" tall, weighing 15-160 pounds, and was wearing a black T-shirt and ski mask.

Detectives, acting on information or evidence they have not yet disclosed, later that day arrested Stuckey on the unrelated Armed Robbery charge. Stuckey matched the killer's description. Stuckey was questioned about the killing, but was not charged with it at that time.

Then, in a search warrant of Stuckey's residence signed by the same judge, detectives found two handguns, a rifle and ammunition. The handguns were tested to see if they were possibly the murder weapon.

Julius Brown was Manatee County's 25th Murder overall in the county. At that time, there were 21 murder in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 in the City of Bradenton. There are now 22 murders overall in unincorporated Manatee County and 5 in the City of Bradenton, for a total of 27.

Convicted Felon Found in
Possession of Handgun;
Tried to Flee Deputies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Lee Lane, 26, of 107 25th Street West, Palmetto.

Robert Lane

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at about 11 a.m., detectives were parked at the intersection of 23rd Street East and 2nd Avenue East, in Palmetto, when they observed Lane conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction next to their unmarked vehicle.

Lane turned and looked at the detectives for a few seconds, then fled to the east on foot.

The detectives then pulled up next to him at 2300 U.S. 41 North and yelled "STOP POLICE!"

Lane looked at the detectives and turned back toward the west and continued running, but was blocked by the detectives' vehicle and a chain link fence.

Lane immediately removed a black handgun from his front waistband and threw it over the chain link fence as the detectives were exiting their vehicle to secure him.

After Lane was secured in handcuffs, the detectives went into the back yard here Lane threw the gun and located it. It was a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun. It had two bullets in the magazine and one in the chamber.

As detectives were retrieving the gun, Lane pulled away and attempted to escape, but he was redirected to the ground, preventing his escape.

Lane was searched and $67 and a small baggie containing marijuana was located on his person.

An FCIC/NCIC check revealed that Lane is a six-time convicted felon.

He was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

He later posted a $6,120 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

"Seize Tag" Order Nets Cops
Arrest for Man with Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Louis Bernard Goff, Jr., 21, of 4581 35th Avenue Circle East, Palmetto.

Louis Goff, Jr.

The arrest report said on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at about 3:30 p.m., while on routine patrol, a detective observed a silver Chevy Camaro in a parking spot at Ali's Market, an area known for high drug sales.

When the detective ran the tag, it came back with a "seize tag" order.

An investigatory stop in the 2300 block of 1st Avenue East, Palmetto, was conducted on the vehicle in order to ascertain if the registered owner was in fact driving the vehicle, because the computer check showed the registered owner had his license suspended.

Inside the vehicle, detectives found that Goff was driving, who was not the registered owner. After Goff exited the vehicle, a search was performed because of "an overwhelming odor of marijuana."

No pot was found, but detectives found a loaded handgun, a 9mm Highpoint, under the driver's seat. It had one round in the chamber and 9 rounds in the magazine.

A female passenger told detectives she saw Goff put the handgun under the seat when the traffic stop was initiated.

Goff initially denied ownership, but eventually admitted to owning the gun.

He was arrested and charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

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

Arrest Report: Young Man Tried
to "Pull Out [Her] Esophagus,"
Girlfriend Says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Paton L. Zorn, 23, of 1400 301 Blvd., Bradenton.

Paton Zorn

The arrest report stated that Zorn and Kayla Kimball are boyfriend and girlfriend. They have no children in common and live together.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at about 9 a.m., the couple was having a verbal argument when Zorn accused Kayla of cheating on him. He hit her several times on the right side of her upper back and pulled her hair at the same time, the report said.

Zorn then grabbed Kayla by the throat and tried to "pull out [her] esophagus," she told deputies.

When Kayla tried to run to the door of the motel, Zorn beat her to it and locked the door and then hit her in the face with a closed fist, causing a small laceration under left eye.

Someone knocked on the door during the battery and Zorn put his hand around Kayla's mouth to prevent her from screaming. When the person left the door, they continued to argue before one of Zorn's friends arrived and picked him up to go to work.

Zorn was arrested a short time later at his workplace.

He was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

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

Woman Arrested for
Prostitution in Oneco

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Melissa Ann Avery, 36, of unknown address, Bradenton.

Melissa Avery

The arrest report said on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, an undercover detective attached to the Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit was patrolling the Oneco area of Manatee County, posing as a "John" in an attempt to arrest prostitutes.

At about 10:15 p.m., he spotted Avery walking west at the 1100 block of 61st Avenue East.

He made contact and after a brief conversation, Avery agreed to give the U/C detective oral sex for $10 and full sex for $20.

She was arrested by the takedown team.

During a search subsequent to her arrest, a 7/16 socket was found in Avery's front right pants pocket. She spontaneously uttered that it was her crack pipe. The pipe tested positive for traces of cocaine.

Avery was charged with Prostitution and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $240.

Woman Robbed of $100
by Alleged "Friend" --
Cops Searching for Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at about 12 p.m., in the parking lot of Miller's Dutch Kitchen, 3401 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said Devilyn Bruno gave Christopher Raymond Franks, 24, a ride home on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Chris Franks showed up at Devilyn's job and told her that he left his cell phone inside her car.

Devilyn opened her car for Chris.

While inside the car, Chris took $100 from the center console.

Devilyn grabbed Chris's arm to stop Chris from taking the money.

During the struggle, Chris knocked Devilyn to the ground and fled the area on a bike.

Devilyn received a scratch to her arm.

Chris could not be located and a request for his arrest was completed.

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.

BJ's Wholesale Victim of
Overnight Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary at BJ's Wholesale, 8085 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton, on Thursday, December 5, 2012, at about 12:30 a.m.

A sheriff's report said deputies responded to a burglary at the above location.

