Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog

Grow House Residents Contact Police to Report Stolen Pot Plants

2009-12-08T20:53:26Z

Police responded to the scene of a reported home invasion. Residents contacted the officers and claimed that three to five pounds of pot had been stolen from a home located at 11480 Manassas Avenue in Hernando County. Police uncovered an additional 59 pot plants, irrigation equipment, ventilation equipment and additional contraband used for cultivating marijuana.

Five people were arrested in connection with the marijuana grow house. Three out of the five suspects admitted to knowing about the marijuana. At least one individual claimed she did not know the origin of the plants. The defendants, 40-year old Wilson Rodriguez, 25-year old Edilberto Serrano, 35-year old Javier Verde, 34-year old Jarol Herrera and 25-year old Batista Yunet, have all been charged with felony marijuana cultivation. The defendants have not posted the $5,000 bail and are currently awaiting trial inside the Hernando County Jail.

]]> Florida law considers the possession of more than 25 pot plants as a second degree felony. The accused faces a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars and up to $10,000 in fines if convicted. The State considers the amount of plants as an offender's intention to sell or distribute the harvest.

If you or a loved one has been charged with marijuana cultivation or other drug related crime, contact an experienced Florida drug attorney to work for you. The Florida drug crime defense attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined experience with proven successful case results. Contact Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case today.

Attorney Musca Discusses Felony Drug Arrests of Cape Coral Suspects

2009-12-03T19:18:04Z

Two Cape Coral suspects, 20-year old Nicholas Stone and 19-year old Jami Wheeler, have been taken into custody on felony drug charges. Stone faces four counts of selling cocaine, including selling cocaine within 1000 feet of a church and another for selling within 1000 feet of a school. Both suspects face felony charges of trafficking cocaine, possession of Roxicodone and possession of Xanax.

The arrests came after a month long undercover sting operation. Stone allegedly sold drugs to undercover officers on four occasions. The authorities later obtained a search warrant for the pair's residence and found thirty pills and 36 grams of cocaine. The Cape Coral Police also recovered a digital scale and baggies used to measure and separate the drugs for distribution. Both suspects were taken into custody at the Lee County Jail.

]]> Florida law requires those convicted of drug trafficking serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in State prison. Drug trafficking is a serious felony crime and is defined as the sale, delivery, manufacture, possession of certain drugs of a certain period of time. However possessing the substance of cocaine is also a serious felony crime. This conviction could land the accused in prison for a minimum of 3 years.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime in Lee County, contact an experienced Ft. Myers drug lawyer to work for you. The Ft. Myers drug crime attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience with proven successful case results. Do not trust your future to anyone else. Contact the knowledgeable Ft. Myers drug lawyers at Musca Law for a free consultation.

Ft. Myers Underage Victim Prostituted to Brothels by Husband

2009-11-13T21:33:31Z

A Lee County man is now in custody after allegedly prostituting his underage wife to area brothels. Detectives looked into the case after the underage victim gave birth to her second child at Health Park Hospital in Ft. Myers. The victim told deputies that she had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico to work in a Homestead nursery. The three managers at the nursery that helped bring her into the country forced her to engage in sex in return.

The victim's husband and defendant in the case, 23-year old Juan Gomez Domingo, also worked with the victim in the Homestead nursery, married her with permission from her mother. The couple moved to Bonita Springs. Their roommate befriended one of the victim's former managers from Homestead and began to orchestrate forced sex between the victim and manager in exchange for money. When the victim became pregnant, the roommate took off.

Domingo started forcing his underage wife to attend local brothels to help with paying the rent. Domingo also committed Ft. Myers domestic violence against the victim physically, emotionally and then threatened to kick her and their children out of his home if she did not comply. Officers charged Domingo with Ft. Myers human trafficking and he is awaiting trial inside the Lee County Jail on one million dollars bond.

]]> If you or someone you know has been involved in a Ft. Myers sex crime, contact an experienced Ft. Myers criminal defense attorney for help with your case. Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience. Contact the most experience Ft. Myers sex crime lawyer for a free consultation and review of your case today.

