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. When your e-Edition is ready to be read, we send you a reminderemaileach day letting you know. More than 80 arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody. Sheriffs Public Information Officer Scott Dressel said he did not have information on how authorities learned that information. Success! Throughout the investigation, another four were arrested and authorities seized a large amount of drugs. (Case No. Patricia Ferol Hall, 45, of Sebring: trafficking in oxycodone, sale of oxycodone, sale of hydromorphone, possession of controlled substance with intent to sell (three counts), possession of drug equipment. 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. READ: Were losing this battle: Floridas attorney general wants fentanyl declared a weapon of mass destruction. Main Office:
Takaria Vashon McCray, 47, was sentenced on Aug. 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. Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Deputies said their investigation began this summer after learning that Dixon was allegedly selling fentanyl out of his home. Dario Stephan Dixby, 41, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone. Highlands County Sheriffs Office arrested Dahlin Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, on Nov. 29. (Case No. Donna Alice Bermudez, 56, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. It is largely due to a renewed focus on long-term narcotics investigations by the Highland County Sheriffs Office (SO) Special Operations Division. 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. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, St. Pete church affordable housing plan faces pushback from nearby neighbors, Seminole lawyer accused of stealing more than $840K from 16 personal injury victims, Pinellas sheriff says, Accused drunk driver runs over boyfriend, police say, TPD: Video shows suspected officer impersonator who exposed himself to woman at Tampa hotel, USF Sarasota-Manatee to host groundbreaking for its first student housing complex, Berns Steak House requiring credit card for reservations, no-show fees will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, World War II airman from Tampa Bay area identified nearly 80 years after his death. Have a question about Government Services? "With that amount of drugs, it's clear that he must have a pretty good clientele," said spokesperson Scott Dressel. Three of their co-conspirators were arrested in Highlands County just before New Years Eve. 21-CR-14002). After obtaining an arrest warrant, deputies said they searched Dixons home, finding two ounces of fentanyl powder and 800 fentanyl pills, as well as five ounces of cocaine, one ounce of methamphetamine, seven grams of oxycodone and three pounds of marijuana. Create a password that only you will remember. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( 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. When your e-Edition is ready to be read, we send you a reminderemaileach day letting you know. You have permission to edit this article. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. 4th Street
The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted greatly with this operation. Top headlines of the day, delivered to your email every morning. First published on September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM. 20-CR-14021). 21-CR-14002). They are wanted for using fraudulent prescriptions to obtain codeine-based prescriptions to be sold on the streets, and are part of a large ring on the east coast of the state. We'd love to hear eyewitness (Case No. Their efforts have put one of the countys major drug dealers in jail where he belongs and likely saved many lives.. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. RELATED: Law enforcement officials worry 'rainbow fentanyl' could be targeting children. Dahlin Patrick Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, was arrested on Nov. 29 by deputies from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office. An official website of the United States government. Freddie Leon Owens, 59, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. 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? ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. SEBRING Multiple search and arrest warrants served Thursday in Sebring took down an international methamphetamine smuggling ring. COURTESY/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, International drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connection dismantled. The operation targeted dealers of meth and opiates. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The areas top boating and fishing news will be delivered to you email every Thursday morning. Brittany Jean Boozel, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, possession of a controlled substance. During their interaction, Radina asked an undercover detective to drive her to her suppliers home at 206 Colorado Avenue in order to pick up around 7-grams of fentanyl. 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. WebHILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. Nicholas Ray Lynch: possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. 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. WebDrugs and weapons allegedly seized in a Highlands County bust (HCSO photo) According to deputies, a dose of 2 to 3 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to be deadly, meaning there (Case No. WebAlleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall reports that July 23, officers from around the Highlands began rounding up people who had been indicted on 59 charges as part of Operation To take this amount of drugs off the street is a huge accomplishment, and our county is safer because of it.. USAFLS.News@usdoj.gov, Southern District of Florida
21-CR-14002). Authorities believe that Rodriguez and Baza also have a connection to this organization. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Floyd Gene Hodge, 52, of Avon Park: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Rebecca Lynn Taylor, 36, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment, possession of marijuana. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. DeWine returns to East Palestine, Oakwood factory fire was not the result of a criminal act, says the State Fire Marshal, Red Wagon Farm announces new brewing company, Closed Captioning/Audio Description Problems. Please enter valid email address to continue. He completed probation in 2020. Choose wisely! 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. Sheriff Paul Blackman says there is growing use of meth and opiate across the area. "I do not understand how people can do this, other than just pure greed and evil," stated Dressel. Dixon has received the following charges: The Highlands County Sheriffs Office said Dixon previously spent 9 years in prison on federal drug charges and completed his probation in 2020. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Tanya Lynn Mobley, 32, of Lake Placid: sale of hydrocodone, possession of drug equipment. 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. These leggings and parkas look great together in any combination, so you can mix and match according to your preferences. Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Deputies reportedly located ledgers documenting drug sales, large amounts of cash in small denominations, 86.8 grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam pills. (Case No. I am so proud of the work done on this case by the Crime Suppression Unit and the work of all the others who took part in this investigation. (Case No. Hanna and Johnson are the only two suspects not from Highlands County. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. 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, Markyrie McCray, Sr., 46, was sentenced on Aug. 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 72 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. It was also learned that the organization was responsible for bringing up to 13 kilograms 28.66 pounds of methamphetamine a week, with a street value of almost $975,000, into Highlands County and the south-central Florida area. The driver, 40-year-old Ruben Ramirez-Rivera, was arrested on several charges and was being held without bond. