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A Different Kind Of Bailout Coming

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By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: March 6, 2009

Updated:

PORT RICHEY - "POLICE CHIEF BEHIND BARS; NEEDS HELP MAKING BAIL."

Now that's the kind of banner headline reporters dream of.

While tempting, and even technically accurate, the real story isn't quite that sensational, though it is something that warrants public attention.

Police Chief David Brown and dozens of other local residents will be doing time - from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Wednesday, March 11.

They'll be going peacefully, as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual "lock-up" fund-raiser. Each year, MDA sets up mock jails in communities across the country. Community and business leaders agree to be "arrested."

"They actually send people out to your office," Brown said.

Premier Chauffeured Limousine will provide the transportation for the dragnet sweep.

Once the detainees are brought to the lockup, they are expected to pay a $2,500 "bail." Brown, like many others do, has been going around looking for pledges from friends, family, colleagues and business sponsors.

If the arrestees have raised the money in advance, they can pay it and simply be on their way. If not, they are incarcerated in the makeshift jail, where they work the phones, calling whomever they can think of to come up with the money to spring them.

In the meantime, they wear old-fashioned, striped chain gang-type uniforms. When their benefactors come down to help bail them out, they can first take souvenir mug shots of the inmates.

Considering his day job, Brown isn't surprised he has several contributors lined up who have already told him they plan on intentionally holding back just to be sure they get to see him in the clink. Some have even threatened to bribe the guards to keep him in there longer than the customary one-hour sentence.

Not that Brown or his fellow inmates will exactly be doing hard time. The local "jail" will be at Catches Waterfront Grille, 7811 Bay View Ave., where the public will be able to see the arrestees in lockdown.

"I've heard they actually built a jail cell," Brown said.

Along with providing the space for the MDA posse to house their makeshift hoosegow, Catches will also provide something for the volunteer inmates to eat during their stay - presumably something considerably better than bread and water.

Money raised at these lockup events stays in their respective area, going to nearby MDA clinics to help pay for therapy, wheelchairs, summer camps and other expenses.

"Of course it's all fun and games, but it is for an excellent cause," Brown said.

Those who would like to pledge money toward Brown's bail can contact him through the Port Richey Police Department by calling 727-816-1919. They can also come to Catches during the event and pledge money toward him or any of the inmates.

To learn more about MDA or to make a direct donation, visit www.mda.org.

Klint Lowry can be reached at 727-815-1067 or klowry@suncoastnews.com.

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