Tampa Criminal Lawyer Blog

Attorney Musca Discusses Arrest of Prostitutes Advertised on Craigslist

2009-11-25T19:11:17Z

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.

object width="425" height="344">]]> Florida Law considers the crime of prostitution as the unlawful giving or receiving a sexual act for hire. However, spouses cannot be charged with the crime of prostitution. This crime is a second degree misdemeanor in the State and is punishable by up to 60 days in jail. Facing criminal charges of prostitution is not only a serious, but emotionally embarrassing criminal offense.

If you or a loved one has been charged with the crime of prostitution, contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer for assistance with your case. The Tampa criminal lawyer firm of Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with two convenient Tampa offices to serve you. The Tampa criminal attorneys at Musca Law understand that sensitivity during this emotionally difficult time is essential. Contact the Tampa defense lawyers at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive consultation.

Attorney Musca Discusses Tampa Man Kidnapping Own Infant Son

2009-11-19T19:59:09Z

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.

]]> If you or a loved one has been accused of a Tampa kidnapping or involved with a Tampa drug crime, contact a knowledgeable Tampa criminal defense lawyer for help with your case. The attorneys at Musca Law possess over 100 years of combined legal experience with two convenient Tampa criminal defense offices in the bay area. No other firm of Tampa criminal lawyers can claim more experience. Contact the attorneys at Musca Law for a free comprehensive review of your case.

Defendant Arrested in Connection to Rocky Point Wedding Brawl

2009-11-13T19:09:21Z

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.

]]> If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime, contact an experienced Tampa criminal attorney for help with your case. The Tampa criminal defense lawyers at Musca Law possess over 100 years of combined experience assisting those who face criminal charges. Contact a Tampa felony attorney for a free consultation and comprehensive review of your case.

Tampa Defendant Arrested for Threatening Wife with Machete

2009-11-02T20:13:02Z

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 battery probation.

]]> In 2001, the Polk County Court convicted Thompson of attempted sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. He served a two year prison sentence and is currently on Court monitored probation until 2013. Thompson has had four previous arrests in Hillsborough County, including one for DUI and driving on a suspended license. This most recent arrest violated the conditions of his probation and the defendant could now face additional penalties.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a criminal offense, contact Tampa's most knowledgeable legal team. Musca Law possesses over 100 years of combined legal experience with proven successful results. Do not face the Court system alone. Contact the Tampa criminal defense lawyers at Musca Law for a free, in depth review of your case and the charges against you.

Man Arrested on Voyeurism Charges After Watching Victim in Dressing Room

2009-10-20T22:03:52Z

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.

]]> Pursuant to Florida Statute 810.14, an offender may be found guilty of the crime of voyeurism if they act in a lewd or lascivious matter with indecent intent at a location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Bedrooms, hotel rooms, bathrooms or changing rooms are places where one can expect privacy without the threat of public viewing. Florida law considers the crime of voyeurism a first degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime of voyeurism or other sexual offense, contact a knowledgeable attorney to work for you. The Tampa criminal lawyers at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience with proven successful results. Do not trust your future to a less qualified counsel. Contact Musca Law for a free consultation and comprehensive review of your case.

Arrests at University of South Florida are up and Crime Down

2009-10-05T02:22:31Z

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.
]]> DUI checkpoints and different officer saturation efforts. The USF Police Department has even won awards for their efforts, winning a Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicle.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense on or around the University of South Florida campus, contact an aggressive lawyer to fight the charges against you. The attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience serving the people the Tampa area.
I understand that officers acting in good faith often make mistakes resulting in unjust criminal charges against an innocent bystander. Do not let the repercussions of a criminal conviction influence your future. Contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Musca Law for help with your case and a free consultation

Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges after Videotaping Children at the Beach

2009-09-30T04:29:49Z

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.

]]> The crime of child pornography occurs when the image of a minor child, under the age of 18, engaging in sexual behavior or sexually suggestive poses. Florida Statute 775.0847, considers this offense a third degree felony and punishable by up to five years in prison for each count. The State will charge a suspect with an individual count for each image, even if the image is duplicative. For example, if a suspect is convicted of possessing three pornographic child images, that suspect could face 15 years in prison.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime against a child, contact an aggressive Tampa criminal attorney for help with your case. The attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience and the knowledge to take on challenging cases. Contact Musca Law today for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Spring Hill Doctor's Employee Arrested on Filling False Prescriptions

2009-09-26T03:14:34Z

A Spring Hill doctor's employee has been arrested on charges of drug trafficking and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forgery. The employee for Dr. Vincent Alia, 33-year old Kimberly Erin McGivern, allegedly contacted Walgreens Pharmacy and placed orders for two false prescriptions of Xanax and hydrocodone. She has only worked for the doctor since August of this year. McGivern used another employee's name when she contacted the pharmacy without Dr. Alia's permission or consent.

The defendant admitted to police that she suffered from a prescription drug problem and to falsely obtaining the prescription medication. The police have arrested McGivern on felony charges of trafficking in drugs and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forgery. She is currently being held inside the Hernando County Jail on $105,000.

