Main Office: / CW44 Tampa Bay. She was arrested numerous times in Pasco County before she got clean. An official website of the United States government. Takaria Vashon McCray has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. Be Proactive. Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on August 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 188 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Brittany Jean Boozel, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, possession of a controlled substance. Neighbors complained of a large amount of traffic coming from 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake Placid. 20-CR-14021). WebRENTON, WA Renton police and the Valley SWAT Team logged the city's largest-ever drug bust Monday, seizing an estimated $1.7 million in illegal drugs after a lengthy Sheriffs Public Information Officer Scott Dressel said he did not have information on how authorities learned that information. Two people were arrested: Gina Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon, and Erette Allen McClellan, 41 of Abingdon. WebMulti-agency drug dealer sweep nets more than 70 arrests in Highlands County SEBRING -- For more than a year, the Highlands County Sheriffs Office has worked with local, A lock ( Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Nicholas Ray Lynch: possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Cesar Rodriguez, of 2333 Cleveland Road in Sebring, on unrelated charges. of marijuana, and worst of all for deputies, was the two ounces of fentanyl powder and 800 pressed fentanyl pills. The most recent obituaries, sent out every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Floyd Gene Hodge, 52, of Avon Park: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. A law enforcement operation handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; and Highlands County Sheriff's Office dismantled the drug trafficking organization, leading to the prosecution of members at all levels of the criminal enterprise -- from top leaders, to people who cooked crack, to street-level dealers. Chief Dolan said charges are pending and the suspects names are not being released at this time. However, Molina-Etchechurys was the local kingpin of the smuggling ring, with links to an unnamed international drug trafficking organization with connections in Mexico. Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Operation Triple Play is most likely the largest and most productive investigation of its kind ever conducted in Highlands County. Barbara Anne Ratliff, 59, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. Deputies reportedly located ledgers documenting drug sales, large amounts of cash in small denominations, 86.8 grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam pills. The Special Operations Unit launched the operation documenting narcotics sales and usedsurveillance video and undercover operatives. September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM Deputies say they confiscated enough fentanyl to kill nearly 40,000 people. "With that amount of drugs, it's clear that he must have a pretty good clientele," said spokesperson Scott Dressel. MIAMI Several Highlands County men have been sentenced in South Florida federal district court to prison terms for their roles in a powder and crack cocaine drug trafficking ring that had become entrenched in the Lake Placid neighborhood of Highway Park, Florida. SEBRING, Fla. On September 30, 2010, a multi-agency federal, state, and local task force conducted an operation in which more than 70 people were arrested on drug trafficking and gun marcharges. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. 21-CR-14002). (Case No. The following comes from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office: Arrested during the Operation Dealer Fold sweep over the weekend were: Erica Lea Blair, 47, of Sebring: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Most of those arrested in the operation are facing serious felony charges that could lead to lengthy sentences in state prison. WebBEACHWOOD, Ohio (WOIO) Two men suspected of drug trafficking were arrested in the parking lot of Beachwood Place and police said they seized two guns, suspected It is enough, they say, to kill 25,000 people, or one-quarter of everyone in Highlands County, which has a population of about 101,000 people. Stephen Gerald Shuart, 31, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, DeSantis auditing state attorney over Orlando shooting, FL sheriff stops fleeing driver during radio interview, Publix FL Lottery ticket worth $186K about to expire, Police investigating Tarpon Springs shooting that, Trustees eliminate diversity office at New College, Gov. La Verne J. Hibbert, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division, Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Robert Cekada, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Miami Field Office, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, Troy Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Paul Blackman, Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriffs Office made the announcement. Be Truthful. Jamie Lynn Thomas, 36, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment and warrants out of Polk County. An official website of the United States government. Task force members found additional amounts of methamphetamine, as well as a pint of liquid codeine, and smaller amounts of liquid THC and marijuana. Public Affairs Officer Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr., 34, was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 96 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and conspiracy to distribute a cocaine. More than 80 arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter. Zaquero Baza, 33, of 4318 Mackerel Drive in Sebring, on unrelated charges. MIAMI, Fla. (CW44 News At 10)-- Several Highlands County men have been sentenced in South Florida federal district court to prison terms for their roles in a powder and crack cocaine drug trafficking ring that had become entrenched in the Lake Placid neighborhood of Highway Park, Florida. RELATED: Law enforcement officials worry 'rainbow fentanyl' could be targeting children. Stanton was charged with possession of marijuana Error! Four people were arrested in Ellsworth last Thursday after nearly 4 pounds of fentanyl was recovered in a drug bust spanning Hancock and Somerset counties. 33132, Telephone: (305) 961-9001 It was around 7:40 p.m. Sunday when a deputy pulled over a Ford Focus that was driving with a tail light out. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Lock Raymond Clayton Parks, 37, of Sebring: sale of hydromorphone. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Dixon was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Leeper said drug dealers will mix it will other drugs including heroin, meth and cocaine, which increases the chances of a fatal interaction. Dario Stephan Dixby, 41, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone. The operation culminated this week with a surge of arrests as part of the federal Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). 21-CR-14002). The other 75.8 grams of cannabis were allegedly found in a CHEEZE-IT box underneath a bench cushion in the hallway. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The search involved twelve locations. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WECT) - Law enforcement officials arrested seven people, and confiscated two kilograms of cocaine, 20,000 bags of heroin, $180,000 in cash, and multiple firearms as part of a large-scale, multi-agency drug bust in southeastern North Carolina. 21-CR-14002). Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. There was an error processing your request. In the past three months, the following federal defendants have been sentenced in this matter: Markyrie McCray, Jr., 24, was sentenced on September 8, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, to 30 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack cocaine." According to a release from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office, Ezzard Charles Dixon, 47, was arrested on Tuesday after a search warrant turned up multiple types of drugs and guns. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 20-CR-14022). Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. We will continue to work hard to identify and arrest the people who seek to peddle this poison in our community.. The joint investigation by the Highlands County Sheriffs Office; the Port St. Lucie office of the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the local Probation and Parole office led to five arrests. Steven Lee Purser, 47, of Bowling Green: sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. Please enter valid email address to continue. or anything. This lead to the prosecution of members at all levels of the criminal enterprise - from top leaders, to people who cooked crack cocaine, to street-level dealers. 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Fax Line: (305) 530-7679. The junior Bellamy was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. To put that in perspective, that would be enough to kill nearly 40 percent of the people in Highlands County, an HCSO spokesperson noted. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. (Case No. Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 99 N.E. On December 9, 2021 in the evening hours, the Polk County Police Department executed a search warrant at 978 Fairview Road (Rockmart) in reference to drug activity at the residence. WebSeveral Highlands County men have been sentenced in South Florida federal district court to prison terms for their roles in a powder and crack cocaine drug trafficking ring that had 4 things you can do for your health, The State of Black Tampa Bay: An Exclusive Town Hall, Ybor speakeasy honors Madame Fortune Taylor, Ex got a warrant? Molina They were prosecuted by the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted with this operation. Throughout the investigation, another four were arrested and authorities seized a large amount of drugs. If the Iditarod race inspired you, weve compiled a list of the best gear to keep your dog safe and happy throughout winter, as well as year-round. Invalid password or account does not exist. Official websites use .gov The cannabis was packaged in vacuum-sealed bags in the snack box, according to the arresting documents. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Mykel Laron Treadwell, 34, was sentenced on June 2, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 24 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone. 20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. (Case No. What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? JimmyRay Parks, 18, of Sebring: felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. Marquis Sharod Bellamy, 28, was sentenced on July 1, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 180 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Deputies said their investigation began this summer after learning that Dixon was allegedly selling fentanyl out of his home. The areas top boating and fishing news will be delivered to you email every Thursday morning. Kenneth Jamal Deveaux has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. A law enforcement operation handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; and Highlands County Sheriffs Office dismantled the drug trafficking organization, leading to the prosecution of members at all levels of the criminal enterprise -- from top leaders, to people who cooked crack, to street-level dealers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Along with the $20,000 of cocaine, $40,000 of oxycodone, and $45,000 of heroin, and the total seizure was worth $120,000. Sheriff Paul Blackman says there is growing use of meth and opiate across the area. Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, La Verne J. Hibbert, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division, Robert Cekada, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Miami Field Office, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, Troy Walker, Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Paul Blackman, Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriffs Office made the announcement. Donna Alice Bermudez, 56, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. They were also prohibited from carrying firearms, said police. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. NW, had meth, cocaine, oxycodone, 3 lbs. Tanya Lynn Mobley, 32, of Lake Placid: sale of hydrocodone, possession of drug equipment. In Pasco County before she got clean worst of All for deputies, was the two ounces fentanyl. Unit launched the operation are facing serious felony charges that could lead to lengthy sentences state! Of hydrocodone, possession of a controlled substance she got clean Southern District of Florida the... 41 of Abingdon drug equipment while 8,000 died statewide, 3 lbs the state Attorneys Office Floridas... Password has been sent to the e-mail address will be displayed next your... Your purchase was successful, and more than 80 arrest warrants were and! With selling narcotics, the other 75.8 grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam pills died! Issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody grams of cannabis were found. 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