The victim, Mark Letourneau, reported his property was stolen from his trailer, to include road marking painting machines. Each machine was valued at five thousand dollars.

The trailers were parked at the above location overnight.

Unknown person(s) cut the locks to the trailer to make entry and fled in an unknown direction.

Deputies were unable to check for possible video surveillance at the time due to B.J.’s being closed.

The trailer was to be processed for latent prints in the morning.

Police: Father Force Autistic
Children to Smoke Synthetic
Marijuana

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Police arrested a father after they say he gave synthetic marijuana to his two autistic children -- ages 7 and 10 -- and posted a video recording of it on Facebook, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Palm Bay police responded to a domestic battery call involving an elderly person Tuesday, where they found synthetic pot and a smoking pipe.

According to a police report, officers also found video posted on Facebook showing Scott Crawley forcing his youngest child, who appeared nervous and scared, to smoke the synthetic marijuana.

Crawley told police he gave his children synthetic pot to make a statement about legalizing the use of cannabis in treating autism.

Crawley was arrested on charges of battery to a person 65 or older and aggravated child abuse, WKMG said.

It is not known who has custody of the children.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Undercover Detective Arrests
Woman for Prostitution; She
Puts Up Quite a Struggle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Shaina R. Zsirai, 21, allegedly a homeless woman.

Shaina Zsirai

The arrest report stated on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at about 4:30 p.m., an undercover detective was patrolling the streets of Manatee County, posing as a "John" in order to arrest prostitutes, when he observed Zsirai walking south in the 7900 block of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41).

He made contact and after a brief conversation Zsirai agreed to give the detective oral sex for $40.

A "good deal" signal was given and several deputies moved in to arrest her.

When she was told she was under arrest, she became "combative and resisted attempts to handcuff her. [She] became belligerent [and was] yelling loudly."

At one point on the way to jail, she attempted to bolt from the sheriff's cruiser, but was grabbed in time. She also slipped out of one of the handcuffs and tried to escape again, but again was stopped.

She also kicked a detective and attempted to bite another.

In addition, she initially gave a false name to deputies.

Her true name was discovered when she was fingerprinted at the jail and that information was run through the computer.

She was charged with Prostitution, Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,240.

Deputies Arrest Man for Smacking
3-Year-Old Grandchild in Mouth,
Attacking Mother's Boyfriend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Scott Eugene Romine, 40, of the 3700 block of Manatee Avenue, Bradenton.

Scott Romine

According to the arrest report, on Friday, December 30, 2011, at about 10:15 a.m., Romine smacked his 3-year-old grandson on the mouth with the back of his hand, causing injury to the child's mouth, i.e., his lip was split and swollen.

The mother's boyfriend, Eric Hancock, then went to Romine's home to question him about hitting the child.

Romine became angry and attacked Eric by placing his hands around Eric's neck area and pushing him backwards. Eric defended himself by putting his hands around Romine and getting free.

The physical altercation stopped when Romine's wife called law enforcement.

Romine was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and Battery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $10,750.

Teenager Arrested for Stabbing
Female School Classmate at
Party in Early December

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Ryan Michael Morrissey, 18, of 3015 69th Street East, Bradenton.

Ryan Morrissey

The arrest report said on Wednesday, December 11, 2011, at about 12:30 a.m., Jessica Dube said she was at a party somewhere in a field off State Road 62, in Parrish.

While there, Morrissey, who is known to Jessica through her school, pulled out a knife and started threatening people at the party.

She said that other people at the party told him he had to leave and that is when numerous fights broke out around her.

Jessica was punched in the head and that is when Morrissey turned, looked at her and stabbed her on the left arm, she told deputies.

She fell to the ground and was picked up by some friends, who took her to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where she received several stitches around the elbow area.

Morrissey was arrested on December 29, 2011, and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

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

Man Arrested for Punching
Daughter, 2 Years Old

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Omar Emigdio, 25, of 2833 River Trace Circle, Bradenton.

Omar Emigdio

The arrest report said on New Year's Day, January 1, 2012, at about 11:30 p.m., an officer responded to the above location reference a battery that had just occurred.

Upon arrival, he made contact with a woman who said her boyfriend, Omar Emigdio, had punched their 2-year-old daughter in the back.

The woman said Emigdio is the child's father and they all live together as a family.

Allegedly, Emigio had struck the little girl because she would not stop crying.

When he struck the child, she fell into the coffee table and struck her chest.

Emigdio then left the residence, but returned later, at which time he was arrested.

He was charged with Child Abuse.

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

Man Arrested for Felony
Retail Theft; 4th Arrest

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- You would think that by now Dennis Roy Heritage, Jr., 34, of 1204 14th Street West, Bradenton, would have learned his lesson.

Dennis Heritage, Jr.

The arrest report said on Monday, January 2, 2012, at about 1:15 p.m., Heritage entered the Sweetbay store located at 2501 Cortez Road West.

He concealed an Italian sandwich that had a value of $4.25 in the front of his pants.

Then he proceeded past all points of sale and exited the store.

He was stopped outside the store by loss prevention and escorted back inside.

The sandwich was recovered.

The report noted Heritage has three prior convictions for Petit Theft; two in 2011 and one in 2010.

He was arrested and charged with Felony Retail Theft, due to the prior convictions.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $1,000.

Motorcyclist Loses Life in
Bike/Van Collision

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at about 11:40 a.m., on U.S. 41 at the exit ramp off of I-275.

The FHP report said a Chrysler van was stopped westbound on the exit ramp from I-275 at the stop sign.

A motorcycle driven by John S. Meredith, 64, of Palmetto, was northbound on U.S. 41 in the left lane.

The van's driver, Sarsfield McNulty, 75, of Fairport, New York, failed to see the motorcycle approaching and moved into the intersection, intending on making a left turn onto southbound U.S. 41.

