We won't share it with anyone else. "I do not understand how people can do this, other than just pure greed and evil," stated Dressel. SEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. Deputies in Highlands County have arrested Ezzard Dixon, who they say had enough fentanyl to kill a quarter of the county. Please enter valid email address to continue. Brittany Jean Boozel, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, possession of a controlled substance. Mark Antonio Hanson, 32, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. 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. I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this huge impact on the flow of drugs onto our streets, Blackman said. Operation Triple Play was a long-term investigation conducted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force made up of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) West Palm Beach District Office: the Bureau of Alcohol: Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI); the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Sebring Police Department; the Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office; and the State Attorneys Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. that is degrading to another person. Cesar Rodriguez, of 2333 Cleveland Road in Sebring, on unrelated charges. Stephen Martin Mackay, 46, of Sebring: possession 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Freddie Leon Owens, 59, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, use of a two-way device to facilitate a felony. 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 Task force members found additional amounts of methamphetamine, as well as a pint of liquid codeine, and smaller amounts of liquid THC and marijuana. 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. 21-CR-14002). 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Rebecca Lynn Taylor, 36, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone (two counts), possession of drug equipment, possession of marijuana. HCSO Special Operations Units narcotics team investigated the complaint, and a large drug bust was made on Nov. 29. The sheriffs office estimated the street value of the fentanyl as $15,000. Error! 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. Samuel Danelle Sapp Richmond County Sheriff's Office. 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. 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. Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. Floyd Gene Hodge, 52, of Avon Park: possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Operation Triple Play is most likely the largest and most productive investigation of its kind ever conducted in Highlands County. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. John Phillip Korzep, 40, of 5010 Starfish Ave., for violation of probation. First published on September 11, 2021 / 9:26 AM. 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. 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. K-9 officer Gentry sniffed around the outside of the car and indicated there were drugs inside. 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. Be Proactive. The cannabis was packaged in vacuum-sealed bags in the snack box, according to the arresting documents. Top headlines of the day, delivered to your email every morning. Error! MIAMI, Fla. (CW44 News At 10)-- 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. 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. 20-CR-14022). 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. During the investigation, undercover deputies identified 55-year-old Lisa Radina of Lakeland as a local drug dealer/trafficker selling methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Task force members also served search and arrest warrants Thursday at various locations in the country to take down the rest of the organization. Leeper said drug dealers will mix it will other drugs including heroin, meth and cocaine, which increases the chances of a fatal interaction. 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. Copyright 2022 WOIO. Tanya Lynn Mobley, 32, of Lake Placid: sale of hydrocodone, possession of drug equipment. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. It was around 7:40 p.m. Sunday when a deputy pulled over a Ford Focus that was driving with a tail light out. 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 Local public notices delivered daily to your email account. Success! (Case No. Aleia Danielle Jones, 28, of Sebring: sale of oxycodone, sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. WebSEBRING, Fla. Highlands County Sheriffs Office says their most recent drug dealer bust is the largest recorded in the countys history. Choose wisely! Authorities said these forms of the drugs have higher potency and are highly addictive. 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, 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, Accused drunk driver runs over boyfriend, police say, 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. Coy Lee Bellamy, Jr. was sentenced as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines. 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 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. 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.. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Be Truthful. Lock 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 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. The search involved twelve locations. The most recent obituaries, sent out every Wednesday and Saturday morning. NW, had meth, cocaine, oxycodone, 3 lbs. 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. RELATED: Thousands of 'rainbow fentanyl' pills seized as authorities warn of possible new 'trend' targeting kids. The most recent obituaries newsletter, sent out every morning. It is enough, they say, to kill 25,000 people, or one-quarter of everyone in Highlands County, which has a population of about 101,000 people. Use the 'Report' link on ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. This one took place at 5010 Starfish Ave. in Sebring. 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. 21-CR-14002). Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 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. 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. 21-CR-14002). Don't knowingly lie about anyone 21-CR-14002). We will continue to work hard to identify and arrest the people who seek to peddle this poison in our community.. "We are hoping he never sees the outside of prison again," said Dressel. person will not be tolerated. 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 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. WebHILLSBORO, OH (FOX19) - Seven people have been arrested after a drug bust in Highland County. Virgina Joy Underwood, 31, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. It is largely due to a renewed focus on long-term narcotics investigations by the Highland County Sheriffs Office (SO) Special Operations Division. Create a password that only you will remember. Eleven grams of cannabis were found in the garage under a beige couch, the report states. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Joshua Thomas Strusz, 33, of Sebring: sale of methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. (Case No. "That pull of addiction, those obsessive thoughts, can take you to some dark places," she said. 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. Stephen Gerald Shuart, 31, of Avon Park: 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. 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. 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 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. 20 of the arrests were charged with selling narcotics, the other three for drug possession. 21-CR-14002). 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. (Case No. 23 people across the area were Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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