Topic: News
February 28, 2009
Teams with dogs report no results
By Larry Sullivan and Kristin Chambers Published: Saturday, February 28, 2009 1:57 AM EST SATSUMA - Searchers using dogs trained to find human remains continued searching woods and marshes Friday for a 5-year-old girl missing since Feb. 10. Accompanied... ... morePosted at 7:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 27, 2009
Dogs prompt police to sift through trash bin
Haleigh Cummings By Larry Sullivan and Kristin Chambers Published: Friday, February 27, 2009 1:16 AM EST SATSUMA - Authorities emptied a large trash container near the home of Haleigh Cummings after specially trained search dogs Thursday indicated a body... ... morePosted at 8:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 19, 2009
Lawmen seeking answers; Investigators again question Haleigh's father and his girlfriend
Haleigh BY LARRY SULLIVAN Published: Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:21 AM EST Palatka Daily News Investigators searching for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings are reviewing more than 1,200 tips. In addition, Putnam County sheriff's detectives on Wednesday again questioned the girl's... ... morePosted at 2:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 18, 2009
Clothing description for missing child changed
BY LARRY SULLIVAN Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:29 AM EST Palatka Daily News Haleigh Cummings wasn't wearing a pink T-shirt when she disappeared from her South Putnam home more than a week ago, authorities say. On Tuesday, the... ... morePosted at 7:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 17, 2009
One week later: Where's Haleigh?
BY LARRY SULLIVAN Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:08 AM EST Palatka Daily News SATSUMA - Haleigh Cummings vanished a week ago. Authorities marked that depressing anniversary about 5 p.m. Monday by imposing roadblocks and going door-to-door in the... ... morePosted at 7:25 AM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2009
Putnam hopes for a miracle; horseback riders set to join search
Palatka Daily News SATSUMA - The search for Haleigh Cummings enters its fourth day today. Volunteers on horseback are expected to canvass woods not far from the missing 5-year-old's home in South Putnam County. "We're not sure how many... ... morePosted at 9:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 11, 2009
AMBER ALERT ENDANGERED HALEIGH CUMMINGS
Date Missing: 2/10/2009 Missing From: Satsuma,FL County: PUTNAM Birth Date: 8/17/2003 Age Disappeared: 5 yrs 5 months Height: 3' 00" Race: White Hair: Blonde Weight: 039 Sex: Female Eyes: Brown Narrative: ***UPDATE The child's age and her last known... ... morePosted at 9:43 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
February 4, 2009
'Pirates' Seek Key To City
By JOSE PATINO GIRONA jpatino@tampatrib.com Published: February 4, 2009 TAMPA - Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla pirates disembarked from their ship-float Tuesday afternoon at downtown's Lykes Gaslight Square and demanded to speak with Mayor Pam Iorio. Pirates led Iorio... ... morePosted at 4:59 AM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2009
Polk teen pleads guilty in YouTube beating
Another of the teenage suspects in the beating of a Polk County high-school student that was supposedly videotaped for YouTube pleaded guilty Tuesday in Bartow. Mercades Nichols, who turned 18 on Saturday, pleaded guilty to battery and tampering with a... ... morePosted at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)
Seminole County boy was likely dead overnight, autopsy finds
SANFORD - An autopsy showed that 2-year-old Anthony Jesy "A.J." Cabral probably was dead in his crib Saturday night when his mother arrived home from work about 9:30 p.m., ate supper and then went into the garage to drink rum... ... morePosted at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
Casey Anthony case: Jose Baez goes after prosecutors
Jose Baez's emergency motion, filed late Tuesday, became the latest twist in the Casey Anthony case. WOFL-Channel 35 explained the motion Tuesday evening, and other stations provided more details early today. "In short, Jose Baez wants all the state prosecutors... ... morePosted at 11:57 AM | Comments (0)
September 1, 2008
OUR MOST FEARED THOUGHTS ARE IMMINENT!
Our desire to see Caylee found alive and well seems to be diminishing as the days pass us by. At first I believe everyone wanted the kidnapping theory to be true but as lie after lie was told it was... ... morePosted at 6:56 AM | Comments (9)
August 29, 2008
Ron Berry, convicted sex offender, gets partial pardon
Published by Delano Massey on August 28, 2008 in Fayette Circuit Court . Tags: 12 counts of sodomy, Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson, Ernie Fletcher, Gayle Slaughter, Gov. Steve Beshear, Jay Blanton, League of Women Voters, Micro-City Government, Northpoint Training... ... morePosted at 9:20 AM | Comments (1)
August 28, 2008
Padilla Begins Work To Revoke Anthony's Bond
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Leonard Padilla revealed he was beginning work to revoke Casey Anthony's $500,000 bond on Thursday morning. Anthony is the mother of Caylee Anthony, 3, who has been missing since early June. Casey Anthony was released from the... ... morePosted at 4:31 PM | Comments (0)
DNA Tests From Car Trunk Indicate Caylee Anthony Is Dead
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Tests have confirmed the stench in the trunk of Casey Anthony's car did come from a dead human body and evidence indicates it is that of missing 3-year-old Caylee Anthony. A California bondsman is reconsidering his... ... morePosted at 6:56 AM | Comments (0)
August 27, 2008
Decomposing body was in Casey Anthony's trunk, air-sample tests show
Air sample tests from Casey Anthony's car show a decomposing human body was inside the trunk, a sheriff's office official just confirmed. Officials have offered Anthony a partial immunity deal if she admits 3-year-old Caylee Marie died as a result... ... morePosted at 5:28 PM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2008
Onstott Gets 'Maximum Punishment'
By THOMAS W. KRAUSE The Tampa Tribune Published: August 23, 2008 TAMPA - Sarah Michelle Lunde's mother asked a judge on Friday to put David Lee Onstott in prison for the rest of his life. If he gets out, Kelly... ... morePosted at 3:23 PM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2008
Casey Anthony is helping, sincerely worried
Casey Anthony is talking freely with her parents and helping with new leads into whereabouts of missing 3-year-old Caylee Marie, the family's spokesman said today. "She is being cooperative and is sincerely worried about the well-being of her child. There... ... morePosted at 3:45 PM | Comments (0)
August 18, 2008
Coralrose suspect 'a typical burglar'
By John Davis Published: Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. It was Jan. 16, 2007, almost four months to the day that 6-year-old Coralrose Fullwood's body was found in a... ... morePosted at 7:10 AM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2008
Arrest brings kudos, but also new leads
By John Davis Published: Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. NORTH PORT - A year after 6-year-old Coralrose Fullwood's body was found in an empty North Port lot, Police Chief... ... morePosted at 5:17 AM | Comments (0)
State Focuses On Onstott Tape
By THOMAS W. KRAUSE and RAY REYES The Tampa Tribune Published: August 14, 2008 Updated: 12:22 am TAMPA - More than three years after her daughter's body was found submerged in a pond near her Ruskin home, Kelly May was... ... morePosted at 5:06 AM | Comments (0)
August 13, 2008
Arrest revitalizes Coralrose case
NORTH PORT - Nearly two years after 6-year-old Coralrose Fullwood disappeared from her bed in the middle of the night, detectives have charged a state prison inmate with her murder. North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis announces Tuesday that a... ... morePosted at 11:29 AM | Comments (2)
CORALROSE FULLWOOD'S MURDER SUSPECT IDENTIFIED
SARASOTA COUNTY - Patrick Murphy's felony burglary conviction meant court bailiffs swabbed the inside of his mouth immediately after his sentencing to get a DNA sample. Seven months later, that sample was matched to DNA recovered from Coralrose Fullwood's body,... ... morePosted at 9:16 AM | Comments (0)
August 8, 2008
Casey Anthony's story loses credibility with investigators' every turn
Three weeks into the search for Caylee Marie Anthony, Orange County sheriff's investigators say they are still untangling the deceptions spun by her 22-year-old mother. Detectives released new details about the case Thursday as part of a search warrant... ... morePosted at 9:24 AM | Comments (0)
August 2, 2008
Evidence turned over in Caylee case
Sarah Lundy and Bianca Prieto | Sentinel Staff Writers August 2, 2008 Orange County sheriff's investigators would not say what they removed Friday morning from the home of Cindy and George Anthony, grandparents of missing 2-year-old Caylee Anthony. The... ... morePosted at 5:49 AM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2008
Judge denies motion
The judge says Baez is asking everyone to "trust us." The lawyer is suggesting the public's only source of info would come from him and Casey's family. The judge says based on what he has seen so far ---... ... morePosted at 2:54 PM | Comments (0)
Jail calls in Caylee Anthony case might be kept from reporters
Sarah Lundy and Amy L. Edwards | Sentinel Staff Writers July 29, 2008 The lawyer for an Orange County woman jailed in the disappearance of her 2-year-old daughter will ask a judge today to block authorities from releasing his... ... morePosted at 7:23 AM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2008
