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Second suspect arrested in Sebring anthrax hoax

Cele Pete Carmona, 20, was charged with 76 counts of possession of a hoax weapon of mass destruction.

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: May 19, 2009

Updated: 05/19/2009 10:47 am

SEBRING - A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the anthrax hoax that forced a hospital and community town hall to go into lockdown in April.

Cele Pete Carmona, 20, of 4125 Capri St., was arrested Monday on a warrant charging 76 counts of possession of a hoax weapon of mass destruction.

He remains in the Highlands County Jail with bail set at $380,000 and is set for a June 15 court appearance.

On April 2, nearly 80 envelopes containing white powder were found at Florida Hospital Heartland Division and in the Sun 'n Lake area. The hospital and the Sun 'n Lake town hall were put on lockdown for several hours, and officials throughout the county were on high alert throughout the day.

The substance tested negative for anthrax.

Jerron Mario Moffitt, 20, pleaded not guilty May 4 to 76 counts of felony hoax of a weapon of mass destruction. He was jailed with bail set at $760,000. Moffitt's request for bail reduction was denied Monday, and his next court appearance is a June 17 pretrial conference.

Moffitt also faces counts of violation of probation in reference to a 2006 burglary of a structure and grand theft, according to Highlands County Clerk of Courts records.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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