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Indicted Gang Suspect Surrenders In N.J.

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By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: February 14, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Another suspected member of the Valentine Bloods gang indicted on federal drug and gun charges has been arrested, authorities said.

Andrew Montalvo, 23, surrendered to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive agents about 9:30 a.m. Friday in Newark, N.J.

He had been negotiating with the ATF case detective in Tampa and will be returned to Tampa to face five federal charges stemming from his alleged activity in the Valentine Bloods street gang in the New Port Richey area. Montalvo is accused of distributing cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Wednesday, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, New Port Richey Police Department and ATF announced the federal indictments of eight people described as dangerous members of the local arm of the national gang. The men face a total of 24 counts of firearms and drug charges, including trafficking. Some could face as long as life behind bars.

In a sting operation 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.
Michael Antonio Brown, 29, was arrested Wednesday by Temple Terrace police on numerous charges, including a federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A bondsman found Brown at the Ramada Inn on Morris Bridge Road and called police, authorities said.

The final suspect, Harold "Kiss" Jason Vazquez Jr., 27, remains at large.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of Vazquez. Anyone with information should call 1-800-283-4867 (1-800-ATF-GUNS).

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

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