Bradenton police officer to receive Medal of Merit

Officer Dean Buttitta

A hero's save has earned a Bradenton police officer one of the department's top citations, according to a city news release:

Officer Dean Buttitta will receive the Medal of Merit, the Bradenton Police Department announced today.

The Medal of Merit is the police department’s third highest honor.

Officer Buttitta is credited with saving the life of an infant. While patrolling 14th Street West on Dec. 5, a motorist alerted him that that her small infant was not breathing and was gasping for air. Officer Buttitta quickly got to the child and, seeing that the infant was gasping for air, called for EMS.

He then repositioned the infant and conducted a finger sweep inside the infant’s mouth. This caused the infant to vomit a large amount of white liquid. EMS arrived and a short time later transported the infant to Manatee Memorial Hospital where she was treated and stabilized.

Officer Buttitta's quick action prevented a possible life threatening incident, according to several commanding officers as the department’s Officer of the Month for January.

Officer Buttitta has served with the Bradenton Police Department since 2005. He is currently assigned to Patrol Operations.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 12: Murderer Frederick Barrett sought

The final cold case in the state's "12 Days of Fugitives" campaign was formally announced today. Convicted murderer Frederick Barrett, now 58, has been on the lam since 1979. He is Florida's Fugitive of the Day.

Here is the official press release:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Frederick Barrett, 58, for his 1979 escape from the Union Correctional Institution. He is one of a dozen cold case prison escapees being featured during the “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign – a joint public outreach initiative by FDLE and DOC.

On Aug.17, 1979, Barrett escaped from the Union Correctional Institution where he was serving a life sentence by climbing three perimeter fences.

At the time of his escape, Barrett was serving a life sentence for the murder of Carl Ardolino. On Feb. 8, 1971, Barrett was traveling on the Florida Turnpike with Ardolino, Michael Owensby and another passenger. Barrett began to choke Ardolino, who was driving the car, from behind as Owensby steered the car to the side of the road. Once the car stopped, Owensby began hitting Ardolino in the head with the handle of a knife until he was unconscious. Barrett and Owensby then carried his body to a shallow ditch filled with water and held his head underneath until he died.

”Barrett is one of the most violent fugitives featured in this campaign,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “He has managed to fly under the radar for 30 years and its time justice is served in this case.

Barrett is 5’7” and at the time of his escape was approximately 149 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right hand and a four to six inch scar on his abdomen. He has used the alias Neil Richard Meitzer.

Authorities say Barrett has been spotted in Hawaii and may also be in California, Colorado, Florida or Maryland.

Barrett will be featured on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Barrett for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

The “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign is designed to reach the public during the holiday season when investigators believe the wanted men are most likely to contact friends, family and loved ones. More than $22,000 in reward money is available, with up to $2,500 offered per fugitive for information leading to their capture. To learn more about the “12 Days of Fugitives” visit www.fdle.state.fl.us.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Chernosky or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Gretl Plessinger or Jo Ellyn Rackleff
DOC Public Affairs
(850) 488-0420

Protect your mail from theft, sheriff warns

Manatee sheriff’s authorities have received several reports of mail thefts from residential mail boxes.

Crime prevention officials with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office are calling on residents to retrieve their mail as quickly as possible.

For outgoing mail, deputies are recommending residents go to a post office or shipping company to send their mail during the holiday season. To report a mail theft, call the sheriff’s office at 747-3011.

-- Robert Napper

12 Days of Fugitives, #11: Michael Salem

Michael Salem, now 65, escaped from the Polk Correctional Institution on April 6, 1980. He was serving a 15-year sentence for robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, grand theft and possession of cannabis. Salem is today's Florida's featured fugitive.

From the Department of Law Enforcement news release:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Florida Police Chiefs Association are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Michael Salem, 65, for his 1980 escape from the Polk Correctional Institution. He is one of a dozen cold case prison escapees being featured during the “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign – a joint public outreach initiative by FDLE and DOC.

On Jan. 21, 1976, Salem was stopped by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office
(MCSO) and asked to produce identification. Salem held a sheriff’s deputy at gunpoint, stole his firearm, and forced him into Salem’s vehicle. The deputy escaped from the vehicle while Salem was driving away from the scene. Salem was arrested the same day by the MCSO and later charged with robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, grand theft and possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to 15 years in the Polk County Correctional Institution.

Salem escaped from the Polk Correctional Institution April 6, 1980 by climbing over two perimeter fences and fleeing into a wooded area.

