Page 41 - Florida Sentinel 10-22-21

Crime
5 Rescued; 125 Jailed In Human Investigation
Federal Jury Convicts Man Of Drug Charges
Detectives have rescued 5 victims they believe are vic- tims of human trafficking, and arrested 125 suspects. The investigation, known as “Operation Round Up,” began on August 4th, and concluded on October 13th.
The 20-day investigation by the newly formed Human Trafficking Unit, focused on individuals who attempted to prey on minors, sought sex for themselves, or exploited vic- tims through human traffick- ing. The new unit is composed of 12 members.
Hillsborough County
Sheriff Chad Chronister
said, “Individuals who make a conscious choice and effort to take advantage of others through human trafficking have no room in Hillsborough County.
“Our approach and efforts year-round are proactive and relentless. Our strong team of detectives will continue to work tirelessly to takedown and put a stop to human traf- ficking.”
Detectives arrested Joel Velasco, 38, a Hillsborough County Public School teacher, and Samuel Phillips, Jr., 44, a pastor at Be Limitless Church.
“These men who were all
SAMUEL PHILLIPS, JR.
JOEL VELASCO
A federal jury found a 44- year-old man guilty of con- spiracy to possess drugs with the intent to distribute and other charges. He is facing a minimum mandatory sen- tence of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has been set for January 14, 2022. He was indicted on August 4, 2020.
Clifford Edward Albritton, III, of Lakeland, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess 400 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in July 2020, Albritton arrived at a purported deal
Man Charged With Murder Of Woman Sitting In Car
TYRON BYRON JACKASAL
Police have arrested a 21- year-old man and charged him with murder. He is accused of shooting during a gathering and a bullet struck a woman sitting in a car.
According to the St. Peters- burg Police Department, around 10:50 p.m., on April 4th, an informal gathering took place at the Wildwood Park, 1000 28th Street, South.
During the gathering, po- lice said a man fired several shots in the parking lot. Ms. Emily Grot, 35, was seated in a vehicle at the time and was struck by one of the bullets. She died as a result of her in- juries. Police said they do not believe she was the intended victim.
Detectives have charged Tyron Byron Jackasal with second-degree murder last Wednesday. He was already in the Pinellas County Jail on unrelated charges.
CLIFFORD EDWARD ALBRITTON, III
with his supplier, Donovan Holmes. Albritton had more than 300 grams of fen- tanyl and a scale hidden in his pants. Both men were subse- quently arrested.
Holmes, who testified at trial after previously pleading
DONOVAN HOLMES
guilty, described how Albrit- ton was a part of a larger fen- tanyl conspiracy encompassing multiple deal- ers.
Holmes is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28, 2021.
held to a standard of trust and respect were all arrested for soliciting another to commit prostitution,” Sheriff Chro- nister said.
Detectives also arrested two men for the transmission of harmful material to a minor. One of the men was charged with traveling to meet a minor after using comp services/devices to so- licit certain act.
During the operation, po- lice also helped rescue four women and a teenager. The victims were recovered and referred to Selah Freedom, which then offered needed support and resources.
Anyone who has infor- mation about human trafficking is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hot- line at 1-888-373-7888.
Two In Stolen Car Lead Police On Chase
Two people have been taken into custody and charged in connection with theft and burglary of a vehicle. The incident took place early Monday in Zephyrhills.
According to the Tampa Police Department, at approx- imately 6:30 a.m., officers lo- cated a vehicle that was recently stolen from a WAWA gas station in Zephyrhills. The vehicle was occupied by two people seen in the area of E. MLK Blvd., and Interstate 275. Officers attempted to conduct a stop near E. North Bay Street and N. Ola Avenue, when the driver of the vehicle sped off.
A pursuit took place and the officers successfully used stop sticks near W. MLK Blvd., and N. Armenia Av- enue.
The vehicle came to a stop and the driver fled on foot. A brief foot chase ensued until the suspect stopped running and turned towards officers. He then put his hand under his shirt and manipu- lated his hand so it would ap- pear like he had a firearm and pointed it at the
VICTORIA BINKLEY
MAURICE FRYSON
officers.
The officers used tasers
until they were able to safely take the driver into custody. The driver was identified as 44-year-old Maurice Fryson. He was arrested and charged with grand theft auto, auto burglary, fleeing to elude, and resisting arrest.
Ms. Victoria Binkley,
28, was identified as the pas- senger in the vehicle. She was charged with burglary of an auto. Both were transported to the Hillsborough County Jail.
Police said that after being taken into custody, Fryson apologized to the officers for his actions and putting himself into a life and death situation by pretending to have a firearm.
UNCLE SANDY
Nothing ever goes away, 9, 14, 23, 36, 40, until it teaches us what we need to know, 4, 21, 38, 50, 62.
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