Free Republic

Authorities are investigating after an Altamonte Springs police officer lost a computer thumb drive with information about confidential informants. The police chief is reviewing the situation and will determine whether there is an official investigation into the actions of the officer, whom the department declines to identify because he works undercover. Each person whose name was on the lost drive will receive a phone call or visit to inform them of the situation, said Altamonte police Lt. Darin Farber. The loss of the thumb drive is just the latest high-profile embarrassment for the department. Another officer – identified by television...

Detectives say that there are new developments in the investigation into the mob-style murder of well-known South Florida businessman Gus Boulis. Investigators said Friday that reputed Gambino family crime associate Anthony Moscatiello is ratting on the other two men arrested, but he is not implicating himself. Moscatiello received thousands of dollars in Sun Cruz checks, money that investigators said they believe was the payoff for the murder of Boulis. Moscatiello, along with Anthony Ferrari and James Fiorillo, are charged with gunning down Boulis back in 2001. Moscatiello and Ferrari are charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation...

<p>New Yorkers can earn cash rewards for ratting out bodegas, groceries and individuals selling bootlegged cigarettes if a bill supported by Mayor Bloomberg wins approval.</p> <p>Under the bill, the city would give a "suitable" reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the detection of violations of the cigarette tax.</p>