Cape Coral Teen Accused of Orchestrating the Burlgary of his Girlfriends' Homes

2009-11-04T23:04:47Z

A Cape Coral teenager has been arrested on burglary and larceny charges against two girls he dated. Officers accused the suspect, 17-year old James Castillo, of inviting the girls to sneak out of their parents' home in the middle of the night to meet him. Castillo's friends then allegedly entered the victims' rooms through their unlocked windows and burglarized the location.

The burglaries happened on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred on August 4, when police were called to investigate a possible burglary. The victim admitted she snuck out to meet a boy and left her bedroom window open to regain entry. Castillo and his accomplices took a laptop computer and scanner/printer combination.

]]> The second burglary took place only 5 days later on August 9. Officers were called to the scene of another crime where the teen girl snuck out of her home through a bathroom door and left the door unlocked. Thieves took the victim's iPod, camera, cell phone, jewelry and cash.

Officers discovered several corresponding clues in connection with the cases. Both of the victims made plans with Castillo over the social networking site MySpace. Both crimes also took place within a specific period of time and when the victims were out with the defendant.

Officers obtained a search warrant for Castillo's phone records and located incriminating texts linking him to the burglaries. In a police interview, the defendant admitted to assisting in the crimes. Officers arrested him on two counts of burglary and two counts of larceny. He has been detained inside the Juvenile Detention Center.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, contact the State of Florida's most knowledgeable legal team. Musca Law possesses over 100 years of combined legal experience with proven successful case results. Contact the attorneys at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Attorney Musca Discusses Ft. Myers Arrest of Drug Suspect inside Steak & Shake

2009-10-26T20:43:39Z

Officers attempted to pull over a driver with an expired tag off of Cleveland Avenue in Ft. Myers. The driver pulled into the parking lot of a Steak and Shake restaurant and exited his vehicle. The suspect, 26-year old Ricardo Blanc, then made his way towards the entrance of the restaurant.

Officers ordered Blanc to stop, but he refused and entered the establishment. The deputies followed the suspect into the woman's restroom where they deployed their tasers against Blanc's back. Blanc fell to the ground and spit out a leafy green material from his mouth. The authorities later identified the green material as marijuana.

]]> A search of Blanc's vehicle located marijuana residue on the seats and floorboards. Officers arrested the suspect on charges of possession of marijuana and resisting arrest without violence. Deputies took Blanc to the Lee County Jail and no information has been released with regard to bond being granted.

The penalties for possession of marijuana charges vary on the amount and the accuser's intention of the possession. Florida considers <20 grams of marijuana possession a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. Offenders convicted of possessing >20 grams of marijuana faces a third degree felony charge and a maximum sentence of five years in State prison. Individuals convicted of any amount of drug possession may also face the loss of their driving privileges. Florida law requires drug offenders to lose their license for a two year period.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, contact Musca Law for a comprehensive review of your case. The attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience and four convenient Southwest Florida offices to serve you. Do not trust your future to a less experienced legal team, contact Musca law for a free consultation today.

Attorney Musca Discusses Looming Arrest of Oakland Raiders' Coach Cable

2009-10-06T05:02:39Z

The head coach for the Oakland Raiders may face criminal charges after allegedly assaulting an assistant coach. The assistant coach for the team, Randy Hanson, contacted Napa Valley Police in California after the attack. NFL.com has reported that the head football coach, Tom Cable, assaulted Hanson during training camp on August 5. Three other coaches have reportedly witnessed the attack.
The assault was so severe that Hanson had to seek treatment for a broken jaw. Napa Valley Police have refused to release details of the case pending the two month investigation. No arrests have been made in the alleged attack. If Cable is charged with felony assault, he could face suspension from the NFL for violation of the personal conduct standards. Coaches are held to as high as standards as players with regard to their behavior on and off of the field.
Pursuant to Florida statute 784.021, the law considers the crime of aggravated assault as the attempt to commit a felony and/or the use of a deadly weapon without the intent to kill. However, Florida statute 784.03 considers the crime of felony battery as the actual striking of another with the intent to cause bodily harm.
]]> knowledgeable attorney for help with your case. The firm of Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience with proven successful case results. Do not let the consequences of a criminal conviction affect your future. Contact Musca Law for a free comprehensive review of your case.

