TAMPA, FL – Federal authorities have brought charges against six alleged members of a notorious gang, accusing them of a series of violent crimes including robbery, fraud, and murder. The indictment, announced Tuesday, marks a significant step in dismantling the Alexander Park gang, also known as AP, which has terrorized Hillsborough County for years.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Roger Hanberg, revealed that the gang derived its name from a local park in the neighborhood where several members grew up. The 39-page indictment outlines a chilling array of criminal activities, from murder and burglaries to shootings and arson.
Among the incidents highlighted were two particularly brazen attacks. In April 2022, a gang-related shooting occurred at Scores Gentleman’s Club on Dale Mabry Highway. Just six days later, in a shocking act of retaliation, AP members allegedly executed a murder in broad daylight at a strip mall parking lot on West Hillsborough Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing scene as three masked individuals, dressed in black, fired multiple rounds into the victim’s car, killing the individual with 17 shots.
The indictment not only details these violent acts but also touches on the gang’s involvement in drug trafficking and arson. While the charges are a significant blow to the gang, Hanberg cautioned that the fight against gang violence is far from over. Each defendant faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life sentences.
Local attorney Jana Thomas expressed cautious optimism about the indictment. “We appreciate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking these crimes seriously and taking action. However, the reality is that for every gang member arrested, another is ready to take their place. The work to make our community safer is ongoing.”
Despite the progress, authorities remain vigilant, aware that the dismantling of one gang does not eliminate the threat entirely. The community is hopeful that this indictment will lead to a safer environment, but the road ahead remains challenging.