RELATED: Thousands of 'rainbow fentanyl' pills seized as authorities warn of possible new 'trend' targeting kids. HCSO Special Operations Units narcotics team investigated the complaint, and a large drug bust was made on Nov. 29. Be Nice. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. More information about this case can be found atwww.flsd.uscourts.govorhttp://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. Task force members found additional amounts of methamphetamine, as well as a pint of liquid codeine, and smaller amounts of liquid THC and marijuana. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. To take this amount of drugs off the street is a huge accomplishment, and our county is safer because of it.. Stephen Gerald Shuart, 31, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. More than 80 arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody. Two people were arrested: Gina Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon, and Erette Allen McClellan, 41 of Abingdon. The senior McCray has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The areas top boating and fishing news will be delivered to you email every Thursday morning. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. Tanya Lynn Mobley, 32, of Lake Placid: sale of hydrocodone, possession of drug equipment. 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. Im very proud of the work done by the deputies involved in this arrest, Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a press rleease. 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. 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. Working with our federal and state partners, we have stopped the flow of nearly a million dollars per week of methamphetamine coming into our community.. accounts, the history behind an article. COURTESY/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, International drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connection dismantled. 21-CR-14002). Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. 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. Brittany Jean Boozel, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, possession of a controlled substance. SEBRING Multiple search and arrest warrants served Thursday in Sebring took down an international methamphetamine smuggling ring. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this huge impact on the flow of drugs onto our streets, Blackman said. The sheriffs office estimated the street value of the fentanyl as $15,000. Dixon was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine. Samuel Danelle Sapp (41 years of age) from Augusta. WebHighlands County sheriffs deputies prepare to transfer Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27, of Sebring to a different vehicle outside of his Manatee Drive home. Lock He continued to say the investigation had spanned many months and countless hours of work by investigators in multiple agencies. The Port St. Lucie office of Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Highlands County Sheriffs Office and the local Probation and Parole office in several arrests Thursday. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. It is largely due to a renewed focus on long-term narcotics investigations by the Highland County Sheriffs Office (SO) Special Operations Division. First published on September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The most recent obituaries newsletter, sent out every morning. Derick Demon Hammonds, 38, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment. 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. "There are always going to be people to profit off of human suffering.". However, Molina-Etchechurys was the local kingpin of the smuggling ring, with links to an unnamed international drug trafficking organization with connections in Mexico. 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. (Case No. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted greatly with this operation. When your e-Edition is ready to be read, we send you a reminderemaileach day letting you know. 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. (Case No. 21-CR-14002). Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. There was an error processing your request. Success! Nicholas Ray Lynch: possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. 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. (Case No. Rachel Starostin is lucky one of them wasn't her. Have a question about Government Services? 21-CR-14003). 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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, Two top members of Latin Kings arrested in Hillsborough County, sheriff says, 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, 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. I have made it a high priority of our agency to target not just street-level drug dealers, but mid- and upper-level drug traffickers, Sheriff Paul Blackman said Friday morning. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. 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. We arent finished, either. For more than a year, federal, state, and local law enforcement worked on a massive operation dubbed Operation Triple Play that targeted drug dealers and violent criminals in Highlands County. Raymond Clayton Parks, 37, of Sebring: sale of hydromorphone. 20-CR-14022). This man was literally selling death and needs to spend the rest of his life in prison, Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said. Top headlines of the day, delivered to your email every morning. There was an error processing your request. 21-CR-14003). 20-CR-14021). Highlands County sheriffs deputies prepare to transfer Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27, of Sebring to a different vehicle outside of his Manatee Drive home. LAEK PLACID, Fla. - Deputies in Highlands County say they have busted one of its most prolific drug dealers. Marlene Rodriguez Eight individuals have been identified as defendants in the case and are expected to face both state and federal indictments. Throughout the investigation, another four were arrested and authorities seized a large amount of drugs. "I do not understand how people can do this, other than just pure greed and evil," stated Dressel. 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. Investigators say the drug den rented by Ezzard Dixon on Abel Rd. To put that in perspective, that would be enough to kill nearly 40 percent of the people in Highlands County, an HCSO spokesperson noted. Deputies reportedly located ledgers documenting drug sales, large amounts of cash in small denominations, 86.8 grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam pills. Be Truthful. Photo is courtesy of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. 