St. Petersburg's commitment to safety amidst rising concerns over crime.
Rodrick Quinelle Dallas, 38, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of gun and drug offenses in St. Petersburg. Dallas sold cocaine and a firearm to an undercover officer, receiving an enhanced sentence due to his criminal history. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, aimed at reducing gun violence. In related incidents, Delorse Boyd was arrested for stealing from an elderly woman, while multiple felony charges were filed against John Connaughton for a bizarre incident involving urine. A teenager was also charged with first-degree murder related to a shooting.
St. Petersburg – A 38-year-old man, Rodrick Quinelle Dallas, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug and gun offenses. Dallas was convicted on charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distributing cocaine, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Dallas pleaded guilty to his charges in April 2023 following his arrest after selling both a firearm and cocaine to an undercover officer from the St. Petersburg Police Department on December 20, 2022. Due to his extensive criminal history, he received an enhanced sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act. His prior convictions include offenses such as resisting an officer with violence and sale of cocaine.
The investigation into Dallas’s activities formed part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and other crimes in communities. The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and local law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, in related news, 65-year-old Delorse Boyd was arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from an elderly woman whom she was hired to assist with home cleaning. Beginning July 7, 2017, and extending to September 1, 2021, Boyd reportedly siphoned $205,762.60 from the victim. The elderly woman, who was initially 79 years old at the time of the theft, employed Boyd to help maintain her home. This access allowed Boyd to manipulate the victim’s financial affairs.
An investigation into Boyd’s actions revealed that she had written 176 checks to obtain cash, make deposits into her own account, and pay for her personal bills. Boyd was arrested on January 13, 2023, and is currently being held on a charge of first-degree elderly exploitation, a felony, with a bond set at $150,000.
In a separate incident, 51-year-old John Connaughton faces multiple felony charges after he was accused of throwing bottles of urine inside a St. Petersburg business. Connaughton reportedly became upset after he was not granted a job interview. During the incident, he splashed urine on an employee and caused property damage estimated at over $1,000. Connaughton allegedly threatened the employee with a skateboard as he attempted to escape from the scene. He is facing charges of battery, criminal mischief, and aggravated assault.
Moreover, a 14-year-old minor was charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that occurred in unincorporated St. Petersburg on July 25. The incident resulted in the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old woman. Authorities were able to identify the suspect after he was seen fleeing the scene on a bicycle. Following a search of the teen’s residence, detectives discovered a firearm, cocaine, and more than $180,000 in cash.
During interrogations, the teenager confessed to the shooting and disclosed that he had obtained the weapon from his father’s bedroom. The teen’s father, who has a significant criminal record, was also arrested on several charges related to firearm and drug offenses.
As these investigations unfold, law enforcement in St. Petersburg continues to emphasize the importance of community safety and the pursuit of justice for victims of crime.
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