Sixteen people wanted on active domestic violence warrants were arrested across Hillsborough County during a two-day sweep that investigators dubbed Operation Ghost Sting. Detectives tracked down suspects accused of battering or strangling victims, with two of the men identified by authorities as repeat offenders with multiple domestic violence arrests this year alone.
Two-Day Roundup Targets Active Warrants
The operation ran Oct. 12–13 across Hillsborough County, according to mysuncoast.com. Detectives from the Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence Unit worked alongside the Warrants Section to track down suspects wanted on outstanding domestic violence warrants throughout the county, the outlet reported. By the time the sweep wrapped, deputies had made all 16 arrests tied to the operation, as West Orlando News reported.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister framed the operation as part of a broader commitment to survivors. “We stand with survivors, and we will not stop until the people who harmed them face justice,” Chronister said, per the same mysuncoast.com account.
Accused Repeat Offenders Among Those Arrested
Among those taken into custody was 28-year-old Karim Shereef, who investigators alleged bit, struck and choked a victim multiple times, according to the outlet's report. Shereef faces charges of domestic battery and domestic battery by strangulation. The Sheriff's Office said Shereef had recently moved to Hillsborough County and had multiple prior arrests in other states involving domestic violence, narcotics and firearms, according to tampabay28.com. Authorities said this marked Shereef's third domestic violence arrest since May, per mysuncoast.com's reporting.
Also arrested was 48-year-old Jonathon Jordan, accused of striking a victim and choking them until they lost consciousness, the Sheriff's Office said. Jordan faces the same two charges as Shereef — domestic battery and domestic battery by strangulation. Investigators said this was Jordan's third domestic violence arrest since February, according to the outlet's report.
Operation's Scope and Resources
The two-day push reflected a coordinated effort between units specifically focused on domestic violence cases, pairing investigators who build these cases with the deputies tasked with serving warrants once charges are filed. WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM confirmed that all 16 arrests stemmed from active domestic violence warrants tied to the operation.
Anyone experiencing a domestic violence emergency is urged to call 911. Those with information about someone wanted for domestic violence can contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.