“Salem is attracted to tropical climates and beaches and lived in the Florida Keys in the 1970s,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “It’s likely that he could be living in Florida today.”

Salem is 5’11” and at the time of his escape was approximately 210 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Salem has used the aliases Michael Zildgen, James R. Hall, Bob Zell, Michael Ira Czofka, Michael Sildgen, Michael Czafka, John Thomas Dillashaw and John Dodge. He enjoys swimming and diving and once worked as a salvage diver. He also has some experience in carpentry.

Salem is featured today on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

The “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign is designed to reach the public during the holiday season when investigators believe the wanted men are most likely to contact friends, family and loved ones. More than $22,000 in reward money is available, with up to $2,500 offered per fugitive for information leading to their capture. To learn more about the “12 Days of Fugitives” visit http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.

For Further Information Contact: Heather Smith, Kristen Chernosky or
Mike Morrison FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Mo. judge releases Florida's most-wanted fugitive

Hours after Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents heralded the arrest of one of the 12 most-wanted fugitives at a news conference today, The Associated Press told the agency Oscar Richardson had been released from jail in Tainey County, Mo., on a $25,000 bond.

The news prompted an angry response from agency commissioner Gerald Bailey, who blasted the Missouri judge for allowing the release.

"I am shocked and extremely disappointed by the irresponsible decision of Judge Tony Williams to allow Oscar Richardson to post bond," Bailey said. "Allowing this fugitive to walk out of a courtroom after hiding from authorities for 30 years diminishes the seriousness of his crimes and shows a lack of sensitivity for those he victimized."

Jim Madden, the special agent in charge of the agency’s Tampa office, said Richardson was surprised when authorities showed up in Ridgedale, Mo., near the Arkansas state line over the weekend.

Read an updated story here, with a full report in the Bradenton Herald Tuesday.

12 Days of Fugitives nabs first escapee

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil today announced the first capture in the “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign.

Oscar Eugene Richardson, 61, was arrested at 3 p.m. Saturday in Ridgedale, Mo., as a result of information received through the campaign’s toll-free hotline. Richardson had been on the run more than 30 years.

“Richardson is the oldest case among the dozen escapees and it is fitting that justice caught up with him first,” said Bailey. “We thank our friends in the media for reaching the public so effectively with the names and faces of these fugitives.”

The Bradenton Herald also published this story by law enforcement reporter Robert Napper on the two local cases involved, with all the mugs and bios, and is updating the campaign on this blog.

Richardson escaped from the Kissimmee Work Release Center in March 1979 after serving less than two years of his 10-year sentence for armed robbery. On Janu. 28, 1977, Richardson held two employees at gunpoint at a Tampa drug store and demanded money from the store safe. On March 1, 1977, he robbed a Tampa convenience store, holding the store clerk at gunpoint and demanding she fill a bag with money. He fled the scene but was arrested minutes later and charged in the crime.

"Inmate Richardson escaped from the Department of Corrections more than 30 years ago," said McNeil. "In the past 30 years, Oscar Richardson may have tried to forget his past and his prison time. But we've never forgotten about inmate Richardson, and we’ve never forgotten about his victims."

At the time of the arrest, Richardson was living under the alias Eugene Ward. He is believed to have lived in the same area of Missouri for many years and had assumed a new identity and was using a false social security number.

Richardson was arrested by a U.S. Marshals Task Force and was booked into the Taney County Jail on his outstanding warrant for escape.

The “12 Days of Fugitive” campaign has more than $22,000 in reward money available, with up to $2,500 offered per fugitive for information leading to their capture. The funds are being provided by FDLE, DOC, and the Florida Police Chiefs Association.

“We are elated over the capture of Oscar Richardson,” said Pinellas Park Police Chief Dorene Thomas, president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “We commend FDLE and DOC for such an innovative approach to apprehend some of our state’s most violent fugitives.”

The “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign was launched Dec. 7 and is a joint public outreach initiative by FDLE and DOC to locate Florida’s oldest and most violent prison escapees. Florida newspapers are featuring the fugitives in print and online photo galleries, and the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its member companies are providing donated space on digital billboards. The campaign is designed to reach the public during the holiday season when investigators believe the wanted men are most likely to contact friends, family and loved ones. To learn more about the “12 Days of Fugitives” visit www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted fugitives is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Chernosky or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 9: Harry Braswell

Harry Braswell

A convicted murderer who was serving a life prison sentence when he escaped from the Sumter Correctional Institution in 1983 is today's Florida Fugitive of the Day.