The front of the motorcycle struck the left front side of the van. The bike then fell on its left side and caught fire.

Meredith was ejected from the bike upon impact and came to final rest north of the collision and in the area of the grass median.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the van was cited for Violation of Right of Way from a Stop Sign.

Join Deputy Jacobus for His
First Ever Book Signing

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy A. Russell Jacobus will hold his first book signing ever in Sarasota this weekend.

Above, both books from The Unknown Guardian Series and Dep. Jacobus

The signing will be on January 8, 2012, at 1 p.m., at Circle Books on St. Armands Circle, 478 John Ringling Boulevard, in Sarasota.

This will be for Dep. Jacobus' second book: "The Unknown Guardian, His Struggle From Within."

That book, and his first in The Unknown Guardian series will both be available.

They are both also available on Amazon.com.

Tell your friends and families -- just being there would make a difference.

Sarasota Sheriff Identifies
Decapitated Man

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has identified a murdered man as Stephen Webber, 53 years old, a homeless man. According to local reports, Webber was allegedly decapitated by Ricky Leer on Tuesday of this week.

Above, L to R, Stephen Webber and Ricky Leer

As NewsManatee earlier reported this week, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Ricky Leer, 48, and charged him with Second Degree Murder for killing Webber in Sarasota early Tuesday morning, January 3, 2012.

A witness called deputies at 1:32 a.m., to report that Leer killed Webber during an argument in the woods where the three reside, near the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Lockwood Ridge Road.

When deputies arrived, they met the witness who led them to the victim’s body.

Leer was located a short time later and taken into custody.

Webber's next of kin has been notified, the sheriff's office said.

Video Shows Gunman
Trying to Kill Clerk

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities in Orange County continue to look for two gunmen who robbed a clerk and tried to kill him, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Deputies said one of the gunman pulled the trigger of his gun, but it did not fire during the robbery, which occurred Dec. 19 at a Kangaroo convenience store on Magnolia Homes Road in Orlando.

According to Orange County deputies, the men stole 10 packs of cigarettes and $60 but wanted the clerk to open the safe.

"I was working on some paperwork and two guys come in with guns," said clerk Todd Tolley, who was beaten in the attack.

In video released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Tolley can be heard telling the gunmen that he could not open the safe without the manager's keys.

One of the gunmen then pulled the trigger, and the "click" of the gun can be heard on the video.

The assailant then checked his magazine and threatened Tolley, but the two men then ran out of the store and drove away.

Investigators said they hope someone recognizes the voices of the gunmen from the video, WKMG said.

Tolley said he's been robbed five times over the last six years.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Cortez Search Ends in Arrest
of Multiple Burglary Suspect,
a Young Man, 19 Years Old

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/AMI] -- A three-hour search Dec. 19 involving law enforcement units and a helicopter from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and support from Bradenton and Palmetto police departments began in the area of a mobile home park on 115th Street Court West and ended on Cortez Road.

Charles Leonard

The search resulted in the arrest of Charles Leonard, 19, of Bradenton, on multiple counts of armed burglary and at least one count of grand theft of a vehicle.

Deputies were first dispatched to a call of an attempted stolen vehicle at 3:34 a.m. in the area of Sunny Shores Mobile Home Park after receiving a call that an unknown man was attempting to push his neighbor’s truck from its owner’s driveway.

The initial report states that the witness had yelled to the person pushing the truck, questioning what he was doing. The witness did not recognize the person to be the truck’s owner. The suspect then ran westbound through the mobile homes, according to the report.

As deputies arrived, sheriff’s office reports indicate that a white Ford Escort, which was later determined to be a stolen vehicle by Bradenton Police Department, was observed quickly leaving the area.

A deputy attempted to stop the vehicle upon arriving at the scene, one report indicated, but the Escort went around him at a “high rate of speed.” Reports indicated that police next spotted the Escort off the road, stuck in brush on the south side of Cortez Road West where it had crashed.

According to one sheriff’s deputy report, a caller from Paradise Bay Mobile Home Park had reported a male walking through the area, asking to use a phone. Callers had reported multiple vehicles were ransacked, “likely in the suspect’s attempt to find yet another car to steal,” according to the deputy’s report.

During the morning, numerous items were reported missing in the neighborhood, including clothes from a shed and a bicycle.

A gun also was found inside the Escort, and was later deemed stolen in another Sunny Shore burglary, according to a report.

At approximately 8:19 a.m., a deputy found a man — Leonard — with freshly scratched legs and wet shoes.

The report also said Leonard admitted to fleeing, changing his clothes, leaving his cell phone in the Escort and walking into the water “because someone told him if he cools his body the (search) helicopter wouldn’t pick him up.”

According to the report, Leonard said an air bag went off and hit him in the face when the Escort crashed.

He confessed to “car hopping,” entering unlocked vehicles and rummaging with the intent to steal loose change and small items, according to the sheriff’s report. The report also indicates Leonard admitted to involvement in 18 burglaries that morning. Leonard also admitted involvement in multiple other burglaries and stolen vehicle cases, and that he had a drug problem.

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

[Ed. Note: The above report was written by Kathy Prucnell of the Anna Maria Islander, a news partner of NewsManatee's. We frequently share reports.]

Palmetto Police Arrest Two
Men at Traffic Stop Holding
Cocaine and 2 Pounds of Pot

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Laurice Roberts, Sr., 34, of 1310 Martin Luther King Avenue East, Bradenton, and Micah Wright, 24, of 6408 8th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Laurice Roberts, Sr., and Micah Wright

According to the arrest reports, on Friday, December 30, 2011, at about 9:10 p.m., PPD officers stopped a vehicle for non-working tail lights in the 1200 block of State Road 55. Roberts was the driver and Wright was the only passenger.

