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Theft Victims Flood Hillsborough Sheriff's Office With Calls After Yearlong Sting Operation

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By MIKE WELLS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 2, 2007

TAMPA - News of a yearlong storefront sting operation that put nearly $2 million in stolen goods inside the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's evidence rooms and impound lots has many theft victims "inundating" the agency with calls, Maj. Paul Davis said.

The operation, dubbed "Deputies Against Guns," was focused at removing illegal weapons from the hands of criminals, but the wide net it cast caught more than just 214 guns.

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Undercover detectives operating out of DAG's Electronics on U.S. 92 in Seffner also bought stolen cars, trucks, watercraft and electronics from the 203 suspects who came through the doors.

Most vehicles were quickly returned to the owners, thanks to having intact vehicle identification numbers. However, a few are still with the sheriff's office and many electronics, including stereos and computers, have proven untraceable, Davis said.

A public viewing of the remaining property is being planned and the sheriff's office expects to announce the date next week, he said.
"We want people to come forward if they think we have something of theirs," he said.

Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampatrib.com.

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