On December 21, 2007, Detective Moberg was assigned to investigate an arson case. Although hampered by a two day delay due to the complexity of the investigation, Detective Moberg, with the help of Detective James Murray, identified a prime suspect. The detectives’ investigation revealed a complicated series of personal relationships revolving around a prime suspect and other individuals that had a correlation to several crimes committed in Broward County. Detective Moberg located some of the arson victim’s property at a local pawn shop, which was taken during an unreported residential burglary and also uncovered a preliminary plot by the suspect to murder a former boyfriend in Sunrise. The associated crimes and a criminal mischief case in Broward County Sheriff’s jurisdiction led Detectives Moberg and Murray to a second person of interest. An interview of this second person resulted in a partial confession to both the burglary and arson. Further investigation determined that this second person was actually the arsonist and the first suspect was a principal to both crimes. On December 28, 2007 the arsonist surrendered himself at the Police Department. Detective Moberg obtained a search warrant for the arsonist’s vehicle and recovered a camouflage ski cap that witnesses described him as wearing while committing the arson. Detective Moberg then obtained a pickup order for the first suspect who was subsequently arrested with the assistance of Sunrise Police Department.

As a result of this investigation the arsonist was charged with seven felony violations including arson, two counts of cruelty to animals (one cat died and a second was injured during the fire), burglary of a dwelling using explosives, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, and false verification of ownership at a pawn shop. Approximately $400.00 of the victim’s stolen property was recovered. The original suspect was charged with arson, two counts of cruelty to animals, and burglary of a dwelling using explosives. It should be noted that although the only loss of life resulting from the fire was one feline, the fire was started in an attached apartment complex which could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life and property. The structural damage and personal property damage exceeded $50,000.00.

Detective Moberg is a valued asset to this Agency and more specifically to the criminal investigation division. This investigation is indicative of the level of effort he places into all of his work. This is why Detective Moberg has been selected to receive the Officer of the Month Award for January 2008.

Detective Thomas Butt Had two custodial arrests on two separate fraud investigation suspects. He also implemented the first ever Economic Crimes Unit booth at the 2007 Plantation Police Exposition to provide crime prevention information to the public. He assisted two elderly victims of identity theft in re-gaining their financial standing with Bank of America. Achieving all of the above in one particular month is a true testament to his dedication.

In the span of about two months, Officer Saunders was responsible for the arrests of twelve   subjects who were involved in numerous burglaries.

On January 22, 2008, while checking businesses in her assigned zone, Office Saunders noticed three subjects running from a bank building. She quickly established a perimeter that resulted in all three subjects being arrested for loitering and prowling.

On February 4, 2008, at approximately 0300 hours Officer Saunders found an unoccupied truck with its engine running at Fig Tree park. Her investigation revealed that the truck was stolen during a residential burglary. While she was completing the recovery paperwork for the truck, a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was broadcast over the radio for a black Ford Explorer that was involved in several burglaries. Officer Saunders saw the SUV drive by Fig Tree park and relayed the information over the radio. She then assisted in detaining and arresting the five subjects that were inside the Explorer who were involved in the car burglaries.

On March 5, 2008, at approximately 0502 hours Officer Saunders responded to the 7500 block of Peters Road in reference to an attempted vehicle burglary that had just occurred. She then stopped a white van that was leaving the area. The four occupants were arrested for loitering and prowling and were found to be in possession of property that was taken from other vehicles in the area.

Her outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed by her peers or the department. It is for these reasons that Officer Saunders was selected as Officer of the Month for March 2008.

On May 27, 2007, at approximately 2:00 am, your quick thinking and decisive actions prevented an armed robbery at a 24-hour gas station/convenience store. Using excellent patrol techniques, you were able to quickly identify one robbery suspect in a parking lot adjacent to the store. You also identified a second subject hiding in some shrubbery next to the store. Unknown to you at the time, there were three subjects involved in the robbery. Though you were by yourself, you bravely, quickly and decisively called for assistance and took control of the situation on scene. You kept the subjects under control until other officers arrived. Once the subjects were in custody and secure, one subject was found to be a convicted criminal with a lengthy arrest and conviction history. One subject was found to be carrying a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The two male subjects were in possession of masks and gloves that were to be used to conceal their identities. The third (female) subject was to be the lookout.

This was a situation that could easily have resulted in someone (officer, civilian or subjects) being seriously hurt or killed. However, Officer DeRosa’s quick thinking, excellent patrol techniques, bravery and skill let to the prevention of a serious, felony crime involving a firearm and the arrest of two violent felons, all without injury to anyone involved. We can all be proud of his actions and accomplishments that night. Officer DeRosa’s actions express the best of what Plantation police officers represent - skill, bravery and dedication.

During the past months Zone 6 has been the target area for daytime burglaries. Officers Shawn Gilligan and Michelle Keirnan were aware of the burglaries and were conducting high visibility patrols in the area.

On July 16, 2007, both officers were patrolling the area of 661 South Fig Tree Lane. Officer Gilligan observed two black male juveniles running from the rear of the house. Officer Gilligan quickly relayed the information over the radio to alert other officers. Officer Keirnan observed the subjects running from Officer Gilligan and together both officers caught the subjects in Fig Tree Park. The two officers also caught a third subject who was acting as a lookout.

Other responding officers conducted a check of the house and found it to have been ransacked. Officers recovered a pillowcase full of stolen property at the rear of the house.

Based upon these three juvenile arrests this burglary was cleared and the victim’s property was recovered and returned.

Based on interviews with the three arrested subjects, Plantation detectives were able to clear five additional burglaries dating to January of this year.

Officers Gilligan and Keirnan are being recognized for their exceptional proactive police work. They were in the right place, at the right time and took quick, decisive action to capture three residential burglars and recover all the stolen property. Their actions led to the clearance of six burglaries.