USCG Suspends Search For Missing Swimmer Near NSB After Sighting By Friend

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us coast guard helicopter

Ponce DeLeon Inlet, FL-The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing man who reportedly was last seen when he went swimming near New Smyrna Beach.  A family friend contacted authorities at 8 A.M. today and reported that 60-year-old Timothy Akins was seen in a store around 8 P.M. Sunday night. Akins was arrested last month in connection with alleged fraud involving a contracting business that authorities say took cash from clients for work that was never done. Earlier reporting follows: The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search Sunday night for a missing swimmer near New Smyrna Beach after a relative said 60-year-old Timothy Akins had failed to return home. Akins left home on his bicycle and said he was going to swim somewhere between the Ponce Inlet jetty and the Flagler Avenue area. Akins is one of two people arrested and charged recently in what deputies say was a bogus remodeling business that allegedly took customers for thousands of dollars and didn't do any work. Akins is out on bond after his arrest last month. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, 24-foot rescue boat and personnel from the Sheriff's Office were all helping in the search. Earlier reporting is here.  If you have information on Akins call (904) 714-7561. Akins was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and riding a blue and silver mountain bike.

Akins photo from USCG

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Timothy Akins

Akins jail booking photo

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