Crime Journal

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 12, 2008

Hernando

Suspect jailed in sex assault of 5-year-old

Citrus County authorities Tuesday arrested a man who was accused of sexually battering a 5-year-old girl, the Sheriff's Office said. The Sheriff's Office received a tip that Jose Pasqual Acosta Martin, 21, was at a store in the town of Hernando. They arrested him there about 7 p.m. Martin is an undocumented immigrant, the Sheriff's Office said. The only identification he carried was an invalid international driver's license under the name Jose Pascual Acosta. The investigation began after the girl told her parents about the abuse, which happened Sunday at the girl's home. Authorities said Acosta was acquainted with the victim's family.

Seminole

Robber shot by deputy gets prison

A man shot by an off-duty deputy during a robbery at the Seminole Mall last year has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, though half of his sentence was suspended. Derek Erskin, 23, of Seminole was sentenced last week after he pleaded guilty to charges of robbery, armed burglary and assaulting an officer. Erskin must also serve 10 years of probation, court records show. Last February, Erskin sought to collect a $100 debt by robbing a man at the Seminole Mall. Deputy Scott Reid saw Erskin pull on a ski mask and get into the victim's car with a gun. Reid left his wife and child in his car and headed toward the robbery with his personal gun drawn. Erskin turned toward the deputy with the gun in his hand. Reid shot Erskin, hitting him in the right arm and face.

Largo

Woman sentenced for boy's broken leg

A former day-care worker charged with child abuse for breaking the thighbone of a 10-month-old boy has been sentenced to jail time and probation. Stacey Jo Doty, 33, was arrested in September 2006. She worked at Kindercare in Largo at the time. Doty admitted to Pinellas sheriff's detectives that she became frustrated while changing the boy's diaper and pushed his leg toward his head. She pleaded no contest Tuesday. She was sentenced to 364 days in jail and three years of probation.

Wesley chapel

79 marijuana plants found inside house

Pasco deputies arrested a 60-year-old man Monday after they said they found 79 pot plants growing in his garage. Dominik Tarzia was charged with cultivating marijuana and possession with the intent to sell.

[Last modified March 11, 2008, 23:56:14]