20-CR-14021). 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. 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. 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." Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. (Case No. WebHILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. 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, There was an error processing your request. 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. Floyd Gene Hodge, 52, of Avon Park: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. 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.. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The driver, 40-year-old Ruben Ramirez-Rivera, was arrested on several charges and was being held without bond. We will continue to work hard to identify and arrest the people who seek to peddle this poison in our community.. 21-CR-14002). 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 RELATED: Law enforcement officials worry 'rainbow fentanyl' could be targeting children. This one took place at 5010 Starfish Ave. in Sebring. NW, had meth, cocaine, oxycodone, 3 lbs. Highlands County sheriffs deputies prepare to transfer Miguel Angel Molina-Etchechury, 27, of Sebring to a different vehicle outside of his Manatee Drive home. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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? COURTESY/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, International drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connection dismantled. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (Case No. The operation targeted dealers of meth and opiates. We'd love to hear eyewitness Web A traffic stop led to one of the largest drug seizures ever in Highlands County. 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. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. 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. "I do not understand how people can do this, other than just pure greed and evil," stated Dressel. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 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. Threats of harming another Stanton faces charges of possession of illegal drugs and drug sales. 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. A lock ( 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. When your e-Edition is ready to be read, we send you a reminderemaileach day letting you know. (Case No. 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. Molina-Etchechury was one of eight arrested Thursday when an international drug smuggling ring with Highlands County connections was dismantled. September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM 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. The other 75.8 grams of cannabis were allegedly found in a CHEEZE-IT box underneath a bench cushion in the hallway. Possession of firearm by a convicted felon. 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. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism K-9 officer Gentry sniffed around the outside of the car and indicated there were drugs inside. The operation culminated this week with a surge of arrests as part of the federal Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). 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. of marijuana, and worst of all for deputies, was the two ounces of fentanyl powder and 800 pressed fentanyl pills. Hanna and Johnson are the only two suspects not from Highlands County. A locked padlock 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. WebBEACHWOOD, 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 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. 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. Investigators say the drug den rented by Ezzard Dixon on Abel Rd. An official website of the United States government. A locked padlock 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. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. 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). Eight individuals have been identified as defendants in the case and are expected to face both state and federal indictments. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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. or anything. We won't share it with anyone else. 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. Detectives unraveled the network over seven months through several controlled purchases of methamphetamine and by identifying several dealers working for Molina-Etchechury. (Case No. 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. 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). Donna Alice Bermudez, 56, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Marquis Sharod Bellamy was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. READ: Were losing this battle: Floridas attorney general wants fentanyl declared a weapon of mass destruction. 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. Paige Marie Oldfield, 50, of Avon Park: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 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. 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. 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. Investigators say the drug den rented by Ezzard Dixon on Abel Rd. An official website of the United States government. (Case No. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Derick Demon Hammonds, 38, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment. Zachary Wayne Korzep, 35, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for selling methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, felony possession of drug equipment, using a two-way device to facilitate a felony and owning/renting a structure for the sale, trafficking or sale of drugs. Don't Threaten. 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. 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.. (Case No. 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. 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. Be Nice. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Lock 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. COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE/, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. Official websites use .gov (Case No. 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. 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. 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. This man was literally selling death and needs to spend the rest of his life in prison, Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. WebDahlin Patrick Stanton, 20, of Lake Placid, was arrested on Nov. 29 by deputies from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office. 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. Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney LAEK PLACID, Fla. - Deputies in Highlands County say they have busted one of its most prolific drug dealers. WebSEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. 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. Lock The search involved twelve locations. Chief Dolan said charges are pending and the suspects names are not being released at this time. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. At about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Hillsboro Police Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 21-CR-14002). 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. She was arrested numerous times in Pasco County before she got clean. Nicholas Ray Lynch: possession of marijuana, possession of drug equipment, resisting arrest without violence. Top headlines of the day, delivered to your email every morning. 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 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. Dario Stephan Dixby, 41, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone. Jamie Lynn Thomas, 36, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment and warrants out of Polk County. 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. Beachwood police said the the suspects are from the Northeast Ohio area and have had previous felony convictions. Please enter valid email address to continue. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Brittany Jean Boozel, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, possession of a controlled substance. 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.. Deputies say they found five loaded guns and $3,000 in cash. The cannabis was reportedly field tested on scene and showed a positive result for the substance. Mass destruction 41, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug.. Your password has been sent to with a surge of arrests as part of day... As part of the largest recorded in the United States be able to recover it your. Was dismantled face both state and federal indictments of possession of drug equipment have read and agreeto the Policy! A career offender under the Armed career Criminal Act OFFICE/, COURTESY PHOTO/HIGHLANDS County SHERIFF Paul Blackman.! 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