Tampa Criminal Lawyer Blog

A number of Tampa law enforcement agencies collaborated in a six-week cybercrime operation, which was designed to target child predators in the Tampa area.  U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) officials combined with Attorney General Bill McCollum and officials from 14 other Tampa agencies in an operation called "Operation Broken Heart."

The program resulted in the execution of 45 warrants and 29 arrests.  Those arrested are facing charges that range from possession and distribution of child pornography to sexual battery.  The images obtained from the defendants included pictures of children who were mere infants.   The operation also led to the rescue of two girls who disclosed they were victims of sexual abuse. 

Authorities indicated they believe that the collaborative effort led to arrests that would have been difficult for any law enforcement agency operating alone.  "We know that cybercrime knows no geographical boundaries, which is why it is essential that we work together to maximize our resources," commented Attorney General McCollum. "This operation proved that when we work together, Florida's children benefit."

Comments by law enforcement authorities involved in the operation reflect the vigilance of law enforcement authorities when dealing with child pornography and child sex crimes.  "Our greatest challenge is to protect children, and our greatest satisfaction is when those who prey on the innocent are identified, prosecuted and prevented from ruining any more young lives," said Sheriff David Gee. "These predators hide in the shadow of anonymity on the internet. Operation Broken Heart will shine the light of law enforcement on them and their vile and disgusting acts against the most innocent among us."

As Gee's comments indicate, a person facing charges for child pornography or other child sex crimes face consequences that go beyond incarceration in state prison.  "These types of offenses carry such a negative stigma that a mere accusation can carry long-term consequences and a conviction can be devastating to a defendant's reputation," said Tampa criminal defense lawyer John Musca.  "Charges involving internet sex crimes, such as child pornography or internet solicitation of minors can be some of the most serious crimes with which a defendant can be charged."

A qualified internet pornography lawyer will have experience creating strong, viable defenses for individuals who are under investigation or who have been apprehended for internet child pornography offenses.  The defendant's internet child pornography law firm will also typically use a team of investigators, mental health experts, and psychologists to help form a defense and debunk child predator myths explained Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca.   "The goal is to communicate to the judge and jury that the majority of defendant's accused of such crimes are not sexually violent and have no intent to act or commit an actual crime," said Musca.

Continue reading "Tampa Criminal Attorney Musca on Massive Cybercrime Child Pornography Operation " »

A man who was posing as a doctor was arrested following his failed attempt at robbing a Tampa area (Largo) jewelry store.  Michael Basilotto made an appointment to look at jewelry at the International Diamond Center and showed up to the appointment in medical scrubs.  While he was examining the rings, Bassiloto requested that he be permitted to examine the rings in the sunlight so that he could better evaluate the clarity of the rings.  As Bassiloto examined them in the sunlight, he suddenly punched the store employee in the shoulder and fled the scene.

The store employee gave chase and tackled Bassiloto in the store parking light.  As Bassiloto drove away the employee got part way into Bassiloto's car, but Bassiloto's escape was short lived as he crashed into a palm tree.  When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered that the car Bassiloto was driving was stolen.  The deputies returned the rings to the jewelry store, which were worth $277,000.  Bassiloto faces a number of felony charges including strong armed robbery, two counts of grand theft, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting a merchant.
 

Bassiloto faces a lengthy state prison sentence if he is convicted on all charges.  Strong-armed robbery describes a situation where any degree of force is used to complete the offense explained Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca.  The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by 15 years in state prison.  The grand theft offenses are first degree felonies because the amount stolen is over $100,000 and each first-degree grand theft offense can be punishable by up to 30 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.  The aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (i.e. Bassiloto's car) is a second-degree felony under Florida criminal law and punishable by up to 15 years in prison.  "While the legal consequences facing Bassiloto are very serious as the above penalties suggest, the punishment could potentially be made even more complex and serious if the defendant has prior convictions," said Musca.

If you have been arrested or rare facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions.  The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.

It is important to be proactive in building your defense.  A conviction will likely change your life.  But with high quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these charges behind you for good.  If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you.  Contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney.  We offer a free trial consultation and Spanish language translation services.
 

