17 arrested in Nebraska Ave sting

TAMPA -- Police took on the city's most notorious prostitution drag this weekend, in a two-day sting that nabbed 17 men on charges including soliciting to commit prostitution, drug possession and possession of stolen firearms.

Tampa Police Department's street anti-crime squad targeted the area of N Nebraska Avenue and E Emily Street in Southeast Seminole Heights on Friday and Saturday nights. Lt. Diane Hobkey-Burney said police conduct these types of stings in response to complaints from neighbors.

"They're doing an awesome job," said neighborhood association president Sherry Genovar-Simons. "They have really been paying consistent attention to the area. It's helped the problem enormously."

Residents of Southeast Seminole Heights have battled crime in the area for years, with "hooker patrols" that  take to the streets at night with flashlights, shooing prostitutes away. Illegal activity all but disappeared, until about three months ago, when neighbors started seeing more street walkers.

Residents of Old Seminole Heights, which straddles Nebraska Avene to the north, met with police this fall about the situation.

Genovar-Simons is pleased with the response: "TPD was really quick to listen to us."

Police said the following men were charged with soliciting to commit prostitution:

Joseph Phillips, 46, Tampa; Louis E. Texidor, 34, Tampa; Michael Jimerson, 18, Tampa; Donald V. Jones, 47, Tampa; Eduardo Garcia, 41, Orlando; Kesnel Joseph, 31, Tampa; Jerry A. Booker, 43, Tampa; Gregorio Velasco, 39, Tampa; Kenneth Yana, 42, Spring Hill; Cano Bernadin, 29, Temple Terrace; Bigenson Lubin, 23, Tampa; Samuel Hines, 73, Washington; Robert Torrence, 44, Tampa; Daniel J. Klein, 34, Tampa; Ervin D. Sharpe, 39, St. Petersburg; Peter Sanchez, 50, Tampa; and Shaun A. Sanders, 29, Tampa.

-- Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff Writer