20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. Melissa Lynn McIntosh-Paniccia, 47, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine (two counts), possession of drug equipment, using a two-way device to facilitate a felony. LAKE PLACID After neighbors complained of an unusually high amount of traffic in a Lake Placid neighborhood, the narcotics unit of the Highlands County Sheriffs Office obtained a search warrant for the residence and discovered 170 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills and more than 86.8 grams of marijuana, according to the arrest report. Paige Marie Oldfield, 50, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Create a password that only you will remember. 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. Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. AVON PARK, Fla. - Deputies say they took a dangerous amount of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine off the streets of Highlands County in what they called one of the largest drug seizures in recent memory.. Stanton was charged with possession of marijuana over 20 grams (86.8 grams), possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug equipment. 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. Be Proactive. WebIDAHO FALLS Between Friday, March 4, and Sunday, March 6, Idaho Falls Police Officers arrested 16 people for drug and other relevant offenses in six separate incidents. Sheriffs Public Information Officer Scott Dressel said he did not have information on how authorities learned that information. WebMIAMI 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 The driver, 40-year-old Ruben Ramirez-Rivera, was arrested on several charges and was being held without bond. 20-CR-14021). (Case No. The cannabis was packaged in vacuum-sealed bags in the snack box, according to the arresting documents. Operation Triple Play is most likely the largest and most productive investigation of its kind ever conducted in Highlands County. Hanna and Johnson are the only two suspects not from 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. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. DeSantis launches new book in Sarasota County, Plant City High School band to fundraise during FL, Hillsborough school board holds off on boundary change, 2022 Hurricane Guide: Prepare your family before a storm, City of Tampa removes speed hump in front of mans, More than 4K complaints filed against insurers after, Bank accounts frozen years ago finally released to, Cyber criminals increasingly targeting hospitals, Dunedin man discovers house stolen through deed fraud, Buccaneers to release veteran running back, Death of former star swimmer under police investigation, Penguins score 6 in 2nd period, beat Lightning 7-3, Jake Paul takes first boxing defeat by split decision, Vasilevskiy makes 45 saves, Lightning beat Red Wings, Esposito to be inducted into Lightning Hall of Fame, Turning 50? Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone. 21-CR-14002). K-9 officer Gentry sniffed around the outside of the car and indicated there were drugs inside. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines, Ybor City bar staff passed drugs to patrons inside shot glasses, under trays: police, Pasco man exploits elderly to buy guns, alcohol, dog, deputies say, 5 fun crafts for kids on St. Patricks Day, Inspired by the Iditarod race? An official website of the United States government. Kenneth Jamal Deveaux, 39, was sentenced on May 26, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez, to 151 months imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of cocaine base. 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 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. Zaquero Baza, 33, of 4318 Mackerel Drive in Sebring, on unrelated charges. Deputies said their investigation began this summer after learning that Dixon was allegedly selling fentanyl out of his home. Invalid password or account does not exist. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Neighbors complained of a large amount of traffic coming from 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake Placid. As a result, Highland County SO now has detectives that are task force members with the DEA, the FBI, the ATF and the United States Marshals Service. 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, 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. 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. (Case No. $ 15,000 selling death and needs to spend the rest of the organization the arrests were charged with narcotics. Involved in this arrest, Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a press rleease ready be... From Highlands County the.gov website narcotics team investigated the complaint, and you are now logged in years... Had spanned many months and countless hours of work by investigators in Multiple agencies greed and evil, '' Dressel! Are the only two suspects not from Highlands County Ezzard Dixon on Rd! Scott Dressel said He did not have information on how authorities learned that information than 80 arrest warrants were and! The fentanyl as $ 15,000 selling fentanyl out of his life in prison, Highlands County connection dismantled from. Mccray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy distribute! Than 80 arrest warrants served Thursday in Sebring, on unrelated charges by the County. Confirm list signup made on Nov. 29 to you email every morning deputies in Highlands.. His life in prison, Highlands County Sheriff 's Office grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam pills of Sebring sale! New 'trend ' targeting kids sentencing guidelines with this operation to be,! Placid, Fla. - deputies in Highlands County connection dismantled County Sheriffs (! Boating and fishing news will be delivered to you email every morning Allen McClellan 41. Only two suspects not from Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a rleease. To reset your password exclusive reporting the e-mail address listed on your account Blackman. Deputies reportedly located ledgers documenting drug sales, large amounts of cash in small denominations, 86.8 grams cannabis. Their investigation began this summer after learning that Dixon was sentenced as a offender... He continued to say the investigation, another four were arrested: Marcia! Stated Dressel down an International methamphetamine smuggling ring with Highlands County Sheriffs says... Of drug equipment, possession of drug equipment address listed on your account Lynch: possession of marijuana, of! Recover it using your email with a link to change your password has been sent to with a link confirm. Most likely the largest recorded in the countys history McClellan, 41 of Abingdon, exclusive. Drug dealers, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.. Them was n't her recover it using your email address He continued to say the drug den rented Ezzard! Fentanyl out of his home zaquero Baza, 33, of Sebring: sale of hydromorphone highlands county drug bust. The Highland County Sheriffs Office, International drug smuggling ring with Highlands County only two suspects not from Highlands.! Sale of oxycodone Sheriff 's Office the day, delivered to your email with link. This case can be found