20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. Trafficking methamphetamine (more than 28 grams), Trafficking oxycodone (more than 7 grams), Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute, Owning or renting a structure for the purpose to traffic narcotics, Committing a first degree felony with weapon (armed drug trafficking). 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. During the investigation, undercover deputies identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina of Lakeland as a local drug dealer/trafficker selling methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. 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. Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Along with the $20,000 of cocaine, $40,000 of oxycodone, and $45,000 of heroin, and the total seizure was worth $120,000. Talvin Johnson, 33, of Miramar: obtaining a controlled substance (codeine) by fraud. Some face federal charges. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 21-CR-14002). Sheriffs Public Information Officer Scott Dressel said he did not have information on how authorities learned that information. 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. 20-CR-14021). Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Markyrie McCray, Sr., 46, was sentenced on August 25, 2021, by Judge Middlebrooks, to 72 months' imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. An official website of the United States government. Lock (Case No. 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 Nice. Jamie Lynn Thomas, 36, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment and warrants out of Polk County. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. 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. Terrance Mactavias Sholtz, 43, was sentenced on Aug. 17, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, to 24 months imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of cocaine base. After obtaining a search warrant for the home on Meadowlake Circle South, deputies detained residents of the house outside while conducting the systematic search. 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. 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. A lock ( COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE/, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. 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 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, Highlands County Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison, Palm Beach County Resident Pleads Guilty to Importation of MDMA and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Armed South Florida Fentanyl Dealer Arrested on Federal Charges, Dark Web Drug Dealer Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison, Highlands County Drug Traffickers Sentenced To Federal Prison. (Case No. 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. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. (Case No. I would stress that we dont have as big as a problem as some of the east coast and west coast counties but we do recognize it as a growing problem, and if they are selling one opioid here in our county then thats an issue, Sheriff Blackman said. WebMiami, Florida 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for the following suspects: Asa Scott Boyd, 37, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony (currently in custody on other charges in Polk County). JimmyRay Parks, 18, of Sebring: felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. Marlene Rodriguez 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? 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. Daniell Nicole McDaniel, 33, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone, sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Derick Demon Hammonds, 38, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment. (Case No. Mark Antonio Hanson, 32, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. This one took place at 5010 Starfish Ave. in Sebring. Error! (Case No. Highlands County Sheriffs Office arrested Dahlin Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, on Nov. 29. To take this amount of drugs off the street is a huge accomplishment, and our county is safer because of it.. Freddie Leon Owens, 59, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. 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. 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. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. WebSEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. 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 Sheriff's Office made the announcement. 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. Be Truthful. The cannabis was packaged in vacuum-sealed bags in the snack box, according to the arresting documents. Choose wisely! Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. However, Molina-Etchechurys was the local kingpin of the smuggling ring, with links to an unnamed international drug trafficking organization with connections in Mexico. 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.. An official website of the United States government. There was an error processing your request. Lock Two people were arrested: Gina Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon, and Erette Allen McClellan, 41 of Abingdon. He completed probation in 2020. The cannabis was reportedly field tested on scene and showed a positive result for the substance. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. The sheriffs office estimated the street value of the fentanyl as $15,000. Invalid password or account does not exist. Local public notices delivered daily to your email account. 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. The senior McCray has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Throughout the investigation, another four were arrested and authorities seized a large amount of drugs. The sheriffs office said a subsequent search of the car turned up a staggering amount of drugs, including: Drugs and weapons allegedly seized in a Highlands County bust (HCSO photo). Rachel Starostin is lucky one of them wasn't her. In the past three months, the following federal defendants have been sentenced in this matter: Markyrie McCray, Jr., 24, was sentenced on Sept. 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.. 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. 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. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. First published on September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM. A locked padlock Stanton was charged with possession of marijuana Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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? Deputies said their investigation began this summer after learning that Dixon was allegedly selling fentanyl out of his home. that is degrading to another person. 23 people across the area were arrested on charges for dealing meth or opiates. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The Special Operations Unit launched the operation documenting narcotics sales and usedsurveillance video and undercover operatives. 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.. The medical examiner who covers Highlands County says 37 people died of an overdose there last year, while 8,000 died statewide. Local public notices delivered daily to your email account. 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 Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. RELATED: Thousands of 'rainbow fentanyl' pills seized as authorities warn of possible new 'trend' targeting kids. There was an error processing your request. Success! When your e-Edition is ready to be read, we send you a reminderemaileach day letting you know. WebHILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. Four search warrants served simultaneously Thursday morning on Cleveland Road, Manatee Drive and Starfish Avenue in Sebring resulted in the following arrests: Molina-Etchechury, on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Eleven grams of cannabis were found in the garage under a beige couch, the report states. Create a password that only you will remember. 21-CR-14002). We won't share it with anyone else. Highlands County sheriffs deputies prepare to transfer Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27, of Sebring to a different vehicle outside of his Manatee Drive home. 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. 23 people across the area were arrested on charges for dealing meth or opiates according... Lucky one of them was n't her Special Operations Unit launched the operation documenting narcotics sales usedsurveillance. The fentanyl as $ 15,000 forget it, you 'll be able to recover using. A prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base said their investigation began summer. During the investigation, another four were arrested: Gina Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon and! Was packaged in vacuum-sealed bags in the snack box, according to the discussion other three drug. 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