Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
U.S. Marshal Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Strategic Enforcement Section (SES)
Support Service Bureau
-Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Division

St. Petersburg Police Department
-Intelligence Unit

FBI

Victor James Santarelli (Arrested)
DOB: 04/29/1966
Address: 1806 Ft. Harrison, Clearwater (Flamingo Motel)
Arrested: Fugitive from Pennsylvania

Tamara Santarelli (Arrested)
DOB: 01/06/1969
Address: 1806 Ft. Harrison, Clearwater (Flamingo Motel)
Arrested: Fugitive from Pennsylvania

What:
Deputies assigned to the US Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Sheriff’s Office SES Unit and members of the St. Peterburg Police Department Intel Unit have arrested a couple wanted in Pennsylvania. According to detectives the two had been found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the estate of a deceased aunt; and mail and wire fraud. (Please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Pennsylvania for further information on this case.)

When:
The suspects were arrested during the afternoon hours of January 9, 2013.

Where:
The suspects were arrested at the Flamingo Motel located at 1806 Ft. Harrison in Clearwater.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Taks Force, initially pursuing a tip on an America’s Most Wanted case, conducted a separate and unrelated investigation that led to the arrest of two fugitives from Pennsylvania.

The investigation led them to the Flamingo Motel – where they made contact with a subject, later identified as 46-year-old Victor J. Santarelli. The subject told deputies he had no identification and provided deputies with multiple dates of birth.

In an effort to positively identify the subject, investigators asked the subject to provide fingerprints and have a photograph taken to be run through the Sheriff’s Automated Fingerprint Identification System and Facial Recognition System. The subject was cooperative and agreed to do so. No matches were found in Florida.

Deputies subsequently contacted the FBI to review the national database; and the individual was identified as Victor Santarelli wanted out of Pennsylvania. Detectives and members of SES subsequently arrested the suspect; and his wife 44-year-old Tamara Santarelli who also had an outstanding warrant from Pennsylvania.

The two were transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident. Booking photos of the suspects are below.

The investigation continues.

 Victor Santarelli 

 Tamara Santarelli

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Victim:
Wells Fargo Bank
13099 Park Blvd.
Seminole, FL.

Suspect description:
The suspect was described as a white male in his 30′s to early 40′s, approximately 6’2″, 180lbs, short brown hair, unshaven with crooked teeth and a tattoo on his upper chest/neck area.  He was last seen wearing dark colored pants, a black jacket with white stripes and a white colored baseball hat with an unknown design on the front of it.

What:  Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives are seeking the public’s help with identifying a bank robbery suspect.

Where:  Wells Fargo Bank
13099 Park Blvd.
Seminole, FL.

When:  The bank robbery took place this afternoon (1/9/13) at approximately 5:00 p.m.

How/Why:  

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives are seeking the public’s help with identifying a bank robbery suspect.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. this afternoon a white male suspect entered the Wells Fargo Bank at 13099 Park Blvd. in Seminole and demanded money from a bank teller.

The suspect handed the teller a note demanding the cash and not to set off any alarms.

During the incident, the suspect implied he had a gun.  However, no weapon was seen.

After leaving the bank, the suspect was last seen running around the east side of the building, then through a shopping center parking lot where he may have gotten into the front passenger seat of an older model (late 90’s to early 2000’s), black colored Ford Mustang.  This vehicle was last seen northbound on 131^st Street N.

The suspect was described as a white male in his 30′s to early 40′s, approximately 6’2″, 180lbs, short brown hair, unshaven with crooked teeth and a tattoo on his upper chest/neck area.  He was last seen wearing dark colored pants, a black jacket with white stripes and a white colored baseball hat with an unknown design on the front of it.

This suspect is believed to be involved in other recent Largo area bank robberies.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information that may assist detectives in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Keith Johnson of the Robbery/Homicide Unit at 727-582-6200; or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

See attached pictures.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
-Strategic Enforcement Section
-Forensic Sciences Division

Victim:
Wells Fargo Bank
13099 Park Blvd.
Seminole, FL.

