Federal Agency Offers Rewards and Protection for Information

As of the end of October, there had been 29 murders in Tampa this year. Detectives have made only 13 arrests, and in four particular cases have not been able to develop any meaningful leads. The Tampa Police Chief and the ATF’s Special Agent in Charge together have asked the community to come forward with information about these four cases. In addition to the Crime Stoppers $3,000 reward, a reward of $15,000 is being offered for each of the four cases for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual or individuals and the recovery of the firearms used in these murders.

Mistrust of the police may be why the community has been silent. A fear of retaliation keeps many people quiet, but the ATF SAC asked that people “give us a chance” because the federal government is capable of protecting witnesses that come forward. The Chief of Police reiterated the point that they have the ability to keep names confidential. However, the father of one of the victims is a long-time activist that has been critical of police and their interaction with the black community. He acknowledged that detectives are working on his sons’ case but expressed doubt that the increased reward would have a meaningful effect. Despite that, the other families of the victims have expressed gratitude for the law enforcement effort to bring them some peace.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms often assists local authorities in investigating violent crimes that involve firearms. ATF “[i]nvestigative priorities focus on armed violent offenders and career criminals, narcotics traffickers, narco-terrorists, violent gangs, and domestic and international arms traffickers. Sections 924(c) and (e) of Title 18 of the United States Code provide mandatory and enhanced sentencing guidelines for armed career criminals and narcotics traffickers as well as other dangerous armed criminals.”