The surrogate
It begins with a woman who yearns for a baby and another who is willing and able to give her one. You can imagine the motives of the prospective parents. But what about the woman willing to carry a baby, give birth and then walk away?
Friday Night Rewind It doesn't matter which team you cheer for. We've got video previews of every high school football program in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando County.
TAMPA — Once again, a judge has dismissed criminal charges against defendants in the Latin Kings gang case.
Circuit Judge Daniel Sleet on Monday dismissed the case against Michael "King Michael" Lugo and Omari "King Omari" Tolbert, who each were accused of racketeering. Lugo and Tolbert also faced charges that included kidnapping with a firearm, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
They stood accused with others of beating gang member Alexander Perez Valdez in May 2006. Law enforcement monitored the meeting with audio and visual surveillance but didn't intervene until 30 minutes after the beating.
"Obviously, I'm thrilled, and I'm thrilled for the clients," said Lyann Goudie, one of the defense attorneys. "I think the judge did a great job and the right thing."
Sleet previously dismissed charges against 23 defendants arrested during an Aug. 20, 2006, raid of a statewide Latin Kings leadership meeting by the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office.
The judge ruled that the gang was dormant for several months before law enforcement encouraged an informer — a felon with multiple convictions — to revive it, then stood by as he committed crimes and threatened people with violence if they did not attend meetings.
A spokeswoman for the State Attorney's Office declined to comment Monday.
[Last modified: Jul 31, 2008 03:13 PM]
Comments on this article
by Tom
Jul 31, 2008 3:13 PM
This kind of organizations rule by violence and intimidation. Did they get to the judge? They sound guilty of the charges, yet the judge refused to try them for crimes of violence. Did they threaten the judges family, friends, etc.. I do not support our current drug laws, but I don?t support gang land violence either.
by RKI
Jul 30, 2008 2:19 PM
The Latin Kings, are not a "dormant organization" in the bay area. They recruit, organize and commit crimes. Regretably to get inside these groups you have to use criminals, because upstanding law-abiding citizens aren't associating with gangs.
by Will
Jul 29, 2008 1:22 PM
The officer(s) and supervisors involved in this case should be fired and charged with criminal conspiracy and facilition of criminal activity. They need to serve the time for those gang members whose cases were dismissed.
by Christine
Jul 29, 2008 1:22 PM
Wow I think that the judge and defense should invite the Latin kings over to their homes for the holidays since they think they are such upstanding people. Let them watch your homes and your kids...go on you trust them.
by joe tampa
Jul 29, 2008 1:22 PM
Less reefer madness... more 'secure our borders'.
by john
Jul 29, 2008 1:22 PM
outstanding police work
by Jimmy B
Jul 29, 2008 12:52 PM
Damn cops can't do anything right.
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