TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Crackdown On Gangs Continues

ADVERTISEMENT

By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: February 13, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - One of three members of the Valentine Bloods gang being sought on federal drug and gun charges is behind bars, authorities say.
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.

A bondsman found Brown at the Ramada Inn on Morris Bridge Road and called police, who made the arrest early Wednesday morning, said Michael Dunn, spokesman for the Temple Terrace Police Department.

Wednesday, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, New Port Richey Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the federal indictments of eight people described as dangerous members of a New Port Richey-based chapter of Valentine Bloods, a national gang.

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.

Tuesday, authorities 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 need the public's help locating the two men who have not been arrested. Still being sought are Andrew Montalvo, 23, and Harold "Kiss" Jason Vazquez Jr., 27. A $1,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the two men. Anyone with information should call 1-800-283-4867 (1-800-ATF-GUNS).

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT