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Arraignment set for burglary suspect

One of two men accused in a series of burglaries to local businesses is scheduled for arraignment July 10.

Presently, Patrick S. Banker is formally charged with one count of burglary to an unoccupied structure, a third-degree felony, for allegedly breaking into the Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria on May 1.

But Banker and John O’Keefe, both 18 of Sarasota, face multiple charges in cases that involve investigations by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key police departments.

Banker and O’Keefe were arrested May 19 after MCSO Deputy Alan Judy observed signs of a break-in at the Waterfront Restaurant. Both men were arrested fleeing from the area.

Authorities said Banker confessed to a number of burglaries, including break-ins at the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, the City Pier Restaurant in Anna Maria and Rotten Ralph’s in Bradenton Beach.

Authorities also said Banker implicated O’Keefe in the burglaries.