Thursday, July 29, 2004

 

From * cops-alerts *

TAMPA, Fla. -- A sports promotion sting has landed 11 suspects in jail, after they showed up to collect bogus prizes being offered by police in Tampa.

The Tampa Police Department had mailed out 350 letters to suspects with active warrants for arrest on charges ranging from homicide to simple battery. Of the 11 who showed up Wednesday, the most serious offender was a sexual predator who allegedly violated his probation.

The letters described a ""once in a lifetime opportunity" to win prizes in a promotion marking the opening of All Star Sports Promotions, which was really a company contrived by the police. The suspects were toldl to show up at an Ybor City storefront on 16th Street.

When the suspects walked into the office, which was decorated with sports paraphernalia, they were greeted by a "receptionist" who was really an undercover officer. She charmed them and eased their suspicions with talk of the company's recent move from New York.

The entire ruse cost the police department about $50.

posted by Anne 7/29/2004 10:28:00 AM