Hillsborough & Orange County Sheriff’s Departments Take Part in Operation Felon Sweep

962 felons with outstanding warrants were arrested in Orange County. 806 were arrested in Polk County.  And another 30 were arrested in Hillsborough County. These numbers serve to contribute to the almost 12,000 individuals that were arrested across the state of Florida as part of the three-week,  Operation “Felon Sweep”. Comprised of 43 sheriffs’ offices across the state, the operation was an attempt to round up as many violent felons with outstanding warrants as possible.

In both Orange and Hillsborough counties, police got creative in tracking down individuals as some arrests occurred in the early morning hours at homes and apartment buildings, when an individual was exiting public transportation and even at a local bar. Of course, once the police arrested their target, they often found additional contraband. Statewide, police seized more than $400,000 in illegal cash proceeds, 30 pounds of cocaine, 900 pounds of marijuana, 6,000 prescription pills and 400 guns.

Commenting specifically on the Hillsborough County Operation Felon Sweep efforts in this operation, Col. Donna Lusczyniskyi made this statement to 10 News: “All of them in our minds are considered dangerous. One, they’ve committed felonies in the past and two, most of them don’t want to go back to jail.” In an effort to bring greater awareness to the campaign to clean up the streets, the Tampa police department allowed cameras to follow them one morning as they followed their own research to catch various local felons.

One of the obstacles the Tampa police mentioned to cameras was the difficulty in not being discovered as they moved from one address to another. Here’s a look at some more numbers from Hillsborough County:

• 30 arrests
• 37 warrants served
• 50 charges

Of course, just because the operation ended does not mean that those individuals with outstanding warrants are in the clear. Especially when it comes to felonies (the most serious category of crime an individual can commit), police will continue to actively search. Even if the individuals apprehended in the sweep are ultimately found innocent of the charges alleged in the warrant, he or she will still face legal consequences for missing their court appearance or other commands issued in the warrant. Additionally, because many of the individuals are repeat offenders, they will likely deal with additional issues attached to their probation.

Operation Felon Sweep has received a considerable amount of press following the release of the numbers. That being said, law enforcement agencies often come together in small and large-scale operations to try to make a dent in specific types of crime. Perhaps it’s working. The statewide crime rate in Florida is at a 40-year low.

Getting charged with a felony offense is a very serious charge. If you have been charged with one, it is in your best interest to speak with a reputable Florida criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel P.A. can help inform you of the options available to you. Call today for a consultation!