While one officer was obtaining Roberts' license and paperwork (he had a DL, but no paperwork), another officer noticed Wright was breathing hard and asked Wright if he was all right. Wright handed him a marijuana blunt and at that time Roberts attempted to flee the scene.

After a short foot pursuit, Roberts was Tasered and detained. Roberts tried to take the Taser from the officer and he was arrested.

In a search of the vehicle subsequent to the arrest of both men, which was prompted by a K-9 alert on the vehicle, officers found a clear plastic bag in the center console that contained 4 grams of rock cocaine. They also found a white bag containing two gallon bags of marijuana that ultimately weighed out to 913.4 grams, or just over two pounds of marijuana.

Both men were charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver, and Possession of Cocaine. Wright was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana (for the blunt in his possession). Roberts was additionally charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence and Attempting to Deprive an officer of Means of Protection.

Wright posted a $3,620 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail. Roberts posted a $5,250 bail bond and was released from the jail.

Four Women Arrested for
Prostitution by BPD, MSO;
Two for Felonies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office arrested four women over the holiday weekend for prostitution, according to arrest reports from both agencies.

Above, L to R, Lavinia Banfield, Sharon Barber, Sandra Kennedy and Mishu Pierre

According to the arrest reports, on December 29th and December 30th, both agencies conducted separate sting operations in their jurisdictions. Undercover officers were patrolling their respective areas, posing as "Johns" in order to arrest prostitutes.

On December 29th, at about 3 p.m., the Bradenton Police Department arrested Lavinia Banfield, 44, of 5310 26th Street West, Bradenton. An undercover officer approached Banfield in the 2100 block of 13th Street West and after a brief conversation Banfield offered to give the officer oral sex for $20. She was arrested and charged with Felony Prostitution, this being her third arrest for the crime.

On December 30th, at about 11 a.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Office undercover deputy spotted Sharon Barber, 44, of the 1600 block of 14th Avenue West, Bradenton, wandering around the 2000 block of 13th Street West. He made contact and after a brief conversation, Barber agreed to give the deputy oral sex for $40. She was arrested and charged with Felony Prostitution, this being her 4th arrest for the crime.

Then, on the same day, at about noon, an undercover deputy spotted Sandra Kennedy, 28, of the 2000 block of 7th Street West, Bradenton, walking in the 2300 block of 9th Street West. He made contact and after a brief conversation, Kennedy agreed to give the deputy oral sex for $20. She was arrested and charged with Prostitution.

Finally, also on the 30th, at about 2:30 p.m., a deputy spotted Mishu Pierre, 22, of the 300 block of 11th Street Drive West, Palmetto, standing in the parking lot of the Michiana Motel located in the 3200 block of 14th Street West. He made contact and after a brief conversation, Pierre agreed to give the deputy oral sex for $22. She was arrested and charged with Prostitution.

Both Banfield and Barber posted a $1,000 bail bond each and were released from the Manatee County Jail. Kennedy and Pierre are being held in the jail on $1,000 bail bonds each.

South Manatee County
CVS Store Robbed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery of the CVS store located at 3724 84th Avenue East, in South Manatee County, on Monday, January 2, 2012, at about 9:30 p.m.

A sheriff's report said an unknown Black male entered the store, selected a two liter bottle of soda and approached the counter as if to pay.

Once at the counter, he told the clerk to open the cash register and give him all the money.

The clerk answered that he is unable to open the register without a purchase.

The Black male then reached under his jacket as if grabbing a weapon, and repeated his order.

This time the clerk complied and opened the register.

The suspect leaned over the counter and removed cash (at this time the exact amount is unknown).

He then fled on foot south towards University Parkway.

Video surveillance was obtained of the robbery.

Nobody was injured during the robbery.

The robber was described as a Black male, 5'10" tall, 150 pounds, 30-35 years of age, and had a scruffy beard. He was wearing all black clothing with white shoes.

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.

Salt & Pepper Team Rob Man
at Lloyd's Mobile Home Park

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on New Year's Day night, January 1, 2012, at about 11 p.m., at Lloyd's Mobile Home Park, 1419 26th Avenue West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Jose Sanchez, 23, was in his carport speaking with an acquaintance when two males, one Black and one White, approached on foot.

The Black male grabbed the victim from behind, produced a gun, and stole money from the victim's pockets.

The pair the fled on foot northbound.

The area was checked with no success.

The investigation continues.

The robbers were described as a Black male and a White male, 5'9" to 6' tall, all 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.

Detectives Search for Woman
Who Apparently Abandoned
Her Four Children

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is searching for a woman who apparently has abandoned her four children in Palmetto on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

A sheriff's report said on December 27th at 5 p.m. Crystal Marie Salvador Cruz, 26, gave her 4 children, ages 5 to 11 Months, to Juliana Lopez to watch them while Cruz was at work.

Cruz was to return the next day to pick up the children.

Cruz still has not gotten the children, the report said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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.

SSO Arrests Man for
Tuesday A.M. Murder

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Ricky Leer, 48, and charged him with Second Degree Murder for killing a man in Sarasota early Tuesday morning, January 3, 2012.

Ricky Leer

A witness called deputies at 1:32 a.m., to report that Leer killed the 53-year-old victim during an argument in the woods where the three reside, near the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Lockwood Ridge Road.

When deputies arrived, they met the witness who led them to the victim’s body.

Leer was located a short time later and taken into custody.

The victim has been positively identified but detectives are still attempting to notify next of kin, so his name is not yet being released.

SSO Traffic Stop Yields
Weapons, Drugs; 4 Busted

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested four Sarasota teenagers after finding weapons and drugs during a traffic stop late Monday, January 2, 2011.