Aisenberg Case Has New Leads
By STEVEN GIRARDI The Tampa Tribune Published: July 27, 2008 Updated: VALRICO - Hillsborough County sheriff's investigators have been following new leads in the disappearance of Sabrina Aisenberg, whose parents reported her missing from her crib nearly 11 years ago.... ... morePosted at 6:49 PM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2008
New 911 Call: "I'm Not Giving You Another Day, I've Given You A Month"
ORLANDO, Fla. -- In a 911 call released by the Orlando Police Department on Friday, Casey Anthony's mother tells her daughter that she's taking her to police. The latest call is actually the first of three now released. "No, I'm... ... morePosted at 1:15 PM | Comments (0)
Trenton Duckett's father arrested on minor drug, driving charges
Keith W. Kohn | Sentinel Staff Writer July 25, 2008 Joshua Duckett, the father of missing toddler Trenton Duckett who most recently has come to the aid of another grieving family, was arrested Thursday on minor drug and driving... ... morePosted at 8:12 AM | Comments (2)
July 24, 2008
Grandmother of missing Fla. girl told 911 dispatcher that mother's car smelled like dead body
MIAMI (AP) _ The grandmother of a missing 2-year-old told an emergency dispatcher that a car driven by the girl's mother smelled like there had been a dead body inside, according to recordings of 911 calls released Thursday. The mother,... ... morePosted at 9:48 PM | Comments (0)
Casey Anthony's Friends Reveal New Details To Channel 9
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Friends of arrested mother Casey Anthony revealed to Channel 9 what she was really doing since her daughter's disappearance. Casey Anthony's friends are still freaking out over how she acted as though she hadn't a care... ... morePosted at 5:35 PM | Comments (8)
July 23, 2008
Rosa Sentenced To Life For Strangling Of Teen
By KEITH MORELLI The Tampa Tribune Published: July 22, 2008 Updated: TAMPA - A jury convicted former youth minister Joshua Rosa of first-degree murder Monday in the strangulation of his 13-year-old neighbor. Within minutes, a judge sentenced the 22-year-old to... ... morePosted at 7:52 AM | Comments (0)
Missing Girl Feared Dead
ORLANDO - The mother of a missing 2-year-old is a person of interest in a case that is beginning to look like a homicide, prosecutors said Tuesday. Orange County Sheriff's deputies said they still hope to find the girl alive.... ... morePosted at 5:41 AM | Comments (0)
July 22, 2008
BAIL SET AT $500,000.00 FOR CASEY ANTHONY
A judge set bail at half a million dollars for the mother of a missing Orlando 2-year-old Tuesday after detectives testified that she is a "person of interest" in the little girl's disappearance. Casey Marie Anthony, 22, has been... ... morePosted at 5:06 PM | Comments (0)
Detective: Missing Toddler 's Mother a 'Person of Interest' in Child's Disappearance
A detective testified Tuesday that the mother of a missing Orlando 2-year-old is a "person of interest" in her disappearance, after revealing that evidence of human decomposition was detected in the trunk of a car she drove. Detective Yuri... ... morePosted at 4:40 PM | Comments (0)
Mother of missing Caylee Anthony seeks jail release to help in search
MY O MY - What is wrong with this woman? What is wrong with the family? I am sure that you all remember the Trenton Duckett Case. Trenton's mother is believed to have been responsible for his disappearance and took... ... morePosted at 6:45 AM | Comments (2)
July 21, 2008
CASEY'S ATTORNEY SPEAKS OUT
Jose Baez, attorney for Casey Anthony held a press conference today at 11:20 A.M. (EST) and assured everyone that he will do everything possible to aid law enforcement in locating Caylee. He stated that it has been said that... ... morePosted at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2008
Family, friends plan flier distribution today
Mike Lafferty | Education Editor 10:24 AM EDT, July 19, 2008 Family and friends are planning to hand out fliers this morning to get the public's help in finding 2-year-old Caylee Anthony. They planned to be at the Publix... ... morePosted at 12:03 PM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2008
POLICE CONTINUE SEARCH FOR CAYLEE ANTHONY
Crime-scene technicians are digging through Cindy Anthony's backyard this morning, looking for clues into the disappearance of her 2-year-old granddaughter, Caylee Marie Anthony. Capt. Angelo Nieves of the Orange County Sheriff's Office did not give details on the investigation,... ... morePosted at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2008
Caylee Anthony case: Cops conduct grim search for missing 2-year-old
Left: Cindy Anthony, the grandmother of Caylee Anthony, holds a teddy bear at her home today. (Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel) Right: Caylee has been missing for a month. Cindy Anthony finds solace in her missing granddaughter's bedroom. The small, tidy... ... morePosted at 10:23 PM | Comments (2)
July 15, 2008
Swamped By Calls, DCF Wants Better Screening
TAMPA - The state is trying to handle a growing number of calls to an abuse hot line with fewer people, potentially leaving some of the most vulnerable children in Florida at risk. To fix the problem, the Department of... ... morePosted at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2008
HEY WILLIE, READ THIS!
Governor Approves Execution The Associated Press The Tampa Tribune Published: July 12, 2008 TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist signed a death warrant this week for a Central Florida man convicted of killing two young girls after raping their mother in... ... morePosted at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)
July 5, 2008
Child Killer's Smooth Execution Makes Others More Likely
JACKSONVILLE - Eighteen months after Florida botched its last execution, its new lethal injection procedures resulted in what appeared to be a smooth and peaceful death Tuesday for child killer Mark Dean Schwab. Although the new procedures may allow Florida... ... morePosted at 9:21 AM | Comments (0)
July 3, 2008
Uncle of dead Vermont girl facing kidnapping charges
The uncle of a 12-year-old Vermont girl whose body was found Wednesday was charged with kidnapping, a federal prosecutor said Thursday. Brooke Bennett, 12, had been missing since June 25 and appears to be the victim of foul play, police... ... morePosted at 7:29 PM | Comments (0)
July 2, 2008
Schwab Executed For 1991 Killing Of 11-Year-Old
Junny Rios-Martinez's sister, mother and father pray at their Cocoa home Tuesday before leaving for Starke. The Associated Press Fla. holds 1st execution since botched method STARKE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida's first execution since a botched lethal injection procedure went... ... morePosted at 8:33 AM | Comments (0)
June 29, 2008
Skull Found In The Bay Now In Medical Examiner's Office
By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune Published: June 28, 2008 Updated: 09:11 am TAMPA Police are done searching an area of Old Tampa Bay where a skull in a pot was found by snorkelers on Saturday afternoon. The remains... ... morePosted at 1:27 PM | Comments (0)
March 31, 2008
Police Say Tampa Woman Left Her Infant Home Alone
TAMPA - Sunday evening, Maila Martinez left her 1-month-old daughter home alone for about two hours, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Deputies found out about it whey they showed up at 5502 Pine Forest Court in Tampa... ... morePosted at 5:58 PM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2008
New Guidelines Created for How 9-1-1 Call Centers Handle Reports of Missing and Exploited Children
Time is critical when responding to reports of missing or sexually exploited children. How these reports are handled is important and can mean the difference between life and death for many children. Yet, there is no standardized process that... ... morePosted at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
March 20, 2008
Child Porn Ring Busted in Polk County
BY: Melanie Brooks Polk County, Florida – It is such a shocking story, with content so disturbing, as I wrote this, I actually had to take a break and walk away from the computer. They are children. Innocent, trusting,... ... morePosted at 7:48 PM | Comments (0)
Lunsford could drop suit against Citrus County SO
Tampa, Florida - Mark Lunsford is changing his tune about the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. His lawyer appeared on the Bubba the Love Sponge morning show on Thursday and announced they will not sue the sheriff’s office. They had filed... ... morePosted at 7:39 PM | Comments (0)
Another teacher arrested for sex with student
New Tampa, Florida -- A New Tampa teacher has been arrested for having sex with a student. 45-year-old Mary Jo Spack, who worked as an honors English teacher at Freedom High School, is accused of taking two students from that... ... morePosted at 7:08 PM | Comments (2)
February 9, 2008
MISSING CHILD
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Missing Children Information Clearinghouse MISSING CHILD ALERT ENDANGERED BRYLEE SHANNON Date Missing: 2/8/2008 Missing From: Ocala,FL County: MARION Birth Date: 10/26/2007 Age Disappeared: 0 yrs 3 months Height: 1' 00" Race: White Hair: Blonde Weight:... ... morePosted at 10:04 AM
November 13, 2007
Lee County Man Charged with Sexual Battery of a Child may have Connections to Other Assaults Across the Country
October 8, 2007 [Matthew Harford] The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announces the arrest of a Lee County man accused of sexually assaulting a child and possessing numerous photographs and videos of homemade child pornography. FDLE special agents arrested Matthew... ... morePosted at 9:48 PM
