Multi-Agency Task Force Targets Violent Offenders:
Nets 65 Arrests Over Two Nights

In an unprecedented teaming of law enforcement agencies in Volusia, Seminole and Orange Counties, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and state and county probation officers, face-to-face contact was made with 1,723 violent felony offenders during the evenings of February 11 and 12, 2008, resulting in the arrests of 65 violent felons. The message to offenders: We are united and focused on the mutual goal of making the streets safe.

Over the course of the two-night operation the following items were seized: six firearms along with various types of ammunition; 21.5 grams of cocaine; one knife, 28 pornographic movies; more than 4.3 pounds of marijuana; $1400 in cash; a large quantity of assorted drug paraphernalia; and a large bag of assorted prescription narcotics. A stolen vehicle was also recovered.

Teams comprised of law enforcement and probation officers knocked on the doors of offenders on probation for violent crimes including homicide, aggravated battery, and carjacking, as well as registered violent offenders. Offenders who were in compliance with probation got the message reinforced that law enforcement may knock on their door at any time. Those that were not in compliance got a trip to the local jail.

“This particular operation involved the teamwork and cooperation of 38 different law enforcement agencies and resulted in the arrests of 65 violent offenders over a two-night period. The streets of Volusia, Orange and Seminole counties are safer tonight due to the diligence of these law enforcement professionals,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Walter McNeil.

Each home visit by law enforcement officers included making contact with each offender, conducting a status check and a walk-through of the offenders’ residences.

This operation was financed through a $740,000 Department of Justice grant that established the Central Florida Community Justice Coalition. Seminole County Sheriff Donald F. Eslinger took the lead in securing the grant, in partnership with Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, police departments throughout the tri-county area and county probation agencies. The grant money will pay officer salaries for this initiative and several other operations focused on reducing violent crime.

Details by County:

Orange County: 
860 offender contacts
24 law enforcement teams involved
35 offender arrests
Contraband seized: 2.3 pounds of marijuana, large amounts of drug paraphernalia (including scales), five firearms and ammunition, $1,400 in cash, one stolen vehicle recovered

Seminole County: 
315 offender contacts
10 law enforcement teams involved
16 offender arrests
Contraband seized: Marijuana, and subject was apprehended on a warrant for robbery, aggravated battery and kidnapping.

Volusia County: 
548 offender contacts
17 law enforcement teams involved
14 offender arrests 
Contraband seized: 21.5 grams of cocaine, one (loaded) 9mm firearm, two pounds of marijuana; large quantity of assorted drug paraphernalia, large bag assorted prescription narcotics, 28 pornographic movies and one knife.

Additional arrests and recovered items are expected over the next few days, pending further investigation and warrants.

Participating Agencies:

Volusia County

• Orange City Police Department
• Lake Helen Police Department
• Daytona Beach Police Department
• Daytona Beach Shores, Public Safety
• Oak Hill Police Department
• South Daytona Beach Police Department
• Ormond Beach Police Department
• Port Orange Police Department
• Deland Police Department
• New Smyrna Beach Police Department
• Holly Hill Police Department
• Volusia County Sheriff's Office
• Ponce Inlet Police Department
• Edgewater Police Department

Orange County

• Edgewood Police Department
• Winter Garden Police Department
• Maitland Police Department
• Oakland Police Department
• Winter Park Police Department
• Ocoee Police Department
• Windermere Police Department
• University of Central Florida Police Department
• Apopka Police Department
• Eatonville Police Department
• Orlando Police Department
• Orange County Sheriff's Office

Seminole County

• Altamonte Springs Police Department
• Lake Mary Police Department
• Oviedo Police Department
• Winter Springs Police Department
• Casselberry Police Department
• Longwood Police Department
• Sanford Police Department
• Seminole County Sheriff's Office
• 7th Circuit Administrator Community Corrections
• 9th Circuit Administrator Community Corrections
• 18th Circuit Administrator Community Corrections
• Seminole County Department of Community Services