Above, L to R, Sean Smart, Marques Redding, Xavadi Johnson and Khalin Bryant

Deputies stopped a purple Ford Ranger near 17th Street and North Washington Boulevard around 11:50 p.m., and noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The occupants exited the truck and consented to be searched.

Deputies found two handguns and a baggy containing rock cocaine inside the vehicle, and a subsequent search of the driver, Sean Smart, located a bag of marijuana in his pant leg.

Smart, 18, 1075 Lewis Avenue, is charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana; Marques Redding, 18, 2653 22nd Street, is charged with Possession of Marijuana; Xavadi Johnson, 20, 2301 Powell Circle, is charged with Possession of a Concealed Weapon; and Khalin Bryant, 16, 2333 Powell Circle, is charged with Possession of a Concealed Weapon.

Man Arrested for Sexual
Battery with Serious Injury to
Mentally Challenged Woman

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested Norman Daryl Garrison, 44, 12265 Maltz Ave., Englewood East and charged him with Sexual Assault Causing Serious Injury; he remains in the Charlotte County Jail on $500,000 bond.

Norman Garrison

CCSO received a call Dec. 28 that Garrison, a friend of the 38-year-old female victim, had both been drinking in her apartment in the presence of her teenage children. Detectives said one of them saw Garrison place two Ativan pills in their mother’s vodka bottle. Garrison wanted to have sex with the woman; she refused and locked herself in her bedroom. Garrison used force to break down the door. The teens left the apartment saying they felt uncomfortable with the situation.

The teens returned a short time later and found considerable blood in the home and called 911; the woman was then transported to Englewood Community Hospital. Due to the extent of her injuries, she was then transferred to Fawcett Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery for vaginal trauma. Detectives said the trauma was caused by a pop bottle.

Detectives interviewed the victim and she said she could not recall the day’s events surrounding her injuries. Garrison said he could not remember details about anything. Detectives said based on the evidence and statements from witnesses, Garrison was arrested for Sexual Battery which caused serious bodily injury while the victim was mentally incapacitated to consent to such sex acts.

Woman Asleep in Home
Shot Twice in Drive-By

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a woman asleep inside an Orlando home early Tuesday was struck twice in a drive-by shooting, according to deputies.

The shooting happened around 5:20 a.m. at a home in the 1200 block of West 23rd Street near Orange Blossom Trail in Holden Heights.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, someone drove by the house and fired several rounds, hitting the woman, who was sleeping in the front room. No one else was shot, deputies said.

The woman, described only as in her 40s, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

At least five bullet holes were seen in the front of the house.

No description of the shooter or the vehicle were known.

An investigation is ongoing, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

"You're Not Taking Me to Jail
Until I Brush My Teeth," Man
Tells Cops, Resisting Arrest

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christopher D. Godfrey, 34, of 38730 Carlton Road, in Duette. Godfrey had a handful of warrants out of Manatee and Sarasota counties, but when deputies went to arrest him, he just got himself into even more trouble.

Christopher Godfrey

According to the arrest report, Godfrey had 3 warrants for his arrest for Contempt of Court for not answering 3 summons regarding 1) Driving While License Suspended, Habitual Traffic Offender, 2) Domestic Battery, and 3) Violation of Pre-Trial Release.

On Monday, December 26, 2011, at about 7:30 a.m., Deputies Resnick, Spain and Delaney went to his mother's house, located at 401 51st Street West and made contact with Godfrey's mother at the front door.

Godfrey's mother said that she had not seen her son and he was not in the residence.

With consent to search the house, Godfrey was located in the laundry room, laying on the floor. Dep. Delaney affected the arrest and began to bring Godfrey out of the laundry room when he began to resist.

Godfrey became combative because "he was not allowed to brush his teeth prior to transport" to jail, the report stated.

He braced himself and began to tense up in his shoulder and legs. Dep. Delaney had his right arm and Dep. Resnick grabbed his left arm.

While escorting Godfrey out of the house, he became upset and kicked Dep. Resnick with his left leg, grazing the deputy's right leg. Godfrey was bracing, tensing up and striking at Dep. Resnick. He was taken to the ground and laid on by Dep. Resnick and Dep. Delaney until he stopped resisting.

While on the ground, Godfrey said that he was going to cooperate and walk out peacefully, but when he stood up with the assistance of deputies, he immediately began to resist again by tensing up and bracing himself so that the deputies could not escort him out.

When he was finally escorted out the front door, he wrapped his legs around a pole bracing himself once again.

Godfrey had to be carried out to the street by deputies and placed in a patrol car.

He had a small laceration on his head from being taken to the ground, the report said.

Godfrey was additionally charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest without Violence, plus the warrants.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $19,500, with a hold placed on him for the Sarasota County warrant, once these charges are handled.

Man Shot, Killed in Palmetto
New Year's Night; Suspect(s)
Unknown At This Time

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was shot and killed Sunday night, January 1, 2011, at 2324 5th Avenue Drive East, in Palmetto.

Above, Rashawn Scott, deceased
(Prior mug shot)

A sheriff's press release said around 11:40 p.m. a witness entered a rooming house located at 2324 5th Avenue Drive East and saw Rashawn Scott laying face down in a pool of blood. An unknown person called 911 and hung up. Once 911 called back the shooting was reported.

Shortly after deputies arrived on the crime scene, Davell Kendricks, 20, checked into Manatee Memorial Hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his left shoulder. He reported that he was hanging out around the rooming house when he heard the gunshots; then he ran north on 5th Avenue Drive East when he was struck by a stray bullet.

The Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and confirmed that Rashawn Scott, 26, died from multiple gunshot wounds.

An autopsy was to be conducted on Monday, according to Randy Warren, Ass't. Public Information Officer for the sheriff's office.

Detectives are unsure of a motive and are still looking for a suspect(s).