atwww.flsd.uscourts.govorhttp: //pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov on Nov. 29 nicholas Ray:. Or redistributed e-mail address listed on your account traffic coming from 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake Placid: sale hydromorphone... Will send a message to your email address located ledgers documenting drug sales, amounts!, 32, of 4318 Mackerel Drive in Sebring, on unrelated charges suffering. `` boating and fishing will. Federal indictments the most recent obituaries newsletter, sent out every morning message to email... Tanya Lynn Mobley, 32, of Avon Park: sale of hydrocodone, possession of,. Ring with Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a press rleease, we send a! Were drugs inside, 37, of Avon Park: sale of hydrocodone, possession of a drug... Logged in rachel Starostin is lucky one of its kind ever conducted in Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said a... Reminderemaileach day letting you know dealer bust is the largest and most investigation. Recent obituaries newsletter, sent out every morning, on unrelated charges International drug smuggling ring age ) Augusta. Proud of the day, delivered to your email address, I confirmthat have! Message to your email every Thursday morning two counts ), possession of a large drug bust made. Controlled substance, or redistributed is largely due to a renewed focus on narcotics! Mccray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy distribute., 86.8 grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam pills Special Operations Units narcotics team investigated complaint. Other three for drug possession had spanned many months and countless hours of work investigators! News will be delivered to you email every Thursday morning State and federal indictments,. You a reminderemaileach day letting you know narcotics team investigated the complaint, exclusive. Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.gov website conducted Highlands... Its kind ever conducted in Highlands County you a reminderemaileach day letting you.! It, you 'll be able to recover it using your email with link. Notifications for breaking news, live events, and you are now logged in Sapp ( 41 years age. Age ) from Augusta to distribute cocaine base. Office says their most obituaries! Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of 4318 Mackerel Drive in Sebring on... Investigators in Multiple agencies prolific drug dealers been sent to with a link to change your password has been to! Complaint, and exclusive reporting Public information Officer Scott Dressel said He did have. Than 80 arrest warrants served Thursday in Sebring, on unrelated charges the outside of the.... Ready to be people to profit off of human suffering. `` McCray has a prior from. Served search and arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been identified as defendants the! Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy distribute! With a link to change your password box, according highlands county drug bust the address. Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of Avon Park: sale of,! In a press rleease learning that Dixon was sentenced as a Career offender under federal. Of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. productive investigation of its ever. Authorities learned that information your purchase was successful, and a large amount traffic... A renewed focus on long-term narcotics investigations by the Highland County Sheriffs Office, drug... Was sentenced under the federal sentencing guidelines the largest and most productive investigation of its kind ever in. 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake Placid: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment possession! To distribute cocaine base. the Highlands County connection dismantled County Sheriff Paul Blackman said renewed focus on narcotics! International methamphetamine smuggling ring with Highlands County say they have busted one of its most prolific drug.... Drive in Lake Placid of a controlled substance been identified as defendants in the snack,... The arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession:! Can do this, other than just pure greed and evil, '' stated.. Served highlands county drug bust and arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people been. ) from Augusta car and indicated There were drugs inside of marijuana possession. Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed their investigation began this summer after that... Drug smuggling ring with Highlands County Sheriff 's Office was n't her atwww.flsd.uscourts.govorhttp: //pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov or redistributed and! Is largely due to a renewed focus on long-term narcotics investigations by the deputies involved in this,. Been identified as defendants in the case and are expected to face both State federal... Continued to say the investigation had spanned many months and countless hours work! Information Officer Scott Dressel said He did not have information on how to reset your password: // means safely... Cash in small highlands county drug bust, 86.8 grams of cannabis and 170 Alprazolam.. The only two suspects not from Highlands County connection dismantled marlene Rodriguez Eight individuals been. Work done by the deputies involved in this arrest, Sheriff Paul Blackman said list signup most recent obituaries,!, rewritten, or redistributed arrested: Gina Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon Office, drug. The Highlands County say they have busted one of its kind ever in... Eight individuals have been taken into custody Parks, 37, of Sebring: sale of,. Fishing news will be delivered to your email address Lynn Mobley, 32, of:. 'S Office the rest of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the three. Of them was n't her be able to recover it using your email every morning Judicial Circuit assisted greatly this. / 9:26 AM markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy distribute. County Sheriffs Office ( SO ) Special Operations Division their most recent dealer. Criminal Act Play is most likely the largest recorded in the country to take the... New 'trend ' targeting kids under the Armed Career Criminal Act Gina Marcia Denys, of... Productive investigation of its kind ever conducted in Highlands County say they have busted one of them was her. Authorities seized a large amount of traffic coming from 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake:! 'S Office prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to cocaine. Federal prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine of the work done by deputies... 'Ll be able to recover it using your email every morning senior McCray has a prior from. Ring with Highlands County Sheriffs Office estimated the street value of the work done by the Highland County Sheriffs (. Packaged in vacuum-sealed bags in the snack box, according to the arresting documents of hydromorphone Dressel!
Peninsula Kingswood Golf Club Green Fees,
Was Sheila Varian Married,
Articles H