Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Eddy G. Reyes, 37, was arrested Monday for scamming a woman out of $2,500 for a TV box that he promised would give her "Free Satellite Television for Life." For the complete story, check out the Pasco section of Wednesday's St. Pete Times.

Pasco County Sheriff's Office authorities say that Reyes operated a business called Dreamlinc which offered customers free satellite TV for a one-time fee. His arrest report indicates that Reyes sold devices that had software "designed to be used for defrauding satellite service providers with unauthorized reception of their services."

According to Kevin Doll, spokesman for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, "if anyone offers to sell you one of these satellite boxes for free TV for life, its a lie." Bottom line, according to Doll, is that "its stealing." Other potential victims are encouraged to call the Pasco County Sheriff's Office at (727) 844-7711.

Reyes, who lives in Dade City, has been charged with Grand Theft, Fraudulently Intercepting Communications Services without Authorization and Fraudulently Advertising the Sale of Interception Devices. He is currently in the Land O' Lakes jail with a $1,800 bond.

Continue reading "DADE CITY: Man Arrested for Selling Illegal Satellite TV Boxes" »

In one of the biggest jury verdicts of its kind, a Hernando County jury awarded more than $330 million in civil damages today to the mother of a 13-year-old girl that was killed by a drunk driver in April 2007. For the complete story, check out today's St. Pete Times article.

In an effort to send a message to future drunk drivers, Angela Stone filed a civil lawsuit against Christopher Marcone for his role in a fatal crash that occurred on the night of April 12, 2007, when Shelby Taylor Hagman was riding in a minivan with her grandparents. According to authorities, Marcone's Dodge pickup truck ran a stop sign in a residential neighborhood in eastern Hernando County and plowed directly into the right side of the minivan. Shelby died the next day from injuries sustained in the crash.

Marcone's blood alcohol level (calculator) was .207, more than twice the level at which a driver is presumed to be impaired. Marcone, 27, is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to DUI Manslaughter and three related charges in the death of Shelby Taylor Hagman.

To view Marcone's Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Population Page, please click here.

Continue reading "BROOKSVILLE: Hernando County Jury Returns $330 Million Verdict for Teen Killed in DUI Manslaughter" »

Amer Ali Ejak, 16, has been Indicted for First Degree Murder and will be prosecuted as an Adult for his role in the death of a 34-year-old father, Thomas Johannesen, in Hillsborough County two weeks ago. For the complete story, please check out today's St. Pete Times article.

Deputies say that Ejak, and his 22-year-old co-Defendant, Christopher Cox, killed Johannesen, then wrapped his body in a sheet before hiding it in a closet. It is alleged that Ejak fatally struck Johannesen in the head with a whiskey bottle.

After hiding Johannesen's body in a closet, the two Defendants returned to show their friends what they had done.

While Ejak was originally booked into the Juvenile Detention Center, he was transferred today to the Orient Road Jail where he will remain, on no bond, until his trial.

Continue reading "TAMPA: 16-Year-Old Juvenile to Be Tried as an Adult in "Show-Off" Murder Case" »

While Florida certainly has the dumbest criminals in the nation, this guy from West Virginia was pretty darn stupid last week.

Jonathan G. Parker, 19, of Ft. Loudoun, PA, was arrested following an August 28th Burglary where he broke into the victim's home through a window and stole two diamond rings. While inside, this not-so-bright criminal decided to check his Facebook status. The only problem: Mr. Parker forgot to log out. When the victim returned home and checked her computer, she was greated with a not-so-funny message from her intruder.

For the complete story, check out this article from The Journal (Martinsburg, West Virginia).

Continue reading "WEST VIRGINIA: Burglar Leaves his Facebook Page on Victim's Computer" »

Three Pasco County deputies came to court in New Port Richey this week to testify that they each saw Robert Corbin, 55, fall off his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and flee the scene -- leaving the motorcycle on its side, running, with the key still in the ignition.

That testimony, however, was contradicted by an expert witness during Corbin's DUI trial. Ken Wood, a Harley-Davidson salesman, told the St. Pete Times on Friday that "if the bike leans over for more than 45 degrees for one second, it shuts off." And just like that, after only a few minutes of deliberations Monday afternoon, a Pasco County jury found Corbin Not Guilty of Driving Under the Influence.

For the complete story, check out Saturday's St. Pete Times article.

