Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. WebHighlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. 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 Their efforts have put one of the countys major drug dealers in jail where he belongs and likely saved many lives.. 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. 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. 33132, Telephone: (305) 961-9001 23 people across the area were arrested on charges for dealing meth or opiates. 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. The State Attorney's Office for Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit assisted greatly with this operation. The other 75.8 grams of cannabis were allegedly found in a CHEEZE-IT box underneath a bench cushion in the hallway. 21-CR-14003). 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 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? Dario Stephan Dixby, 41, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone. 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. Fax Line: (305) 530-7679. Detectives unraveled the network over seven months through several controlled purchases of methamphetamine and by identifying several dealers working for Molina-Etchechury. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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 21-CR-14002). Lock (Case No. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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 accounts, the history behind an article. (Case No. Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. Im very proud of the work done by the deputies involved in this arrest, Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a press rleease. SEBRING Multiple search and arrest warrants served Thursday in Sebring took down an international methamphetamine smuggling ring. WebDahlin Patrick Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, was arrested on Nov. 29 by deputies from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office. 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. According to deputies, a dose of 2 to 3 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to be deadly, meaning there was enough of the drug to kill 40,000 people. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Local public notices delivered daily to your email account. An official website of the United States government. He continued to say the investigation had spanned many months and countless hours of work by investigators in multiple agencies. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Photo is courtesy of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. One of their missions was to establish strong partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies. Dixon was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine. Molina-Etchechury was one of eight arrested Thursday when an international drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connections was dismantled. 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. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. 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. Zaquero Baza, 33, of 4318 Mackerel Drive in Sebring, on unrelated charges. (Case No. 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 A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Edward Bernard Hammond, 61, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone. 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. The cannabis was reportedly field tested on scene and showed a positive result for the substance. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Authorities believe that Rodriguez and Baza also have a connection to this organization. The medical examiner who covers Highlands County says 37 people died of an overdose there last year, while 8,000 died statewide. 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. Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Deputies said they also found five loaded guns and nearly $3,000 in cash. The operation culminated this week with a surge of arrests as part of the federal Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Don't knowingly lie about anyone The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted greatly with this operation. 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. Some face federal charges. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. (Case No. Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. 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. Success! Be Proactive. 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? 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. (Case No. 21-CR-14002). Use the 'Report' link on There was an error processing your request. 99 N.E. More than 80 arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody. BEACHWOOD, 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 narcotics and a total of $140,420.00 from the suspects. WebAccording 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Appomattox County Sheriff's Office announced 14 arrests in connection with a 6-month narcotics investigation on April 13, 2021. 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.. Throughout the investigation, another four were arrested and authorities seized a large amount of drugs. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Steven Hanna, 20, of West Park: obtaining a controlled substance (codeine) by fraud. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Molina 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. "There are always going to be people to profit off of human suffering.". 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. Three of their co-conspirators were arrested in Highlands County just before New Years Eve. 21-CR-14003). Miami, 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 trafficking ring that had become entrenched in the Lake Placid neighborhood of Highway Park, Florida. Create a password that only you will remember. COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE/, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. The Special Operations Unit launched the operation documenting narcotics sales and usedsurveillance video and undercover operatives. 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. READ: Were losing this battle: Floridas attorney general wants fentanyl declared a weapon of mass destruction. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Lock 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Be Truthful. I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this huge impact on the flow of drugs onto our streets, Blackman said. 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. 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 ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. RELATED: Thousands of 'rainbow fentanyl' pills seized as authorities warn of possible new 'trend' targeting kids. 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. Be Nice. Win $1M a year for life with new FL Lottery game, Where to find fish fries in Tampa Bay during Lent, Two FL beaches make Tripadvisors best of the best, Worlds largest bounce house coming to Tampa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Create a password that only you will remember. The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted with this operation. 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. of marijuana, and worst of all for deputies, was the two ounces of fentanyl powder and 800 pressed fentanyl pills. 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. 20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. Main Office: The most recent obituaries, sent out every Wednesday and Saturday morning. The OCDETF program facilitates complex, joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms. 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.. 2 men arrested with guns, drugs at Beachwood Place, police say, Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov. Here are the best, 12 fashionable pairs of leggings and parkas that, 20-year-old killed in Mantatee County rollover crash, China dismisses FBI statement on COVID-19 lab leak, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Mexican president: Mexico has more democracy than, Man hospitalized after shooting in Holiday, Florida Strawberry Festival kicks off this week, Bryant family gets $28.85M settlement over crash, Former clients of attorney speak about alleged wrongdoing, Restaurant worker sprayed hot grease on 2 workers:, FL lawmaker wants to get rid of the Democratic Party, Florida moves to expand Dont Say Gay law, Buffalo Wild Wings manager stole $72,000 from work:, Florida man buys $50 lottery game, wins $1M. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Share with Us. Paige Marie Oldfield, 50, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. WebSEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. Jamie Lynn Thomas, 36, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment and warrants out of Polk County. 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. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. 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. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. 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. Dahlin Patrick Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, was arrested on Nov. 29 by deputies from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office. "We are hoping he never sees the outside of prison again," said Dressel. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. Donna Alice Bermudez, 56, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. / CW44 Tampa Bay. Highlands County sheriffs deputies prepare to transfer Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27, of Sebring to a different vehicle outside of his Manatee Drive home. We'd love to hear eyewitness Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. 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). 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. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. Eight individuals have been identified as defendants in the case and are expected to face both state and federal indictments. 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. During the investigation, undercover deputies identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina of Lakeland as a local drug dealer/trafficker selling methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Error! This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Stephen Martin Mackay, 46, of Sebring: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Daniell Nicole McDaniel, 33, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone, sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. The narcotics team at the HCSO reportedly found illegal drugs at a home in Lake Placid. 21-CR-14002). There was an error processing your request. Aleia Danielle Jones, 28, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. Error! Liquid THC, a concentrated form of the addictive substance in marijuana, is often put in vape pens and smoked. 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.. 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. This one took place at 5010 Starfish Ave. in Sebring. Cesar Rodriguez, of 2333 Cleveland Road in Sebring, on unrelated charges. Neighbors complained of a large amount of traffic coming from 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake Placid. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Copyright 2022 WOIO. This man was literally selling death and needs to spend the rest of his life in prison, Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said. (Case No. 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. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.