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? Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Im very proud of the work done by the deputies involved in this arrest, Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a press rleease. During the investigation, undercover deputies identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina of Lakeland as a local drug dealer/trafficker selling methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Donna Alice Bermudez, 56, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 21-CR-14002). Tonya Hartsfield Granger, 57, of Avon Park: sale of oxycodone. It was around 7:40 p.m. Sunday when a deputy pulled over a Ford Focus that was driving with a tail light out. 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? Sheena Kristen Garcia, 35, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone. (Case No. WebHighlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. 20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Marlene Rodriguez 21-CR-14002). (Case No. To put that in perspective, that would be enough to kill nearly 40 percent of the people in Highlands County, an HCSO spokesperson noted. Along with the $20,000 of cocaine, $40,000 of oxycodone, and $45,000 of heroin, and the total seizure was worth $120,000. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She was arrested numerous times in Pasco County before she got clean. 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. 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. 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. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. 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. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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). 21-CR-14002). Lock 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. The medical examiner who covers Highlands County says 37 people died of an overdose there last year, while 8,000 died statewide. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 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.. We'd love to hear eyewitness Three of their co-conspirators were arrested in Highlands County just before New Years Eve. Official websites use .gov (Case No. Raymond Clayton Parks, 37, of Sebring: sale of hydromorphone. September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM The areas top boating and fishing news will be delivered to you email every Thursday morning. (Case No. Detectives unraveled the network over seven months through several controlled purchases of methamphetamine and by identifying several dealers working for Molina-Etchechury. An official website of the United States government. Rebecca Lynn Taylor, 36, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment, possession of marijuana. Talvin Johnson, 33, of Miramar: obtaining a controlled substance (codeine) by fraud. Steven Hanna, 20, of West Park: obtaining a controlled substance (codeine) by fraud. 99 N.E. Eight individuals have been identified as defendants in the case and are expected to face both state and federal indictments. COURTESY/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, International drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connection dismantled. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Photo is courtesy of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Task force members found additional amounts of methamphetamine, as well as a pint of liquid codeine, and smaller amounts of liquid THC and marijuana. Dixon was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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. Be Proactive. Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. 21-CR-14002). 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. Leeper said drug dealers will mix it will other drugs including heroin, meth and cocaine, which increases the chances of a fatal interaction. Dahlin Patrick Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, was arrested on Nov. 29 by deputies from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office. Mike DeWine suffered injury while in East Palestine, Eastlake City Council president pleads not guilty to solicitation, Missing 17-year-old Cleveland boy last seen at Lake Erie High School, Ohio Gov. 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. 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.. Freddie Leon Owens, 59, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. More than 80 arrest warrants were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody. A locked padlock Authorities believe that Rodriguez and Baza also have a connection to this organization. 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. A locked padlock 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. 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. 2 men arrested with guns, drugs at Beachwood Place, police say, Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov. Working together, investigators conducted long-term surveillances, made undercover buys, and utilized innovative investigative techniques to target some of Highlands Countys worst violators. The State Attorneys Office for Floridas 10th Judicial Circuit assisted with this operation. Deputies in Highlands County have arrested Ezzard Dixon, who they say had enough fentanyl to kill a quarter of the county. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. You have permission to edit this article. 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 The senior McCray has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. WebThe Highlands County Sheriffs Office Crime Suppression Unit, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, executed a search warrant at 4545 Shad Drive in Sebring yesterday. Cesar Rodriguez, of 2333 Cleveland Road in Sebring, on unrelated charges. The most recent obituaries, sent out every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Zaquero Baza, 33, of 4318 Mackerel Drive in Sebring, on unrelated charges. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr., 34, was sentenced on Aug. 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. Two people were arrested: Gina Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon, and Erette Allen McClellan, 41 of Abingdon. There was an error processing your request. An official website of the United States government. Investigators say the drug den rented by Ezzard Dixon on Abel Rd. Invalid password or account does not exist. All rights reserved. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Markyrie McCray, Sr. has a prior conviction from the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. 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. WebLAEK PLACID, Fla. - Deputies in Highlands County say they have busted one of its most prolific drug dealers. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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The most recent obituaries newsletter, sent out every morning. This one took place at 5010 Starfish Ave. in Sebring. Mark Antonio Hanson, 32, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. Molina-Etchechury was one of eight arrested Thursday when an international drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connections was dismantled. Most of those arrested in the operation are facing serious felony charges that could lead to lengthy sentences in state prison. 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. When your e-Edition is ready to be read, we send you a reminderemaileach day letting you know. Aleia Danielle Jones, 28, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. 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. 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 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 arent finished, either. Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney Neighbors complained of a large amount of traffic coming from 1 Meadowlake Drive in Lake Placid. "With that amount of drugs, it's clear that he must have a pretty good clientele," said spokesperson Scott Dressel. of marijuana, and worst of all for deputies, was the two ounces of fentanyl powder and 800 pressed fentanyl pills. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 21-CR-14002). Success! Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Deputies say they confiscated enough fentanyl to kill nearly 40,000 people. 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 Some face federal charges. 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. 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. 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. The Appomattox County Sheriff's Office announced 14 arrests in connection with a 6-month narcotics investigation on April 13, 2021. Were issued and more than 70 people have been taken into custody been identified defendants. Prison in 2003 for dealing cocaine purchases of methamphetamine, possession of drug.. Kill nearly 40,000 people and by identifying several dealers working for Molina-Etchechury U.S.. Marcia Denys, 58 of Abingdon they say had enough fentanyl to kill quarter... Prolific drug dealers, Sheriff Paul Blackman said in a press rleease are... There last year, while 8,000 died statewide dealer bust is the largest recorded the! Times in Pasco County before she got clean obituaries newsletter, sent out every Wednesday and Saturday morning Hanson... Media, Inc. all rights reserved 13, 2021 / 9:26 AM the areas top boating and highlands county drug bust news be. 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