Gang Crackdown Nets 'Worst of the Worst'

Noting a "significant increase in gang-related violence" in Eastern Hillsborough County, including a drive-by shooting that felled a gang member who survived, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office launched Operation Red Dawn to meet this "storm of violence" head-on.

The subject of the drive-by shooting "was a gang member and we suspected that other gang members were involved," Col. Donna Lusczynski said at a press conference June 3. "It was at this time sheriff [David Gee] decided it was time to send another strong message out to these gang members and stop the storm of violence that they were creating."

At issue were the activites of Nortenos gang members, who identify themselve by the color red and the number 14. Based on a criminal street gang based in California, the gang also goes by the name Norte 14. Its main rival is the Surenos gang, also known as Sur 13, which goes by the color blue and the number 13.

"The sheriff has always made it a priority that we would not allow these gangs to gain a foothold in our community, so we don't have the problems some of the big cities face," Lusczynski said.

Targeted were Nortenos gang members and associates linked to crimes in Hillsborough — and with links also to crimes in Pasco, Polk and Manatee counties.

The analysis of historical cases involving these subjects reportedly included homicides, robberies, aggravated batteries, narcotics trafficking and criminal mischief involving graffiti.

Operation Red Dawn's "extensive manpower" included District 2 detectives with the sheriff's special investigations unit. Also, partnerships with the Plant City Police Department, state attorney general Pam Bondi and the state prosecutor's office.

The operation was aided by "members of our community who stood up to these individuals and decided it was time to fight back," Lusczynski added.

Eleven key gang members, ages 17 to 27, were indicted and charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization and conspiracy to commit RICO, Lusczynski said, in a video taping of the June 3 press conference.

These individuals are "the worst of the worst," Lusczynski said, and "today our streets are much safer with these subjects off of [them]."

"I can assure you," she added, "it won't be the last group we're focusing on."

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• For more, view the attached Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office video of the June 3 "Operation Red Dawn" press conference.

• See Hillsborough gang investigation results in arrest, posted by The Tampa Tribune.

• Post your reaction to the gang crackdown in the comment box below.

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