By Times Staff Writer
Published September 19, 2007
PORT RICHEY
Former insurer jailed, charged in fraud scheme
A former insurance agent went to jail Tuesday, accused of selling fake homeowners' policies to 44 people in Hernando, Hillsborough and Pasco counties and keeping more than $90,000 in premiums. Bruce Anthony Fonte, 53, owned Family Insurance in Port Richey. He left dozens of customers without coverage during hurricane seasons in 2003, 2004 and 2005, during which eight hurricanes struck the state, Detective Doreen Rapp of the Division of Insurance Fraud said in a statement. One victim cited was a single mother of two in Pasco County who had an unpaid hurricane-damage claim for nearly $9,000. Fonte, of 9131 Osceola Drive, Port Richey, was held Tuesday afternoon at the Land O'Lakes jail in lieu of $150,000 bail. He is charged with first-degree organized scheme to defraud and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
ST. PETERSBURG
Robber's mask didn't hide identity
An unarmed, masked man walked into a St. Petersburg bank Monday and ran out with a bag of cash. The robber, who was wearing a Scream-inspired Halloween mask, hit the Cornerstone Bank at 6600 Central Ave. about 1:45 p.m. He ordered everyone to the ground, police said, and then demanded money. He is described as 5 feet 9, in his 20s, with a slender build and red, buzzed-cut hair. He also had a left eyebrow piercing. How did they know that if he was wearing a mask? Police say he cased the scene about an hour before the robbery. Have information? Call Detective Leticia Harrison at (727) 892-5924 or the department's robbery unit at (727) 893-7164.
TAMPA
Bond is revoked in steroid case
A federal magistrate denied bond Tuesday to a man who pleaded guilty to giving his 13-year-old son steroids. James Edward Gahan , 41, had been free on a $25,000 secured bond until May, when a friend who had put up the bond for him reneged. The friend, Michael Nicholas, was the business partner of Gahan's brother. Federal prosecutors said that Nicholas and the brother said they had developed a "distrust and lack of confidence" in Gahan. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas G. Wilson didn't need proof. "The offense itself is high-grade cheating," Wilson said. Gahan's son was training to qualify for USA Roller Sports' team to represent the United States at an international in-line skating competition in China. Gahan faces up to 61/2 years in prison as part of his plea agreement. A sentencing date has not been set.
Man found dead in Seminole Heights
Police are investigating the death of a man found in the front yard of a Seminole Heights home Tuesday morning. The man, whose name was not released, was found lying in a yard outside a bungalow at 5601 N Central Ave., police say. The man appeared to have a head wound. Police think it may be a suicide, but are still investigating, police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said.