tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68813103604485699202024-03-05T01:18:45.331-05:00Crime WatchAbout this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-23981986037082418942013-06-24T12:26:00.002-04:002013-06-24T12:33:03.119-04:00Bradenton PD wins honor for neighborhood liaison project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oZh3Eoi0uSOgSxjnAkF5gtS4mYbsNUGDw0U8gxd904j6qaR9PJ0wsbh4-QXrj83uTgy5NgK9KRucKgcUwbSI4XTv0EpPNxdWglaQw0MocAwDjyFGQQA61esrM_VNvgEaWZC130MO-fQ/s1600/Amy_Mercer_StarShield_CEO_Allen_Durham_Capt_Fowler_Tammy_Striker_Chief_RazzChief_Dennis_Jones_6_19_2013_BPD_Excellence_in_Policing_Award.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oZh3Eoi0uSOgSxjnAkF5gtS4mYbsNUGDw0U8gxd904j6qaR9PJ0wsbh4-QXrj83uTgy5NgK9KRucKgcUwbSI4XTv0EpPNxdWglaQw0MocAwDjyFGQQA61esrM_VNvgEaWZC130MO-fQ/s400/Amy_Mercer_StarShield_CEO_Allen_Durham_Capt_Fowler_Tammy_Striker_Chief_RazzChief_Dennis_Jones_6_19_2013_BPD_Excellence_in_Policing_Award.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right (provided photo):<br />
Amy Mercer (Executive Director, FCPA), Star and Shield Group CEO Allen Durham, Captain William Fowler, Tami Spyker (Neighborhood Watch Liaison), Chief of Police Michael Radzilowski, and Chief of Police Dennis Jones (Tallahassee PD and FCPA Immediate Past President) in Bonita Springs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The City of Bradenton Police Department has received the “Rocky Pomerance Law Enforcement Excellence Award” based on the department’s Neighborhood Liaison Communication Project, The Florida Police Chiefs Association and Star & Shield Group Inc. announced.<br />
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The award recognizes outstanding community policing initiatives by small, medium and large law enforcement agencies statewide.<br />
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The “Rocky Pomerance Law Enforcement Excellence Award” provides a mechanism for the Florida Police Chiefs Association to recognize member agencies for developing and implementing an innovative approach to policing, according to the release. This award was named for Chief of Police (Ret.) Rocky Pomerance, who has been recognized as exemplifying the image of an innovative and visionary leader who furthered the mission of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the law enforcement profession within Florida. <br />
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The three awards this year: <br />
<ol>
<li>Large Agency (76 Sworn Officers or More) – City of Bradenton Police Department, Bradenton. </li>
<li>Medium Agency (31 – 75 Sworn Officers) – Lighthouse Point Police Department, Lighthouse Point </li>
<li>Small Agency (1 – 30 Sworn Officers) – Santa Fe Community College Police Department, Gainesville </li>
</ol>
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Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski issued this statement:<br />
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“I am very proud of our Neighborhood Liaison Communication Project, and the rapport that it has developed between the Bradenton Police Officers and the residents, this has helped foster the ongoing respect and feeling of teamwork resulting in collateral changes in the target areas including, businesses increased by 17%, home sales increased by 41%, and the crime rate has dropped by 28.8%.<br />
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The citizens expressed that their efforts were effective in reducing crime, thereby reducing fear, and increasing the feeling of safety, ownership and teamwork alongside the members of the Bradenton Police Department. This collaborative effort has saved the Bradenton Police Department in excess of 6,000 man-hours and $200,000.00 in taxpayer monies.” <br />
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The award ceremony was held last week at the FCPA’s 61st Annual Summer Training Conference and Exposition Banquet in Bonita Springs. Radzilowski, Capt. William Fowler and Tami Spyker, a resident who serves as the Neighborhood Watch Liaison for West Bradenton, attended.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-78023089740614422322012-05-04T14:31:00.000-04:002012-05-04T14:31:46.728-04:00Robert Taylor's arrest reportBy Laura C. Morel<br />
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Crime/Immigration Reporter</div>
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For four days now, I've been reporting the second-degree murder trial of Robert Taylor, an ex-deputy accused of killing his 63-year-old wife.</div>
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Both the defense and state have questioned homicide detectives on the factors that made them suspicious of Pamela Taylor's sudden death in September 2008.</div>
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Factors include the existence of two life insurance policies that Taylor failed to mention to detectives early on in the investigation, possible domestic abuse at the Taylor home and the changes Taylor made in his story as detectives continued to grill him with questions.</div>
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If you're interested in more information, here's the February 2011 arrest report:</div>
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/92383400/Robert-Taylor-Arrest-Report" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Robert Taylor Arrest Report on Scribd">Robert Taylor Arrest Report</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_86546" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/92383400/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-jesgf4bgz7v7mnmaqlq" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-76831903631841371942012-05-03T17:25:00.001-04:002012-05-03T17:25:40.219-04:00Retired Manatee deputy on trial in wife's slayingLaura Morel is covering the trial this week of Robert Taylor, a retired Manatee corrections deputy accused of killing
