Retired Florida State Senator Victor D. Crist

Tampa, FL – State Senator Victor D. Crist (R-Tampa) has been recognized by the Florida Law Enforcement Property Recovery Unit (FLEPRU) as the 2008 “Senator of the Year” for his outstanding commitment to public safety during the 2008 Legislative Session. Throughout his nearly two decades of public service, Senator Crist has been a passionate advocate of law enforcement and justice, and has taken the lead on key initiatives aimed at combating dangerous crimes in the state of Florida. This year, Senator Crist and FLEPRU worked together to fight for laws that are expected to curb the epidemic of stolen scrap metals – a problem that has increased substantially in Florida – particularly in counties surrounding the Tampa Bay Area.

“Our communities, local businesses, and homeowners have suffered the consequences of damaged property and costly repairs caused by the rampant theft of secondary metals,” said Senator Crist, “It is important to restrict criminal opportunity where we can—every time there is an attempt to steal copper wire or metal products, the potential is there for serious injury or death,” Crist added.

Numerous reports of destroyed air conditioning units, automobiles, and other equipment containing significant quantities of precious metal materials were reported last year by churches, homeowners, cemeteries and local businesses throughout Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, which are located in Crist’s Senate District.  Oftentimes, these materials are stolen and sold for quick cash to a secondhand dealer, who until now did not have to verify and record any proof that the seller was the rightful owner of the property. Crist’s legislation targeted the root of this problem by developing a documented record for all metal materials purchased as secondhand goods, and requiring that fraudulent records or verification by these dealers be punished as a third degree felony.

Under the new laws, which went into effect in July, any person who attempts to sell scrap metal material to a secondhand dealer must provide detailed vehicle and contact information, a right thumbprint, and undergo a background check. An estimated 19 other states have now passed similar laws.

“This bill gave law enforcement the information it needed to crack down on criminals who cause millions of dollars in damages,” said Jack Gee, a veteran police detective and current President of FLEPRU. “Senator Crist recognized the problem, and rallied other legislators to the cause,” added Gee.

Crist’s dedication to this issue is extensive, and dates back to 2006 when he passed the state’s first legislation that enabled law enforcement to crack down on unscrupulous secondhand dealers that engage in fraudulent electronic or online transactions—legislation that was strongly supported by FLEPRU.  “I am honored to receive this recognition from the Florida Law Enforcement Property Recovery Unit, and look forward to their continued partnership in formulating good public policy that will protect the public and enhance the ability of law enforcement to combat threats to public safety,” said Senator Crist.