Crime journal

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 30, 2007

PORT RICHEY

Pasco robbery suspect held in Pennsylvania

Kenneth Wayne Benzo, 48, suspected of robbing three west Pasco banks within six days, has been arrested in Pennsylvania. Benzo is being held in connection with the robbery of a National City Bank in Ross Township, Pa., on Nov. 20. Authorities think Benzo hit a Wachovia on State Road 52 in Port Richey on Oct. 16, a Crown Bank on Mile Stretch Road in Holiday on Oct. 18 and a SunTrust on U.S. 19 in Holiday on Oct. 22. Pennsylvania authorities confirmed two Pasco warrants on Wednesday. Benzo is not charged in the Wachovia robbery because the teller couldn't identify him.

PALM HARBOR

Deputy found dead of gunshot wound

Pinellas County sheriff's officials say a deputy died Wednesday of a gunshot wound that was apparently self-inflicted. Several witnesses reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot just after 5 p.m. at Wall Springs Park, 3725 Desoto Blvd. Deputies found a man in a woods behind a park shelter with what appeared to be a head wound. He was identified as Clouster Bryant III, 43, who has worked for the Sheriff's Office for 16 years. He was off duty at the time of his death. His is survived by his parents and two children.

CLEARWATER

Bridge jumper's body is identified

On Thursday afternoon, a crabber found the body of Craig Hill, the 25-year-old man who jumped off Memorial Causeway Bridge Sunday. A family member identified the body, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Bridgett Wells. Hill, 25, and his friend, Todd Payne Jr., made a pact to be the first ones to jump from the top of the bridge. Payne decided against it after watching Hill disappear. Upset and intoxicated, he dialed 911 at 2:36 a.m. Authorities believe Hill fell about 74 feet.

BROOKSVILLE

Denturist charged with illegal practice

When a customer received a set of ill-fitting dentures from the Denture Clinic, he went back to complain. He learned the clinic's owner, Leonard J. Condon, was not a dentist but a denturist trained in Canada, according to the Florida Department of Health. The customer reported Condon, 51, to the Department of Health. He was arrested Thursday on charges of practicing dentistry without a license, a third-degree felony.

[Last modified November 29, 2007, 23:51:33]