Tampa Police Department News

Paul I. Perez, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Steven J Trent, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Frank Cioffi, Resident Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Lance Newman, Special Agent-in-Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), today announced the unsealing of indictments and the arrest of 14 individuals on charges that include social security fraud, possession of counterfeit alien registration card, and unlawful re-entry following deportation. This has been a yearlong investigation that culminated early today as federal, state, and local law enforcement began rounding up those individuals indicted.

American Marine Holdings, Inc (AMH) Government Services experienced a record year in sales during 2004, according to Mike Collins, President. AMH, the parent company of Donzi Marine and Pro-Line Boats, formed the Government Services Group in 2003. Mr. Collins stated, ”I am extremely proud of the team we have assembled. John Hotz has been instrumental in our success and was just appointed Vice President of the group”. The past year marked a flurry of activity for the Government Services division, along with many new additions to the team. Mike Page, former United States Navy Lieutenant with the Special Boat Teams, and formally with Boston Whaler and Night Vision Technologies joined the group and now heads up International and Military sales.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., is trying to find the owner of a 60-ft. work barge that struck the northbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge, Interstate 275. The barge has two markings, MB54 and Jacksonville. It is believed that the barge broke free of its moorings due to the high winds and seas of Tropical Storm Alberto. Officials are working to find the owner of the barge and remove the barge from causing further damage to the bridge. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Highway Patrol and the Tampa Police Department are working together to assess the damage. The bridge is now open to traffic with only the right lane closed for bridge workers. The barge is carrying no cargo and there have been no injuries.