]]> McGivern could face a possible first degree felony for drug trafficking for her illegally gaining access to prescription drugs. She is also an admitted drug addict. This felony charge would make McGivern ineligible to enter into a diversion program and get the professional help that she so desperately needs.

If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges, contact a Tampa felony drug lawyer for help with your case. Musca Law firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience with two convenient Tampa offices to serve you. We understand the many personal circumstances surrounding a criminal drug charge. You only get one day in Court and are considered innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law. Allow our attorneys to rigorously defend the charges against you.

Attorney Musca Discusses Felony Drug Arrest of Suspect

2009-09-24T02:40:06Z

Officers arrested a Tampa man for drugs and allegedly punching a deputy in the face. The police approached a black SUV with an unassigned tag at the intersection of North Mobley Street and West Charlotte Street in Plant City. The defendant, Emilio Perez Lopez, attempted to flee and the officers followed. Lopez jumped out of the SUV on foot and attempted to jump a fence.

The officers pulled the suspect off the fence and a struggle ensued. The police tried to administer a taser gun, but it malfunctioned. Other officers had to assist in restraining Lopez before he was eventually apprehended. A pat down search of the suspect revealed two clear plastic bags containing the drugs cocaine and methamphetamine.

]]> Lopez now faces serious felony charges. He has been charged with resisting arrest, battery on a law enforcement officer, drug trafficking, cocaine possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and violation of DUI probation. The judge has not set bail and Lopez is currently awaiting trial inside jail.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a Tampa drug crime, contact a reputable attorney for help with your case. The attorneys of Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience with two convenient Tampa offices. We have handled countless criminal cases and with proven successful case results. Contact the Tampa criminal defense attorneys at Musca Law for a free, in depth review of your case.

Tampa Fire Medic Charged with Exposing Privates to the Public

2009-09-21T02:34:33Z

A Hillsborough County fire medic is facing criminal charges for allegedly exposing his genitals to women. The defendant, 29-year old Julio Colon from Spring Hill, is accused of driving his vehicle up to the front of a school and yelling at a female jogger passing by. Colon got the woman's attention and she saw him standing next to his vehicle completely nude. She took off inside of the school to contact the authorities.

On a second incident, Colon allegedly drove up next to a 16-year old girl walking home. He started following her, yelled to get her attention and then exposed his naked body. The defendant drove off, but not without the teenage victim obtaining Colon's license plate number.

It took a few days, but the police tracked down Colon and the teen was able to pick the defendant out of a lineup. He admitted to officers that he exposed himself to women in several different instances and got a "rush" from the experience. He is charged with two counts of exposure of sexual organs.

]]> Colon started with the Hillsborough Fire Rescue on April 17, 2006, without receiving disciplinary actions. He has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. Colon has not yet posted the $2,000 bond and awaits trial inside the Hernando County Jail.

If you or a loved one has been arrested on a criminal charge, contact a reputable Tampa defense attorney for help with your case. The firm of Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with two convenient offices located in the Tampa area. Remember that you are considered innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law. Contact the Tampa criminal attorneys at Musca Law for a free consultation.

Man Hunt for Polk County Convicted Felon

2009-09-17T03:48:18Z

A convicted Polk County felon allegedly cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet, ignored his probation sentence and skipped town. The Court convicted the defendant, 42-year old Manuel Lopez, of aggravated stalking of a fourteen year old victim in 2008. Lopez was ordered to serve a sentence of probation, house arrest and wear an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet.

The defendant failed to appear at a hearing this week and the authorities later discovered that the electronic monitoring bracelet had been tampered with. Officers believe that Lopez is on the run with his 73-year old father. The men were last seen by neighbors leaving the home that they shared together.

Authorities have located the defendant's abandoned vehicle. The police have reason to believe that Lopez is hiding in or around the Nashville, Tennessee area. When found, the defendant will likely face additional criminal charges for violating probation. As of this time, Lopez is still at large.

]]> Facing criminal charges is a difficult and stressful experience. A defendant is forced to make crucial and life changing decisions under such tense circumstances. You need a knowledgeable Tampa defense lawyer to fight for your rights.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, contact a reputable Tampa criminal defense attorney for a review of your case. Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with a proven successful case track record. We have convenient offices located across the State of Florida and are proud to defend clients while they go through a challenging time in their life. Contact the attorneys at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Army Reservist Accused of Domestic and Sexual Battery against Girlfriend

2009-09-16T04:38:03Z

A Palm Harbor army reservist has been arrested for domestic battery and felony attempted sexual battery against his girlfriend. The defendant, 27-year old Patrick Doyle, allegedly became enraged with his girlfriend when she did not bring him home dinner. The victim stated to police that Doyle had been drinking, spit on her and then tried to force her to engage in sex.

The victim refused the defendant's advances and the Doyle retaliated. He is accused of hitting his girlfriend, throwing a chair and lit cigarettes at her, chasing her around their home and threatening her. The victim stated she managed to escape her boyfriend's attack by kicking him in the chest in self defense.

