Category Archives: Press Release

TAMPA, FL (February 21, 2024) — The State Attorney’s Office filed second-degree murder charges against Jorge Ramirez, the man who shot and killed a father of five following a road rage incident in Riverview. Ramirez was arrested in January and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Following a review of the completed investigation, The State Attorney’s Office added the additional murder charges.

On January 16, Ramirez was driving his black BMW sedan with two friends when he approached the victim’s Green Chevy Suburban from behind. Witnesses say Ramirez was trying to pass the Suburban to cut through a parking lot to avoid waiting at a red light. The passengers in Ramirez’ vehicle say he became angry when the Suburban blocked the entrance to the parking lot. Ramirez began closely following the victim’s vehicle afterwards, ramming the hitch several times.

Ramirez passed the Chevy Suburban in a residential area and quickly stopped to exit the car. The victim also exited his vehicle and retrieved two metal pipes from the trunk. Ramirez, from behind his black BMW, shot at the victim who was more than 20 feet away at the time of the shooting. This all occurred while the victim’s fiancé and children were watching from the Suburban. Witnesses from both vehicles say the victim was never running toward the BMW or threatening anyone when shots rang out.

“After a thorough review of the investigation from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, it is clear the defendant was the aggressor in this case. He had no regard for the victim’s life, or the lives of his small children who tragically watched their father die in the middle of the road. My heart is with his fiancé and loved ones as they work through this unimaginable trauma,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit (813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

TAMPA, Fla. (February 6, 2024) — The man responsible for injuring a 4-year-old in a road rage incident will remain behind bars until trial. The State Attorney’s Office successfully argued that 34-year-old James Jackson is a danger to the community, and the judge denied him bond in a Hillsborough County courtroom today.

Jackson was driving a white Kia Optima on January 30th when he became angry that a white Chevrolet sedan merged into his lane. The woman driving the Chevrolet sedan testified on the stand today that she looked into Jackson’s eyes while he shot at the car repeatedly with her two children screaming in the backseat. She pulled over and realized her 4-year-old was shot.

Jackson is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm. Additional charges include fleeing to elude police and possession of cannabis.

“It is clear the defendant has no regard for human life if he is willing to shoot a firearm at a car with young children inside. I cannot imagine the horror of what this young victim and her family have experienced due to the reckless actions of this cold-blooded criminal. My office will work diligently to ensure this defendant is held accountable for his actions,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Jackson was previously found guilty of attempted murder in 2006, but the case was overturned on appeal after a judge found his confession should not have been admitted into evidence. Jackson still served 10 years in prison for his crimes. He was then released in 2016, only to reoffend less than two years later. He was sentenced to two more years in Florida State Prison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

TAMPA, FL (January 25, 2024) — A judge sentenced Jay Rodriguez to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of two counts of second-degree murder in the brutal beating deaths of his girlfriend and her unborn baby. The victim’s roommate told jurors she tried intervening while Rodriguez kicked and hit the victim repeatedly, even stomping on her pregnant stomach.

The medical examiner testified about the victim’s extensive head injuries and blunt force trauma to her body that lead to her death. The victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital, where doctors delivered the baby, who only lived for about 20 minutes. Rodriguez was on probation for attempted robbery, robbery with a firearm, and felon in possession at the time of this heinous crime.

Rodriguez had previously served a decade in prison for armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault charges. Less than a year after he was released in 2013, Rodriguez committed an attempted armed robbery in Tampa and was sentenced to five years in state prison. Fewer than two years after that release, Rodriguez committed this double murder.

“This monster will no longer be able to hurt another human being because he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. While our office is encouraged that justice was finally served for the victim and her baby, we know nothing can bring back these two innocent lives. Our hearts are with their families as they continue through the grieving process,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Jessica O’Connor and Marissa Rozas and investigated by the Tampa Police Department.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, our community is fortunate to have incredible resources for survivors and their children. The Spring of Tampa Bay has a 24-hour Crisis Hotline that victims can call: (813)-247-SAFE (7233). Victims can also learn more about The Spring’s services and resources by visiting www.TheSpring.org.

State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:

• Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
• Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
• Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO

About the State Attorney’s Office

The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

TAMPA, FL (December 15, 2023) — A third defendant charged in the October mass shooting in Ybor City will be held behind bars until trial. Dwayne Tillman Jr., 21, is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder and attempted aggravated battery with a firearm.

Prosecutors presented evidence in court today showing that Tillman fired his gun in historic Ybor City while hundreds of people were partaking in Halloween festivities. The State Attorney’s Office argued that his willful disregard for human life that night illustrates why he presents an ongoing danger to the community. The judge ruled the defendant will remain in custody instead of being assigned a bond amount which would have allowed him to be released before trial.

