A Central Florida multi-unit operation resulted in several arrests, including teens.
In efforts to reduce vehicle theft and target offenders who seek to victimize the community, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted a two day covert operation leading to several arrests.
During the operation, HCSO’s Targeted Crime Unit, Auto Theft Unit, and Street Crimes Unit arrested eleven individuals.
“This successful operation is another demonstration of how our specialized units work together to protect our community and remove criminals from our streets,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We will continue these targeted efforts to combat crime in Hillsborough County.”
Among those arrested, were two teens in a stolen vehicle. This month, detectives with the assistance of the local Aviation and K-9 Sections successfully arrested the driver, 16-year-old Deara McFadden, who was charged with Grand Theft Motor Vehicle and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification of Another. Deputies also discovered that the front passenger, 16-year-old Charquez Denson, was in possession of a stolen firearm.
According to local law enforcement, the total arrests were:
- 21-year-old Romar Carter: Resisting Officer Without Violence, No Valid Driver’s License, Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer’s Deadly Weapon, Unlawful Carrying Concealed Firearm
- 16-year-old Jaxon Mosley: Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams
- 16-year-old Deara McFadden: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification of Another
- 16-year-old Charquez Denson: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Carrying Concealed Firearm, Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- 16-year-old Paul Lowe-Miller: Trespass in Occupied Structure or Conveyance
- 37-year-old Kenneth Witt: Out of County Warrant, Possession of Controlled Substance
- 30-year-old Eric Newton Jr.: Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked
- 28-year-old Laneisha Hamilton: Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked
- 17-year-old Zion Fipps: Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Officer Without Violence, Child Violation of Probation
- 31-year-old Arionne Terry: Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Cannabis (More Than 20 Grams), Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver
- 26-year-old Abimael Castano-Pena: Armed Possession of Controlled Substance
“When you combine stolen vehicles with illegal firearms, it can lead to a dangerous situation for everyone,”said Sheriff Chronister. “Our deputies are working tirelessly across all units to intervene before these crimes escalate into tragedy. We will continue to hold offenders accountable, regardless of their age.”
This investigation is ongoing, according to local law enforcement.
