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Dumb criminals…St. Petersburg edition

From the Tampa Bay Times, a recent round up of alleged crooks who did not think through their criminal plans…

Over the past month, a higher number than usual “dumb criminal” arrests have occurred in Saint Petersburg.

It started in May. 58-year-old Michael Reese got drunk and decided to call 911. Telling the police that he needed to resolve some warrants and wanting to go to jail, police arrived at his home in St. Petersburg. Police ran his name through a warrant check and found that he was clean. Not wanting to disappoint the man, police arrested him for misuse of 911.

On the same day in May, Octavis Owens was arrested after giving a false report to a police officer. Mr. Owens called police and told them he was robbed. Police used a total of 11 officers to track down the suspects using Owens’ GPS tracker on his phone. Out of the blue, the defendant admitted that he made up the story about being robbed saying that he didn’t think the police would help him otherwise. This came as no consolation to two men arrested at gunpoint by the police based on Owens’ lies…

Suspect’s ID left behind in robbery

The crooks get dumber…An 18-year-old suspect broke into a house in St. Pete, stealing money and valuables he later sold to buy the drug spice. One problem…he left his wallet and ID back in the house! Brandon Parker was arrested for robbery a few days after the break in based on the incriminating evidence…

Finally saving the best for last…

Lee Ragin, 27, was arrested for his role in a battery against a cab driver last month. Mr. Ragin is alleged to have called a cab in south St. Pete. After it arrived, the cab driver picked up Ragin who robbed and stabbed the cabbie with a knife (aggravated battery with a deadly weapon). Police investigated and found that Lee left his cell phone in the cab. Even nicer, Mr. Ragin called the cab company to retrieve the phone! Police eventually convinced the suspect to meet them with the promise of getting his phone back. Instead he received a pair of handcuffs and a criminal charge.

Have you or a loved one been arrested for a robbery or possession of a controlled substance? Then call the Saint Petersburg criminal defense lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys.

The lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handle all criminal and personal injury cases throughout the Gulf Coast of Florida including St. Pete, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Dade City, New Port Richey, Sarasota and Bradenton.

To speak directly with your Saint Petersburg criminal defense attorney click on the contact button or call them at 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!

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