According to the Manatee County Clerk of Courts website, Scott has been in trouble with the law many times in the past. NewsManatee has reported on him three times before [See NewsManateearchive.com].

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 is the 1st homicide of 2012 in Manatee County.

One of Two Arrested for
Armed Robbery of Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gil Alberto Alvarado, 28, of 3506 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Gil Alvarado

The arrest report said on Saturday, December 24, 2011, at about 4:10 a.m., Alvarado and an unknown White male approached the victim, Randy Ferguson, in the 3400 block of 14th Street West and asked Ferguson for a cigarette.

Ferguson said he was out (of cigarettes). Alvarado then asked Ferguson for the time, then pushed Ferguson to the ground, pulled out a box cutter and threatened the victim with it. Alvarado told Ferguson to "Give me the money, or you'll be cut." Alvarado then took a ring, valued at $300, off Ferguson's finger.

A deputy responded and Ferguson pointed out Alvarado riding a bike nearby.

Alvarado was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery.

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

The unknown White male could not be located, apparently.

Woman Arrested for Grand
Theft Retail from CitiTrends

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Janki Shanta Brown, 32, of 4520 1st Street, in Bradenton.

Janki Brown

The arrest report said on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, at about 10:45 a.m., Janki entered CitiTrends, located at 5108 1st Street, Bradenton, and took clothing consisting of shirts, jeans and dresses and childrens' sets, and proceeded past all points of sale. She left CitiTrends without paying for the items.

Once outside the store, Brown fled on foot.

Law enforcement was called and a responding deputy located Brown with the clothing. She refused the deputy's commands to stop and fled on foot, dropping most of the clothing.

She then jumped a fence and continued to run on foot from the deputy.

A perimeter was set up with several deputies and Brown was subsequently apprehended.

She was positively identified by a CitiTrends employee as the person who stole the clothing, worth $477.82.

Brown was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Retail, Burglary and two counts of Resisting Arrest without Violence.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $12,500.

Employee Arrested for
Theft from Target

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Michael A. Colon, 18, of 716 64th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Michael Colon

The arrest report said on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at about 3 p.m., loss prevention associates from the Target store located at 6150 14th Street West, Bradenton, observed Colon stealing cash from the cash register at which he was assigned.

The report said he took a gift card, scanned it, ran it as a cash transaction, but did not put any money in the cash drawer. He then used that receive to "fix a mistake," using coupons. That was done four separate times, with a total amount of $400. He then removed the money from the drawer and concealed the money in his pocket.

Colon was confronted by loss prevention associates. He admitted fully that he took the money.

He also admitted it to Deputy Cristello, the report said.

Colon is being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond, for some reason unclear to NewsManatee.

Two LRHS Students Killed
Christmas Night in Crash;
Neither Wore Seat Belts

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a two-vehicle crash on Sunday, December 25, 2011, at about 9:30 p.m., on State Road 64 East at the intersection of Rye Road that killed two teenagers.

According to the FHP report, a Nissan being driven by Fedele Mele, 73, of Lakewood Ranch, was stopped southbound on Rye Road at the stop sign for the intersection of State Road 64.

A second vehicle, a Chevy pickup truck, being driven by Joshua Rogers, 18, of Bradenton, was westbound on State Road 64 in the right lane, approaching the intersection of Rye Road.

The Nissan moved into the intersection and into the path of the Chevy pickup. The front of the pickup collided with the left front of the Nissan.

The Nissan rotated clockwise slightly and came to final rest facing southwest in the intersection.

The Chevy pickup began to rotate clockwise after the impact, then overturned several times on the roadway, coming to final rest on its roof facing north on the north shoulder of State Road 64.

Joshua Rogers, the driver of the pickup, and Brett Wagner, 18, a passenger in the pickup, were both ejected out of the pickup while the pickup was overturning.

Wagner was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he expired from his injuries that night.

Rogers was transported to Blake Medical Center Trauma Unit where he expired on Tuesday, Dec. 27th.

Neither boy was wearing a seat belt, the FHP report said.

A second passenger in the pickup truck, Terron Sanders, 24, of Bradenton, sustained only minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt, FHP said.

A second passenger in the Nissan, Ann Faraone, 73, of Lakewood Ranch, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Blake Medical Center.

The driver of the Nissan suffered only minor injuries. Both he and his passenger were wearing seat belts.

Mele, the driver of the Nissan, was cited for Violation of Right of Way from a Stop Sign.

The funerals for both Rogers and Wagner were held on Saturday, December 31st, 2011. Over 1,000 classmates and others were in attendance.

Man Wounded During
Drive-By Shooting

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a drive-by shooting on Sunday, December 25, 2011, at about 3:30 a.m., at the intersection of the 2300 block of U.S. 41 North, in Palmetto.

A sheriff's report said Davell Kendricks and Terrance Davis were at the Race Trac gas station at 17th Street and 41 in Palmetto.

The two left the gas station in Kendricks' car, with Kendricks driving and Davis as the passenger.

They left north on 41 and stopped for a red light at 23rd street.

An unknown vehicle then pulled up and began shooting at Kendricks and Davis.

Kendricks was shot in the left shoulder.

The unknown vehicle with the shooters then fled in an unknown direction.

The wound was not life threatening.

Neither the shooters nor their vehicle was described 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.

Woman Reports Armed Robbery
at DeSoto Square Mall
Parking Lot

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Saturday, December 31, 2011, at about 10:30 a.m., in the parking lot of DeSoto Square Mall, 303 U.S. 301 Blvd., Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Denrale Humphrey, 37, was in the parking lot of the mall near the food court walking to her vehicle.

When she reached her vehicle, an unknown male of mixed race came up behind her, put what she thought was a gun in her back and demanded money.