Hillsborough County Man In Custody For Molesting Teen, creating child pornography
October 31, 2007 TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey today announced that a Hillsborough County man is in custody facing charges that he molested a minor child and created child... ... morePosted at 9:43 PM
October 27, 2007
Repeating Rumor Of Teacher-Boy Affair Got Student Suspended
TAMPA - After being called a gossip-monger and then suspended from school for repeating a rumor, Shatavia Kendricks feels vindicated. The 15-year-old Middleton High School student told a school official about rumors of an affair between a teacher and... ... morePosted at 8:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2007
Middleton teacher had sex with student
TAMPA – Police say a special education teacher at a Tampa high school has been arrested and charged with having sex with a ninth grade student. According to investigators, 33-year-old Christina Butler, who teaches at Middleton High School, faces... ... morePosted at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
Suspected Pedophile Wanted in Global Manhunt Arrested in Thailand
These images made available by Interpol in Paris show an unidentified man after, left, and before the digital manipulation of the image.BANGKOK, Thailand — A Canadian schoolteacher accused of sexually abusing over a dozen boys was arrested Friday in... ... morePosted at 11:38 AM
Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced To Life In Prison
TAMPA - A 54-year-old convicted sex offender who authorities say tried to persuade another sex offender to help him find a young girl to pose for sexually explicit photographs was sentenced to life in prison this morning in federal court.... ... morePosted at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2007
Sitter Gets 20-Year Term
TAMPA - A babysitter who had an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl pleasure her with a sex toy was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison and 10 years of sex offender probation. Last month, Charity Sato, 23, pleaded... ... morePosted at 6:21 PM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2007
Justice Served in Boot Camp Case
The Tampa Tribune Published: October 13, 2007 It's hard to grasp how a 14-year-old boy can be exercising one minute, then dying during a struggle with adults the next, and yet no one is found criminally responsible. But despite the... ... morePosted at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2007
Police Say Woman Molested Boy, 15
TAMPA - Hillsborough County deputies Friday arrested a 22-year-old woman on felony molestation charges after learning of a relationship between her and a 15-year-old boy, officials said. Christy Ayala, of 7325 Winchester Drive, Tampa, was held on $23,000 bail... ... morePosted at 12:14 PM | Comments (0)
October 9, 2007
Repairman Tips Police To Child Porn Suspect
Slidell-Area Man Faces 276 Counts SLIDELL, La. -- A computer repair technician tipped police to a child pornography suspect, St. Tammany Parish officials said. Anthony Vincent Ularich III faces 276 counts of pornography involving juveniles. Sheriff Jack Strain said the... ... morePosted at 6:26 PM | Comments (0)
October 7, 2007
Amber alert: New Orleans girl missing, might be in Fla.
WAKE UP TEENS! WAKE UP PARENTS! NEW ORLEANS -- A 16-year-old girl was missing Saturday and authorities feared she might have left with a sex offender, police said. New Orleans police issued an Amber Alert on Saturday to get... ... morePosted at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)
HE IS IN CUSTODY! Police Catch Sex Offender
TAMPA - A registered sexual offender who authorities say raped a 15-year-old girl after using the Internet to lure her from home was apprehended Saturday at a Virginia truck stop. William Joe Mitchell, 46, was arrested without incident at the... ... morePosted at 9:34 AM | Comments (0)
October 6, 2007
Youth Pastor Charged With Sexual Battery
LUTZ - A youth minister is facing allegations he molested a young girl a dozen years ago while babysitting her, authorities say. Justin Ray Peterson, 31, of 1319 Big Sky Drive, Wesley Chapel, ministers to young adults at River... ... morePosted at 7:11 PM | Comments (1)
Park Ranger Charged With Porn Possession
Thomas Goins is the manager of Lithia Springs, a 160-acre park at 3932 Lithia Springs Road. TAMPA - A Hillsborough County supervisory park ranger was arrested Friday on a charge he possessed child pornography, according to the FBI. Thomas Goins,... ... morePosted at 6:41 PM | Comments (0)
August 31, 2007
Arson Suspected In Crab Hut Blaze
TAMPA - A business once operated by a now-convicted child killer burned early Tuesday in what investigators call arson. Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said fire marshals would not elaborate on the cause of the fire at the former... ... morePosted at 6:45 AM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
COUEY SENTENCED TO DEATH
Judge Howard sentenced John Couey to the DEATH PENALTY for the murder of Jessica Lunsford after reiterating each piece of evidence that carried great weight in determining Couey's fate. The courtroom packed with family members from both sides who exhibited... ... morePosted at 2:30 PM | Comments (1)
August 21, 2007
Agents Arrest Lakeland Man for Possession of Child Pornography
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested John L. Thurmond, 27, of Lakeland, Fla. and charged him with 100 counts of possession of child pornography.... ... morePosted at 8:21 AM
Reward Money Offered for Information Leading to the Arrest of Suspect Wanted for the Homicide of a Broward County Sheriff's Deputy
REWARD $106,000 CALL (954) 493-TIPS (8477) • 1 (866) 493-TIPS (TOLL FREE) www.browardcrimestoppers.org Funded wholly or in part by the Office of the Attorney General, Crime Stoppers Trust Fund. ON AUGUST 10, 2007 AT 1:20 A.M. WALGREEN’S 960 S. POMPANO... ... morePosted at 8:14 AM | Comments (0)
August 10, 2007
Mom Who Left Baby In Alley Gets 5 Years
TAMPA - Shortly before handing down a sentence Thursday, Circuit Judge Manuel Lopez balked. A day earlier, he approved a plea deal drawn up by the prosecutor and defense attorney that would put Mary Louise Doe in prison for five... ... morePosted at 10:36 AM
July 7, 2007
14 Arrested On Racketeering Charges
BRADENTON - Fourteen suspected members of the street gang SUR 13 are facing racketeering charges for a pattern of criminal activity that has included murder, robbery, assault, battery and criminal mischief, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. Sheriff’s investigators... ... morePosted at 8:55 AM
Teen Charged With Molesting 2-Year-Old
ST. PETERSBURG - James Staton is charged with the molestation and sexual battery of a two-year-old boy, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said. Staton was arrested Friday afternoon. Detectives said Staton, 18, admitted to the acts, which took place in the... ... morePosted at 8:53 AM
Dad Charged With Leaving Child Alone
TAMPA - After leaving his 8-year-old daughter home alone for more than an hour after midnight, a 26-year-old father was arrested on charges of child neglect, police reported. Witnesses called police after hearing the young girl screaming in the parking... ... morePosted at 8:50 AM
DCF Records Reveal Relatives Were Considered As Caretakers
TAMPA - Candice Clark looked to her daughter as the catalyst for change, promising authorities after a 2006 arrest in Clearwater that she would leave her abusive boyfriend and a career of preying on others. But Courtney, at 14 months... ... morePosted at 8:41 AM
July 3, 2007
Area soldier killed in Iraq
Jonathan Rossi loved adventure. That love, and a desire to see the world and serve his country led him to the Army. On Sunday, the 2005 Countryside High School graduate died when his unit was attacked by insurgents. He... ... morePosted at 8:08 AM
Sexual Offender Found With Teen
TAMPA - Officer Felicia Pecora said she knew Raymond Gomez had something to hide. It was about 6:30 p.m. Sunday when Pecora dropped by for a routine address check on Gomez, a registered sex offender who once molested girls while... ... morePosted at 7:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
June 20, 2007
Mom heard son being attacked
She was on the phone with the teen when two boys used anti-gay slurs and beat him. By MICHAEL A. MOHAMMED TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Kathy Thyben was on the phone to her son when she heard the voices of... ... morePosted at 10:04 AM
June 7, 2007
Teen charged in man's beating
By BEN MONTGOMERY Published June 7, 2007 TAMPA - Detectives say it was a teenager who brutally attacked Kris Scheppe, 27 and blind, in the broad daylight of May 25, a short stroll from downtown. Michael "Mike-Mike" Watts, 16, has... ... morePosted at 8:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
School Locks Down After Gunfire Shatters The Calm
TAMPA - School officials plan to add security to Middleton High School after three young men entered the campus, fought with a student and fired a shot at him as he ran inside. No one was injured in the midday... ... morePosted at 8:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 22, 2007
Shooting that killed 9-year-old was gang related, authorities say
Bradenton, Florida - Three teens have been charged in connection to Monday night's fatal drive-by shooting of a 9-year-old child. Manatee County Sheriff's deputies describe Stacy Williams III as an innocent bystander in last night's gang-related shooting. Deputies say... ... morePosted at 8:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Child Porn Sting Leads To Arrest Of Sex Offender
