5 Arrested During Operation Safe Treat

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies went trick-or-treating a day early. They weren’t, however, looking for candy.

Deputies and probation officers paid a visit to all the registered sexual predators and offenders living within Hillsborough County Thursday to make sure they weren’t up to any tricks.

By Florida law, predators and offenders are not allowed to:

• Answer the door for trick-or-treaters
• Dress up in costumes or wear masks on Halloween
• Distribute candy or other treats to kids
• Put up outside decorations that might attract children
• Attend any Halloween functions that might have children present

During Thursday night’s sweep, a total of 52 probationers or those with warrants out for their arrests were visited. Thirty-three people on the list were in home and were following the rules. Ten people were not home, but deputies spotted no violations. Four people violated curfews and will have warrants issued for their arrest.

The sweep also included surveillance of some area roads to prevent pedestrian crashes. Deputies pulled over a few violators during that leg of the operation.

Overall, two people were arrested on probable cause and three were picked up on outstanding warrants.

Those arrested were:

• Henry J. Romero, 23. Charges: Felony possession of marijuana, approximately 1 pound; and possession with intent to distribute.
• Jesus Garcia-Gonzalez, 37. Charge: Failure to appear in court.
• Jill A. Torrence, 38. Charges: Three counts of felony violation of probation.
• Darius D. Smith, 23. Charge: Possession of marijuana.
• Cameron L. Absher, 21. Charges: Three felony counts of violation of probation.

Photo Credit: A deputy makes an arrest. YouTube screen shot