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Tampa Bay briefs

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 15, 2001


Brandon man arrested, charged with rape

Brandon man arrested, charged with rape

BRANDON -- A Brandon man was arrested Saturday morning and charged with raping a woman he picked up in Ybor City, authorities said.

The victim told sheriff's deputies he drove her to the area of Crowe and Turkey Creek roads and raped her. She escaped and flagged down some people who called for help.

Joseph Campbell, 32, of 708 Red River Court, Apt. 13, was arrested at about 7:30 a.m..

He was charged with sexual battery and was being held in jail Saturday.

Woman disappears; Pasco deputies take up search

NEW PORT RICHEY -- A 41-year-old Safety Harbor woman, said to be suffering from postpartum depression, disappeared Friday.

On Saturday, Pasco County sheriff's deputies searched Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. The search followed the discovery of Janet Gifford's vehicle Friday.

Gifford has brown hair and hazel eyes and is 5-foot-2 and 145 pounds, said Pinellas sheriff's Sgt. Greg Tita. She was last seen wearing a long-sleeved red shirt and black skirt with flowered print.

Anyone with information can call (727) 844-7711.

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