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 DUIand 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.
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."
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.
Jeremy Lee Taff was arrested in the Tampa suburb of Clearwater and faces a federal felony interstatestalkingcharge while already fighting a fine and jail time on a misdemeanor conviction for harassing communications of the victim. Court records show Taff and the victim attended the same high school in the 1990s.
However, an affidavit of the victim indicates Taff's post graduation communications with her became annoying and then frightening in January and February of 2009. The FBI filed an affidavit with emails from Taff including graphic descriptions of his desire to rapeand sodomize the victim. Taff will be brought back to Mobile, Alabama for a court appearance. The U.S. Attorney's Office plans to present the case to the grand jury this month. If he is convicted, Taff could be sentenced up to a maximum of 5 years in prison.
The woman originally sought an arrest warrantfrom the Daphne Police Department in March. On October 5, Taff showed up at her home and said he wanted to take her picture. Police arrested him later that day at a motel. A Daphne municipal court found Taff guilty in November and sentenced him to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Taff was out on bail while awaiting an appeal.
Taff has a history of legal and mental health problems. According to Minnesota court records, Taff was convicted in 2003 of violating a restraining order and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, two years probation and an anger management program. Taff pleaded guilty to making terrorists threats and was sentenced to three years probation and psychological counseling in 2005. His probation was revoked in 2008 when he was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. He was committed to a mental hospital by Minnesota courts for mental illness in 2004 and 2006.
Criminal charges for stalking, sexual assault, rape, internet solicitation 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.
A public school was forced on modified lockdown, after a death threat was made towards one of the students, by the student's father.
The suspect had been served with a domestic violence injunction that morning by the county sheriff's office.
The injunction resulted in a physical confrontation with the student's mother as the suspect was waiting for the mother to show up for work. He then tried to force her into his vehicle by threat of gun. The woman struggled and managed to escape. The suspect fled the scene however a threat was made that he was going to kill his son. This threat led to a modified lockdown on the school.
After tracking down a relative of the suspect, the police set up surveillance at the relative's home, where an arrest of the suspect was made. He now faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, battery, tampering with a witness, and violation of an injunction.
Although attorneys at Musca Law do not condone domestic violence, they understand that as professional criminal defense attorneys, the need to protect the rights of persons who are accused or have committed acts of physical abuse. Musca Law represents individuals in criminal domestic violence cases.
As with any criminal case, Musca Law conducts a thorough investigation of the facts. They work with medical and psychological experts to gain a clear understanding of the dynamics of the family system involved.
A sheriff's deputy with an exemplary record has been charged with the sexual assault of a woman that he had arrested. The woman was handcuffed and arrested after her license plate number had been phoned into police concerning a hit and run accident.
In a report made by investigators the deputy forced the woman to have sex with him in exchange for her release.
The deputy drove the woman down a dead end road, released the handcuffs, where a sexual act was performed. The woman was later taken to her home where she immediately reported the incident to the police.
After an investigation into the incident the deputy was charged with sexual batteryand placed on administrative leave without pay.
In comments made by the sheriff's department, "we are disgusted by this betrayal of public trust", "his actions reflect on every other man and woman who wears a uniform", "we cannot escape the consequences of one individual's actions".
Never mind a conviction, when someone is charged with a sex crimetheir life will not be the same again. This is made clear by the comments made from the sheriff's department. Additionally, a conviction of a sex crime requires that a person register permanently on the sex offender's registry, which is viewable to the public.
If you or someone that you know has been charged with a sex crime, you will need to retain an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney. The consequences of these charges can be life-altering, where experienced legal representation is needed.
The Law Offices of Musca Law are fully prepared to handle your sex crime case. As a leading Florida criminal defense law firm, we will provide you the legal representation that you need to fight your sex crime charges
Two suspects have been arrested in connection to stealing seven golf carts from Spring Hill Golf and Country Club. The defendants, 24-year old David Stanley and 30-year old Tiffany Hines, are charged with burglary,dealing in stolen propertyand burglary of a conveyance.
Officers claim that on November 23 and November 25, the pair broke into the Spring Hill Golf and Country Club for the purpose of stealing the golf carts. Each vehicle is valued at $3,000 each. Stanley and Hines then drove the carts to an offsite garage. The defendants also damaged a golf course fence and gate during the course of the burglaries. Hines has been released on $7,000 bond and Stanley remains inside jail without posting his $6,000 bond.
Tampa authorities arrested two women who allegedly used the popular website, Craigslist, to solicit customers for acts of prostitution. Undercover officers searched the online classified site for possible ads associated with prostitutes soliciting sex. The Tampa Police Department set up an undercover sting operation at hotel located at 4732 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.
