Uthmeier addresses teen takeovers in Largo
Officials say 60 officers were deployed at Clearwater Beach and participants could face third-degree felony charges, vehicle impoundments and racketeering probes.
- On Thursday in Largo, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced a statewide crackdown on "teen takeovers," implementing zero-tolerance policies, severe felony charges, and advanced digital tracking.
- Mounting safety concerns prompted the initiative after a mass gathering at Clearwater Beach last month resulted in a 17-year-old being shot, with crowds of more than 500 teens using social media to swarm the area.
- To prevent planned events, authorities deployed 60 officers to strict no-trespass zones where entry results in third-degree felony charges; Uthmeier warned organizers could face first-degree felony racketeering charges for funding coordinated operations.
- Five planned takeovers have been disrupted this week before they could occur, according to Gualtieri, while officers are actively visiting the homes of suspected digital organizers to prevent future events.
- Investigators are examining digital footprints to identify out-of-town operatives suspected of funding the coordinated events, with Uthmeier stating the state will use "every cyber tool" available to permanently shut down disruptive networks.
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Uthmeier says ‘teen takeover’ participants could legally be run over, charged with racketeering
“You do not have the First Amendment right to stand in the middle of the street, obstruct traffic, and threaten violence,” Uthmeier said The post Uthmeier says ‘teen takeover’ participants could legally be run over, charged with racketeering appeared first on Orlando Weekly.
Florida attorney general says ‘teen takeovers’ are coordinated, not spontaneous
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Florida law enforcement officials and state leaders on Thursday pledged a statewide crackdown on so-called “teen takeover” events, warning organizers and participants that they could face felony charges, vehicle impoundments and even racketeering investigations following a recent shooting at Clearwater Beach. The announcement came during a press conference featuring Florida Attorney General… The post Florida attorney general s…
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