A Florida Department of Law Enforcement news release has the details about Harry Braswell:

On Feb. 22, 1983, Braswell escaped from the Sumter Correctional Institution where he was serving a life sentence by concealing himself in a piece of furniture within a large truck that was being transported out of the prison.

At the time of his escape, Braswell was serving a life sentence for the murder of John Robbins. On Feb. 19, 1975, Braswell and three accomplices entered Robbins’ Suwannee County home, tied him to a bed and suffocated him with a pillow.

”Braswell could very well be living in north Florida or somewhere in the Southeast,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “We know he is out there, and we believe there are people who have information that could lead us to his whereabouts.”

Braswell is 6’0” and at the time of his escape was approximately 150 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair. He has the initials “H.D.B.” on his left arm and a heart on his left forearm. He has used the aliases Harry McQuery, Harry McCery, Robert Jackson, and Troy Jackson.

Authorities say Braswell has been spotted in Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. He has ties in several Florida counties including Leon, Hamilton and Washington.

Braswell will be featured on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Braswell for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Harry Braswell, in an age progression illustration released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 8: Gary Prater

Gary Prater

Gary Prater, a convicted rapist who escaped from a Florida prison almost 24 years ago, is today's Fugitive of the Day.

From the Department of Law Enforcement news release:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Florida Police Chiefs Association are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Gary Prater, 60, for his 1986 escape from the Tomoka Correctional Institution. He is one of a dozen cold case prison escapees being featured during the “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign – a joint public outreach initiative by FDLE and DOC.

On Dec. 3, 1981, Prater was traveling from Pensacola to Orlando when he stopped to help a woman whose disabled vehicle was in a ditch near Milton, Fla. He drove her to a side road and committed sexual battery. He was arrested Dec. 13, 1981 by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. He was sentenced June 21, 1982 to 18 years in prison.

Prater escaped from the Tomoka Correctional Institution Jan. 31, 1986 while working in a carpentry shop outside of the fenced perimeter. Prior to his Florida conviction, Prater served six years in a Texas prison for assault with intent to kill a police officer.

“Prater has been free for nearly 24 years,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “It takes just one solid lead to bring him back to prison.”

Prater is 6’0” and at the time of his escape was approximately 205 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Prater has used the aliases Gary Prat, John R. Casey and Gary Prato. He has relatives living in Georgia. He has previously lived and worked in Orlando.

Prater is featured today on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Gary Prater, in an age progression illustration released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 7: Frederick Schueler

Frederick Schueler

The state was a little late in announcing Wednesday's Fugitive of the Day, so we are a little late with this post.

Floridians should be on the lookout for Frederick Schueler, according to a news release:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Frederick Schueler, 75, for his 1984 escape from the Avon Park Correctional Institution. He is one of a dozen cold case prison escapees being featured during the “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign – a joint public outreach initiative by FDLE and DOC.

On Jan. 11, 1976, Schueler entered a bookstore in Volusia County and robbed a victim at gunpoint. Schueler was later arrested and sentenced on July 19, 1978.

“Inmate Schueler was serving a 120-year sentence for a number of violent felonies committed here in Florida. He has a fairly unusual tattoo of the word ‘Luck’ on the fingers of his left hand. We’re hoping that ‘luck’ will soon run out and a citizen will recognize him or one of his unusual tattoos,” said Department of Corrections Secretary Walter McNeil.

Schueler is 6’2” and at the time of his escape was approximately 170 pounds. He has blue eyesand black hair. In addition to the ‘Luck’ tattoo, Schueler has a tattoo of a bird on his left forearm and a tattoo of star and quarter moon on his left hand. He has two small scars on his forehead. He has several aliases, including: Howard Archie Baker, Leonard Lee Cook, Fred Russell Groneau, Frederick Russell Cook, Matt Jon Williams, Thomas Newton Russ; He has also used various dates of birth including: 01/17/1939, 05/11/1934, 08/17/1934, 09/06/1930, 10/17/1934, and 10/20/1927.

Schueler will be featured on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Schueler for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll freetip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Frederick Schueler, in age progression illustration released by the Florida Department of Criminal Justice.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 6: Jano Evans

Jano Evans

A convicted drug dealer who killed two people in a traffic crash and then fled the Tampa area is today's Florida's Fugitive of the Day, part of the state's "12 Days of Fugitives" program.