TAMPA - When twice-convicted sex offender Samuel Matthews wanted help finding a young girl to pose for sexually explicit pictures, he didn't have to look far, authorities said. The St. Petersburg mobile home park where Matthews lives has 84... ... morePosted at 8:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 11, 2007
'Murderabilia' market stings, repulses
The trade should be outlawed, a victim's father says. By JUSTIN GEORGE Published May 7, 2007 TAMPA - His daughter's killer is 170 miles away, behind bars, on death row, too far to hear. But a few clicks of... ... morePosted at 8:05 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
May 6, 2007
Hundreds Bid Slain Teen Farewell
TAMPA - Hundreds of mourners overflowed St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday morning to attend the funeral of local high school football star Cedric "C.J." Mills. Mills, 17, was fatally shot April 25 in front of his house at... ... morePosted at 8:13 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
May 4, 2007
Bullets fly, then no one will talk
One young man is dead. Two are hurt. And deputies find it hard to sort it all out. TAMPA -- With one young man dead, another wounded and a third grazed by a bullet, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office worked... ... morePosted at 8:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
May 3, 2007
Wireless Amber Alerts in action
Submitted by Jason Meserve on Tue, 05/01/2007 - 10:02am. I've written and talked about the Wireless Amber Alerts service before, but now I've seen it in action. Last night, Massachusetts State Police issued an Amber Alert for a missing 12-year-old... ... morePosted at 8:41 AM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2007
Jefferson High Football Star Gunned Down
TAMPA - Grief counselors are at Jefferson High today for students and staff members mourning the loss of a star football player. Cedric Jammar Mills, 17, named one of the best high school football players in the state, died... ... morePosted at 5:51 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Family, Jefferson High Friends Mourn Slain Football Star
TAMPA - Thursday, while crime-scene technicians sifted the dirt in his yard, Vidal Mills regretted not taking his son with him for a drive a day earlier. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and his son, Cedric, known to all... ... morePosted at 5:29 AM | Comments (0)
Man Gets 15 Years For Porn
TAMPA - In an emotion-packed hearing, an ailing 62-year-old Vietnam veteran pleaded guilty to 45 charges of possessing photos that depict sex with children. At the hearing Thursday morning, prosecutors asked the judge to sentence John Hoagland to 20 years... ... morePosted at 5:17 AM | Comments (1)
April 17, 2007
Police find child porn tapes
A sex offender made the tapes in the '70s and kept them under his bed, investigators say. By JACOB H. FRIES AND JONATHAN ABEL Published April 17, 2007 CLEARWATER - A registered sex offender has been arrested and charged with... ... morePosted at 8:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 15, 2007
Onstott Case Shines Harsh Light On Policies
TAMPA - On April 16, 2005, Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies found the decomposing body of 13-year-old Sarah Michelle Lunde after a five-day search. The next day, Sheriff David Gee announced that David Lee Onstott, a sometimes boyfriend of Sarah's mother,... ... morePosted at 7:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 13, 2007
Child Porn Hunt Nets Teacher
Editorial: Again a person of trust involved with children, not only at school but in a scout troop, is arrested and suspected of being involved with child porn. It seems that the passing of laws doesn't reduce the number of... ... morePosted at 9:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 12, 2007
Man charged in rape of 10-year-old girl
NORTH PORT -- Police arrested a 52-year-old North Port man Tuesday on a felony county of sexual battery on a child under 12. A 10-year-old girl told police Victor A. Lambert, an employee of PGT Industries in Venice, would pick... ... morePosted at 5:00 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Ex-Convict Arrested On Felony Sex Charges
TAMPA - After serving about seven years in prison for impregnating a 16-year-old, Mark Allen Browder reached out to another girl that age and a younger friend, plying them with wine coolers before molesting them, police said. Tampa police on... ... morePosted at 4:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 10, 2007
72-Year-Old Busted on Child Porn Charges
TAMPA A multiagency task force including the FBI arrested a 72-year-old Tampa man on Sunday, charging him with receiving or possessing child pornography. Roger Stowell, of 4808 Wynwood Drive, was held without bail at Orient Road Jail on Monday. The... ... morePosted at 9:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Four-Year-Old Shoots Father
From The Associated Press ORLANDO - Authorities say an Orange County man was shot in the arm by his four-year-old son. Deputies say Bruce Tanner left his Glock .45-caliber handgun out yesterday. His son picked it up and accidentally shot... ... morePosted at 9:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 3, 2007
Bones Unearth Quiet Fear
By BRIAN SKOLOFF The Associated Press FORT MYERS - The discovery of eight human skeletons in a remote, wooded area just east of downtown has authorities quietly wondering whether a serial killer might be at work. Using wire screens and... ... morePosted at 5:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 2, 2007
Florida community sues to remove child
GOD BLESS AMERICA! The land of freedom. LARGO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida homeowners group wants three-year-old Kimberly Broffman to take her Big Wheel and hit the road. They've banded together to oust the toddler from their Tampa-area community, which... ... morePosted at 8:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Florida community sues to remove child
GOD BLESS AMERICA! The land of freedom. LARGO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida homeowners group wants three-year-old Kimberly Broffman to take her Big Wheel and hit the road. They've banded together to oust the toddler from their Tampa-area community, which... ... morePosted at 8:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
28 Men Charged With Soliciting Child Sex
Some traveled across the state and others were just a county away, but detectives said the men came for the same reason: to have sex with youngsters they met on the Internet. When they arrived at a house in Polk... ... morePosted at 8:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 31, 2007
Children Stood Their Ground
TAMPA - No one knows for sure what went through the mind of Martin Jay Lieberman when he approached a group of seven children romping around the parking lot and a playground in the Wexford Park Apartments complex. Or what... ... morePosted at 7:37 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
March 30, 2007
One More Of The Dregs Of Tampa
Once again the children, while playing in their own domain, in Hillsborough County are approached by an individual trying to entice them to go with him. The children ranging in ages ten to thirteen years rejected his advances and notified... ... morePosted at 8:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 28, 2007
Unknown Serial Child Rapist
Police are looking for a man whom they believe is responsible for raping 3 young girls in Chandler, Ariz Man Rapes Girl In Her Own Bed In his third attack since January, an unknown assailant has raped another young teenage... ... morePosted at 6:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 23, 2007
Tampa's sex predator law even stricter
Similar to Hillsborough's version, the law also includes "offenders" and rental regulations. TAMPA - A day after Hillsborough County commissioners passed a law banning sexual predators from areas where children are likely to gather, the Tampa City Council passed its... ... morePosted at 6:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Couey's Mental State At Issue
INVERNESS - A circuit judge said Thursday he could decide by the end of April whether 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford's killer will avoid the death penalty because he is mentally retarded. A Miami jury rejected the claim this month and... ... morePosted at 6:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 22, 2007
County OKs Zones To Curb Predators
TAMPA - Sexual predators will be prohibited from loitering near libraries, parks, day care centers and other areas where children congregate under an ordinance passed Wednesday by Hillsborough County commissioners. The restrictions are set to go into effect in a... ... morePosted at 7:49 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Couey's Attorney Makes Bid For New Trial
INVERNESS - The sex offender convicted of murdering Jessica Marie "Jessie" Lunsford deserves a new trial because the presiding judge made several errors and the guilty verdict is contrary to the evidence, a defense attorney argued in a two-page motion... ... morePosted at 7:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 15, 2007
Body Found is Missing 6-Year-Old Georgia Boy
BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The weeklong search for a missing 6-year-old Georgia boy ended tragically Thursday afternoon when his body was found in a field not far from his home, police confirmed. The body of Christopher Michael Barrios Jr. was found... ... morePosted at 8:33 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Jury Recommends Death For Couey
MIAMI - The 12 jurors re-entered the courtroom through a rear door. After about an hour and 10 minutes of deliberation, they had come to a decision. As they filed in, none looked up at the small man in the... ... morePosted at 8:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 10, 2007
