By Amy V.T. Moriarty
Islander Reporter
The case against a former principal at Anna Maria Elementary accused of soliciting prostitution was continued by a Hillsborough County judge due to missing evidence.
Thomas Levengood, 68, was arrested by HCSO deputies as part of a sting known as “Operation Park Cleanup” Sept. 10 at Sun City Park in Ruskin for entering/remaining in place for prostitution, lewdness or assignation, according to the record of his arrest.
When Brian Palacios, the attorney representing Levengood, appeared virtually before 13th Judicial Circuit Court Judge John Conrad Nov. 19, he said he was waiting for evidence to prepare his defense.
“There is a video indicated in the police report regarding this case. I’m not sure if it’s a body cam or if it’s a video that I need to order through the state attorney’s office,” Palacios told Conrad.
The evidence is apparently an audio recording, assistant State’s Attorney Karri Becker said.
Becker told Conrad she requested the recording from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sept. 23 and again in October.
“At some point, if we keep requesting it and they don’t respond, then there has to be a more direct way to get that information,” Conrad said.
“If you don’t get that in two weeks, Mr. Palacios, I want you to file a motion to compel and I’m going to order the production of that within 10 days from the date I tell you or the date you set your motion,” the judge instructed.
Following his arrest, Levengood posted a $250 cash bond and was released from jail. He pleaded not guilty Sept. 14.
“Despite the fact that Ms. Becker’s doing the best she can, I don’t understand within a month or two months why that information cannot be provided,” Conrad said.
He reiterated that “unless there’s some extraordinary explanation” for why the evidence in question cannot be produced, he will grant Palacios’ motion to compel.
Conrad continued the case to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17.
If convicted of the second-degree misdemeanor, Levengood could face up to 60 days in prison and/or a fine up to $500.
Palacios did not return a call to The Islander after the proceedings Nov. 19 and Levengood did not answer calls.
Levengood was the principal at AME from February 2007 through June 2014. He was the principal at Bayshore Elementary August 1994-January 2007.