A news release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has the particulars on Jano Evans:

On June 16, 1987, Evans was returning from the Tampa Salvation Army where he was serving a four-year work release sentence for cocaine trafficking when he crashed his speeding car into a disabled vehicle on the Howard Frankland Bridge.

Four members of the Thompson family were inside the disabled vehicle and were airlifted to a hospital. Mr. John Thompson and his two children survived. Thompson’s wife and the children’s mother, Catherine Thompson, died a few days later.

Evans left the hospital before law enforcement could interview and arrest him. He has two warrants for his arrest – one for escape and one for manslaughter. The warrants are for nationwide extradition.

“To Mr. Jano Evans, if you are listening to this I’d like you to know that your wrong choices have devastated my family. My two girls had to grow up without a mother because of the choices you have made,” said John Thompson. “I hope and pray you are brought to justice.”

Evans is 6’2” and at the time of his escape was approximately 194 pounds. He has hazel eyes and brown hair. He has worked as a salesman, and enjoys writing and computers. Evans has used the alias John C. Evans. He may have some facial injuries or scarring from the car accident. He may be in Maine or in Central America.

Evans is featured today on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Jano Evans, in an age progression illustration released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 5: Phillip Donovan

Phillip Donovan

A convicted killer who in 1982 escaped from the Bradenton Work Release Center in is today's "Fugitive of the Day," a state law enforcement public relations campaign targeting 12 of Florida's most dangerous fugitives.

Phillip Donovan, now 70, was serving a life sentence for a 1964 robbery-slaying in Miami Beach, when he escaped.

A news release offers the details:

Donovan was convicted of first-degree murder for the shooting death of a hotel clerk. On April 11, 1964, Donovan entered a Miami Beach hotel and demanded the clerk hand over money. When the clerk refused, Donovan shot him between the eyes. Donovan is also believed to have committed other violent crimes in the New York City area.

Donovan served in the U.S. Army in a clerical position. He has been employed as a bartender, shipping clerk, delivery man, and has done farm work. He enjoys softball, baseball, shooting pool, swimming, and going to the movies.

“Donovan has been on the run for almost 28 years,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “He has relatives in New York City and has been spotted in the Miami and Belle Glades area.”

Chambers is 6’1” and at the time of his escape was approximately 170 pounds. He has brown eyes and gray hair. He has the following tattoos: a heart, “Joe” on his left arm, and a panther on his right arm. He may use the alias Joseph Michael Capano.

Donovan will be featured on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Donovan for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Phillip Donovan, in an age progression illustration released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 4: Glen Chambers

Glen Chambers

A prison escapee who in 1975 beat his girlfriend to death in Sarasota is the latest Florida "Fugitive of the Day," part of a statewide blitz to capture some of the state's most dangerous fugitives.

Glen Chambers, 62, has been on the lam since 1990, when he escaped from the Polk Correctional Institution while serving a life prison sentence.

A news release issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement states:

Chambers was convicted of first-degree murder for the 1975 beating death of his girlfriend Connie Weeks. On Jan. 22, 1975, Chambers assaulted Weeks in the parking lot of the Sarasota Lanes Bowling Alley. An off-duty officer who was a friend of Weeks intervened and Chambers began fighting the officer. Chambers was arrested for simple battery. Weeks bonded Chambers out of jail that night and was beaten unconscious by Chambers within hours of his release. She died five days later.

On Feb. 21, 1990, Chambers escaped by concealing himself in a truck that was leaving the facility. Chambers used tools to get out of the truck and fled before the driver was aware he was there.

"He took Connie's life when she was only 21 years old yet runs free to live his life the way he chooses,” said Pam Cooper, Connie’s sister. “He was convicted of her murder and it's time to find him and put him back into prison. Putting Glen Chambers behind bars again would help my family find closure.”

“We hope the public will look closely at the photographs we have available of Chambers,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “He is out there somewhere and Connie Weeks’ family deserves justice.”

Chambers is 6’3” and at the time of his escape was approximately 213 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. Authorities say Chambers has been spotted in Orange Beach and Perdido Key, Ala., and may be in the Minnesota area.

Chambers was recently featured on the TV program “America’s Most Wanted” and producers plan to air a follow-up segment on him next month.

Chambers will be featured on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Chambers for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Glen Chambers, in age progression illustration released by Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Earlier this week, Weeks' mother, Elinor Hauck, spoke at a news conference kicking off the "12 Days of Fugitives" campaign.