his wife nearly four years ago. <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/05/03/4024091/former-manatee-deputys-murder.html">Today's update brings</a> more testimony from
prosecution witnesses.<br />
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<br />Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/05/03/4024091/former-manatee-deputys-murder.html#storylink=cpy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ujxam2HshvAe5B33sGi6pCDvgTxZ5q9-bwQa5KWbTNh2Z-K0nIRjnv5DzwlF3jsarTFlYRrq1Nkk6MMTaduvg3QPDMuKXwVuM-KhFJO2K35e1G9ZarMBOgPO4GbJWLx9NEelOPhbk8/s1600/taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ujxam2HshvAe5B33sGi6pCDvgTxZ5q9-bwQa5KWbTNh2Z-K0nIRjnv5DzwlF3jsarTFlYRrq1Nkk6MMTaduvg3QPDMuKXwVuM-KhFJO2K35e1G9ZarMBOgPO4GbJWLx9NEelOPhbk8/s320/taylor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If found guilty, he could face life in prison. <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/187/index.html">Check back here </a>and in Friday's Bradenton Herald for the latest.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-29277603267159591672012-04-17T17:47:00.000-04:002012-04-17T17:47:30.609-04:00DEA nationwide take-back is this monthBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
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Got prescription drugs? The DEA will take them off your hands.<br />
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The Drug Enforcement Administration will hold its fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day throughout the country April 28.<br />
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People with unwanted prescription drugs will be able to turn them into law enforcement at different locations for free. No questions will be asked and they can remain anonymous.<br />
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Since the DEA launched this initiative, nearly 1 million pounds of prescription drugs have been collected.<br />
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<b>Fun fact:</b> more Americans abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to <a href="http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr041612.html">a media release.</a><br />
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There are Take-Back locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties. To find one near you, <a href="https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/NTBI-PUB.pub;jsessionid=3FD4E6979F7B21BC80C65EA4E8158CFD?_flowExecutionKey=_c41F82DB0-5F00-B2CF-3F7A-1882BE90FCC5_kA75CFD79-FFF6-97D0-0485-A2382B364912">click here.</a>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-73995184886843911892012-04-14T19:50:00.000-04:002012-04-14T19:50:33.543-04:00From crime scenes to cookoffsBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration<br />
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From Tuesday through Friday, I'm the crime and immigration reporter for the Bradenton Herald.<br />
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But Saturday is my wildcard. I cover, well, everything else, including parades, festivals, fairs, rallies, contests, and the list goes on.<br />
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Food fests are also a big chunk of my Saturday coverage.<br />
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Today, I was the lucky reporter who covered the <a href="http://gulfcoastribfest.com/">Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest</a>, which includes a barbecue ribs cookoff with both local and out-of-state cooks. I interviewed barbecue enthusiasts about their secrets to a good rib and a tasty sauce. Time and patience seemed to be key ingredients.<br />
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After two hours of interviews, I smelled like barbecue.<br />
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Earlier this month, I covered the <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/04/01/3974070/somethings-fishy-in-bradenton.html#storylink=misearch">annual Seafood Festival.</a> <br />
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In late February, I covered the <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/19/3885452/30th-annual-cortez-commercial.html#storylink=misearch">Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival</a>. Food for sale included squid fries (delicious!) and smoked mullet.<br />
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And in the beginning of the year, I was among 12 teams of cooks who whispered to their team members so their opponents wouldn’t hear their <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/15/3792538/secret-ingredients-serve-up-winners.html#storylink=misearch">beef brisket secrets.</a><br />
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The irony of it all? I can't even cook.<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; height: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; width: 1px;">Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/15/3792538/secret-ingredients-serve-up-winners.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy</div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-85696867990577475332012-03-29T17:11:00.004-04:002012-03-29T17:18:57.293-04:00Bradenton deputy chief walking into sunsetBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYA6ptJ3uupAJ-K5Fp6DSNo9cmqr6qSw98jQhbGeGNct8-Jf2IafbPZsiqFUTw4pfh9SWkYCvN1o2zOJBGSp7ZI1x-Gzxfq5MYeW2TKRcoFkeDp83Iuzoc9nkVic9fVEqPjcRjZdplrw/s1600/032812_brlo_J.J.+Lewis+retirement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYA6ptJ3uupAJ-K5Fp6DSNo9cmqr6qSw98jQhbGeGNct8-Jf2IafbPZsiqFUTw4pfh9SWkYCvN1o2zOJBGSp7ZI1x-Gzxfq5MYeW2TKRcoFkeDp83Iuzoc9nkVic9fVEqPjcRjZdplrw/s400/032812_brlo_J.J.+Lewis+retirement.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Bradenton police Deputy Chief Jeffrey Lewis <br />