Tampa officers suffered minor injuries and a suspect was hospitalized after being shot during an incident involving a two and a half-hour standoff.  Officers received information that Jermonte Thorton, who was wanted on outstanding felony warrants, would be at a friend's house.  The officers waited for the suspect at the location using three police SUVs to box the suspect in when he arrived at the friend's home.  Thorton repeatedly rammed the police SUVs before ramming into a tree and driving away.

As Thorton rammed into the tree, Corporal Bryan Hoskins and Officer Tim Bergman each fired one shot at the suspect and indicated they feared for their lives.  One of the officer's bullet's hit Thorton; an investigation is pending to determine which officer's bullet hit Thorton. 

Despite Thorton's injuries, he managed to flee the scene in his vehicle and drove to the Lennox Apartments located at 11311 North 22nd Street.  Thorton knocked on an apartment door and said, "It's me."  The woman in the apartment thought it was her boyfriend and opened the door.  Thorton took the woman hostage and threatened to kill her.  The officers did not see what apartment Thorton went into but followed a trail of blood to a group of four apartments.  As officers prepared to enter the fourth apartment, Thorton jumped from the apartment balcony.  Two K9 officers pursued and jumped over a barbed wire fence in a foot pursuit of Thorton.  The officers apprehended Thorton, who was taken to Tampa General Hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to his side.  Upon arrest, a gun was discovered in Thorton's vehicle.  The officers also suffered minor injuries including cuts on their hands and legs.  The officers were placed on paid administrative leave.

Thorton had already been facing serious charges on the outstanding warrants including armed burglary, battery and aggravated assault as well as additional charges.  He now also faces additional charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, home invasion robbery and false imprisonment.  Tampa Criminal Defense lawyer John Musca indicated that Thorton could face decades in state prison if convicted.

If you have been arrested or are facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions.  The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.

It is important to be proactive in building your defense.  A conviction will likely change your life.  But with high quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these charges behind your for good.  If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you.  Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney.  We offer a free trial consultation and Spanish language translation services.

Tampa Florida native Dwight Gooden, whose baseball career was cut short by legal troubles and substance abuse, was arrested for child endangerment and being under the influence of drugs among other charges, after he allegedly collided with another car from behind.  Gooden was taking his 5-year-old son Dylan to school in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.  Gooden faces a litany of charges including child endangerment, driving while under the influence of drugs, driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, reckless driving, being under the influence of drugs and other minor charges.  Of these charges, child endangerment is the most serious, which by itself can result in a sentence of 10-20 years in state prison.

Officers say they were summoned to the scene after Ronald Schmidt called 911 to report that he was involved in a traffic accident where another vehicle collided with his car from behind.  Gooden has a prior arrest in Tampa for driving on a suspended license, which was suspended for a prior DUI offense.  In Gooden's most recent criminal case prior to this incident, he served seven months in jail for violating probation by using cocaine.  He lives less than a mile from the accident scene.  While no one was injured in the accident, Dylan rode in the vehicle in the backseat without a seat belt.  Gooden has a history of cocaine related arrests, but it was unclear what controlled substance he was suspected of using at the time of the accident.  Gooden's agent Ronald Goldstein also indicated that Gooden had been taking Ambien to help him sleep, which had affected his ability to drive.

While it is not clear at this time what illegal drug is suspected of being in Gooden's system, the Ambien alone could be the basis for a drug related DUI explained Tampa criminal attorney John Musca.  Musca indicated that the prosecutor will emphasize that Gooden colliding with the rear of the other vehicle shows he had enough "controlled substance" or prescription drugs in his system so that his driving ability was impaired.  "A case like this where a minor child is in the vehicle during a drug related DUI accident can result in a long prison sentence and significant fines as well as other penalties," said Musca.  "It is not a defense to drug related DUI that the drug in the suspect's system was obtained legally over the counter or by prescription."  Further, Gooden may be convicted of being under the influence of a "controlled substance" if ANY measurable amount of a controlled substance is detected in Gooden's blood.