Within two hours of each other, Tampa Police arrested two suspects in connection with soliciting sex acts online. The first of the suspects, 26-year old Jodi Boatright, arrived to the room and requested $200 to perform a sex act. Officers contacted the second suspect, 20 year old Genevieve Kloska, via phone. Kloska showed up and suggested she perform a specific sexual act for a fee of $200.
Both female suspects were arrested and charged with prostitution. Boatright remains inside the Orient Road Jail on $250 bond. Kloska is awaiting trial out on bond on $250 bond.
A Hillsborough County man has been charged with kidnapping his own infant son. The defendant, 22-year old Jason Foster, allegedly took his son from his Tampa home and then texted the child mother's threatening that she would never see her child again. Foster has no custody rights to the six month old infant and does not reside with the child's mother.
Officers got into touch with Foster via telephone and explained the harsh criminal implications developing from his actions. The suspect responded by laughing into the receiver and hanging up on law enforcement. The deputies later made physical contact with the suspect and arrested him on kidnapping and possession of marijuana charges. Foster acted as if the charges were humorous and admitted to police that he "will take the child again whenever he wanted to..." Foster is awaiting trial inside the Orient Road Jail without bond.
Another individual has been arrested in connection to brawl that occurred in at a Rocky Point wedding reception Sunday. The incident occurred after a wedding guest through dollar bills at dancing children. Another guest felt this individual acted inappropriately and words were exchanged. A full fight broke out involving 30-40 people.
The 74-year old grandmother of the groom, Mary Wright, tried to intervene and stop the brawl. The defendant, 26-year old Sandra Felita Dean, allegedly attempted to choke the elderly woman. Officers tried to stop Dean from leaving the scene with her infant child not strapped in a car seat. The police learned that the defendant possessed a suspended license from repeated Tampa traffic tickets.
Dean fled on foot into the crowd before officers could place her under arrest. A pick-up notice was issued and eventually took her into custody yesterday. Dean faces charges of felony battery on a person older than 65, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license and obstructing an officer without violence. If she is convicted on all charges, she could face a consecutive sentence of up to 7 years behind bars.
Officers responded to the scene of a man threatening to kill his wife with a machete. The incident occurred this weekend at 2:30 a.m. at a residence located at 8100 North Marks Street, Tampa. Police arrested the defendant, 38-year old Virticee Lamar Thompson, after he allegedly acted out "in a fit of rage" towards his wife of five years by swinging a machete in her direction.
Thompson claimed that he planned on killing his wife and then himself. The victim's 16-year old daughter witnessed the event. Thompson now faces charges of aggravated assault and violation of sexual batteryprobation.
An alleged victim approached officers responding to the scene of another call in Spring Hill. The victim told the police that a man peered over the dressing room door when she was trying on clothes at a JC Penny store.
Officers tracked down the accused suspect, 29-year old Kevin Winger. He claimed that a woman verbally attacked him after trying on jeans in another dressing room. After some discussions with officers Winger eventually admitted to peering into the dressing room in an attempt to see the woman unclothed. Officers arrested the suspect and charged him with voyeurism.
With the speed of technology and the power of the web, voyeurism crimes in our community are becoming more prevalent than ever before. Most recently ESPN correspondent Erin Andrews unwittingly grabbed headlines when an offender videotaped her blow drying her hair in the nude inside her hotel room. This high profile case grabbed worldwide attention to growing crime of voyeurism.
The University of South Florida has reported a 32% decline in crimes since the year 2005 with arrests spiking up 23%. Reported felonies have dropped from 568 in 2005 to 388 in 2008. This includes seven categories of murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. There has only been one murder on campus since the year 2005. The number of arrests have also risen from 238 in 2005 to 293 last year. However, the University Police Department has reported that overall crime is down on the Tampa campus. Most of the offenses that take place are committed by those individuals with no association to the university. These offenders are considered opportunistic to circumstances. A spokesperson for the department stated that the overwhelming visible police presence has contributed to the positive statistics.
A Pasco County man has been arrested on child pornography charges after videotaping children showering at the beach. The crime took place at Robert K. Rees Memorial Park in New Port Richey. Parents alerted a beach park attendant who contacted police about a suspicious man, Robert Howard Fuller, Jr.
Witnesses signed an arrest affidavit stating they saw Fuller recording the showering children. Officers took the camera into evidence. The camera contained an image of a girl between the ages of 5 and 8 engaged in a sexual activity. Other images were recorded of nude children, but not in provocative poses.
Officers arrested Fuller and charged him with possession of child pornography. He admitted to authorities that he has been videotaping children for years and this is the first time anyone stood up to him. He also admitted that he receives sexual gratification from looking at children. Fuller remains inside the Land O' Lakes Jail on $5,000 bond.
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