Police reports

Car salesman accused of forging contracts

HUDSON -- A salesman from Wholesale Express Auto Sales was arrested Tuesday and faces charges in the forgery of two contracts, Pasco County sheriff's deputies said.

Deputies said Willis John Pearce Jr., 40, forged customers' names on sales contracts on Dec. 7, 2001, and Feb. 2. According to a sheriff's report, Pearce gave the forged contracts to the financing company so that he could receive a higher commission. The dealership is at 9604 State Road 52.

In one, the payoff amount was raised to $3,632.99 from $2,250, the report states. The second contract was raised to $5,429.29 from $3,632.99.

Pearce, of 11235 Bear Claw Lane in Hudson, posted $5,000 bail on Tuesday and was released from the county jail in Land O'Lakes.

Suspended corrections corporal resigns

Pasco County sheriff's corrections Cpl. Kyle Hughes, who faced charges of driving under the influence, has resigned.

Sheriff's officials released information Wednesday that Hughes, 29, resigned on Aug. 12. Hughes, who made nearly $40,000 a year, had been on paid leave since a Sept. 9, 2001, crash on Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. Before resigning, he pleaded no contest to the DUI charge, court records show.

Hughes was under internal investigation for commission of a misdemeanor. The investigation was to begin at the end of his criminal case.

The Times requested information on Hughes' status this month and was not notified of his resignation. Sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll said news of his resignation was delayed because internal affairs investigators had not signed their reports.

DUI suspect accused of trying to bribe troopers

PORT RICHEY -- A 30-year-old being arrested Monday night on driving under the influence charges faces felony charges after troopers said he offered them $600 to avoid jail.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Victor Daniel Goldsmith was on the way to jail when he asked Trooper Heather Glenny, "What if I give you $600 right now and you don't take me to jail?"

Goldsmith, of 8816 Cochise Lane in Port Richey, faces charges of bribery, DUI, two counts of DUI causing property damage, DUI causing personal injury, knowingly driving on a suspended license, and attaching a tag not assigned, the report states.

Goldsmith was involved in a crash about 9:30 p.m. at Regency Park Boulevard and Bramblewood Drive, the report states. He smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, the report states. A breath test showed his blood alcohol level to be .115, the report states. Florida law presumes impairment at .08.

Two people in the other car were taken to Community Hospital in New Port Richey with minor injuries, the report states.

Goldsmith posted $10,000 bail and was released Tuesday from the county jail in Land O'Lakes.

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