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The Appomattox County Sheriff's Office announced 14 arrests in connection with a 6-month narcotics investigation on April 13, 2021. Public Affairs Officer / CW44 Tampa Bay. 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. These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Port St. Lucie Resident Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Highlands County Sheriffs Office. We arent finished, either. 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. Deputies said they also found five loaded guns and nearly $3,000 in cash. Choose wisely! It was around 7:40 p.m. Sunday when a deputy pulled over a Ford Focus that was driving with a tail light out. The sheriffs office estimated the street value of the fentanyl as $15,000. Other people linked with the drug trafficking organization were arrested prior to Thursday: Victor Antonio Delagua, 27, of 1517 Melady Ave. in Sebring, was arrested Feb. 8 and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug equipment, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and probation violation after he was found with 13 grams of methamphetamine and 255.3 grams (more than half a pound) of marijuana during a probation search of his home. The Special Operations Unit launched the operation documenting narcotics sales and usedsurveillance video and undercover operatives. Chief Dolan said charges are pending and the suspects names are not being released at this time. The most recent obituaries newsletter, sent out every morning. 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. This operation, Operation Triple Play, is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. Dixon could be away for a while, now that the repeat offender is facing eight new charges, including trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns said the city is taking an aggressive approach to policing Beachwood Place and working with their security team to make the public feel safe while having an enjoyable shopping experience.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The investigation began in August 2018 when the HCSO Narcotics Unit learned that 27-year-old Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, of 5003 Manatee Drive in Sebring, was a multi-pound distributor of methamphetamine in Highlands County. NW, had meth, cocaine, oxycodone, 3 lbs. 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. LAKE PLACID, Fla. (WFLA) A Lake Placid man deputies called one of Highlands Countys most prolific drug dealers was arrested after officers found enough fentanyl to kill 25,000 people. Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney Lock This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. SEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. And, that wasn't all. A locked padlock This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Virgina Joy Underwood, 31, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. Terrance Mactavias Sholtz, 43, was sentenced on August 17, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, to 24 months imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of cocaine base. Invalid password or account does not exist. The bust in Highlands gives her shivers, knowing where those drugs would have otherwise ended up. Galyn Oakley Turnbull, 32, of 2333 Cleveland Road, for trafficking methamphetamine (14 grams or over), possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment and resisting an officer. Error! 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. The areas top boating and fishing news will be delivered to you email every Thursday morning. Share with Us. Eleven grams of cannabis were found in the garage under a beige couch, the report states. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Working together, investigators conducted long-term surveillances, made undercover buys, and utilized innovative investigative techniques to target some of Highlands Countys worst violators. WebMulti-Agency Operation Nets more than 70 arrests in Highlands County SEBRING, Fla. On September 30, 2010, a multi-agency federal, state, and local task force conducted an Shawn Douglas Klebba, 37, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. The operation culminated this week with a surge of arrests as part of the federal Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The arrests happened in the north parking lot on Jan. 26 around 3 p.m. Im very proud of our police officers and K-9 Kai who proactively and tactically detected the suspicious activity in the parking lot and delivered a direct, decisive response, said Beachwood Police Chief Kate Dolan. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter. There was an error processing your request. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Operation Triple Play is most likely the largest and most productive investigation of its kind ever conducted in Highlands County. More than 70 people have been charged with 184 felonies as a part of a Henry County drug bust, according to the Henry County Sheriffs Office. Operation Triple Play was a long-term investigation conducted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force made up of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) West Palm Beach District Office: the Bureau of Alcohol: Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI); the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Sebring Police Department; the Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office; and the State Attorneys Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. WebHighlands County sheriffs deputies prepare to transfer Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27, of Sebring to a different vehicle outside of his Manatee Drive home. Most of those arrested in the operation are facing serious felony charges that could lead to lengthy sentences in state prison. WebJul 3, 2020 Updated Aug 7, 2021 SEBRING On Tuesday, the Highlands County Sheriffs Office Special Operations Division arrested 22, many of them alleged drug dealers, in a Official websites use .gov WebPOLK COUNTY, Fla. More than $50 million worth of methamphetamine linked to the Juarez Mexican Drug Cartel was seized during a joint drug investigation between the Trafficking cocaine (28 grams less than 150 kilograms). 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. Daniell Nicole McDaniel, 33, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone, sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Derick Demon Hammonds, 38, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment. According to the sheriffs office, Operation Dealer Fold began Thursday, Jan. 11 and ran through the weekend. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Task force members found additional amounts of methamphetamine, as well as a pint of liquid codeine, and smaller amounts of liquid THC and marijuana. Mark Antonio Hanson, 32, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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 RELATED: Thousands of 'rainbow fentanyl' pills seized as authorities warn of possible new 'trend' targeting kids. 99 N.E. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. WebAVON PARK -- A traffic stop in Avon Park on Sunday led to what the Highlands County Sheriff's Office calls one of the largest drug seizures in recent memory in their county. 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." Be Proactive. The prosecution was part of Operation Triple Play, which is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Be Nice. Eight individuals have been identified as defendants in the case and are expected to face both state and federal indictments. John Phillip Korzep, 40, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for violation of probation. 20-CR-14021). Don't Threaten. 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. 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.