Tag Archives: State Attorney Suzy Lopez

Tampa Woman Responsible for Savagely Beating Husky Named “Maya” Sentenced to Florida State Prison

Tampa Woman Responsible for Savagely Beating Husky Named “Maya” Sentenced to Florida State Prison

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

TAMPA, FL (May 10, 2024) — The 25-year-old woman who was caught on camera brutally beating her boyfriend’s family dog with a mallet was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in Florida State Prison. Elizabeth Jaimes was charged with four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals with a weapon, and six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (torture or torment.)

In August of 2022, Jaimes moved into a Tampa home with her boyfriend, his mother, and a Husky named Maya. When Maya’s owner started to notice unexplained cuts on her head and realized the dog was having trouble walking, her veterinarian suggested setting up a hidden camera. Two days later, video revealed Jaimes hitting Maya 38 times with a rubber mallet and beating and kicking her another 26 times while restraining the dog on a leash.

The beatings, which X-rays revealed were caused over a period of weeks, led to multiple fractures to Maya’s eye sockets, cheekbones, spine, and ribs. At one point, Maya was blind in one eye from the blunt force trauma she endured. Animal control investigators said it was a miracle Maya survived her extensive injuries.

“We’ll never understand how this defendant could ruthlessly beat any animal, let alone a gentle soul like Maya. I thank Maya’s owners for being her voice and testifying in court today to ensure this defendant will be held accountable for her horrific actions. A prison sentence sends a strong message that we do not tolerate animal cruelty in Hillsborough County,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Jaimes made an open plea to the court which means the judge was responsible for determining the length of the sentence. Jaimes apologized to Maya’s owners in open court before telling the judge she understood why she was going to prison. Following her prison sentence, Jaimes must serve three years of probation and take anger management classes. She is not allowed to own an animal and will be added to Hillsborough County’s Animal Abuser Registry.

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

Defendant Who Attempted to Kill Hillsborough County Deputies to Remain Behind Bars Until Trial

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

 

TAMPA, FL (April 17, 2024) — The Tampa man who shot at three Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies last weekend at Beacon Meadows Park in Carrollwood will remain behind bars until trial. The State Attorney’s Office successfully argued that 32-year-old Anthony Carpenter remains a danger to the community and should be denied bond.

 

Deputy Sean Bush testified in court today that when deputies arrived at the park on April 14 in response to neighborhood safety complaints about Carpenter, the defendant became angry and defiant. The three deputies on scene continued to try to deescalate the situation for over 20 minutes. During that time, Carpenter removed a knife from around his neck, repeatedly told deputies he was unarmed, and refused to keep his hands out of his pockets despite repeated commands to do so.

 

In an attempt to gain control of the situation, deputies deployed their tasers on Carpenter, who then fired three rounds toward the three deputies. One of the bullets hit Deputy Kerr Craige’s service radio which was located on his shoulder area. The impact from the bullet hitting his service radio and microphone left Deputy Craige with a torn ligament and a possible broken bone.

 

“It is truly a miracle that Deputy Craige is alive today, and that none of our deputies were seriously injured. This defendant was on a mission to harm members of law enforcement, the very men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. When he attacked them, he attacked our community, and he will be held accountable for his actions,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

 

Carpenter is charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and armed trespass on property.

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Tampa Dog Park Shooter to Remain Behind Bars Until Trial

Rocky Pham0 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director

Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit

(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]

 

TAMPA, FL (March 18, 2024) — The defendant charged with murdering a 52-year-old gay man at West Dog Park in February will remain behind bars until trial. A judge ruled that Gerald Declan Radford is a danger to the community and denied him bond in a Hillsborough County courtroom today. Radford faces second-degree murder charges. In addition, the state is seeking an enhancement as a hate crime under Florida Statute 775.085.

The lead detective testified in court about Radford’s statements to deputies after the shooting. Radford told investigators he was in a “scuffle” with the victim when he pulled his gun and fired. Following a thorough investigation, deputies learned that Radford routinely used bigoted slurs toward the victim and even talked about wanting to harm him at the dog park prior to the shooting. The detective also testified about a video found on the victim’s cell phone that details how Radford told the victim, “You’re gonna die,” just 24 hours before the shooting.

Prosecutors told the judge that Radford also remains a flight risk. Although he is a legal resident, he is not a U.S. citizen and could potentially flee the country if granted bond. The defense attorney asked for a $50,000 bond, but a judge denied the request.

“Crimes of hate are some of the clearest dangers to our community and are a threat to every citizen of Hillsborough County. This defendant’s actions led to the senseless death of a man who was simply trying to enjoy a morning with his dog at a local park. We will work tirelessly to ensure he is held accountable for his actions,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

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