HCSO Seeks Esteban Santana Jr. On Multiple Warrants

Hillsborough County detectives are asking for the public’s help finding 45-year-old Esteban Santana Jr., who is wanted on a slate of violent felony charges. According to investigators, active warrants accuse Santana of domestic-violence aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two additional counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic-violence armed burglary of a conveyance, and criminal mischief of $1,000 or more. Anyone with information is urged to call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.

Charges Listed by the Sheriff's Office

In its latest “Warrant Wednesday” post, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office identified Santana as 45 years old and outlined the allegations tied to the warrants. The list includes domestic-violence aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a domestic-violence armed burglary of a conveyance, and criminal mischief exceeding $1,000. Detectives did not release any additional details about the underlying incident in the social media notice.

How to Report Tips and Stay Safe

Authorities are clear on one point: if you think you see Santana, do not approach him. Instead, contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers so trained officers can respond. Public tips are routed through non-emergency and Crime Stoppers channels, where detectives can safely follow up. Officials also stress that warrants are accusations, not findings of guilt, and that confronting anyone wanted in a criminal case can be dangerous.

Warrant Wednesday in Context

The sheriff’s office has leaned on “Warrant Wednesday” posts in recent years to spotlight active warrants and tap the community for leads, a pattern reflected on the agency’s news page. Past examples show that social media spotlights like these have, at times, helped lead to arrests after tips came in, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. That track record sets the stage for this week’s public appeal involving Santana.

Legal Status and Presumption of Innocence

The counts listed by the sheriff’s office remain allegations attached to active warrants and have not been resolved in court. Anyone named in a warrant is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors file formal charges and a court issues a conviction. As with any ongoing investigation, officials are asking residents to pass tips along to investigators and avoid interfering with law enforcement activity.