Tampa Criminal Lawyer Blog

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.

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.

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."

Continue reading "Attorney Musca Comments on Shooting Rampage by Tampa Man Andre Rodne Watkins " »

Jeremy Lee Taff was arrested in the Tampa suburb of Clearwater and faces a federal felony interstate stalking charge 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 rape and 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 warrant from 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.

If you have been charged with spousal abuse, child abuse, sexual assault, injunction violation, stalking, harassment or internet threats, contact Musca Law, a full service criminal defense firm that defends those accused of domestic violence crimes.

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 battery and 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 crime their 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
                                                                                                                                                 

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