Tampa Bay Area Crime News
See the Latest Crime News and Arrest Reports from the Tampa – St. Pete Metro Area
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Johan Smith Pavon Mejia (Tampa, 41) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Mejia faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. According to the indictment and court records, in April 2025, Mejia communicated online with an undercover…
Continue Reading Tampa Man Indicted For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Brandon Lewis Graham (43, Brandon) has pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and cocaine resulting in the death of a victim. Graham faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, and up life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to…
See jail mugshots and charges for suspects across Hillsborough County, Florida. All suspects listed are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrest reports and booking images are provided as public information by law enforcement agencies across the state. Brenda Virto-Olivares. Charge: DUI Justin Laughinghouse, CHARGE: BURGLARY OF AN UNOCCUPIED CONVEYANCE McKenzie…
Below is a press release from the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida regarding the sentencing of Richard Allen Randolph, who committed a string of robberies in Tampa. Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Richard Allen Randolph (44, Youngstown, OH) to 106 years and 6 months in…
In Tampa, the US District Attorney for the Middle Distric of Florida, Roger B. Handberg announced that Mario Espino (25, Holiday) pleaded guilty to five counts of a superseding indictment charging him with kidnapping, possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Espino…
Continue Reading Feds: Florida Man Kidnapped Rival Drug Trafficker
The US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida issued a press release regarding indictments of four individuals suspected of distributing fentanyl that led to the death of a student at the University of South Florida. The release is posted below. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Miguel Cintron…
Continue Reading Four Indicted For Distribution of Fentanyl That Killed USF Student
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Cameron Mosley of Tampa, was sentenced to 10 years and 7 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung. Mosley pled guilty for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. back on February 2, 2024. According to court documents from the US Attorney for the Middle District of…
Continue Reading Tampa Meth Dealer Sentenced To More Than 10 Years In Prison
Yesterday, the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the results of a 5-month, concentrated law enforcement effort to apprehend Tampa’s most violent drug traffickers. Roger Handberg, United States Attorney (USA) for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) and Deanne Reuter, the DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge (SAC), joined…
Continue Reading Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking Suspects Arrested in Tampa
Gun Trafficker Who Tried To Send Firearms To Drug Cartel Members In Mexico Sentenced To Over Thirteen Years In Prison Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Yuendry Rodriguez Hilario (29, Cleveland, OH) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for conspiring to traffic firearms, possessing firearms in furtherance…
Below is an official statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida regarding the sentencing of a man who pled guilty to conspiring to sell fentanyl. Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Luis Irizarry-Santiago, a/k/a “Bullet” (33, Spring Hill), to eight years and four months in…
Overview of Tampa Crime
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Tampa metro area has emerged as one of the most popular cities for Americans relocating during recent years. Home to multiple pro sports teams, along with several universities including the University of South Florida, Tampa is enjoying rapid growth and a revived downtown area, known for beautiful waterfront areas. Like many metropolitan areas, Tampa has its share of crime-related challenges, and understanding the crime landscape is essential to addressing these issues effectively.
Tampa, with a population of approximately 400,000 residents, experiences a diverse range of criminal activity typical of urban centers. The Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement agencies compile and analyze crime statistics regularly, providing valuable insights into the types and frequencies of crimes occurring in the area.
Crime Trends:
Tampa faces various types of crime, including property crimes like burglary and theft, violent crimes such as assault and homicide, and drug-related offenses. These crime types often intersect and contribute to the overall crime landscape in the city. Violent crimes committed with a firearm dropped 5% in 2022, and nonfatal shootings dropped 17% compared to 2021, according to police chief, Lee Bercaw. According to the Tampa Police Department, the city saw 171 nonfatal shootings in 2022, down from 205 the previous year.
To gain a better understanding of crime in Tampa, it is essential to examine trends over time. Crime rates can fluctuate, but proactive law enforcement strategies, community engagement, and targeted interventions have made a positive impact. Programs like community policing, neighborhood watch groups, and diversion programs for at-risk individuals have contributed to reducing crime rates in certain areas.
While Tampa has made progress in addressing crime, challenges persist. Tackling the root causes of crime, such as poverty and substance abuse, remains an ongoing effort. The city must also remain vigilant against emerging threats, adapt to changing criminal trends, and address issues like human trafficking and cybercrime.