Notable moments in Manatee County Sheriff's Office Brad Steube's tenure

Notable moments in Manatee Sheriff Steube's tenure

The May 2007 fatal shooting of 9-year-old Stacy Williams in a gang-related exchange of gunfire resulted in the arrest of shooter Orlando Valenzuela, Johnny Vazquez and Ashley Rios. Valenzuela was later convicted of second-degree murder and is serving life in prison. A basketball court next to the sheriff's office headquarters is named after Stacy.

Around 2009, the use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act began to result in successfully arresting gang members and reducing violent crime.

In April 2012, the sheriff's office concluded an investigation of property misuse at the Manatee County jail in which former Maj. James Higginbotham and former Sgt. Frank Parks were each cited for conduct unbecoming after equipment from the jail farm was used for personal use. Steube afterward implemented a new policy prohibiting personal use of county property, which he acknowledged had become acceptable among jail employees.

The arrest of kidnapping-rape suspect Dominick Hawkins after a 48-hour manhunt in July 2013. "We're hunting you," Steube said as deputies searched for the suspect in the kidnapping and rape of a 5-year-old girl.

The arrest of triple-murder suspect Andres Avalos in December 2014 after a 51-hour manhunt. Avalos is charged with killing his wife, Amber Avalos; neighbor, Denise Potter; and the Rev. James "Tripp" Battle.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Notable moments in Manatee County Sheriff's Office Brad Steube's tenure."