Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Belleair man charged in fraud of car dealers

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 17, 2008

CLEARWATER

A Belleair man was arrested last week on charges that he led a $1-million scam to defraud three local car dealers. Steven Lee Humphries, 46, faces three counts of grand theft over $100,000. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Humphries owned S&M Truck World in Clearwater, a business that installs after-market items such as truck bedliners and tool boxes on fleet vehicles. Vehicles were purchased through three local dealerships - Walker Ford, Autoway, and Crown Ford. Authorities said Humphries and three other people conspired to bill for aftermarket parts and services that were never provided or requested by the dealers. The total amount of the fraud, which took place over six years, according to Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Marianne Pasha, was roughly $1-million. A year ago, the Sheriff's Office began an investigation which, in addition to Humphries' arrest, led to the arrest last year of David Vanniel, 42, of Dunedin. Humphries turned himself in Friday and was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $75,000 bail.

Quintet will play benefit for hospice

The Quintessence Quintet will play a benefit concert for the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast at 3 p.m. today at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater, 2430 Nursery Road. The program is expected to include Peter and the Wolf, Beatles favorites and selections from The Sound of Music. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call (727) 504-1673.

Clearwater closings for Presidents Day

Except for police, fire and trash pickup operations, Clearwater City Hall and city departments will be closed Monday for Presidents Day. In addition, the city's recreation centers and libraries - usually open during the holidays - also will be closed due to budget cuts. Also, the City Council's work session, which is typically held on the first and third Mondays of the month, will be moved to 9 a.m. Tuesday. The cities of Dunedin and Safety Harbor are scheduled to be open Monday.

Stabbing, burglary bring 30-year term

A transient who broke into a woman's home and in a separate incident stabbed an acquaintance has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. James Robert Ayotte, 48, pleaded guilty last week to burglary and attempted felony murder. In late August, Ayotte broke into the woman's house in the 200 block of Casler Avenue in Clearwater. He knocked her down, punched her and stole her purse and wallet. The next day he stabbed the acquaintance in a Pinellas Park house and was arrested.

YMCA drum circle, potluck is free

The Clearwater branch of the YMCA of the Suncoast will hold a family potluck block party and drum circle at 1005 S. Highland Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature free games, prizes, face painting, moonwalks and more. Participants are asked to bring a dish for the potluck for all to share; also bring folding chairs or blankets to sit in on the community drum circle. Call (727) 461-9622.

[Last modified February 16, 2008, 21:30:51]