“The pain doesn’t ever go away,” Hauck said. “I feel I won’t be happy until he is locked up.”

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 3: Robert Baldwin

Robert Baldwin

Robert Baldwin, 62, who twice has escaped from prison while serving a life sentence for a string of violent crimes in Pinellas County in 1970, is today's "Fugitive of the Day," one of 12 escapees being targeted by a state law enforcement blitz this holiday season.

A news release states:

On May 13, 1970, Baldwin held a Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy and a Tarpon Springs Police Officer at gunpoint during a traffic stop and fled in one of the marked vehicles. The following day, Baldwin kidnapped an elderly couple in Holiday, Fla., and forced them to drive him to Citrus County where he fled into the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Baldwin was caught and arrested on May 15, 1970, by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He was sentenced to life in prison for the crimes but escaped in March of 1976 from the Glades Correctional Institution.

He was captured two years later and was serving his life sentence at the Baker Correctional Institution when he escaped again in July of 1988.

“Baldwin is facing life in prison and probably believes he has nothing to lose,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “He has eluded authorities for way too long and it is time this violent fugitive is put behind bars permanently.”

Baldwin is 5’7” and at the time of his escape was approximately 150 pounds. He has hazel eyes and brown hair and has a v-shaped scar on his chin. He has worked as an auto mechanic, truck driver and plumber. Baldwin has used the aliases "Bob Lawrence Baldwin," "Gene Lewis Miller" and "William Mead." He has a red and green rose tattoo on his left forearm and a tattoo of an eagle on his chest.

Baldwin is featured today on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Baldwin for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Robert Baldwin, in age progression illustration released by Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Watch out for solicitor seeking donations for prep football uniforms

There’s a scam artist apparently roaming Manatee, going around soliciting donations for football uniforms and saying Saint Stephen’s Episcopal is the school in need.

In a crime alert sent out via e-mail by the sheriff’s office, the school said they do not solicit donations for football uniforms and that they had received several calls from all over the county about the solicitor.

Here’s the sheriff’s office’s description of the alleged solicitor:

· White male
· 15-16 years of age
· Blond, short hair
· 5 feet 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches tall.

No vehicle has been observed with the subject. He has been said to have papers with the Saint Stephen’s football schedule and a list of people who had given him money along with their names, addresses and phone numbers.

The sheriff’s office advises residents:

“If a subject matching this description knocks on your door asking for donations; DO NOT open the door, ask through the door who it is, and then say, ‘I am not interested.’ If you can look out your window, try to get a clothing description and direction of travel as you pick up the phone and contact 911. With the multiple calls the school has received, this subject has probably already been successful in fraudulently obtaining funds from residents in Manatee County.”

If you have already given the solicitor a donation, call your local law enforcement agency:

· Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: (941) 747-3011
· Bradenton Police Department: (941) 932-9300
· Palmetto Police Department: (941) 721-2000
· Holmes Beach Police Dept.: (941) 708-5804
· Bradenton Beach Police Dept.: (941) 778-6311
· Longboat Key Police Dept.: (941) 316-1977

Web offers access to info about crime, other police events

Here are three Web sites you should get to know if you want to be informed of crime, traffic events and other law enforcement/criminal justice events in your community:

• The Florida Highway Patrol offers up-to-date reports on all crashes the agency responds to in Manatee County. The reports will give what time a crash occurred, an injury report, and whether there is roadblock caused by the crash. To learn about crashes in Manatee County, log onto http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic/ and click on Troop F on the map of Florida which is shaded orange.
• The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Web site offers numerous tools for keeping up with crime trends, jail bookings and crime prevention. Log onto www.manateesheriff.com, and hot links listed on the left side of the Web site include a tool where citizens can view dispatched calls throughout the day by typing a date or address. Also, by clicking on the "arrest inquiry" link, you can look up all arrests in Manatee County by date or name, and even see their arrest booking photograph.
• For information on court cases, both criminal and civil, as they make their way through the system, visit the Manatee clerk of courts site at http://www.manateeclerk.org/
  

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 2: Robert Finley

Robert Finley

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida Department of Corrections wants your help in locating Robert Finley, the second fugitive featured in their "12 Days of Fugitives" campaign.

Robert Finley, after an arrest in 1987

From their news release this morning:

On March 2, 1974, Finley killed another inmate at Brown’s Labor Camp in Hardee County, Fla., by using a knife to slit his throat. Finley was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter. He was serving his time at the Kissimmee Work Release Center when he escaped on July 8, 1980.