The lead detective testified that Tillman can be seen on surveillance video throughout the area the night of the shootings. Video evidence shows that Tillman is one of the suspects responsible for firing a gun following a scuffle between two groups that turned violent.

“Thousands of people were celebrating a holiday weekend in one of our city’s most vibrant neighborhoods when they were suddenly forced to run for their lives. Everyone should be able to enjoy a night with family and friends without having to flee from gunfire. These criminals will face consequences for endangering our community as we continue to seek justice for the victims who were hurt or lost their lives,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Two other defendants have been charged in connection with the shootings and are also being held behind bars until trial. Kadyn Abney, 14, and Tyrell Phillips, 22, are both facing second-degree murder charges for the shooting deaths of victims Harrison Boonstoppel and Elijah Wilson.

Our partners at the Tampa Police Department continue to investigate other shootings that occurred at the same location. A reward of up to $27,000 has been offered for info that leads to the arrest of additional suspects.  Tampa Police, in collaboration with the FBI, has created a web-based portal for members of the public to submit anonymous tips, videos, or photo evidence. Members of the public are encouraged to visit FBI.gov/TampaShooting to provide any information to police that may aid the investigation. You can also call the Tampa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (813)-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477.

State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:

· Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA

· Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney

· Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO

About the State Attorney’s Office

The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

TAMPA, FL (December 14, 2023) — A Plant City man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a jury convicted him of committing sex acts against a minor and tampering with a witness by trying to deter the victim from testifying in court. Rudolfo Palermo, 43, committed these heinous crimes only months after being released from Florida State Prison where he was serving a sentence on separate sex charges.

Palermo was found guilty of two counts of sexual battery, two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, one count of lewd or lascivious battery, and two counts of tampering with a witness. The defendant received four life sentences followed by 45 years for violating the conditions of his probation.

“The victim courageously testified against this monster in court. This defendant will never prey on another innocent child again. He will spend the rest of his days in a prison cell and will never have the chance to walk the streets of Hillsborough County again. Four life sentences is the only appropriate punishment for committing such horrific acts against a vulnerable and defenseless victim,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Jessica Couvertier and Assistant State Attorney Briana Zupko. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:

• Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
• Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
• Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO

About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

TAMPA, FL (December 5, 2023) — Five individuals involved in a University of South Florida protest have accepted responsibility for their actions in March 2023. Four students and one employee were charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and disrupting a school function.

Following a campus protest, Gia Davila, Chrisley Carpio, Lauren Pineiro, Jeanie Kida, and Laura Rodriguez entered the USF President’s office in an effort to disrupt school business. When officers guided them to leave the premises after repeated requests to exit, the defendants became combative, placing their hands on police officers.

As part of the resolution, the defendants will enter a diversion program to avoid trial. The program will last one year, and each individual will be required to complete community service. The defendants are also not allowed to visit USF campuses during the course of this diversion program, except under specific conditions.

Statement from State Attorney’s Office:

“This resolution brings closure to all parties, ensuring the defendants are held accountable for their actions. University campuses are bastions for free speech and learning, but the moment someone puts their hands on a law enforcement officer, a line is crossed, and consequences must follow.”

Statement from University of South Florida Police:

“The University of South Florida Police Department is satisfied with the final resolution stemming from the March 6, 2023, incident, where the five individuals involved have accepted responsibility for their actions occurring on that date. It is our hope that all involved can benefit from the grace afforded them by the State Attorney’s office and move on to have very successful and productive lives. We wish them well.

At this time, the USFPD would like to take this moment to commend the State Attorney’s Office and its team of prosecutors for their steadfast commitment to ensuring that all defendants were held accountable for their actions and certifying the public trust in protecting our Law Enforcement Officers. Moreover, we appreciate the support and confidence of all involved who worked, looking beyond the false narratives, to seek the truth.

Given the frequency with which protests, and other free expression activities occur on campus, officers with the University of South Florida Police Department and their administrative campus partners are keenly familiar with first amendment implications. This incident was never about a group exercising their right to free speech or police action to obstruct the expression of those rights. The arrests stemmed from the group’s aggressive behaviors directed toward officers when we attempted to escort them from the area for repeated refusal to cease disruptive activities. They were offered alternatives to continue the protest in a less disruptive manner, but they refused.

Moving ahead, we look forward to continuing our work with critical campus partners, Student Organizations, in furtherance of encouraging others to successfully accomplish their free speech goals in an equitable and responsible manner.”

State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:

• Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
• Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
• Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO

About the State Attorney’s Office

The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.