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Central Alabama CrimeStoppers: Have you seen this man?

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers: Have you seen this man?

ELMORE CO., AL (WSFA) - Central Alabama CrimeStoppers is asking for help in locating 54-year-old Winston Lucas.

Lucas is wanted out of Elmore County on charges of sexual abuse of a child less than 12, violation of the community notification act and failure to register as a sex offender.

Lucas is a black male, approximately 5'8", 160 lbs.

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts you are asked to contact Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP.

Alabama Dept of Industrial Relations obtaining convictions for unemployment compensation fraud

Alabama Dept of Industrial Relations obtaining convictions for unemployment compensation fraud

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees announced today that the Department has successfully prosecuted several Alabamians for unemployment compensation fraud. The following individuals were charged with violating the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law by making false statements in claims for benefits.

Howard D. Dragg, of Selma, was tried in Dallas County District Court on August 14, 2012. An investigation by the Industrial Relations Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Dragg received a total of $2,720.00 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

Dregg pled guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, which was suspended for one year pending restitution, and one year of unsupervised probation. He was ordered to pay court costs and restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.

Ronald Franklin, of Eufaula, was tried in Barbour County District Court on June 19, 2012.

Police investigating shooting at local McDonald's

Police investigating shooting at local McDonald's

WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA) - The Wetumpka Police Department is investigating after shots were fired today at a local McDonald's Restaurant.

This incident happened this afternoon at the McDonald's at the intersection of U.S. 231 and E. Charles Avenue.

Authorities say they're questioning four adults in connection with this shooting. One of the suspects fired shots into an occupied vehicle. No one was injured.

At this time police say they are searching for a motive in this shooting. No charges have been filed at this time.

 

Caspari pleads not guilty to murder charges by reason of insanity

Caspari pleads not guilty to murder charges by reason of insanity

ELMORE COUNTY, AL (WSFA) - Josh Caspari, the man behind bars charged with the February 2012 murder of Anna Cardwell, entered a plea on Tuesday in an Elmore County courtroom.

Caspari pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and reason of mental defect to charges of capital murder, theft of property first degree, escape third degree and promoting prison contraband.

Caspari was indicted last month following the February shooting death of 20-year-old Anna Cardwell. Caspari is believed to have shot Cardwell out of anger after she told her friend not to date Caspari.

No word yet on when a trial date will be set.

 

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Caspari's sister arrested again for second alleged escape attempt

Bertarelli found not guilty of assault

Bertarelli found not guilty of assault

WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA) - A candidate running for a seat on the Wetumpka City Council was found not guilty on charges that he'd assaulted a neighbor.

Frank Bertarelli was aquitted of the misdemeanor assault charge after it was found he was justified in defending himself.

A neighbor accused Bertarelli of assault after an altercation. Bertarelli, running for the District One seat, says his neighbor has a history of harrassing the Bertarelli family.

Bertarelli claimed self defense at the time of his arrest but said he would not file any charges against the neighbor because he didn't want to start "a warrant war".

The alleged incident happened in the past week, but due to the proximity to the election, Bertarelli's trial was expedited.

 

Caspari's sister arrested again for second alleged escape attempt

Caspari's sister arrested again for second alleged escape attempt

ELMORE COUNTY, AL (WSFA) - The sister of an accused murderer is in police custody for the second time in less than a year for allegedly attempting to help break her brother out of jail.

Josh Caspari has been charged with capital murder, theft of property, escape and promoting prison contraband relating to the February 15 death of Anna Cardwell.

His sister, Jessica Caspari, was originally arrested on June 12 and charged with promoting prison contraband and facilitating the escape from a detention center. Jessica Caspari allegedly paid an inmate on work release  $500 to smuggle pieces of hacksaw blades to her brother who was being held with no bond.

Wetumpka City Council candidate arrested

Wetumpka City Council candidate arrested

WETUMPKA, AL (WSFA) - A man running for public office in Wetumpka has been arrested and charged on accusations of assault. But he says all is not as it seems.

Frank Bertarelli, a candidate for Wetumpka's City Council, has been arrested and charged for assault third degree for an incident that occurred with his neighbor.

Bertarelli claims self defense and says he won't press charges against the neighbor because he "doesn't want to start a warrant war."

Coming up on WSFA 12 News at 5 and 6 p.m. hear from Bertarelli himself regarding these claims.