DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Southern District of Florida

For Immediate Release

Thursday, October 16, 2014
Wifredo A. Ferrer
, United States Attorney
Contact: Marlene Fernandez-Karavetsos

Law Enforcement Operation in Liberty City Results in Twelve Arrests

Twelve Liberty City residents were arrested today for probation violations.  As part of the arrests, three guns were seized. 
 
The announcement was made by Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade State Attorney, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, Chief Manuel Orosa, Chief, Miami Police Department (MPD), Hector Llevat, Major, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), and Sunny J. Ukenye, Circuit Administrator for Circuit 11 Miami-Dade, Florida Department of Corrections Probation & Parole (FDOC).
 
Today’s proactive enforcement operation in Liberty City resulted in 12 arrests for probation violations.  Three of the arrests were for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The guns seized were:  a revolver; a semi-automatic pistol; and an AK-47 assault rifle. 
 
Two of the arrests were for the possession of several fraudulent credit cards and over 100 fraudulently obtained personal identifying information.  Seven arrests were for drug-related crimes, which included the possession of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. 
 
“Today, we announce the results of the most recent partnership between federal and state law enforcement to combat violent crime in our communities. The goal of the Violence Reduction Partnership is to help neighborhoods plagued with violent crime shake off the cycle of violence and make those neighborhoods safer for all residents,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer. Enforcement of criminal statutes is an integral component of our holistic approach to community building. But we cannot arrest our way out of violent crime. For that reason, our Partnership also focuses on community-partnering, crime prevention, and reentry assistance for offenders attempting to put their pasts behind them and build healthy, productive lives in our community. The results of this operation clearly illustrate that we remain committed to this comprehensive approach.”
 
“The State Attorney’s Office is committed to the pro-active partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement which maximizes our resources in order to focus the most violent offenders in our community,” explains State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “These joint efforts allow us to protect our community; build trust with them; and foster a safe environment for our families.”
 
Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera said, “Today’s arrests demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to disrupt violent criminals that are affecting the quality of life of our law abiding citizens.   This partnership illustrates the collaborative teamwork with all levels of government, federal, state and local together bringing their expertise and unique abilities with one goal to combat violent crime in our community.”
 
Chief Manuel Orosa stated, “It is unfortunate that individuals given a second chance at freedom abuse the system and decide to do wrong.  Therefore, it is imperative to have these operations to ensure compliance since they cannot do what’s right.”
 
“The Miami-Dade Police Department is proud to work in collaboration with our law enforcement partners to reduce street violence in our community,” stated Major Hector Llevat. “Today’s operation serves as just one example of our collective determination to reach that goal. Through strategic partnerships such as the North-end Street Violence Task force, we can leverage our strengths and act as a force multiplier in combating criminals wherever they may hide.”
 
“The Florida Department of Corrections is committed in changing lives to ensure a safer Florida,” stated Circuit Administrator Sunny J. Ukenye.
 
This case is, in large part, the result of the Violence Reduction Partnership, launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Through this Partnership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminal networks in various neighborhoods, while simultaneously working with community leaders and concerned citizens to mentor at-risk youths, provide jobs and job training to young families, and help probationers and parolees successfully re-enter society.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ATF, MPD, MDPD, and FDOC.  Mr. Ferrer also thanked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, for their participation in and assistance with this initiative.  This initiative was led by Roy K. Altman, Deputy Chief of the Special Prosecutions Section.
 
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
 

Miami Field Division