Musca Law provides the highest quality criminal litigation services to the residents of Tampa.  Our Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys have successfully tried and defended, and appealed hundreds of cases in both State and Federal courts throughout Florida.  These cases include, but are not limited to, felony cases and misdemeanor cases, DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, sex crimes, probation violations, white collar crimes, violent crimes and motor vehicle crimes.

Clearwater police arrested 12 people in a sting operation aimed at prostitution in the Tampa area.  The prostitution sting was conducted at various locations of the East Gateway area of Clearwater and was directed at reducing prostitution and solicitation activity in the area.  Jovanny Perez, one of the women arrested, allegedly was HIV positive.  Perez also faces the additional charge of prostitution while HIV positive, which is a third degree felony under Florida criminal law.  Two other women, Tabitha Stewart and Linda Bosack, also face additional charges of possession of drug paraphernalia.  Three other women arrested face an additional charge in addition to the prostitution charge specifically felony solicitation, warrant arrest for failure to appear (FTA) and resisting arrest.

With the rise of the internet, escort services that utilize the internet have become prevalent.  Men from all walks of life and professions frequent these sites and contact escorts for companionship.  However, merely asking a woman to provide sexual services for pay constitutes the criminal offense of solicitation.  Law enforcement frequently run sting operations like the one described above aimed at reducing the amount of prostitution in the Tampa area.  What many people do not realize is that the actual exchange of sex for money is not necessary for a prosecutor to obtain a conviction for solicitation.  The mere offer to pay for sex is all that is required to face arrest for solicitation.  The crime "solicitation of prostitution" is one of the few crimes where mere words alone constitute a criminal offense.

A conviction for solicitation can be very embarrassing and have a devastating impact on one's reputation.  An arrest for solicitation also can lead to the loss of one's marriage, employment and standing in the community.  Under Florida solicitation law, a person arrested for solicitation also faces serious criminal penalties.  The criminal penalties for a solicitation conviction can include the following:

• STD Screening: If you are arrested in Orlando for solicitation, you must submit to STD screening.  A positive test result will mean treatment and counseling with the results made available to court personnel, the prosecutor and the judge.

• Media Exposure: Your arrest may be broadcast on television and covered in the newspaper.  Increasingly, Florida law enforcement is running public service announcements with the names and pictures of those arrested for solicitation and prostitution to utilize public exposure as a deterrent.

• Driver's License Revocation: If you were driving your car when you offered money for sex, your driver's license will be automatically revoked.

• Fines/Costs: You may be fined up to $1000 and may be forced to pay restitution for the cost of the criminal investigation of your case.

• Jail Time: The court has discretion to charge a person arrested for prostitution up to one year in county jail.

To avoid both punishment under Florida solicitation law and the other consequences that flow from a prostitution conviction, you should immediately request a qualified Florida solicitation defense lawyer.  A Florida solicitation defense lawyer may be able to persuade the prosecutor not to charge you so the case is handled discretely and quickly goes away according to Tampa criminal attorney John Musca.  "Alternatively, a qualified Florida solicitation defense lawyer may be able to persuade the judge to allow you to participate in a diversion program.  If the diversion program is completed successfully, the court can dismiss the charges against you," said Musca.

If you have been arrested or are facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions.  The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.

It is important to be proactive in building your defense.  A conviction will likely change your life.  But with high quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these charges behind you for good.  If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you.  Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney.  We offer a free trial consultation and Spanish language translation services.

A man who was confronted by his victim during a robbery attempt was arrested after his cell phone memory card left at the scene of the robbery showed graphic video and pictures of the man with children.  The man, Edgar Giovanni Castillo, was arrested for offenses involving sex acts with children because of his mistake at a subsequent crime.  Castillo attempted to rob a woman who struggled with him during the robbery attempt.  The man unwittingly dropped his cell phone memory card during the struggle with the woman.  After the robbery attempt, the woman discovered the memory card and put it in her phone but was shocked at what she saw.  The memory card contained explicit video and pictures of Castillo with children.  "The photos were so explicit we can't even reveal the details," said A Police spokesman Kenia Reyes.