Suspect #1:
Nathan Blisard
4/5/1983
373 5th Street NW #A
Largo, Fl.
Charge: Robbery

Suspect #2
Meaghan Renee Zimmer (Blisard’s girlfriend)
6/4/1989
373 5th Street NW #A
Largo, Fl.
Charges: Robbery, Warrant for Violation of Probation (Possession of Methadone)

What:  A fingerprint collected at the crime scene leads detectives to bank robbery suspect.  (See PCSO release 13-010)

Where:  The suspects were located by deputies near the intersection of Starkey Road and 76th Avenue North in Seminole.

When:  Both suspects were apprehended today (1/11/13) at approximately 1:00 p.m.

How/Why:  

After a string of bank robberies, two suspects are currently in custody at the Pinellas County Jail.

Deputies apprehended Nathan Blisard and his girlfriend Meaghan Zimmer this afternoon.

During a prior bank robbery (see PCSO release 13-010), Blisard left his fingerprint at the crime scene.  While processing the scene, Pinellas County forensics specialist’s collected the fingerprint and had it analyzed.  A match came back to Blisard.

Detectives went forth with their investigation and eventually located Blisard and Zimmer in the Seminole area.  Strategic Enforcement Section deputies performed a traffic stop on the vehicle (same vehicle used in the robberies) Blisard was in and took him into custody without incident.  Zimmer was located at a residence near by.

During a follow-up interview with Zimmer, she admitted to driving the get-away car during one of the robberies.

Largo Police detectives are also interviewing both suspects for bank robberies in their jurisdiction.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau
-Robbery Homicide Unit

 Victim:

Edward Levine

3/19/70

1013 Main Street

Safety Harbor, Fl.

Suspect #1:
Black male, late teens to early twenties.  He was wearing a plaid hooded sweat shirt with a knit hat under the hood.  He was also wearing dark colored baggy shorts.

Suspect #2:
Black male, late teens to early twenties, wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt.  He had on dark colored pants.

What:  During the early morning hours of 1/12/13, two black male suspects entered the Silks adult nightclub and shot a cleaning crew employee.

Where:  Silks
37100 US 19 N
Palm Harbor, Fl.

When:  The incident occurred on 1/12/13 at approximately 4:10 a.m.

How/Why:  

During the early morning hours of 1/12/13, two black male suspects entered the Silks adult nightclub and shot a cleaning crew employee.  The shooting occurred as they were robbing the victim.

The suspects fled the establishment with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspects were described as:

Suspect #1:
Black male, late teens to early twenties.  He was wearing a plaid hooded sweat shirt with a knit hat under the hood.  He was also wearing dark colored baggy shorts. 

Suspect #2:
Black male, late teens to early twenties, wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt.  He had on dark colored pants.

Anyone with information that may assist detectives in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Jim Beining of the Robbery/Homicide Unit at 727-582-6200; or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

See attached pictures.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-School Crossing Guards
-Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)

School Crossing Guard:
Nelson Guenther
PCSO School Crossing Guard
Hired – 12/26/12
Minor injuries to left forearm

Driver:
Richard Barbieri – 5/18/1994
10319 106th Ter N
Largo, FL 33773
No injuries

Vehicle: 2011 Chevy Malibu

What:  A Pinellas County school crossing guard was injured in a vehicle crash this morning.

Where:  At the intersection of 102nd Avenue and 131st Street in unincorporated Largo.

When:  The incident took place this morning (1/16/13) at approximately 7:30 a.m.

How/Why:  

A Pinellas County school crossing guard was injured in a vehicle crash this morning.  Deputies responded to the intersection of 102nd Avenue and 131st Street at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Witnesses at the scene and deputies from the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) say that School Crossing Guard Nelson Guenther was crossing 102nd Ave (southbound) at 131st St. with the crossing signal.  As Guenther crossed, Richard Barbieri (driving a 2011 Chevy Malibu) attempted to turn west on 102nd Ave from northbound 131st St.  

Failing to yield at the pedestrian crossing, Barbieri struck Guenther in the left forearm with his driver’s side mirror.

Guenther sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Barbieri was issued a traffic citation for Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk.

