Turn around, Melissa. Turn around so I can see you, the cop keeps thinking.
St. Petersburg police Sgt. Tim Montanari is sitting in the front row of the courtroom, staring at the defendant's back. He wants to see her face.
Is this the prostitute he arrested for selling herself for $8 and a Baby Ruth bar?
Or the little girl he used to babysit a lifetime ago, back when their families lived next door to each other?
If any part of that girl is still alive, the cop wants to help find her. That's why he's here.
He has never done anything like this before. Usually, he just reads from the reports, helps put people in jail. Today, he's going to speak up for the second-most-arrested prostitute in St. Petersburg, a known crack addict. He has come on this September day to ask the judge to give her a break.
His palms are sweating. His knees are shaking.
This is fine reporting. From the Obscure Store, a more than decent newsmine.
St. Petersburg police Sgt. Tim Montanari is sitting in the front row of the courtroom, staring at the defendant's back. He wants to see her face.
Is this the prostitute he arrested for selling herself for $8 and a Baby Ruth bar?
Or the little girl he used to babysit a lifetime ago, back when their families lived next door to each other?
If any part of that girl is still alive, the cop wants to help find her. That's why he's here.
He has never done anything like this before. Usually, he just reads from the reports, helps put people in jail. Today, he's going to speak up for the second-most-arrested prostitute in St. Petersburg, a known crack addict. He has come on this September day to ask the judge to give her a break.
His palms are sweating. His knees are shaking.
This is fine reporting. From the Obscure Store, a more than decent newsmine.