A Black male then came around in front of her and pointed a silver handgun at her. He told her to give him her jewelry.

She complied and gave suspects her jewelry and cash.

They then ran to a car, a blue four door sedan, possibly an older Honda or Toyota, and fled the area.

Ms. Humphrey was not injured.

The robbers were not further described 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.

Two Black Males Rob Arcade,
Casino at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Monday, December 26, 2011, at about 11 p.m., at the Triple Diamond Club, 6513 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said two unknown Black males, armed with semi-automatic handguns, entered the business through the front door, locking it behind them.

Once inside, suspect #1 ordered the clerk to open the cash drawers, with a gun to her head, taking the cash inside. Two other witnesses inside were ordered to the floor by suspect #2.

After taking the money, the suspects hurried the clerk and the two witnesses into the bathroom.

The suspects then fled the business through the front door and into an unknown direction.

The clerk advised the suspects were wearing gloves and large hooded sweatshirts with black masks pulled over their mouths and noses.

The robbers were described as both being around 5'8" tall and weighing 180 pounds.

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

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

Man Struck, Killed by H&R Vehicle,
Run Over by 2nd H&R Vehicle
Identified by FHP

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident on Saturday, December 24, 2011, at about 2:30 a.m., on 15th Street East at 57th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The FHP report said a dark blue or black vehicle, possibly a van, with damage to its right front was northbound on 15th Street East.

Theodore Canan Garcia, 48, of Bradenton, was walking northbound in the northbound lane of 15th Street East.

Garcia was struck by the vehicle and was propelled north, coming to rest in the northbound lane of 15th Street East.

Garcia was then struck by another vehicle that was also traveling northbound on 15th Street East, just north of 57th Avenue East. That vehicle was a large light-colored van that may have damage to its under carriage on the right front side.

Both vehicles failed to stop and fled the scene.

If anyone has any information on these Hit & Run vehicles, please call Cpl. Darrell Carroll, at the Florida Highway Patrol here in Bradenton. Cpl. Carroll's number is (941) 751-8366.

Multiple Vehicle Burglaries
Reported at Plantation
Village MHP

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manaetee County Sheriff's Office reported multiple vehicle burglaries -- at least six -- at Plantation Village Mobile Home Park, in the 400-500 block of 63rd Avenue East, Bradenton, on Saturday, December 31, 2011; the first burglary was reported at about 6:45 a.m.

A sheriff's report said at about 6:45 a.m., a burglary in progress was dispatched at 330 Avocado St.

The victim was in the process of loading his car and when he exited the house with additional items, he saw the car door open and his brief case with laptop and GPS were gone. He did not see anyone.

Deputies searched the area, but no one suspicious was located.

As the morning progressed, additional victims called to report that their vehicles had also been burglarized.

All of the burglaries were unlocked vehicle doors and items taken included: vehicle registrations, CDs, power cords, and loose change.

The burglaries were primarily located on Avocado and Apricot streets.

Some of the victims did not wish to make a report but mentioned the burglaries to the deputies on scene. They did not wish to report because nothing of value was taken.

Some quality fingerprints were obtained.

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

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

Bradenton Police Seek Info
on Motor Vehicle Crash
With a Fatality

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department Traffic Unit is conducting an investigation into the events surrounding a traffic crash that occurred on December 18, 2011, at the intersection of 20th Street East and Manatee Avenue East, also known as State Road 64 East.

The collision occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. and involved two vehicles. One vehicle was a white 2000 Mazda MPV minivan and the other vehicle was a dark blue 2007 Ford Focus.

The crash resulted in one fatality and several injuries, including serious bodily injury. Bradenton Fire/Rescue personnel responded to the scene along with several Manatee County EMS ambulances and supervisors to treat and transport all of the parties requiring medical attention. Vehicle occupants were transported to both Manatee Memorial Hospital and Blake Medical Trauma Center in Bradenton.

Several passing vehicles stopped in the vicinity of the crash and attempted to render aid to the injured parties. However, in the confusion at the onset of this event, responding officers were not able to obtain the identities of these parties and they departed the scene before follow-on officers could speak with them.

As this is an on-going investigation, the Bradenton Police Department is asking any person that may have witnessed any portion of this crash to contact the lead Traffic Homicide Investigator for this case. Master Patrol Officer Sean O’Leary can be reached at (941) 932-9353 or (941) 932-9318. You may also contact the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

South Manatee County
Burglary Nets Thief $20K
in Loot, Including Jewelry

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary on Thursday, December 29, 2011, at a residence in the 7000 block of Phillips Street, near the airport in South Manatee County.

A sheriff's report said Lisa Carlson and her husband were out of town through Christmas.

When they returned, they discovered that their house had been burglarized.

Entry had been made at the rear of the house.

Once inside, the unknown person(s) ransacked several rooms.

A large amount of jewelry was taken, as well as some electronics.

The total value of items taken is approximately $20,000.

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.

Two Terrorist Type Incidents
Reported in NW Bradenton
Neighborhood

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Someone apparently tried to terrorize a Northwest Bradenton neighborhood. Two "bombs" were placed outside two residences recently.

In the first incident, which was reported to have occurred on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at about 10:05 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Office report labeled the incident as a "Bomb Threat (Hoax)." An unknown person(s) placed a package at the doorstep of a residence in the 1700 block of 86th Street NW, rang the doorbell, and ran across the street. When the victim opened the door, an unknown person(s) yelled "it's a bomb," then fled the area. The bomb threat turned out to be a hoax with only paper inside the package.

In the second incident, which was reported to have occurred on the same day, about 50 minutes later, at 10:55 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's Office report labeled the incident as "Suspicious Circumstances." A suspicious package was reported at a residence in the 1300 block of 84th Street NW. An unknown person(s) placed a white styrofoam cooler on the front door step and rang the door bell. The resident observed that the cooler had multiple wires coming from within. In that incident, no threat was apparently made.