Deputies say now that school is back in session from the Holiday break, motorists should be very careful around school crossings as traffic has increased, and more pedestrians, mostly children are out earlier in the day.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Phosy Kongmanichanh (Arrested)
DOB: 05/17/1983
Arrested for Aggravated Battery

James Federighi (Victim)
DOB: 05/22/1951
Address: 3663 58th Ave. N, Lot #414, St. Petersburg

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit have arrested a man who beat another with a chain. The beating was captured on surveillance video and released to the media in December. Detectives say as a result of the media coverage they received tips directly and through Crime Stoppers that assisted in the identification of the suspect.

When:
The suspect was arrested on the evening of January 16, 2013.

The crime occurred at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

Where:
The suspect voluntarily came to the Sheriff’s Administration Building at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo to be interviewed and was subsequently arrested.

The crime occurred at 3550 58th Avenue North in Lealman.

Why/How:
29 year-old Phosy Kongmanichanh told investigators  he became angered after the victim, identified as 61-year-old James Federighi, allegedly made ethnic remarks to him as he passed on his scooter.

Detectives say Kongmanichanh got off his scooter, pulled out a chain and began striking Federighi.  He continued striking Federighi even after he fell to the ground. Kongmanichanh then left the scene. Federighi sustained serious injuries to his head. (See Release #12-291 for further details).

Kongmanichanh was interviewed during the evening hours of January 16th at the Sheriff’s Administration Building. He admitted to the crime. He was arrested for aggravated battery and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.

The suspect’s photo will be available after the booking process is complete.

Pinellas Sheriff’s Robbery Homicide Detectives have arrested and charged a Lealman area man for stabbing his roommate during an argument.

 Arrested:

Willie B. Brown

DOB: 6/1/54

2500 54^th Ave. North

The Palace Mobile Home Park

 Charges:

Attempted First Degree Murder

 Victim;

Abraham Shedrack

DOB: 8/24/40

Address: Same as above

In critical but stable condition at Bayfront Medical Center

What: Detectives learned the two had been having an argument over a radio station, when the verbal dispute became violent. Brown reportedly stabbed Shedrack at least 10 times. According to detectives, alcohol is a factor in this case.

Where: The stabbing occurred outside the mobile home that Brown and Shedrack shared at the Palace Mobile Home Park.

 When: The stabbing occurred just after 8:00 p.m., Wednesday night, January 16, 2013.

 How/Why:

Detectives say that during an interview, Brown admitted that he had attacked and stabbed Shedrack.

 No one else was hurt. No one else is being sought in the incident.

 The investigation continues.

Who:

-Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

-Patrol Operations Bureau

 What:

In an effort to reduce DUI related injuries, deputies conducted a Wolf Pack operation in Pinellas County over the weekend.

 Where:

Deputies monitored traffic throughout the county.

 When:

1/18/13 -1/19/13

 How/Why:

Pinellas County Deputies conducted a DUI Wolf Pack operation this weekend in an effort to reduce DUI related injuries and educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Wolf Pack patrols will be once a month, on nights separate from the monthly DUI Checkpoints.

The goal of the Wolf Pack is to target drivers under the influence of alcohol, aggressive driving, and other traffic related violations.

Results of this weekend’s operation are as follows:

 -12 DUI’s

3 Felony

9 Misdemeanor

 -2 Driving While License Suspended/Revoked

 -1 Reckless Driving

 -1 Violation of Business Purpose Only DL

 -2 Possession of a Controlled Substance

1 Crack Cocaine

1 Diazepam

-28 citations

For more information about the Wolf Pack patrols, contact Sergeant Howard Skaggs of the Patrol Operations Bureau at 582-6200.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

What:
Two stolen vehicles driven by murder suspect Jamaal Jenkins have been recovered: a green Toyota Camry and a Chrysler 200. Detectives continue to follow leads in the search for the suspect.

When:
The Chrysler 200 was recovered on January 23, 2013.

The Sheriff’s Office was notified on Friday, January 18th, 2013 that the Toyota Camry was recovered by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Where:
The Chrysler 200 was located in Orange County.

The Camry was located in a wooded area in Sarasota County and the vehicle had been burned.

Why/How:
According to detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit the timeline of events is as follows:

The Chrysler 200 was the vehicle driven by victim Destynee Burkes when she arrived at the La Quinta Inn on the evening she was murdered . (For more information on this case see News Release #13-008 and updates) Following the murder, detectives say Jenkins took the Chrysler from the motel and drove into the Orlando area, where he exchanged the vehicle tag.