Father Charged with Battery after Fight with Son over Untidy Room

2009-10-05T01:28:35Z

A Fort Walton Beach father has been arrested on charges of battery against his son. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's office showed up to the scene of a physical altercation in progress. An argument between a father and his son broke out over the condition of the son's untidy bedroom.
The argument became heated and the father allegedly pushed his son and then kicked him in the leg. Officers noted marks and bruising on the victim's injured thigh. After discussions with all parties involved, the defendant admitted to pushing and kicking his son. Officers determined that a crime had taken place, arrested the father and charged him with misdemeanor battery. The defendant is currently out of jail on bond and is scheduled for arraignment on October 27, 2009.
]]> battery as the actual or intentional striking of another person against their will with the intention of causing bodily harm. The State of Florida considers battery from a first time offender as a first degree misdemeanor. If convicted, the defendant could face up to one year behind bars.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime of battery, contact aggressive legal representation to fight the case against you. The attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices located across the State of Florida to serve you. Do not let the charges against you define the outcome of your case. Make your one day in Court count. Contact Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.

Attorney Musca Discusses International Arrest of Director Roman Polanski

2009-09-28T04:23:07Z

Oscar winning director Roman Polanski has been arrested in Switzerland after over 30 years on the run. In 1978, accusations arose of Polanski raping a child. He later entered a plea of guilty to sexual intercourse with a 13-year old girl. The State threatened the famous director to more prison time than originally agreed to in the plea bargain. Polanski fled the country prior to the sentencing hearing and has been on the run ever since.

The now 76-year old director relocated to France where there is no extradition treaty with the United States. Before the international terror crisis, European laws were very relaxed as far as detaining foreign fugitives. Polanski had no trouble publicly traveling around Europe up until this past weekend.

Information has not been released on what steps were taken to apprehend Polanski. However, Swiss authorities did arrest him inside the airport while he was on his way to accept an achievement award. Polanski directed the films Chinatown and Rosemary's Baby. He also was married to former actress Sharon Tate, who was infamously murdered by followers of Charles Manson.

]]> The circumstances surrounding Polanski's arrest may complicate the case against him. Now the international community is involved with the extradition. Extra pressure is being placed on the District Attorney to secure a 30 year old conviction. Polanski's case may have benefitted from his voluntary surrender. He remains inside a Swiss jail and the United States is currently in talks with their government, and the governments of Poland and France to arrange his extradition.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense, contact a reputable attorney for guidance with your case. I understand that there is more than one side to every story and you deserve yours to be heard. Contact an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney for a free comprehensive review of the charges against you.

Another Stuart Suspect Arrested in Crime Against the Elderly

2009-09-22T03:59:10Z

A second individual has been charged in a fraud crime against an elderly man. The defendant and Stuart resident, 27-year old Apryle Marie Shepard, allegedly worked as an accomplice with her boyfriend to steal money from an 89-year old gentleman. In July, Shepard claimed she needed money to bond her boyfriend out of jail and then to have her car towed. The 89-year old victim, who also suffers from memory loss, handed over to the suspect $560.

Officers also arrested Shepard's boyfriend on similar charges. He told the authorities of Shepard's involvement and now she faces criminal charges. She is charged with two counts of larceny over $300 and fraud crimes against a senior citizen.

In addition to these theft charges, Shepard faces unrelated drug crimes. She is accused of four counts of manufacturing opium, four counts of possession of narcotics equipment and felony grand theft. Shepard has not yet posted $62,000 bond and is currently awaiting trial inside the St. Lucie County Jail.

]]> If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact the attorneys at Musca Law for a free comprehensive review of your case. Musca Law firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient State wide offices to serve you.

Do not be afraid of the future, you are not alone in this ordeal. Contact a reputable Florida criminal defense attorney for guidance with your case and to rigorously fight for your rights. Musca Law will stand by you because all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.

Tampa Burglar Arrested for Stealing Half a Million Dollars in Goods

2009-09-19T01:12:29Z

A finger print analysis has led to the arrest of a Tampa man for burglarizing over $500,000 worth of stolen goods. Burglars broke open a wood panel leading into the garage of a Forest Hills Estates home to obtain access to a residence. The offenders raided a five foot safe and stole cash, jewelry, watches, guns and antiques. The total amount of stolen goods has been valued at over $504,000.