at the luncheon on Tuesday.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Earlier this year, I interviewed Bradenton police Deputy Chief Jeffrey Lewis about his 27-year career at the department.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">His retirement was coming up and he hoped to exit without much fuss from his colleagues.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">“I would just like to say my goodbyes and take one good look around and just walk off into the sunset,” Lewis told me <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/15/3792487/bpd-deputy-chief-retiring.html#storylink=misearch">during the interview.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On Tuesday, the department held a small luncheon for the veteran police officer at the Kingdom of Life Church in Bradenton. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Among those attending were Bradenton's police chief Michael Radzilowski and mayor Wayne Poston.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lewis will walk into the sunset Saturday, March 31, his last day at the department.</div></span></td></tr>
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Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/15/3792487/bpd-deputy-chief-retiring.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy</div></div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-54189736668974571212012-03-29T17:11:00.000-04:002012-03-29T17:11:02.277-04:00Statement by missing Bradenton woman's familyBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
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After the DNA from a severed leg that washed ashore in St. Petersburg matched that of <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/29/3968332/authorities-are-asking-for-the.html">Kelly Moriarty, a missing Bradenton woman,</a> her family released a statement to the media.<br />
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Moriarty's disappearance is a case that crosses several counties and includes another missing woman, her girlfriend, Plant City resident Doris Carter. <br />
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Authorities are now focusing on the "missing pieces of this puzzle," as <a href="http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/About-HCSO/Press-Releases/Releases/2012/March/12-120.aspx">Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office</a> spokesman Det. Larry McKinnon described the case Wednesday. The pieces include: authorities haven’t found a crime scene, the location of the rest of Moriarty’s remains is unknown, and Carter is still missing. <br />
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I'm now trying to find out as much as I can about the two women. If you are friends with either Moriarty or Carter, please give me a call, 941-745-7041, or email me at lmorel@bradenton.com.<br />
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Here's the full statement released by the Moriarty family:<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/87246870/Moriarty-Statement" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Moriarty Statement on Scribd">Moriarty Statement</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_40488" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/87246870/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-p1owtnfx4vw08cisdiw" width="100%"></iframe>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-54269736303912451072012-03-16T17:42:00.000-04:002012-03-16T17:42:33.993-04:00Facts about Florida prisonsBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
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While working on my story about <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/16/3942675/transition-facility-in-bradenton.html">Bradenton Bridge inmate Dianna Love</a>, I conducted some research to learn more about Florida prisons.<br />
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I only used one statistic in my story, fearing I'd bog it down with numbers. But in case you're interested, here are some other stats that didn't make it into the story:<br />
<ul><li>Eighty-eight percent of inmates will one day be released.</li>
</ul><ul><li>About 12,000 inmates will return to prison in three years.</li>
</ul><ul><li>About 66 percent of Florida inmates need substance abuse treatment.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Between 2007 and 2008, 82 percent of inmates were released without receiving any substance abuse treatment. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Between 2007 and 2008, about 1,800 inmates received their GEDs.</li>
</ul><div>For the full "Recidivism Reduction Strategic Plan" report, <a href="http://www.dc.state.fl.us/orginfo/FinalRecidivismReductionPlan.pdf">click here.</a> </div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-40563315593344729072012-03-15T14:03:00.001-04:002012-03-15T14:47:06.254-04:00Blaine Ross re-trial scheduled for MayBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime & Immigration Reporter<br />
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Mark your calendars: Blaine Ross's murder re-trial is coming up May 14, according to the <a href="http://www.manateeclerk.com/GeneralInfo/News/TrialsOfInterest.aspx">Manatee Clerk of Courts website.</a><br />
