"Signed, Mata Hari," by Yannick Murphy (Little, Brown and Co., $24) ...more

December 16, 2007

On Nov. 1, there was a front page article about a convicted sexual predator named Dale Leland, titled "Family, Friends Plea for Man in Court." It was full of quotes from his friends, neighbors, co-workers and lawyer, all vouching for him. Dale already confessed to detectives. Evidence supported the charges and he was found guilty by the jury. Yet, despite the conviction, these character witnesses implied that the sweet, innocent girls lied, making Dale the victim. MSNBC ran the series, "To catch a predator." Predators would meet "underage" targets online, using sexually explicit language. When the predator showed up for pre-arranged sex, the MSNBC investigator spoke briefly to him, then allowed him to leave. Once outside, local police quickly arrested him. The series concluded with the trial and sentencing of each. Without even touching their underage victims, every predator was convicted. Among them was a doctor, a college professor and a child services worker, all liked and respected in their communities. Like Dale, probably many vouched for them. ...more

November 27, 2007

A man dubbed the "dinnertime bandit" for allegedly robbing wealthy homes - often while residents dined - was brought before a judge Friday for arraignment, nine years after he fled to Europe. ...more

November 24, 2007

Some transportation issues for the children of Wimauma have been overcome due to the help of the Community Foundation of Sun City Center. ...more

November 19, 2007

LORIDA — A man who was arrested and charged with eight counts of sexual acts with a minor is expected to enter a plea to the charges Monday. ...more

November 18, 2007

With reference to your Nov. 1 first page story "Family, friends, plea for man in court," I have a comment and a couple of questions, the second of which is beyond your area of responsibility to answer. I would like to have been in court to show whatever support I could for my good friend Dale Leland. Question one. In a case involving inappropriate touching, isn't that adequate without you having to describe it in detail? ...more

November 10, 2007

Each year the student leadership council at Cambridge Christian School selects a nonprofit agency to assist, and this year they selected Metropolitan Ministries. ...more

November 3, 2007

I would like to make one last plea to the powers that be in Highlands Today to please bring back that wonderful column by Ruth and Hank Kowalski. ...more

October 25, 2007

TAMPA – A former Valrico couple appeared on "The Montel Williams Show" today to continue their plea for the public's help in finding their daughter. Sabrina Aisenberg disappeared from her Valrico home on Nov. 24, 1997. Her parents say they haven't lost hope, even though it has been 10 years since she last was seen. ...more

October 11, 2007