Sheriff tries new weapon
Hillsborough's Sheriff sues to attack crime and bad conditions at four apartment complexes. By ALEXANDRA ZAYAS and AMBER MOBLEY Published March 10, 2007 TAMPA - Her son died trying to buy drugs at the Carlisle Lakes Apartments in North Tampa... ... morePosted at 8:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A Little Boy Gently On The Mend
ST. PETERSBURG - His son in his lap, John Wineberger ran his finger over the jagged scar on the 3-year-old boy's head as he patiently explained the magic neurosurgeons had to work to repair young Josiah's severe head injury. The... ... morePosted at 8:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 8, 2007
SEX OFFENDER CONVICTED OF MURDERING 9-YEAR-OLD JESSICA LUNSFORD, COULD FACE DEATH
A jury took just four hours Wednesday to find a convicted sex offender guilty of first-degree murder for the death of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. The panel of six men and six women also convicted John Evander Couey of burglary,... ... morePosted at 5:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 7, 2007
COUEY VERDICT IN
This afternoon the jury returned the following verdict(s) against John Couey, charged with the murder of Jessica Lunsford: GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS! Newspaper accounts of this trial and verdicts will be published in their entirety tomorrow on the ABF site.... ... morePosted at 3:42 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Man accused of raping, killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford declines to testify
MIAMI — Both sides rested Tuesday in the capital murder trial of a convicted sex offender accused of raping and murdering his 9-year-old neighbor, paving the way for closing arguments Wednesday morning. Testimony concluded after John Couey told the court... ... morePosted at 7:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 6, 2007
Lunde Slaying Suspect's Statements Thrown Out
TAMPA - A judge dealt a serious blow to prosecutors Monday in the murder case against David Lee Onstott, ruling they may not use incriminating statements Onstott made to detectives during interrogations about the April 2005 slaying of 13-year-old Sarah... ... morePosted at 8:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Jury Hears Of Couey's Jail Statements
MIAMI - For the first time in three days of trial testimony, jurors heard that John Evander Couey acknowledged a role in the disappearance and death of Jessica Marie "Jessie" Lunsford.... ... morePosted at 8:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 3, 2007
Jurors haunted by Jessica pictures
MIAMI - Jurors in the trial of John Couey left Courtroom 4-1 on Friday with a haunting memory: Jessica Lunsford covered in two black trash bags, sitting knees to chest and holding a stuffed purple dolphin. Her hands bound with... ... morePosted at 6:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
March 1, 2007
Jury Finalized For Couey Trial
By THOMAS W. KRAUSE and ANTHONY McCARTNEY The Tampa Tribune MIAMI - After a dozen days of intense questioning, 12 jurors and three alternates have been selected, ready to hear evidence and determine whether John Evander Couey kidnapped, raped and... ... morePosted at 7:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Slain Girl's Private Life Barred From Trial
By ELAINE SILVESTRINI The Tampa Tribune TAMPA - Attorneys for David Lee Onstott will not be allowed to tell jurors personal information about 13-year-old Sarah Michelle Lunde, a judge ruled Wednesday. Onstott is scheduled to go on trial March 12... ... morePosted at 7:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 27, 2007
14 Dismissed From Couey Jury Pool
MIAMI - For those left in the jury pool of the John Evander Couey trial, the questions got harder Monday. The groups brought into the Miami courtroom where the case is being tried had to confront a personal decision: Could... ... morePosted at 4:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 26, 2007
Suspect In Boy's Abduction Identified
By MICHAEL A. SCARCELLA Sarasota Herald-Tribune MANATEE COUNTY - A child abduction case that shocked the nation because of the kidnapper's brazen scheme and the victim's ingenious escape is vexing authorities and leaving parents with a sense of dread. Authorities... ... morePosted at 9:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Abducted teen used pin to escape
Clay Moore was left by a kidnapper in the woods, tied to a tree and gagged with his own sock to silence his screams, but the 13-year-old knew he wasn't helpless. He had his strength, and he had a safety... ... morePosted at 9:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 25, 2007
Teen Takes Authorities To Scene Of Daring Escape
MANATEE COUNTY - Clay Moore on Saturday showed detectives the thicket of woods where a man bound and gagged him during a brazen daylight abduction a day earlier. Clay is helping authorities piece together a timeline and flesh out clues... ... morePosted at 7:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Abducted Boy Found Safe; Suspect Sought
By CHRIS CHMURA, JASON ODRA, MIKE WELLS and KEN KNIGHT A Manatee County teenager who was found four hours after being abducted from a school bus stop was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton for examination. Clay Moore, 13,... ... morePosted at 7:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Actor Replaced After Sex Admission
TAMPA - The show must go on, and this weekend the show went on without Jorge Acosta, a member of the cast of "Cigar City Chronicles." Acosta, 48, was replaced by understudy Jonathan Gonzalez after a Tampa Tribune article Saturday... ... morePosted at 7:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 24, 2007
New Charges Send Ex-Coach Back To Jail
By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 24, 2007 TAMPA - Former Tampa Preparatory School swim coach Kimberly Brabson III, accused of secretly videotaping 18 underage girls changing clothes, went back to jail Friday. Brabson, 29, was released... ... morePosted at 7:55 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
February 16, 2007
Sex Offender Ban Rejected By City Council
By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 16, 2007 TAMPA - Heeding their attorney's advice, city council members on Thursday rejected an outright ban on sex offenders moving into the city. They also decided not to expand a state-mandated... ... morePosted at 9:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
37 Make 1st Cut In Couey Jury Phase
By THOMAS W. KRAUSE The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 16, 2007 MIAMI - Almost halfway there. After three days of jury selection in the trial of John Evander Couey, 37 potential jurors have made the first cut. Circuit Judge Ric... ... morePosted at 9:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 13, 2007
Doctor: Killing flawed at start
It is not known if Angel Diaz suffered any pain during the botched execution. By CHRIS TISCH, Times Staff Writer Published February 12, 2007 TAMPA — A doctor told a panel reviewing Florida’s lethal injection procedures that executioners “did the... ... morePosted at 6:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Highway Deaths Surprise Traffic Safety Specialist
By SHERRI ACKERMAN The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 13, 2007 TAMPA - With Sunday's nine traffic deaths attributed to negligent drivers, safety experts hope all drivers will take heed: Drive like you might have a wreck, says Hillsborough County sheriff's... ... morePosted at 6:14 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Couey's Attorneys Plant Seed For Appeal
By THOMAS W. KRAUSE The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 13, 2007 MIAMI - After the trial was moved from Citrus County to South Florida, after the prosecutors and defense attorneys took their seats, after John Evander Couey walked into the... ... morePosted at 6:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Couey jury selection has surprise
Jury selection began in the trial of the Citrus County man accused of killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford. BY SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@MiamiHerald.com... ... morePosted at 6:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 12, 2007
Lunsford To Testify Carefully
By THOMAS W. KRAUSE The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 12, 2007 HOMOSASSA - Mark Lunsford knows what he wants to say on the witness stand. He'll never get to say it. Last month, from the living room of his modest... ... morePosted at 5:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Almost to the end of long journey to justice
She would be 11 years old now, a fifth-grader filled with the typical hopes and dreams of a preteen girl. She would be anxious about the big jump from elementary to middle school. She would be fretting about her hair,... ... morePosted at 5:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
How good is case against Couey?
A conviction in the 2005 death of Jessica Lunsford is not foregone. By JOHN FRANK Published February 12, 2007 MIAMI — In the minds of many, the trial of John Couey seems like a perfunctory step on the path toward... ... morePosted at 5:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 11, 2007
Early pain set Couey on path of perversion
The Jessica Lunsford tragedy Long before John Couey was accused in Jessica Lunsford's death, he was a mistreated, misunderstood boy, relatives say. By JOHN FRANK Published February 11, 2007 The early years of John Couey's life are an untold story... ... morePosted at 9:20 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 9, 2007
mentally ill?