According to detectives, at some point Jenkins abandoned the Chrysler and acquired a second vehicle – the Toyota Camry. Detectives say this may have been the vehicle driven by Jenkins when he murdered Tieyannie Dewitte Hollis in St. Petersburg. (For more information on this case please contact the St. Petersburg Police Department.)

On Friday, January 18th, 2013, Sheriff’s detectives were notified by the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office that the Camry had been located in a wooded area in Sarasota County and that the vehicle had been burned.

Through their investigation, on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, Sheriff’s office detectives located the Chrysler 200 in Orange County.

According to detectives, the Camry had been stolen from an apartment complex in Orange County that was about 4 miles from where the Chrysler was located.

A cash reward of $50,000 has been offered by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to anyone who provides information leading to  Jenkins’ arrest. The reward will be funded by drug forfeiture money.

Detectives continue to follow tips and leads in this case and ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jenkins to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at 727-582-6200 or the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780; or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a Crime Stoppers reward of up to $1, 000 contact Crime Stoppers of Pinellas at 1800-873-TIPS(8477).

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit
-Child Protection Investigations Division (CPID)

Elizabeth Holder (Deceased)
DOB: 11/19/2007
Address: 2381 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Lot 419 Clearwater

Stephanie Judah (Mother of Elizabeth, Arrested For Child Neglect)
DOB:04/13/1978
Address 2381 Gulf to Bay Boulevard Lot 419, Clearwater

What:
During a press briefing on January 24, 2013, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced that an investigation is underway into the death of a 5-year-old girl, who died while in foster care after being removed from her home by Sheriff’s Office Child Protection Investigators. The Sheriff also announced that during the course of the death investigation, he also initiated a review of policies and procedures surrounding child removal, – this due to the fact that the deceased child did not receive a medical screening within the 72 hour period after removal as required by law.

The Sheriff added that while it is not known and may never be known if the death of the child could have been prevented with the medical screening, a review of the internal policies was the appropriate course of action in order to ensure that medical screenings of children will be done in compliance with the law in the future.

When:
The child passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013.

The child was removed from her home; and the mother was arrested on January 11, 2013.

Where:
The child passed away in a private residence in Pinellas, while in the care of a babysitter.

The child was removed from her place of residence located at 2381 Gulf To Bay Boulevard, Lot 419, a mobile home park in unincorporated Clearwater.

Why/How:
According to investigators, on January 11th at about 1:00 p.m. deputies responded to 2381 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Lot 419 in Clearwater, after receiving reports that a small child had been seen wandering around the Mobile Home Park unattended. When deputies arrived on scene they discovered the mother of the child, identified as 35 year-old Stephanie Judah to be under the influence of prescription drugs; and the home to be unkept and unsuitable for the well being of the child. Judah was arrested for child neglect and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

Sheriff’s Child Protection Investigators were summoned; and the child identified as 5 year-old Elizabeth Holder was removed from the home and placed into the care of a foster care family. On January 18th, the foster parent was unable to take care of the child and delivered the child to a babysitter for care. On January 19th, the child awoke, played and watched TV. Later the same day the child passed away after she suddenly grabbed her head and began yelling that it hurt. The babysitter called 911, the child was transported to a local hospital and pronouced deceased at about 5:00 p.m. the same day. An autopsy is being conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine cause and manner of death.

Crimes Against Children Detectives began the investigation into the death of the child. During the course of the death investigation, which is currently underway, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri also launched a self-initiated parallel investigation to review the policies and procedures surrounding child removal of the Sheriff’s Child Protection Investigations Division. The initial results of this investigation have yielded that the Sheriff’s Office failed to comply with statute 65c -29.008 which states that a child must receive a health screening within 72 hours of being removed from a home.

As a result of this finding, the Sheriff also announced during the press briefing on January 24, 2013 that the office is working on putting various procedures into place to ensure that medical screenings of children will be done in compliance with the law in the future.

An internal affairs investigation has also been opened.

The investigation continues.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
Robbery/Homicide Unit
Patrol Operations Bureau
-K-9 Unit
Support Services Bureau
-Crime Scene Investigation Unit

Dunedin Fire Rescue

Suspect Descriptions:
Suspect # 1 (went behind counter) is described as a black male. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a “Hollister” logo on the front, dark colored baggie pants, and his nose and mouth was covered with a bandanna. He was carrying a red backpack.

