State won't appeal Latin Kings dismissals

TAMPA -- The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office will not appeal a judge's dismissal of racketeering charges against 23 purported Latin Kings gang members.

Prosecutors announced the decision one day before their deadline to file an appeal with the 2nd District Court of Appeal. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Daniel Sleet tossed out the charges April 7.

"After review of the court's order and consultation with the Attorney General's Office, the State Attorney's Office has decided not to appeal the matter," Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi said.

She would not elaborate.

Last week, Assistant State Attorney Christine Brown argued for a chance to reargue her case. She said certain facts cited in Sleet's order were either not supported by evidence or required clarification.

Sleet denied her request.

The judge dismissed the charges due to the "outrageous" behavior of the state's confidential informant, who continued to commit crimes while working for law enforcement.

-- Colleen Jenkins, Times staff writer