Upon discovering the content of the memory card, the woman contacted police to notify them that she had evidence that Castillo was a child sex offender.  The woman cooperated with the police and the U.S. Secret Service to help authorities find Castillo and arrest him.  The authorities hailed the woman for coming forward and indicated she played an instrumental role in helping authorities locate and arrest Castillo.

Florida law makes all lewd or lascivious (sexual) touching of a minor child a crime.  "Depending on the age of the child and the nature of the unlawful touching, such conduct can be punishable by life imprisonment," said Tampa criminal lawyer John Musca.  It does not matter if the person accused of lewd or lascivious conduct toward a child believed the child was of legal age.  Under Florida criminal law, it also does not matter that the victim consented or had engaged in previous acts that exhibited a lack of chastity, explained Musca.  Even being accused of sex crimes against a child can have devastating consequences including a significant term in state prison and permanent damage to one's reputation and standing in the community.  If a person has been accused of a sex crime particularly where the alleged victim is a child, the individual should seek legal advice as soon as possible.  An unfounded charge of such a crime can have a huge impact on someone's life even without a conviction.

Musca Law provides the highest quality criminal litigation services to the residents of Tampa and its surrounding area.  Our Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys have successfully tried and defended, and appealed hundreds of cases in both State and Federal courts throughout Florida.  These cases include, but are not limited to, felony cases and misdemeanor case, DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, sex crimes, probation violations, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and motor vehicle crimes.

Sabrina Stevenson a published poet was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the brutal killing of her boyfriend James Milliken. Stevenson was featured in a local newspaper article about her recovery from alcohol and drugs in 2005, but neighbors indicated that since that time Stevenson had succumbed to her addictions. Stevenson is being held without bail after the brutal stabbing of her boyfriend in the Tampa area.

Stevenson allegedly sliced her boyfriend's throat from ear to ear with a butcher knife.  After Stevenson killed her boyfriend she hid him in the bedroom closet for days according to Lakeland police.  Authorities say that once the odor from the body became noticeable Stevenson wrapped the body in a canvas tarp and bedspread and covered it in baby powder. 

Stevenson had told neighbors a number of stories in an apparent attempt to cover-up the crime.  She told neighbors that her boyfriend had gone away on a trip to pick fruit.  She also claimed that Milliken had been vomiting blood and that the blood had soaked into her carpet and living room sofa.  Stevenson used bleach in an attempt to remove the bloodstains from the carpet and used a sheet to hide the bloodstains on the couch.  Stevenson also mopped Milliken's blood from the tile floor in an attempt to conceal the crime.

Eventually, Stevenson could no longer keep the body in her apartment, presumably due to the smell, so she disposed of the body in a trash bin behind their apartment.  She subsequently relocated the body further from the Lakeland apartment placing it in bushes under branches and moss.  The police were alerted to the crime when a neighbor from the apartment called them regarding suspicious items found in an area dumpster.  A search turned up the body 6 days after the killing.  The autopsy indicated that the throat wound was several inches deep and that Milliken "suffered numerous puncture wounds and abrasions about his head and face from numerous weapons, to include a socket driver and a large drill battery."

Stevenson made a statement and told police that the attack followed a heated argument.  Stevenson said she used a large butcher knife to slice Milliken's throat and other weapons to stab him.  She told Lakeland police that "she just snapped."  A person who is accused of a homicide faces very serious consequences including the possibility of a life sentence or even the death penalty depending on the circumstance case according to Tampa criminal lawyer John Musca.  "If arrested for a homicide, a person should consult an experienced Tampa criminal attorney immediately," said Musca.

Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices located across the State of Florida.  Our Tampa criminal defense attorneys will aggressively defend your rights on the State and Federal level.  The prosecution is looking to punish you to the fullest extent of the law.  You need a knowledgeable attorney to watch for you.  Contact the Tampa criminal lawyers at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Craig Wall has been charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing of his girlfriend who had previously requested a restraining order against Waller.  Laura Taft, a resident of the Tampa suburb of Clearwater, was found stabbed to death just days after the suspicious death of her 5 year-old-son while he was in the care of Wall.  Wall's arrest for the death of Taft comes shortly after Wall was released on $1000 bail for violating a temporary domestic violence restraining order filed by Taft.  The affidavit Taft filed in support of the domestic violence restraining order included a request that Wall be held without bail because he was a suspect in the death of Taft's son.

Wall was released from jail two years ago after being sentenced in 1994 for a conviction in which he threatened an elderly couple with a long-barreled handgun.  He told the couple he was going to take their Ford Taurus parked in front of their home.  Wall became a suspect in the death of Taft's son within hours of the boy being flown by helicopter to All Children's Hospital.  Wall was the only adult with the child on the day the child was fatally injured.  A CT scan that was taken at the hospital indicated that the boy had swelling on the left side of the brain.  A physician at the hospital who examined the boy suspected the head injuries were caused by being shaken or thrown.

Court documents relating to the restraining order indicate that Wall said that he "was sorry that he did something to the baby" after the incident.  Taft showed the videotape to a Clearwater police officer.  Taft was subsequently granted the injunction two days after the boy was taken off of life support.  When Wall drove to the church to attend the boy's funeral, Wall was arrested in the church parking lot.  Police officials say Wall had not been arrested or charged in the boy's death because the investigation was not complete.  Elizabeth Watts, Clearwater's public safety spokesman indicated it would have been premature to arrest Wall before the medical examiner reached an official ruling that the boy's death was a homicide.  A preliminary examination showed the boy suffered broken ribs and brain trauma but forensics tests on the boy's eyes and brain were not complete.

Police and prosecutors take domestic violence charges very seriously especially where the victim suffers serious injuries or death.  "A domestic violence conviction can lead to significant jail or prison time and permanent damage to one's reputation and standing in the community," said Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca.  If you are under investigation or have been arrested for domestic violence, it is imperative that you consult a qualified criminal lawyer.

Domestic violence is a damaging crime to have on your criminal record because of the stigma that comes with it.

Members of your community, current and future employers, family, where you may find that you are defending yourself outside of the courtroom,  who may not know all of the facts.  Instead they will simply be informed of the charge of domestic violence or a conviction, and stereotype you as an abuser.  That is why the Tampa criminal defense lawyers at Musca Law will diligently work on your case in order to minimize the damage and work towards the best possible outcome.  If you have been charged with domestic violence, call Musca Law immediately for a free consultation and to guide you in the direction that you need to be in.

The Tampa authorities are coming to the conclusion relative to the criminal prosecutions that followed the arrest of 10 alleged members of the Westside Gang.  Seven of those arrested have already been convicted of racketeering-related charges under Florida criminal law.  The last three defendants are set for trial on June 14.   The 10 alleged gang members who were arrested are all repeat offenders and have been charged with 108 felonies and 69 misdemeanors.  The Westside Gang allegedly preyed primarily on migrant workers, women and the elderly.

Three gang members were convicted in January following a three-week trial.  Two of the defendants in the case were sentenced to 20 years and 12 years respectively.  The third defendant's sentencing was delayed as he agreed to cooperate and testify against the three defendants that are set to stand trial in June.  The convictions represent a new approach to prosecution of gang members in the Tampa area.  "I believe this may be the first time that gang members have been successfully prosecuted during a jury trial on racketeering charges," said one of the statewide prosecutors involved in the cases.

The criminal defense lawyers denied that their clients were part of a criminal organization during last month's trial.  The criminal defense lawyers contended that "Westside" is a term poor blacks use to refer to people who lived on the west side of one of Plant City's railroad tracks.  Over 120 items of evidence and more than 60 witnesses testified at the trial.  " A case involving racketeering charges is very involved and requires a great deal of investigation and the documentation of an enormous amount of evidence," said the prosecutor.

