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Pasco investigators probe telemarketing firm
ABC Action News investigators have learned that a controversial telemarketing firm claiming to raise money for firefighters is now under investigation. Video Video
UPDATE: Tampa man pleads guilty to 'Stolen Valor' charges
Our investigation has resulted in a guilty plea from a Tampa man accused of faking his military record. Video Video
INVESTIGATION: A Tampa case of stolen valor
An ABC Action News investigation has uncovered a blatant violation of "The Stolen Valor Act of 2005," the federal law that makes it illegal for anyone to fraudulently claim to have earned a medal of valor in military service to the nation. Video Video
UPDATE: Man accused of 'Stolen Valor' expected to plead guilty
A Tampa man caught by ABC Action News masquerading as a decorated Marine is expected to plead guilty on Friday.
Are you getting the shrimp you pay for?
We uncovered that cheap, imported, pond-raised shrimp is being mislabeled and sold as expensive, fresh, wild caught domestic shrimp. Video Video
INVESTIGATION: Who's really getting your donations?
Questions are being raised about a telemarketing firm hired to raise money for area firefighting organizations.
UPDATE: Fired deputy ordered to respond
A fired Hillsborough County Deputy is being ordered to respond to the county's efforts to evict him from his rent free home.
What are the worst accident hot spots in the Bay area?
Driving can be treacherous on any road, but we have the streets and intersections that law enforcement says are the most dangerous. Video Video
UPDATE: Investigation of condo management company leads to arrests
An ABC Action News Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a local couple accused of stealing rent money from condo owners. Video Video
INVESTIGATION: Does your child's daycare stack up?
An ABC Action News investigation looked at violation histories at Tampa Bay area daycare centers. Video Video
Are you getting ripped off at the gas pump?
We've uncovered several bay area gas stations who are not always selling what they're advertising. It's not only hard on your pocket book, but also on your vehicle. Video Video
Tampa man arraigned on 'Stolen Valor' charges
Angel Ocasio appeared in U.S. Federal Court in Tampa Wednesday to answer charges that he violated the Stolen Valor Act, a law making it illegal to fraudulently claim to have won medals of valor. Video Video
Health care loophole causes concern
An ABC Action News investigation has uncovered a loophole in a new Florida law aimed at cracking down on fraud in the health care industry. Video Video
UPDATE: Tampa man charged under Stolen Valor Act
An ABC Action News investigation has resulted in federal charges against a local man who never served in the military yet wears some of the nation's highest military honors. Video Video  |  Document Click here to see the charges filed against Angel Ocasio (347.3KB)
UPDATE: Fired deputy Cartwright fighting eviction
Fired Sheriff's Deputy fighting eviction still in the holiday spirit. Video Video
INVESTIGATION: Loan modification program leaves family with nothing
Homeowners facing foreclosure should be aware of empty promises offered by some loan modification companies. Video Video
UPDATE: AMVETS launches website after ABC Action News investigation
The Veterans organization created a new website to track down military phonies on the heels of an ABC Action News investigation into stolen valor. Video Video
UPDATE: Federal authorities investigating 'stolen valor' case in Tampa
Federal prosecutors have issued a statement saying they will vigorously prosecute cases of "Stolen Valor" in the wake of an ABC Action News investigation. Video Video
INVESTIGATION: Are your children in danger?
An ABC Action News investigation has discovered that one bay area school district is out of compliance with a state code meant to protect drivers and passengers on school buses.
UPDATE: Former deputy given date to respond to eviction notice
Former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Cartwright has been given until December 7th to respond to the County’s efforts to evict him from his rent free home in Brandon’s Saladino Park. Video Video
A Special Report Tuesday: Your children may be in danger
ABC Action News is investigating school bus drivers texting and talking on their cell phones...while driving.
INVESTIGATION: Are one community's red light cameras effective?
An ABC Action News investigation raises questions about whether accidents have increased since the City of Temple Terrace installed red light cameras.  |  Document City of Temple Terrace Crash Study (30.4KB)
UPDATE: Former Sheriff's Deputy to be evicted
Hillsborough County Commissioners have begun efforts to evict fired Sheriff's Deputy from his rent free home. Video Video
UPDATE: Eviction proceedings to move forward against fired deputy
Hillsborough County Commissioners have voted to begin the process of evicting a fired Sheriff’s Deputy from his rent-free home in Brandon’s Saladino Park. Video Video
INVESTIGATION: Is this former deputy a freeloader?