Apparently, none of the three Pasco County deputies were aware of the bike's safety feature which Harley-Davidson made standard in 2003. The deputies also indicated that Corbin "had glassy eyes, slurred speach and reeked of alcohol." Corbin also admitted to drinking beers and not having a valid license because it was suspended after a prior DUI.

In fact, Corbin's Florida driver's license was revoked back in January for having four or more DUI's.

Continue reading "NEW PORT RICHEY: Motorcycle Expert Helps Aquit Pasco County Biker of DUI" »

On April 20th of this year, Andrew Hall of Safety Harbor was standing on the sidewalk outside of his Main Street apartment when he was struck by a vehicle which took his leg. Five months later, an arrest has been made in the case.

Joshua Dean West, 24, was arrested under the authority of a Pinellas County warrant and was transferred to the Pinellas County Jail from the Putnam Correctional Institution, where he was being held on a Violation of Probation on previous Drug Offenses.

West has been charged with DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury or Death and driving with No Valid Drivers License while Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

After a lengthy investigation, dectectives determined that Joshua Dean West was behind the wheel of the Honda Accord that slammed into Andrew Hall apporoximately five months ago. Their investigation was made more difficult by the fact that neither West nor his passenger that day, Douglas Ziegler, would confirm for investigators who was driving that morning.

Continue reading "LARGO: Arrest Made in April Crash that Took Victim's Leg" »

One year after being arrested for stealing approximately $128,000 from the City of Safety Harbor, while serving as their finance director, JoAnne Ryan was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Thane Covert to one year in the Pinellas County Jail. However, six months of her time will be spent on "work release," formerly known as the "Day Reporting" program.

Ryan, who accepted the State's plea deal, was convicted of Second Degree Grand Theft. As part of her sentence, Ryan will be placed on 15 years of probation and will be ordered to pay $128,000 in restitution. She already paid about $58,000 in restitution, up front, in an effort to mitigate the damage that she caused.

At her sentencing hearing, Judge Covert stated, "You are a good person, but you made some very serious mistakes you knew were wrong. You should never hold a position of trust in the future." For the complete story, check out today's St. Petersburg Times article.

As part of a very well prepared defense, Dr. Walter Afield, a neuropsychiatrist, testified that Ryan suffered from a condition known as "chemo brain," following her treatment for breast cancer, which affects memory, concentration and focus. Afield also told the Court that Ryan had major depression and was suicidal.

While this case does not qualify for entrance into this blog's "Celebrity Justice" column, it certainly begs the following questions: Are all Defendants treated equal? Does it help to have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side? And would she have gotten this same sentence had she been represented by the Office of the Public Defender?

Continue reading "SAFETY HARBOR: Former Finance Director Gets Jail Time" »

Every-once-in-awhile, we read about an arrest that, when juxtaposed against the time/background/location, really makes us wonder what is going on in our society. This happened earlier this week when Charles James Brown, 61, a security guard at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg was arrested on five counts of Sexual Performance by a Child, otherwise known as Possession of Child Pornography. For the complete story, check out the article in Monday's St. Pete Times.

While deputies were serving a search warrant at Brown's residence in Clearwater, at approximately 2:00 p.m., he was in the process of downloading more child pornography, according to Pinellas County Sheriff's spokeswoman Marianne Pasha.

Brown, who was hired by All Children's Hospital in 2005, had a "very solid" work history as a full-time security officer, said hospital spokeswoman Cindy Rose. He had a background in military and police work and passed all background checks before being hired by the hospital. At this point, detectives have found no evidence to suggest that Brown acted inappropriately while at the hospital, says Pasha.

Continue reading "ST. PETE: Security Guard at All Children's Hospital Arrested on Child Porn Charges" »

Corey Robert Munn, a 40-year old St. Pete man, has been charged with having sex with a woman and not informing her of his HIV-infected status. According to arrest affidavits filed with the Clerk of Court, Munn had a consensual sexual relationship with a woman for 18 months but neglected to tell her he was infected with the virus. For the original story and reader comments, check out this week's Tampa Bay Online article.

Having prosecuted Sex Crimes for the State Attorney's Office in Clearwater, I know that this type of sex offense is (fortunately) not-so-common in the Tampa Bay area (or at least it is not-so-common to report the commission of this offense).

The SLAVIN LAW FIRM in Clearwater provides an aggressive, experienced and zealous defense for individuals that have been arrested, or are under investigation, for various sexually-motivated offenses. This year to date, the SLAVIN LAW FIRM has represented individuals charged with the following offenses: Capital Sexual Battery, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, Lewd or Lascivious Battery, Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender, Possession of Child Pornography, Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor and Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor by Electronic Communication.

