Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the arrest of Lisa Yvette Starkes (52, Ocala) on an indictment charging her with two counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Starkes faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count and a forfeiture order for $41,452—an amount representing the unlawful proceeds of the offense. The indictment was returned on August 6, 2024.
State water officials have extended the once-a-week watering restrictions, just weeks after the Tampa Water Department, with the support of the Tampa City Council, decided to make them permanent.
The City of Tampa has introduced its first Eco-Counter display at the intersection of North Boulevard and West Cass Street. The Eco-Counter is a digital unit equipped with camera sensors that count pedestrians and bicyclists in real-time, displaying daily and annual totals.
In Hillsborough County district, Hispanic outnumbered students of any other ethnicity in the 2023-24 school year, according to the Florida Department of Education.
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the return of an indictment charging Janye B. Evans (18, Plant City) with interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted, Evans faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
The Internal Audit Department has released its Water-Billing, Audit 24-13. The City of Tampa provides drinking water and wastewater services to customers located within the city limits and parts of unincorporated Hillsborough County and Temple Terrace. The full report is available on TampaGov.net.
On August 24, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., officers responded to the 1900 block of Meadowbrook Ave in reference to an aggravated assault that occurred between two adult women.
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that William Earl Union, Jr. (32, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General.
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Carl Vecchione, 62, of Oviedo, has pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. Vecchione faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five years, up to 40 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2024.
The City of Tampa is celebrating the second anniversary of the Litter Skimmer, a crucial asset in its efforts to maintain clean waterways. Since its inception, the Litter Skimmer has removed 72,500 pounds of trash from Tampa's waterways, surpassing the weight of a fully loaded 20-foot shipping container.
Mayor Jane Castor and representatives from Tampa's Sister City, Barranquilla, Colombia, celebrated their longstanding relationship on Friday as Castor proclaimed August 23 "Barranquilla, Colombia Day."
Daniel Hernandez-Casiano, 44, of Orlando, has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a deported alien, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Hernandez-Casiano faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for November 4, 2024.
Marcus and Pierre Fowler, both residents of Port Richey, Florida, have pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Marcus Fowler (33) and Pierre Fowler (35) admitted to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and cocaine. Additionally, Marcus Fowler pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Both face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison; however,...
Tampa Police detectives are investigating an armed robbery that took place at the Little Caesars Pizza located at 6932 N Armenia Ave. just before 7:30 pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Nicholas P. Smith (45, Fort Myers) has been found guilty of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance following a bench trial before United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2024.
TAMPA, FL. (August 21, 2024) -- The Tampa Police Department is requesting the community's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an armed robbery that took place on the morning of August 9, 2024.