Doyle joined the Army Reserve in June 2005. He is ranked as Sergeant of Medical Command as a veterinary food inspector. The defendant has twice been convicted of the crime of driving under the influence since the year 2000.

]]> The police have charged Doyle with domestic battery and felony attempted sexual battery for the crimes that allegedly took place against his girlfriend. He has not yet posted the $11,000 bond and is currently awaiting trial inside the Pinellas County Jail.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a Tampa felony crime, contact a reputable attorney for assistance. I understand that the influence of alcohol can negatively impact the judgment of an upstanding individual. The firm of Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with two convenient offices located in Tampa. Contact Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Tampa Man Arrested for Bringing Daughter to Drug Deal

2009-09-09T15:19:55Z

Officers arrested a Tampa suspect who allegedly brought his five year old daughter to a drug deal. Undercover officers witnessed the defendant, 28 year old Anton Hernandez, leave his vehicle with his young daughter inside. Hernandez then placed an unmarked black bag onto the doorstep of a residence. Officers retrieved the black bag and discovered a small clear bag containing a rock like substance.

The rock substance tested positive for cocaine. Tampa officers arrested Hernandez and charged him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and child neglect. He has not posted the required $17,000 bond and remains inside the Orient Road Jail.

Florida law considers the crime of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute a felony offense. In addition, the child neglect charge is also a felony in this State. A criminal conviction of this magnitude can result in serious implications such as prison time, fines, job loss, financial hardships and tremendous stress on the offender, their family and friends.

]]> If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, contact a knowledgeable Tampa felony lawyer for assistance. Musca Law has over 100 years of combined experience and handles a full range of criminal cases. Our attorneys understand the consequences associated with a criminal conviction and your fear with the possibility of a criminal sentence. Do not let the State intimidate you into a plea deal without you speaking to a qualified Tampa criminal lawyer. Do not forget that you are considered innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a Court of law.

Tampa Firefighter Charged with Grand Theft after Selling Equipment

2009-09-06T03:32:40Z

Authorities arrested a Tampa Fire and Rescue employee after he allegedly sold goods belonging to the department on the internet. Tampa Police have charged the defendant, 30-year old Wisman Figueroa II, with grand theft. Figueroa has confessed to selling over $11,000 worth of firefighter helmets, pants, jackets, decals, badges and other equipment on the popular bidding website, EBay.

Police arrested the defendant on the crime of grand theft. He posted $2,000 bond and is currently awaiting trial outside of jail. There is no information on what administrative penalties Figueroa will face from the Tampa Fire and Rescue Department.

Pursuant to Florida statute 812.014, State law defines the crime of grand theft as the unlawful taking of the property belonging to another valued at over $300. Florida Grand theft is considered a third degree felony. However, if the stolen property has a value of under $300 then it is considered a misdemeanor petit theft charge. Figueroa could be issued a maximum sentence of five years behind bars if he is convicted on all charges.

]]> If you or a loved one has been charged with a Tampa theft crime, contact a knowledgeable attorney to work for you. I understand the uncertainty facing defendants involved with the Court system. A reputable attorney will break down the charges against you, fight for your rights and challenge the State's case against you. There is more than one side to every case.

My firm possesses over 100 years of combined legal experience. I will not let the charges define the outcome of your case. Contact Musca Law for a comprehensive review of the charges brought forth against you.

An Altercation inside a Clearwater Barbershop leads to Battery Arrest

2009-09-01T03:28:02Z

Officers were called to the scene of a physical altercation that took place at a Clearwater barber shop. The arrest report states that two customers entered Trend Citi Fades barbershop requesting haircuts. The victim, 25-year old Quazi Rahman, claimed he has been a regular customer at the shop for the last six months. He stated that he tried to negotiate a deal for two haircuts for himself and his friend. The owner of the shop, 36-year old Raymond Stewart, became offended and allegedly attacked Rahman.

Stewart is accused of placing Rahman into a headlock and repeatedly punching him in the face. Rahman suffered a black eye and abrasions on his face. Officers arrested Stewart and charged him with felony battery. He posted $10,000 and is awaiting trial outside of the Pinellas County Jail.

This is not the defendant's first dealings with the Court system. In 2001, the State sentenced him to a year behind bars and four years probation stemming from another 1999 felony battery conviction. Pursuant to Florida Statute 784.041, commits felony battery if an offender intentionally strikes another with the purpose of causing great bodily harm. Felony battery is considered a felony in the third degree in the State of Florida and punishable by up to five years in prison.

]]> The defendant has a prior battery conviction and this could likely impact the current case against him. It is important to engage a knowledgeable Tampa felony lawyer to secure a positive outcome in your case. Musca Law is a full service criminal law firm possessing over 100 years of combined legal experience.

We have convenient offices across the State of Florida with a proven track record of successful results. Do not let the charges define the outcome of your proceeding. Experience in the courtroom does impact the end result, contact Musca Law for an in depth consultation of the charges pending against you.