Homeless Man With Handcuff Keys Arrested-possession of a concealed handcuff key is a felony

[The Straight Story]

Homeless Man With Handcuff Keys Arrested
Law Passed In 1998 After 3 Tampa Officials Killed


MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- A homeless Miami Beach man could face years in prison for wearing handcuff keys on a necklace.

Prosecutors on Tuesday formally charged 22-year-old Michael Gonzalez with disorderly intoxication, marijuana possession and two counts of possession of a concealed handcuff key. He was arrested last month after police said he was harassing women on the sand.

Prosecutor Barbara Teresa Govea said in court that the charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Assistant Public Defender Michelle Prescott asked the judge if this was a constitutional violation.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/20808460/detail.html

[Freddie Stubbs]

1. At least he may now have a home for a few years

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. Possession of a handcuff key is a felony in Florida?

Is there anything that is NOT a felony in Florida? Are they in competition with Texas or something?

[samsingh]

3. wearing guns in open holsters

[Vinnie From Indy]

4. IS a necklace "concealed?"

[MajorChode]

6. Apparently so as the law specifically lists that instance

I'm not sure what their reasoning is, other than a necklace can be worn underneath a shirt. But in the original crime that gave rise to the law, the offender was wearing a similar key on a necklace.

[MajorChode]

5. You can't be "arrested" for carrying a concealed handcuff key

It's only illegal to have a concealed handcuff key if you fail to disclose it AFTER you've been arrested for something else.

A felony seems a bit extreme, but the law was passed after 3 police officers were murdered after a suspect escaped his handcuffs with such a key concealed on a necklace.

[-..__...]

7. Is that the same case...

where the wife/girl freind of the suspect was charged as an accessory to the murders because at the time the perpetrator was arrested, she didn't inform the officers that he was a wanted felon?

(I might be a bit hazy on the exact details... but that's the gist of the case).

[MajorChode]

8. There's a bit more to the story

She didn't just exclude information, she actually lied to the police. There were also a number of other charges.