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Crackdown On Valentine Blood Gang Brings New Arrest

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By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 12, 2009

Michael Brown

TEMPLE TERRACE - One of three members of the Valentine Blood gang members being sought after being indicted on federal drug and gun charges is now behind bars.

Michael Antonio Brown, 29, was arrested Wednesday by Temple Terrace police on numerous charges, including the federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held without bail at Orient Road Jail.

On Wednesday, officials with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, New Port Richey Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced federal indictments against those they described as dangerous members of a New Port Richey-based set of a national gang.

Eight members of the gang face a total of 24 counts of federal firearms and drug charges, including trafficking. Some could face as much as life behind bars.

Early Tuesday morning, the local and federal agencies orchestrated a sting and arrested David "Blink" Martin Santiago, 28, thought to be the gang's leader; Darko Kojic, 20; Alberto "Red" Camacho, 22; Paul David Morman III, 18; and Alfonzo "Joe Boy" Lee Joe, 24.

Authorities asked for the public's help in locating the two others. Still at large are
Andrew Montalvo, 23, and 27-year-old Harold "Kiss" Jason Vazquez Jr.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the two men who are not in custody. Anyone with information should call 1-800-283-4867 (1-800-ATF-GUNS).

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at ldavis@tampatrib.com or (727) 815-1083.

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