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4 Jailed, 2 Sought In Tampa Burglary Ring Sting

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By JOSH POLTILOVE and VALERIE KALFRIN of The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 3, 2008

Updated: 01/03/2008 01:49 pm

TAMPA - Police have busted an organized burglary ring after a four-month investigation, authorities said this morning.

Operation Winter H.E.A.T. allowed detectives to shut down a ring suspected of stealing dozens of cars and car rims in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Tallahassee, a Tampa Police Department news release states.

Several suspects were involved in gangs, police say. Four people were arrested, and two key players remain at large.

In custody are Maurice Antuan Garrett, 21; Erica C. Reed, 21; Henry Allen Merrell, 23; Riley T. Jackson, 19. All are Tampa residents.

Merrell, of 4017 E. 7th Ave., was charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, two counts of grand theft auto, two counts of burglary of a conveyance and grand theft.

Merrell, who police say is a member of the Draks gang, was arrested Saturday.

He conspired during several intercepted phone calls to sell and deliver cocaine to a witness, a criminal arrest affidavit says. On Dec. 16, he agreed to sell and deliver 7 grams of cocaine for $200.

Undercover units didn't arrest him on Dec. 16 because of the ongoing investigation.

Garrett, of 3402 E Frierson Ave., was charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering, five counts of auto theft, five counts of burglary of a conveyance, three counts of grand theft and one count of conspiracy to commit grand theft.

Reed, of 3606 Deleuil Ave., was charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

Jackson, of 3015 E. Ellicott St., was charged with burglary of a residence, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

Authorities are looking for Jeffrey Frank Bush, 23, of 3103 E. 18th Ave. He is wanted on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

Maurice Devine Deshazier, 19, of 3611 E Frierson Ave., Tampa, is wanted on charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, two counts of auto theft, two counts of burglary of a conveyance, grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at vkalfrin@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7800.

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