Free Republic

SARASOTA - Joseph P. Smith won't stand before an unfamiliar name this March when he is expected to enter a plea before a judge. Facing charges in the kidnapping and murder of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia and two drug-related charges, Smith, 37, is scheduled to face Sarasota Circuit Judge Harry Rapkin at an arraignment hearing March 12, according to the Sarasota County Clerk of Courts' records.The two have never met, but their histories are intertwined.Rapkin crossed paths with Smith's case as recently as December when state corrections officials tried to put Smith back in jail on a probation violation. Rapkin said...