HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A two-day multi-agency operation aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s sex offender registration laws led to 13 arrests in Hernando County,
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement‘s Missing Persons and Offender Enforcement Division partnered with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Corrections for the initiative, dubbed “Operation Black Horizon,” which focused on individuals on active supervision in the county.
Authorities announced on June 17 that the operation targeted 52 registered offenders and predators currently under supervision by the Department of Corrections. Investigators were able to make contact with 47 of those individuals, conducting verification interviews and carrying out residential and electronic device searches to ensure compliance with state requirements.
Law enforcement said the effort resulted in 11 people being arrested specifically for registration-related violations, probation violations, or both. Those taken into custody include eight registered sexual offenders and three registered sexual predators.
Those arrested in connection with those violations were identified as Russell Hetzel, 38; Mike Marrero, 56; Gary Payne, 67; Anthony Boffil, 39; Nathaniel Campbell, 32; Angel Casanova Ramos, 55; Colin Fee, 26; Scott Fishburne, 54; Bernard Gold, 67; Timothy Stanke, 38; and Ernest Taylor, 51.
Those arrested in connection with those violations were identified as Russell Hetzel, 38; Mike Marrero, 56; Gary Payne, 67; Anthony Boffil, 39; Nathaniel Campbell, 32; Angel Casanova Ramos, 55; Colin Fee, 26; Scott Fishburne, 54; Bernard Gold, 67; Timothy Stanke, 38; and Ernest Taylor, 51. (FDLE)
Officials say the charges in those cases range from failing to report required information, such as changes in vehicles, email addresses, and internet identifiers, to drug possession and violation of probation. Among the more unusual charges, authorities noted one suspect was found in possession of a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, which is prohibited for individuals classified as sexual offenders under certain conditions.
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In a separate case tied to the operation, Jesus Velazquez, 65, who was already on probation as a sexual offender, was arrested on an active warrant for violating probation.
Authorities said a 13th arrest occurred during the operation when deputies and agents attempted to stop Nicola Karbassi, 57, of Spring Hill, after observing him driving at a high rate of speed through a residential neighborhood and running two stop signs. Karbassi eventually pulled over and was taken into custody on a charge of fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
All 13 individuals were booked into the Hernando County Jail, officials said.
FDLE officials said operations like Black Horizon are designed to ensure that offenders comply with Florida’s strict registration laws, which require individuals to provide up-to-date personal information to law enforcement, including their home address, contact information, vehicle details, internet identifiers, and other identifying data.