Suspect # 2 (remained at store entrance) is described as a black male. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, long black shorts with vertical white stripes on the side, and black and white basketball sneakers. He was also wearing a cover over his nose and mouth.

What:
Detectives have released surveillance video and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in a Dunedin convenience store armed robbery. Audio is also available. Detectives are requesting the media allow viewers to listen to the audio of the suspect when he goes behind the counter, as they believe someone out there may recognize his voice.

When:
The robbery occurred at around 9:35 p.m. on January 15, 2013.

Where:
The robbery occurred at Munchies located at 614 Union Street, Dunedin.

Why/How:
According to detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit, two suspects entered the store. One of the suspects ordered one of the store clerks- at gunpoint- to lay face down on the ground at the entrance of the store. The clerk complied. This suspect remained with this clerk as a lookout at the entrance of the establishment.

Detectives say the other suspect then ordered another store clerk to go behind the counter and demanded money and cigarettes. After the clerk complied, the suspect struck him over the head with the gun. (This portion of the video contains clear audio. Detectives are asking the public to take a close listen to see if they recognize the suspect’s voice.) The suspects then fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and with various cartons of cigarettes.

As the suspects were leaving they pointed a gun at a customer who was just arriving at the convenience store.

The clerk that was struck over the head sustained a small laceration. He was treated on scene by Dunedin Fire Rescue.

Deputies responded to the 911 call and Robbery/Homicide Detectives began their investigation. A perimeter was set up around the area and the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit did a track with negative results.

Clearwater Police Department is also conducting an investigation into a robbery that occurred on January 19th, 2013 at Dodge’s Store at 1194 NE Cleveland Street where the suspects may be the same individuals. Please contact Clearwater Police for further information on this case.

The investigation continues.

Surveillance video is available at on YouTube at http://youtu.be/mHFIPVkszFc

Anyone with information that might assist detectives in identifying the suspects is asked to contact Detective Jeff Capra of the Robbery/Homicide Unit at (727) 582-6200; or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1800-873-TIPS.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-SWAT Team
-K-9 Unit
-Violent Crimes Task Force
-Strategic Enforcement Section
-Negotiator Response Team (NRT)
Support Services Bureau
-Crime Scene Investigation Unit

Martiego J. Wallace (Arrested)
DOB: 07/21/1988
Address: 2213 32nd Avenue, St. Petersburg
Arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary to an occupied dwelling, resisting arrest with violence, and VOP Burglary (warrant).

What:
Deputies have arrested a suspect who barricaded himself in a St. Petersburg home for nearly 6 hours after he assaulted a woman with a firearm and burglarized the residence in which he barricaded himself. A family was in the residence when the suspect forced his way into their home.

When:
Deputies initially responded to the call at about 3:54 p.m. on January 30, 2013.

The suspect was arrested at about 9:40 p.m. on January 30, 2013.

Where:
The suspect barricaded himself in a private residence located at 4195 28th Street North in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
Just before 4:00 p.m. on January 30th, 2013, deputies responded to a call in which the complainant, a female, advised that she was walking in the area of 28th Street and 41st Avenue North, when she was confronted by the suspect later identified as 24-year-old Martiego Wallace. According to deputies, Wallace raised his shirt to display a gun and made threatening statements to the woman, accusing her and her brother of “snitching” on him.

When deputies arrived on scene, the suspect had forced entry into a home located at 4195 28th Street North. The home was occupied. The residents of the home, who are not known to the suspect, fled the residence unharmed. The suspect remained inside.

Through their investigation deputies were able to identify the suspect as Wallace and began efforts to establish communication with him. All efforts were unsuccessful as Wallace would not answer the phone and remained uncooperative.

Wallace was eventually determined to be in a bedroom of the home covered with a blanket. Deputies began challenging him. Deputies say Wallace eventually left the bedroom, made his way upstairs, opened a window and jumped through it off the second floor of the home in an attempt to get away. Deputies say a violent struggle ensued as they tried to subdue Wallace, who at one point attempted to grab one of the SWAT team member’s gun. Deputies were able to bring Wallace under control and arrested him for aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary to an occupied dwelling, and resisting arrest with violence. The suspect also was determined to have an outstanding warrant  for violation of probation for burglary.

