Category Archives: Press Release

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director  

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit 

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]  

TAMPA, FL (November 17, 2023) — Jimmie Gardner, a youth motivational speaker and brother-in-law of former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, is facing serious charges of human trafficking and is currently in jail in Hillsborough County with no bond. Gardner is scheduled to face a judge in first appearance court in Tampa tomorrow.

 Tampa Police arrested Gardner this morning after his 16-year-old victim called police to report Gardner committed sex acts on her at the Renaissance Hotel at International Plaza. His victim says Gardner paid her money and later became angry and choked her when she refused to have sex. His booking charges include human trafficking, lewd and lascivious touching of certain minors, and battery.

 Gardner, who was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1984, was wrongly convicted in the 1987 sexual assault of two women in West Virginia. He was exonerated in 2016 and released from prison 27 years after his wrongful conviction. Two years later, he married Georgia Federal Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. He currently lives in Georgia and works as a motivational speaker and emotional intelligence trainer for students and people who were formerly incarcerated.

 “Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Our attorneys will prosecute this case as we would any other offender who is alleged to have committed these crimes. We take these charges very seriously,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

 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 (November 16, 2023) — The man who spent nearly four decades on the run for the 1984 murder of a Hillsborough County woman accepted responsibility for the crime in court today. Donald Santini was sentenced to 50 years in Florida State Prison followed by 15 years of probation as part of a plea deal with the State Attorney’s Office.

The 65-year-old was set to go on trial this month for the murder of a single mother whose body was found in a ditch in Riverview in June of 1984. He eluded capture by living under the name Wellman Simmonds in Texas and California, abandoning his old life and assuming a new identity. Santini was featured on America’s Most Wanted several times throughout his decades on the run but was only discovered by federal authorities this year when he applied for a passport and his fingerprints were found to be a match for the missing murder suspect.

“No family should have to spend decades waiting for justice to be served in the cruel murder of their loved one. This defendant not only stole an innocent life, but he also left a family without their mother, and without answers. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as they close a painful chapter and move toward healing,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

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.