Continue reading "ST. PETERSBURG: HIV-Infected Man Charged with Having Sex without Informing Partner" »

Yesterday, a Safety Harbor man was arrested on various charges stemming from his involvement in a counterfeit money order scam. Raul Francisco Zelaya, 50, was arrested for Scheming to Defraud a financial institution, Communications Fraud and Possession of Counterfeit Checks. For the complete story, check out today's Tampa Bay Online article.

On Tuesday, when investigators finally arrested Zelaya, he had an additional 243 counterfeit money orders valued at over $230,000. Zelaya is believed to have obtained these checks from a known online check-cashing scam. These type of scams typically appear online as "work from home" job opportunities and can be posted on websites or appear in spam e-mail.

This is not the first time that this Zelaya character has been involved in this type of activity. According to the Clearwater Police Department, Zelaya previously took part in a similar scam that was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Continue reading "PINELLAS COUNTY: Counterfeit Money Order Scam Busted" »

The Polk County Sheriff's Office just concluded a Prostitution sting which focused on the use of Craigslist's online "adult services classifieds." According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, his agency's investigation revealed that "Craigslist, despite saying they're cleaning up their exotic section, continues to facilitate prostitution, and they derive proceeds from prostitution." Judd says that "Craigslist encourages organized prostitution around the country by providing an outlet to sell sex services."

For the complete story which was featured in today's The Ledger of Lakeland.

While I generally like Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, I think we really need to second-guess whether, during these difficult economic times, he should have led an investigation where Polk County Sheriff Detectives prowled the personals sections last week for Lakeland, Tampa and Orlando adult services advertisements.

The San Francisco company has been at the center of a national controversy about its erotic services section, prompting it to make changes to how advertisers post.

Continue reading "POLK COUNTY: 26 Women Arrested on Prostitution Charges Involving Craigslist Ads" »

Another sad Traffic Fatality case unfolded this week in Judge Thane Covert's Pinellas County courtroom. Agustin Palma Trejo, who was 18-years old at the time of the accident, was driving a trackhoe the wrong way on U.S. 19. In an unfortunate twist of fate, Donald Cochran was on his way to Biff Burger, on April 21, 2007, when his truck swerved and struck the large construction trackhoe that Palma Trejo was operating. For the complete story, check out the article in today's St. Pete Times.

This case is a bit unusual for several reasons. To begin with, Palma Trejo was charged with Manslaughter, not DUI Manslaugher. Secondly, both the State Attorney's Office and Palma Trejo's attorney agreed that the trackhoe was only traveling at the rate of 4 mph. However, the State and the defense disagreed on whether the trackoe's lights were on and whether Palma Trejo was properly trained to operate the large piece of machinery.

Last month, Palma Trejo entered an "open plea," meaning that he did not have a plea agreement with the State Attorney's Office. After entering an "open plea," the Judge can sentence a Defendant to any legal sentence (i.e., up to the maximum sentence allowed by law or something less than what the sentencing guidelines would normally call for). In Palma Trejo's case, he could have received 15 years in prison on the Manslaughter charge, which is a Second Degree Felony.

At his sentencing hearing earlier this week, Palma Trejo pleaded to the judge for leniency. With the assistance of a court translator, he stated "I only want to ask the family for foregiveness... I know what it is like to lose a father."

Because Palma Trejo was under 21 years of age, his attorney was asking the Court to sentence him as a "Youthful Offender," which would have allowed Judge Covert to sentence him below the recommended guideline sentence (to include any form of community supervision such as community control or probation).

Continue reading "LARGO: Construction Worker Sentenced to Six Years for Fatal Trackhoe Accident" »

Improvements in technology, as well as social media, have led to the creation of some rather new and popular crimes (that didn't exist when our parents were growing up). For instance, anyone who reads a newspaper is probably familiar with the following "new-school" types of criminal activity: "Cyber-bullying," "Sexting," "Texting While Driving," and "Cyber-stalking."

However, one of the classic (ripped straight from a Lifetime movie or recent episode of Law & Order, never-gets-old type of cime has occured, once again, in Tarpon Springs, Florida this week.

A Tarpon Springs mother and daughter face Felony Burglary and Battery charges after law enforcement determined that they beat up a recreational cheerleading coach.

Karen Joanne Wood, 41, and her 16-year old daughter, Kyersten Wood, were arrested September 5th after reportedly assaulting Sharell Ortiz, 34, at Jasmine Sports Complex in Tarpon Springs. For more information, check out today's full St. Pete Times article.

