Home invasion suspects face 30-year sentence
The two suspects arrested May 3 in the April 17 home invasion and robbery in Anna Maria involving former Anna Maria City Commissioner Linda Cramer have both been charged with home invasion and robbery, a first-degree felony.
Michael Gambuzza, 38, and Christopher Drescher, 29, are also charged with false imprisonment, a third-degree felony.
The home invasion charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years upon conviction, while a guilty verdict for false imprisonment could bring up to 10 years jail time.
Assistant state attorney Garrett Franzen of the Manatee County office of state attorney Earl Moreland for the 12th Circuit Court of Florida is the prosecutor in the case, while public defender Tom Fielding is representing the defendants.
According to the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court Web site, both men are still in the Manatee County jail.
The amount of bond for each of the suspects could not be determined from the Web site, although a spokesperson at the state attorney’s office said it is believed to be $175,000 for each individual.
An arraignment on the charges is set for 10:30 a.m. June 6 at the courthouse.
The incident occurred at the home of Cramer’s boyfriend, Joe Pandolph, on Crescent Drive in Anna Maria, and the suspects had allegedly lured Pandolph away from the home with a ruse that involved meeting Pandolph in east Manatee County. The suspects then called the home and Cramer answered.
Subsequently, the suspects are alleged by the MCSO to go to the house, where they posed as delivery people and when Cramer came to the door, they were able to burst inside. They immediately attacked Cramer and she received multiple facial bruises in the incident.
It was Pandolph’s property that was stolen and Cramer, who sometimes stays at his home, tried to defend herself from the intruders.
She thanked everyone for the generous support she received following her ordeal and during her recovery.
“I really appreciate everything people have done,” said Cramer. “The support has been terrific.” |