Prosecutors are increasingly finding new ways to prosecute cases under Florida criminal law against those alleged to be gang members, explained Tampa criminal lawyer John Musca.  "Prosecutors are increasingly relying on racketeering allegations against those alleged to be gang member," said Musca.  "Whether the accused is actually a member of a gang is a critical issue in these cases.  The prosecution's ability to establish that the accused is part of a gang, which is characterized as a criminal enterprise, can make the case difficult and lead to sentence enhancements."

If you have been arrested or are facing criminal allegations, you face a number of important decisions. The most critical one is choosing who will represent you in the legal system.

It is important to be proactive in building your defense. A conviction will likely change your life. But with high quality legal representation on your side, it is possible to put these charges behind you for good.  If you have been arrested and are seeking legal guidance, Musca Law is here for you.  Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney at Musca Law today, to speak with an experienced attorney.  We offer a free initial consultation and Spanish language translations services.

Michael J. Muzio has been convicted in connection with a Ponzi and affinity-fraud scheme to six counts of securities fraud, two counts of substantive wire fraud, two counts of lying to the SEC and the FBI and one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud.  Muzio was implicated in a pump and dump scheme linked to the Home Pals Investment Club. 

Ronnie Eugene Bass Jr., Abner Alabre and Brian J. Talieri had previously been convicted in the scheme of targeting Haitian-Americans.  The scheme is believed to have involved $14.3 million in investments.
Alabre and Taglieri pled guilty to criminal charges in October.  SEC authorities accused Bass and Alabre of deceiving investors by indicating that Taglieri was there attorney though Taglieri is not an attorney.

Muzio was implicated in the scheme of defrauding investors by manipulating the stock price of International Business Ventures Group (IBVG).  Muzio fooled investors into believing there existed an active market for the stock by engaging in wash transactions in which he entered buy orders through one brokerage he controlled and sell orders through another brokerage he controlled.  The coordinated stock purchases and sales artificially inflated the price per share.  Muzio faces decades in federal prison if convicted.

IBVG was a Florida shell company "with no assets and virtually no business activities," according to prosecutors.  IBVG claimed to operate in Palm Beach Gardens.  Palm Beach has been the focus of a number of financial schemes recently.  U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recently characterized Palm Beach as "ground zero" for financial fraud.

Tampa criminal defense attorney John Musca explained that those accused of white-collar crimes have recently become scapegoats for a weak economy.  "The media has helped perpetuate a sentiment that chief executives and financiers are crooks.  Our economic troubles have made things worse leading to increased prosecutions for white collar crime and harsher sentences for white collar defendants."  Because alleged white-collar crimes often involve complex financial transactions that involve a massive volume of documents, an experienced white-collar criminal attorney is essential, said Musca.

Musca Law provides the highest quality criminal litigation services to the residents of Tampa.  Our Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys have successfully tried and defended, and appealed hundreds of cases in both State and Federal courts throughout Florida.  These cases include, but are not limited to, felony cases and misdemeanor cases, DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, sex crimes, probation violations, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and motor vehicle crimes.

Police arrested a 46-year-old man on multiple child pornography possession charges.  Clearwater police arrested Joseph Ciancio at his home on Pines Drive in Largo around 10:30 a.m.  He was charged with 20 counts of possessing child pornography following an investigation by the Child Predator Cyber Crime Unit.  Ciancio's video files included files that mention "toddler," "incest," and "bestiality."  Ciancio is being held in lieu of $400,000 bond.

Court records indicate this is not the first time Ciancio has faced charges related to children.  He was arrested on a child abuse charge in 1996.  The 1996 charge was later dropped.  Ciancio was also ordered to take parenting and anger management classes after he pled no contest to charges of battery and child abuse after a 1996 arrest.  Criminal defense attorney John Musca said, "A defendant facing child pornography charges faces very serious penalties even beyond prison.  The stigma associated with such charges means it is very important to have the best legal representation possible to assist you."

According to recent studies, child pornography has become a multi-billion dollar industry.  It is estimated that 20% all pornography is made up of child pornography.  The United States Department of Justice has released estimates that pornographers have recorded the abuse of more than one million children in the U.S. alone.  A recent study of men arrested for possession of child pornography shows that 83% had images of pre-pubescent children and 80% had images depicting graphic penetration.  Additionally, 1 in 5 people arrested for possession of child pornography was found to have images of violence including rape, bondage and torture.

