Second anthrax suspect takes plea

A plea agreement was reached last week in the case of one of the men charged in connection with April's anthrax hoax.

Cele Pete Carmona, 20, of 4125 Capri St., was initially charged with 76 counts of possession of a hoax weapon of mass destruction. Per the agreement, he pleaded no contest to one of the counts, while the prosecution dropped the remaining 75.

Carmona was sentenced to six months in jail, but since he has been incarcerated following his May arrest, all remaining time can be served on work release, according to court records.

He was also placed on five years of probation and must complete 100 hours of community service within 18 months.

"His involvement in that was very minimal compared to the other fellow, who we are looking at substantial prison time (for)," said Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin.

Carmona's co-defendant, Jerron Mario Moffitt, 20, of 3901 Ponce De Leon Blvd., was arrested the day following the April 2 scare. He is also charged with 76 counts of possession of a hoax weapon of mass destruction.

Moffitt is next due in court on Oct. 22 for a pretrial conference.

The two reportedly placed 76 envelopes filled with a white powder on the windshields of cars parked at Florida Hospital Heartland Division and in nearby residential mailboxes.

Local, state and federal agencies investigated the case while the hospital was locked down for more than 12 hours. The substance tested negative for anthrax.

Sheriff Susan Benton previously said Moffitt was identified as a suspect because people in area stores saw him buying envelopes and other supplies.

It was the first of two anthrax scares Highlands County has dealt with in 2009. On July 21, two letters containing a mysterious white powder were mailed to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. Around 40 employees were evacuated once they arrived. Again, the substance tested negative for anthrax or any other biochemical.

A suspect, Cally-Jo Richardson, 31, was arrested and charged in connection with the hoax. A domestic situation appears to be the motive behind the letters being sent.

Richardson has waived her right to a speedy trial and is due back in court on Oct. 20.