In the know

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 16, 2008

MOON LAKE

Teen boy flown to hospital after shooting

Authorities are investigating the shooting of a 16-year-old boy in the stomach by a neighbor, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. About 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to a call in the area of 10653 Bounty St. The boy, whose name was not released, was flown to a local hospital. The extent of his injuries was unknown Tuesday evening. Deputies are trying to figure out if the shooting was intentional or accidental.

Port Richey

State high court suspends lawyer

Embattled attorney Jessica Miller is no longer an attorney. The Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended the Port Richey lawyer's license to practice law. The Florida Bar asked the high court to suspend Miller because $22,155.99 in client money went missing from her trust accounts. That also sparked a criminal investigation of her firm by the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office. Last month a judge stripped Miller of her clients and another judge issued a warrant for her arrest for contempt of court because she disobeyed his orders and skipped a court hearing. Miller, 29, turned herself in at the county jail Dec. 28 and was released on bail. Her attorney told a judge this month that the money was stolen but not by his client. To get her license back, Miller must submit to Bar disciplinary proceedings. But if she does nothing, Miller faces disbarment.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Arrest take down prompts inquiry

The Florida Department of Financial Services, which issues bail bondsmen's licenses, is conducting an informal inquiry into a takedown last week at the Pasco County Tax Collector's Office on U.S. 19. On Jan. 8, a bail bondsman and his brother arrived to arrest 45-year-old John Edward Darlington, accused of grand theft in Pinellas County. But Darlington fought them and pulled a gun, while about 25 customers and employees ran for cover. No one was injured. Tax Collector Mike Olson called the actions of bondsman David Lowman and his brother Donald irresponsible and said he wanted the incident investigated. Nina Banister, spokeswoman for the Department of Financial Services, said the inquiry is a first step to see if any laws or rules were violated. If so, that could give rise to a formal investigation, she said. To view a video of the takedown, visit pasco.tampabay.com.

[Last modified January 15, 2008, 23:26:09]