Officers performed a finger print analysis of a soda can and it matched positive to that of a suspect, 21-year old Joshua White. White has refused to cooperate with authorities and has not named any additional accomplices or suspects in the crime. White had recently posted on his Myspace web page that he had been living large prior to his arrest. Now he is charged with felony armed burglary of a dwelling, grand theft of over $100,000 and two counts of grand theft with a firearm.

]]> If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony crime, contact a reputable attorney for assistance with your case. I understand degree of the complex charges that have been brought against you. My firm has over 100 years of professional, legal experience to help clients in the courtroom.

The State is prepared to prosecute you to the fullest extent. Do not let the criminal charges define the outcome of your case. You only have one day in Court, do not go it alone. Contact a knowledgeable Tampa felony attorney for assistance with your case.

Sexual Battery on Minor at Disney Orlando Resort

2009-09-08T17:37:51Z

Disney World Resort is in the headlines again for criminal activity against a minor. A man allegedly committed a sexual battery against a twelve year old girl at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Orange County Police state that the defendant met the girl at the resort's pool. The victim told authorities that a short time after meeting the defendant had his hands on her hips and they kissed out of sight of witnesses. The victim and the suspect then kissed throughout the day.

The defendant, 29 year old Jean Garcia, later met the twelve year old victim at the resort's marshmallow roast party. The two sat next to each other until the victim's mother arrived. While the victim's family packed to leave the resort, she met Garcia inside a laundry room. Garcia participated in oral sexual activity with the victim and attempted to have sex her.

Two weeks later the victim told her parents that she feared she may be pregnant and came clean about the ordeal. The victim's family contacted the Orange County Police Department and they set up a sting operation. An officer of the force contacted the defendant and pretended to be the victim. Garcia admitted to wanting to meet with the victim and organized a plan to have sex. Officers stopped the defendant on his way into the Disney resort.

]]> Garcia changed his story several times and finally admitted to police his true intentions about meeting the twelve year old girl for sex. Officers charged the suspect with lewd and lascivious battery. The Court has not offered the defendant bond and he awaits trial inside the Orange County Jail. Garcia has a criminal past with a 2005 arrest for burglary and battery in Volusia County.

The charge of battery on a minor is a very serious, felony crime. If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense, contact a knowledgeable attorney to work for you. Musca Law has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has handled countless criminal cases. I understand that there is more than one side to every story. Contact Musca Law for a comprehensive review of your case.

Clermont Jail Employee Arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

2009-09-07T03:08:11Z

A Lake Correctional Institution employee has been arrested for allegedly sneaking contraband to imprisoned inmates. An inmate caught with an illegal cell phone tattled that the defendant, 39 year old Julia Bedenbaugh regularly supplied prisoners with drugs and cell phones. Bedenbaugh is accused of having the contraband delivered to her personal post office box.

Clermont officials worked with the U.S. Postal Service to obtain surveillance video of the defendant obtaining her mail. She retrieved two packages from the post office box. The authorities obtained a search warrant and found one box contained a cell phone and the other possessed two plastic cigars containing crack cocaine.

Officers arrested Bedenbaugh and charged her with possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. The defendant posted $20,000 bond and is currently awaiting trial out of jail. The Department of Corrections has terminated Bedenbaugh for her alleged actions.

]]> Pursuant to Florida Statute 893.149, the crime of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute occurs when a defendant knowingly delivers an illegal chemical to another. This is considered a second degree felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Bedenbaugh may also face additional federal charges for allegedly using the U.S. Postal Service to deliver to the drugs and contraband.

I understand the difficulty a suspect faces when accused of a crime. In the case of Bedenbaugh, she lost her employment and livelihood prior on the charges alone prior to a Court finding guilt. If you or a loved one faces a drug crime, contact a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney for help. Experience does make a positive difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Musca Law for an in depth review of the charges against you.

Attorney Musca Discusses Ft. Lauderdale Sexual Battery Case

2009-09-04T13:46:35Z

The State is investigating a former Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer for alleged sexual battery against, prostitutes. He is accused of forcing prostitutes to perform sexual acts on him while he was on duty, in uniform and driving a patrol car. On at least one occasion he allegedly held a prostitute at gun point and threatened arrest if the women did not comply.

Ft. Lauderdale Police fired the former officer, 26-year old Gerome Steven Wright, after a year on the force for failing to perform while on new hire probation. He is cited for failing to complete reports, driving out of assigned jurisdiction while on duty, lacking knowledge of the law and sleeping on the job.

