Deputies Round up Suspected Gang Members

After a one-and-a-half-year investigation into SUR 13, a suspected street gang in Manatee County, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office began rounding up 13 suspected gang members Monday, according to a report by Sheriff Brad Stuebe. 

Two of the suspected gang members — Daniel Robledo and Manuel Ramirez — are also charged with murder in the 2009 shooting death of 52-year-old Rolando Martinez-Rosales, who was found shot in the 4100 block of Eighth Street Court East, Bradenton.

The gang unit from the sheriff's office executed four search warrants Monday and arrested several people they believe to be members of SUR 13, according to the sheriff's report.

All the defendants face racketeering-related charges. Some of the defendants were already in the Manatee County Jail or with the Florida Department of Corrections on unrelated charges. This is the second time the sheriff's office has made arrests involving SUR 13 and charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Search warrants were executed Monday at 614 58th Ave. Dr. E., Bradenton; 603 59th Ave. Terrace W.; 3009 46th Ave. W.; and 5705 44th Ave. E., according to the sheriff's office. One firearm and numerous "gang related items" were seized at each of the locations. 

Joel Rodriguez, 19, was arrested at 614 58th Ave. Dr. E. without incident, and Irwin Sanchez, 21, was arrested at 603 59th Ave. Terrace W., also without incident.

Charged and being held Monday are:

• Irwin Sanchez, 21        
• Joel Rodriguez, 19          
• Daniel Robledo, 25          
• Luis Ortiz, 21       
• Luciano Muniz, 20         
• Danny Duran, 20       
• Martin Agustin, 20        
• Marvin Villacorta

Robledo is in the Manatee County Jail on an unrelated charge of murder in connection with the Elvis Ruiz shooting on July 23. He was charged Monday with the 2009 murder in addition to the RICO charges.

Deputies are still searching for Ramirez, who turned 20 on Monday. There is an arrest warrant for him on murder and RICO charges, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies are also searching for:

• Feliz Falcon, 21   
• Juan Falcon, 18     
• Britney Vela, 19    
• Jorge Reyes, 18     

The four are all wanted on RICO charges. The sheriff's office is asking that those with information on the at-large suspects contact MSO at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

The State Attorney’s Office, the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office and the Bradenton Police Department assisted in the case.