The investigation continues.

 A photo of the suspect will be available once the booking process is complete.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Strategic Diversion Task Force

St. Petersburg Police Department

Clearwater Police Department

Florida Department of Health

Bay Pines VA Police

United States Office of the Inspector General

Arrested:
Richard Carpenter
4/16/1954
180 Beach Drive Apt # 1501
St. Petersburg, FL. 33701

Charges:
-Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud (5 counts)
-Attempt to Obtain a Controlled Substance by Fraud (1 count)

What:  Pinellas Detectives say Bay Pines VA Surgeon Richard Carpenter has fraudulently been obtaining Valium (Diazepam) since October 2012.

Where:  Carpenter was arrested at the Bay Pines VA Hospital.

When:  Carpenter has been fraudulently obtaining the prescription drugs since October of 2012.

He was arrested 1/30/2013.

How/Why:  

On 1/28/2013 investigators received information of a prescription fraud case involving a doctor.  According to the information received, Dr. Richard Carpenter had called in several fraudulent Valium (Diazepam) prescriptions for himself since Oct 2012. 

Carpenter used an acquaintance doctor’s name and DEA number to obtain the prescriptions illegally.  Carpenter also used his health care insurance to off-set the cost of the prescription.

In all, Carpenter obtained at least 500 Valium 5mg pills and had attempted to obtain more before his arrest.

At the time of his arrest Carpenter was charged with 5 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud and 1 count of Attempting to Obtain a Controlled Substance by Fraud.

The investigation continues.

See attached booking photo.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-School Crossing Guard Program

What:
All is set for Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. Nearly 60 School Crossing Guards will be honored as they receive Length of Service Certificates; Florida Department of  Transportation Badges; and Perfect Attendance Certificates.

Where:
The event will be held at the Elk’s Lodge #1525 located at 1240 San Christopher Drive in Dunedin.

When:
The program is set to begin at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013. 

How/Why:
The Sheriff’s Office is set to honor the service and dedication of members of the School Crossing Guard Program during Florida’s Annual School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.

The Governor has designated Friday, February 1, 2013 as School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in the State of Florida.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri will present Length of Service and Perfect Attendance Certificates to members; and school crossing guard badges to guards who have most recently completed their initial Florida Department of Transportation (F.D.O.T.) Certification.

The PCSO School Crossing Guard Program presently has 131 crossing guards covering 188 school crossing posts for 36 elementary schools, 9 middle schools and one high school in the unincorporated area as well as in the contract cities of Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Seminole and Madeira Beach.

The School Crossing Guard Program began in 1972 as a volunteer program. Through the years the program has grown to meet and adhere to F.D.O.T. standards. Each school crossing guard attends a mandatory six-hour classroom training session and two-hours of field training. This is followed up with three days of field training at the guard’s assigned post.

The media is invited to attend. For further information please contact the Public Information Office at (727) 582-6221.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Explorer Post 900

Participants:
18 Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorers
17 St. Petersburg Police Department Explorers
11 Pinellas Park Police Department Explorers
12 Adult Advisors

What:
Member of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900 are headed this weekend to Florida Sheriff Caruth Camp in Inglis, Florida for three days of leadership training. The Sheriff’s Explorers will be joined by Explorers from St. Petersburg Police and Pinellas Park Police Departments. 46 Explorers in all will attend this second annual  camp.

When:
The Leadership Camp begins this evening, Friday, February 1, 2013 and ends mid-afternoon on Sunday, February 3, 2013.

Where:
The Leadership Camp takes place at the Florida Sheriff Caruth Camp located at 14770 SE Highway 19, Inglis Florida.

Why/How:
Explorers from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, St Petersburg and Pinellas Park Police Departments will be involved in a series of team-building, challenge courses and high ropes exercises designed to teach leadership skills and team work. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff will be present to provide instruction. This is the second year in which this event is held.