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Ross, 29, is accused of beating his parents to death with a baseball bat in January 2004. In 2007, he was convicted of first-degree murder and robbery and was sentenced to death.<br />
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He was the first person in nearly 20 years <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2010/05/27/2319111/previous-coverage-blaine-ross.html#storylink=misearch">sentenced to death in Manatee County.</a><br />
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But the Florida Supreme Court later ordered that Ross have a new trial after "justices ruled that Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Detective William Waldron violated Ross’ Miranda rights by taking him through several hours of grueling questioning without reading him his rights first. Miranda outlines a person’s right to remain silent and to obtain an attorney," a<a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2010/05/29/2322227/wells-ross-interview-was-by-the.html"> 2010 Bradenton Herald article reads.</a><br />
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Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2010/05/29/2322227/wells-ross-interview-was-by-the.html#storylink=cpy</div><br />
Three dissenting judges pointed out that Ross signed a waiver of his rights just before confessing to the slayings, the article said.<br />
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Here's Ross's 2004 arrest report (to view in full screen, click on the toolbar's first button):<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/85488441/Blaine-Ross-PCA" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Blaine Ross PCA on Scribd">Blaine Ross PCA</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_66607" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/85488441/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-2jtwu3fv4s28l2jjmok3" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2010/05/29/2322227/wells-ross-interview-was-by-the.html#storylink=cpy</div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-21864718033380787492012-03-13T17:54:00.000-04:002012-03-13T17:54:08.232-04:00Troopers watching out for impaired drivers on St. Patrick's DayBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
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Drunk drivers shouldn't bet on their luck this St. Patrick's Day.<br />
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Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be vigilant during the week leading up to the Irish holiday from March 10 to March 17, <a href="http://www.flhsmv.gov/news/pdfs/PR030912.pdf">a media release said</a>.<br />
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"We have a zero tolerance for impaired driving. Having a designated driver and planning ahead will make your trip safer," said FHP director Col. David Brierton in the release.<br />
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There were 18,000 alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2010, where more than 12,000 people were injured and nearly 800 were killed.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-74732527420420590642012-03-06T16:13:00.000-05:002012-03-06T16:13:18.896-05:00New trial dates for Taylor, Jenkins trialsBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
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New dates have been set for two high-profile trials coming up at the Manatee County Judicial Center this year.<br />
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The trial for <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/02/19/2970835/back-in-florida-former-deputy.html#storylink=misearch">Robert Taylor</a>, a retired Manatee County Sheriff's Office corrections deputy accused of killing his wife in September 2008, was rescheduled for April 30.<br />
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Taylor, 56, was arrested and booked into the Sarasota County jail early last year. He is charged with second-degree murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison, according to Manatee court records.<br />
<br />
The trial for <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/02/3000874/suspect-in-attacks-on-3-bradenton.html#storylink=misearch">Jared Jenkins, 24,</a> accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting several girls, was rescheduled for April 9.<br />
<br />
He is charged with three counts of kidnapping, two counts of attempted sexual battery and one count of sexual battery, according to Manatee court records. If convicted on the kidnapping charges, Jenkins could face life in prison.<br />
<br />
For live tweets from the courthouse during these and other trials, follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lauracmorel">@lauracmorel</a>.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-81516794721471494002012-02-29T12:48:00.000-05:002012-02-29T12:48:17.491-05:00Story leads to identification of Bradenton hit and run victimFormer <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/">Miami Herald</a> crime reporter Edna Buchanan once said, "Putting it in the newspaper works."<br />
<br />
That held very true on Saturday when I was out covering a minor crash on the DeSoto Bridge. I had just started my shift, heard about backed up traffic ("like a parking lot," an officer said) on the scanner, and headed over to check it out.<br />
<br />
Bradenton police Sgt. Eddie Weldon filled me in on the details of the collision. He then told me about a fatal hit and run in the early hours of Saturday in the 1700 block of 17th Avenue West.<br />
<br />
There were no witnesses. No description of the car. And what's more, the victim, pronounced dead at the scene, couldn't be identified. Police couldn't find an I.D. on him and his fingerprints didn't come up on their database, Weldon said.<br />