After his escape, Finley, using the alias Ray Lynn Burris, was arrested in Florida on several occasions, including a 1987 arrest for disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest with violence. Technology at the time did not allow authorities to electronically match fingerprints and identify Burris as Finley.

“This fugitive has been on the run for nearly 20 years and has a violent past,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “He has worked as a laborer and migrant worker and has lived previously in Southwest Florida.”

Finley is 6’2” and at the time of his escape was approximately 164 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair. He has several tattoos including, “Ni Vida Loca” on his right forearm; a dagger and “BF” on his lower left arm; and “Marlene” on his left bicep. Finley has an extensive criminal history that includes arrests in Oklahoma, Louisiana, California, Colorado and Michigan.

Finley will be featured on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Finley for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us.

Robert Finley, in age progression illustration released by Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

For more about the "12 Days of Fugitives," read the story that appeared in Tuesday's Bradenton Herald.

12 Days of Fugitives, Day 1: Julio Bonchea

Julio Bonchea

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida Department of Corrections on Monday kicked of "the 12 Days of Fugitives," an intensive public relations effort to locate long-lost and dangerous prison escapees. As noted in a story today by reporter Robert Napper, two of the fugitives have ties to Manatee and Sarasota counties.

This morning, state officials issued the first of what look like will be 12 daily news releases, each one profiling a different fugitive.

The fugitive of the day today is Julio Bonchea:

The Miami-Dade Police Department arrested Bonchea on June 6, 1997 for participating in an armed home invasion robbery with two accomplices. One victim was stabbed and another victim was shot at several times. Bonchea was charged with attempted homicide, burglary, grand larceny and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced Aug. 8, 1998 to 18 years in prison on two counts of second-degree murder.

Bonchea escaped from the Calhoun Correctional Institution March 26, 2000. Authorities believe that Bonchea’s brother provided him with civilian clothing during a visitation that Bonchea used to exit the facility undetected. Following his escape, Bonchea was arrested June 20, 2001 in San Jose, Costa Rica for attempted murder with a firearm. He escaped from the Costa Rican prison June 6, 2005 while serving an 11-year prison sentence.

“This fugitive is the first to be featured as he has the dubious distinction of being highly violent and escaping from a Florida Prison and a foreign jail,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “He has family in Cuba and South Florida connections but could be living undetected in any Spanish-speaking community anywhere.”

Bonchea is 5’7” and at the time of his escape was approximately 155 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. He has worked in travel, insurance and marketing sales and speaks Spanish and English. Bonchea has used the aliases Julio Bonachea, Manuel Tata Rodriguez, and Miguel Tata Rodriguez.

Bonchea is featured today on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.

There is an active warrant for Bonchea for escape, a first-degree felony. The warrant is for nationwide extradition. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us

Julio Bonchea, in age progression illustration released by Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

FHP: 157 arrested for DUI during Thanksgiving holiday

Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested 157 motorists for driving under the influence during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday, according to the FHP.

Also, troopers busted more than 7,800 motorists were cited for speeding and safety belt violations on state highways during the holiday weekend, Nov. 25-29.

Of the citations issued by FHP troopers, 5,944 were for speeding, and 1,391 were for safety belt violations.

Troopers also worked numerous traffic crashes, of which there were 21 fatalities, according to FHP.

“The Florida Highway Patrol enhanced our patrols to remove unsafe drivers from the streets so that families could reach their destinations safely and enjoy the holiday with friends and loved ones,” said Czernis. “Throughout the holiday season we will continue our enhanced enforcement efforts with special emphasis on impaired drivers. Motorists should always designate a sober driver if they plan to consume alcohol.”

Afraid of his wife, man tells an expensive lie

As Tiger Woods might tell you, men may lie to their wives but in the end, the tape, whether audio or video, does not.

Take, for example, the man in Panama City who was arrested after he admitted he had lied to police about being beaten and robbed of $100 by a man dressed in black. He gave up the ghost after footage from a store security camera did not match his story.

So why the lie?

The man, Jordan Paul Dominque, 30, who faces a charge of filing a false report, did not want to tell his wife he had spent the money.

“When I confronted him, he admitted to me he was having money problems at home,” a deputy noted in a report, according to the (Panama City) News-Herald. “He stated he called 911 knowing that no such crime had actually been committed, just so that he could tell his wife that his money had been taken and that he had not just spent it.”