Two Tampa men convicted in the drug-related death of University of South Florida student, Patrick Connolly, 18, have been sentenced. Miguel Cintron Jr., 38, was sentenced to life and Darrius Gustafson, 22, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Through an investigation by HCSO’s Opioid Overdose Investigations Section, detectives determined on February 16, 2024, that the two men had sold a lethal amount of fentanyl to a USF student, which resulted in death. On April 10, 2024, a search warrant at Citron Jr.’s home found him to be in possession of firearms, ammunition, over $200,000 in cash, and several illegal narcotics.

Sheriff Chad Chronister and #teamHCSO are ringside for Pep! 🥊 HCFR Deputy Chief Jose "Pep" Prado puts his career on the line this Saturday at the SOLD OUT "The Last Call," all to benefit Trinity School for Children and the Hillsborough County Firefighter Foundation. Good luck from all of us at HCSO. Whatever you do, don't tap out! 💪🔥

Every deputy's journey starts here. On today's #teamHCSO Takeover, step inside the Training Academy where our class coordinators help build the skills, discipline, and confidence these individuals carry into a career of service.

Highlights from a great night! 🎥 Sheriff Chad Chronister enjoyed last night's Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, celebrating leaders who make a lasting difference in our community. Events like this are a reminder of how much we value connecting with the people we serve.

On September 22, 2026, at 3:59 p.m., a 14-year-old was walking on the sidewalk along the north side of East U.S. Highway 92 when a vehicle drove by. Jordyn Mirelez, 19, who was riding in the front passenger seat, leaned his upper body out of the window, pointed what appeared to be a black firearm at the teen, then yelled "Freeze!" and then took off. On September 23, 2026, deputies made contact with Mirelez, who admitted to the offense. Through their investigation, deputies learned that what appeared to be a firearm was actually an AR-15-style Orbeez gun. Mirelez is facing charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Disorderly Conduct.

On September 21, 2026, at 7:29 p.m., #teamHCSO deputies responded to a suspicious person call at an apartment complex on Amberdale Ct in Tampa after a resident reported someone messing with door handles, trying to get into an apartment that wasn't his. When deputies tried to make contact, Semaj Johnson, 26, took off running, but he didn't get far. He was caught and arrested. A search of his backpack turned up burglary tools and IDs that weren't his. He is now facing one count of Resisting Officer without Violence, Possession of Burglary Tools, Loitering or Prowling and four counts of Unlawful Possession of Personal ID of Another. "This is a great example of our deputies staying alert and acting quickly to keep our neighborhoods safe," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I want to thank the resident who saw something and said something. This kind of partnership with our community is what makes Hillsborough County safer for everyone."

#teamHCSO's Traffic Services Division concluded Operation Clear Track on September 22, 2026. This day-long, high-visibility enforcement effort was part of the nationwide Operation Clear Track initiative, conducted in coordination with the Amtrak Police Department to raise awareness of railroad crossing safety. Throughout the day, deputies increased patrols at major railroad crossings and educated motorists on safe driving practices around the tracks. Operation results: Traffic Stops: 52 Citations: 2 Written Warnings: 50 Arrests: 1 The one arrest made was following a traffic stop near the railroad crossing at US Highway 41 and Crystal Lake Road. Pedro Cancel, 50, was charged with Driving With License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked.

🚨Warrant Wednesday🚨 Detectives with #teamHCSO are asking for the public's help locating Isaac Thomas, 43. He is wanted for the following charges: ▪ Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon ▪ Felon in Possession of Firearm If you have any information on his current whereabouts, detectives ask that you reach out by calling 813-247-8200.

🚨Know your zone: 📍 Evacuation zones 🏠 Shelter locations 📱 County emergency alerts #teamHCSO wants you to be prepared.

#teamHCSO arrested Marcello Hardrick, 45, a convicted felon, on more than 30 charges after a domestic violence call led detectives to nine firearms and a significant quantity of narcotics. Through investigative means, detectives learned that a victim was battered by Hardrick, who then fired multiple shots from a pistol in the front yard of the residence. No persons or property were struck by gunfire. After a search warrant, detectives recovered nine firearms and a quantity of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription medication. “A man with eleven prior felony convictions had no business possessing a single firearm, let alone nine, along with a stockpile of narcotics,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives did outstanding work turning a domestic violence call into the dismantling of a threat to our community. We will continue to seek out violent repeat offenders and work to get illegal guns and drugs off our streets.” More: teamhcso.pulse.ly/vesvdeniv4

Sheriff Chad Chronister was joined by Senator Rick Scott as he recognized Corporal William Barnes and Deputies Colton Daniels, Roody Louis, and Sopharmony Muon for their courage during the July 16 ambush in Ruskin. “Senator Scott was one of the first to call and check on our deputies that day,” said Sheriff Chronister. “We are grateful for his continued support and for recognizing the courage and sacrifice of these four members of #teamHCSO.” We are proud of their selflessness and dedication to protecting Hillsborough County. 💚

Detention Class 26-05 cadets got hands-on training in first aid and victim stabilization. These are the skills that turn the first few minutes of an emergency into a chance to save a life. Every practice in the classroom today is preparation for the moment it matters. That's what it means to protect and serve.

A traffic violation led to #teamHCSO deputies arresting two people on narcotics charges. On September 19, 2026, just before 9 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle after observing it traveling in the wrong direction on North 15th Street near East Fletcher Avenue. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and more than $1,200. The driver, Willie Smith, 70, was arrested on narcotics charges, and a passenger, Sabrina Reddick, 36, was also arrested and charged on multiple drug-related charges.

We showed some love to the men and women who help us connect the dots and stay one step ahead on Crime Intelligence Appreciation Day yesterday. From identifying patterns and trends to connecting people, places, and crimes, our Crime Intelligence teams provide the critical information our deputies and detectives need to keep Hillsborough County safe.📊🔍

If you're looking for a career that takes you places, maybe it's time to join #teamHCSO. ✈️

The scoreboard may not have gone our way at the Bucs game yesterday, and the rain certainly didn’t make it easy, but #teamHCSO was there every step of the way to help keep everyone safe. 🏈🌧️

Five minutes can make all the difference in helping someone. Before a storm hits, check on your neighbors. Knock on a door. Make a call. Ask if they have what they need. A little kindness goes a long way.

⭐𝗔 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗻⭐ Today, we honor the life and service of Deputy Mark A. Longway, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on this day in 2010. Deputy Longway was fatally injured in a motor vehicle crash. Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, Deputy Muon, Deputy Daniels, Master Sergeant Bashner, and other members of #teamHCSO are at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener. These deputies were involved in the July 16 deputy-involved shooting, and we are grateful to the Buccaneers for welcoming them and for their continued support! Thank you for standing with those who serve our community.

During National Forensics Week, we’re taking you behind the scenes with the members of our #teamHCSO Crime Scene Section, who work tirelessly to document, collect, and preserve the evidence that can help piece together what happened. From the smallest detail to the biggest breakthrough, their work plays a critical role in the investigative process and the pursuit of justice.🔍🧩