<br />
But the unknown man had several tattoos. Weldon sent me photographs of the victim's inked arms and chest. I described the most unique ones -- a heart with the name "Cathy" and a skull wearing a cowboy hat -- in <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/25/3900776/man-fatally-struck-in-bradenton.html#storylink=misearch">the brief that ran the next day.</a><br />
<br />
The man's family read the brief, called Weldon, and identified the victim as <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/27/3904221/police-seek-publics-help-to-find.html#storylink=misearch">46-year-old William Ray Perri. </a><br />
<br />
Buchanan knows what she's talking about. She has a Pulitzer Prize to prove it.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-21864898180499917382012-02-24T17:53:00.000-05:002012-02-24T17:53:21.027-05:00Bradenton Herald story on 'buy-back' suspect goes viralBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
Today, I was bursting with pride for the Bradenton Herald as one of our stories made national headlines.<br />
<br />
On Thursday before I left work, night metro editor Jim DeLa said <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/24/3898092/bradenton-police-armed-robber.html">my story about the armed robber who asked to buy his own gun back</a> would make national headlines.<br />
<br />
"Really?" I told him.<br />
<br />
But he was right. The Miami Herald, our sister paper, had it posted <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/24/2658422/robbery-suspect-drops-gun-returns.html#storylink=misearch">on their homepage in the morning.</a><br />
<br />
The news website, <a href="http://fark.com/">Fark.com</a>, also featured it in their array of quirky stories.<br />
<br />
And last, but definitely not least, MSNBC had our story on its homepage this afternoon. But they made one mistake: they credited the Miami Herald instead of our paper because they grabbed the story from the South Florida paper's website.<br />
<br />
I called and e-mailed MSNBC. Within about an hour, the correction was made. And our paper, the one and only Bradenton Herald, was credited.<br />
<br />
Click here to see the <a href="http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/24/10497297-cops-man-drops-gun-during-robbery-tries-to-buy-it-back">MSNBC write-up.</a>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-16494292709535370892012-02-22T19:19:00.000-05:002012-02-22T19:19:20.421-05:00The story behind the story<div>By Laura C. Morel</div><div>Crime/Immigration Reporter</div><div><br />
</div>Knocking on the door of a person who just lost a loved one never gets easier. <br />
<br />
I’ve covered <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/25/3818151/man-charged-in-bradenton-cousins.html#storylink=misearch">shootings</a>, <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/22/3892651/manatee-art-teacher-was-pretty.html#storylink=misearch">drownings</a>, <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/06/3769486/family-remembers-man-killed-in.html">traffic crashes</a>, the list goes on, during my very short career as a reporter. But talking to grieving relatives always gives me goose bumps.<br />
<br />
It happened today after I spoke to Toni Dunbar about her slain son on the doorsteps of her Bradenton home. <br />
<br />
After identifying myself as a reporter and saying that I just wanted to learn more about her son, she stepped outside and took the time to chat with me for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
She spoke of her 26-year-old son’s favorite foods, hobbies and the last words he said to her before leaving home and <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/22/3892624/palmetto-police-were-investigating.html">driving to his death in Palmetto.</a><br />
<br />
One tear rolled down her cheek. “I really wasn’t expecting for them to tell me that he died.”<br />
<br />
I walked away with goose bumps on the back of my neck.<br />
<br />
Reactions of grieving relatives vary. Sometimes, I sparingly ask questions, letting the person talk uninterrupted. Other times, I carefully nudge them with questions. Some will cry and feel comfortable enough to hug me at the end of an interview. Others will hold their tears and barely glance at me.<br />
<br />
Whenever a relative takes the time to open up and talk about their lost loved one, I’m eternally grateful. Because of relatives who decide to talk, reporters are able to tell better, more well-rounded stories. <br />
<br />
Those are the stories that matter the most: the ones that not only tell what happened to someone, but also provide a glimpse into a life just lost.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-86195288458391888662012-02-21T19:36:00.000-05:002012-02-21T19:36:02.077-05:00A warning to Florida's aggressive driversBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
Here's hoping Florida's road rage drivers get this memo:<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/">Florida Highway Patrol</a> will be keeping an eye out for aggressive car and truck drivers between Feb. 27 and Feb. 29 during its education and enforcement campaign.<br />
<br />
Among the violations: following another car too closely and unsafe lane changing and speeding, a media release said.<br />
<br />
Violators will be ticketed.<br />
<br />
Drivers' actions are the cause of 88 percent of crashes, according to the release, and 12 percent are caused by road conditions, car defects or weather.<br />
<br />