The Explorer Post is an opportunity for young people to learn firsthand about the challenges and rewards of a career in public safety. The Sheriff’s Offices Explorer Post #900 is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America and is highly regarded with national championships in several categories of Law Enforcement Exploring.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorers are immersed in many facets of the agency’s operations: Patrol, Corrections, Investigations, Forensics, Training and more. Deputy sheriff’s also serve as mentors and instructors, giving Explorers the benefit of their experience in these areas. Several former Explorers are now Pinellas County deputy sheriff’s or city police officers.

Anyone with an interest in the Sheriff’s Explorer Post is asked to contact Deputy Jim Butterfield at 727 453-7461.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Community Policing Unit
-Patrol Operations Bureau

Victim:
Brieonne Danielle Roiland
12/20/82
3698 135th Ave N apt A
Largo, Fl.

Suspect:
Trevon Lamar Griffin (arrested)
1/28/94
3733 137th Ave N
Largo, Fl.

Charges:
-Attempted 1st Degree Murder
-Attempted Armed Robbery
-Discharging a Firearm in Public
-Resisting Arrest Without Violence
-Possession of Marijuana

What:  Deputies apprehend shooting suspect in the Coral Way neighborhood.

Where:  

3744 135th Ave N
Largo, Fl.

When:  The incident took place at approximately 7:10 p.m. on 2/1/2013.

How/Why:  

Pinellas Deputies have apprehended a suspect (Trevon Lamar Griffin) who shot a known victim (Brieonne Danielle Roiland) in the neck this evening.

Roiland is currently recovering from the gunshot wound at a local hospital.

At approximately 7:10 p.m. this evening, a deputy patrolling the Coral Way neighborhood heard what sounded like a gunshot, then a woman’s scream for help.

Deputies responded to 3744 135th Ave North, where they discovered Roiland screaming she had been shot.

As medical personnel tended to Roiland’s injuries, deputies set a perimeter around the immediate area and apprehended Griffin running through a field a short distance away from the crime scene. 

After conducting preliminary interviews, it is believed Griffin had attempted to rob Roiland at gunpoint when she was shot in the neck.

Griffin was transported to the Pinellas County Jail with the following charges:

-Attempted 1st Degree Murder
-Attempted Armed Robbery
-Discharging a Firearm in Public
-Resisting Arrest Without Violence
-Possession of Marijuana

The investigation continues.

See attached booking photo.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
-Burglary and Pawn Unit

What:
Detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect in a smash and grab burglary and two robberies at the Munchees Convenience Store in Dunedin. In the smash and grab burglary the suspect stole scratch-off lottery tickets. He and an unidentified female cashed the winning tickets at an area convenience store. In one of the robberies, the suspect also stole scratch-off lottery tickets. An unidentified female cashed those winning tickets at another area convenience store. Detectives want to speak to the women and ask the public for help to identify them. Surrveillance video and photos are available for release. A timeline of the events is below.

When:
The crimes occurred in January and February 2013.

Where:
The smash and grab; and both robberies occurred at the Munchees Convenience Store located at 2100 Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin.

Why/How:
At about 5:57 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 the suspect smashed the window of the Munchees Convenience Store. He then entered the store and made his way behind the counter. The suspect began pulling large quantities of scratch-off lottery tickets and putting them into a garbage bag that he found behind the counter. Detectives say he stole approximately 100 tickets along with several packets of cigarettes.

The suspect is described as a white male about 6 feet tall, about 165 pounds with a medium build. In the video he is seen wearing a gray jacket with a hood.The jacket has a red lining along the collar area. He also appears to be wearing a ball cap under the hood.

A few hours later, a male believed to be the suspect and an unidentified female companion are seen cashing winning lottery tickets at the 7-11 located at 100 Alt 19 in Palm Harbor. (Surveillance photos are below). Detectives would like to speak to the female and request the public’s assistance to identify her also.

Possible suspect and unidentified female cashing scratch-off lottery tickets at 7-11.

Possible suspect cashing scratch-off lottery tickets at 7-11.

The suspect is described of similar height and weight as that of the smash and grab burglar; and he is wearing what appears to be the same gray jacket with a hood and the red lining along the collar and front. His face is covered with a bandanna.

According to detectives, this same suspect may be responsible for an armed robbery that occurred at the same Munchees store on Thursday, January 17th, 2013. Detectives say in this case, the suspect entered the store armed with a handgun. He ordered the clerk to open the register and demanded cash. He then demanded scratch-off lottery tickets and spice. The clerk complied with the demand. The suspect fled on foot. Witnesses provided a description similar to the one of the suspect listed in the above mentioned cases.

