In efforts to reduce vehicle theft and target offenders who seek to victimize the community, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office conducted a two day covert operation leading to several arrests.
During the operation, HCSO’s Targeted Crime Unit, Auto Theft Unit, and Street Crimes Unit arrested eleven individuals.
“This successful operation is another demonstration of how our specialized units work together to protect our community and remove criminals from our streets,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We will continue these targeted efforts to combat crime in Hillsborough County.”
Among those arrested, were two teens in a stolen vehicle. On November 6, 2024, detectives with the assistance of our Aviation and K-9 Sections, successfully arrested the driver, Deara McFadden, 16, who was charged with Grand Theft Motor Vehicle and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification of Another. Deputies also discovered that the front passenger, Charquez Denson, 16, was in possession of a stolen firearm.
"When you combine stolen vehicles with illegal firearms, it can lead to a dangerous situation for everyone,”said Sheriff Chronister. “Our deputies are working tirelessly across all units to intervene before these crimes escalate into tragedy. We will continue to hold offenders accountable, regardless of their age.”
Total arrests:
Romar Carter, 21
• Resisting Officer Without Violence
• No Valid Driver's License
• Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer's Deadly Weapon
• Unlawful Carrying Concealed Firearm
Jaxon Mosley, 16
• Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams
Deara McFadden, 16
• Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
• Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification of Another
Charquez Denson, 16
• Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
• Carrying Concealed Firearm
• Minor in Possession of a Firearm
Paul Lowe-Miller, 16
• Trespass in Occupied Structure or Conveyance
Kenneth Witt, 37
• Out of County Warrant
• Possession of Controlled Substance
Eric Newton Jr., 30
• Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked
Laneisha Hamilton, 28
• Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked
Zion Fipps, 17
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Resisting Officer Without Violence
• Child Violation of Probation
Arionne Terry, 31
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession of Cannabis (More Than 20 Grams)
• Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver
Abimael Castano-Pena, 26
• Armed Possession of Controlled Substance
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