The campaign also includes billboard and radio messages promoting safe driving, and the Florida Trucking Association will also visit schools and community centers statewide to educate drivers on how to drive safely near trucks, the release said.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-61515083822856444882012-02-11T18:56:00.000-05:002012-02-11T18:56:20.243-05:00News magnetBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
Friday was a wet, cold night. I was doing a ridealong with a Manatee County Sheriff's Office sergeant.<br />
<br />
We were heading down a rain-slicked 14th Street West when we spotted two cars and a tow truck stopped at the light on 49th Avenue West.<br />
<br />
I kept a few steps back as the sergeant got to work. As I walked closer, I saw a small man face down on the pavement. The sergeant held onto the man's neck to keep it in place and feel his pulse.<br />
<br />
Witnesses said the man was kicked out of the Hooters restaurant on the corner and wandered into oncoming traffic. He was struck by the tow truck.<br />
<br />
Moments later, an ambulance arrived and paramedics placed the man in a stretcher, carried him into the back, and bolted to Blake Medical Center.<br />
<br />
With notepad in hand, I jotted down all the details and called <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/RichardDymond">Richard Dymond</a>, our night cops reporter, to read him the <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/11/3865305/pedestrian-seriously-injured-by.html">information for the website</a>.<br />
<br />
As a reporter, I spend every day chasing the news.<br />
<br />
But on Friday night, I guess it found me.<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-74393699656079344532012-02-10T14:07:00.000-05:002012-02-10T14:07:35.428-05:00Reporting from the Manatee courthouse next weekBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
The trial of Gregory Kennon, charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery, begins next week.<br />
<br />
On Monday, Feb. 13, jury selection will begin and the trial should start Tuesday.<br />
<br />
On July 11, 2009, Kennon and two others allegedly barged into an apartment in DeSoto Village Apartments and fired shots. One gunshot struck <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/19/3735115/shooting-victims-life-remembered.html#storylink=misearch">Crystal Johnson</a>, who was six months pregnant, in the chest. She and her unborn baby died.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Johnson's boyfriend fired at the gunmen before they ran away. Blood found at the scene <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2009/09/17/1712540/suspect-in-fatal-home-invasion.html#storylink=misearch">matched Kennon's DNA.</a><br />
<br />
Visit the <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/">Bradenton Herald</a> for trial coverage. You can also look for the hashtag #KennonTrial on Twitter.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>For regular updates on Manatee crime and immigration news, follow me <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/lauracmorel">@lauracmorel</a>. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-73747674407868228902012-02-04T15:53:00.000-05:002012-02-04T15:53:58.704-05:00Florida Highway Patrol to drivers: Move over!By Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
"Law enforcement officers will be out in force, issuing citations for violations, so drivers beware!"<br />
<br />
That was the message the Florida Highway Patrol released Friday as the agency joins forces with two other states to keep an eye out for Move Over law violators.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://flhsmv.gov/safetytips/MoveOverTips.htm">Move Over law</a>, established about 10 years ago, requires drivers to move to the next lane when there is an officer or any other emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. If the driver can't switch lanes, then they must drive 20 miles per hour below the speed limit in that area.<br />
<br />
Fun fact: Washington D.C. and Hawaii are the only areas that don't have this law.<br />
<br />
Since 1999, more than 170 officers have died in the United States after being struck by a car, the release said, and thousands have been injured. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.dps.state.al.us/Home/">Alabama Department of Public Safety</a> and the <a href="http://dps.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,5635600_53423890,00.html">Georgia State Patrol</a> are also part of the month-long initiative.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-41800559603979023092012-02-01T20:01:00.002-05:002012-02-01T22:02:47.827-05:00Warehouse fire was false alarmBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
Seconds after entering the newsroom today, editor Marc Masferrer sent me out to a warehouse fire in the 6400 block of 14th Street West.<br />
<br />
I jumped back into my car and bolted to the scene, hoping to catch the battalion chief to fill me in on details.<br />
<br />
When I arrived and speed-walked to where the firefighters were chatting, they all looked up and smiled.<br />
<br />
It was a training exercise, they said.<br />
<br />
At first, I thought they were pulling my tail. But it was true. Fifteen firefighters, from districts such as Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire &; Rescue, and West Manatee Fire &; Rescue, were involved in the training exercise that began at 9 a.m. on Thursday.<br />
<br />
"We do everything we normally do," said Battalion Chief and training officer Leigh T. Hollins.<br />
<br />
And on Thursday, they'll be training at the warehouse again.<br />
<br />
So if you live nearby the warehouse and see puffs of smoke, don't be alarmed. It's just a few firefighters learning the ropes.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-40915735736450595952012-01-28T20:07:00.000-05:002012-01-28T20:07:18.682-05:00The solution to sexual abuse: EducationBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