Inverness, Florida - John Couey was back in court this morning as his attorneys, once again, asked to have the trial delayed. Bu the motion was denied, and the trial will start in Miami on Monday. Two other issues that... ... morePosted at 6:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Selection in John Couey murder trial scheduled for Monday
Inverness , Florida- Defense attorney's for John Couey made yet another major push for a continuance Friday. The judge denied that motion. The defense also filed a motion to disqualify Howard as the judge on the case saying Couey couldn't... ... morePosted at 6:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Death penalty panel seeks public comment
By Wire services Published February 9, 2007 TAMPA - The Governor's Commission on Administration of Lethal Injection will take comments from the public this afternoon. The commission was formed after the Dec. 13 execution of Angel Diaz took twice as... ... morePosted at 7:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Girl Recants Rape Story, Could Face Charges
By MARI ROBYN JONES The Tampa Tribune TAMPA - A Jefferson High School girl who accused another student of rape fabricated the story and could face criminal charges, police said Wednesday. The girl, 15, signed a statement to police saying... ... morePosted at 7:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Judge Won't Exit Couey Case
By JIM TUNSTALL The Tampa Tribune INVERNESS - Attorneys for the man accused of raping and slaying Jessica Marie Lunsford again are asking his judge to step down. In motions filed late Tuesday, John Evander Couey's defense attorneys said he... ... morePosted at 7:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Man faces sex charge involving 4-year-old
SARASOTA COUNTY -- A man who was recently released from a Washington state prison after serving time for a sex crime committed there faces new sex charges for a 2004 incident. Robert Warren, 31, is charged with capital sexual... ... morePosted at 7:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Fullwoods agree to leave children with grandparents
By GINNY LAROE and HEATHER ALLEN ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com heather.allen@heraldtribune.com SARASOTA -- Avoiding a public trial that would have put an already splintered family under a virtual microscope, the parents of a slain North Port girl on Wednesday agreed to leave their... ... morePosted at 7:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 7, 2007
Time could be on side of ex-swim coach
He's accused of taping dozens of girls changing clothes, but faces 10 counts because of time limits. By COLLEEN JENKINS, Times Staff Writer Published February 7, 2007 TAMPA - Former Tampa Prep swim coach Kimberly Brabson III secretly videotaped dozens... ... morePosted at 6:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Child porn ring uncovered in Austria
VIENNA, Austria - Austrian authorities said Wednesday they have uncovered a major international child pornography ring involving more than 2,360 suspects from 77 countries, including hundreds in the United States, who paid to view videos depicting young children being sexually... ... morePosted at 6:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Cop charged with molestation fired
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS - (AP) -- A police officer was fired after it was discovered that he was charged with sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl. Samuel McCormick was dismissed hours after Police Chief Mike Adkinson learned the circumstances of the case.... ... morePosted at 6:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 6, 2007
Sexual Predators Could Be Banned In 'Child Zones'
By MIKE SALINERO The Tampa Tribune TAMPA - A Hillsborough County commissioner wants to ban sexual predators from visiting areas where children congregate, such as parks and libraries. An ordinance proposed by Commissioner Ken Hagan would go further than the... ... morePosted at 8:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 5, 2007
Brother: 'I miss Coralrose'
Fractured family of slain little girl helps plant tree at temple. By HEATHER ALLEN heather.allen@heraldtribune.com FORT MYERS -- Wearing black patent leather Mary Janes and a pink skirt, September Fullwood, 9, sang a song in memory of her little sister... ... morePosted at 10:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 4, 2007
Stingy Budget For Health Care Leaves Florida Kids Uncovered
What a shame that Florida will lose out on $20 million from the federal government this year to provide health insurance for children of the working poor. These kids are not entitled to Medicaid and come mostly from working families... ... morePosted at 5:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sex offenders in North Port get 'greeting'
By GINNY LAROE ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com NORTH PORT -- Every time a sex offender moves to town, Sgt. Tony Sirianni is among the first to say welcome. Welcome, and don't screw up. Sirianni offers a handshake and strict instructions on what the... ... morePosted at 5:37 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
February 3, 2007
Sheriff's unit watches over sex offenders
Pinellas County ranks high when it comes to sexual predators and offenders. Pinellas County ranks high when it comes to its sexual offender population. And the state of Florida ranks even higher. This according to the latest statistics from state... ... morePosted at 9:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 2, 2007
Start of Couey trial won't be delayed
A judge denies defense requests for more time to deal with new evidence and witnesses. By JOHN FRANK Published February 2, 2007 INVERNESS - Legal wrangling and mounds of new evidence won't keep the trial of John Couey from starting... ... morePosted at 5:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
February 1, 2007
KidCare's ills are legion, advocates tell senators
By JUSTIN GEORGE Published February 1, 2007 TAMPA - A woman told a panel of state legislators a joke that's been circulating: There must be a trash can underneath the fax machine at Florida KidCare, the state health insurance program... ... morePosted at 8:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Couey Lawyers Push For Delay
By JIM TUNSTALL The Tampa Tribune Published: Feb 1, 2007 INVERNESS - Lawyers for the accused killer of Jessica Marie Lunsford again sought a trial delay Wednesday, arguing that recent legal wrinkles would affect their ability to defend him in... ... morePosted at 8:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Carlie's brother recovering
SARASOTA COUNTY -- Carlie Brucia's 9-year-old brother remains hospitalized after suffering serious head injuries this week in a car crash near Bahia Vista Street and McIntosh Road. Leif Dillon Schorpen, 2700 block Blossom Drive, was flown to Bayfront Medical... ... morePosted at 8:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 31, 2007
Sheriff's wife among 4 dead in shooting
MELISSA NELSON Associated Press MARIANNA, Fla. - The wife of a sheriff whose father was gunned down by a confessed serial killer 27 years ago was killed in a shootout at their home that also left three other people dead.... ... morePosted at 6:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 30, 2007
Execution put under microscope
By CHRIS TISCH, Times Staff Writer Published January 30, 2007 TAMPA - Sitting six feet away, death row defense lawyer Neal Dupree said he saw Angel Diaz grimace and gasp in apparent pain during his execution. Florida State Prison Warden... ... morePosted at 5:50 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
GIVING HERSELF A HAND
PORT CHARLOTTE -- Authorities are investigating how a photograph of a partially nude juvenile made it onto MySpace, according to a Charlotte County Sheriff's Office report. The Port Charlotte teenager told deputies that at about 9 a.m. Sunday she... ... morePosted at 5:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Teacher charged in sex case
A former Parkway Middle School student has accused a teacher of fondling her and having sex with her last spring. BY NIRVI SHAH nshah@MiamiHerald.com A Broward middle school teacher has been arrested on charges that he had sex with a... ... morePosted at 5:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 29, 2007
Man Charged With Felony Child Neglect
TAMPA - A man was charged with felony child neglect after two young children he was babysitting disappeared from an apartment, police said. Jose Ramon Soto, 28, of Tampa, fell asleep for about an hour while he was babysitting seven... ... morePosted at 8:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
When offender moved in, two mothers got serious
They started Tampa's move to ban sex convicts. By BILL COATS, Times Staff Writer Published January 28, 2007 TAMPA - Lynn Chernin had a message for her 6-year-old daughter that was too grim for the younger siblings to hear: A... ... morePosted at 8:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 25, 2007
Mother of Coralrose gets to visit kids alone
A judge approves the visits for Ellen-Beth Fullwood but not for her husband, Dale. By GINNY LAROE ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com SARASOTA -- The mother of a slain North Port girl will now be allowed to spend time alone with her four youngest... ... morePosted at 8:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 24, 2007
Couey's Statements In Jail Are Admissible, State Says
By JIM TUNSTALL The Tampa Tribune Published: Jan 24, 2007 INVERNESS - Jail guards who may have heard John Evander Couey make incriminating statements should be allowed to testify at his murder trial because the evidence is critical to the... ... morePosted at 5:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Attorney for boy's killer can't explain lie
The assistant public defender who represented Jimmy Ryce's convicted killer offered different versions of his actions. BY SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@MiamiHerald.com The attorney for the man convicted of killing Jimmy Ryce was expected to take the stand Tuesday to explain... ... morePosted at 8:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 23, 2007
BSO seeks help in solving teen's murder
BY KATHLEEN McGRORY kmcgrory@MiamiHerald.com Broward Sheriff's Office detectives and citizen volunteers canvassed a Deerfield Beach neighborhood Monday afternoon, hoping to learn more about the shooting death of an 18-year-old resident. Yndry Cadet, a homeless teen from Haiti, was gunned down... ... morePosted at 7:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 21, 2007
