Attorney General Pam Bondi News Release

February 25, 2013
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150

Attorney General Bondi Announces Sentencing for Bradenton Gang Members

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that two members of Bradenton's SUR-13 criminal street gang entered guilty pleas and were sentenced to substantial prison sentences for gang-related activity. Joel "Dough Boy" Rodriguez, 19, pled guilty to racketeering, conspiracy to engage in racketeering, and carrying a concealed firearm. He was sentenced to five years prison and two years probation. Marbin "Spantos" Villacorta, 21, pled guilty to racketeering and conspiracy to engage in racketeering and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years probation.

“By tearing down the infrastructure of this dangerous Central Florida gang, we are making Bradenton a safer place to live and raise a family,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I applaud the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit for their commitment to ridding our streets of these dangerous gangs.”

The case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted through a partnership between the Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Office of the State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit.

The status of the other Sur-13 defendants is as follows:

Danny Duran, pleaded guilty, sentenced to 13 years in prison;

· Irwin Sanchez, pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing;

· Martin Agustin, pleaded guilty, sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison;

· Britney Vela, pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing;

· Manuel Ramirez, pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing;

· Luciano Muniz, set for trial on April 29;

· Daniel Robledo, set for trial on April 29;

· Luis Ortiz, pleaded guilty, sentenced to 10 years in prison; and

· Antonio Falcon, pleaded guilty, sentenced to 10 years in prison