A registered sexual offender <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/28/3827631/rape-charges-could-bring-life.html">raping a 3-year-old girl.</a><br />
<br />
An elected official allegedly <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/28/3827635/fire-official-arrested-on-sex.html">sexually abusing three children.</a><br />
<br />
That's what the Bradenton Herald reported this week. The police reports for those two cases had some of the most gruesome, gritty details I've ever read.<br />
<br />
So when I interviewed Lauren Book, a child sexual abuse survivor and advocate, her visit in Bradenton could not have been more timely. For six years, Book was beaten and raped by a nanny.<br />
<br />
As she spoke during the official announcement of the new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Center in Bradenton on Saturday, Book repeated <a href="http://laurenskids.org/sexual-abuse/">sexual abuse statistics:</a><br />
<br />
One in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18. There are 39 million sexual abuse survivors in the United States.<br />
<br />
But the most motivating one: 95 percent of sexual abuse can be prevented through education.<br />
<br />
Books' organization, <a href="http://laurenskids.org/">Lauren's Kids</a>, created an abuse prevention curriculum called <a href="http://laurenskids.org/teachers/safer-smarter-kids/">"Safer, Smarter Kids,"</a> that aims to do just that: educate.<br />
<br />
The curriculum will be implemented in elementary schools statewide this year. It includes a DVD and teachers will explain to students what a "good touch" and a "bad touch" feel like.<br />
<br />
Sexual abuse "is an epidemic and a pandemic in this country," Book said on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Here's to hoping education changes that.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-4310704332062136692012-01-08T10:00:00.002-05:002012-01-08T14:38:29.004-05:00How we got Nikki's storyLaura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
As journalists, we get caught up with wanting to know what's going on. It's our job, after all. But sometimes, it's good to pause for a moment during a chaotic news day and think beyond the "what" factor.<br />
<br />
When the Bradenton Herald reported that a <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/13/3720625/womans-cause-of-death-withheld.html#storylink=misearch">29-year-old woman's body was found</a> in a ditch on University Parkway last month, one paragraph in a story piqued my interest:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">In Sarasota, Scott has a history of drug-related arrests and has been convicted several times, according to Sarasota County court records.<br />
In 2008, Scott was convicted of robbery by sudden snatching in Sarasota. She had several convictions for drug-related charges in 2009 and 2010, according to Sarasota court records.</blockquote>But why? I searched her name on Facebook. Maybe she had a public profile. Sure enough, there was a Nicole Rose Scott memorial page. It showed photographs of Nicole, known as Nikki by loved ones, with her children. Friends left comments on the wall. One reads, "I know you were trying to turn your life around."<br />
<br />
I left a post on the wall. The next day, I got a call from Nikki's close friend. The story launched after that. That friend put me in touch with other loved ones. Those loved ones knew others who would be willing to talk to me.<br />
<br />
In about a week, I had the first draft of <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/08/3773353/she-was-lost-in-the-system.html">today's article that tells the story</a> of a young girl whose life began and ended tragically. Nicole Rose Scott's story is not just about what happened to her. It's not just about her criminal record.<br />
<br />
It is also about who she was and what parts of her short life led her to a troubled path.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-35422762929666136972012-01-05T22:21:00.001-05:002012-01-05T22:22:04.759-05:00News drove onto the Bradenton Herald's doorstepLaura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
The news came to the Bradenton Herald on Friday night -- literally.<br />
<br />
At about 9 p.m., a woman driving a gray Taurus crashed into a red Volkswagen heading north on U.S. 41 near Manatee Avenue West.<br />
<br />
The Taurus then took off, crossed over the median and drove into the wooded area on the east side of the Bradenton Herald’s property.<br />
<br />
The 26-year-old woman got out of her car and fled, said Bradenton police Lt. Josh Cramer. Officers responding to the accident scene searched for the woman, who was located in the 400 block of Third Avenue West.<br />
<br />
She had leaves in her hair, Cramer said.<br />
<br />
The woman first told authorities she was the passenger in the vehicle, but later admitted she was the driver.<br />
<br />
She was arrested and charged with fleeing the scene of an accident and police will conduct a DUI investigation.<br />
<br />
The driver of the Volkswagen was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital, Cramer said.About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-77155306858508573862012-01-04T18:22:00.000-05:002012-01-04T18:22:02.362-05:00Panties case not closedLaura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
Last month, the Bradenton Herald reported that charges against a man accused of <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/22/3743636/charges-dropped-in-holmes-beach.html#storylink=misearch">robbing panties from his neighbor's home</a> two years ago were dropped.<br />