10 Months After Abduction, Boy Contacted Police About Bike
The Associated Press Published: Jan 21, 2007 ST. LOUIS - Ten months after Shawn Hornbeck's disappearance, he spoke with police to report his bike had been stolen but gave no clue that he was a missing child, a newspaper... ... morePosted at 6:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Police in Ind. search for kidnapped kids
ELKHART, Ind. - Police searched for four children and their mother after a gunman shot a man and held the woman and children hostage for about nine hours before forcing them into a car and fleeing, police said. Police on... ... morePosted at 6:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 19, 2007
Attorney says he told Jimmy Ryce's killer to lie
Jimmy Ryce's killer is trying to get a new trial, arguing that his previous attorney told him to purjure himself. The attorney said Juan Carlos Chavez is right. By SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@MiamiHerald.com The attorney for the man sent to... ... morePosted at 8:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Trump fined over huge flag at Palm Beach club
WEST PALM BEACH - (AP) -- Officials in the ritzy coastal town of Palm Beach voted Thursday to fine Donald Trump $1,250 a day for flying a large American flag atop an 80-foot flagpole at his lavish club in violation... ... morePosted at 7:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Coralrose's parents lose effort to get custody case thrown out
By GINNY LAROE ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com SARASOTA -- The parents of a slain North Port girl lost their latest attempt to regain custody of their four children, who were taken from them the day after their 6-year-old was found dead. Attorneys for... ... morePosted at 7:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 18, 2007
Defense: Murder suspect was denied an attorney
By COLLEEN JENKINS, Times Staff Writer Published January 18, 2007 Hillsborough sheriff's detectives "ignored and then thwarted" David Lee Onstott's repeated requests to speak with an attorney before charging him in the slaying of a 13-year-old Ruskin girl, his lawyers... ... morePosted at 8:10 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Child molester gets 70-year prison term
VIERA - (AP) -- A former Brevard County teacher convicted of molesting a former student has been sentenced to 70 years in prison. Daniel Cliatt, 30, faced up to 260 years in prison after rejecting a plea deal from prosecutors... ... morePosted at 8:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 14, 2007
‘Heinous And Cruel’ Factor Stands In Onstott Case
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY The Tampa Tribune TAMPA - A judge this morning refused to set aside “especially heinous and cruel” as a factor in the slaying of Sarah Michelle Lunde. Attorneys for defendant David Lee Onstott had argued that the... ... morePosted at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
No Proof Death Was 'Cruel,' Lawyers Say
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY The Tampa Tribune Published: Jan 13, 2007 TAMPA - Prosecutors cannot prove Sarah Michelle Lunde was killed in an "especially heinous and cruel" manner, attorneys for her suspected killer argued Friday.... ... morePosted at 10:55 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
History of abuse preceded death of 4-year-old Charlotte girl
By KRISTEN KRIDEL kristen.kridel@heraldtribune.com CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Repeated abuse led up to 4-year-old Cheyenne Renee Eairheart's death last month, detectives say. In her short life, she endured mistreatment ranging from getting feces smeared on her face to having her skull... ... morePosted at 7:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 13, 2007
Search For 1 Missing Missouri Boy Turns Up 2
By CHRISTOPHER LEONARD The Associated Press Published: Jan 13, 2007 BEAUFORT, MO. - A 13-year-old boy who vanished from the gravel road near his home five days ago was found alive Friday about 60 miles away in a suburban St.... ... morePosted at 5:26 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
January 12, 2007
Chief defender disputes claims of Jimmy Ryce's killer
Public Defender Bennett Brummer denied hindering the defense of Juan Carlos Chavez, who was sentenced to death in 1998 for killing Jimmy Ryce. BY SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@MiamiHerald.com Miami-Dade Public Defender Bennett Brummer denied under oath Wednesday that he ordered... ... morePosted at 5:27 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Dad: Boy a pawn in 'ego contest' between lawyers
Jimmy Ryce's father feels his murdered child has become a 'pawn' in a political battle between public defenders. BY SUSANNAH A. NESMITH snesmith@MiamiHerald.com Don Ryce left court Thursday feeling victimized again by a court system he felt had been hijacked... ... morePosted at 5:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Dead Boy's Dad Arrested On Drug, Gun Charges
By VALERIE KALFRIN The Tampa Tribune Published: Jan 11, 2007 TAMPA - Jacqualine Wilson listened Wednesday as federal prosecutors described the house in which her 2-year-old son fatally shot himself with a gun his father had stuffed in the sofa... ... morePosted at 5:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Fired Swim Coach Charged With Voyeurism
By VALERIE KALFRIN and ANTHONY McCARTNEY The Tampa Tribune Published: Jan 12, 2007 TAMPA - Two years after Tampa Preparatory School officials reprimanded a swim coach for having a girl try on a swimsuit in his office, detectives arrested the... ... morePosted at 5:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 11, 2007
From start, police believed Coralrose Fullwood was raped
NORTH PORT -- The day Coralrose Fullwood was found dead, police had evidence she had been sexually abused. Detectives swore to a judge they had probable cause to believe that, and a judge agreed and signed a search warrant. But... ... morePosted at 8:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 9, 2007
Statements stricken from trial
Interview & Interrogation Techniques 101 require that the Miranda Warning be read whenever a person becomes suspect in a crime. A rookie or veteran police officer is aware that once a suspect requests an attorney, legal counsel, barrister, or lawyer... ... morePosted at 8:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tip Line for Coralrose Generates Phone Calls
By GINNY LAROE ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com NORTH PORT -- Police said Monday they have received at least 20 calls from residents on a special hot line set up to field tips in the investigation into the death of Coralrose Fullwood. Police set... ... morePosted at 8:30 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
January 6, 2007
DO YOU KNOW WHO KILLED CORALROSE?
The North Port Police Department is asking the community to consider the following questions, and, if they have any information, to call (941) 429-7336. 1. Are you aware of anyone who has stopped coming into the neighborhood/area since the time... ... morePosted at 7:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Police have profile and DNA in Coralrose killing
By GINNY LAROE ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com NORTH PORT -- Residents who have waited four months to learn who killed 6-year-old Coralrose Fullwood are now being asked to help solve the crime by submitting to DNA testing. At a press conference Friday, police... ... morePosted at 6:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 5, 2007
Dale Fullwood trial set for July on child pornography charges
By GINNY LAROE ginny.laroe@heraldtribune.com SARASOTA -- The father of a slain North Port girl is scheduled to go to trial July 16 on pornography charges.Dale Fullwood, 46, was arrested in October on two counts of possession of child pornography, a... ... morePosted at 8:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 2, 2007
ABF GOLF TOURNAMENT POSTPONED
Due to unforseen circumstances the First Annual Amanda Brown Foundation Golf Tournament scheduled for February 4, 2007 has been postponed, not cancelled, until further notice. We will keep you updated on the website so please check back. The ABF is... ... morePosted at 7:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 29, 2006
Police Say Coach Had Sex With 14-Year-Old Girl
Here we go again! Who can you trust around your children? Apparently no one. It does not matter the profession, it seems that children are not safe in any surrounding. While we concentrate on the sexual predator, already identified, there... ... morePosted at 7:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 20, 2006
Suspect unfit for trial in Elizabeth Smart case
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) -- The man accused of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom in 2002 and holding her for nine months was again declared unfit to stand trial Monday after screaming at a judge to "forsake those... ... morePosted at 6:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
S.C. 'Santa' Charged With Kidnapping Girl
Another example of why parents should discuss "strangers" with their children. While we seem to consentrate on the convicted pedophiles in the neighborhood and yet daily articles reveal that professionals of the clergy, classroom, law enforcement and now Santa, are... ... morePosted at 6:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 17, 2006
Death Penalty Doesn't Change Anything
"Is lethal injection cruel and unusual?" a morning disc jockey asked the other day. People were invited to call in with their opinions. The DJ said he supported lethal injection because what was done to the victim was cruel and... ... morePosted at 2:44 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Doctor Says Lethal Injection Likely Painful
By RON WORD The Associated Press Published: Dec 17, 2006 JACKSONVILLE - Death penalty foes have warned for years of the possibility that inmates being executed by lethal injection could remain conscious, experiencing severe pain as they slowly die. That... ... morePosted at 2:38 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
December 14, 2006
ABF At Poinsettia Parade
Saturday, December 9, 2007 the City of North Port held its Poinsettia Parade to help get the people in the holiday spirit. Santa Claus took off a day from his busy schedule and visited us for awhile but had to... ... morePosted at 2:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 12, 2006
Buffer Zones For Sex Offenders More Complex Than A Few Feet