Why is a former Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy still living rent free in a public park more than a year after he was fired? Video Video  |  Document Click here to see the agreement between Cartwright and the county (406.7KB)
INVESTIGATION: Does trucker law cost lives?
Tired truck drivers caught lying about the hours they drive are fined just $100 in Florida. A Tampa Bay area woman and a state senator say the law is not adequate.  |  Document Statement from Florida Trucking Association (165.1KB)
INVESTIGATION: Sex offender ordinance results in only one arrest
Hillsborough County's tough new sex offender ordinance took effect almost a year ago. There has been only one arrest so far. Video Video
EXCLUSIVE: Is your nurse an ex-con?
Among those getting their nursing licenses and possibly working at a hospital or nursing facility near you: felons. INSIDE: Watch our investigation. Video Video  |  Document Full statement from the Department of Health (8.8KB)
Home raffles: creative or illegal?
How would you like to have the chance to own a gorgeous, brand new South Tampa mansion for 50 bucks? Video Video
How safe is your cell phone?
New technology makes it possible to hack into a person's cell phone and spy at will. Video Video
Fish or foul?
In a special investigation, we tested grouper from several different Bay area restaurants and our results may leave a bad taste in your mouth. Video Video
Plan to stop giving away Florida spring water dries up
For at least a decade, Florida Government has allowed bottled water companies to draw from our natural springs practically for free. A plan to stop the give-away never had a chance in Tallahassee. Video Video
Taking Action: Accused con man arrested
Chris Jones is accused of swindling small businesses all over the Tampa Bay area. Investigators say they finally caught him in the act. Video Video
Too many free lunches for those who can pay?
Random audits of families on the free and reduced lunch programs at public schools reveal about half don't meet the requirements to qualify. Video Video
Water cops get tougher during dry times
If you think you can use your sprinklers without getting in trouble, the water cops say you have a ticket coming your way. Video Video
Are Tampa Bay roads rigged for danger?
Some fear truckers, unfit to be behind the wheel, keep on truckin'. Video Video
Why don't cops get tickets?
If you cause a serious accident, you'd expect to get a ticket. But we found most agencies in the Bay Area shield their officers and deputies from traffic citations. Video Video
More complaints surface over Body Solutions of Tampa
Complaints against the company will be examined by the Florida Department of Health, and are already being investigated by the Hillsborough County Consumer Advocate. Video Video
Renters Beware: You Can Be Evicted Even If Paid-Up
Lawmaker Will Propose Bill To Help
Patients say treatments at Tampa Bay area cosmetic firm didn't work
In addition, Patients with recent appointments at 'Body Solutions of Tampa' found themselves locked out. Video Video
Our Investigation Gets FBI Involved
Did Florida Man Vote Twice?
Most Lethal Prescription Painkillers
State Issues Report on Drug Deaths
Woman says Tampa Bay area pain doctor over-prescribed pills
'I think he should be put out of practice. Even put in jail.' - Alice Engel Video Video
How many painkillers are too many?
Former patients, their families, and law enforcement sources say one Bay area doctor recklessly and routinely over-prescribed medications. Video Video
Prescription pain pills: Florida's legal killers
8,620 people from drug-related incidents in 2007. Experts say it's time for the state to step in and do something. Video Video
Thousands of Florida homeowners owe FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency improperly paid out nearly 35 million dollars to 21-thousand Florida households for the 2004 storms. Video Video
Are people voting twice? How many?
Tens of thousands have apparently registered in two states. Video Video
Investigators: Seven Tampa fire inspectors, 16,000 buildings
A retired inspector says, 'There's no way they can do the job. They need more inspectors...bad.' Video Video
Investigators: Defective tire valve stems pose danger
The federal government is investigating more than one million cars and trucks made by Ford after receiving reports of tires leaking due to cracked valve stems. Video Video
Sunshine Skyway job way behind schedule
The job was supposed to take six months. So far, it's 20 and counting. Video Video
About Matthew Schwartz
Matthew ScwartzAward-winning reporting that gets results
The Action News Investigators, led by Matthew Schwartz, is the only bay area investigative team specializing in uncovering corruption and exposing wrongdoing.




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