<br />
I called Ernest Kendler's defense attorney and the State Attorney's Office, but with the holidays, it can be dicey getting a call back right away.<br />
<br />
Assistant State Attorney Julie Binkley returned my call today and had this to add to the story:<br />
<br />
Charges against Ernest Kendler, 63, will be refiled this month.<br />
<br />
The case was dropped because an expert witness was unavailable due to mandatory, out-of-state training, she said.<br />
<br />
On Nov. 6, 2010, a man allegedly entered a house on the 100 block of Neptune Lane. A woman said she found him in her sister’s bedroom rummaging through a drawer full of panties, an arrest report said.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The man walked out and left when the woman said, “Hello?” </div><div><br />
</div><div>Kendler, 63, told police he was not in his neighbor’s home, according to the report.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Read the Bradenton Herald for updates on the case.</div><div><br />
<br />
</div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-65629103218966159982011-12-29T18:21:00.000-05:002011-12-29T18:21:16.050-05:002012 stories from inside the courtroomBy Laura C. Morel<br />
Crime/Immigration Reporter<br />
<br />
With every new year comes new stories.<br />
<br />
The year 2012 will include lots of trial stories for the Bradenton Herald. From Delmer Smith III's trials to Kieron James' arraignment, here's a look at what court dates the Bradenton Herald will be covering (and definitely live tweeting, too) this coming new year:<br />
<br />
Jan. 6: <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/09/3712928/habitual-offender-killed-girl.html#storylink=misearch">Kieron James</a>, the driver who allegedly fatally struck 5-year-old Kimora Samuel earlier this month, has his arraignment scheduled for this date. James turned himself in and admitted to authorities that he hit Kimora while driving his girlfriend's Kia. He pleaded not guilty, court records show.<br />
<br />
Feb. 6: The trial for Gregory Kennon is slated to begin. Kennon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and armed burglary. On July 12, 2009, Kennon and two others barged into an apartment in DeSoto Village Apartments and fired shots. One gunshot struck <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/19/3735115/shooting-victims-life-remembered.html#storylink=misearch">Crystal Johnson</a>, who was six months pregnant, in the chest. She and her baby died.<br />
<br />
Feb. 27: Delmer Smith III, who was <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/29/3753458/life-in-prison.html">sentenced to life in prison this week</a> for breaking into and ransacking a Sarasota home after tying up an elderly woman, will be in court next year, too. In this case, Smith allegedly grabbed a 61-year-old woman from behind and forced her into her Bradenton home, an arrest warrant affidavit shows. Once inside, Smith placed a gun to the victim’s face and said, “Where is your purse ... I need crack,” the affidavit shows.<br />
<br />
July 16: Smith is slated to be in court once again, this time for a murder charge. He is charged with bludgeoning <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/29/3068970/kathleens-cause-briles-family.html#storylink=misearch">Kathleen Briles</a> to death with an antique sewing machine in her Terra Ceia home on Aug. 3, 2009. He also faces a burglary charge. If found guilty of murder, he could face the death penalty.<br />
<br />
If you're on Twitter and want the most recent news on Smith's trials, you can look at my live tweets from inside the courtroom, ending with the hashtag #smithtrial.<br />
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</span>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6881310360448569920.post-1020132454971468812011-12-20T18:18:00.000-05:002011-12-20T18:18:30.562-05:00Reader's tip leads to sex offender's arrestWhen editor Marc Masferrer looked at this morning's arrest list, he recognized one name: Cedrick Lane.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>He asked me to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and find out the circumstances of Lane's arrest. He was on our "Featured Fugitives" gallery, Marc pointed out, so it *might* be a tip from one of our readers.</div><div><br />
</div><div>He was right.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Detective Dan Hutto called me back and confirmed my editor's suspicions. Someone who saw Lane's mugshot <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/20/3739415/tip-from-bradenton-herald-reader.html">on our website recognized him.</a> Lane was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Other readers have phoned in tips to authorities after clicking through the array of mugshots posted on our "Featured Fugitives" gallery. Hutto sends the newspaper photos every week of people wanted by the sheriff's office.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Another suspect arrested last week was also recently featured on the list. SUR 13 gang member Britney Vela, 19, was <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/17/3732846/10th-member-of-local-sur-13-nabbed.html#storylink=misearch">arrested for racketeering charges.</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's this week's <a href="http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/20/3738725/photo-gallery-featured-fugitives.html#http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2011/12/17/23/46/1f0nYw.St.69.jpg">"Featured Fugitives" gallery,</a> updated every week.</div><div><br />
</div><div></div>About this blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/06966335735120190138noreply@blogger.com0