Members of the Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission are crafting local laws to limit where people convicted of sex crimes against children can live after they get out of jail.... ... morePosted at 6:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 11, 2006
Backlogs in evidence labs slow Coralrose case
By Michelle L. Start A flood of evidence in the three-month-old murder of Coralrose Fullwood is being processed as quickly as a group of designated analysts can, but that hasn’t been enough to move the case along.... ... morePosted at 7:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 9, 2006
Coralrose Fullwood's father freed on bail
By GINNY LAROE and HEATHER ALLEN STAFF WRITERS After two months in jail, Dale Fullwood was able to make bail, but neither his family or former workplace were welcoming him back Friday.... ... morePosted at 6:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 7, 2006
Children Get Star Treatment For Heroics
By MARI ROBYN JONES The Tampa Tribune Published: Dec 7, 2006 TAMPA - Paparazzi cameras flashed as the youngsters walked on a red carpet Wednesday night. Some wore tiaras and top hats and were decked out in formal wear. A... ... morePosted at 6:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Evidence thrown out in case of pastor charged with porn
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Computer evidence cannot be used against a pastor charged with viewing child pornography on his church computer because of a violation of privacy, a judge has ruled.... ... morePosted at 6:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Fullwood's bail reduced again A judge lowers bond for Coralrose's father from $10,000 to $2,000
After reading this article and realizing that the original bond may have been excessive, then reduced to within the limits of legality, why would a judge, knowing the circumstances surrounding this man, want to make it easy for him to... ... morePosted at 6:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 3, 2006
Police Seek Infant Boy Abducted At Knifepoint
As I was reading the paper this morning I was thinking, no news in regards to missing, exploited or murdered children and then I see this article. What is wrong in this world? What is wrong with some people? Do... ... morePosted at 8:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Drills Reveal Smoke Alarms Can't Always Wake Children
Even though we try to protect our family with every device possible the following article alerts us to the fact that nothing is a sure thing.... ... morePosted at 8:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 2, 2006
Assistant state attorney charged in sex bust
Early edition: Fred Taylor, 36, was one of nine men charged with exposure of sexual organs after Largo police targeted men meeting in public restrooms for sex. The malls and stores are filled with people doing holiday shopping and we... ... morePosted at 6:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
December 1, 2006
Judge reduces bail for father of slain girl
A judge reduced the bail on child pornography charges Thursday for the father of a slain 6-year-old North Port girl.... ... morePosted at 5:15 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
November 30, 2006
Fullwoods' custody hearing delayed
By HEATHER ALLEN heather.allen@heraldtribune.com SARASOTA -- Ellen-Beth Fullwood will have to wait a while longer to find out if she will regain custody of her four youngest children.... ... morePosted at 7:01 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
November 29, 2006
Fullwoods to learn their children's fate
Synopsis: Dale and Ellen-Beth Fullwood to appear in court today for their arraignment for custody of the four children, taken from them by the Department of Children and Families. The court is also hoping for a clarification as to... ... morePosted at 5:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 26, 2006
Police Say Child Slaying Case Not Going Cold
By GINNY LaROE Sarasota Herald-Tribune Published: Nov 24, 2006 NORTH PORT - Detective Tom Stella wakes up each morning with one thought: Today's the day.... ... morePosted at 8:26 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
November 25, 2006
8 Butterfly Statues Hit In 2nd Round Of Vandalism
Isn't is sad that there are those within our society that can't promote peace and goodwill but insist on destroying it? May they be caught, prosecuted and taken before a judge who will impose a fine and sentence that will... ... morePosted at 7:41 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
November 17, 2006
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Child Porn Charges
By GINNY LaROE Sarasota Herald-Tribune NORTH PORT - The father of slain North Port girl Coralrose Fullwood has pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges, his attorney said Monday.... ... morePosted at 7:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Gay Porn Company Linked To Mervine Halts Business
SAN DIEGO - Coast Productions, the gay pornographic video production company owned by Ralph Mervine, is no longer in business, a lawyer representing the company said.... ... morePosted at 7:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Jail Worker Gets 15-Year Sentence For Child Porn
TAMPA - A former Polk County sheriff's employee was sentenced Thursday morning to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.... ... morePosted at 6:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Teamwork Pledged In Offender Buffer Push
By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune Published: Nov 17, 2006 TAMPA - Tampa City Council members pledged Thursday to work with Hillsborough County commissioners on crafting an ordinance that would further restrict where sexual predators and offenders may live.... ... morePosted at 6:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 15, 2006
Officials Say Missing Boy May Be Alive
MIAMI (AP) - Investigators have renewed their search for a 2-year-old boy whose mother committed suicide days after reporting him missing, saying he may still be alive, authorities said Tuesday. A witness said she saw Trenton Duckett with his mother,... ... morePosted at 11:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 13, 2006
Coralrose's family strained
Grandparents care for Fullwood siblings From the outside looking in, they are a family that has broken at the seams. The events that upended Saul and Doreen VanderWoude's family started when their granddaughter, Coralrose Fullwood, was found dead near her... ... morePosted at 6:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Child Abuse Council Salutes Volunteers For Efforts
How nice it is to awaken to read the news and not see where one of our trusted members of society has been accused or arrested for some predatory act against a child. I may be speaking prematurely as I... ... morePosted at 6:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 10, 2006
Rape suspect has history of violence
Let us address the reason that habitual violent people get probation over and over. They are released from jail to prey on innocent citizens. Maybe a re-classification of crimes and a mandate for those with a history of violent acts... ... morePosted at 5:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sex Offenders Concern Hillsborough
County Commission & City Council Seeking Answers Yesterday as I was posting the several news events about sexual predators and offenders I became concerned that maybe I am posting nothing but the negative. After talking with several friends, it is... ... morePosted at 4:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 9, 2006
There's a new kid in the jungle
On the lighter side.... The late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's daughter is taking up the family business, People reports. Bindi Irwin, 8, is shooting Bindi, The Jungle Girl for the Discovery Kids network to debut in January. The opening features... ... morePosted at 12:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tollway Chief Quits, Linked To Porn Sites
Here we go again! It seems that everyday someone in position of authority or respect is involved in some sort of sex scandal. It has to make one wonder as to the reason for this trend. Has it always been... ... morePosted at 4:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 8, 2006
The John Couey Trial
INVERNESS — The Miami trial for the accused killer of Jessica Lunsford is on schedule for February, after a Citrus judge rejected a defense challenge of the new venue Wednesday afternoon. Circuit Judge Ric Howard selected the South Florida location... ... morePosted at 4:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 7, 2006
Dumped Kids’ Mom Found, Dad Still Missing
Police are questioning the mother of two young children who were abandoned at a Sulphur Springs home in the middle of the night, according to police.... ... morePosted at 4:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Offender Residency Buffer May Grow
TAMPA - Some people convicted of sex crimes against children will have fewer places to live in Tampa under a new law the city council proposed Thursday.
... morePosted at 5:02 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 5, 2006
Police Sweep Up Felony Fugitives
Roy Brown said he felt a thrill pulling up at the Pinellas County home of a fugitive sexual predator with members of a U.S. Marshals Service operation. "We got him with cocaine and everything," Brown, 54, of Tampa, said Thursday... ... morePosted at 7:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 2, 2006
Bolin’s Lawyer Calls No Witnesses, Rests Case
The jury was expected to hear closing arguments and begin deliberations this morning. Twice, juries convicted Bolin in Stephanie Collins’ 1986 murder. Twice, he was sentenced to death. Twice, the case was overturned on appeal and new trials ordered. Collins,... ... morePosted at 5:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Lawyers Want Couey Trial Moved
INVERNESS – Lawyers for the man accused in the rape and slaying of Jessica Marie Lunsford want his trial again moved, arguing the case should be heard in an area that has a demographic similar to Citrus County, where the... ... morePosted at 5:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 1, 2006
Federal marshals, police step-up effort to nab sex offenders
Thursday afternoon the U S Marshall's Office, FDLE and local law enforcement in Tampa, released information about the Falcon III Operation that has been occurring in the Tampa Bay area for the past week. Roy Brown and Mark Lunsford were... ... morePosted at 6:51 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