As suggested by some of the readers' comments following the St. Pete Times article, "wft" is wrong with parents these days?

Continue reading "TARPON SPRINGS: Mother and Daughter Arrested for Attack on Cheerleading Coach" »

Another week has passed and another NFL star has given me something to blog about. We can now add San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman's case to the list of celebrity athletes that the SLAVIN LAW FIRM in Clearwater will be following. For more information on the alleged Domestic Battery and False Imprisonment charges, committed upon MTV reality star Tila "Tequila" Nguyen, you can check out the full story online at CNN.com.

According to the CNN story, Tila Tequila told deputies that she had been choked and physically restrained by Merriman when she attempted to leave his residence in suburban San Diego at approximately 3:45 a.m. Sunday morning.

Merriman's attorney, Todd Macaluso, has indicated that Nguyen was "extremely intoxicated and inebriated" and that his client had made arrangements for her to leave his house. However, the district attorney's office will determine whether criminal charges will be pursued.

As "Tila Tequila," Nguyen starred on the MTV reality shows "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequilqa" in 2007 and "A Shot at Love 2 with Tila Tequila" in 2008.

Merriman, who has made three Pro Bowls, is entering his fifth year with the San Diego Charges after playing college football at my alma mater: the University of Maryland @ College Park.

Continue reading "NFL Star Shawne Merriman Arrested, Accused of Choking Tila Tequila" »

An interesting story in today's St. Pete Times highlights the life, or lack thereof, of Teddy Braden, the former gang member turned blogger that blogs from the Pinellas County Jail.

Braden, who is in the Pinellas County Jail on Drug Charges, blogs with the help of his mother -- who takes his notes and letters and posts them online at: teeninjail.blogspot.com

Braden, who was arrested for the first time at age 13, has a Juvenile record consisting of various Drug Charges and a Residential Burglary. As an adult, he has been locked up for doing drugs, selling drugs, Grand Theft, Burglary and now Drug Trafficking.

In one of Braden's blog posts he states that "One of my biggest regrets is joining a gang." The quote sits below a picture of Braden, wearing a red t-shirt, hat and bandana, while throwing up a "B" (a noted gang hand sign for the Bloods). However, something about this photo tells me that Braden would not survive, on the streets, for very long.

Continue reading "CLEARWATER: 20-Year Old Pinellas County Jail Inmate / Blogger" »

Hernando County Circuit Court Judge Jack Springstead denied a former Central High School teacher's request to expunge a 2004 incident where he was arrested for Soliciting a 16-year old student to perform oral sex. Judge Springstead, in denying the motion, stated that "potential school districts need to be made aware of the charge and disposition."

James Jensen, a former history teacher at Central High, pleaded no contest in July 2004 and received a "withhold of adjudication" along with three (3) years of probation and a revocation of his teaching license.

This story caught my attention as I routinely handle requests to Seal & Expunge Arrest Records and the result of this case is highly unusual.

Continue reading "SPRING HILL: Ex-Teacher's Arrest Record Will Not Be Sealed" »

In a very emotional sentencing hearing, that I happened to witness while in the same courtroom on an unrelated case, a St. Petersburg mother plead guilty to Manslaughter on the morning her trial was to begin in a case where she let her 15-year old son, Shawn Ledesma, drive her car, which he crashed, killing one of his passengers, Raquel Carreras, a 14-year old student at Northeast High School.

For the complete story, check out this St. Pete Times article.

Personally, I think this would have been a very interesting case had it gone to trial. While I certainly understand the position of the State Attorney's Office (after all, someone's child was killed that evening), I also think it is a bit unfair to treat this Defendant in the same way that we would treat someone who intentionally drinks and drives and kills someone leading to a DUI Manslaughter charge.

At trial, the State of Florida would have needed to prove that Lesa Ledesma "knew" or "should have known" that giving her car keys to her 15-year old son would have lead to someone being seriously inujured or killed. To me, that would have been a stretch as underage kids drive their parents' vehicles a lot more than we probably realize or want to admit.

The mother of the now-deceased high school student stated that she would like for parents to "quit being a friend, and be a parent." After many years of prosecuting and handling difficult and emotional cases such as this one, I could not have said it better myself.

Continue reading "St Pete Mother Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter After Allowing Her Unlicensed 15 Year Old Son to Drive and Kill His Passenger and Friend" »