Three prostitutes have come forward with allegations: 30-year old Lauren Kalb, 37-year old Francis Harris and 45-year old Rhonda Fancois. The State has issued a Probable Cause Affidavit and charges of armed sexual battery may be pending against Wright. No official charges have yet been filed.

]]> In June of 2006, Wright applied for employment with the Broward County Sheriff's Office. He allegedly showed deception for committing sex acts which could be considered illegal. He also admitted during a polygraph that he regularly stole from his then employer. The Broward County Sheriff's Office did not hire Wright because he was considered a substandard candidate for employment. It is unknown how he came to be a Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer.

The charge of sexual battery with a firearm is a very serious first degree felony crime. If convicted, the offender faces could face 25 years in prison. Prosecutors may have a difficult time sealing a conviction because the alleged victims are prostitutes with known criminal histories. It is understood that anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, but their testimony may not be deemed credible.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense, contact a Miami sex crime lawyer to dissect the charges against you. I understand that there is more than one side to the story. It is unfortunate, but the alleged victims may have a score to settle with this cop that arrested them at one time. Do not let the charges define the result of your case. Experience does make a difference. Contact Musca Law for an evaluation of your case today.

Three Ft. Myers Men Arrested on Weapons and Drug Charges

2009-08-31T03:45:54Z

Ft. Myers Police arrest three men in connection with drug and weapons charges. The police obtained warrants to search the apartment homes of the defendants, 23-year old Byron Harris, 19-year old Michael Donaldson and 18-year old Marquis Reid. The men attempted to flee the scene upon the arrival of the deputies and were apprehended.

The search recovered cocaine, marijuana and five guns. Three of the five guns were loaded. The men now face charges of felony drug possession, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, failing to have an active permit for carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest without violence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Offenders lose many of their civil liberties after being convicted of a serious crime. Florida is one of the few remaining states that do not allow formerly convicted felons to vote or carry firearms. These rights originally granted to all Americans by the U.S. Constitution are revoked in Florida after a conviction. Governor Charlie Crist has made an effort to restore some of the civil rights back to the offenders who have served their sentence and paid their debt to society. He feels it is democratically appropriate to allow former criminals a second chance to move forward with their lives.

]]> I understand the repercussions of a criminal conviction. I am a knowledgeable Ft. Myers criminal attorney whose firm possess over 100 years of combined legal experience with convenient offices across the State. I have handled cases of every size and severity. Do not let a criminal conviction interfere with your future. Contact us for a consultation and review of your case. The most desirable kind of criminal conviction is the one that you never have to face. Musca Law is here to work for you.

Clearwater Man Arrested on Felony Child Neglect Charges After Leaving Toddlers in Car at Strip Club

2009-08-25T14:08:29Z

A Largo man faces criminal charges after leaving two toddlers alone in the car while he visited a strip club. Police arrested the defendant, 33-year old Kenneth J. Summers, on two felony charges of child neglect. The incident occurred at 11:00 p.m. this week at the Oz Gentleman Club on U.S. 19.

Police were contacted after witnesses reported the 3-year old and 4-year old children alone in the car for 20 to 40 minutes. The relationship between the children and the defendant has not been released. Summers as not posted the $10,000 bond and remains in the Pinellas County Jail.

Florida Statute 827.03 defines the crime of child neglect as the failure to provide a child with care and supervision in a good faith effort to maintain their physical and mental health. If an injury to the child resulted from the negligence, the State of Florida considers this crime a second degree felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Otherwise, if no injury occurred towards the child due to the negligent adult, the offender faces a third degree felony. A third degree felony is punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State prison.

]]> Charges of child neglect are a serious criminal matter that will not be taken lightly by the Court. A convicted offender faces a possible sentence of prison time, court monitored probation, community service, mandatory rehabilitation or counseling programs and heavy fines and court costs. The personal cost of a child neglect conviction is severe. The strain within the family and issues with friends, loss of employment and the possibility of losing the custody of children in the home could rip loved ones apart.

You need a knowledgeable Tampa felony lawyer to address the case against you. My firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience and I have handled numerous cases involving child victims. The end result of neglect charges does not have to be prison time. Your case is not just a number, it is personal. Contact Musca Law to help get your life back on track.