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Multiagency Gang Effort Nets 5 Busts

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By LISA A. DAVIS ldavis@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 12, 2009

Andrew Montalvo
Harold Vazquez
Michael Brown

NEW PORT RICHEY - For several years, authorities say, the Valentine Bloods gang has been growing and wreaking havoc on the streets of West Pasco County.

With Wednesday's announcement that eight members had been indicted on federal drug and gun charges, law enforcement officers are hoping the local branch of the nationwide gang has been crippled.

Of the eight members indicted in January, five were arrested Tuesday during an early morning sting orchestrated by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, New Port Richey Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The men face a total of 24 counts of federal firearms and drug charges, including trafficking. Some could face as much as life behind bars.

In federal custody are David "Blink" Martin Santiago, 28; Darko Kojic, 20; Alberto "Red" Camacho, 22; Paul David Morman III, 18; and Alfonzo "Joe Boy" Lee Joe, 24.

Still wanted are Andrew Montalvo, 23; Harold "Kiss" Jason Vazquez Jr., 27; and Michael Antonio Brown, 29.

Kojic is accused of selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of Gulf Middle School and Miss Betty's Child Care, according to the indictments.

Santiago, thought to be the gang's leader, had been arrested twice since December by Pasco deputies on charges of aggravated battery. He was arrested in December, accused of beating a man to the point where brain damage was a possibility. In January, he was accused of shooting a 31-year-old Navy officer in the leg outside an after-hours bottle club.

The eight under indictment, according to ATF Special Agent in Charge Virginia O'Brien, have been arrested a total of 120 times and have 20 convictions among them.

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

"We'll find them. There's no two ways about it," Pasco Sheriff Bob White said. "A thousand dollars can buy a lot of blame."

The joint investigation began a year and a half ago when, investigators say, the men started selling firearms and narcotics. During the probe, law enforcement officers seized cocaine as well as firearms and ammunition.

The case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative, a multiagency program focused on reducing gang crime and violence.

It is thought that the West Pasco Valentine Bloods gang has 50 to 60 members and associates. O'Brien said the group is known to be violent and has operated mostly in New Port Richey.

"It's been a long time coming, working on this, but you want to make sure you have it right," said New Port Richey Police Chief Martin Rickus.

He said the investigation is ongoing.

"There are a number of other people who we're looking at," he said.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083.

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