In both incidents, the evidence was collected for latent fingerprint examinations, etc.

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

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

Manatee Sheriff's Office
Publishes Fingerprint Fee

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has released the fee for public fingerprinting for 2012.

As of January 1, 2012, the fingerprint fee at the Sheriff’s Office is $35.

Payment must be in cash.

The public can get fingerprinted Monday-Friday from 8:00-6:30 at the Operations Center located at 600 U.S. 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton.

Sarasota Sheriff Arrests Man for
Kidnapping and Sexual Battery

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Raul Castro, 47, of 3680 Egerton Circle, Sarasota, and charged him with one count of Kidnapping and one count of Sexual Battery.

Raul Castro

Detectives say a 24-year old woman reported that Castro let her use his cell phone and then agreed to give her a ride home from a shopping center on Cattlemen Road on Thursday, December 22nd around 4:30 p.m.

Castro told her he had to stop at his residence on the way, but instead the victim reported Castro threatened her with a machete and forced her into his home.

The victim said she was kept there against her will and sexually battered until 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 23rd, when Castro became distracted and she was able to escape.

Detectives obtained a warrant for Castro's arrest and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office SWAT team took Castro into custody at 3:00 a.m. on the morning of December 24th.

Castro has been booked into the Sarasota County Jail and is being held on $200,000 bond.

Bank Robbery Suspect
Arrested by SSO

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested 37-year-old Kenneth Lorne Crosby, of 1906 Livingstone Street, Sarasota, on one count of Attempted Robbery with a Firearm for the attempted bank robbery that occurred on December 20th at the Wells Fargo bank located at 8595 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Kenneth Crosby and Crosby in surveillance photo

After releasing bank surveillance video of the suspect, detectives received numerous tips about the suspect’s identity.

Crosby, seen in the video with bleached blond hair, had dyed it in an attempt to avoid detection, dyeing it again after the robbery attempt.

Detectives executed a search warrant at Crosby’s residence earlier today and recovered additional evidence linking him to the robbery.

Three Arrested in Connection
with $400,000 Burglary, Theft

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested three people in connection with a pre-Christmas burglary and theft.

Above, L to R, Justin Gerken, Benjamin Hilliard and Jessica Striewski

A press release from the Sarasota Police Department siad on December 14th, a victim reported that property valued at over $400,000 was stolen during a burglary of a residence in the 3700 block of Breezemont Drive in Sarasota. The burglary occurred during a one hour and fifteen minute time frame, between 2:15 and 3:30 p.m. Items stolen included coins (gold, silver, and collectable) valued at $400,000.

Detective Jack Carter and Detective Maria Llovio were assigned to investigate the burglary. Detective Llovio issued a notification to retailers about the stolen gold and collectable coins.

American Coins and Collectables notified Detective Llovio that on December 15th two customers had attempted to sell a suitcase full of very valuable coins. The suspects were going to verify the value of the coins at another shop and then return to make the sale. Detective Llovio provided information to Sarasota County Deputies (the store is in the unincorporated portion of Sarasota County).

On December 17th, two suspects returned to American Coin and Collectables with the same suitcase of valuable coins. Both suspects negotiated the sale of the coins. When the suspects became aware that law enforcement officers were responding the suspects fled out the rear door leaving the suitcase and the coins in the store.

Sarasota County Deputies after a brief foot pursuit arrested Justin Gerken and Benjamin Hilliard. The victim of the burglary responded to the location and identified the recovered coins as items taken during the burglary.

Justin Gerken, 21, and Benjamin Hilliard, 22, were arrested for Dealing in Stolen Property. Hilliard was also charged with Violation of Probation reference a previous arrest for Burglary, and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

The investigation continued and Detective Carter developed probable cause to arrest Justin Gerken and Jessica Striewski, 19.. Both were arrested on December 22nd. Gerken was charged with Grand Theft in Excess of $100,000. Striewski was charged with Grand Theft $100.000 or more, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Fraud – False Owner Information on a Pawn Slip.

Thanks to the collaborative effort of officers from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota Police Department, three suspects have been arrested and property valued at $400,000 was recovered.

Man, 49, Arrested for Sexual
Battery of Girl, 10 Years Old

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives have arrested Gregston David Haynes, 49, of Hammond, Indiana, and charged him with Sexual Battery on a 10-year-old girl.

Gregston Haynes

CCSO received a call Wednesday, December 28, 2011, after the girl told her mother that Haynes, a visiting family friend, touched her inappropriately in her bedroom the night before.

The girl’s parents brought her to the CCSO Forensic interviewer.

She positively identified Haynes as the person who sexually battered her.

Detectives then met with Haynes and following the interview, arrested him and transported him to the Charlotte County Jail where he remains on no bond.

Deputies: Man Put Brother's
Body in Trash Bin

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A man faces charges of failing to report a death to the medical examiner after deputies say he wrapped his brother's body in black trash bags and left him in the trash bin at a mobile home park, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Ricky Boutwell

Pinellas County sheriff's deputies arrested 52-year-old Ricky Boutwell early Friday after a woman who was taking her trash out saw the body under a discarded mattress.

The St. Petersburg Times reports 53-year-old David Boutwell lived with his brother.

The two had gotten in a fight on Monday, but Boutwell told deputies his brother seemed fine afterward.

He found his body Wednesday.

Boutwell told authorities he used trash bags and packing tape to wrap his brother's body.

Authorities say there were no obvious signs of trauma. An autopsy will be performed, WKMG said.

For now, Boutwell has been charged with Failure to Report a Death. He is being held in the Pinellas County Jail.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 1/7/2012 2:00:09 PM

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