Crime journal

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 4, 2008

Port Richey

Man accused of using duct tape to restrain boy

A Pasco County man is accused of binding a 7-year-old boy to a bed with duct tape while he left the house to run errands. Charles Osteen Jr., 31, of Port Richey was arrested Sunday on a charge of child neglect and released from jail after posting $5,000 bail. Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, said a Pasco Sheriff's Office report, Osteen put his baby in the car and left his house. The boy told deputies that Osteen used duct tape to bind him to a bed. He broke free and went to a neighbor's house, the report said. As the neighbor walked the boy home, Osteen pulled up in his car. The neighbor thought Osteen appeared intoxicated with "glassy eyes" and called 911, the report said. The boy said his mother was at work when he was taped up.

St. Petersburg

Police investigate man's detainment

Police have begun an internal investigation into whether an officer improperly detained a St. Petersburg man. Walter Bolack, a 61-year-old man with medical problems, claims that Officer Whitney McCormick improperly detained him on Jan. 21. At the time, police say they were investigating an attempted robbery at the Animal House Pet Center, 412 62nd Ave. N. Bolack fit the description of the suspect, they say, which was a man in his 50s with a hood over his head and a red shirt. Bolack was detained for about 10 minutes before he was released, when police realized he was not the suspect. Police said they can not comment further until the investigation is complete.

Dade City

Former NFL player faces federal prison

Ex-NFL running back Troy Hambrick agreed last month to plead guilty to a federal charge of distributing 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. Hambrick, 31, could get 10 years to life in a federal prison. Hambrick signed the plea agreement with prosecutors Feb. 22. His sentencing is tentatively scheduled for May 11 before U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday. A federal magistrate has recommended the judge accept the plea agreement. In exchange for the guilty plea, the U.S. Attorney's Office dropped two other federal charges for selling lesser amounts of cocaine. Hambrick recently attempted a comeback in the Arena Football League, but he was cut after a federal grand jury indicted him.

[Last modified March 4, 2008, 00:13:09]