On January 22, 2013 another unidentified female cashed tickets stolen from this armed ro bbery at the Citgo Gas Station Convenience Store located at 1301 Missouri Avenue in Clearwater. (Surveillance photo is below.) Detectives would like to speak to this woman and request the public’s help to identify her.

Unidentified Female Cashing Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets at Citgo

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Jeff Capra of the Robbery/Homicide Unit or Detective Holly Tsanakaliotis of the Burglary and Pawn Unit at 727-582-6200.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Training Unit

US Marshals Service
-We are not releasing the name of the individual involved due to their current work assignment with the US Marshals.

What:  There was an unintentional discharge of a firearm at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Firing Range today involving a US Marshal employee.

Where:  

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Firing Range
11700 34th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL.

When:  The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. today (2/6/13).

How/Why:  

There was an unintentional discharge of a firearm at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Firing Range today involving a US Marshal employee.

At approximately 9:00 a.m. this morning, members of the US Marshals were utilizing the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Firing Range for various shooting exercises.  At one point during the drills, a US Marshal employee suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the upper leg.

The US Marshal employee was tended to at the scene by responding medical personnel, then eventually transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

We are not releasing the name of the individual involved due to their current work assignment with the US Marshals.

Any further inquiries regarding the matter should be directed to Ron Lindbak at the US Marshals Service (813) 299-6982.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide Unit

Suspect is identified as:
Richard Plent
DOB: 03/31/1961
Address: Transient

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in a robbery at the Bank of America in Seminole.

When:
The robbery occurred at about 9:13 a.m. on February 6, 2013.

Where:
The robbery occurred at the Bank of America located at 6801 Seminole Boulevard in Seminole.

Why/How:
According to detectives the suspect entered the bank and demanded cash from the teller. The teller complied and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen running out of the south door of the bank.

Through their investigation detectives were able to identify the suspect as 51 year-old Richard Plent. Detectives are asking for any information the public may have on his whereabouts. Plent is a transient. Detectives say he may be staying in a motel in the Clearwater or St. Petersburg area.

Surveillance photos of Plent are below. Plent is 5’8″ tall, about 250 pounds and is known to be riding a green scooter bearing Florida tag 8628KA.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information on Plent’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Jeff Capra of the Robbery Homicide Unit at (727)582-6200; or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1800-873-TIPS.

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
-Burglary and Pawn Unit
Support Services Bureau
-Crime Scene Investigation Unit

Trevor David Winsett (Arrested)
DOB: 06/17/1988
Address: 402 N. Carolina Avenue, Palm Harbor
Arrested for one-count burglary; two-counts robbery and one-count dealing in stolen property

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide and Burglary and Pawn Units have arrested a Palm Harbor man in connection with a smash and grab burglary (1/29/2013) and two robberies (1/17/2013 and 2/1/2013) at a Munchees convenience store located at 2100 Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin. Approximately 100 scratch-off lottery tickets were stolen from the store during the smash and grab burglary. The suspect was identified after fingerprints on the cashed-in winning tickets came back to the suspect’s brother.

When:
The suspect was arrested in the evening hours of February 7, 2013.

Where:
The suspect was arrested following an interview at the Sheriff’s Administration Building in Largo.

Why/How:
According to detectives, following the January 29th smash and grab burglary, the suspect, now identified as 24-year-old Trevor David Winsett, gave scratch-off lottery tickets to his brother to repay a debt. Deputies say some hours later the suspect’s brother and his girlfriend, cashed in the winning tickets at at 7-11 located 100 Alt 19 in Palm Harbor (The two are captured in a surveillance photo released to the media on February 5, 2013 See release #13-026.)

Fingerprints lifted from the cashed in lottery tickets came back to the suspect’s brother. Through their investigation, detectives were able to link the suspect to the burglary, as well as the two robberies. (Details regarding the burglary and the robberies can also be found on Release 13-026.) Winsett was arrested for one count burglary; two counts robbery and one-count dealing in stolen property. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.

The photo of the suspect will be available once the booking process is complete.