Criminal charges for sexual assault, rape, and other sexual offenses can destroy your reputation and most importantly your future.  When charged with a criminal offense it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side who will advocate aggressively for your rights.  At Musca Law, we believe that anyone accused of a crime deserves the strongest and most effective defense possible.  Contact Musca Law for an initial consultation, so we can provide you with the best possible outcome.

Friends and family of James Bruce are trying to come to term with why a 73-year-old law abiding grandfather suddenly robs three South Tampa Banks.  Bruce walked into Bank of America on January 15 and slipped the teller a note demanding $600.  Tampa sheriff's deputies said that Bruce struck again in an identical fashion on February 1 at a SunTrust Bank and February 10 at another Bank of America.  During the first two robberies, Bruce left the bank on foot; the third he drove his old pickup.  Those who know Bruce point out he did not attempt to disguise himself or use a gun and asked for only a small sum of money.  The demand notes did not characterize his actions as a robbery and indicated that he intended to pay the money back.

An expert speculated on the cased based on the reports.  "Why only $600 if you're going to rob a bank?  Why not $60,000?" said psychiatrist Daniel Amen, who operates brain clinics across the country.  Amen said that Bruce's behavior is consistent with a condition called frontotemporal dementia.  Amen explained that the condition impairs the area of the brain responsible for planning and impulse control.  "Everyone has fantasies, but those with dementia are more likely to carry them out," said Amen.

Those who knew Bruce indicated he had started acting differently lately.  His family said they were concerned about him because he seemed to be having a hard time remembering things.  Tampa Detective Melinda Reuis disagreed saying that in the 90 minutes they spoke he showed no signs of memory problems.  "He's not losing his mind," said Reuis.  "For a 73-year-old-man, he's pretty with it."

Family members and friends also said he had started asking for small amounts of money from friends -- $10 here and $20 there - even after the bank robberies.  "I have known him for years," said Delia Urrutia, one such friend. "He never, ever, ever before asked for money.

Michael Lopez, who manages a plant shop next to Bruce's business, who had a chance to view the banks' surveillance video does not believe that Bruce was operating at full mental capacity.  Defense attorney John Musca commented that given the surveillance video and other circumstances of the case Bruce's mental capacity might be an important part of his defense.

Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices located across the State of Florida.  Our Tampa criminal defense Attorneys will aggressively defend your rights on the State and Federal level.  The prosecution is looking to punish you to the fullest extent of the law.  You need a knowledgeable attorney to watch out for you.  Contact the Tampa criminal lawyers at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

James W. Bruce, a 73-year-old grandfather, was arrested last Thursday on three counts of bank robbery.  Bruce told deputies that he that he needed to pay his mortgage.  This most recent arrest is just one in a recent "crime wave" by senior citizens in the Tampa area, which has left some puzzled.  During the last two months, 29 people over the age of 70 and 42 people from ages 66-70 have been arrested.  Even more surprising, these offenses are not minor traffic violations but include domestic battery [two cases], robbery [two cases], grand theft [three cases], aggravated assault and driving under the influence [five cases].

"We always assume age leads to wisdom but that is not necessarily the case," said Musca.  "Such a large number of arrests of senior citizens might strike one as strange at first blush," Musca explained, "but when the economy is bad and unemployment is high, desperation can set in."  Musca also pointed out that even spikes in cases of DUI and domestic violence are not unusual during stressful economic times.

Just last month, Pasco Sheriff's deputies charged Harold Van Horn, a 66 year-old-man, of robbing three banks.  According to the reports, Van Horn had been drifting between various hotels along U.S. 19, when he robbed a Regions Bank twice and a Fifth Third Bank.  Van Horn told deputies that he traveled to Florida when he lost his job in Ohio and turned to robbing banks to support himself.

