Mick's Morning News- Wednesday

Gaetz Linked To Probe Into Former Seminole County Official

(Washington, DC) -- The investigation into a former Seminole County official now involves a Florida congressman. The New York Times reported yesterday that the Justice Department is investigating Panhandle Republican Matt Gaetz for sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl. Investigators started looking into Gaetz during a sex trafficking probe into former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg. The 38-year-old Gaetz denies the charges, and he Tweeted last night that he's the victim of an extortion attempt by a former Justice Department employee.

Arrest Made In Deadly Hit & Run

(Sanford, FL) -- The suspect in a deadly hit-and-run is in custody. Sanford Police announced yesterday that 37-year-old Michael Kraft was arrested for Monday's crash that killed Jenica Campbell and Vincent Russo. Police say Campbell was helping Russo after he was hit by Kraft's SUV on SR 46 near Summerlin Ave, and Kraft, who initially fled the scene, drove back, crossed the median and hit both of them. Police believe Kraft was under the influence of a controlled substance, and he's facing charges that include vehicular homicide and DUI resulting in death. 

Suspect ID'd In Sex Assault And Shooting Of Boy

(Miami, FL) -- A Miami-Dade County man is facing what police call extremely disturbing charges. Police Director Alfredo Ramirez announced yesterday that Miami's Aliex Santiesteban was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting and shooting a 12-year-old boy in Brownsville last weekend. Charges against the 43-year-old include attempted murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. Ramirez says the child suffered physical and emotional trauma that will take years to overcome. 

SUV Crashes Into Family's Swimming Pool

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- A man is thanking God after surviving a bizarre crash in Broward County. A man's SUV crashed into a pool last night in Fort Lauderdale after he was hit by another car. The collision sent his SUV through the fence of a home on Northwest Seventh Terrace and into the pool. He was pulled out of the car to safety, and he tells 7News he feels that God gave him life. 

Maryland Woman Dies After Getting Stuck In Florida Hotel Window

(Grassy Key, FL) -- The room window of a Florida hotel is in part responsible for the death of a Maryland woman. The Monroe County Sheriff's office says 22-year-old Sydney Therriault was staying at the Pelican RV Resort & Marina in Grassy Key when she got locked out of her room. So, Therriault tried to enter through a window but became stuck and suffocated. First responders found her dead body shortly after. It is unclear how the woman got stuck, but authorities say no foul play is suspected. 

Person Accidentally Donates 42k To Goodwill

(Norman, OK) -- It looks like someone donated more than they meant to when they dropped off some clothes at an Oklahoma Goodwill. CNN reports employee Andrea Lessing found 42-thousand-dollars in cash wrapped between two sweaters in the donation bin. At first, she thought it was fake, but immensely reported it and got the money back to the original owner. The owner was so grateful, they gave Lessing a thousand dollar tip. Lessing said she was motivated to do the right thing and return the money in order to be a role model for her daughter.

TODAY IN HISTORY

2005, thirteen days after her feeding tube was removed, 41-year-old Terri Schiavo died at a Florida hospice ending 15 years of medical and legal struggles over whether the brain-damaged woman should be kept alive. 

1996, Phil Collins announced he was leaving Genesis after 21 years as the group's lead singer and drummer. 

1975, UCLA head coach John Wooden won his tenth and final NCAA championship with the Bruins by defeating Kentucky, 92-to-85.

1954, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs was established. 

1889, the Eiffel Tower opened in Paris.