HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has successfully apprehended two career criminals following a prompt investigation into a generator theft from a Home Depot on Bloomingdale Avenue.
On July 25, 2024, HCSO’s Organized Retail Theft Squad was alerted by Home Depot’s Loss Prevention Team about the theft involving two men in a U-Haul truck.
Within two hours of receiving the notification, the squad swiftly identified and arrested the suspects, Vashon Lewis, 50, and Elton Gaffney, 51.
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Both Lewis and Gaffney are classified as COAST (Career Offender Application for Statewide Tracking) Career Offenders due to their extensive violent criminal histories. This designation signifies them as some of the most dangerous repeat offenders in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“The rapid apprehension of these career criminals underscores the dedication and efficiency of our team,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are committed to protecting our community and ensuring that repeat offenders are brought to justice. The cooperation of local businesses, like Home Depot, is invaluable in our efforts to maintain safety and security in Hillsborough County.”
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The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence related to the case.
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