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Deputies arrest janitor on child abuse charge

By Times Staff
Published August 23, 2005

LAND O'LAKES - Pasco County sheriff's deputies arrested a middle school custodian on charges he held down a 16-year-old family member Saturday night and slapped her hard enough to cause swelling, bruising and a bloody nose.

Deputies arrested George Budulanovic, 48, of 23114 Dinhurst Court in Land O'Lakes on a charge of child abuse about 3 p.m. Sunday. He was released later that day on $5,000 bail.

Chris Dunning, Pasco County schools supervisor of employee relations, said Budulanovic did not report to work at Pine View Middle School on Monday and that the incident is under investigation. Dunning said Budulanovic worked at the school for six months.

According to an arrest report, family members broke up a fight between the 16-year-old and a 23-year-old relative about 9:37 p.m. Saturday. The teen, whose name and relationship to the suspect are being withheld by deputies, was pinned on her bed. Budulanovic is accused of hitting her face with an open hand, the report said. She was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Deputies said one witness confirmed her account of the altercation.

Budulanovic denied the allegations and said red marks on his hand were caused by an earlier altercation with a nonfamily member, the arrest report said. Five family members also told deputies that Budulanovic and the girl did not have a physical altercation.

Broomstick ends fight between housemates

DADE CITY - A Saturday night altercation that started with booze, bricks and broken windows ended with a broom handle to the face, Pasco County sheriff's deputies said.

According to an arrest report, the arguement started when a friend of 30-year-old Demetrio Hernandez threw a brick through the window of a house at 15015 Marion Ave. in Dade City. Hernandez and the suspect, Geyner Lopes, 30, both live at the home, a report said.

Lopes and Hernandez argued. Lopes and several witnesses told deputies that Hernandez reached for a knife so Lopes hit him in the face with a broom handle.

Lopes was charged with aggravated battery. He was free on $1,000 bail late Monday.

Deputies say teen robs man offering handout

DADE CITY - A man offering a handout of small change lost more than he bargained for when a teen snatched a $100 bill from his hand, a Pasco County sheriff's report said.

Alejandro Ramon, 46, of 37807 Lock St. in Dade City told deputies he often gave the 17-year-old suspect loose change but did not know his name. When the teen asked for money Saturday night, Ramon pulled out change and a $100 bill. He said the teen snatched the bill and ran.

The sheriff's report said Ramon's friend said they chased the teen but could not catch him. If caught, the teen could face felony robbery charges.

[Last modified August 23, 2005, 11:31:14]