There are other recent examples of this unusual trend.  Mary Joan Webb, age 77, was arrested and charged in December with grand theft for stealing $534 of merchandise from Macy's at Westshore Plaza.  In another incident, Lieutenant Johnson, age 73 and his wife, age 72, were recently charged with robbery using a firearm.  Johnson had no previous arrest record in Florida according to state records.  In yet another example, Pasco County sheriff's deputies arrested and charged Milo Dakic, age 73, with selling a $20,000 excavator that he did not own.

Continue reading "Attorney Musca Discusses Senior Citizen "Crime Spree" ! " »

In a bizarre rampage, Andre Rodne Watkins was arrested after a carjacking and shooting rampage that left one person dead, two people critically injured and Watkins in jail.  The rampage started when someone who had known Watkins for 5 years let Watkins in his F-150 pickup truck.  Once inside the vehicle, Watkins pulled a 45-caliber handgun from his waistband and ordered the driver to take him to Chadbourne Drive.  Alyssa Aracich who was in the backseat of her red Pontiac Sunfire was killed when Watkins arrived on the scene and started shooting at the car.  Two friends of Aracich who were also in the car fled.  Watkins gave chase and continued shooting but the friends escaped unharmed.

After shooting Aracich, Watkins forced the driver of the F-150 to take Watkins back to his car, which was parked at a 7-Eleven.  Watkins got in his Pontiac GTO drove to his house and switched cars getting into a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu.  Watkins drove to the home of Ariel Love and knocked on the door, but when Love answered the door, Watkins began shooting at him.  Love was shot and taken to St. Joseph's Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

According to Deputies, Watkins then drove to a BP Gas Station on Linebaugh Avenue where he asked the clerk at the store for cigarettes but then without warning opened fire.  The clerk is also in critical condition at St Joseph's Hospital.  After shooting the store clerk, Watkins then drove to the home of Demetrius Jackson, who was in his front yard.  Watkins got out of his car and again began to open fire at Jackson, who fled and escaped without injury.

A Sheriff Deputy in an unmarked police car later recognized Watkins at a Marathon gas station.  Watkins was taken into custody but tried to resist according to the report.  Watkins faces numerous criminal charges including first-degree murder, carjacking, kidnapping and attempted first-degree murder.  He made his first appearance on Sunday.  Watkin's attorney said he had to impress on his client the importance of being calm and respectful in court.  John Musca, a Florida criminal defense attorney, said, "I was surprised to hear Watkins' attorney say that Watkins needed to remain in jail right now.  It is somewhat unusual for a defense attorney to take that position especially in a statement to the public."

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The Greenwood County Coroner Jim Coursey ruled that despite the fact that former Tampa defensive end Gaines Adams had marijuana and alcohol in his system when he died neither substance contributed to his death on January 17.  The coroner found that the cause of death was cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.  Adams only had a blood alcohol level of .021, which is about one-fourth the level at which it is legal to drive a car.

Adams was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft out of Clemson.  It was hoped that Adams would revive Tampa Bay's pass rush, but Adams never lived up to expectations.  During Adams 47 games over 3 years with the Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Adams had 67 tackles, including 13.5 sacks.  Adams did not live up to the mark set for him by Tampa coach Raheem Morris who said at the start of training came that Adams could be considered a "bust" if he did not have at least ten sacks.  He was eventually traded to Chicago in October for a second round pick in the 2010 draft.

Morris said of Adams after his death, "'[A] true team player and a positive influence on everyone he met.  My prayers go out to his family.  The Tampa Bay Buc's ownership and Tampa players were saddened by his death."  Roger Goodall, the NFL commissioner said of Adams, "I remember him at the 2007 draft as a fine young man.  Our condolences to Gaines' family, his teammates on the Bears and Buccaneers, and their organizations on their loss."  Adams teammates with both Chicago and Tampa have commented on Adams enormous potential.  "He had so much potential that had yet to be achieved, and I am very sad that the full extent of his life won't be realized," said cornerback Ronde Barber.

Continue reading "Former Tampa Defense End; Marijuana And Alcohol Were Not The Cause Of Death." »